Volume 1, Issue 38 January 29, 2010 54 Soldiers ‘Stay Army Strong’ By Spc. Cassandra Monroe “You all represent a commitment of 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. more than 290 years to the Army.” Fifty-four Marne Soldiers recommitted themselves to -Major General Tony Cucolo, TF Marne commander serving in the Army during a mass re- mixed representation of Soldiers quitting, never accepting defeat and enlistment ceremony on Contingency throughout the task force. never leaving a fallen comrade. The Operating Base Speicher, Jan. 27. “You all represent a commitment fact that you are re-enlisting in this Those who re-enlisted were hon- of more than 290 years to the United difficult, complex and dangerous envi- ored by TF Marne’s commanding States Army,” said Maj. Gen. Cucolo. ronment just gives me and command general, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, who “All of you are fighting the good fight sergeant major even greater pride.” administered the Oath of Re-enlist- with us here at Task Force Marne. We The ceremony was brief, but the ment, along with TF Marne’s senior all come from 14 different major Army commander made poignant comments enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. units, 14 different patches, 14 differ- that resonated with his audience. Staff Jesse Andrews. ent unit mottos, an we’re all pulling Sergeant Richard Jadick said that he’s “This is the first re-enlistment of together as one. hoping to make a statement by re- this size for Task Force Marne,” said “We’re in this one together, no mat- enlisting for indefinite service while at Sgt. Maj. Luis Rivera, the Task Force ter what unit patch or motto we have. combat. Marne command career counselor, 3rd We’re in a combat zone, and that’s “When it came to my 14th year . when the Warrior Ethos comes into mark, I wanted to go indefinite and The group of 54 Soldiers were a override, placing missions first, never continue my service to my country and complete my 20 years,” said Staff Sgt. Jadick, a military policeman, who has deployed five times, and is a squad leader with Headquarters and Head- quarters , 2-3 Troops , 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Jadick, who is stationed at Forward Operating Base Marez, re-enlisted for six more years. He said that his inspiration for re- enlisting came from the support of his wife. “My wife wanted me to do it when I left , and here, the op- portunity arose with Maj. Gen. Cucolo, Photo by Sgt Chad Nelson, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. and I thought, ‘let’s do it,’” said Staff (lower left corner) Major General Tony Cucolo, TF Marne commanding general, administers the Oath of Re-enlistment during a re-enlistment ceremony with Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, TF Marne command sergeant major, standing by his side, at COB Speicher, Jan. 27. See Re-up, Page 3 The North Star Page 2 • January 29, 2010

Photo by Spc. Cassandra Monroe, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Dyna Shirasaki, lead vocalist for the all-female AC/DC tribute band, Thund ‘Her’ Struck, sings into her microphone during a performance, Jan. 25. The band, who is on their U.S. Armed Services tour, dedicated the song “Girl’s Got Rhythm,” to the females in the crowd and asked for a few volunteers to come to the stage. Thund ‘Her’ Struck rocks COB Speicher By Spc. Cassandra Monroe commendation from Dianne Feinstien, ladies dedicated the song “Girl’s Got 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Senator of California. Rhythm,” to the females in the crowd While at COB Speicher, the band and asked for a few volunteers to come Thund ‘Her’ Struck, an all female first stopped by the Division Main to the stage, which was met with great AC/DC tribute band, performed for Headquarters, greeting Soldiers as response. servicemembers at the COB Speicher they enthusiastically approached the Female servicemembers ran up to gym, Jan. 25. The band, which is band for handshakes and photos in the the stage, not letting their chance to named after the AC/DC song “Thun- main foyer. show what they could do slip. derstruck,” performed a selection of The “Thund ‘Her’ Struck” female A female Marine imitated the gui- songs such as “Hells Bells” and “TNT,” band also signed band flyers for the tarist and garnered cheers from her as well as older AC/DC hits. Soldiers, cracked a few jokes with a peers. Thund ‘Her’ Struck is composed of few high spirited fans. “I had a blast,” said Army Sgt. five musically accomplished women One Soldier even printed a recently Patricia Leal, a vehicle mechanic with who spread their motto “Let There Be taken photo of himself and the band the 209th Aviation Support Battal- Rock.” They also have performed at and had them sign it, while another ion, who took photos with her digital numerous events and venues, have held up a home-made sign and pre- camera while on stage with the band been featured on many radio and sented it to the foyer full of apprecia- members. “It was really awesome to television programs and in many tive fans. see people break out of their shells and magazines. After a brief media conference, to let a little piece of them out,” said They have performed at many and a couple of guitar tune-ups, the Sgt. Leal. national and international festivals, women hit the stage with wide smiles The band members would agree that fundraisers, trade shows and corpo- on their faces and guitars strapped at being on stage brings out a different rate and military events. the ready. side of them. The band plays material from both The first guitar riffs broke the “I can go crazy, it’s like an alter AC/DC eras, and has been recognized silence and the crowd roared as the ego,” said Thund ‘Her’ Struck lead gui- as “Best Tribute Band” by All Access band played their first song. Magazine, and has received a letter of Halfway through the set, the See Concert, Page 3 The North Star Page 3 • January 29, 2010 Continued from Re-up, Page 1 Sgt. Jadick. ceremony to support 25 Soldiers from dictable the game might be. Today the Coincidently, Staff Sgt. Jimmy her unit. 3rd Infantry Division honors those key Punzo also wanted to make a point “It’s nice to see your Soldiers dedi- players -- those who chose to stay on with his re-enlistment. cating a few more years of their life to the team and go long”. “For me, it’s a way to show Soldiers serve their country,” that the Army has given me a lot, and said Master Sgt. it’s time to give my time back to the Windham. Army,” said Staff Sgt. Punzo, a brigade Prior to the cere- schools noncommissioned officer sta- mony the re-enlisting tioned at FOB Warrior with Headquar- Soldiers along with ters and Headquarters Company, 1st Maj. Gen. Cucolo and Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Command Sgt. Maj. Division, Fort Bliss, Texas. Andrews recorded “Because we’re actually here in a a retention com- line of combat, it means just a little bit mercial. The theme more. for the commercial We’re out here making a difference, was “Team”, and the and it makes this re-enlistment a little 60-second message more special also,” he added. was summed up with Career counselors, who escorted these words from the Soldiers from their brigade to the commanding gen- ceremony, were proud that they were eral, “Some folks go able to keep in quality Soldiers. Mas- long, and keep play- Photo by Sgt Chad Nelson, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. ter Sergeant Brenda Windham, the ing no matter how Major General Tony Cucolo, TF Marne commander and Com- mand Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, TF Marne command sergeant brigade career counselor with HHC, tough the opposing major, and re-enlistees record a “Stay Army Strong” commercial 2BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., attended the team is or how unpre- during a mass re-enlistment ceremony at COB Speicher, Jan. 27. Continued from Concert, Page 2 tarist, Tina Wood. “I can do goofy stuff some of their Led Zeppelin tunes. for the crowd and myself,” said 1st Lt. and everyone thinks it’s cool.” “I expected to have a good time Odom. The excited male servicemembers and rock out, which I did,” said Army “The countries that are in conflict in the crowd had their chance of fame 1st Lieutenant Jason Odom, a cav- are the most special to us, because too. alry officer with the 1st Battalion, that’s where we feel the entertainment During “Back in Black,” the service- 98th Cavalry Regiment, a Mississippi is most needed, “said Zermeno. members sang along with the band, National Guard unit. First Lieutenant The band concluded their evening rocking their heads, bodies and arms Odom and a group of male Soldiers with a meet and greet with those who back and forth. went on stage to rock out, and even attended the show, and signed posters, During the rest of the set, the crowd crowd surfed. posed for photos with servicemembers surpassed previous energy levels, “It’s a really good stress reliever and exchanged hugs and smiles. with fists and “rock on” “These tours are special hand symbols rocking back and unique and the recep- and forth in the air to the tion is like no other,” said rhythm. Zermeno. “People out here are a However, one thing is lot louder and the energy is for sure for servicemem- just amazing,” said An- bers here in : their drea Zermeno, the band’s autographed posters will bassist. “It’s a completely not last for a very long different thing. We get time, but their memories the warmest, enthusiastic of this night will last a response.” lifetime. As the band started Although these ser- to conclude their perfor- vicemembers are here mance, they came back in support of Operation onstage for an encore. Iraqi Freedom, they still Although the women are know how to have a good Photo by Spc. Cassandra Monroe, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. an AC/DC tribute band, they Servicemembers stationed at COB Speicher rock hard to Thund ‘Her’ time and let their wild gave the crowd a sample of Struck, the all-female AC/DC tribute band, Jan. 25, at the Main Gym. side come out. The North Star Page 4 • January 29, 2010

Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Specialist Mary Collins, of San Antonio, is with Support Medical Company, 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as a medic on the personal security detail. She supported more than 40 mounted patrols in direct support of her unit. She was awarded an Army Achievement Medal for her support in TF 296 - North’s medical civilian military operations. Specialist Collins participates in everyday section operations such as combat logistics patrols, running the Morale, Welfare and Recreation phone and Internet cafe, range support, 24 hour on-call evacuation teams and routinely assists with sick call in the medical clinic. Specialist Collins also earned the title of battalion’s Soldier of the month in December, 2009. She went on to place third in the battalion’s Soldier of the quarter board. Her determination to excel and her selfless-service make her a clear choice for today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North

Corporal Joel Sanchez, of Visalia, Calif., is with 2nd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. He serves as a non-rated crew member flight instructor. His proven ability to train new UH-60 crew chiefs and door gunners has directly impacted the overall success of his unit. His technical confidence, tactical experience and thorough instruction methods have led to the progression of five crew chiefs and door gunners to readiness level one, increasing the combat power for Task Force Marne. He also continues to train and assess crew chiefs to ensure combat readiness is maintained. Corporal Sanchez’s dedication and commitment to excellence sets him apart from his peers and makes him an obvious choice as today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

www.puzzlechoice.com Crossword Puzzle Across 7. Sticky candy Answers will be posted in Monday’s edition of the North Star 1. Fruit 9. Heated bread 3. Retail food 12. Edible tuber seller 14. Sweetner 6. Italian rice 16. Cooked meat 8. Consume or fish coated in 10. Type of lobster egg and bread- 11. Used to season crumbs and fried and preserve food 17. Thick soup 13. Sampled 18. Cook slowly in 15. Pestle and ___ liquid 20. Large 18. Aromatic edible ray leaves 21. Vegetable 19. Thick syrup 22. Cereal grass 23. Pear-shaped tropical fruit 24. Type of cake 25. Very thin pan- cake

Down 1. Downy fruit 2. Shaped and dried dough 3. Game bird 4. Kitchen appli- ance 5. Open pastry with fruit filling The North Star Page 5 • January 29, 2010

Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s ‘Pool shark’ celebrates 101st A real estate agent in Las Vegas Bigfoot believer recalls birthday in Texas during the roaring ‘70s, he achieved encounter Associated Press membership in the Million Dollar Club Thenewstribune.com LONGVIEW, Texas- “Fast Eddie” of agents who reached seven figures NISQUALLY, Wash.- One night slowed down just long enough, Jan. in sales back when $1 million was 54 years ago, Cliff Crook says, he 24, for friends to celebrate his 101st nothing to sneeze at. stared into the face of a Northwest birthday in his favorite hangout. Halliday has a son in boogeyman. He called it a “woods “Make a lot of good friends, that’s and a daughter in Canada, both in giant.” Today, it’s better known as what keeps you alive,” Edward their 80s. He moved to Longview in Bigfoot. Halliday said at his table in Page Pub the early ‘80s with his wife, Frances “I had a real terrifying encounter,” where a dozen or so people gathered to Merritt (Berry) Halliday, a Longview said Crook, now 69. “It’s not shower the New York state native and native and aunt of Kathy Crane, Steve something that goes away.” one-time Las Vegas pool shark with Crane’s wife. He remembers the towering size, hugs and cake. Kathy Crane is Halliday’s closest the ape-like face, the gurgling sound “He’s just got one of those local relative. She remembers going to in the dark. He remembers the dog personalities, and he’s such a genuine see her Uncle Ed in Las Vegas in 1974, that charged into the bushes and then person,” said Morgan Hoyt, who dines as a high school graduation present. was tossed out and crashed onto the with Halliday every Tuesday ever She learned he was the man to be with ground. He also remembers running since he moved into Eastman Estates in Vegas. away with three younger camping assisted living last summer. “Even “If we went into any of the night buddies. They arrived home a mile at 101, he’s still a ladies’ man. We’ve clubs back then, like Caesar’s Palace, away, their bare feet bleeding. His known each other about three years they all knew him,” she said. “He had friends’ parents weren’t pleased. now, and were born in the same town kind of a reputation of being a really “They didn’t want them around me in upstate New York.” good pool player, and they called him anymore,” Crook recalled last week. Halliday and Steve Crane, who ‘Fast Eddie.’ He never had a sleaze The encounter fueled a lifelong is married to Halliday’s niece by factor about him. He’s always been obsession by Crook with the hairy marriage, have been regular Sunday very professional. He came from an ape-like creature. He calls himself night chess partners for years at the age of being kind of genteel and a real “America’s first Bigfoot investigator.” watering hole at West Loop 281 and gentleman.” Others call him a hoaxer and an Bill Owens Parkway. The scene was a Halliday recalled the comparison to attention grabber. fitting one to mark Halliday’s birthday, Paul Newman’s “Fast Eddie” Felson in Crook appeared on the front page of Jan. 24. the 1961 movie, “The Hustler.” The News Tribune in 1990 when some “We have a standing date,” Crane “That’s right,” he said. “A pool shark mushroom hunters found possible said. “He has a Coke, and I have a — yeah, I was pretty good. I took on all Bigfoot footprints near the Nisqually beer. One hundred and one — and he comers. I’ve played chess for the last River. Crook found the prints credible. still beats me.” — lemme see — 60 years. I’ll take on Crook’s son, Cary, in Polson, Mont., Halliday has beaten more than a anyone that comes along.” carries on the family research and few challenges in a somewhat storied Halliday became a 15-year volunteer keeps the Bigfoot Central Web site – life. with Lifecare Hospice in Longview. bigfootcentral1.com – updated.

THE TASK FORCE MARNE Commanding General - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo North Star Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. The North Star is an authorized Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff publication for members of the U.S. TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen Army. Contents of The North Star are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs by, the U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne Writer- Sgt. Johnathon Jobson Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content Editorial Staff of The North Star is prepared, edited, Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs provided and approved by the Task Force Marne Public Affairs Office. Editor- Spc. Michael Adams 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division 2nd Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 130th Engineer Brigade 3rd Infantry Division 1st Armored Division 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment