Victory Times

Vol. II, Issue 28 Telling the Camp Victory story March 21, 2006 liberation third year anniversary

Story by Spc. Brian Anderson Bush, it was the right decision. Coalition forces have increased their MNC-I PAO “America and the world are safer today support structures and standards of living, without Saddam Hussein in power,” Bush the “bad guys” seem to have established a Sunday marked the three-year said during his weekly radio address more commanding impact on the battlefi eld, anniversary of the beginning of the Saturday. “He is no longer oppressing said Maj. Robert S. Hookness Jr., chief, liberation of Iraq. the Iraqi people, sponsoring terror, and programs, MNC-I. “Troops don’t just On March 19, 2003, the threatening the world.” drive from Baghdad International Airport along with Coalition Forces entered Iraq Since the beginning of Operation Iraqi to Balad anymore. They have to move in with the intent to end a brutal dictatorship, Freedom, Iraq has made several steps in the heavily armored, heavily guarded convoys and according to President George W. rebuilding process to include the democratic or better yet, they fl y. The “bad guys” election of an have also shifted focus away from a purely Iraqi government, insurgent focus on “enemy” troops and development of an begun targeting other Iraqis.” Iraqi constitution, Capt. Mike Forbes’, operations, Iraq restoration of Iraq’s assistance Group, thoughts were similar to infrastructure Hookness. beyond pre-war “The insurgency has matured, so levels and the the security situation hasn’t improved establishment of since OIF I,” said Forbes, who was here an increasingly during OIF1 and is here again for OIF 3. effective Iraqi “However, the Iraqi Security Forces have Security Force. also signifi cantly matured since the days Although Iraq is of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and Iraqi currently headed in National Guard.” the right direction, Forbes said his impression of the Iraqi there are still Security Forces has changed. many obstacles to “Last time, I had a pretty low opinion of Reuters A U.S. Army M1A1 Abrams Tank fi res on an enemy position while moving through overcome. the Iraqi Police, Border Police, and ICDC,” the Iraqi desert during the initial ground assault three years ago. “Even though See IRAQ, page 4 Camp Victory Three-day forecast Wednesday Thursday Friday

Sunny Sunny Sunny High: 83 F High: 83 F High: 86 F Low: 55 F Low: 58 F Low: 58 F

In today’s Victory Times:

Page 2: Civil affairs sup- Page 3: Chaplain’s Cor- Page 4: Letters Page 5: Camp Victory ply basic needs, ner from home operating hours Griffi n visits Iraq Page 2 Victory Times March 21, 2006 Civil affairs supplies Iraqis basic needs Story and photos by Spc. Council members directed the James P. Hunter Soldiers to place the items in MNC-I PAO a certain location. The troops took a step back, pulled security Soldiers from Company A, and watched while the council 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, handed the humanitarian aid to distributed approximately 100 their fellow Iraqis. blankets, 50 hygiene kits and Abdul Satar Alrobeaee, a box of soccer balls to Iraqi chairman, Karkh District families within a residential Council, said the area is very area during a humanitarian poor and his people need these assistance mission in Karkh supplies to get by in their Saturday. everyday life. Alongside U.S. Nearly three months ago, a Forces, he helped to distribute rocket was fi red at a building the necessities to his people. A Karkh District Counsel member passes out blankets to Iraqi families within the International Zone The only thing the chairman Saturday. Company A, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, traveled to Karkh to in central Baghdad. The expects in return for his efforts distribute items to Iraqis because of the devastation of a rocket attack. rocket misfi red though, hit the is a national government united “People come to them with necessities, by just taking part residential area and destroyed into one family. a need,” he said. “So if we can in the process, it tells the Iraqi many homes. “The key is wanting to do assist (the council) and supply people that their government Initially, Coalition Forces everything for the Iraqis,” said them, then their people are cares about what happens went into the area following the Capt. Scott Ginsburg, team going to have more respect for within their neighborhoods, attack, distributing clothing, leader, Co. A, 425th CA Bn. “It’s their government.” and, explained Wyatt, the local food and water. They did not not about us. It’s about helping A Civil Affairs Soldier’s job leaders are being proactive have enough materials to the Iraqi people and getting is to win the hearts and minds in resolving the issues many distribute to the entire area, their government involved.” of the Iraqi people, said Sgt. Iraqis face. so Soldiers followed-up with Ginsburg said the mission 1st Class Matthew Wyatt, team “As long as you give them the Saturday’s mission. is important because it helps sergeant, Co. A, 425th CA Bn. chance, they will play a greater When the U.S. Soldiers legitimize the Karkh District Although the council did not role in the mission,” Ginsburg arrived, the Karkh District Council. provide the Iraqis with these said. Kathy Griffi n, friends “Fire at Will” Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Drew bring some humor Hendricks to troops based at MNC-I PAO Camps Stryker, Liberty and It was standing room only at the Camp Victory. Victory stage March 19th as servicemembers This is Griffi n’s gathered to spend an evening watching second tour in comedian Kathy Griffi n “Fire At Will.” the Middle East. Griffi n, known to many as Vickie She performed in Groener, Brooke Shields’ acerbic colleague Kuwait, Uzbekistan on the “Suddenly Susan Show,” and more and Afghanistan in recently on Bravo Channel’s “Kathy 2002. Griffi n: My life on the D-List,” gave the But it is not just audience a break from their day-to-day about coming out to routine. entertain the troops, Along with Griffi n was Michael Griffi n says she McDonald, most popular for his character enjoys just meeting Kathy Griffi n, Michael McDonald and Karri Turner meet with servicemembers be- Stuart on “MAD TV” and Karri Turner, and hearing a fore they took the stage, Monday. The trio signed autographs, took pictures with, and thanked the troops for all they do. who plays Lt. Harriet Sims-Roberts on little about the TV’s “JAG.” servicemembers about what they’ve seen and what they The tour, presented by Armed Forces and their life in Iraq. think,” said Griffi n. Entertainment, gave the stars a chance to “I like to hear other people’s stories, See COMEDY, page 4 Page 3 Victory Times March 21, 2006 Chaplain’s Corner LSU, well, we have had our differences. We have learned the land Is your life banal? mine subjects to avoid, and have learned to respect each other’s By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) David Koch view points, even when they are wrong. I have a question for you. What is banal in your lives? What Mom, well she is Scotch-Irish from Minneapolis, Minn. is or has become common, ordinary, everyday, seen but ignored, My biological Dad, William J. Koch, from Pottsgrove, Pa., was used but not appreciated, touched but overlooked. Essentially, Pennsylvania Dutch so, I guess that makes me a Heinz 57 variety what have you taken for granted? guy, right? Mom taught me time and again how to “make nice,” As I type this on my computer, I cannot help but remember with everyone because the results are generally better in the long my fi rst computer. It had a monitor that was monochrome black run. with a green screen, a dot matrix printer and a hard drive that Back to the original question, what has become so banal, so was 20 megabytes, I was wondering how I would ever fi ll it, commonplace in your lives that you no longer see or appreciate and a fl oppy disk to back up my fi les, which would take about them, or for that matter care much about them any more? Open 30-60 minutes. The whole thing cost me $2,400. your eyes, my friend! In Christ’s eye witness the account of What do you take for granted – family, spouse, children, Lazarus and the rich man. The overwhelming reason the rich man home, car, or maybe something else? I know here in Iraq, I went to hell was because he no longer saw Lazarus at his feet, and have come to appreciate a good shower and I miss the squeaky more importantly, he no longer cared. The story of this can be clean feeling at the end of the shower. I miss not having a found in read in Luke 16. certain lady back home, since I am single. And I guess I miss What has become common place where you are? Maybe it is the freedom of my car, to get up and go. the young specialist or sergeant who, day in and out, quietly gets I truly miss my folks, Mom and Stepfather, Jake. Mom is the job done. Maybe it is the civilian who is indispensable because 86 years old (although you would never know it). Jake is 83 of the knowledge and professionalism she displays. Maybe it is years old. She still fi xes two hot meals a day, breakfast and your spouse back home taking care of things, keeping the home lunch for two, and they will have a drink with snacks watching fi res burning. Maybe it is your kids who, on occasion, can be so the evening news. And thank you Lord, they are just as frustrating. But when they do something right, and listen to you, it cantankerous as ever. makes up for all the frustration! He, being a southern boy from Louisiana – and graduate of So, what has become banal for you – but should not be? Page 4 Victory Times March 21, 2006 IRAQ has only been three years, Iraq has made several large steps, Forbes said. “They were poorly trained, ill-equipped, and plagued and Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, with corruption. The ISF today is completely different from what commanding general, Multi- it was in OIF I, and while they still have a long way to go, they are National Corps-Iraq, is working light-years ahead of their predecessors.” hard to keep the progression, The changes in Iraq’s Security Forces and Army are not the ensuring the Iraqis have a brighter only changes; the infrastructure and government have also made future. great strides over the past three years. “We are providing police training “Iraqi facilities are run by Iraqis. It sounds funny but when teams and unit partnerships and I was here during OIF 1, most companies were closed,” said Sgt. mentoring to help develop the Steven Neal, C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery. “We put capability of the police force, a lot of individuals to work, and now, Iraqis have taken ownership much as we have with the Army of their companies and most, as far as I can tell, are independently and we are working with the Iraqi run.” government to assist in building U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Scott Timmester “Iraq is defi nitely more established,” said Sgt. Christopher ministerial capacities so that An F-14D Tomcat, assigned to the Prescott, C Btry., 2nd Bn., 5th FA. the government can provide the “Blacklions” of Fighter Squadron Two One Three, conducts a mis- From the built up forward operating bases being established necessary essential services for sion over Northern Iraq. VF-213 is to the improved all Iraqis,” said Chiarelli. assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight, currently embarked aboard the roads, from “We are (also) developing Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS creating provincial reconstruction teams Theodore Roosevelt. their own to work with provincial govern- government and ments in developing economic systems and building infras-tructure voting to having so that the Iraqis can have clean water, electricity, fuel, proper contracts with sewage systems and trash removal. Iraqi Truck “All of these non-kinetic aspects are being worked simultaneously Companies to move Iraq forward as a country,” Chiarelli continued. to assisting There is still a long road ahead, but the signs of progression are military easy to see. convoys, you “Our mission and presence in Iraq is crucial to stability in the U.S. Navy photo can tell Iraq has country and the region,” said Hookness. “I am more convinced U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Amos Fox, fi re support offi cer, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade come a long that the Iraqis are willing to take the risks to stand on their own Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, secures a building way, Prescott two feet and are doing a great job for an infant administration. in a weapons compound in Hateen, Iraq, while providing security for the Ashurah pilgrims that will be passing continued. I truly can’t believe how far they have come in the last (three) through to Karbala. Although it years.” COMEDY convince Michael McDonald the gym and down the sidewalk as to perform a bit of Stuart. hundreds waited to meet the stars. “I love performing for the troops, As the audience cheered, “That was a great turn out, it when I hear someone come up to me and McDonald transformed into must have been our biggest crowd,” hear them tell me ‘That’s the fi rst time the lovable character he said Griffi n. I’ve laughed in a long time,’ or even ‘I plays on TV. The line seemed to go on forever, appreciate you for doing this,’ makes this After an hour and a half but the stars kept right on signing and worthwhile,” said Griffi n. of standup comedy and smiling. The last fan fi led through at Griffi n held nothing back bringing improvisational acts, the trio midnight allowing the stars to end the troops up-to-date with the current thanked the audience for their their night and their tour. Kathy Griffi n picks a Hollywood gossip. service and gave Soldiers a Soldier from the audi- “It was great to come out and Rolling with laughter, the troops were chance to get autographs and ence to be a part of the support the troops,” said Griffi n. “We introduced to the co-stars of the show, but take a few pictures with them. improvisation act dur- would love to come back anytime ing her tour at Camp not without Griffi n egging the audience to The line went out the door of Victory, Sunday. you’ll have us.”

Letters from home

Private First Class Gabe A. Garcia, 165th Military Police Company, 3rd Platoon, “Freedom Is Not Free.” As your grandfather (WW II), your dad (Vietnam), your older brother (Desert Storm) , and now you (Iraqi Freedom). We are proud of you. Be safe. Love, Dad and Mom. Page 5 Victory Times March 21, 2006

Operating hours

Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner 5:30 - 8 p.m. Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Sports Oasis Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner 5:30 - 9 p.m. Shopette Open 24 Hours Camp Liberty Post Exchange Everyday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fitness Center Open 24 Hours Post Offi ce Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 1 - 5 p.m. Golby Troop Medical Clinic Sick Call Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Dental Sick Call: Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. Victory Night Owl Mental Health Clinic: Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) & Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sexual Assault Prevention/Response (SAPR) Saturday 9 a.m. - noon Training Post Deployment Health Briefi ngs: Presented by the MNC-I HR/EO Office Monday - Friday 1 p.m. Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 7:30 a.m. - noon Legal Assistance/Claims March 24 in the Al Faw Palace Ballroom Saturday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. POSH training (7 p.m. -8 p.m.) & SAPR training (8 p.m. – 9 p.m.) Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Personnel Service Support Centers For more information contact SFC Chris Balduf @ DSN 822-3532 Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ID Cards Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli MNC-I Public Affairs Offi cer: Lt. Col. Michelle L. Martin-Hing MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Paul J. Stevenson MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class Laurence R. Lang MNC-I DVIDS Manager: Sgt. 1st Class Gloria E. Colon MNC-I Production Chief: Staff Sgt. Jason B. Baker Victory Times Editor: Spc. Brian J. Anderson Victory Times Staff writer/ photographers: Sgt. Edward T. Conning, Spc. James P. Hunter, Spc. Curtis W. Squires, Lance Cpl. Drew Hendricks

Victory Times is an authorized electronic publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this electronic publication are not necessarily the offi cial views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Offi ce of Multi-National Corps Iraq.