MARCH 29, 2010 1 PAGE 1 The

Volume 1, Issue 6 united states division - center MARCH 29, 2010

Engineers attend JOC opening

Story by Spc. Brian Johnson 1434th Eng. Co., 16th Eng. Bde.,USD-C

BAGHDAD – As leaders from 6th Iraqi Army Division and the U.S. Army 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, celebrated the grand opening of a new joint operations cen- ter at Contigency Operating Location Constitu- tion March 15, leaders from 16th Engineer Bde. and 101st Eng. Battalion celebrated getting them to this day. “This structure provides the ability for our IA partners to work side-by-side with our 4-2 SBCT brothers and train them how a tactical operations center should function,” said Brig. Gen. Glenn Hammond, III, commander of 16th Eng. Bde.

According to Hammond, the JOC provides a Photo by Spc. Luisito Brooks, 4th SBCT PAO, 2nd Inf. Div., USD-C picture of the current battlefield to both forces, U.S. and Iraqi military leaders walk through a display of recently seized weapons after a ribbon-cutting allowing Iraqi forces better command and con- ceremony for the new Joint Operations Center March 15 at Contigency Operating Location Constitution. trol across their battle space while providing American forces an opportunity to see the effec- tiveness of their supporting role. 6th IA, 4-2 SBCT open new JOC “This is exactly what our mission is here in and reconnaissance capabilities of the U.S. and Iraq; enable the Iraqi Army to protect their nation Story by Sgt. Bryce Dubee & Spc. Luisito Brooks Iraqi militaries under one roof. and eliminate the threats,” explained Hammond. 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., PAO, USD-C These combined assets were put on display for Planning for construction of the new JOC the guests and media present at the ceremony in took over a month to complete. Engineers from BAGHDAD – After months of planning and the form of a simulated operation which showed both nations worked on construction of the JOC, construction, the 6th Iraqi Army Division and the U.S. and Iraqi service members working in the the U.S. engineers assisted members of 6th IA 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry JOC, coordinating operations with troops on the Field Eng. Regiment to hone their construction Division held a ribbon-cutting for the recently ground. skills, said Lt. Col. Charles Cody, commander of completed Joint Operations Center at Contigency Watching aerial surveillance footage of U.S. 101st Eng. Bn. Operating Location Constitution March 15. and Iraqi troops approaching an objective, a U.S. The U.S. engineers, from 101st, 621st Survey “This JOC will prove to be an invaluable asset Soldier working in the JOC communicated di- and Design Team and 1434th Eng. Co., worked in the effort to provide security to the Iraqi peo- rectly to the troops on the ground, sharing the lat- alongside their Iraqi counterparts another two ple,” said Lt. Col. Darron Wright, deputy com- est intelligence with them and providing updates months after the planning phase to finish the manding officer of 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. to other staff members in the command center. project. While the new facility, designed to be the cen- One row ahead of him, an IA officer relayed “This joint operations center will be a shining tral node for the sharing of information between updates to his fellow Iraqi Soldiers as they de- example of the continued partnership between U.S. and Iraqi forces in western Baghdad, had tained two men and prepared to assault a build- our nations and militaries,” said Cody. been in operation since before the March 7 Iraqi ing. Upon completing his communication to the Leaders from the U.S. engineers said they National Elections, the ceremony represented the field, he too provided an update to the rest of the were very proud of the effective partnership – official opening of the operations center. JOC. the proof was in the building. With a quick snip of a pair of gold-handled The demonstration showed the close level of Hammond said that when it is time for the U.S. scissors, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Hashim Aouadi, com- side-by-side coordination the facility is capable engineers to go home soon, their indelible mark manding general of the Baghdad Operations of, and its use in combining efforts on the battle- upon this land will be demonstrated in more than Command, cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art field. just the tracks they have laid in the sand. center, which brings the intelligence, surveillance See ~ JOC Pg. 17

Facts & Issues...... Pg 2 Air Cav...... Pg 18 Pages 14-15 Civil Capacity...... Pg 4 Devils...... Pg 20 Training...... Pg 6 Homefront...... Pg 23 INSIDE Morale...... Pg 8 The Lighter Side.....Pg 24 Iron Castle...... Pg 12 Crossword...... Pg 27 Raider...... Pg 16 Military History...... Pg 28 www.1ad.army.mil www.facebook.com/1st.Armored.Division PAGE 2 Facts & issues MARCH 29, 2010 March: Brain Injury Awareness Month

Story by Sgt. Teri Hansen 366th MPAD, USD-C Common causes of traumatic brain injuries

BAGHDAD – Even when every safety precaution is taken, injuries can still happen and they can result in head trauma. To ensure people know the risks, signs and symptoms of brain injuries, March is annually recog- Other Falls nized and promoted as Brain Injury Aware- 21% 28% ness Month by the Brain Injury Association Suicide of America. 1% This year’s theme is: “A concussion is a Assault brain injury. Get the facts.” March 17 was 11% designated as Brain Injury Awareness Day. Motor vehicle This day marked the launching of a yearlong Struck accident campaign that will include public service an- (Inc. Sports) 20% nouncements, distribution of awareness kits, 19% special events and other promotional events in an effort to educate people about brain in- juries and encouraging them to seek help for Source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC them. The Department of Defense has classi- fied traumatic brain injuries as “signature the event. Soldiers should use the acronym ulation suffers long-term effects and needs injuries” of the current conflicts in both Iraq HEADS (Headaches that were not present help performing day-to-day activities due to and Afghanistan. The DoD defines a TBI as before the injury; Ears are ringing; Altered multiple TBIs. a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating consciousness; Double vision or dizziness; A person does not have to hit his or her injury that disrupts the function of the brain. Something is just not right) when looking for head in a blast to sustain a brain injury. The In 2009, military service members sustained a TBI, explained Sawyer. blast wave can cause damage without a solid 20,199 TBIs and not all of them were com- According to the DoD, the severity of TBIs impact to the head, said Sawyer. There are bat related. Many of these were can range anywhere from mild studies being conducted to determine exactly sustained during motor vehicle to severe; the majority of how blast waves work and the safety mea- accidents, physical training, head injuries tend to sures that can be taken to combat them. sports and falls. fall in the mild cat- Current policy dictates anyone in a vehicle “A TBI can happen just HEADS egory – generally blast or within 50 meters of a blast must be by smacking your head Headaches concussions. The evaluated for a TBI as soon as possible. If on a generator or tak- Ears ringing severity of the inju- a brain injury is suspected the Soldier will ing a hard hit in a game ry will determine a rest and recuperate for 24 hours and then be of football,” said Capt. Altered consciousness course of action and re-evaluated by a physician. If a TBI is con- Mason Sawyer who is Double vision or dizziness treatment. firmed, depending on the severity, the Sol- assigned to 1st Armored Something isn’t right A single concus- dier will continue evaluations and not be re- Division and is the U.S. sion can be easily turned to full duty status until they are fully Division – Center se- treated in most cas- recovered, which can take several weeks. All nior physician as- es and the person will be efforts will be taken to keep a second such sistant. “The most fine, but a Soldier can suf- injury from occurring. important thing for fer long-term, even life- Not all head injuries lead to brain injuries, a Soldier to do is seek long, effects if they suffer multiple TBIs, but the DoD recommends Soldiers be evalu- evaluation after a head injury.” said Sawyer. ated after a head injury. Signs and symptoms of a concussion vary The Center for Disease Control and Pre- “Don’t try to ‘suck it up,’” advised Saw- and may not be noticeable until days after vention estimates 2 percent of the U.S. pop- yer. “Get help.”

The Iron Guardian is an authorized Commanding General Writers & Photographers publication for members of the Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff 366th Mobile Public Affairs Detach- U.S. Army. Contents of The Iron Public Affairs Officer ment/ 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Guardian are not necessarily of- Lt. Col. Eric Bloom Cavalry Division/ 4th Stryker Bri- ficial views of, or endorsed by, the Command Information Supervisor gade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry U.S. Government, Department of Master Sgt. Eric Pilgrim Division Public Affairs Office/ 16th Defense, Department of the Army or Engineer Brigade Public Affairs Office/1st Advise and Managing Editor the 1st Armored Division. All editorial content of Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs The Iron Guardian is prepared, edited, provided Sgt. 1st Class Neil Simmons Office/ 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Di- and approved by the 1st Armored Division Public Layout & Design Editor vision Public Affairs Office/1st Brigade Combat Team- Affairs Office. Sgt. Teri Hansen Augmented, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office. USD-C print and broadcast products can be found on the PAO Portal. All 1st Armored Division products can also be found at www.1ad.army.mil MARCH 29, 2010 Facts & Issues PAGE 3 New non-classified networks policy rized by the directive include, but are not limited official public Web site. The site will be subject to Story by Sgt. Teri Hansen to, social media sites such as Facebook, image and monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance 366th MPAD, USD-C video hosting Web sites like YouTube and blogs. with security requirements. Research by DoD has shown that the Internet Any official use of Internet-based capabilities BAGHDAD – The Department of Defense re- has changed the way the military communicates not related to public affairs will follow the same leased a policy Feb. 27 addressing the use of so- internally and with the public. Social media is al- guidelines with a few added regulations. Informa- cial networking services and other Internet capa- ready being utilized by DoD components such as tion posted on the sites must be relevant and accu- bilities on non-classified DoD networks. public affairs and recruiting. Studies also showed rate and shouldn’t include personal identification The memorandum titled “Responsible and ef- social media Web sites to be integral in personal data. When posting personal opinions or views, a fective use of Internet-based capabilities,” states communication among service members, there- disclaimer must be included stating that the views that, effective immediately, DoD non-classified fore affecting morale and welfare. As a result of do not reflect the views of DoD. networks will be configured to allow access to this study DoD determined that “Access to Inter- Commanders at all levels are directed to con- certain Internet-based capabilities. net-based capabilities is a critical functionality tinue defending against malicious Internet activ- Plans are being developed to implement the di- that must be preserved, despite some associated ity and continue to deny unauthorized Internet rective, said Maj. Jacob Skugrud, deputy of gen- risks.” activity such as gambling, pornography and hate- eral staff section communications and electronics To combat these risks the directive includes crimes. Commanders must take immediate action who is assigned to the 146th Signal Company, guidance of use of Internet-based capabilities. to maintain operational security and are autho- U.S. Division – Center. Official public affairs activities conducted on rized to temporarily limit the use of the Internet or A lot has to happen before these Web sites can non-DoD sites have to receive approval from the limit bandwidth for security purposes. be allowed on the USD-C non-classified network. appropriate officials for the operation of their site, “This directive recognizes the importance of Quality of service and bandwidth analysis must to include registering on the external official pres- balancing appropriate security measures while be conducted and that could take time, the Foun- ence list. The site will clearly identify that DoD maximizing the capabilities afforded by 21st Cen- tain City, Wis., native said. provides the content for the site and include com- tury Internet tools,” said Deputy Secretary of De- Examples of Internet-based capabilities autho- mand seals, logos and links to the organization’s fense, William Lynn, III. New uniforms for troops in Afghanistan Soldier went through three phases of develop- Story by Sgt. Teri Hansen ment since being given the directive in Sep- 366th MPAD, USD-C tember 2009. The first phase of development involved BAGHDAD – Soldiers deploying to Af- field-testing the MultiCam against the stan- ghanistan will receive a new combat uniform dard issue ACU along with six other patterns. starting in July, announced the Department of One of those patterns was the Universal Cam- Defense. Soldiers already in Afghanistan are ouflage Pattern – Delta, which is the current scheduled to receive the new uniforms in the ACU pattern with “coyote brown” added to fall. the mix. The testing showed MultiCam and Last year Congress passed a War Supple- UCP-D as the top choices of Soldiers based mental Bill that included a clause requiring on concealment capabilities. the Army to re-evaluate its current uniform A team of specialists from various organi- and decide if it is conducive to the terrain in zations conducted the second phase. The team Afghanistan. consisted of representatives from U.S. Army “Afghanistan is a unique camouflage chal- Infantry Center, PEO Soldier, Natick Labs, lenge because it’s such a terrain diverse coun- Asymmetric Warfare Group, Army Special try,” explained Col. William Cole, project Operations Command and U.S. Naval Re- manager for Soldier protection and individual search Center. The team went to Afghanistan equipment at the Program Executive Office and studied the effectiveness of the different Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Va. patterns in eight regions. The new pattern for the uniform known as The third phase was completed with the help MultiCam is cut in the same fashion as the of 750 Soldiers who wore the uniforms dur- current Army Combat Uniform and is made ing the field-testing. The Soldiers completed out of the same flame resistant material, but a survey and ranked the uniforms, MultiCam includes several different upgrades. The seat ranked as the best performer in all categories. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army of the trousers is reinforced; buttons have re- A Soldier crouches next to a tree demonstrating the After the first three phases were completed, placed the fastening tabs on the cargo pocket concealment capabilities of the new MultiCam uniforms it was decided MultiCam would be used by and the uniform comes with new mountain that will be issued to troops deploying to Afghanistan. troops in Afghanistan. The final phase has be- combat boots. The MultiCam pattern, patent- regions. gun; an extensive evaluation of long-term uni- ed by Crye Precision, LLC in Brooklyn, N.Y., “Troops like the fact that it helps them form camouflage options to determine which is a combination of seven different shades of blend in to different terrain types,” said Cole. uniform meets the needs of Soldiers. green, brown and beige. The mixture of colors A lot of thought, planning and field-testing “Anything we can do to give our Soldiers is designed to be effective in a multitude of went into the decision to use MultiCam. PEO an edge, we want to do,” said Cole. PAGE 4 Civil capacity MARCH 29, 2010 Progress in Iraq

Photo by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh, 366th MPAD, USD-C BAGHDAD – Spc. Michael Burris, a Houston native with Headquarters and Head- quarters Company, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Divi- sion – Center, helps Iraqi firefighters offload supplies March 1 at the Iraqi Civil Defense Directorate in the International Zone. The Soldiers collected training Photo by Spc. Jared Eastman, 1st BCT-A, 3rd Inf. Div., USD-C aids from different locations for the Baghdad Fire Academy, such as biohazard BAGHDAD – Iraqi workers enjoy employment in a poultry plant opened Feb. 22. bags, firefighting foam and medical supplies. Soldiers with 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division began the plant project before their redeployment. Soldiers assigned to 1st Bde. Combat Team – Augmented, 3rd Inf. Div., picked up where they left off and finished the project.

Photo by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT PAO, 2nd Inf. Div., USD-C TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Joel Hummer, a mortarman with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, helps an Iraqi Army Soldier carry a box of humanitar- ian aid supplies to an Iraqi Army humvee at a joint security station near Camp Taji Feb. 22. Hummer, a native of Phillipsburg, N.J., is currently serving with 4th Photo by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT PAO, 2nd Inf. Div., USD-C Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. TAJI, Iraq – A smiling Iraqi boy receives a bag of school supplies from an Iraqi Army Soldier during a joint humanitarian aid mission at an elementary school in Um Najim, Feb. 22 with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Photo by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh, 366th MPAD, USD-C Photo by Spc. Jared Eastman, 1st BCT-A, 3rd Inf. Div., USD-C) BAGHDAD – Iraqi firefighters organize various supplies received from 414th BAGHDAD – Spc. Carrie Goshorn, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Civil Affairs Battalion, 1st Armored Division, U.S. Division – Center, at the Iraqi Brigade Combat Team-Augmented, wraps a poultry plant worker’s hand Feb. 22. Civil Defense Directorate in the International Zone March 1. MARCH 29, 2010 civil capacity PAGE 5 Soldier brings civil assistance from behind the scenes she helps them out, and I’m sure Story & photo by Spc. Daniel Schneider all the other BCTs she supports 366th MPAD, USD-C feel the same way.” Knapp said one of her joys is BAGHDAD – Civil affairs helping other Soldiers who work units provide a bridge between directly with Iraqis to improve the U.S. military and the Govern- their lives, and encouraging oth- ment of Iraq in order to supply ers to do the same. people with a better standard of “I just hope that even as we living through capacity building draw down, more Soldiers will projects. have the opportunity to assist in One civil affairs Soldier stands some aspect of these programs,” out above many when performing said Knapp, who is a Grand Rap- this mission, assisting hundreds ids, Mich., native. “I love help- of Iraqis with various projects ing the Soldiers out there on the sponsored by brigades in the U.S. forward bases to get the chance Division – Center operational en- to participate in helping Iraq, and vironment. giving them stories to tell to their Sgt. Audrey Knapp, the Com- families back home about how mander’s Emergency Response they made a difference in Iraq.” Program noncommissioned offi- The project she has the fondest cer in charge, helps 2nd Brigade, memories of is when she helped 10th Mountain Division, and the provide a micro-grant to a local 1st Advise and Assist Bde., 82nd Iraqi widow. Airborne Div., to make certain “It was a grant allowing a that CERP paperwork for hu- woman in 2-10’s operational en- manitarian projects is completed vironment … to start a sewing properly, therefore ensuring the business. The thing that stuck out projects get completed. to me was she intended to hire Knapp, who is assigned to other widows to provide them Headquarters Company, 414th with jobs to help them support Civil Affairs Battalion, 1st Ar- their families,” said Knapp. “An- mored Div., USD-C, says she has other aspect … was the product assisted with more than 712 proj- this woman was making. She ects amounting to $69-plus mil- planned on producing blankets lion. These projects have helped to provide to the Ministry of provide infrastructure, education, Health. So, in essence, this one Sgt. Audrey Knapp, the Commanders Emergency Response Program non- agriculture and other civil capac- commissioned officer in charge assigned to Headquarters Company, 414th woman was going to help herself, ity aid to the people of Iraq. Civil Affairs Battalion, 1st Armored Division, reads through a document re- widowed women, the Ministry garding CERP projects for her area of operations within 2nd Brigade, 10th “These projects provide le- Mountain Division, March 13 at Camp Liberty. The Grand Rapids, Mich., na- of Health, and the economy with gitimacy to the Government of tive has been involved with 712 projects providing over $69 million in civil one activity; and it only required capacity projects to help Iraq maintain stability. Iraq by letting citizens see the a grant of $5,000.” improvements provided by team- USD-C. “The recognition given to her Knapp’s motivation stems ing up with our forces here,” said “We started participating in the by the chief of staff is well-de- from an opportunity she once Knapp. “On the large scale, we’re U.S. forces J-9 briefing with Maj. served,” expressed Navy Lt. Mark received to spend Thanksgiving helping to give Iraqi communi- Gen. [Terry] Wolff present,” said Berglund, a CERP project coordi- with a German World War II sur- ties a base to grow from.” Knapp. “During one meeting, nator with 414th CA Bn. “She’s vivor. Knapp said the civil improve- the chief a top-notch “He said that he has loved ments she supports provide last- of staff had S o l d i e r Americans his entire life because ing effects for the people of Iraq. q u e s t i o n s “I love helping the Soldiers out whose con- during the war, an American Sol- “Another example of how about the there on the forward bases to get cern with dier gave him a chocolate bar these projects benefit the local p r o j e c t s the chance to participate in helping her [bri- when he was just a child years people of Iraq is in the Mada’in we were Iraq, and giving them stories to tell gade com- ago,” Knapp reminisced. “That area,” Knapp said. “The civil af- c u r r e n t l y to their families back home about bat teams] small gesture more than 60 years fairs units provided projects to tracking. I c l e a r l y ago still affects him today, chang- clean up the streets of trash and had the pa- how they made a difference in Iraq.” shows.” ing his life and his entire way of rubble. The people in that area perwork to – Sgt. Audrey Knapp The Sol- seeing Americans. now have much more pride in answer his diers of 2nd “I wonder how many Iraqi kids, their homes and take a vested i n q u i r i e s Bde., 10th when they grow up, will have an interest in keeping their villages ready on the spot. By the end of Mtn. Div., have given numerous American over for Thanksgiving clean and healthy.” the meeting, he seemed relaxed verbal approvals to Sgt. Knapp, dinner and say the same thing Her performance has even won and even smiled, thanking me in according to Berglund, a Yulee, about an American Soldier giving her recognition by the chief of front of the general in the meet- Fla., native. “They are very im- him or her a pack of pencils or a staff and commanding general of ing.” pressed with her work and how soccer ball?” PAGE 6 training MARCH 29, 2010 U.S. paratroopers, Iraqi Soldiers, train on mobile operations

Story by 1st Lt. Edwin Pope 1st AAB, 82nd Abn. Div., USD-C

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Signal troops with a U.S. Army advise and assist brigade and Iraqi Army Soldiers rehearsed setting up mobile operations centers Feb. 10 as part of sustained training. Company C, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Bde., 82nd Airborne Division, partnered with 1st IA Div., Signal Co. to review a mobile tactical operations center rehearsal, also known as a “jump TOC” at the 1st IA Div. headquarters. The Iraqis beat their 90-minute standard Photo by Master Sgt. Gilbert Nail, 17th Military Transition Team, USD-C Soldiers from the 17th Iraqi Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, cut a piece of sheet metal March 9 by 50 minutes, impressing the Americans, at Contigency Operating Location Deason. The 17th IA Soldiers, under the watchful eye of a trainer from said Capt. Jason Gardel, the Co. C com- 1434th Engineer Company, properly cut and attach sheet metal to roofs of the military academy there. mander. “Your men used great safety precautions and teamwork,” Lt. Col. Douglas Stitt, com- Iron castle Soldiers train mander of 1st BSTB, told Lt. Col. Fallah, commander of the Iraqi Signal Co. “The soldiers utilized the [primary, alternate, con- Iraqi NCOs at COL Deason tigency and emergency] communications another construction project and were able to plan in an effective manner to provide secure Story by Spc. Brian Johnson take some time to train the Iraqi Soldiers on communications to your division.” 1434th Eng. Co., 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C how to fix the roof themselves. The Iraqis conducted the rehearsal at full Staff Sgt. Joseph Baker from Bellair, speed with a convoy rolling up to the rehears- BAGHDAD – U.S. Soldiers training their Mich., assigned to 1434th Eng. Co., helped to al site with every piece of equipment needed Iraqi counterparts is a common occurrence in supervise the training. Baker said that in just in jump operations. Iraq. However, the opportunity for Iraqi Sol- a few hours, the Iraqi Sergeants were able to For the rehearsal, two jump sites were set diers to learn construction skills from U.S. do all of the building themselves. up, each with a tent and two radios. In ad- Army engineer units doesn’t come along of- “We taught them how to cut the sheet met- dition to establishing command posts in the ten. al, place purling, and fasten the metal to the tents, the Iraqis brought two modified ar- On March 9, the Soldiers of 1434th En- roof,” said Baker. “After almost two hours, mored trucks that contained full-operations gineer Company, 16th Eng. Brigade had an the Iraqi’s were taking charge and we moved cells. unexpected opportunity to make a difference back to more of a supervisory role.” Men jumped from their vehicles as they for 17th Iraqi Army Division at Contigency At the end of one day of training, the com- skidded to a halt and began moving equip- Operating Location Deason. bined effort of the U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers had ment at a break-neck pace. Forty minutes COL Deason is home to the 17th IA’s Non- sheeted 44 feet of roof on one building. later, they were done. commissioned Officer Academy. Future NCO “The Engineers were only available for Gardel concluded the Iraqi Signal Co. Sol- leaders from 17th IA learn skills to make one day,” said Master Sgt. Gilbert Nail from diers are fully capable of establishing remote them more effective leaders for Iraqi Security Clayton, Okla., a member of 17th MiTT. “The command posts without any support from Forces. next day, without any additional guidance, the U.S. forces. He said the partnership between When the Iraqi Soldiers come to COL Dea- Iraqi NCOs continued the construction work the Iraqis and U.S. forces will now shift to son for training at the NCO Academy, they on their own.” post-setup training and rehearsals for poten- stay in buildings that serve as both their liv- According to Nail, the training not only tial operations. ing quarters and their classrooom. The roofs provided the Iraqi Soldiers with additional on many of these combination buildings are skills but also the confidence to do it them- made solely of plywood. Because of this, selves. during the rainy months in Iraq, the roofs leak Although there wasn’t enough material to into the classrooms, training areas and sleep- upgrade all of the plywood roofing, there was ing areas. enough material to complete about half. The 17th Military Transition Team works “Once they got past the initial training, closely with 17th IA at COL Deason. To solve you could see the Iraqi Soldiers taking pride the problem of the leaky roof and provide a in their work,” Baker explained. “They were special training opportunity, the 17th MiTT using great care to make sure that they got

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army did not have to go far. everything cut and placed right.” Soldiers of Signal Company, 1st Iraqi Army Not far from the NCO Academy, carpen- “The more we can do to help the Iraqi Division erect a mobile tactical operations center during a partnered rehearsal with ters, plumbers and electricians from the Army out,” said Nail, “the stronger they will U.S. forces Feb. 10 at Camp Fallujah. 1434th Eng. Co., were working diligently on be when we leave.” MARCH 29, 2010 partnership & transition PAGE 7 U.S. forces advise, assist Iraqi Highway Patrol in Anbar and strength of these checkpoints,” Story & photo by staff said Berreth. “For far too long, coali- 1st AAB, 82 Abn. Div., PAO, USD-C tion convoys had just passed right on by without a second thought to who RAMADI, Iraq – U.S. forces was manning these points and what in Ramadi are partnering with Iraqi their mission was.” Highway Patrol to conduct nightly Berreth quickly took ownership route clearance patrols in the highest- and integrated nightly engagements threat zone in Anbar province. with IHP occupying 32 different Engineers from Company A, 1st checkpoints along the routes. What Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st he discovered varied by area, but one Advise and Assist Bde., 82nd Air- thing remained constant: the IHP offi- borne Division, conduct routine street- cers manning these checkpoints were level engagements with the IHP. dedicated and personable, he said. Third Platoon is responsible for What started as a mission to chart route clearance operations in east An- the unknown, quickly developed into bar province. The platoon has conduct- building strong relationships with the ed 80 combat route-clearance patrols security forces on the ground. in Anbar province, and has cleared Not only has Berreth documented 10,000 kilometers of route. They have a wealth of knowledge of day-to-day Second Lt. Andrew Berreth, a platoon leader assigned to Company A, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Bde., 82nd Airborne Division, conducted 70 street-level engagements operations of these checkpoints, but he meets with Iraqi Highway Patrol at a checkpoint along a supply route in Anbar with IHP forces along the routes. The has also built a conduit of information province Iraq, Feb. 16. The platoon of engineers has conducted 80 combat route- clearance patrols in Anbar province, and has cleared 10,000 kilometers of road. platoon is the company’s main effort sharing between U.S. forces and the for the counter improvised-explosive- IHP, according to his company com- ture and actively searching vehicles cleared them. device fight in east Anbar. mander, Capt. Kurt Zortman. as they travel from one part of Iraq to “The IHP manning these check- During these patrols, platoon lead- “By now the IHP know 2nd Lt. Ber- another, he said. points are the unspoken heroes of the er 2nd Lt. Andrew Berreth cultivates reth by name at all 32 check points,” Occasionally, the visits are more counter IED fight in Anbar,” said Zort- relationships with the IHP manning said Zortman. “He is a welcomed social and involve a glass of chai and a man. “They endure some of the least static checkpoints along the main and presence and has found a group of IHP good conversation about recent events desirable working conditions in some alternate supply routes frequently trav- that are proud to be part of the Iraqi in the area. Berreth provides advice of the most austere areas of the prov- elled by U.S. forces. Security Forces, and are genuinely on how to better fortify their positions ince. His first mission involved identify- concerned about the welfare of their for the most relevant threat in the area “Their tenacity and dedication to ing where these checkpoints existed nation.” and exchange different vehicle-search the cause has helped lead to the stabil- and developing a database on basic Berreth has found that the IHP pro- techniques with the IHP. He reminds ity that has been achieved,” he said, facts about the checkpoints, he said. vides a wide range of mission sets, the IHP that they are integral to the “and their efforts will endure long “Initially, there was little informa- from providing over watch from static counter IED fight by providing eyes after coalition forces are retrograded tion on the disposition, composition positions, security to key infrastruc- on the routes well after his platoon has from the area.” U.S. begins transfer of detainees to Government of Iraq tion,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Dead- monthly releases. This shows that to the locally-existing electrical Story by 1st Lt. Maria Mengrone rich, the Camp Taji TIFRC com- we are abiding by the Security and water grid lines in an attempt USF-I, PAO mander and 705th Military Police Agreement.” to alleviate the cost of importing Battalion commander, based out Along with the transfer of de- generator fuel and water to the TAJI, Iraq – U.S. forces as- of Fort Leavenworth, Kan. tainees, the Iraqi government will center. signed to Camp Taji Theater In- The handover is part of the U.S. also assume responsibility of the The handover also symbolizes ternment Facility Reconciliation drawdown playing out across Iraq recently-built, multi-million dol- the change from detainees to in- Center relinquished full control as stated in the Security Agree- lar Taji Internment Facility and mate status within the Iraqi cor- of the facility and its detainees to ment, ending with the complete all its property. rections system. the Government of Iraq, March withdrawal of U.S. forces by De- “This facility will increase “Our ultimate goal for this Taji 15. cember 2011. Iraq’s capacity to be successful,” prison is that it will serve as a By August, a complete detain- “The Security Agreement says said Deadrich. “As Iraq works model facility as how to provide ee operations handover to Iraqi that in order for detainees to be out its budgetary issues we will proper care and custody for the control is expected to be com- transferred to the Government of continue to provide support in Iraqi inmate population,” said pleted with the transfer of Camp Iraq, detainees must have an ar- the form of maintenance and fuel Deadrich. Cropper, located at Victory Base rest warrant, detention order or contracts, feeding the detainee For several months, hundreds Complex. Camp Cropper is the conviction,” said Deadrich. population [and] maintaining sup- of U.S. Army and Navy personnel last U.S. run internment facility “We took all detainees and plies so that the facility will con- have been working side-by-side in theater. started to release those without tinue to work. After August, this with Iraqi corrections officers “Approximately 3,000 detain- sufficient evidence to prosecute support will become Iraq’s sole tackling cultural and language ees are being transferred to Iraq, or those that did not pose a signif- responsibility.” barriers to properly train and that’s roughly 60 percent of the icant threat,” he continued. “We Engineering projects are on ready guards for the historical U.S. controlled detainee popula- averaged roughly 700 to 1,000 track to connect the Taji facility transition. PAGE 8 MORALE MARCH 29, 2010 ‘Sons of Anarchy’ salute Air Cav Soldiers with visit Photos by Sgt. Travis Zielinski, 1st Air Cav. Bde., 1st Cav. Div., USD-C

Riding in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela, from Dallas, the command sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regi- ment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Division, U.S. Division – Center, and Dayton Callie, an actor in the television show “Sons of Anarchy,” laugh. Four actors from the TV show visited, offering Soldiers an opportunity to talk with the actors over lunch and a town hall meeting.

TAJI, Iraq – During a town hall meeting with Soldiers from 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Division, U.S. Division – Center, March 15, Mark Boone Jr., an actor in the television show “Sons of Anarchy,” borrows a first ser- geant’s Stetson to pose for a picture.

While sitting in an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter March 15, Kim Coates, lead actor in the television show, “Sons of Anarchy” talks with Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rolando Actor Theo Rossi (white shirt), a lead actor in the hit TV show “Sons of Anarchy,” Sanchez, an Apache maintenance test pilot in Company C, 1st Battalion, 227th Avia- looks at an Iraqi Army motorcycle March 15 with Soldiers from 1st Air Cavalry tion Regiment about some of the various controls and functions of the aircraft. Brigade, 1st Cav. Division, U.S. Division – Center. MARCH 29, 2010 morale PAGE 9 Soldiers host ‘Bad Company’ Photos by Sgt. Teri Hansen, 366th MPAD, USD-C

BAGHDAD – The members of the classic rock band “Bad Company” sign autographs for Soldiers March Featured lead singer Brian Howe of the classic rock band 11 at 1st Armored Division Headquarters. The band performed their first concert at Camp Victory “Bad Company” enters 1st Armored Division Headquar- Stage March 12. The band was scheduled to tour Iraq and Kuwait for 12 days in support of the troops. ters upon arrival into Iraq March 11.

The members of the classic rock band “Bad Company” pose for a photo at 1st Armored Division Headquarters March 11 with Pfc. Adrian Rushing, a Soldier who works in plans and operations and is assigned to Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armd. Div. The band toured the division headquarters, met Sol- diers and signed autographs the day prior to their first concert in Iraq, at Camp Victory Stage March 12. PAGE 10 liberty MARCH 29, 2010 Iron medics on front line of quickly,” said James, a combat Story & photos by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh medic supervisor and native of 366th MPAD, USD-C Los Angeles. The medics at the vehicle were BAGHDAD – Two combat ready to serve as an emergency medics monitored their radios response team if needed. They near an ambulance while their were prepared to provide oxygen comrades grabbed trauma bags or treat runners for trauma. They and disappeared into the crowd of monitored the people crossing the runners and walkers. finish line, ensuring their heads That was the scenario March 6 stayed above their hearts, said when Company B, Division Spe- James. cial Troops Battalion, 1st Armored The two medics running the Division, held a 10-ki- race carried their aid lometer run sponsored bags, said James. If by the American Red they saw someone Cross at Camp who need- Liberty. ed medical The run a t t e n t i o n , required Co. they would B combat treat the in- medics to dividual im- become fully mediately and engaged. Sgt. call their team if 1st Class Ar- further treatment thur James and was needed. Spc. John Pow- The med- ell manned the ical bags were vehicle dur- equipped with ing the event trauma treat- while Staff ment bandages, Sgt. Delroy dressings and Barnett and tourniquets to Pfc. Josiah stop or slow Portukalian ran the 10 kilometers the blood of a with medical gear. patient. Barnett, a native of Fort “We stayed with the crowd to Lauderdale, Fla., carried an auto- have more spread-out medical mated external defibrillator in the Combat medic Spc. John Powell with Company B, Division Special Troops coverage instead of all remaining Battalion, 1st Armored Division, wraps a Soldier’s kneecap to prevent it event that something major went from popping out of place so he could finish a 10-kilometer race March 6 as by the truck,” said Portukalian, a wrong. The AED is a portable de- part of the American Red Cross Month at Camp Liberty. Powell, a native of native of Salem, Ind. Lincoln, Ill., was one of two medics who remained near the finish line at the vice used to prevent cardiac arrest ambulance to treat any minor injuries. “We were there to ensure that through electric shock, enabling any minor injuries were taken care the heart to return to a normal rhythm. couldn’t handle. “If anything were to happen, “When they see the cross,” we would have been ready,” said James also said, referring to the Portukalian. giant cross on his ambulance, “it Portukalian said he enjoyed the [compels] them to continue be- opportunity to complete the race cause when [the runners] finish, with the runners because it gave they get help if they really need people a chance to see medics in it.” action. “I think usually people just Once the run was complete, the see us on the sidelines, waiting,” medics continued to play a vital he added. role, ensuring that people kept As the medics ran past the fin- moving to avoid minor injuries ish line the first time to start their such as muscle cramping as well final lap, they heard people shout- as major injuries such as hypo- ing, “Iron Medics, hooah!” This thermia. fired them up, making the run both “Keep your head up … keep an enjoyable and prideful experi- moving,” James encouraged. ence, said Portukalian. Thanks to the competent Co. The medics were faced with a B medics, everybody finished the few minor injuries such as muscle race and there were no serious in- Staff Sgt. Delroy Barnett (left) and Pfc. Josiah Portukalian trail behind a group cramping, a sprained ankle and juries. of joggers in the American Red Cross run. Barnett and Portukalian, assigned to Company B, carried medical aid bags and remained close to the rear of the an unsteady kneecap. There was “When we’re not busy,” said group in the event of a fall out to render immediate medical treatment. nothing the highly trained medics James, “it’s a good thing.” MARCH 29, 2010 dstb PAGE 11 Soldier brings international medical expertise to USD-C

Story & photos by Spc. Daniel Schneider 366th MPAD, USD-C

BAGHDAD – Travelling the world, seeing many different cultures, influencing societal changes that can potentially save thousands of lives — seem like a dream life? For Capt. Joseph Woodring, it’s a natural part of his. The Radnor, Pa., native who works for the U.S. Division – Center surgeon’s office, Divi- sion Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Di- vision, as the preventative medicine physician has enjoyed a very unique life. Woodring attended Boston University, one of only three schools at the time offering a public health program that emphasized tropical medicine. During his sophomore year, he trav- eled to Calcutta, India, to work directly with Mother Theresa. He said that experience deter- mined the future field of study that would lead him to where he is today. He said he recalled thinking at the time, “Wow! This is something I really want to do.” Woodring received the opportunity to again travel, this time to South Africa for three months, where he studied ways to prevent and A native of Radnor, Pa., Capt. Joseph Woodring, the preventive medicine physician for the Division Surgeon’s office, 1st Armored Div., assists a Soldier with a leg stretch at Camp Liberty March 10. Woodring is a doctor of osteopathy, treat plasmodium falciparum; considered the which specializes in acute treatment with his hands without the use of medicine and expensive equipment. single most deadly strain of malaria which is responsible for 90 percent of all malaria-relat- bigger issue and a solution,” Woodring said. “A Soldier died in December from malaria ed deaths. In South Africa, 1-3 million children die ev- after a mission to Nigeria,” Woodring said. “Being in public health, we learn how to see ery year of malaria. While he was there, they “That would be horrendous if a similar occur- the birds-eye view of diseases, which allows were able to provide vaccines that have had a rence happened to one of ours. If we can pre- us to work upstream of the problem to find the 60 to 70 percent success rate among the local vent one Soldier from dying, it’s worth it.” villagers. “To American standards, a 60 to 70-percent success rate is frowned upon, but to the people we were helping, it was worth it,” Woodring explained. “If you can save that percentage of kids, that’s a lot of lives that would be lost oth- erwise.” During his Army career, he has been able to go to Kenya, where he researched a malaria epidemic and Thailand, where he studied infec- tious diseases found in seafood. His international experience and knowledge of harmful diseases is now paying off in Iraq. “As a preventative medicine physician, I have the unique ability to apply statistics, which can change policy to help hundreds of Soldiers remain healthy,” said Woodring. “By providing Soldiers with vaccines and guidance, I can help keep them safe in environments they’re not used to.” During his time in Iraq, Woodring has fo- cused on long-term effects of burn barrel expo- sure, malaria and animal-related diseases, such as rabies. He urges Soldiers going on leave outside of the United States to see the division surgeon’s Capt. Joseph Woodring examines the vertebrae of a office to learn of possible health issues in the Capt. Joseph Woodring helps a Soldier pop his back Soldier while twisting him to determine the motion of during an examination. Woodring has traveled to the spine during the examination. He came to Iraq with countries they expect to go to, and to receive several nations, gaining useful knowledge on many knowledge from previous international experiences. medications which will keep them safe. different ailments that can keep Soldiers healthy. PAGE 12 iron castle MARCH 29, 2010 Engineers improve quality of life for Soldiers to check e-mail or call loved ones back Story & photo by Spc. Brian Johnson home. Currently, the phones and Inter- 1434th Eng. Co., 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C net are in a small cramped building. “The new building will allow for BAGHDAD – Soldiers of 1434th twice as much space for Soldiers to Engineer Company, 16th Eng. Brigade be able to get online, and separate the have been working hard to complete phone area from the Internet area,” said construction on a new building at Con- Summers. tigency Operating Location Deason. Common practice for the engineers The new facility is expected to improve is to pre-fabricate pieces of buildings the quality of life for Soldiers of 17th prior to arriving on-site. In this case, the Military Transition Team. pre-fabrication allowed the construc- The new construction will provide tion to proceed smoothly, the majority additional space for Soldiers to use the was completed in just under two weeks. internet, call home and hold religious According to Spc. Joshua Gapske, a services. member of 1434th Eng. Co., from Al- “The current area where Soldiers pena, Mich., Soldiers at COL Deason can go to call home or get online is ex- are excited about the new facility. With their supplies loaded up, the Soldiers of the 1434th Engineer Company fin- tremely limited,” said Warrant Officer “As the building has gone up, many ish up the construction of a new combination building at Contigency Operating Location Deason, March 10. The new building will house an area for religious Summers, a Soldier with 1434th Eng. of the Soldiers stationed on the base services and a larger area for Soldiers to use the telephones and Internet. Co., from Grayling, Mich. “It is a small have come in and checked out the new building with a handful of computers building. As they are looking at the con- was getting a new chapel,” said Sum- to turn their eyes to their next construc- and phones that does not have enough struction, you can see an excitement on mers. “During one of his recent visits, tion project at COL Deason, which will space to adequately meet the needs of their faces,” said Gapske. when he found out that he was getting a begin later this month. The Soldiers all of the Soldiers here.” The new facility includes a space for new area to conduct religious services, will conduct a joint construction proj- Additionally, according to Sum- COL Deason’s chapel services, adja- he was extremely excited.” ect with the 17th Iraqi Army Division, mers, the design of the new facility will cent to the phone and Internet area. With construction nearly complete, building a new combined division op- provide increased privacy for Soldiers “The Chaplain did not know that he the Soldiers of the 1434th have begun erations center. Working to restore Iraq’s past for the future of war, the site is not what it once was. Story & photo by Spc. Brian Johnson “The administrative buildings have 1434th Eng. Co., 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C been degraded and looted,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Markel, from Chillicothe, BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the Ohio, a member of the survey and de- 16th Engineer Brigade survey and de- sign team. sign team conducted a site assessment According to Markel, the ziggu- on several buildings at a historic site in rat and temple areas have suffered no Aqar Quf, 20 miles west of Baghdad to damage but the modern buildings are assess and verify the electrical needs of in need of restoration work. The resto- renovating two modern structures at the ration, still in the planning stages, will base of an ancient ziggurat there. eventually be completed by local Iraqi The ziggurat, a stepped, temple tow- contractors. er, is the Mesopotamian equivalent of “We came to the site to look at the the Egyptian pyramids. Aqar Quf’s zig- electrical installation and to validate the gurat, rising 180 feet above the desert existing scope of work for the electrical The ziggurat at Aqar Quf rises 180 feet above the desert west of Baghdad. Sol- floor, was considered to be built more project,” said Markel. diers of the 16th Engineer Brigade’s survey and design team traveled to an an- than three and a half millennia ago. “The museum had nothing electri- cient ziggurat in Aqar Quf March 11 to assess and verify the electrical needs of two modern structures on the site. The 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Recently, the Iraqi Ministry of Antiq- cal left in it; no lights, no switches, and Infantry Division, and Iraq’s Ministry of Antiquities are seeking to restore the uities approached 4th Stryker Brigade wires have been literally pulled out of modern buildings around the site in an attempt to revitalize tourism in the area. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, the walls,” said Spc. David Robbins for help with restoring some modern from Cincinnati, Ohio, a member of the During their visit to Aqar Quf, Rob- the fine details about how it was con- structures at the temple in order to at- team, also sent to assess the site. bins and Markel had the opportunity structed; it’s impressive to think that tract visitors to the site which would re- According to Robbins, even the to explore the ruins. They said the ex- 3,500 years ago someone had con- vitalize the economy and preserve the electrical panels were removed from perience deepened their understanding structed this,” said Markel. “It’s an en- temple. the museum and administrative build- of the significance of the museum and gineering feat because it is still standing The modern structures at the base of ings at some point, leaving holes in the administrative buildings. after all these years.” the ziggurat, built in the 1960s, func- walls. They were awe struck after explor- Both Robbins and Markel said they tioned as a museum and administrative “This was a functioning facility,” ing the ancient ruins. hope their work will help reopen this building throughout the second half of said Markel. “It’s now not functioning “When I climbed the steps and was historical site someday and bring tour- the 20th century. However, after years at all.” able to see the monument up close and ists back to the area; including them. MARCH 29, 2010 iron castle PAGE 13 1192nd Engineers improve security Photos by Spc. Brian Johnson, 1434th Eng. Co., 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C

BAGHDAD – Sgt. Kenny Mumfrey, from Cincinnati, assigned to 1192nd Engi- neer Company, 16th Eng. Brigade maneuvers a pallet of sandbags into place Staff Sgt. Brad Wilson, from Sandusky, Ohio, a member of 1192nd Engineer Com- with a crane at Victory Base Complex March 19. pany, places a sandbag on top of a culvert at Victory Base Complex March 19.

Sgt. Nicholas Adamson, from Struthers, Ohio, a member of 1192nd Engineer Company, hooks a pallet of sandbags to a crane at Victory Base Complex March 19. PAGE 14 united states MARCH 29, 2010MARCH 29, 2010 Iron Castle Soldiers conduct mass casualty training event

Story & photos by Staff Sgt. April Mota 101st Eng. Bn., 16th Eng. Bde., USD-C

everal different units pooled resources together to validate and refine standing operating procedures for responding to a mass casualty training Sevent March 1 at Camp Liberty. Soldiers who usually turn wrenches and fasten bolts found themselves turning tourniquets and fastening neck braces on to their fellow Soldiers after a simulated mortar round hit the living “The caregivers are so busy taking area. Casualties lay on the ground with everything from head care of the wounded, they may need injuries to abdominal wounds. Combat lifesaver-trained some help processing everything Soldiers arrived within seconds to provide first aid. As after everyone has been treated medical treatment was administered, aid and litter teams and they get some down time.” began sweeping the pad to provide help and transportation to ambulances. – Spc. Lisa Prochnow Once the medics got there, Soldiers were assessed for severity of injuries and loaded into an ambulance. The Soldiers were then transported to the proper facilities based upon the extent of their injuries. First Lt. Andrew Kaplan, of Dracut, Mass., the 101st Engineer Battalion, 16th Eng. Bde. physician assistant, praised the battalion aid station for how it responded during the exercise. He said he was pleased with everyone staying with the tasks assigned to them, which helped keep order and maintain a high degree of professionalism.

After treatment, Chaplain (Capt.) Paul Barnett, of Wareham, Mass., 101st En- gineer Battalion, 16th Eng. Brigade comforts and supports Sgt. Richard Hill, Dayton, Ohio, 1192nd Engineer Company. The battalion conducted a mass casualty exercise at Camp Liberty to cover multiple different components of responding to such an event, to include casualty care, response time, ac- countability and designated teams, as well as timely reporting procedures.

First Lt. Andrew Kaplan, the 101st Engineer Battalion physician assistant, of Dra- cut, Mass., examines Sgt. Richard Hill, of Dayton, Ohio, 1192nd Eng. Co., who pos- Spc. Heather Todd, of Lisbon, Ohio, and with 1192nd Engineer Company, arrives on site first and applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty during a mass casualty exercise at es as a casualty at the battalion aid station during a mass casualty training event. Camp Liberty March 1. The event was created to help units validate or refine their current standard operating procedures. MARCH 29, 2010MARCH 29, 2010 division-center PAGE 15 Iron Castle Soldiers conduct mass casualty training event “This was more than medical training,” Kaplan said. “These exercises help us determine if there are any changes needed to make our ability to respond in a coordinated fashion better.” Kaplan said these exercises allow everyone to evaluate each component of the training which can be used to refine and perfect procedures so Soldiers will perform more efficiently if real situation were to arise. While the medics treated the casualties, Sgt. John Potenza, of Lynne, Mass., the 101st Eng. Bn., battle noncommissioned officer, worked on gath- ering accountability information from each unit’s command “The caregivers are so busy taking post. He then reported all the information, including known injuries to the battalion commander. care of the wounded, they may need “This was a pretty thorough exercise,” said Potenza. some help processing everything “We did more than just casualty treatment. We looked at after everyone has been treated response time, proper use of casualty collection points, ac- and they get some down time.” countability, and use of designated teams, like the aid and litter team.” – Spc. Lisa Prochnow Once all the casualties had gotten proper medical treat- ment and each Soldier was accounted for, the unit ministry team arrived to provide emotional and spiritual guidance to both the injured and bystanders. “We are on site to provide comfort to the injured Soldiers, and for those who are caring for them,” said Spc. Lisa Prochnow, Hubbardston, Mass., the 101st Eng. Bn., chaplain assistant. “The caregivers are so busy taking care of the wounded, they may need some help processing everything after everyone has been treated and they get some down time.”

During a mass casualty training exercise, Sgt. Brian Daisy (left), of Niles, Ohio, and 1st Lt. Brian Gallagher (right), of Beaver Falls, Pa., provide first aid to Staff Sgt. Trevor Harlow, Huron, Ohio, a simulated casualty. All three are members of 1192nd Engineer Company.

Spc. Brian Posey, of Geneva, Ohio, Spc. Robert Landsberger, of New Water- ford, Ohio, Pfc. Jonathan Bell, of Jackson, Ohio, and Spc. Kenneth Bradley, Spc. Heather Todd, of Lisbon, Ohio, and with 1192nd Engineer Company, arrives on site first and applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty during a mass casualty exercise at of Wichita, Kan. all assigned to 1192nd Engineer Company bring a mock Camp Liberty March 1. The event was created to help units validate or refine their current standard operating procedures. casualty from the point of impact to an ambulance. PAGE 16 raider MARCH 29, 2010 2-23 ‘Tomahawks’ bond through organizational day Photos by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth, 4th SBCT PAO, 2nd Inf. Div., USD-C

First Lt. Nick Lorusso, a Rocky Point, N.Y., native, and the Headquarters and Head- quarters Company executive officer heaves over the designated “puke box” after competing in the Strong Man Competition during Tomahawk Organizational Day.

TAJI, Iraq – Spc. John Campos, a Shelton, Wash., native, and M240 B gunner Sgt. Carl Holm, a Nebraska City, Neb., native, and a senior land manager with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, pulls a pallet topped assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, gets bombarded by with ammunition canisters Feb. 22 during a Strong Man Competition. a multitude of volleyballs during a dodge ball tournament.

Pfc. Mark Varteresian, a Longmeadow, Mass. native, and automatic rifleman Pfc. Marshal Michael (right), a personal security detachment Soldier and native with Company A, throws a tomahawk at a target during a tomahawk-throw- of Paso Robles, Calif., runs with a football as 1st Lt. John Yanikov (center), a ing competition at the Tomahawk Organizational Day held by the battalion platoon leader and native of York, Pa., and Sgt. 1st Class Erroll Hooker, a platoon to boost Soldiers’ morale and take a break from daily patrols. sergeant and native of New Orleans, trail close behind during a football game. MARCH 29, 2010 raider PAGE 17

~ Elections From Pg. 1 the Raider Brigade,” said Lt. Has- For Staff Sgt. Brad Mateski, a sin, an officer with 6th IA Div. network and systems administra- “It will ensure that the communi- tor assigned to 472nd Signal Co., cation between the both sides is 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div., the JOC good.” opening represents the end of Pfc. Chris Bozarth, a Soldier months of work and planning, as with 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div., com- well as the start of work in a new mented that the new JOC is a big location. improvement from the old one. “The new facility has greatly “Try to imagine a sardine can, improved network capabilities,” and that was what the old JOC was he said, explaining that the struc- like,” laughed the Bowie, Texas ture not only has more space but native who had worked inside the is more secure as well, providing old JOC since being deployed to a complete voice and data net- Iraq last fall. “(Our job) is to sup- work. port the IA’s mission. If they need Photo by Sgt. Bryce Dubee, 4th SBCT PAO, 2nd Inf. Div., USD-C Mateski, who worked with During the Joint Operations Center opening ceremony, Lt. Col. Darron Wright, our support, we coordinate assets members of 16th Engineer Bde. deputy commanding officer of 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry to whatever sector they need. Division, praises the efforts of all involved in constructing the new facility. during the planning and construc- “Now there is a centralized tion of the JOC to advise where to the new facility was merely good experience working with location in which information is to run data lines and place pow- a matter of unplugging things, them.” gathered and shared.” er conduits, said the process has moving them, and plugging them The key to the completion of During his speech at the cer- been fun. back in, he added. the new battlefield assets has emony, Wright summarized the “It’s kind of like building your Overall, Mateski said he’s been the partnership trail that runs purpose of bringing everyone to- own house,” he said. “You get to looking forward to working in the straight to its front steps, he said. gether under one roof. “Together, say, ‘This goes here, and this goes new JOC and continuing his rela- “With this new JOC complete, the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Police here.’” tionship with his Iraqi partners. it will symbolize the great coop- and the Federal Police forces will Because the old JOC was liter- “They treat us like family over eration between Federal Police, be able to ensure the security of ally right next door, transitioning here,” he said. “I’ve had a real 6th Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and Iraq’s future more efficiently.” U.S. forces compensate Iraqi citizens for land use Abu Ghraib near Camp Liberty to “We have the ability to help and north past the city of Taji. Story & photos by Sgt. Bryce Dubee pay claims they had received and others,” said Capt. Alex Arca, the “We are the largest intake point 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., PAO, USD-C pick up new claims that had been brigade claims, contract and fiscal and the largest purveyor of money filed. law attorney, who explained that when it comes to claims,” said BAGHDAD – As U.S. forces That day, the legal Soldiers the average damage claim takes Reiff proudly. “No one’s bigger proceed on course with the re- were especially excited because, about two to four weeks to pro- than 4-2 SBCT.” sponsible drawdown of forces in in addition to regular claims pay- cess, while claims for land leases Securing funding to pay for the Iraq, Soldiers of the 4th Stryker ments, they had a chance to do can take more than a year. leases was the most time consum- Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infan- something that hadn’t been done This was the first time in sev- ing part of the entire process, said try Division legal office are work- in a while. eral years that the Army has paid Scott Mason, the acting chief of ing hard to set things right and tie “We’ve gone out on numerous out land lease claims to Iraqi land- real estate for the U.S. Forces – up loose ends among Iraqi citizens claims missions,” said Sgt. 1st owners, with the 4th SCBT legal Iraq J-7, who also travelled out to who are owed compensation from Class Phillip Neal, the brigade le- team paying out roughly $225,000 Abu Ghraib to assist in processing the U.S. government. gal office non-commissioned of- out to claimants. And while some the lease claims. The Army has programs in ficer in charge. “What makes this of the lease claimants expressed Mason praised the 4th SBCT place designed to address any one special is that this is the first frustration in the length of the legal office and said he was truly claims filed by Iraqi citizens, in- time we’ve actually gotten to pay process, most appeared happy to impressed by their hard work and cluding property damage, injury a lease claim for land that we’ve finally be receiving payment and dedication to processing the lease or loss of life, and even paying occupied and have a lease for, for left with a smile on their face. claims. landowners lease payments for the time period that we’ve occu- “It’s a great accomplishment for “Everyone said it would take land used by the U.S. military. pied it.” us personally to actually be able six to eight months, but Sgt. 1st For example, if a 20-ton Stryk- When U.S. forces launched the to pay these people out,” said Sgt. Class Neal and his guys did it in er accidentally backs into an Iraqi 2007 “Surge” offensive, aimed at Corbin Reiff, the claims NCOIC. a little over a month,” he said. citizen’s car, the drivers can’t ex- rooting out insurgents across Iraq, “Us – the legal office of 4-2, was “Whoever follows behind me actly exchange information and the increase in forces and ex- able to get something done that need to see this is how it should let the insurance companies take panded U.S. presence meant the no one had been able to get done be done.” care of it. Soldiers had to set up combat out- before, which is something that Neal took the praise in stride, Instead, the citizen can file a posts and joint security stations makes you feel real proud.” saying that even though his shop claim with the military, which is in new areas, oftentimes taking The legal office set a goal of may have the largest claims mis- then processed and paid out by over homes and property owned trying to process about 25 claims sion in Iraq; it is all part of the job. military legal professionals. by Iraqis with the agreement that a month, not an easy task when “It is quite the workload,” he On March 10, members of the they would reimburse the proper- they are responsible for nearly all said with a smile. “But that’s what 4th SBCT legal team travelled to ty owner at a later date. of western Baghdad to Fallujah, we’re here for.” PAGE 18 air cavalry MARCH 29, 2010 Air Cav air traffic controller wins high accolade ler. Story by Sgt. Alun Thomas “He’s a very smart controller … he knows tech- 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div., USD-C niques and he knows how to apply the rules,” Ri- vera said about Mann’s abilities. “He sequences and TAJI, Iraq – The job of an air traffic control- separates aircraft the way they’re supposed to be. ler requires great diligence, especially when dealing He’s very passionate about his job and loves doing with weather and the constant flow of aircraft on the what he does.” flight line. Rivera said Mann has been given the opportu- For Sgt. Joseph Mann, of 1st Air Cavalry Bri- nity to succeed, something he has embraced with gade, performing these duties is an everyday task tremendous motivation. and one he has successfully risen above his peers in. “Every time we give him a challenge as an ATC Mann, from Philadelphia, an ATC for Compa- he has succeeded and that’s why he won,” Rivera ny F, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st said. “He was successfully rated at five facilities in ACB, 1st Cav. Division, U.S. Division – Center, a 12-month period, which isn’t easy to do.” was recently selected as the Army Aviation As- Mann’s willingness to teach the job to younger sociation of America ATC of the year, beating out Soldiers is another trait which added to his success, controllers Army-wide in the contest. River continued. “It was for all the ratings that I’ve mastered at “He makes us all better as a team and the best all the airfields I’ve worked at,” Mann said. “I had thing about him is he’s teaching the newer control- to know all the ins and outs of my airspace, how to Photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div., PAO lers to be where he was. He’s a good trainer.” Sgt. Joseph Mann, from Philadelphia, an air traffic organize the flights effectively without any conflicts controller for Company F, 2nd Battalion, 227th Avia- Mann said any of the controllers in his tower and I had to watch for unsafe acts and keep every- tion Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Divi- could have won the award and was pleased they all sion, U.S. Division – Center, directs traffic at the Taji thing in working order.” airfield, March 10. Mann recently won the Army Avi- were recognized in the competition. Mann was rated by Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Gutier- ation Association of America ATC of the year award. “We also won the facility of the year here at the rez, a senior ATC in Co. F, who was impressed by Taji tower for all the [air traffic controlling] this unit Mann’s efforts and entered him in the competition one-year period was the reason I won,” Mann said. has done,” Mann said. “It’s been great during the in October last year. “I didn’t think I had a chance, but I really love doing deployment … sometimes it’s been challenging Winning was not something Mann expected, this job and it felt great to win.” training everyone here and at Kalsu, but it’s been making his victory a pleasant surprise. Mann’s win came as no surprise to Staff Sgt. very productive.” “Usually they give the award to people who han- Wilfredo Rivera, from Fort Knox, Ky., facility chief “There’ve been no major incidents and we’ve dle emergencies, but the ratings I acquired over a for Co. F, said Mann is a highly competent control- done everything we had to do,” he said. MARCH 29, 2010 air cavalry PAGE 19 Air Cav UAV hub reaches 20,000 flight hours

Story & photos by Sgt. Travis Zielinski 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div., USD-C

TAJI, Iraq – Multiple units operating out of a single hub have provided ground commanders around Baghdad with 20,000 hours worth of aerial coverage, hitting the milestone March 7. Unmanned aerial vehicle operators and main- tainers from 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Infan- try Div. and 2nd Inf. Div. come together under the roof of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division – Center, to act as the center of op- erations for all launches, landings and maintenance required to keep the Shadow UAVs in the air. “There is melding of the maneuver battalions, the aviation battalions and the different tactics from each – all together in one spot,” said War- rant Officer Dave Phaneuf, an unmanned aircraft systems technician in 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mnt. Div. At any given time within the 24-hour day, Co. G has multiple UAVs in the air supporting ground operations throughout the Baghdad area. Main- The UAV operators and maintainers of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division launch multiple aircraft numerous times a day. The Shadow taining the aircraft in order to meet the operational launch site, is comprised of Soldiers from 10th Mountain Div., 3rd Infantry Div. and 2nd Inf. Div., all demands of the ground commanders requires care of whom are attached to 1st ACB, and are the main hub for UAV operations for their respective units. This busy hub recently reached 20,000 flight hours in 10 months. and attention to detail. “It all starts with the smallest of inspections and tality,” he said. what happens, so when I get reports or video of [the UAV maintainers] are doing it repetitively – Under garrison conditions, a UAV unit will fly things that happen, I will bring them in so they can 12 to 15 times a day,” said Phaneuf. “If they are not an average 200 hours in a year. The UAVs main- read it and see that their day-to-day work here is doing the smallest thing right, then they can’t get tained by the Soldiers under Co. G have reached actually paying off,” said Phaneuf. the big things right.” 20,000 hours in a 10-month span. “When they finally do get the feedback, they “Everyone here has the same zero-defect men- “The 1 ACB has kept the same op-tempo and say, ‘Alright, I got a little job satisfaction now.’” the same hours flying with what they did with five platoons here – now they are doing it with three,” said Phaneuf. “We properly mitigated the risks and are using the Shadow at its potential. Knowing what the limits of the aircraft are has actually in- creased its usage in pushing it out to those forward units.” Once the aircraft are launched from Camp Taji, a forward unit will take control of the vehicle for the remainder of the operation, handing control back to Co. G for landing when the mission is complete. Between missions is when a large portion of Co. G’s work is completed, ensuring the aircraft stay on a flight worthy status. “We work non-stop from when we get here to the time we leave for the day; it is pretty fast paced, but it makes your day go by faster,” said Richard Klitz, from Fort Lewis, Wash., a UAV maintainer with 2nd Bn., 1st Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 2nd Inf. Div. For all the work involved in keeping the aircraft going, reaching 20,000 hours is a milestone the maintenance technicians pride themselves on, said Klitz. The operators and maintainers sustain their After completing a post-flight inspection of a Ensuring the Shadow UAV is ready for the next Shadow UAV, Spc. Richard Klitz, from Fort Lewis, tempo, knowing the importance of the UAVs to the flight, Spc. Ben Hughes from Fort Drum, N.Y., and Wash. and a UAV maintainer with 2nd Battalion, ground commanders, even though they rarely see a Shadow maintainer assigned to 2nd Brigade 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Bde. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division puts the nose cover back or hear about the end result. 10th Mountain Division, refills the aircraft’s oil onto the aircraft March 7. “The guys here, they don’t get to see a lot of reservoir March 7. PAGE 20 Devils MARCH 29, 2010 Company B ‘Maddogs’ maintenance company; Department of the Army award semifinalist sible for field maintenance, both in- Story by Chief Warrant Officer 3 ternal and external for the 307th BSB, Jason Kovatchitch including recovery operations, sched- 1st AAB, 82 Abn. Div., USD-C uled services and unscheduled repairs for more than approximately 10,000 AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – An pieces of equipment. advise and assist maintenance compa- The operations Co. B worked on ny that deployed to Iraq was selected consisted of automotive, electronic, Jan. 25 as a semifinalist to represent communication, armament, allied the Department of the Army in an an- trades and ground support equipment nual military maintenance competi- belonging to six battalions. tion. During its current deployment, the The Company B “Maddogs” of Maddogs have provided maintenance 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st support to 1-82 AAB and other Army, Advise and Assist Bde., 82nd Air- Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force borne Division, will compete against units throughout Anbar province. U.S. Army courtesy photo three other units across the Army for In addition to its conventional Spc. Ryan Decker, a radio and communications security repairer with Company B, the coveted 2009 Army Award for mission, the company has conducted 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Divi- sion, conducts repairs on communications and electronic equipment at Al Asad Air- Maintenance Excellence. countless partnership operations with base, Iraq, Sept. 20, 2009. Decker is a native of Newmarket, N.H. The “Maddogs” will compete in Iraqi Army units in the province. the Small Category for maintenance If selected by the DA, the “Mad- Inspectors will interview thecom- dures. shops with fewer than 100 personnel. dogs” will represent the Army’s best pany’s command team and section If they win, the “Maddogs” will Also selected as a finalist was Co. G, against those from the other services leaders to develop a better idea of how compete for the Phoenix Award, a also from 307th BSB. in the 2010 Secretary of Defense the “Maddogs” conduct maintenance trophy recognizing small unit main- The leaders of 307th BSB nomi- Maintenance Awards competition. operations in a deployed environment tenance excellence throughout the en- nated the “Maddogs” in November Being selected as a semifinalist is while still being capable of executing tire military. 2009 for their efforts in supporting the first phase of the selection process. so many IA partnership training op- The Phoenix Award will be pre- the maintenance requirements of 1-82 Phase two includes an on-site inspec- erations. sented to the winner of the competi- AAB in garrison as well as during tion of all the company maintenance They will also observe the me- tion during the 2010 DoD Mainte- their deployment in support of Opera- operations. This inspection is sched- chanics performing maintenance, and nance Symposium and Exhibition in tion Iraqi Freedom 2009-10. uled to take place in early April at the confirm that the “Maddogs” follow Tampa, Fla., which takes place Nov. In 2009, the company was respon- company motorpool located in Iraq. proper safety and technical proce- 15-18. U.S. military convoy escorts install off-road lights the military in Iraq and Afghanistan Story by 1st Lt. Kristen Nadeau however they could. 1st AAB, 82nd Abn. Div., USD-C The magazine solicits donations and with the proceeds, buys and ships AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – vehicle equipment to deployed Army U.S. paratroopers here recently in- and Marine Corps units. One of their stalled newly-donated off-road lights most popular donations has been the on their convoy escort vehicles. off-road lights because of the nature of Paratroopers from Company A, the battlefield and the high quality of 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st the lights. Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Air- Because U.S. convoys must share borne Division, installed the lights, the road with Iraqis, the platoon often donated by Off-Road Adventures conducts the majority of its missions Magazine, on 15 of their Mine Resis- during late night hours when there is tant Ambush Protected vehicles. less traffic. Mechanics from a sister company However, traveling at night also helped to install the lights on mine reduces visibility, making insurgents roller-equipped MRAPs and convoy and improvised explosive devices commander vehicles. Co. A received more difficult to spot. Additionally, 60 of the new lights through a spon- there is a greater likelihood a vehicle sored program called Operation Light could drift off course, run into an ob- U.S. Army courtesy photo Sabre. A Soldier with 307th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, struction, or fail to notice other vehi- Operation Light Sabre began when 82nd Airborne Division, installs off-road lights at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, donated cles. by Off-Road Adventures Magazine. The magazine donates the lights through a the staff at Off-Road Adventures program called Operation Light Sabre, which collects donations and ships ve- The off-road lights are a welcome Magazine decided they would help hicle accessories to U.S. Army and Marine units. addition to Soldier’s missions. MARCH 29, 2010 devils PAGE 21 Anbar security chief: March 4 voting a sucess

Story & photo by Sgt. Michael MacLeod 1st AAB, 82nd Abn. Div., USD-C

CAMP MEJID, Iraq – Not a drop of blood was spilled in Anbar province during the special elections March 4, said the head of Iraqi Security Forces in An- bar at a security conference the following day. Staff Lt. Gen. Abd Al-Aziz Muhammad Jasim Ahmad Al-Mufriji, commanding general of Anbar Operations Command, told over a half-dozen Anbar mayors, Iraqi Police chiefs, Iraqi Army brigade com- manders and U.S. forces commanders that safe poll- ing centers were the results of months of planning, preparation and teamwork by ISF, along with com- munity involvement. “We seized three car bombs in Anbar province yesterday; our anti-explosive department was able to defuse a big truck laden with 11,000 pounds of ex- plosives that was targeting the Jazeera Bridge,” said Aziz. “In the same day, our forces defused three [im- provised explosive devices] in different areas of the province,” he added. “We are so pleased, because the day of the special voting went well, without any at- Col. Mark Stammer, commander of 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, talks to members tacks.” of Anbar province’s Iraqi Security Forces community March 5 at Camp Mejid. Stammer expressed how proud Nationwide, security for the special elections was he is to be a part of the team that kept violence away from the polls the day prior during the special elections held for security force members and others who would not be able to vote in the national elections March 7. conducted jointly between IA and IP. Their coop- eration with local communities was responsible for than terrorists,” he said. material, labor and engineering to beef up defenses the lack of violence in Anbar, said Aziz, noting that To ensure the inclusion of all of Anbar’s citizens, around some polling centers. the days of criminal and insurgent activity being ob- Aziz also mentioned that vehicles were provided to “We are left in need of nothing because of all the served but unreported by citizenry are largely over. those who live far from the election centers, and fe- support from [U.S. forces],” said Aziz. The March 4 special elections were reserved pri- male inspectors were available to search female elec- Col. Mark Stammer, commander of U.S. ground marily for ISF prior to Sunday’s national parliamen- tors before they enter election centers. maneuver element in Anbar, 1st Advise and Assist tary elections. Aziz reported that support from U.S. forces was Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, said, “We’re very In a further nod to the public’s role in its own se- excellent. proud to be associated with such great partners in the curity, Aziz said, “The Iraqi Security Forces will act Iraqi law prohibited U.S. forces from being within 7th and 1st IA Divisions. Their diligence and deter- firmly against inaccurate information and propagan- 200 feet of any polling site on election days. Howev- mination is the reason why this electoral process is as da while holding liars accountable. Liars are worse er, prior to the elections, U.S. forces have contributed successful as it is today.” PAGE 22 women’s history month MARCH 29, 2010 USD-C honors women in military history for 1st Armd. Div., organized the Story by Sgt. Teri Hansen event. 366th MPAD, USD-C In honor of this year’s theme for Women’s History Month, BAGHDAD – “American wom- “Writing women back into histo- en have stood resolute in the face ry,” they will highlight the many of adversity and overcome obsta- contributions of women through- cles to realize their full measure out history who have served in of success,” said President Barack the military, according to Baker. Obama March 2 during his presi- The event began with a his- dential proclamation on Women’s torical walk-through of women History Month. “Women’s His- throughout history conducted by tory Month is an opportunity for Maj. Paul Davis, officer in charge us to recognize the contributions of the Logistics Civilian Aug- women have made to our nation mentation Program for 1st Armd. and to honor those who blazed Div. The presentation featured trails for women’s empowerment the roles of women in the military and equality.” or supporting the military as far The 1st Armored Division back as 1775 when the Army was Gen. Ann Dunwoody, commanding general of Army Materiel Command and Equal Opportunity office spon- formed. the first female to earn four stars in the U.S. military, is greeted upon arriv- sored a Women’s History Month Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeanne ing at the 1st Armored Division Chapel to attend the U.S. Division – Center observance at the 1st Armd. Div. Pace, personnel executive offi- Women’s History Month observance March 20. Chapel March 20. Maj. Sabrina cer for U.S. Forces – Iraq, spoke created May 14, 1942, as an aux- a Women’s History Month plaque Baker, the equal opportunity and at the event. She served in the iliary unit that allowed women as a token of the division’s appre- sexual assault program manager Women’s Army Corps. WAC was to serve for the first time in the ciation for speaking at the event. U.S. Army in positions other than Maj. Gen. Terry Wolff, com- nursing. manding general for 1st Armd. Pace graduated as an honor grad- Div., and commander of U.S. uate from WAC Basic Training at Division-Center, briefly spoke at Fort McClellan, Ala., in 1972. Af- the event, thanking distinguished ter graduation, she was assigned guest Gen. Ann Dunwoody for to the 14th Army WAC Band, her attendance, and all women for the only their ser- Army band “While Chief Pace and myself vice. at that time are seen as the trailblazers of D u n - a l l o w i n g woody is women in our time, the men and women the com- and also the in the military today will be m a n d i n g only band remembered in the same way.” general of to be made Army Ma- up entirely – Gen. Ann Dunwoody teriel Com- of women. mand and Pace served with the 14th until is the first female four-star grade 1977, one year before the WAC officer in the U.S. military. She was disbanded. presented Pace with her coin and Pace spoke on her career in the thanked Pace for her service and Army, emphasizing the differ- for sharing her experience. ences between today’s Army and Both women were then sur- the Army in 1972. Women were rounded by attendees wanting to issued purses to be worn on the thank them both for being role forearm or carried by hand. It models to women in the military. was never to be adjusted or worn Dunwoody and Pace hugged, on the shoulder because that was laughed and took pictures with considered too formal, she ex- the audience, expressing appre- plained. ciation for their service as well. “We actually had makeup “It is an honor to serve with classes in basic training. We were the women and men who are here taught the appropriate way to ap- in Iraq today,” said Dunwoody. ply makeup,” she said. “While Chief Pace and myself After her speech, Lt. Col. Lane are seen as the trailblazers of our Turner, commander of Division time, the men and women in the Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Mellinger, the command sergeant major of Army Special Troops Battalion, 1st military today will be remem- Materiel Command, thanks Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeanne Pace, personnel executive officer for U.S. Forces – Iraq for sharing her story during the U.S. Armd. Div., presented Pace with bered in the same way.” Division–Center Women’s History Month. MARCH 29, 2010 on the homefront PAGE 23 Senior military leaders of Hungary, Westcott Hills housing opens at Serbia meet with Ohio NG leaders JBLM McChord Field Story by Dr. Mark Wayda Story by Staff Ohio National Guard Vice Chief of Staff Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Public Affairs Office DUBLIN, Ohio – Since the early 1990s state National Guards have been JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Army and Air Force responding to an evolving international affairs mission. The State Partnership Leaders at Joint Base Lewis-McChord celebrated the beginning of priva- Program, matching state National Guards with the militaries of countries around tized housing on JBLM McChord Field during a ribbon cutting ceremony the world, now consists of 62 partnerships. The Ohio National Guard has been held at Westcott Hills housing area March 9. partnered with Hungary since 1993 and Serbia since 2006. The ribbon cutting ceremony showcased the completion of the first eight February 26, Hungarian Chief of Defense Gen. László Tömböl and Serbian homes of the 32-unit Westcott Hills housing area; the remaining three and Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff Lt. Gen. Miloje Miletić arrived in Ohio four bedroom field grade officer homes will be completed by June 2010. for trilateral discussions with their partner, Maj. Gen. Gregory Wayt, Ohio adju- Ground has already been broken at JBLM McChord Field for the 62- tant general for the Ohio National Guard. unit Cascade Village housing area, along with the renovation of 268 exist- Both men addressed several hundred of Ohio National Guard senior officers ing homes in the Carter Lake housing area. Plans call for an additional 250 and noncommissioned officers at the annual Joint Commanders’ Call. The call new homes to be constructed on JBLM McChord Field. is an opportunity for the senior leadership of Ohio’s Army and Air National Privatized housing on JBLM McChord Field is being built and man- Guards to come together to achieve a common understanding of many impor- aged by Equity Residential/Lewis-McChord Communities, LLC, the tant issues, Wayt said. same company responsible for building and renovating housing on JBLM “I cannot thank enough Gen. Tömböl and Lt. Gen. Miletić for being here to Lewis Main and Lewis North for more than seven years. There have been share their perspectives on our partnerships with Ohio’s most senior leaders,” 729 new homes built and 2,478 homes renovated on JBLM Lewis Main said Wayt. and Lewis North under the Residential Communities Initiative to date.

Apache unit arrives at Fort Drum Robotics team ready for competition Story by Staff Story by Karl Weisel Fort Drum, Public Affairs Office U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Public Affairs Office FORT DRUM, N.Y. – A ceremony to welcome the 1st Attack Recon- WIESBADEN, Germany – Future engineers were hard at it Feb. 19 naissance Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment to Fort Drum was held Feb. making last minute adjustments before crating and shipping this year’s entry 5, at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. in the 2010 First Robotics Competition. The “Tigershark” battalion, consisting of AH-64D Apache helicop- Members of RoboWarriors team at Wiesbaden High School have been ters, uncased their unit colors signifying their relocation from Hunter working on Frau POW! V2, the second generation robot’s name is a tribute Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga. to Fort Drum. This is the first Apache to one of the school’s teachers. unit ever to be stationed at Fort Drum. This year’s challenge required students to build a robot capable of com- The battalion is commanded by Lt. Col. Michael Slocum. Command peting in a contest known as Breakaway, navigating through a tunnel, over Sgt. Maj. Rigoberto Hernandez is the battalion’s command sergeant ma- an obstacle course, hanging from a platform, all while attempting to score jor. soccer goals. Students have been diligently working to ready the robot for The Tigersharks were previously designated as 3rd Bn., 3rd Aviation the competition. Teams were given six weeks from January to plan and build Regt. assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division. The unit reflagged to be- the robot. come 1-10 ATK in August 2008 and assigned to the 10th Combat Avn. Aiming to put their own personal stamp on a team coming from Germany Brigade, 10th Mountain Div. The battalion recently deployed with the for the stateside event, the instructor added that students will be wearing their 10th CAB in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Northern Iraq. own team colors, lederhosen T-shirts and German “dirndl” dresses.

Fort Stewart kicks off AER campaign Soldier’s quick thinking saves life Story by Staff Story by Reginald Rogers Fort Stewart, Public Affairs Office Fort Bragg Public Affairs Office FORT STEWART, Ga. – The Army Emergency Relief announced the FORT BRAGG, N.C. – When Spc. Daniel Conrad saw Sgt. William kickoff of the 68th annual AER Campaign, March 1. The campaign, which runs Mortenson struggling on a treadmill at the Iron Mike Physical Fitness Cen- from March 1 through May 15, began at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield with ter, he knew something was wrong. a small, early morning ceremony at the Fort Stewart Army Community Service Conrad, a trained combat lifesaver, assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Air building. Defense Artillery Battalion’s Rear Detachment, was on assignment to the Opening remarks were given by Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison facility as a temporary gym assistant. Commander Col. Kevin Milton, followed by his signing of a DA Form 4908 to Conrad said that in between fainting spells, Mortenson, assigned to the officially begin the 2010 AER Campaign. Warrior Transition Battalion, managed to tell him that he had a prior neck AER is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1942 that is dedicated sole- injury and that his neck and back were hurting. At that time Conrad said he ly to “Helping the Army Take Care of its Own” by providing financial assistance noticed Mortenson’s body temperature was hot, but he was not sweating. to Soldiers and their families in time of emergency financial need. The program “After we stabilized him and I held his neck to make sure he didn’t move offers grants and interest free-loans to active duty and retired Soldiers, activated around too much ... I had someone go get a medic and he came and some- Reservist and their eligible family members. AER also offers scholarships for chil- one called 9-1-1 and we kept him stable until they arrived,” said Conrad. dren and spouses of Soldiers on federal active duty, retirees, or deceased active or Conrad attributes the quick response of the post’s first responders and retired Soldiers. his combat lifesaver’s training to Mortenson’s well being. He said the “This program is vital to the success and livelihood of Soldiers and Families,” emergency medical technicians arrived within five minutes of the call for Milton said. “This is about Soldiers helping Soldiers.” help being placed. PAGE 24 the lighter side MARCH 29, 2010 Drawdown continues as Colorado guard leaves Ramadi missions, 2,000 base patrols, oper- Story & photos by Sgt. Michael MacLeod ated Camp Ramadi’s gates and hous- 1st AAB, 82nd Abn. Div., USD-C ing and oversaw its defense. Soldiers drove more than 41,000 miles on CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – A Col- missions. orado National Guard battalion cased Morris said he appreciated 1/82 its colors March 19, the latest unit to AAB commander Col. Mark Stam- end its mission in the once-restive mer’s hands-off approach that gave Anbar province, as U.S. forces con- the battalion great freedom to ac- tinue their responsible drawdown in complish their mission, and for the Iraq. outpouring of support when the bat- Lt. Col. Al Morris, commander of talion’s only casualty was wounded 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery, by sniper fire during fall 2009. addressed soldiers of 1st Advise and “The outpouring of support from Assist Brigade, 82nd Airborne Divi- you and the 82nd Association back in sion, under whom his unit fell, the the States for Sgt. [Martin] May and Al Anbar Provincial Reconstruction his family as he recovered at Brooke Team, the commander of 1st Iraqi Army Medical Center was just out- Quick Response Force Bde., and the The 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery, from the Colorado National Guard, standing,” said Morris. stands in formation at a color-casing ceremony marking the end of their de- soldiers of his battalion, who were ployment to Ramadi, Iraq, March 19. The primary role of the battalion during May was shot below his right eye packed and ready to leave by heli- its deployment to Iraq’s Anbar province was to provide security for a number while providing security for a provin- of groups traveling in and around Ramadi. copter once the ceremony concluded. cial reconstruction team in Ramadi. “Like many others during this time “While we didn’t trade in our women home as we leave knowing The Colorado guard unit traces of transition, we performed a differ- swords for ploughshares, it allowed we have done our part during the War its lineage back to the Civil War and ent mission than artillery for which our efforts to be directed toward the on Terror,” said Morris. was part of the division that saw the many of us have spent our careers reconstruction of this great nation During their deployment, 3-157th most days of combat of any division training,” said Morris, in a speech. and sending our countrymen and FA conducted more than 400 escort in World War II. Troops prepare for responsible drawdown, closure team assists “We can’t just give the prop- 10th Mountain Div. items in the USD-C area. Story by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh erty to them,” said Dang. It was helpful for them to get a If no USD-C shortages are doc- 366th MPAD, USD-C Property can be either real or better understanding of real prop- umented, Dang will recommend personal. Real property is consid- erty versus personal property as the items remain on the Iraqi BAGHDAD – A group of Sol- ered a fixed structure, or real es- well as taking a streamline ap- compound. The items in question diers from the 1st Armored Di- tate; while personal property in- proach to enable the actual trans- will then be offered on a broader vision Site Closure Assistance cludes things like air conditioner fer to run smoothly for their Iraqi scope to any U.S. military and Team, U.S. Division – Center, units, furniture, and Morale, Wel- counterparts, said Schulman. government operation. The entire provided technical aid to offi- fare and Recreation equipment. Any unresolved issues could process takes about 60 days. cers at Joint Security Stations Once the existing real and per- actually delay Soldiers’ rede- “We have to make sure that Four Corners and Salie March 9 sonal property is visually verified ployments, keeping them from [the Soldiers] are taken care of in preparation for their handing and amounts are annotated, the their family members longer, said first,” said Dang. everything over to the Iraqi Secu- team uses a process called For- Dang. After it’s determined that no rity Forces. eign Excess “ A n y - other unit in theater is in need of Since 1st Armd. Div. arrived in of Personal thing that the items, they are then turned Iraq late December 2009, five lo- Property to “We have to make sure that the govern- over to the Iraqis, said Dang. cations have been turned over so d e t e r m i n e [the Soldiers] are taken care of ment deems If the unit is having transpor- far, with more to follow. the actu- first.” excess is tation problems, Dang said his “Bases are closing all over al excess. pretty much crew will get assets to assist them USD-C’s footprint,” said Maj. They visit – Maj. John Dang going to be in relocating equipment in order John Dang, a Houston native each site at the things to prevent any delays. And when and the 1st Armd. Div. officer in least two to three times, usually that will help the Iraqi people sur- it comes time for the base clo- charge of supply services. at the beginning, middle and end vive,” said Dang. “It’s not Army sure ceremony, Iraq’s Receiver- Known as SCAT, the group is of the process to ensure no issues equipment, radios, computers or ship Secretariat officially signs comprised of engineer and logis- are left unresolved. military vehicles.” all real and personal property that tic specialists who assist in the “It was beneficial to have [the Once personal property is iden- has been approved over to Iraq. closure or return of U.S.-con- SCAT] walk us through [the pro- tified as excess by the unit, the Though the process can be trolled sites back to the Iraqis, cess] to clarify some gray areas,” unit submits a request for it to be long and tedious, said Schulman, said Dang. said 1st Lt. Mike Schulman, the transferred to the Iraqis through the end result is well worth the A major step in turning land fire support officer with Head- the FEPP process, Dang said. effort. “Guys like the SCAT can and property over to the Iraqis is quarters and Headquarters Troop, The requested excess list is help us meet requirements to en- determining whether the property 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regi- scrubbed to ensure no other com- sure that in the end, we get out of is excess. ment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, pany or U.S. operation needs the here on time.” MARCH 29, 2010 the lighter side PAGE 25 U.S. service members pursue education in Iraq ily to get a college degree.” Story & photo by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh School doesn’t always excite her, but she said the 366th MPAD, USD-C outcome after completing a class is very rewarding. She hopes to tackle nine credit hours per semester, BAGHDAD – “If I can make time then anyone which would allow her to accomplish 36 hours by the can make time.” end of her deployment. Staff Sgt. Keyona Davis chuckled at what she had “For me, the face-to-face classes are better than just said. Here she sat, in a hostile zone, not a lot of online classes,” Davis said. free time, reflecting on how people think it’s essential She likes interacting on a personal level with the to make time for things that will improve morale and instructor. And being around other motivated people occupy the mind. motivates her, she said. The classes are also usually “MWR functions are great, but if you can invest in the evening, which is very accommodating for her. your time in something that’s going to pay off later, However, what might work for some, might not then why not?” said Davis. work for others. Her investment is in education, something that Air Force Tech. Sgt. Willmont Griffin achieved also keeps people out of mischief, said Davis, a two degrees online, he said, because fitting class at- Washington native and platoon sergeant with Head- tendance into his schedule was a bit of an obstacle. quarters and Headquarters Company, Division Spe- The Jersey City, N.J., native and liquid fuel sys- cial Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Div. tems maintenance technician assigned to 447th Ex- As a platoon sergeant, Davis is tasked with nu- peditionary Civil Engineers Squadron didn’t start merous duties, but she also maintains physical fitness college until his 50s. standards, sings in the choir and studies for classes. Griffin has progressed by completing both an as- Staff Sgt. Keyona Davis, a Washington native, studies “I’m a candidate for pretty much any job that sociate’s and a bachelor’s degree, and he is currently in her office after duty hours. At the end of Davis’ busy days as platoon sergeant for Headquarters and Head- comes out,” said Davis. seeking another degree that he expects to complete quarters Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, Davis is currently on her third deployment in only in May. His current classes are face-to-face because 1st Armored Division, she packs what little bit of free time she has with schoolwork. six years of active duty. they seem to work best with his deployment sched- One of her previous deployments required her ule, he said. could get an education and maintain a career. Griffin to work 18-hour shifts every day for six months, so Griffin could be considered proof that age is no said online courses are difficult, but he finds the ben- school wasn’t an option. barrier to seeking an education. Still, he admits to efits of getting an education worth it. “Now, I’m only pulling a 12-hour shift, so that’s harboring a few regrets about waiting so long to pur- He’s currently enrolled in face-to-face courses, six extra hours I have to myself,” said Davis. sue college. But the regrets don’t stay long: “The im- and like Davis, has found the one on one interaction Although time-management can be a challenge, portant thing is that I’m doing it now.” beneficial. an education is something Davis feels she needs. He is a busy construction inspector in Manhattan, Davis and Griffin admittedly don’t have much lei- Davis is one of 16 grandchildren in her family to and Griffin said his reason for going back to school sure time because of their busy work schedules, but achieve a high school diploma. is a matter of personal pride. “I just wanted to see if they say pursuing an education worth the sacrifice. “I’m one out of four who graduated high school,” I could do it.” “You can always make time for something that said Davis, “and I want to be the first one in my fam- The online environment was the only way that he matters,” Davis said, “and education matters!”

Marriage Enrichment Study OPSEC Poster competition Tuesdays 1900-2000 Spiritual Fitness Center (Bldg 1822) Tired of all those old OPSEC posters? April - Financial Peace University Try making your own Upcoming studies May - Laugh Your Way to Better Marriage Design your own OPSEC poster and win prizes. Prizes will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place June - Love and Respect winners. Entries must be submitted by April 29. July - LINKS Winners will be announce May 15. Entries can be August - Financial Peace University submitted via e-mail to: September - Baby Makes Three October - Five Power Tools for Marriage Maj. Brian Adamson November - Grab Bag [email protected] or For more information please contact the 1st Armored Staff Sgt. Christopher Perry Division Chaplain’s Office at DSN 847-2738. [email protected] PAGE 26 the lighter side MARCH 29, 2010 Soldiers, teachers give school supplies to local children site and said he saw smiles on both Story & photos by Pfc. Kimberly Hackbarth students’ and teachers’ faces. 4th SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., PAO, USD-C “[The children] probably don’t have supplies,” said the Louisville, CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Ohio native. “Now teachers won’t ING LOCATION NASIR WA have to worry about what [their stu- SALAM, Iraq – Their backpacks dents] are going to write on or write were torn and frayed, the flaps hang- with.” ing open with books peeking out Bower and several other 4th Bn., from broken zippers; they were the Soldiers regularly provide security lucky ones. and assist through humanitarian aid The rest of the children clumsily drops with 422nd. carried everything in their arms and Hester praised the Manchus for against their chests as they ran inside their support of 422nd in being able the gates of the small school in Khan- to continue providing Iraqis what dari, a rural area northwest of Bagh- they need and said he believes they dad. are leaving a lasting impression on With a delivery of new backpacks the local people. to hand out, Soldiers from 422nd Civ- “It’s a long lasting reminder of il Affairs Battalion and the 4th Bn., the Manchu Battalion and the things 9th Infantry Regiment “Manchus,” First Lt. James Hester (center), a civil affairs team leader with Company B, 422nd they’ve done in the area to try to pro- followed closely behind the children Civil Affairs Battalion, and workers at a primary school in Khandari, northwest of mote a better sense of government,” Baghdad, hand out new backpacks containing school supplies for children March 17. as they filed into their school March said Hester. 17. After seeing that the uniformed “We donate school equipment Hester explained that when the Children packed together in line, visitors were there to help, the chil- to students so they can function at a Government of Iraq and U.S. forces eagerly waiting as the local contrac- dren smiled and gladly accepted higher level (in) school,” said Hester. do projects that improve civil capac- tors heaved large bags stuffed with the gifts without any concern about Even though the school year was ity, such as opening a water treatment backpacks through the gate. whether they were from Americans ending soon for the students, the facility, it might not always be noticed The first group of schoolchildren or Iraqis. backpack and school supply donation by the children. Whereas humanitar- was wary upon first seeing the Amer- A Nahia council member, along- helps set them up for their futures and ian aid for children helps show them ican Soldiers led by 1st Lt. James side school workers and Hester, to encourage them to continue learn- their government cares even for them. Hester, a civil affairs team leader with pitched in to distribute 600 backpacks ing, he explained. “Today, they saw someone doing Company B, 422nd CA Bn. to the children. Watching from behind a gate at something good for them specifical- “The headmaster brought (the The backpacks, purchased with the entrance of the school, Spc. Jared ly,” said Hester. children) out and said, ‘We’re going Commanders Emergency Relief Pro- Bower, a 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Regt., team With their new backpacks hanging to bring the first graders out because gram funds, contained notebooks, leader escorting the civil affairs Sol- from their backs, apprehension gone, they’re scared of Americans,’” said pens, pencils, rulers, crayons and diers was among the few Soldiers on the school children smiled as they Hester, a Tybee Island, Ga. native. markers. the ground at the backpack donation headed back to class. Requisitions shop provides support to 1AD, DSTB noncommissioned officer in charge priority to get them back in service. of Houston. “It was a big task which Story by Spc. Daniel Schneider assigned to Company B, DSTB and Apart from their regular day-to- took a long time to handle,” he said. 366th MPAD, USD-C a native of El Paso, Texas. day duties, the office also helps out “During the first month of our This group of individuals pro- Soldiers in other ways. deployment, we were each doing BAGHDAD – In the Division vides status updates and reports, The shop has put up pull-up bars 20 licenses a day,” said Spc. Jason Special Troops Battalion, 1st Ar- which empowers division leader- in the Iron Gym during their down- Curry, another automated logistical mored Division motorpool, there ship with the knowledge necessary time to give Soldiers more options specialist assigned to Co. B. are many parts that work together to to gauge mission capability. during their physical training re- The members of the requisition keep a mission running smoothly. “It’s all about readiness,” said gime, said Sgt. Ja’Corey Isom, also team had to lead individuals in the The requisitions shop at the Sgt. Matthew Berg, an automated an automated logistical specialist process needed to obtain their li- DSTB motorpool serves an impor- logistical specialist with Co. B. “We assigned to Co. B. censes, including taking an Acci- tant behind-the-scenes role, pro- provide parts and reports on readi- Their newest accomplishment dent Avoidance Course, filling out viding the necessary materials and ness for communication devices, has been tracking and ordering 400 forms, and having an active civilian dispatches that allow Soldiers to vehicles, small arms, and radar to of the upgraded M-16 magazines, driver’s license, said Curry. After all continue ground missions without division and also to the Department which prevent jamming, for each of of these tasks are complete, each li- delay. of the Army.” the six companies they support di- cense takes about 10 minutes to pro- “We make sure vehicles are mis- They track status reports of the rectly, said Berg. cess. sion-capable, ordering and provid- different mechanics within the mo- Another extra job this office has Where mechanics are the muscle ing the parts mechanics need to keep torpool, and the status and priori- performed for the 1st Armd. Div. of maintenance, the requisitions of- vehicles capable of dispatching,” ties of maintenance projects, said this tour was being in charge of is- fice serves as the nerve center allow- said Sgt. Maurice Atwood, the Army Berg, a native of Mobile, Ala. This suing driving permits for the entire ing mechanics to perform their job Maintenance Management Systems ensures deadlined vehicles receive division, said Isom, who is a native efficiently, said Isom. MARCH 29, 2010 crossword PAGE 27

Down 29. Oaf 1. Part of a clock 31. Regular hexahedron CROSSWORD 2. Succulent, ___ vera 32. Wear away 3. Hobble 33. Undertone 4. Gain knowledge 34. Alpine call 5. Make attractive or 36. Transported lovable 38. Desperate 6. Chinese god 42. Impenetrable 7. Wonder 45. Mock 8. Incrimination 49. First name of actress in 74 across 9. Magician’s baton 51. Compilation 10. One time only 54. Effrontery 11. Stare at 56. Large marine food 12. Action 57. Manufactured 15. Pastoral 58. Affirm 20. Tumble 59. Soft drink 22. First name of actor who played 60. Part of the zodiac Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings 61. Ray 24. Notice 62. Object of worship 25. Fragrant plant 63. Traditional knowledge 26. Perfume 64. Pitcher 27. Buffet car 67. Fuel Mar. 15 solution

Across 41. Coherent 1. Actress, ___ Berry 43. Secret agent, James 6. Prod 44. Remedy 9. Golf club 46. Used to calculate net weight 13. Movie starring Sigourney 47. Rim Weaver 48. Consortium 14. Nocturnal creature 50. Rip 15. Ambit 52. Long fish 16. Wanderer 53. Peel 17. Body of water 55. Be seated 18. Relative 57. Monolithic 19. Push down 61. Enchant 21. Wrongdoing 65. Obviate 23. Forty winks 66. Fish eggs 24. Used as fuel 68. Empower 25. Man or boy 69. Circumvent 28. Small stream 70. By way of 30. Nuance 71. Rhonchus 35. Part of the eye 72. Actor, ___ McGregor 37. Burden 73. Tree 39. Oddity 74. Surname of actress who played 40. Solitary Arwen in The Lord of the Rings

www.militaryonesource.com 1-800-342-9647 PAGE 28 military history MARCH 29, 2010 MAR 30 Vietnam On this date in American military history Battle of Khe Sanh

n March 30, 1968 the operational environment of Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, was handed over to the 1st Cavalry O Division (Airmobile). This hand-off initiated what became know as Operation Pegasus. Operation Pegasus was an overland relief expidition launched by Marines, U.S. Army and elements of the South Vietnamese army. The objective was to relieve the siege of Khe Sanh. 1st Cav. Div. attacked with a combination of air and ground as- saults along Highway 9 leading into Khe Sanh. The air assault leap frogged within five miles of Khe Sanh. During this time their Ma- rine counterparts moved along the road, clearing it of any additional enemy troops. At the same time engineer companies were repairing the road. The operation continued in this fashion for seven days. On the eighth day the relief of Khe Sanh Combat Base was accomplished. The 1st Cav. Div.’s 3rd Brigade airlifted its command post into the base and assumed the mission of securing the position. By this time it was apparent that the enemy had chosen to flee rather than face a high-mobility force. Vast amounts of new equipment was aban- doned by the North Vietnamese as they retreated. Operation Pegasus officially ended April 15, 1968. The Khe Sanh Combat Base continued to be occupied by U.S. forces until June 16, 1968 when Operation Charlie commenced, which was the evacua- tion and destruction of the base. The explanation for the operation was that the enemy had changed their tactics and reduced its forces to a point that Khe Sanh was no longer a tactical advantage.

Poster by Sgt. Teri Hansen, 366th MPAD