The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 13 February 17, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Tune up Previously injured Vets return to JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t New oil service center Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – opens at JBB Eight Soldiers who were injured while serving in Iraq re- Page 9 turned to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Feb. 5 during Operation Proper Exit Four, to Change over tell their stories and witness the changes the country has under- gone since they last served here. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John A. Elder, the superinten- dent with the 332nd Expedi- tionary Medical Group, said the program gives injured Soldiers a chance to travel throughout the country and revisit once familiar locations. Elder, an Appomattox, Va., native, said the injured Soldiers tell their stories so the service members who are here now can Change of command understand the country’s im- ceremony held at Adder provements. “It’s a good chance for those Page 11 Soldiers to come back to Iraq, see Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, what goes on and leave the coun- Texas, and a Mansfield, Ohio, native, hugged Capt. Ferris W. Butler, former platoon leader with D Company, 2nd try on their own terms,” he said. Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., during Operation Proper Exit Four at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Butler, a Port Tobacco, Mass., native, participated in the event, SEE EXIT ON PAGE 4 in which previously injured Veterans returned to Iraq to tell their stories to the Soldiers now serving there. Historic landscape New Mexico adjutant general visits Adder By Sg t . Ca n d a c e We s t l u n d Command (Expeditionary), 41s t IBCT Pu b l ic Af f ai r s had breakfast with Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, an Albuquer- CONTINGENCY OPERATING que, N.M., native, who held BASE ADDER, town hall meetings to address Iraq – The New his Soldiers. Mexico adjutant “I want you to be true to general vis- yourself,” he said. “The person ited Soldiers that I sent here, I need you to from two New still be that person when you Mexico Na- come home.” tional Guard units Feb. 3 at Montoya asked his Soldiers Contingency Operating Base to be proud of their shoulder Adder, Iraq. sleeve insignia, as well as the Mississippi Guardsmen Soldiers with the 720th combat patches they earned visit ancient ruins U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan Convoy Security Company with the 41st IBCT. Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the New Mexico National Guard adjutant general, and the 1115th Transporta- He said they should be proud talks with Soldiers from the 1115th Transportation Company out of Taos, N.M., tion Company, both with the to represent their unit and Page 12 Feb. 3 during a visit to Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, where his Soldiers serve with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment 41st Infantry Brigade Com- work under a great brigade. Command (Expeditionary). bat Team, 13th Sustainment SEE GENERAL ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Balad Blotter Chaplain’s Corner: find light in dark places

February 4 - February 11 By Ca p t . Ke rs t i n He d l u n d just after Christmas, in the season we now find our- NEGLIGENT WEAPON DISCHARGE: 90t h Su s t . Bd e . Ch ap l ai n selves: epiphany. It’s the season of light. If the candle A complainant notified the Joint Defense Operations Center ofa was supposed to be a reminder of Christ, it had to negligent discharge at the south entry control point Feb. 3 at 11:45 few days ago I was waiting at the burn for a while and then be consumed. a.m. Patrols were briefed and dispatched. Witness one said, via Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of Witness, her vehicle was parked next Apassenger terminal for a flight when That’s what Christ came for. He came to this earth, to the inbound lane when she heard a loud bang. Witness one said a man approached me and asked if he he came into the darkness to shine light and life on she made contact with witness three to ask him if one of his gunners could speak to me for a few minutes. his people and then die. He came to be consumed by had a negligent discharge and he replied that none had and proceed- He was on his way back home after the world. It appeared for awhile that darkness and ed to his compound. The complainant and witness two’s statements corroborate that it was the gunner from a Humvee. The patrol ar- a short tour here at Joint Base Balad, death had won. rived at the Law Enforcement Desk to call and have the subject and Iraq. He’d come to some of our Sunday services as an- From this side of the story, we can see that it was witness four report to complete statements. Upon their arrival at the other Soldier’s battle buddy. only after he died, only after he was consumed and LED, the patrol advised the subject of his rights under IAW Article He said to me, “Throughout each service that I at- burned down, that he shone even more brightly. 31, Uniform Code of Military Justice for violation of Article 134/Neg- ligent Discharge via Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of Suspect. The tended, I noticed a common theme. It seems we say that In this season of light, in this season of epipha- subject acknowledged his rights, declined legal counsel and wrote a light triumphs over darkness, and life triumphs over ny we can see that, because he took the risk and lit statement. When he entered the ECP, he traversed his turret to the death. It’s a wonderful message, and I want to believe it, the light for a while, he shines even more brightly. 3 o’clock position facing the eastern side of the inbound lane with but that just hasn’t been my experience. I’ve lived a dark, We can see that Christ shines beyond the grave, be- the muzzle at a 45 degree angle. When he began to clear his weapon and ensured it was on safe, he did not have positive control of the dark life. And even when I look for light and life, I cannot yond death and beyond sickness. He shines in you cocking handle while opening the feed tray cover, so the bolt rode find it. Death triumphs, and I feel spent.” and shines in me, even, or especially, when we seem forward and fired a round into the air. The subject said a test fire was He is right; darkness and death are realities in all of spent. completed before the mission without problems. The subject was re- our lives. Often, these things hit us when we least expect Light and life spring forth in songs that people in leased via Department of Defense Form 2708/Receipt for Inmate/ Detained Person to witness three. them. Sometimes, we live in darkness because of what Haiti sing as they begin to trudge forward. we’ve done wrong. Other times, we have no control over Light and life spring from a family that speaks to DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: the horrifying events that happen in our lives – a sud- people about hope after their child tragically died. A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk and re- den death of a loved one, a natural disaster or sickness The mystery is that it seems to burn more brightly ported a Polaris Gator had been damaged Feb. 5 at 9 p.m. at H-1 that meets us out of nowhere. When these events hap- for the world after it seems as though it’s over and Housing. A patrol was briefed and dispatched. The complain- ant said, via Air Force IMT 1168 Statement of Complainant, on pen, our experiences of darkness consume us until we’re there’s nothing left to burn. his way Morale, Welfare and Recreation west, he noticed the nearly, or completely, burnt out. The other mystery is that this light calls us into lights on the Gator were on without the key in the ignition. The A few years ago, I walked deep into a dark cave where a community. So, when I have nothing left to give, complainant walked to the Gator to turn lights off when he no- tradition tells us Jesus was born. While I was there, I our neighbor shines for us. When my neighbor has ticed the ignition had been tampered with and a link in the chain securing the steering wheel had been cut. The complainant tried bought a small white taper from a priest who served in nothing left to give, I shine for him. Here we will find to insert the key into the Gator, but it would not fit because of the church above the cave. I kept it for more than a year hope in our dark times. the damage. The property was still secure after the chain had before I lit the candle. It may sound stupid, but I didn’t We can also find hope in remembering that the been cut. The patrol took four photographs. The complainant want it to burn down. What would I have left from that light will not die forever; it always rises out of the was advised to inform his chain of command. cave to hold onto if I lit the candle? Nothing to light my darkness. Because of the darkness, we can some- LARCENY OF SECURE PRIVATE PROPERTY: darkness, so I kept it hidden and experienced no light times see the flame of God shining more brightly, A complainant walked in the Law Enforcement Desk and report- from it. beckoning us forward to God’s future, where dark- ed a larceny had occurred Feb. 10. A patrol made contact with Some years later I decided to pull it out and light it ness and death are forever defeated. the complainant at the LED and initiated an Air Force Form 1168/Statement of Subject. The Eagles Nest made contact with the witness and initiated an AF Form 1168/Statement of Wit- ness. The witness said the subject approached her and said he Raul, needed to talk to her. The witness said the subject said he was sorry for taking her laptop computer. The subject was advised of his rights via Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for violation of Article 121/Larceny. He said he did not want a Thank You for the last 15 years. (However, if we subtract the deploy- lawyer and was willing to make a statement. The subject admit- ments it is more like 10 years!) You are the best dad and husband ted to taking the property from Bldg 7442/80th Ordnance Bat- anyone could ask for. You are our HERO!! I love you with all of my talion. The subject was released to via Department of Defense Form 2708/Receipt for Inmate or Detained Person. heart. Happy 15th Anniversary!

NIPR: 443-8602 SIPR: 241-1171 Your wife, Email: [email protected] Janette Marquez PS:Trading option is voided!!!!!!!

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318) 433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 90th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 96th Sustainment Brigade by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 194th Engineer Brigade 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant For online publication visit: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac www.dvidshub.net Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: title of address By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Sa m m y Jo h n s o n grade or rank. If you address them From the E-5 through E-8, the unit be used as a form of address or title in 13t h ESC In s pec t o r Ge n e r a l in writing, the grade is indicated in of address is sergeant. If the master place of the proper title of address of parentheses. For example, Chaplain sergeant holds the position of first grade. For example, Soldier holding rmy Regulation 600-20 Army (Major) John F. Doe. sergeant then their title of address is the numerical pay grade of E–5 will ACommand Policy outlines the When addressing junior enlisted first sergeant. be addressed as sergeant, not as E–5. proper way to address everyone in the Soldiers from E-1 thru E-3, the title For command sergeants major or If you have questions about title of military. of address is the word private. This is sergeants major, the title of address is address please refer to AR 600-20, For example, chaplains are ad- regardless of whether the Soldier is a sergeant major. ask your chain of command or your dressed as chaplain, regardless of pay private or a private first class. The numerical pay grade will not local inspector general.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./41st IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Maj. Jeffrey Copek - DSN 833-5915 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710

Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Al Asad (96th Sust. Bde.): DSN 440-7049 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Sgt. 1st class Alexander Arce Master Sgt. Richard Faust Taji (155 HBCT): DSN 834-3079 Lt. Col. Paul Bird Combat Stress: treat visible, invisible wounds equally Sexual Assault By Na v y Ca p t . St e v e J. Br a s i n g t o n quired assistance to move and did so due to the seriousness of his injuries. Response Coordinator Co m ba t St r e s s Co n t r o l Ps y c h ia t r i s t with great discomfort. Examining the root causes for each As a blameless victim facing corrective injury, a lack of focus on safety com- Be sexual assault response coordi- wo Soldiers required surgeries and painful physical therapy, bined with an underestimation of the nator smart: When you date someone, Tmedical evacuation the physically wounded patient gains our lethal potential associated with weapons communicate your limits clearly with out of theater for further compassion and support. He paid dearly or medication was present in each case. that person from the beginning. Both evaluation and treat- for the negligence of someone else. The familiarity with guns and common verbal and nonverbal communication, ment. In contrast, the suicide attempter elic- medicines like Tylenol may engender body language, can be used to ensure The first Soldier took its less sympathy and support after delib- complacency. the message is understood. Call the an overdose of acetaminophen in the erately harming his health, then leaving Another common denominator was Joint Base Balad SARC at 443-7272 context of a failing love relationship. others to do his job. poor communication. Ideally, the Soldier or contact via pager 443-9001, 159 for The second Soldier sustained gunshot The emotional wounds of the psychi- cleaning his weapon could have warned help. Army members should seek as- wounds to his lower leg when his room- atric patient are not visible. The physical his roommate that he was going to clean sistance with their unit victim advocate mate failed to clear his weapon before wounds of the trauma patient are obvi- weapons while his roommate was pre- or deployed-SARC; you may also call bringing it into the sleeping area for ous. paring to sleep. The man desperate to 433-7272 or 443-9001, 122/135 for as- cleaning. I have noticed a tendency to view in- avoid losing his love interest could have sistance. The first Soldier deliberately risked visible wounds as less significant than benefitted from more effective commu- his life. The second suffered an accident surgical trauma. Consider the observa- nication skills. Both men shared similar due to another person’s neglect. tions of Lt. Col. Michael Bell, a physician root causes leading to close calls with Both men required lifesaving inter- with the U.S. Army Center for Health death and removal from theater. Oasis dining facility new vention. Promotion and Preventive Medicine. I challenge leaders and individuals The suicide attempter unwittingly As reported in the November 8, 2009 to stop making distinctions between the poisoned his liver, requiring an antidote issue of the Psychiatric News, Bell said, visible wounds and the invisible wounds. hours of operation to be administered multiple times a day “Among U.S. troops, mental illness is the Leaders should stop dismissing invisible for several days to prevent liver failure leading cause of hospital bed days and wounds because their impact is as grave and death. the second-ranking reason for medical as visible wounds of war. Either can lead Midnight hours: The second man needed immediate encounters.” to premature loss of life or loss of man- aid to stop the loss of blood. Following In addition, suicide remains the sec- power. 12:30 a.m. - 3:30 a.m. stabilization of hemorrhaging, wound ond leading cause of death in the U.S. The threat of stress reactions is as care and infection control removed the Army, while accidents and trauma re- significant as other medical conditions need for amputation of his injured leg. main the leading causes of death. that threaten life or limb. Minimizing the To look at the suicide attempter, one Comparing the two patients, both potential for emotional or psychological Breakfast hours: could not tell that his life had been in the required skilled medical intervention conditions to impact the mission is coun- balance. to prevent loss of life. Both Soldiers terproductive. 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Gazing upon the gunshot victim, a sig- left the mission early, after weeks of Combat stress offers evaluation near nificant injury was obvious due to ortho- preparation and training. Both con- troops and, when appropriate, provides pedic devices applied to his lower body. sumed comparable amounts of medi- assistance to improve communication The patient under psychiatric care cal and nursing care, including airlift and coping skills. Education and preven- Lunch hours: was completely mobile and pain free. services. Neither was expected to re- tion are priorities for the combat stress In contrast, the trauma patient re- join his unit to complete the mission, team. Help us save lives. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner hours: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 EXIT: Soldiers share stories about injuries, recovery EXIT FROM PAGE 1 The Soldiers revisited the Air Force Theater Hospital at JBB, where they were treated before they were evacu- ated from the country. Their tour was a chronological duplicate of their first visit to the hospital, starting with the stabil- ity room, moving through the emergency department and then to the helicopter pad, said Elder. Some of the Soldiers had never even seen the hospital because it was a com- plex of tents when they were last here, he said. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” he said. “Proper Exit Three, last time, was supposed to come through and the weather stopped them from coming here. It was very disappointing when they didn’t come. This will be one of the highlights of my tour here at the hospital.” The injured Veterans came back to tell Soldiers serving here what they have done with their lives since they were in- jured, using their life stories to inspire their fellow Soldiers, said Elder. “To watch them get off that helicopter laughing, joking and just having a good time, was really, really pleasing for me,” he said. “It’s an honor for me to be here to help these guys.” Capt. Ferris W. Butler, former platoon leader with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Moun- Capt. Ferris W. Butler, former platoon tain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., talks to the Soldiers at Morale, Welfare and Recreation east Feb. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Butler, a leader with D Company, 2nd Battalion, Port Tobacco, Mass., native, participated in Operation Proper Exit, which brings Veterans who were injured in Iraq back to the country to 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade revisit the area and share their stories. Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y., said it was amaz- Army take over, it really means a lot.” mand (Expeditionary), said this event Elder said Soldiers who are interested ing to come back. In 2006, there were no vehicles on helped the Veterans find closure and in Proper Exit, but do not want to come When he was injured at the end of the road and all of the bridges were shut gave the younger Soldiers a better per- to Iraq, can speak with Soldiers who have 2006 by an improvised explosive device, down, said Butler. In the four years that spective, opening their eyes to the war as participated, to get a wealth of informa- the country as a whole was in turmoil, have passed, the country has changed, he a whole. tion about the program and those Veter- said Butler, a Port Tobacco, Mass., na- said. Evans, a Jacksonville, N.C., na- ans’ experiences. tive. He said the Soldiers were uncertain “We’ve literally been all over Iraq,” he tive, said they witnessed the Veterans’ “I really see the looks on their faces,” if America would stay as long as it has to said. “To see the lights on at night, to see strength in how they live their lives and he said. “I know they’re getting a lot further freedom and democracy in Iraq. the water running and to see all the ve- cope with their difficulties. out of it. I just thank them for having It was a time of struggle and uncertainty, hicular traffic going through the streets, “It kind of makes me feel like I don’t the strength and courage to come back. said Butler. it’s absolutely unreal. We are literally re- have as much to stress out about because These guys went through some horrific “To be able to come back a few years building this country, said Butler. these guys have overcome so much,” she times in their lives and they fought back later, after I’ve suffered losing both feet Staff Sgt. Allison M. Evans, a supply said. “I can overcome the little things I from almost certain death in some cases. from elective amputation,” he said, “it sergeant with the 159th Seaport Opera- do every day.” They are much stronger men than I could just brings so much closure to the entire tions Company out of Fort Story, Va., Some Veterans have come back more ever dream of being. I have a tremendous mission. To see the country thriving, to 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustain- than once to help out new Soldiers who amount of respect for these Soldiers. I’ll see the Iraqi government and the Iraqi ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- participate in the event, Evans said. be there for them, anything they need.” GENERAL: ‘I want you to be true to yourself’ GENERAL FROM PAGE 1 beginning he had our backs, and com- “I wish you could be me for a day ing out here now proves it.” and understand how proud of you I After lunch, the 720th CSC pro- am,” he said. vided escort security for a tour of the After Montoya addressed his Sol- Ziggurat of Ur. diers, he called upon every level of The tour was organized by the Task leadership, from platoon sergeant to Force Guardian Chaplain, Lt. Col. Ron team leader, to introduce their Sol- McKay, a Jacksonville, Ore., native, diers and talk about the good work and included the Ziggurat – a Sum- being done in their unit. erian tribute to the moon god Nanna “You know your Soldiers best,” – the palace ruins, tombs, and what Montoya said to them. “I want to hear is said to be the prophet Abraham’s about them from you.” house.

Staff Sgt. Laurence Long, a Rock Standing in front of the house, Mon- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan Springs, N.M., native, praised the toya told his Soldiers, “I am humbled Brig. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the New Mexico National Guard adjutant general, talks with Sol- general’s visit. to be here at the Ziggurat with you. I diers from the 1115th Transportation Company out of Taos, N.M., Feb. 3 during a visit to Contin- “He is our general, he looks after have truly been blessed in life, and my gency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, where his Soldiers serve with the Oregon National Guard’s us,” Long said. “He told us from the biggest blessing is all of you.” 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Mississippi armor sergeant earns top honor St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Corinth, Miss., native, said it is always Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c an honor to give awards of this caliber Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f to a Soldier. Rhodes, who is the president of CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE the Armor Association with the 155th TAJI, Iraq – The Order of HBCT, said to be qualified, the Soldier Saint George bronze me- must function in a leadership position in dallion was awarded to the career field. the assistant operations “One must be armor qualified and be- sergeant with the 155th long to an armor unit,” he said. “Harper Special Troops Battal- was a tank commander and distin- ion, 155th Heavy Bri- guished himself as a leader in all kinds gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment of positions.” Command (Expeditionary) Feb. 9 in a Rhodes said this was the first time he ceremony at the headquarters company got to award the bronze medallion in a building at Contingency Operating Base combat zone. Taji, Iraq. “Basically, that is what the medallion Sgt. 1st Class Henry D. Harper, a is all about. It makes it more fitting to Plantersville, Miss., native, was notified be able to award it in a combat zone,” he 36 hours prior to receiving the award said. that he would be recognized as a platoon Harper said it was an honor to receive sergeant and leader of armor Soldiers. the award. “I can’t put it into words how I felt “This is something I have been wait- when I received the call,” he said. “It ing my whole military career for,” he was like being on a Super Bowl winning said. “I didn’t think I would see it in my team.” military career. To be put in a group with According to the official armor as- some of the best armor Soldiers in the sociation Web site, http:www.armor- world is an honor.” assn.org, the award is given only to the The approval process is long and can very best tankers and cavalrymen. Most take anywhere from four to six months. active and Reserve Soldiers are eligible “You have to be nominated by a se- for the award. nior officer, then the packet must be ap- Col. John M. Rhodes, deputy commander with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Any Army colonel in a position to proved by a brigadier general, then that a Corinth, Miss., native, knights Sgt. 1st Class Henry D. Harper, an assistant operations ser- geant with the 155th Special Troops Battalion and a Plantersville, Miss., native. Harper was evaluate the fitness of the award nomi- goes to the Armor Association to get ap- inducted into the Order of St. George Feb. 9 at Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq. nee may approve a nomination for the proval by their commanding general,” bronze medallion. said Harper. “It’s been a blessing that I could missioned officers) and officers I have Col. John M. Rhodes, the deputy He said being awarded here in Iraq have received this award,” said Harper. worked with, I would have never re- commander with the 155th HBCT and made it all the more special. “If it wasn’t for really good (noncom- ceived this award.” Combat Soldiers in Iraq prepare for stateside hurricanes St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y with local, state and “Once the state determines which units Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c federal agencies,” he are responsible for each county, they divide Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f said. the units geographically,” he said. “Most of Those plans are the concentration goes to the southern six CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE TAJI, further complicated counties, but during Hurricane Katrina, all Iraq – While the 155th Heavy by the unit’s deploy- of Mississippi was affected.” Brigade Combat Team, 13th ment. Harlan said Edwards said planning has definitely Sustainment Command (Ex- as a National Guard changed since Katrina. peditionary) prepares to unit, they are re- “Now, we are in a proactive mode for re-deploy in early March, quired to take on a responding to hurricanes; now we will go it simultaneously pre- dual role here. and set up our communications and police pares for its stateside mission should a hur- “That’s just the services before the hurricane hits,” he said. ricane hit the Mississippi gulf coast. way we do business,” “We now execute our plan according to the The unit hopes to have preparations he said. “While we worst-case scenario … which is a Katrina- complete by the end of February, unit lead- currently are concen- like hurricane.” ers said. trating on the federal McCullouch said the planning process Lt. Col. John K. Harlan, the operations mission, we still have has also been improved since Katrina. officer in charge for the 155th HBCT and to allow for planning Maj. Brent McCullouch, intelligence officer in charge with “The best improvement has to be our a Jackson, Miss., native, said these plans for our state mis- the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and a Jackson, Miss., communications systems,” he said. “Now are in preparation for a hurricane making sion.” native, and Lt. Col. John K. Harlan, the operations officer in we have the equipment to talk to people, landfall in the Mississippi gulf coast. Maj. Brent Mc- charge with the 155th HBCT and a Jackson, Miss., native, much better coordination for assets that plan out their part in the hurricane evacuation plan for the “We are planning our part of the overall Cullouch, intelligence Mississippi National Guard Feb. 8 at Contingency Operating can give us an awareness of where the Mississippi National Guard response to the officer in charge with Base, Taji. The brigade re-deploys in the beginning of March damage is, and we can get that linked to hurricane, a yearly exercise that we con- the 155th HBCT and and was tasked to do its planning while still in theater. us quickly so we can respond faster. Before duct,” he said. a Jackson, Miss., na- Katrina, we just talked about it, but since Harlan said they received the opera- tive, said the planning began immediately pi and determine the impact the hurricane Katrina, there is a lot more planning in- tions order in the first week of February after the unit received the order. would have if it did hit land. volved.” from Joint Force Headquarters in Jackson, “If we didn’t do it now, due to the rede- Maj. Rob Edwards, the deputy provost Harlan said when Katrina hit, the unit Miss. ployment, we wouldn’t have got it done in marshal with the 155th HBCT and a Saltil- was deployed here in Iraq. “We have to plan for the movement of time,” he said. lo, Miss., native, said the JFHQ plans the “When we deployed last time, Katrina men and equipment from the Mississippi McCullouch said his job is to look at and personnel distribution during hurricane hit and we had to get a lot of National coastal areas and coordinate operations identify critical infrastructure in Mississip- season. Guardsmen from other states,” he said. PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Mississippi Guardsman awarded for loyalty St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y respect of his peers and superiors.” Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s Hughes detailed some of the ways 2/198t h CAB Byrd distinguished himself. “He’s one of my guys who gets it CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE done without being told,” he said. “For Q-WEST, Iraq – A Mis- instance, he gets up an hour early ev- sissippi Army National ery day in order to perform preven- Guardsman received a tive maintenance checks and services Command Sergeant on the squad's assigned vehicle. We’ve Major Award during got a lot of top-notch Soldiers, but Pfc. a ceremony Feb. 1 at Byrd is a cut above. He has initiative. Contingency Oper- Many times, I (didn’t) have to ask for ating Base Q-West, Iraq. volunteers for some task because he Pfc. Quintavis B. Byrd, a sentry for was already out there doing it. He’s an entry control point with A Company, demonstrated his future potential as a 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, leader by serving with great success in 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team several leadership positions, including out of Hernando, Miss., 13th Sustain- sergeant of the guard (an NCO posi- ment Command (Expeditionary) and tion) at the ECP.” a Tutwiler, Miss., native, was acknowl- Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Brown, Byrd’s edged for embodying loyalty, one of the squad leader, made some of the same seven Army values. observations. To honor outstanding service at “Pfc. Byrd takes pride in being a part the end of the deployment, the senior of the ECP at Q-West,” said Brown, a noncommissioned officers of the bat- Pfc. Quintavis B. Byrd (center), an entry control point sentry and a Tutwiler, Miss., native, Hernando, Miss., native. “His loyalty is talion recognized seven Soldiers from holds a Command Sergeant Major Award. He is flanked by 1st Sgt. John L. Beasley (left), among the highest of any Soldier in the throughout the battalion who embod- a Hernando, Miss., native, and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hughes, Byrd’s platoon sergeant and company. He has taken on the role of a Batesville, Miss., native. Byrd was recognized for embodying loyalty, one of the seven ied loyalty, duty, respect, service, hon- Army values. sergeant of the guard on several occa- or, integrity or personal courage, said sions. He has mastered all of the duties Command Sgt. Maj. Perry Campbell. ing true faith and allegiance to the U.S. trust between Soldiers, and we want to and tasks assigned to him. His peers “This is an NCO-driven effort to Constitution, the Army and other Sol- honor him for that.” call him ‘Command Sgt. Maj. Byrd’ due honor Soldiers who stood out during diers, being loyal to the nation and its Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hughes, platoon to his high work ethic, high level of mo- the deployment,” said Campbell, a na- heritage,” said Beasley, a Hernando, sergeant and sergeant of the guard for tivation and determination to get the tive of Senatobia, Miss. “The NCOs Miss., native. “Pfc. Byrd has lived up to the entry control point, said Byrd's en- job done.” wanted to remind every Soldier in the this definition during this deployment. thusiasm and loyalty inspired his fellow Byrd said he was moved by the rec- battalion that outstanding service is not He is truly loyal to the Soldiers he works platoon members and contributed to ognition. always the result of a single act. It is with, his platoon and his unit. He is overall success. “This makes me feel good, being the everyday practice of upholding the dependable and hardworking, and his “Pfc. Byrd showed great pride and singled out for doing my job to the best Army values.” teamwork instills cohesion and confi- enthusiasm in every task he under- of my ability,” he said. “To me, loyalty First Sgt. John L. Beasley, Byrd’s se- dence in his fellow Soldiers. They know took, producing excellent results while means staying true to my country, to nior NCO, said Byrd is an indispensible he will be by their side regardless of the serving as a sentry at the entry control the Army, to my unit and to my fellow asset to the company. situation. More than any Soldier in the point,” said Hughes, a Batesville, Miss., Soldiers. Being recognized for loyalty is “The Army defines loyalty as bear- company, Pfc. Byrd values the bond of native. “As a result, he has earned the a great honor to me.” Combat sustainment support battalion prepares for redeployment St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ply clerk and a Ponce, Puerto Rico, na- Ca p t . Da r s h a r e e Sa i k tive. 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Staff Sgt. Alexander Munoz, the HHC operations noncommissioned CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE officer, platoon sergeant and an Ar- SPEICHER, Iraq – Sol- menia, Columbia, native, echoed San- diers with Headquarters tiago’s sentiments. and Headquarters Com- “It’s fantastic that we are getting pany, 264th Combat ready for redeployment,” he said. “Be- Sustainment Support ing 10 months into a successful deploy- Battalion, 15th Sus- ment, I think we’re all ready to com- tainment Brigade, plete our mission here and get back 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- home to our families.” ditionary) started the redeployment Munoz is also the company’s unit process in the last week of January, by movement officer, and is responsible preparing their cargo containers for for coordinating the movement of the shipment back to the United States. unit’s containers back to Fort Bragg, Soldiers emptied these containers N.C. to clean out dirt and debris, the first of “My entire career as a Soldier, I have many steps the unit must take to send been taught to multitask,” he said. “I home its personal items and equip- have learned to be multifunctional and ment. flexible. I am very fortunate to have In the first week of February, the great Soldiers and noncommissioned containers were inspected to determine officers to support me in accomplish- their serviceability and cleanliness. ing all of my assigned duties.” Sgt. Adrian Doerfer, a human resources noncommissioned officer and a Colorado Springs, Colo., native, Sgt. Jeffrey Spicer, a unit supply sergeant and a Miami native, “It feels good to finally be at the The 264th CSSB has been deployed Spc. Ashley Kouba, a unit supply clerk and a Winona, Minn., native, and Staff Sgt. Alex- point that we are preparing to leave,” since late April 2009 in support of Op- ander Munoz, an automated logistics specialist and an Armenia, Columbia, native, clean said Spc. Liza Santiago, an HHC sup- eration Iraqi Freedom 09-11. the inside of a 20-ft shipping container in preparation for redeployment. February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Joint forces secure roads in Salah ad Din province, prep for pilgrimage St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y of Highway 1 in the Salah ad Din Prov- 1s t Lt. Me g h a n E. Ke e f e ince, while engaging locals about their 37t h En g . Bn. activities. First Lt. Curtis Fields, the 1st Platoon, SALAH AD DIN PROVINCE, Iraq – B Company leader and a Junction City, Shiite Muslims began Kan., native, said the purpose of the pa- their pilgrimage to reli- trol is to support the primary mission of gious shrines during the the 17th IA Bde., which is securing the observance of Arba’een safety and security of the highway. Feb. 5. “A joint patrol not only allows us the In an effort to ability to assist them with the engineer make their passage a assets, but it also serves as a public mes- safer one, U.S. forces partnered with the sage to anyone who drives by and sees Iraqi Army to engage locals and clear us working together,” said Fields. “We the streets of hazards. hope that this shows people who travel Arba’een, which means 40 in Arabic, along this highway on a daily basis that is the 40th day after Ashoura, or the the 4th IA Div. is dedicated to keeping death of Iman Husain ibn Ali, the third the public safe.” imam and grandson of the Prophet Mu- Other joint operations between A hammad. The religious observance is Company, 37th Eng. Bn. – JTF Eagle known to some as the Muharram ritual and the Iraqi Security Forces include and has many variations around the civil development projects, such as the A Soldier with A Company, 37th Engineer Brigade uses a mine detector to clear the world. Salah ad Din Canal Campaign, with the shoulder of Highway 1 in the Salah ad Din province, in northern Iraq. U.S. forces and During this time, observers make 4th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regi- the Iraqi Army work to secure the highway of all threats before the Ashoura’ pilgrimage their pilgrimage to the Husyan and Ab- ment. Feb. 5, during which civilians will travel along the highway. bas shrines in Karbala, Iraq, by travel- “As engineers, we have the internal ing on roadways that, in the past, have ability to reduce hazards imposed onto metal objects that could potentially pose and introduced himself, while making posed threats of improvised explosive civilians, which in turn supports our a threat, the engineers moved ahead of conversation about local activity and the devices. partnership as we play a supporting role Fields’ platoon of infantrymen. In the upcoming pilgrimage. Soldiers with the 37th Engineer Bat- to the Iraqi Army’s mission, by enabling patrol was Fritz, the German shepherd Hayder said he believes in the part- talion – Joint Task Force Eagle, out of their success with our capabilities,” said military search dog and his handler, nership and believes missions such as Fort Bragg, N.C., and 4th Brigade, 1st Capt. Jim Wade, the A Co. commander working as team to uncover threats that this can be attributed to the teamwork Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th and a Nashville, Tenn., native. would otherwise go unseen by Soldiers. between his Soldiers. Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Ri- During the patrol, Fields and Hayder Before reaching their end point, “The partnership is a really great op- ley, Kan., with the 1st Infantry Division, walked along the shoulder of the road Fields and Hayder met farmers tend- portunity,” he said. “While we support worked closely with Maj. Hayder, the as cars passed honking their horns and ing crops and digging irrigation ditches. many missions in Iraq, one relationship 17th Iraqi Army Brigade operations and people waved. One elderly man distinguished himself we hope to continue to build is the part- intelligence officer, to clear the shoulder With mine detectors searching for any as a shaykh and Hayder shook his hand nership with U.S. forces.” Local trucking company assists small Army bases St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y His team delivers food supplies to the Staff Sgt. Cris- Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g outlying bases that are too small to have tian Solano, the Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f their own warehouses, he said. platoon sergeant Although Sykes is a hub for the near- with the Logis- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- by outposts, it lacks some resources it- tics Task Force of TION SYKES, Iraq – The self, said Birbiri. He said the Soldiers at the 506th and an small bases in Iraq, the class one warehouse did not have Elizabethtown, known as spokes to the enough storage space, so he provided N.J., native, said larger bases’ hubs, sur- truck trailers for them to use. Birbiri and the partnership vive on logistics and Elta Company have also lent trailers to has been benefi- sustainment support Nimir and Heider for their food storage, cial to both sides, from those nearby he said. and Birbiri’s pro- hubs. The Elta team at Sykes consists of fessionalism has The Soldiers at forward operating Birbiri, 13 drivers and three mechan- played a large bases Nimir and Heider in northern ics, all working closely with the Logistics role in their mis- Iraq rely on the 506th Quartermaster Task Force of the 506th Quartermaster sion success. Company and Elta Company trucks at Company, 15th Sustainment Brigade, “He takes a Contingency Operating Location Sykes, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- lot of pride in his Ali Can Birbiri, the site manager for Elta Company, stands next to his fleet of trucks at Contingency Operating Location Sykes, Iraq. Iraq, to maintain mission readiness. tionary). work,” said So- Birbiri came to Iraq in 2005 from Adana, Turkey, and assists the Ali Can Birbiri, the COL Sykes site “They’re helping me and I’m helping lano. “Our trucks 506th Quartermaster Company in delivering food and supplies to manager with Elta Co., said he came to them,” said Birbiri. never go down.” small bases near Sykes. Iraq from Adana, Turkey, in 2005, and Because so much of the mission de- Solano said has been working with Soldiers at COL pends on reliable transportation and Birbiri does more than just supervise his a great job looking after his team and Sykes since 2006. Elta trucks move out in convoys with team and act as a liaison between them keeping it safe. He said he cannot recall “I do weekly supply runs at Heider trucks from the 506th, Birbiri’s mechan- and their military partners; he has also a time when he was put in harm’s way and Nimir,” he said. ics work alongside the Army mechanics. gone out on nearly every convoy. since starting the job. Birbiri said his main focus is with the “All of the motorpool is working to- Birbiri said he does his best to help “This contract started in 2005 and class one, or food and water, warehouse. gether,” he said. out the Army, and the Army has done not one thing has happened,” he said. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Provider commander meets with Wagonmaster leaders St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, command- er of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- ary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, and a Mansfield, Ohio, native, participated in a 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th ESC com- mander’s conference Feb. 4 at Contin- gency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. Col. Larry Phelps, 15th Sust. Bde. commander and a Greenville, Ala., native, along with the commanders and command sergeants major of each Wagonmaster battalion, met with the general to receive his guidance, brief him on battalion-level affairs and ask questions. The conference was the second of its kind since the 15th took over Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz (right), commander of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, and a Mansfield, U.S. military logistical operations for Ohio, native, and Col. Larry Phelps, 15th Sust. Bde. commander and a Greenville, Ala., native, along with the commanders and command northern Iraq in October, said Capt. sergeants major of each Wagonmaster battalion, participate in the 15th‘s commander’s conference Feb. 4 at Contingency Operating Base Elaina Hill, the 15th Sust. Bde. adju- Q-West, Iraq. tant and a Fairbanks, Alaska, native. During the first meeting, the com- battalion level, with direct and per- and personnel throughout Iraq in the Transportation Battalion, 15th Sust. manders discussed the effects of the sonal guidance from Wentz, said Lt. coming months. Bde. and a Fleetwood, Pa., native, ex- transfer of authority from the 16th Col. Joe Dixon, commander of 260th The brigade’s battalions are spread pressed to Wentz why he felt the con- Sustainment Brigade to the 15th and Combat Sustainment Support Battal- throughout an area roughly the size of ference was a good idea. future operations, said Hill. This sec- ion, 15th Sust. Bde. and Chicago na- the state of Minnesota, Phelps said in “(We) get a chance to talk to you ond conference was necessary, as four tive. a message to Wagonmaster families about some things that we don’t nor- additional battalions have come un- “(It’s) so he can look battalion com- and Soldiers in January. mally,” he said. der Wagonmaster control since the manders and command sergeants ma- “It’s great having the whole Wag- Wentz agreed. start of the new year, she said. jor in the eye,” he said. onmaster team together at one time,” The battalion commanders and The conference was designed to Dixon said one of the main topics Dixon said. command sergeants major all briefed ensure that the 13th ESC’s priorities of discussion was the upcoming draw- During the conference, Lt. Col. the general and voiced their con- were clear and implemented at the down, and movement of equipment Peter Haas, commander of the 49th cerns. February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 New oil service center opens at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y work to cover all non-tactical vehicles Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g at JBB, so the new location had to be Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f larger. They will slowly expand their service from 600 vehicles to 1,700 per JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Officials year, said Chaney. with the mayor’s cell and “We moved to this location in prepa- Shaykh Shehab Ahmed ration for that expansion,” he said. Al-Tmime celebrated the In the few days since the opening, opening of the new oil the workers have already seen business service center with a pick up, most likely due to convenience, ribbon cutting ceremo- said Chaney. ny Feb. 8 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “This is a bit more user-friendly and The expanded service center moved easy to find,” he said. from the edge of the base to a more cen- The locally-owned oil service center tral location off Pennsylvania Avenue. provides level 10 maintenance, which “Where they are now is known as the includes oil changes, tire rotations, vehicle maintenance complex,” said Sgt. windshield wiper changes and other Maj. Charles Scriven, the senior enlist- basic maintenance, said Scriven. ed adviser with the Iraqi-Based Indus- The construction of the new site in- trial Zone, 13th Sustainment Command volved a partnership with the Air Force, (Expeditionary) and a Columbia, S.C., Army civil engineers and support from native. the IBIZ. Naser Bed Yassem, a local Iraqi and employee of the oil service center, works on a truck at The move was made to accommo- The IBIZ acts as a liaison between the the center’s newly opened location in the vehicle maintenance complex Feb. 8 at Joint Base date a changing contract with the Iraqi- base and local businesses, said Scriven. Balad, Iraq. owned center, said Air Force Master “Our mission is to provide a safe Sgt. Alan Chaney, the contract officer working environment for the Iraqis,” “One: it provides jobs; two: it allows “There still are going to be vehicles, representative for the Expeditionary he said. them a safe environment; and three: so there will be a need for maintenance Logistics Readiness Squadron, 332nd Operating a business on a U.S. this is experience,” he said. on vehicles, a need for fuel,” he said. Air Expeditionary Wing. military base can be beneficial to the Scriven said the IBIZ provides this “These are the kind of services we have Chaney, a Baltimore native, said the shaykhs, workers and the local econo- work to the local nationals to help them that are being provided by the Iraqi citi- new contract will expand the center’s my in general, Scriven said. succeed after the U.S. military is gone. zens.” Fuel flows for first time at new Adder fuel farm St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Harrill said the berms, the bladders and the Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g assembly of the fuel systems began roughly three 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s months ago. "This has been a hugely successful construction CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq effort," he said. "The Red Horse construction squad- – Under the light of a full moon, with ron from the Air Force came out and did the bulk of temperatures in the mid 30s, KBR, this construction in a 10 to 12 week period." Inc. employees stood by as the first Harrill said it was a challenge to put together fuel truck arrived at the newly con- enough materials to assemble the farm because structed fuel farm Jan. 28 at Con- there is a very large demand for war material in tingency Operating Base Adder, Afghanistan, where the emphasis of the war effort Iraq, to begin fueling operations. is, under the direction of Gen. David H. Petraeus, Col. Sean Ryan, commander of the 36th Sustain- commander of United States Central Command. ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- "As we have been able to disassemble other fuel peditionary) and a Cedar Park, Texas, native, de- farms around the country and downsize, we're able scribed the process as "a vision, a concept, a plan to get those parts and bring them here and assem- and a reality." ble this," said Harrill. "It's a very slow and cumber- Lt. Col. Darrell Debish, the support operations some process. Another challenge is operating two officer with the 36th Sust. Bde., said the first few fuel farms in parallel, Adder and Cedar (II), with drops of fuel in the motor gas bags were the culmi- basically the same group of people. That's extreme- nation of 48 months of planning and execution. ly difficult." "We finally made it happen on this historic day," Debish said some hoses do not fit and some cou- he said. “It's definitely a milestone. We plan on hav- plings are bad, representing typical problems in a ing 64,000 gallons of MOGAS on the ground in the new operation. bags (today), ready to be tested and eventually used The dysfunctional pieces are not revealed until throughout theater.” pressure builds in a hose, he said. Debish said after the fuel trucks completed fill- "The biggest thing was making sure the pump was ing the bags with the initial 64,000 gallons, that running, making sure you have your safety stuff out fuel would sit for a designated amount of time and here … and actually getting the fuel through three samples would be taken to a lab to be tested. When or four different manufacturer’s hoses," said Deb- the lab clears the sample, the fuel bags will be certi- ish. “If they are all Goodyear, that's great. If they KBR, Inc. employees prepare to fill the first bag of motor gas fied as operational. are all B.F. Goodrich, that’s fine. But once you get it Jan. 28 at the newly constructed fuel farm at Contingency Lt. Cmdr. Brock Harrill, officer in charge of U.S. working, it's like dominoes, they all fall.” Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Navy Petroleum Detachment, was on sight to over- As the bags fill, the fuel farm will begin to serve see the petroleum operations. Harrill works with all of southern Iraq, he said. Harrill said the fuel farm represents the most the 36th Sust. Bde. and the contractors. "The fuel farm here is the center piece of the new collaborated project in Iraq. He said roughly nine to12 months ago, they grad- Convoy Support Center Adder, which will be the "This is a fuel farm for the Army, to be run by ed and leveled the area, built access roads and put main logistics and fuel hub for all of southern Iraq," the Navy, built by the Air Force to give fuel to the in the lighting. said Harrill. Marines,” Harrill said. PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Q-West mayor cell transitions to 15th Special Troops Battalion St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Phelps said he has every confidence St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n that the STB will be successful in its 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l ic Af f ai r s mission. “As good as they’ve done, I expect CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE better,” he said. “If you’re not making Q-WEST, Iraq – The Con- progress, you’re sitting still, and out tingency Operating Base here, if you are sitting still, you’re los- Q-West, Iraq, mayor cell ing ground.” transitioned from the 2nd To meet the mission of the mayor Battalion, 198th Com- cell, the 2/198th added additional Sol- bined Arms to the Spe- diers from across the state of Missis- cial Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment sippi, said Lt. Col. Kerry Goodman, the Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command battalion’s commander and a Meridian, (Expeditionary) during a ceremony Miss., native. Feb. 1 at Q-West. Goodman said attitude was the most The mayor cell, which had been run important aspect of running the mayor by the 2/198th, is responsible for the cell. day-to-day operation of the base. “You are here to make sure tenants “We have a hard job filling the boot get what they need to do their job,” he marks left by the 2/198th,” said Col. said. Larry Phelps, the 15th Sust. Bde. com- The mission of the mayor cell is an mander and a Greenville, Ala., native. important one, even if it is not what Lt. Col. William B. Smith Jr., the outgoing Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, “No doubt you all took a great deal of many people think of as Army related, mayor, and Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, the commander of the Special Troops Battalion, 15th pride in how you run this place.” said Lt. Col. William B. Smith Jr., the Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), exchange coins Phelps said the 15th was originally outgoing mayor with the 2/198th and a to symbolize the transition from the outgoing mayor to the incoming mayor during a supposed to deploy to Contingency Op- Hattiesburg, Miss., native. ceremony Feb. 1 at Q-West. erating Base Taji, Iraq, north of Bagh- “Engaged leadership is the key,” dad, which would have been an easy Smith said. Taking on the mayor mission is a “Change is inevitable, but growth is sustainment mission, but when the Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, the STB com- change for the STB, which is respon- optional,” she said. “Change is what we mission moved the 15th to Q-West and mander and incoming mayor, thanked sible for 1,200 Soldiers, from Basra in owe this theater, growth is what we get made the brigade responsible for run- the 2/198th for their hard work, adding southern Iraq to Habur Gate on the to take back home with us. We’re going ning the base, he worried about exactly that this is the best base she has been northern border with Turkey, said Lodi, to run with it, we’re going to continue to how to run a COB. to. a Franklin, Mass., native. set the standard.” Iraqi company finishes contract with US Army St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Co r y Gr o g a n Lora Company won a contract that was bid on 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s by 11 Iraqi companies to put tile down in base of- fices and erect three, 30-foot flagpoles for the bri- Editor’s note: The Iraqi engineer quoted in this gade to display the United States, Oregon and 41st story asked that his last name not be used for se- IBCT flags. curity reasons. Sgt. Joel Ortega, a supply assistant with Head- quarters and Headquarters Company, 41st IBCT CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq and a San Juan, Puerto Rico, native, said there – Lora Company, an Iraqi contracting business, has been a good working relationship between the has worked with the U.S. Army for five years. Iraqis and the members of the 41st IBCT. Lora Company finished its contract with the Or- “With the materials, tools and equipment they egon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade have, they really do decent work,” Ortega said. Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- “You tell them what you want and they go and do peditionary), with a lunch Jan. 28 at Contingency it.” Operating Base Adder in southern Iraq, where the Capt. Ian Baierlipp, an engineer officer with the company has done more than 50 projects, said 41st IBCT and a Keller, Texas, native, said Joint Abbdallah, an engineer with Lora. Contracting Command – Iraq will handle all of The company is based out of Iraq’s fourth larg- the contracts at Contingency Operating Base Ad- est city, An Nassiryah, which is just outside of Ad- der with the Iraqi companies, and that the learn- der. Abbdallah said the Army has taught the com- ing process and development of the companies pany a lot about contracting work. and workers is going to make the transition much “We have learned a lot about construction and smoother than it would otherwise have been. business has been pretty good,” he said. He believes that working with the Army and JCCI has given many Iraqis some skills that will Sgt. Joel Ortega, a supply assistant with the 41st Infan- benefit their economy in the long run. try Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command “The best way for the Iraqis to improve is to be (Expeditionary) and a San Juan, Puerto Rico, native, ob- held to a standard and not to let the standard go; serves an engineer at work from the Lora Company out of An Nassiryah, Iraq, Jan. 27 at Contingency Operating it’s good to have local nationals who are here doing Base Adder, Iraq. good things,” said Baierlipp. February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Change of command ceremony held at Adder By Ca p t . Ve r o n i c a Jo r d a n for him. Standing in front of the unit for 36t h Su s t . Bd e . the last time as the commander brought with it fond memories of the previous CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE 18 months. ADDER, Iraq – The Head- “I leave hoping in some small way I quarters and Headquar- influenced (each of) them to be a better ters Company, 36th Spe- Soldier, and person,” he said. cial Troops Battalion, Before assuming command of HHC, 36th Sustainment 36th Sust. Bde., Smith served as the Brigade, 13th Sus- 36th Sust. Bde. special operations sec- tainment Command tion, brigade ammunition’s officer. (Expeditionary), held a change of com- “The Nightrider Soldiers looked mand ceremony Jan. 30 at Contingency spectacular standing in formation, Operating Base Adder, Iraq. very impressive,” said Smith. “I feel Speakers at the HHC change of com- very privileged to be able to take com- mand ceremony included Capt. Mi- mand of such of a great organization, chael J. Ford, outgoing commander and look forward to the next couple of and a Paris, Texas, native, Capt. Ar- months where I will be able to bring the thur Smith, incoming commander and outstanding Soldiers of the 36th back a Frisco, Texas, native, Lt. Col Marvin home.” Johnson, 36th STB commander and a At the conclusion of the ceremony,

San Antonio native, and Col. Sean Ryan, Johnson presented Ford with the Army U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning 36th Sustainment Brigade commander Commendation Medal for his excep- Lt. Col Mavin Johnson, commander of 36th Special Troops Battalion, 36th Sustainment and a Cedar Park, Texas, native. tional service in training, preparing and Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), passes the company flag to Capt. Ford said the change of command transporting the HHC 36th Sust. Bde. Arthur Smith, signifying his assumption of command of Headquarters and Headquarters was a humbling, bittersweet moment safely into the Iraqi theater. Company Jan. 30 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Operations slated to begin at expanded central receiving, shipping point St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y pieces of cargo, he said. Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o The CRSP processes all classes of Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f supplies, with the exception of ammu- nition, said West. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The Joint “Our mission is to receive, stage, Base Balad, Iraq, Central upload, download and transship unit Receiving and Shipping equipment, retrograde equipment, Point is slated to begin op- containers and intra-theater cargo,” erations at its new, 20- he said. “In addition, we oversee the acre site, Feb. 15, after (Empty Container Collection Point).” roughly five months of The CRSP will process the contain- preparation. ers the ECCP receives from the CRY. The CRSP expanded to accommo- West said the CRY processes roughly date the movement and removal of 3,000 containers a month, after which equipment throughout Iraq, as the they are redistributed. upcoming drawdown of U.S. troops The additional space grants more and equipment approaches, said freedom of movement to all vehi- Capt. Jason Vivian, officer in charge cles and personnel in the CRSP, said of transportation with the 80th Ord- West. nance Battalion, 15th Sustainment “There have been times when we’ve Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command had to rearrange cargo in the yard be- (Expeditionary). The expanded site cause we ran out of room in certain ar- will contain almost triple the amount eas,” he said. “This will not be an issue of cargo than the old site, said Vivian, in the new yard.” a South Fork, Pa., native. The trailer transfer point will also “Their current area can only hold be relocated and expanded in the so much,” he said. CRSP, said West. The TTP is a staging JBB will be a major operational hub area for convoys to drop off filled trail- A Soldier looks on as a rough terrain container handler picks up an empty container and during the drawdown, and is already a ers, pick up empty ones and continue loads it on a flatbed truck at the Receiving and Shipping Point yard at Joint Base Balad, major cargo processing site, he said. Iraq. The CRSP will be relocated to an expanded location, tripling its cargo capacity. on their route, he said. The new location is close to the West said the additional staging container repair yard, the onward of travel time, he said. erations more effectively,” said West, lanes will also allow more cargo to be movement yard and the redistribu- Overall, the new CRSP can accom- an Allentown, Pa., native. uploaded or downloaded from each tion property assistance team. The modate a higher cargo capacity, said He said the unit expects to process convoy. proximity increases overall opera- 2nd Lt. Gabriel West, officer in charge considerably more cargo in the coming “Our yard operations will be more tional efficiency through more fluid of the JBB CRSP with the 159th Sea- months after the national elections. efficient, because we’ll have more movement, said Vivian. port Operations Company, 80th Ord. Despite its size limitations, the old space to stage convoys,” he said. “We’ll This creates a centralized area for Bn., 15th Sust. Bde., 13th ESC. CRSP site averaged 6,000 pieces of have the capabilities to process multi- processing cargo and retrograding “We’ll have more space and be able cargo per month, said West. In Sep- ple convoys at a time without slowing materials, and saves at least an hour to handle responsible withdrawal op- tember, it processed a record 8,000 down our operation.” PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Mississippi Guardsmen visit ancient ruins St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s 2/198t h CAB KHAN NAJMA, NINEWA PROV- INCE, Iraq – Mississippi Army National Guard Soldiers visited the ruins of a well-preserved for- tress near the village of Khan Najma, in Nin- ewa province, Feb. 3, while returning to Contingency Operating Base Q- West, Iraq, from a mission. Soldiers with A Company, 2nd Bat- talion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- ary), the Q-West force protection company out of Hernando, Miss., ex- plored the site which, above its single gate, bears an inscription from the Koran so worn down that three inter- preters could not fully decipher it. “We pass by ancient ruins a lot during missions, but we don’t usually have a chance to stop and see them up close,” said Capt. Drew Clark, commander of A Co. and a Madison, Miss., native. “It’s good for the Sol- Spc. Jason N. Tressler, a gun truck driver with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, diers to see these places because they 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), the Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, force protection company out of Hernando, are part of a rich cultural heritage. Miss., and a Memphis, Tenn., native, walks the western ramparts of an old fortress, which stands intact on a ridge near the village of Seeing them puts things in perspec- Khan Najma, in Ninewa province, Iraq. Members of Tressler’s company, a Mississippi Army National Guard unit, visited the site while tive and helps us understand the long returning from a mission, Feb. 3. history behind the current situation.” Taking time to study the histori- ably a minor outpost.” ing able to see for miles around. It was amazing. I could imagine the people cal landscape is worth the effort, said The site is impressively construct- amazing how far you could see. The who lived here, the Soldiers, and it 1st Sgt. John L. Beasley, a Hernando, ed and located, said Staff Sgt. Kevin L. builders couldn’t have found a better gave me a strange feeling, as if they Miss., native. Brown, a sergeant of the guard for an location than this because this ridge had left a few years ago instead of “When we first got here, we were entry control point. commands the region as far as the eye hundreds of years. It made history pretty busy and didn’t have much of a “It’s amazing that this structure can see.” seem so real, like the past was not so chance to stop and see some of these is still standing, especially in a war Spc. Daniel R. Burke, a gun truck long ago.” places we pass near,” said Beasley. zone,” said Brown, a Hernando, Miss., driver and an Apalachicola, Fla., na- Visiting such sites can offer U.S. “It’s good to stop and look around. native. “The people who planned and tive, said he experienced a moment Soldiers a better historical perspec- This is the kind of experience that built this fortress knew what they were of connection with the warriors who tive, said Staff Sgt. Michael A. Barnes, the Soldiers will never forget. It’s a doing. They obviously built it solid, or once manned the ramparts. a gun truck commander and a Boon- firsthand education instead of seeing it wouldn’t still be standing, and they “It’s fascinating to stumble on plac- eville, Miss., native. pictures in a book, and I doubt you gave careful thought to its strategic es like this,” said Burke. “You can be “It shows that Iraqi culture goes would see a place like this in most location. One of the things that got me rolling through the desert, and noth- back to the beginning of civilization,” history books, because it was prob- most was standing on the wall and be- ing’s around but the empty landscape. said Barnes. “It makes you realize how Then you stumble on young America is.” something so magnifi- Spc. Jeffery D. Thompson, a radio cent, so well preserved. operator and a Wyatte, Miss., native, The structure itself is said the architecture was fascinating. “I paid attention to the unique ar- chitecture, the way it was built,” said Sgt. Seth A. Bloodworth, a truck commander with A Thompson. “It obviously has great Company, 2nd Battalion, structural integrity or it wouldn’t still 198th Combined Arms, 155th be standing after all this time. Seeing Heavy Brigade Combat Team, how the builders laid out the fortress 13th Sustainment Command was also interesting, with the stables (Expeditionary), the Contin- and barracks and what might have gency Operating Base Q- been offices and even a latrine – that West, Iraq, force protection was real interesting. All the rooms had company out of Hernando, domed or arched ceilings, and I’m not Miss. and a Lake Cormorant, Miss., native, rests at the used to seeing that.” northwest corner rampart of Thompson said he thought the site an old fortress, which stands should be protected and studied. intact on a ridge near the vil- “This is an important place, not just lage of Khan Najma, in Nin- this place but the whole region,” said ewa province, Iraq. Members Thompson. “People all over the world of Bloodworth’s company, think of this region as the ‘mother- a Mississippi Army National land,’ the place where it all began, and Guard unit, visited the site it’s important to preserve the archeo- while returning from a mis- sion, Feb. 3. logical sites.” February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Providers train replacements in Italy Bergstrom said she and Black watched St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y over the 14th Trans. Bn. as the unit adapt- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o ed to the type of mission it would have in Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Iraq. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Two advis- “We were there, standing behind them ers with the 49th Transpor- every step … and there to answer their tation Battalion (Movement questions,” she said. “We were there to Control) traveled from Joint give them an initial picture of what it is Base Balad, Iraq, to Vi- they’re going to be doing as the (only) cenza, Italy, to assist in MCB in Iraq.” a four-day pre-deploy- Black and Bergstrom met with the ment exercise with the 14th Transporta- leadership and operation staff to discuss tion Battalion. the unit’s mission, said Bergstrom. The 14th Trans. Bn., out of Vicenza, “We gave our recommendations on is slated to replace the 49th Trans. Bn. how they should manage their people in April and become the headquarters with the numbers they have,” she said. movement control battalion in charge of Black said normal transportation sustainment operations in Iraq, said Chief battalions have truck companies under Warrant Officer 2 Donnie Black, a mobil- them, but MCBs only have movement ity warrant officer with the 49th Trans. control teams. Bn., 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- “They support the sustainment bri- tainment Command (Expeditionary) and gades and (combat sustainment support a Sweet Water, Ala., native. The exercise While transportation companies move cargo, the movement control battalions and battalions) that control the (transporta- was designed to train and certify the 14th teams manage traffic flow, verify cargo that needs to be moved, and ensure quality tion) assets,” said Black. Trans. Bn. Soldiers for their new mission, control. The mission in Iraq is an ever-evolv- said Black. ing one, said Bergstrom. The operation of With only six movement control bat- managing traffic, prioritizing what cargo of sustainment operations. MCBs has changed to meet the needs of talions in the active Army, they serve a needs to be moved and facilitating the “For four full days, the 14th acted as the the Warfighters and the redevelopment specialized function for the sustainment quality control of cargo throughout the MCB (in Iraq),” she said. “They followed of Iraq, she said. commands they serve under in theater, country, he said. the same battle rhythm we follow here. It’s The 14th Soldiers were overwhelmed he said. Capt. Allison Bergstrom, the highway not going to teach them everything from at first, but as the missions continued, A MCB manages the transportation traffic division chief with the 49th and a A to Z about transportation. It’s meant to they became more knowledgeable and assets that move on the roads from base Minneapolis native, said the exercise sim- get their feet in the water so when they get comfortable with MCB operations, she to base in Iraq, said Black. This includes ulated a four-day MCB mission in support here they don’t come in blind.” said. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion conducts communications training St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y 1s t Lt. Ge n a r o Mo r o n e s 15t h Su s t . Bd e . CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – The 264th Combat Sustain- ment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Bri- gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- tionary) communica- tions section, commonly referred to as section 6, trained more than 180 driv- ers and truck commanders on opera- tor-level communication tasks for three days beginning Jan. 21 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Each of the three days featured a pri- mary block of instruction. Block I intro- duced participants to basic radio parts and procedures. Block II, taught by Spc. De’Aaron Green, a signal support spe- cialist and a Baltimore native, helped users become familiar with encrypting radio communications. Spc. Ryan McCauley, an informa- tion systems operator and a Raleigh, N.C., native, presented Block III, giving tips and techniques for radio mainte- nance and troubleshooting. McCauley stressed the importance of perform- ing proper preventative maintenance checks and services prior to departing for missions, emphasizing cables, con- nections and cleanliness. This training was not a “check-the- Spc. Ryan McCauley, an information systems operator with the 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and a Raleigh, N.C., native, instructs his fellow Soldiers on radio maintenance and troubleshooting. The 264th CSSB, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th box” mandate, said McCauley. It was a Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) communications section, commonly referred to as section 6, trained more than 180 drivers hands-on, no nonsense, how-to presen- and truck commanders on operator-level communication tasks for three days beginning Jan. 21 at Contingency Operating Base tation designed to address the specific Speicher, Iraq. communication problems encountered on convoy missions, he said. radio using an AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key tion Company and a Monroe, La., na- ask me to fill their radio,” Rock said. Each day of training ended at dusk, Loader in less than five minutes. tive, said he was thankful for the train- “Now, they are coming up to me and with participants demonstrating their Spc. Herbert Rock, a signal support ing. asking me for an SKL so they can fill comprehension by successfully filling a specialist with the 1083rd Transporta- “Normally, people come to me and their own radio.”

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U4 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team hosts Taji-wide marriage enrichment seminar By Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c people to the event, as it incorporated Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f several units. He said he learned how to make Cajun-style ribs from a five- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE star chef, and he made them and home- TAJI, Iraq – The 155th made guacamole for the occasion. Heavy Brigade Combat Because this was the 155th’s last Team’s unit ministry event, they wanted to make it special, council hosted a base- Wagner said. wide, marriage-en- Partin said they received a lot of sup- richment seminar and port from the family support group in cookout Feb. 11 in the Warrior Chapel Mississippi and from the 198th Com- at Contingency Operating Base Taji, bined Arms Battalion’s family support Iraq. group as well. The seminar marks the last event “The family support group rallied for the unit ministry team, as the 155th the communities back home and they HBCT, 13th Sustainment Command had shipped multiple copies of ‘Fire- (Expeditionary) sets to re-deploy in the proof’ and other books, along with all beginning of March. kinds of food items,” he said. Maj. Terry Partin, brigade chaplain Wagner said he believes this event is with the 155th and a Richton, Miss., special because it is family driven. native, said the seminar’s goal was to “Our last deployment, we had a very U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Beverly Price encourage Soldiers to think about their high rate of divorce among married marriages and commit to them before Soldiers at Contingency Operating Site Taji, Iraq, start the marriage enrichment seminar with Soldiers,” he said. “Not a lot was done a cookout with food prepared by Staff Sgt. Geoff C. Wagner, the chaplain assistant noncom- re-deploying home. missioned officer in charge with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team and a Saltillo, Miss., last time to give Soldiers tools to enrich “People change while you’re gone,” native. After the cookout, the movie “Fireproof” was played for the guests. their marriage.” he said. “Spouses become more inde- Partin said Valentine’s Day made pendent, have new friends and it can be movie “Fireproof,” which addresses they re-deploy back to the states.” this the perfect time for such an event. tough, even for the best of marriages.” marital problems in the midst of high- Staff Sgt. Geoff C. Wagner, chaplain “Maybe after the class, Soldiers will Partin said he wants people to think stress situations. assistant noncommissioned officer take the extra effort to phone their about their marriages and not expect “After the movie, we are going to in charge with the 155th HBCT and a spouses or send them a gift to show an easy transition. give Soldiers time to talk and share Saltillo, Miss., native, said the 155th their appreciation and love for them,” The event featured a showing of the their feelings and concerns for when hosted a barbeque to help draw more he said. Oregon Soldier uses civilian skills to improve convoy routes into a proposal to send to the 13th ESC.” brigade staff officers from units all over the way for the upcoming drawdown of By Sg t . Ca n d a c e We s t l u n d Hokanson’s vision and Carlson’s plan Iraq with experience in the logistical troops because fewer people would be 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s of action led to a committee, formed in scope, giving them the responsibility of needed to do the work. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE November 2009. restructuring the locations of warehous- “Changing the transportation struc- ADDER, Iraq – As the “Carlson’s expertise is unmatched, es and facilitating interaction with KBR ture to a civilian-based system will also scope of operations in Iraq and we needed his vision to improve how (Inc.) and the third country nationals.” benefit the Iraqis after we are gone,” he changes, so will its convoy we operate,” Hokanson said. Carlson said he examined the route said. “Whether they know it or not, Sol- routes. Carlson said that his experience in his structure and determined that having the diers are training the local national driv- Sgt. Maj. Ted Carl- civilian career allowed him to make im- routes look similar to how FedEx oper- ers during every single mission on how to son, the brigade opera- provements to how the active Army does ates would be the most efficient course of run a transportation company.” tions sergeant major business. action. Having smaller route hubs would also with the Oregon National Guard’s 41st “I was the only enlisted Soldier asked The routes involve a more special- allow Soldiers to tailor their equipment Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sus- to be a part of the committee,” he said. ized approach, as units in each area will sets, memorize the medical evacuation tainment Command (Expeditionary) and Carlson traveled to bases and exam- only travel in a small hub and use a relay call signs and frequencies for their area, a Vancouver, Wash., native, was asked ined the dispatch system for missions, system to get equipment and supplies to and have more consistency in their lives, to be a part of a 13th ESC committee to as well as the specific routes every unit their destinations, he said. Carlson said. restructure the convoy escort mission for used. “The smaller route loops will allow “Feb. 4 was the first trial run,” he said. the Iraqi Joint Operation Area. As a civilian, Carlson is a FedEx Corp. Soldiers to become experts in their lo- “We probably won’t see this come to full “I was looking at the route system line haul driver, with 17 years of experi- cal areas,” said Carlson. “They will know fruition until this summer, so the unit back in September and thought it didn’t ence driving long routes similar to the every pothole in the road, and it will be that replaces those of us that are leaving make any sense,” said Col. Dan Hokan- Army convoys throughout Iraq. easier to detect changes and IED place- should benefit from the work we put into son, the 41st IBCT commander and a “I was asked to assist with developing ments.” this plan. Keizer, Ore., native. “I asked Sgt. Maj. new routes for Soldiers in order to make Carlson said the biggest mission in “This is what makes the National Carlson what FedEx would do to deliver their job more efficient,” said Carlson. Iraq today is convoy escort. Therefore, Guard special. Our civilian job expertise packages, and to implement that plan “The rest of the committee consisted of streamlining the routes would pave can help make the Army better.” TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM E-mail: [email protected] February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Transportation company holds 5K for Black History Month By Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t his influence today. King had the power Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f to influence the country. “(King) was the single most influential JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – More person in my life,” said Smith. than 400 service members Winding said former President John participated in the 547th F. Kennedy and Thurgood Marshall, the Transportation Company first African-American to serve on the 5K Fun Run or Walk at Supreme Court, were key leaders who Holt Stadium Feb. 5 at played an influential role in his life as Joint Base Balad, Iraq, well. in recognition of Black History Month. Lt. Col. Ellen H. Galloway, a staff Sgt. 1st Class Donald A. Winding, a psychologist with the 1908th Medical personnel security detail member with Detachment Combat Stress Control out the 547th Transportation Company out of Topeka, Kan., said retired Gen. Colin of Washington, Task Force 1st Battal- Powell, former chairman of the Joint ion, 155th Infantry, 155th Heavy Bri- Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state un- gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment der former President George W. Bush, Command (Expeditionary), said United was the most influential black leader in States citizens have equal opportunities her life. because of the many races represented Smith said he likes to put quotes from by the country’s influential leaders. military leaders around the office for in- U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jeff Wright Winding, a volunteer with the event spirational use. and a Centerville, Miss., native, said Gen. Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks via satellite to the A Feb. 3, New York Times article quot- Medger Evers, a black civil rights activist Pentagon while visiting troops during Operation Desert Shield. Soldiers celebrating Black ed Powell’s address to a Senate commit- History Month in Iraq this year praised Powell’s leadership skills from Mississippi, inspired him. tee in 1993, in which he said, “We have Martin Luther King Jr. left a legacy in “He wanted to help mankind,” said enlisted adviser with the 547th Trans. successfully mixed rich and poor, black his work to secure civil rights for blacks Winding. Co., said King’s ability to promote love to and white, urban and rural (in the armed as well, he said. First Sgt. Terrance A. Smith, the senior the people of all races remains evident in forces).” Wagonmasters dedicate pavilion to fallen Soldier St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y cial to a lot of the units on Fort Hood, St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n Phelps said. 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Both units put a lot of labor into the pavilion, and wanted to dedicate it to CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE the right person, said Phelps. Smith Q-WEST, Iraq – Leaders was that man, he said. with the 15th Sustainment “He had the ability to make you feel Brigade and 13th Sustain- at home immediately,” said Phelps. ment Command (Expe- Smith took the “work hat” off to just ditionary) dedicated a sit around and talk, he said. pavilion at Contingency Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, the com- Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, to a fallen mander of the 13th ESC and a Mans- Fort Hood Soldier during a ceremony field, Ohio, native, said Smith was a Feb. 3. great man. The pavilion was dedicated to retired “He really had a special place in his Col. Jerry Smith, who died in a car acci- heart for all Soldiers,” Wentz said. dent in April 2009 at Fort Hood, Texas, Phelps said he hopes the memory of the home station of both the 15th Sust. Smith’s dedication and service will live Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee Sr., the senior noncommissioned officer with the 15th Bde. and the 13th ESC, said Col. Larry on through the pavilion. Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Col. Larry Phelps, the com- mander of the 15th Sust. Bde., Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, the commander of the 13th ESC, and Phelps, the commander of the 15th Sust. “We dedicate this pavilion to his Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Joseph, the senior noncommissioned officer with the 13th ESC, unveil Bde. and a Greenville, Ala., native. memory and what he means to the the plaque to dedicate the Smith Pavilion to deceased retired Col. Terry Smith Feb. 3 at Contin- Smith was a good friend and was spe- unit,” he said. gency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. ON THE WEB http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Houston Texans cheerleaders sign autographs during replay of Super Bowl at Balad St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y the Super Bowl. He decided to attend Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t the event with his fellow Soldiers while Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f waiting to return to Contingency Oper- ating Base Q-west, Iraq. Editor’s note: The cheerleaders’ last Granger watched the Super Bowl, names have been withheld at their re- got the cheerleaders’ autographs and quest to protect their privacy. watched them perform the halftime show. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Though “This is good morale for all Soldiers, the Super Bowl aired live especially being over here in Iraq,” he when most Soldiers in said. Iraq were asleep or on Granger said Soldiers struggle ev- missions, Morale, Wel- ery day with being away from families, fare and Recreation friends and their normal daily activi- east held two replay ties. He said visits like these have a showings for service positive impact on deployed service members Feb. 8 at Joint Base Balad, members. Iraq. “You’re over here defending your At one of the showings, five Hous- country and you get an opportunity ton Texans cheerleaders performed at like this,” said Granger. “They come halftime and signed autographs for the and visit and put on a show. It makes troops. the Soldiers happy.” Sonya, a Houston Texans cheerleader reaches for a plastic football to sign for a service Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Granger, a gen- Larisa, a Houston Texans cheer- member during a replay of the Super Bowl at Morale, Welfare and Recreation east Feb. erator repair mechanic with the 631st leader, said she and her twin sister 8 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The cheerleaders signed autographs and performed a dance routine for the troops who attended the event. Maintenance Company out of Starke, have never been anywhere abroad. Fla., 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th “It’s just been a wonderful experi- opportunity to interact with Soldiers “Just to come overseas and say Sustainment Command (Expedition- ence to get to talk to (service members) on a personal level. ‘thank you’ has been a great experi- ary), said he returned from a four-day and to learn what they do on a day-to- Her family has a very rich tradition ence,” she said. “All of us five cheer- pass to find a flyer at the MWR east day basis,” she said. in the military, said Larisa, including a leaders are just honored to be here that advertised the Houston Texans Larisa said they toured bases cousin serving in Afghanistan and an- with all the Soldiers in Iraq and just cheerleaders would attend a replay of throughout Iraq and appreciated the other who served two tours in Iraq. want to say thank you personally.” Check CHUsdays Students reunite with hometown high school teacher at Adder Each Tuesday By Sg t . Ma t t h e w T. Hi pp dents – Staff Sgt. Moriah Menden, years from now, I would be in Iraq with 36t h Su s t . Bd e . dining facility operations noncommis- Mr. Blaha, I would have told you, ‘you’re Check The sioned officer, Sgt. Megan Mulvaney, crazy,’” said Olson. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE maintenance management NCO, and As a student, Menden said she never Following ADDER, Iraq – Lt. Col. Spc. Lee Olson, a wheeled vehicle me- knew he was in the military. in Your CHU John Blaha, the 732nd chanic – all Sparta natives, have gone “Although that would explain the Combat Service Support from the classroom to the battlefield to weeks he would be gone for at a time,” 1. Power strips are free of debris Battalion Commander, become Soldiers under his leadership. she said. and a chemistry and “The biggest difference between be- Blaha said his Soldiers still call him and clothing. physics teacher at ing a teacher and being a commander to Mr. Blaha sometimes. Sparta High School these Soldiers, is being able to see their “As educators, we pride ourselves in Sparta, Wis., commands and is de- progression from kids to adults,” said on getting students ready for the real 2. Electrical devices not in use are ployed with three of his former stu- Blaha. “The main change is I can have world,” he said. “It isn’t too often that dents. a different type of conversation with we get to see those students applying unplugged. Blaha and his Soldiers gathered for a them now.” what they have learned in the class- reunion Jan. 26 at Contingency Operat- His former students shared their room to actual life lessons. I may have ing Base Adder, Iraq. opinions about having a former teacher gone from educator to commander, but Blaha taught at Sparta High School as a commander. my mission of teaching and setting an 3. Power strips and outlets are not for 14 years. Three of his former stu- “If you told me back then that, 10 example has not changed.” overloaded. 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Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. Who did Joe Frazier say he wanted “like a hog column, each row and wants slop?” each of the nine 3×3 2. Who received a reported $25 million for a 1995 box- boxes contains the dig- ing match that lasted 89 seconds? its from 1 to 9 only one 3. Who was the first sports announcer to address Mu- time each. hammad Ali by his Muslim name? Last week’s answers 4. What boxer successfully defended his title against George Foreman and Larry Holmes? 5. What boxing promoter’s favorite expression is

“Only in America?” 1. Muhammad Ali 2. Mike Tyson 3. Howard Cosell 4. Evander Holyfield 5. Don King Don 5. Holyfield Evander 4. Cosell Howard 3. Tyson Mike 2. Ali Muhammad 1.

JB BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: TRADITIONAL - Sunday MASS - Saturday Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, 0200 Air Force Hospital Chapel 0930 Provider Chapel 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. 1030 Freedom Chapel (West side) 1100 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) 2000 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 1400 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1730 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Sunday 0830 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: 2000 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1100 Provider Chapel 1100 Air Force Hospital AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL - Sunday Thursday 1100 Air Force Hospital 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball 1100 MWR East Building 1200 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Mon., Wed., Fri. 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 1230 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Monday-Friday 1130 555th Engineer Bde. (Bldg. 7200) EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. 1900 Provider Chapel JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES- Friday NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: CONTEMPORARY- Sunday 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., 0900 Chapel- Next Iraq/MWR East Saturday 0930 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- 1030 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: 1400 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) 1900 Freedom Chapel (West Side) ISLAMIC PRAYER - Friday Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. Wedneday 2000 Gilbert Memorial Chapel 1230 Provider Chapel 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court LITURGICAL (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian) - Sunday PAGAN/WICCAN FELLOWSHIP - Thursday Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 1700 Provider Chapel 1900 The Shack a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Saturday Saturday 1900 The Shack Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: 1000 Provider Chapel GREEK ORTHODOX - Sunday Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST - Sunday 0900 Provider Annex Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano 1530 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)- Sunday Gilbert Chapel: 443-7703 Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 1300 Provider Chapel 1530 Freedom Chapel (West side) Provider Chapel: 433-2430 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball 1900 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Freedom Chapel: 443-6303 Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Monday 02/22/10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Auto Club 500 (Auto Club Upcoming sports Speedway, Fontana, CA), Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey- Canada vs. USA, Tape Delayed 5:30 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN UFC 110: Nogueira vs Velasquez, Tape Delayed 7 a.m. AFN/ Thursday 02/18/10 Saturday 02/20/10 xtra Wednesday Night Hoops: Notre Dame @ Louisville, Tape Delayed 4 Miami Heat @ Memphis Grizzlies, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/ West Virginia @ UConn, Live 4 p.m. AFN/ sports a.m. AFN/sports sports Tuesday 02/23/10 Wednesday Night Hoops: Texas @ Missouri, Tape Delayed 6 a.m. Atlanta Hawks @ Phoenix Suns, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/ Chicago Bulls @ Washington Wizards, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports sports AFN/sports 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Curling-USA vs. 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Curling-USA Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/ Denmark, Live 9 a.m. AFN/sports vs. Sweden, Live 9 a.m. AFN/sports sports Denver Nuggets @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Live 5 p.m. AFN/ xtra Florida @ Ole Miss, Live 9 a.m. AFN/ xtra 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey- Friday 02/19/10 Sunday 02/21/10 Elimination Game, Live 12 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday Night Showcase: Syracuse @ Georgetown, Tape Academy Basketball on AFN: Army @ Navy, Tape Delayed 12 Wednesday 02/24/10 Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports a.m. AFN/xtra Georgetown @ Louisville, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday Night Showcase: Pittsburgh @ Marquette, Tape Oklahoma City Thunder @ New York Knicks, Tape Delayed 4 Tennessee @ Florida, Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/sports Delayed 6 a.m. AFN/sports a.m. AFN/sports Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder, Tape Delayed 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Women’s Curling- Kentucky @ Vanderbilt, Tape Delayed 5 a.m. AFN/xtra 7:30 a.m. AFN/xtra USA vs. Russia, Live 9 a.m. AFN/sports Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers, Tape Delayed 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games: Men’s Ice Hockey- NBA Friday: Dallas Mavericks @ Orlando Magic, Live 5 p.m. 6:30a.m. AFN/sports Quarterfinal, Live 12 p.m. AFN/ prime pacific AFN/ xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010

Built to Spill is built to last By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g be the father of the Pacific Northwest absolute master of the guitar, layering The guitar is the real winner here. If Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f indie scene. Bands like Modest Mouse three to four complicated arrangements you enjoy rock guitars, not metal, but and Death Cab for Cutie would not exist at once without sounding like he’s show- real rock, I think you will love Built to uilt to Spill recent- if it weren’t for Martsch and his sound. ing off. If there is one thing Martsch is Spill. Hearing the evolution of his work Bly released its sev- The band has gone through several not, it’s a showoff. I have read countless over the years and reading his thoughts enth studio album, and lineup changes, but it’s hard to notice interviews where Martsch talks about on playing is a real inspiration to me as I was hesitant to buy it. because Martsch is really the heart and being uncomfortable with his voice and a wannabe guitarist. They are one of my soul of the group. There is very little col- his guitar abilities. It’s clear he is lacking It is hard to pick the real standout favorite bands, but if laboration, more like a group working some confidence, but I think it adds to tracks on this album as they are all you have read my other music reviews, to realize Martsch’s vision. the honesty of his voice and his music. good, but if you want to buy a track or you know I have been very disappointed Though many fans consider Built to “There is No Enemy” starts out in fa- two online as a sample, try “Hindsight,” in the follow-up albums of some of my Spill’s 1993 release, “There’s Nothing miliar territory, but by the second track “Good Ol’ Boredom” and “Pat.” favorite artists. Wrong With Love,” to be its best, the they are already in new territory. “Hind- If you trust me at all, buy the album This is not the case with Built to band evolved a bit with every effort. sight” is one of the album’s best tracks now. If you are new to the band and Spill’s “There is No Enemy.” I can Each release is more musically chal- and has a great steel guitar mixed with want to check out some other albums, breathe a sigh of relief because this al- lenging than the last and focuses more chunky overdriven riffs over the jangly start with “There is Nothing Wrong with bum is fantastic. and more on extended guitar solos and sound of Martsch’s Strat. Martsch’s Love,” then move on to “Keep it Like a The band has been active since 1992 instrumental breaks. voice is high pitched and doubled as Secret” and “You in Reverse.” Maybe it’s and Doug Martsch, the man behind This is really what separates Martsch usual, and his lyrics are thoughtful yet better to just pick up the entire catalog Built to Spill, is considered by many to from most indie-rock bands. He is an often humorous. and never look back. ‘Ninja Assassin’ gore with a side order of Kung Fu By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Aa n g i Mu e ll e r splattering noises. This movie made The story follows two paths. Raizo terribly distracting, but that is about Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s 1s t Se r g e a n t scenes in “Kill Bill,” look like they breaks free from the Ozunu assassin the best I can give it credit for. skimped on the ketchup. clan after a tragedy and becomes a The directing and camera work inja Assas- “Ninja Assassin” was designed to hunted man around the same time were decent and easy to watch. The “Nsin” is a great be vigorously enjoyed as only over that Interpol agent Mika Corretti opening scene in a gangland den sets representation of ev- the top violence can be. The audience (Naomie Harris) starts research- the stage well and fun scenes, an- erything you could laughed and chattered as nameless ing the money trail surrounding re- gles and backgrounds are scattered want from a Kung Fu bodies exploded into lumps of gore. cent murders. The juxtaposition of throughout the movie. movie: intense mar- Our hero Raizo (Rain, a.k.a. Jung the two storylines gives the plot a However, a few of the fight scenes tial arts training, blood, the powerful Jihoon) was sexy enough to elicit im- few surprise twists to keep your in- were a little dark. and demanding Sensei Master Ozunu mediate female attention, and the terest moving. Although it was eas- It’s not an Oscar contender in (Shô Kosugi, a 1980s Ninja movie probable idolatry of teen girls around ily predicted from the trailers, Raizo any category, but you don’t go see a veteran), fighting, blood, tragic love the globe, but bad enough that even and Corretti (“Pirates of the Carib- ninja movie for the story and acting, interest, blood, throwing stars, Japa- the guys had to admire the scars. bean”) end up working together and right? nese swords, fighting spears, claws, Raizo (“East of Eden”) carried a the manner in which it plays out was If you walk out of the a ninja movie knives and, did I mention, blood? small arsenal of weapons, along with cleverly planned. wanting to Kung Fu fight your friends, I wonder what amount of the a nasty little knife on a chain that I’ve The storyline was better than the a trash can and a random ninja, then overall “Ninja Assassin” budget was never seen before, but it was used to typical formula for the genre. the movie was a success. dedicated to fake blood and dubbed impressive effect. Our boy is bad. The acting by all parties was not “Ninja Assassin” succeeded.

Sustainer Reel Time Theater Pvt Murphy Wednesday, Feb. 17 Sunday, Feb. 21 5 p.m. Precious 2 p.m. Valentine’s Day 8 p.m. Dear John 5 p.m. Leap Year 8 p.m. Youth in Revolt Thursday, Feb. 18 Monday, Feb. 22 5 p.m. Dear John 5 p.m. Youth in Revolt 8 p.m. Did you hear about the 8 p.m. Valentine’s Day Morgans Friday, Feb. 19 Tuesday, Feb. 23 2 p.m. Leap Year 5 p.m. Valentine’s Day 5 p.m. Alvin and the Chipmunks 8 p.m. Leap Year 8:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day

Saturday, Feb. 20 Wednesday, Feb. 24 2 p.m. Youth in Revolt 5 p.m. Leap Year 5 p.m Valentine’s Day 8 p.m. Valentine’s Day 8 p.m. Alvin and the Chipmunks February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 h o t o s r o u n d

P A U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ali Hargis r a q An I interpreter explains the workings of an M-120 grenade launcher during weapons familiarization training Feb. 3, at Contingency Operating Location Marez, near Mosul, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon

U.S. Army photo by Spc Anderson Savoy (Above) Spc. Johnny Palmer from with 2nd Infantry Division and a 29 Palms, Calif., native, assists Iraqi Soldiers as they disassemble an M16 assault rifle at an armor class held by 2nd Infantry Division Soldiers Jan. 18 at Contingen- cy Operating Site Warhorse, Iraq U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow A Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 30th In- fantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shares a coffee break with a member of Iraq’s Emergency Services Unit Feb. 2 at a Traffic Control Point near Kirkuk, Iraq. Soldiers from 1-30 Inf. Regt. maintain security within the TCP while Iraqi personnel conduct day-to-day operations.

An Iraqi Soldier with the 49th Iraqi Army, hands out back- packs to children Jan. 26 at (Above) Sgt. Sandra Os- their school in Derka, Iraq. pina, with 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Divi- sion, demonstrates the proper way to search personnel entering se- curity checkpoints Feb. 3 at Contingency Operat- ing Location Marez, near Mosul, Iraq. Ospina is training the Iraqi Federal Police in maintaining the security of their country. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Artillery Regiment promised to continue partnerships with the ISF and GoI. Iraqi women join "We continue to support the resolution by the Iraqi government to reduce the number of troops and the number of bases that we occupy in Iraq,” Cain said. Army ranks “Even though we're reducing the number of bases throughout the country of Iraq, we are continuing to BAGHDAD – A group of 65 Iraqi women from across support the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Security the country started Army basic combat Forces throughout the entire province and we'll con- training in Baghdad Jan. 27 to learn funda- tinue to support them up until the last day that we're mental military skills including basic weap- here in Iraq.” ons handling and marching. For service members who previously deployed with These women are the third group of trainees ever the unit to Baghdad during the surge of troops into to participate in the 45-day course, which begins the country, working with ISF and seeing the tran- with administrative processing, issuing of uniforms sition of the palace was a sign of progress, said Sgt. and other essential equipment, just as their male 1st Class George Havel, an artilleryman with 2/32nd counterparts would experience. Regt., who spent four months working with ISF at the Although some in the group had security concerns JCC. about revealing their identity, others were so proud "When we came in during the surge everything of their service in the Iraqi Army, they wanted to tell was geared toward patrolling and pretty much IED their stories. negation,” said Havel. “Now it's more of a profes- “I lost my husband and my son in an explosion,” sional climate, dealing hand in hand with the Iraq- said one female Soldier. “I have no one to take care of is themselves … it's a night and day difference. It's me and this gives me a job.” very symbolic. This place is a piece of their history It is still not easy to find a job in the Iraqi Army, but and they understand it. It's very well kept up for what the opportunity is there for those who are persistent. U.S. forces. However, they are not being used to their it's gone through.” “There is a long list of people who want to get jobs full potential as NCOs, said Master Sgt. Eric Fies, mil- in the Army,” said one of the youngest Soldiers. itary transition team, senior enlisted adviser at K1. During his welcome speech to the new class, Staff To fully enable junior Iraqi NCOs, senior NCOs and Iraqi Army opens Maj. Gen. Samir Al Basha, who heads the Iraqi Army officers at K1 are holding platoon sergeant courses Tactical Training Directorate, said he hopes every stu- and allowing junior NCOs to lead various classes. dent will complete the challenging training. This curriculum closely resembles the Warrior operations, “If any of you need anything at all, I am here to Leader Course the U.S. Army offers their NCOs in help,” he said. conducting physical training, refreshing basic Soldier Lt. Col. Raad Hashim Mohammed, officer in charge skills and building their confidence as a leaders. intelligence center of training, said, “Most of these Soldiers have been To add to that confidence, senior NCOs are having through one of the previous rotations of training and the junior NCOs teach each other and their Soldiers. DIYALA, Iraq – For some, gone are the days of be- returned to receive an update to army procedures and By building their confidence as leaders, they will ginning work at 4 a.m. or working dur- weapons training.” reach their full potential and be able to train and man- ing extreme weather conditions. After Although many currently hold administrative and age their Soldiers more efficiently, said Fies. months of sweat and hard work, a team personnel positions in the army these women will also “It is a long road, completely empowering the Iraqi of 62 individuals can rest. The Combined help provide security in the upcoming elections. NCOs, but so far we have a good start to getting to the Operations and Intelligence Center is complete. “They will be responsible for searching females at end of it,” he said. The grand opening of the COIC took place Jan. check points as well,” said Samir. 10 at Forward Operating Base Kameesh, Iraq. A Otis Brown II, senior adviser with Iraqi Training team composed of 10 Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi and Advisory Mission – Army, said "The goal down Army Field Engineer Regiment, 50 Soldiers from the road is total integration of the female Soldier in Dragon brigade turns Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th the Iraqi Army. We are encouraged by the tremendous Engineer Battalion, Vertical Construction Platoon, progress that we've seen thus far and we look forward over two bases in Salah and two Iraqi interpreters, were responsible for to seeing the next steps the Iraqi Army will take." the construction of the COIC. Since the first course was conducted in June, 125 “The Soldiers worked together and conducted women have completed the training. ad Din province cross-training on carpentry and masonry skills during construction of a 30-by-70 foot concrete SALAH AD DIN PROVINCE, Iraq – Two bases were masonry block building,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian handed back to the Government of Iraq Feb. A. Money, the platoon sergeant and a Denver na- Iraqi Army learns to 1 in accordance with the U.S. - Iraq Security tive. Agreement. The engineers worked quickly to build the COIC The historic Mahmoon Palace and the from the ground up, as U.S. Soldiers demonstrated enable new leaders Sharqat Joint Coordination Center were both tran- to the Iraqis how to reinforce the masonry blocks. sitioned back to the GoI from the 4th Infantry Bri- The engineers worked to preserve structural integ- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- gade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Sameer al- rity. Two battalion inspectors from the 37th Engi- RIOR, Iraq – Senior advisers with Kirkuk Haddad, the Iraqi receivership secretariat, signed for neer Battalion periodically inspected the quality of Training Center (K1), Iraq, are in the process both centers. the building. of getting the 12th and 4th divisions of the The Mahmoon Palace was built as a place to cel- A truss jig was created to use as a template for Iraqi Army to view their noncommissioned ebrate Saddam Hussein’s birthdays, and it still con- the 35 trusses required for the roof. A truss is officers as he backbone of their Army. tains Hussein-era chandeliers, columns, and decora- the backbone of the roof system. The team built To do this, the advisers at K1 have expanded their tive tiled floors and ceilings. 35 trusses in two days. It took a day to install the focus from the training of IA Soldiers to training and Previously, the palace served as the Tikrit Joint corrugated steel, thus completing the roof system. enabling Iraqi noncommissioned officers to be lead- Coordination Center where the Iraqi Security Forces, Without the truss jig, the COIC would have taken ers. government officials and U.S. Soldiers coordinated an extra week to complete. NCOs are already in the lead, training their Soldiers emergency response functions for Tikrit. During the construction of the COIC, a bond in combat lifesaving, basic combat training, mortar With the transition of the Mahmoon Palace, Lt. Col. was forged between the engineers and Iraqis as platoon training and more, under the observation of Robert Cain, commander of 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field they worked side by side each day. The U.S. and February 17, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

Iraqi Soldiers had lunch and chai tea together ev- during the chase, the Soldier killed the insurgent before ery day. he harmed other Ssoldiers or Ninewa Province residents. “The biggest impact the partnership had on all Iraqi Army mortar The Iraqi Soldiers and Iraqi Police Officers were pre- the paratroopers was the ability to convey to the sented the Army Commendation Medal by Maj. Gen. Iraqi Soldiers the American standard for concrete men participate in Tony Cucolo, commanding general of U.S. Division – construction,” said Money. North during the ceremony. Now that the COIC is complete, it can be used for its intended purpose, said Maj. David Szyman- first live-fire exercise ski, the 5th Iraqi Army Division COIC team chief with the military intelligence team. CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Iraqi troops demonstrated their “The main objective of the COIC is to assist the mortar skills to U.S. counterparts during a live- Engineers complete Iraqi Army in establishing enduring systems that fire exercise Jan. 27 in eastern Al Anbar prov- will enable them to command and control and ince. school project in maintain situational awareness in their areas of The mortar men, from 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi operation,” said Szymanski. Army Division, fired live mortar rounds during the train- ing exercise with paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 504th Sadr City Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Iraqis coordinate Division (Advise and Assist); a hands on event that the SADR CITY, Iraq – More than 500 elementary school Iraqi mortar men said they found to be a critical part of students in Mahalla neighborhood in Sadr City the multi-day training event with the Americans aimed at were given the gift of a better educational en- contract to allow well moving them closer to self sufficiency. vironment following the completion of the 12- “This training is very useful,” said Sgt. Safaa Hussein room Al Adalaa Elementary School. construction at Speicher Ali, an IA mortar man. “It is the first time we have shot The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Dis- live rounds.” trict, Loyalty Resident Office served as the managing con- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, The mortar training was one of several competencies struction partner for the 11-month, $816,000 project. The Iraq – Progress toward an economically ordered by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence, said staff Brig. school was funded through the Iraq Transition Assistance viable Iraq was once again made when the Gen. Adel Abbas, commander of the Iraqi brigade. Amer- Office Economic Support Fund. Iraqi Based Industrial Zone signed a con- ican paratroopers have been training the Iraqi mortar The school project included the construction of a two- tract with an Iraqi company Jan. 18 to build men since August 2009. story classroom building, an administration building and a well on land leased by Contingency Operating Base “Our forces are experiencing change since working a playground. The administration building contains office Speicher. with American forces, and the training our Soldiers are spaces, a first aid room and a food service area. The site “The Al-Wissam company wanted to build a well to getting from American Soldiers is very good,” said Adel. also included the construction of a three-meter high se- expand their business and growth of their company,” The training included putting the mortar tube into ac- curity wall surrounding the school, a guard house with a said Capt. Calvin Fisher, the officer in charge of I-BIZ tion, correctly aligning the sights and aiming the mortar, steel entry gate and a maintenance building. and a Durham, N.C., native. “We facilitated an agree- as well as using the proper commands associated with Inez Bergerson, the Loyalty Office project engineer, ment with the landowners, the Task Force Marne of- mortar use. said the Sadr City school project posed some unique chal- fice of the staff judge advocate and the business.” “The partnered live-fire exercise was a great opportu- lenges for project engineers. I-BIZ works with Iraqi businesses to allow eco- nity for our IA counterparts to not only see and partici- “Because this school is located in Sadr City, where vi- nomic opportunities on the base and in the local pate in a live fire but also to plan one,” said 1st Lt. Charles olence can be expected at any time, our office managed communities. F. Sexton, a 2-504 PIR platoon leader. the construction by relying heavily on our local national The well will be on a piece of land close to COB Sexton said they ironed out some issues to ensure the engineers for updates and quality assurance,” Bergerson Speicher, where eggplants and green beans grow. training even got off the ground. said. The Al-Wissam group has other facilities around “A major challenge leading up to the live-fire exercise “Of all the projects I have had the pleasure of work- the province. The company approaches farmers in was the location,” Sexton said. “Luckily, we were able to ing on while in Iraq, schools remain my favourite. A new the area to show them new technologies and irriga- rely on the IA to find us a location far from any inhabited school can provide the opportunity for hundreds of chil- tion techniques to grow crops more efficiently. They areas.” dren who have so little to receive a quality education, to also plan to rejuvenate natural areas on the COB by The advise-and-assist brigade plans to continue train- become productive citizens and share in the growth of planting plants and trees, and they have been work- ing with the Iraqi Army for the duration of the deploy- this emerging country.” ing with I-BIZ to make that goal a reality. Iraqi farm- ment. The Iraqi-owned Al Sald Company was the general ers will be hired by the company to grow more crops contractor for the school construction project. as well. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has com- The Al-Wissam group will also contribute to sci- pleted thousands of reconstruction projects in partner- ence with their crops. The land will be used to grow US military police ship with the U.S. Government and the Government of Jojoba plants. The plants will be used by Tikrit Uni- Iraq. Since 2004, USACE has completed 5,257 projects versity to study oils from the plant that people apply teach Iraqis to properly throughout Iraq valued at more than $9.1 billion, and has to their skin for cleansing purposes. The study will more than 350 projects ongoing. The overall reconstruc- examine facets of the plant, including how much sun- tion effort in Iraq provides jobs for more than 20,000 light it needs, how much water it will require and oth- handle evidence Iraqis. er important information on how to grow the plant. Capt. Todd Chard and Lt. Col. Perry Wadsworth, CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION MAREZ, Iraq both with the Task Force Marne office of the staff – Five members of the Iraqi Security Forces judge advocate, oversaw the contract to make sure it were recognized Jan. 30 by United States of- Iraqi Security Forces adhered to the rules pertaining to the base. ficials during a ceremony at Contingency Op- Wadsworth said he believes the agreement will be erating Location Marez, in Mosul, Iraq. prevent bomb attack beneficial for everyone involved. Three Federal Police officers and two Iraqi Army Sol- “This contract is a good way of showing how Iraqis diers were responsible for identifying and preventing ve- TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. forces ad- can help themselves,” he said. “It will build their own hicle-borne improvised explosive devices throughout the visers, intercepted bomb-making materials Jan. capacity for agriculture. They can do it rather than Ninewa province. 29 in Diyala province. have outside experts do it or purchase material from In addition to discovering the original VBIED Dec. 15, Intelligence reports indicate al-Qaeda in Iraq other places in the country.” the police officers safely evacuated civilians, military per- planned to use the cache to build a vehicle-borne No specific date has been set for construction of sonnel and local emergency workers after they discovered improvised explosive device. the well. a second VBIED. ISF conducted the operation after receiving intelli- I-BIZ brings in companies to participate in proj- Jan. 20, two more VBIEDS were discovered by Iraqi gence reports indicating the materials were staged on the ects for the economic viability of the base, to include Army Soldiers in separate incidents, one of whom dis- outskirts of a large town in the province. recycling and construction projects. covered multiple IEDs within the area, which were later The Iraqi forces air assaulted into the area and quickly The contract is part of a larger effort to help COB disarmed. secured the material. Speicher and the surrounding areas become self- Jan. 21, upon the discovery of a VBIED, an Iraqi Soldier Six 80 lb. bags of a fertilizer-based high explosives, two sufficient in preparation for the drawdown of U.S. identified, pursued and eliminated the person respon- five-gallon cans of homemade explosives, and one RKG-3 troops from Iraq. sible for triggering the VBIED. Despite being wounded grenade were seized by ISF during the operation. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s February 17, 2010 Phantom Support

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Cooley The Houston Texan cheerleaders perform for service members and civilians Feb. 4 at the Morale Welfare and Recreation center at Contingency Operating Location Q- West. The women visited Soldiers from the 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustain- ment Command (Expeditionary) at work before doing a few cheers, posing for photos with service members and civilians, and signing autographs.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan Soldiers with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infan- try Regiment conducts combat drills prior to going on a mission outside Forward Operating Base Sca- nia, Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mario Fernandez Spc. Johan Gustafson, a welder with 169th Staff Sgt. Frederick McNeil, a Liberty, Miss., native, grades Seaport Operations Staff Sgt. Larry Walker, a Palm Harbor, Fla., native, dur- Company, 260th Com- ing the push-up event of the Army physical fitness test. bat Sustainment Sup- This is the first test given while in theater for the 296th port Battalion, 15th Transportation Company, 260th Sustainment Support Sustainment Brigade Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment and a Medillene, Co- Command (Expeditionary). lumbia, native, fabri- cates a roller sleeve system for the forks on the 10K forklift that is used to load heli- copters efficiently and safely at the Arrival/ Departure Air Control Group, Baghdad In- ternational Airport in Baghdad.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Zackery A.Gurley

(Right) B Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infan- try Brigade Combat Team prepares to leave on an early morning convoy Jan. 7, from Al Asad, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen