TheOfficial Magazine ofCONDOR the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, Camp Taji, Iraq JULY 2011 CAB KEEPS FLYING Operation New Dawn 40th CAB rules the sky

TRI-ATHLETE Soldier continues his training in country THE SUGAR SHACK Fueling more than just the aircraft SHERPA FLYING Meet the most unusual looking aircraft in the Army JUL The CONDOR ‘11 ISSUE #3

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Art Direction & Layout contents 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney Staff Sgt. Yvonne Najera

Managing Editor Contributing Writers Ironhorse Strong Lt. Col. Laura Yeager Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Gaffney 6-17th CAV responds to IDF 6 Tech. Sgt. James Stroman Work Hard to Play Hard Contributing Editor Sports help blow off steam 8 Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Gaffney SUBMISSIONS Send your photos to: The Sugar Shack ON THE COVER [email protected] 640th runs food shack 10 C-23 Sherpa Staff Writers Send your stories to: Photographer: 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney [email protected] In Memoriam 6 Spc. Darriel Swatts Spc. Darriel Swatts Soldiers remember a fallen comrade Spc. Matthew Wright 40th Combat Aviation Briagde 12 Public Affairs Office MEDEVAC Training Photographers CAMP TAJI, Iraq 1-171st MEDEVAC crew Spc. Darriel Swatts Building 121A 14 trains with Iraqis Spc. Matthew Wright DSN 318-834-1133 Staff Sgt. Yvonne Najera 318-834-4152 The Flying Sherpas Spc. Michael Uribe APO AE 09378 1-140th owns “the last tactical 16 Staff Sgt. Michael Appleby mile” Apache Flag Flying18 © The CONDOR Magazine 2011 8-229th flies Ol’ Glory 16 This an official Army publication, au- Boyko thorized under the provisions of AR Our Ukranian National Guardsman19 360-1, and published by the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Af- Race of a Lifetime fairs Office. Editorial views and opin- Training to be Ironman strong 20 ions expressed herein are not neces- Awarded a Purple Heart ON THE BACK sarily those of the Department of the 8-229th Soldiers receive honors Camp Taji dust storm Army or the 40th CAB. The CONDOR 22 can also be found on our Facebook Photographer: Keeping the Family Close Staff Sgt. Yvonne Najera fan page: Soldiers connect to home 24 www.facebook.com/40thCAB The Blood Moon Lunar eclipse captivates 26 Editor’s Comments 27 The CONDOR Magazine is a product of the 40th CAB Public Affairs Office . 20

2 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 TheThe CONDORCONDOR MagazineMagazine JulyJuly 20112011 33 Commander’s letter Command Sgt. Maj.’s letter

Condors, Soldiers, This month’s edition of The Condor As we continue our mission here in Iraq, I Magazine is in large part a tribute to the qual- would like to thank our Soldiers who have already ity and the uniqueness of the CAB’s Soldiers. re-deployed home for their contributions in sup- Each and every day I am struck by the abso- port of Operation New Dawn. Your service and lute dedication and commitment to mission dedication to our country’s continued efforts to displayed by Condors across the Iraq Joint Op- stabilize the nation of Iraq is highly valued. erations Area. To the families at home, thank you for We are saying farewell to one of your continued sacrifices and the role you take in our battalions this month. The 1-140th Assault supporting our Soldiers in completing their respon- Helicopter Battalion, led by Lt. Col Jeffrey sibilities here. You strengthen the core of our ser- Holliday and Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Eck, is vice members. headed home to California after a tremen- Over the last month, we have instituted a dously successful deployment. The 1-140th new program to recognize one special Soldier each has done the California National Guard proud week for exemplary performance. The battalions and has risen to the challenge of a deployment have made the competition fierce and selection of to a combat theater. They have done amazing one soldier from the outstanding submissions has work. Army Aviation and Missile Command been really difficult. Expect to read about our “Soldiers of theeek” W in upcoming issues. (AMCOM) has recognized the battalion as having the best operational readiness rate they have Our Soldiers’ time spent on rest and recuperation leave is very important because it re- seen for UH-60 A/L helicopters. The flight crews have flown close to 14,000 hours so far with still unites them with thier families, allowing them to rejuvenate themselves during the yearlong de- a little more than a month to go. They have been entrusted with the most difficult missions and ployment. have transported the highest ranking commanders and dignitaries. Throughout Iraq, all know Soon the theater will begin realigning as units shift out of country. The Brigade will con- when they see the California flag on their tail booms that they are getting the best professional tinue to fly the skies of Iraq protecting United States Forces. We will continue with the important support. mission of transporting, refurbishing and relocating equipment and personnel for Operation New The summer has brought both heat and intensity to our mission here in Iraq. As the Dawn. temperatures are daily reaching 120 degrees and higher, we are busier than ever, and the com- We will continue to document your efforts in The Condor magazine until the last days of ing months promise continuous change and even greater mission loads as units throughout Iraq our operations. prepare for the end of the year and the mission here. I thank you all for your service, your sacrifices and contributions as we continue to play a The drawdown has already become personal for the Brigade with the closure of For- vital part in our nation’s history. ward Operating Base Sykes. As the drawdown continues, the Condors will be called upon to move significantly higher numbers of personnel and equipment in preparation for departure, in Sincerly, addition to providing security and medical evacuation support. It is not an exaggeration to state that the ground tactical commanders cannot accomplish their missions without our support. On behalf of all the Soldiers serving in the Brigade, I thank you for your continued sup- port from home. I would also like to extend another heartfelt thank you to Operation Gratitude and their continued support of the Soldiers of the Brigade. Many of us have had the opportunity to visit our loved ones during our rest and recu- peration leave periods. While it was so difficult to leave your sides, we are strengthened each CSM David McFerrin day by your love and friendship. Command Setrgeant Major, 40th CAB Condor 7 Sincerly,

Col. Mitchell K. Medigovich Commander, 40th CAB Condor 6

4 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 5 Ironhorse Strong Story & Photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-North

ONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Maintaining security for service members deployed in support of Operation New Dawn requires constant vigilance against threats designed to impair missions and harm U.S. or Iraqi soldiers. CChief Warrant Officer 2 Mikel Smith, an aero scout pilot with Troop A, 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Saber, 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, earned the title of “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week for his actions during counter-indirect fire opera- tions near Contingency Operating Site Warrior, May 18. While ground forces conducted area security operations near COS Warrior, several rockets hit the base. Smith and a scout weapons team immediately reacted, deploying to the origin of the attacks, locating multiple rocket launching platforms and an improvised explosive device. “Mr. Smith and his team located a platform used to launch rockets,” said Capt. Phil- lip Vaughn, commander of Troop A. “At this time he and his team performed overwatch, securing the scene for Iraqi Security Forces on the ground.” After Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) secured the first scene, Smith and his team moved farther up the river, scanning for more possible rocket launching platforms. The scout team found two more locations, one of which had a rocket still on the launch rail. “After finding the second and third platforms, (Smith) was able to (talk) the ground forces to each position within minutes,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dave Rosser, a Kiowa helicopter maintenance test pilot with Troop A. “He also noticed an IED near the base of one of the platforms, which went off, but no one was injured.” After identifying and securing all the sites, ISF ground forces took control of each site, destroying the launching systems and investigating the area. Smith’s actions directly resulted in the destruction of enemy threats against the security of all personnel at COS Warrior and exemplified what it means to be a cavalryman, unit leaders said. “He’s a motivated Soldier,” said Vaughn. “Give him a task you want done and he does not let you down.” e

6 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 7 SOLDIER’S WORK HARD to PLAY HARD Story and Photos by Spc. Darriel Swatts

The brigade headquar- Basketball, soccer, vol- ters is at Camp Taji, leyball and softball tournaments north of Baghdad. have attracted plenty of players While Camp Taji and spectators on post, as well as is austere in some competitive sports play dur- many re- ing the evening hours. Dodgeball spects, it and kickball games have also been back to my room right does offer popular, not to mention ping pong away and get ready for Sol- tourneys, weightlifting competi- practice most days.” diers a tions and water polo matches at “Being the coach of variety of the post pool. the softball team, I’ve sports and “Playing sports is a great got to see everybody AMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers of recreational activities. way to get your mind off every- come together so much the 40th Combat Aviation “The Soldiers here are thing happening here,” said Spc. better from the begin- Brigade (CAB) work tire- giving it their all every day,” said Alexis Bell, aviation operations ning of the season to C lessly to accomplish the Capt. Keegan Smith, a battle major specialist for the CAB, and a now,” said Sgt. William mission of providing full-spec- for the 40th CAB, and a native of Fresno, Calif., native. “Not only McFarland, trum aviation operations through- Carmichael, Calif. “At the end of is it a great way to de-stress, it’s Playing sports is a brigade supply sergeant, out the country of Iraq. As hard as the day, the sports the Soldiers also a great way to build stronger and a native of Santa Rosa, they work, they play just as hard are playing are helping them with bonds with all your friends and it great way to get your mind Calif. “Every time they go during their off hours. their physical fitness, help them gives you a chance to meet new off everything happening out there, you can see their The 40th CAB is a National create and strengthen friendships, people and become friends with morale increase 100 fold, and Guard-led unit deployed to Iraq in and help with morale in the unit them, too.” here. that built up morale transfers support of Operation New Dawn. as a whole.” “We offer a variety of into the work place, and pro- different sporting ac- duces a better work ethic and a tivities to the Soldiers better product.” e here at Camp Taji,” fore. said Zywia Weinberg, “I’ve been coach- Morale, Welfare and ing volleyball for more Recreation coordinator than 16 years,” said Smith. and events planner at “If someone who has never Camp Taji. “We are al- played before wants to ways looking for ways learn, people like me can to entertain the troops help teach them the basics and are constantly and sometimes we volun- taking suggestions for teer to be coaches.” other events too, and The Soldiers often we do all of it just to attend practice during the put smiles on the Sol- week to help hone their diers’ faces.” skills for their upcoming The sports avail- games. able to Soldiers are “I’ve played almost played for fun but every sport offered here, oftentimes are coached and it hasn’t interfered by people who have with work at all,” said Bell. coached the sport be- “When I get off work, I go

8 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 9 The Sugar Shack Story and Photos by Spc. Matthew Wright

AMP TAJI, Iraq – Pilots who fly missions, they often fly six to seven can be heavy. They fly aviation mis- long missions here don’t usual- hours without taking a break,” she sions and transport Soldiers from ly have time to stop and eat at said. base to base around Iraq day and C the base dining facility (DFAC). “Seeing how we only have night. The Sugar Shack may be small Camp Taji offers them a pit stop when two meals a day, this is like our third and though it doesn’t have the fa- they come to refuel their helicopters meal,” said Chief Warrant Officer Tim cilities to offer a full meal, it still pro- at the base’s Forward Arming and Re- A. Dailey, an AH-64 Apache helicop- vides a way for the pilots to grab a fueling Point, or FARP. ter pilot from Lexington, Ky., with bite to eat and something to drink, They call this pit stop the Charlie Company, 8th Attack Recon- which helps to keep them going on Sugar Shack. naissance Battalion, 229th Aviation those long missions. e The shack is run by the avia- Regiment, an Army Reserve unit out tion fueling specialists of Alpha Com- of Ft. Knox, Ky. pany of the 640th Aviation Support The shack is popular among Battalion. Sgt. Richard Sandoval of Al- pilots throughout Iraq. “We get pilots pha Company, a Madera, Calif., native, from the Army, the Navy and some- helps run the shack. Sandoval said the times even Iraqi pilots,” Sandoval pit stop is a kind of thank you for the said. job the pilots do in keeping the skies Sandoval said the turkey safe. wraps go fast. Without microwaves or The Sugar Shack is a small ovens, the pilots find unique ways to air-conditioned building about the heat their wraps. “The wraps are cold size of a large tool shed. It contains so we take them and sit them on the refrigerators with sandwiches, pita front dash of the Apache for a bit,” bread wraps, water and other assort- Dailey said. “The cheese melts and it ed drinks, and a small bench. is delicious.” Sandoval and the other fuel The workload for the pilots specialists from Alpha Company who work the day shift stock the shack two times a day. The pilots have an oppor- tunity to grab a drink or two, a sand- When they are out wich or a wrap while waiting for their helicopters to get refueled. The Sugar Shack provides on missions, they often a benefit for the pilots whose mis- sions can last for hours at a time, ex- fly six to seven hours plained Lt. Col. Laura Yeager, deputy commanding officer of the 40th Com- without taking a break. bat Aviation Brigade, and a Folsom, Calif. native. “When they are out on

10 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 11 Story and Photos by Spc. Darriel Swatts

ONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE KALSU, Iraq – Seven Two weeks prior to the seven-year anniversary of years to the day that Spc. Daniel Unger was killed Unger’s passing, Battershell asked McFerrin if a memorial in action here, an American flag was ceremonially ceremony could be held for Unger at Kalsu. McFerrin took Cflown, lowered and folded in his honor by a friend. action and contacted Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Hunt, On May 25 at 2:20 p.m., a memorial ceremony was 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, of Ft. Hood, Texas. Hunt’s held for Unger, a 19-year-old California Army National unit is currently stationed at Kalsu. In Memoriam Guard Soldier from Exeter, Calif. who died on May 25, 2004 McFerrin asked Hunt if a flag could be flown at Kal- while ushering a group of Iraqi contractors into a bunker su in Unger’s honor and then presented to Unger’s family. during a mortar attack on COS Kalsu. “I told him I would certainly accommodate that re- “The memorial ceremony was very humbling and quest,” Hunt said. “I’d do anything for the Soldier’s family.” it serves as a reminder of what can happen while we’re After a little planning and coordination between here in Iraq,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David McFerrin, of the two command sergeants major, Battershell, McFerrin, the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB). “When a signifi- Hunt and a small group of selected Soldiers took part in the cant event like this comes up, we have to stop and make memorial ceremony at the exact date and time of Unger’s sure that we remember what had happened and pay our sacrifice. respects to those who have come before us.” “We flew our nation’s colors, lowered them and The 40th CAB is a California Army National Guard- then folded the colors in order to present them to the Sol- led unit headquartered in Fresno, Calif. The brigade is cur- dier’s family as a memento, in testament to their son who rently deployed to Iraq where it is performing full-spectrum passed away serving his country,” Hunt said. aviation operations in support of Operation New Dawn. McFerrin said that with the scheduled withdrawal “I knew Spc. Unger… he and I were friends who of troops from Iraq at the end of the year, the ceremony worked, trained and deployed together while we were in carried solemn significance and served as a reminder of the the 185th (1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment, based ultimate sacrifice made by Soldiers here in service to their in Visalia, Calif.),” said Sgt. Bryce Battershell, driver for the country. 40th CAB commander. “So when I realized we had the op- Spc. Daniel Unger was deployed to Iraq in support portunity to honor his memory while in country, I had to do of Operation Iraqi Freedom for approximately seven weeks. something because this is my third deployment to Iraq. The For his actions on May 25, 2004, he was awarded a Bronze first time was when we lost Spc. Unger; the second time Star Medal with Valor, a Purple Heart, the California Memo- was during the fall and spring, so I wasn’t here for the an- rial Medal, the Warrior’s Medal of Valor from the Ameri- niversary of his passing. But, this time we are here during can Indian Nations of the U.S.A., the Combat Infantryman the same timeframe and we were able to take the time to Badge, and he was posthumously promoted from private remember him, along with being able to do something for first class to specialist. e his family and let them know that they and Spc. Unger are not forgotten.”

12 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 13 Story by 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney MEDEVAC photo by Spc. Michael Uribe PARTNERSHIP TRAINING

AMP TAJI, Iraq – Two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters flew in forma- tion with two Iraqi Air Force helicopters in May on a joint medical evacuation train- Cing mission, serving to build rapport and partnerships between the two militaries.

The mission allowed the pilots and the air, she said. crews from the two militaries to better under- “Anytime we work together, it’s a gain,” stand each other’s way of doing business, ex- said Capt. Andy Parker, a native of Atlanta, Ga., plained Capt. Jennifer Sims, a pilot of one of the and the chaplain for the 1-171. Parker said he was Black Hawks, and the headquarters company on the mission to interact with his Iraqi counter- commander for the 1st General Support Aviation parts. He said his interaction was very positive. Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, of the Geor- “They see we’re not here to be the Lone gia Army National Guard. Ranger when we work together as a team. It builds Both American helicopters that took part rapport,” Parker said. on the May 18 training mission were from the “They are good pilots and we learn from 1-171 GSAB, which is attached to the 40th Com- them many things,” said the Iraqi commander bat Aviation Brigade during the brigade’s year- who flew the UH-1 Huey during the training flight. long deployment to Iraq in support of Operation “We have a good relationship with the American New Dawn. side. This is not our first flight together.” The Black Hawk crews shared hot tea with A 22-year-old Iraqi second lieutenant their Iraqi peers, a traditional gesture of hospital- from Baghdad flew the Iraqi Mi-17. “It’s like flying ity, before taking flight behind the two Iraqi Air a beast—the power,” he said of his large transport Force helicopters. The Iraqis were flying an Amer- aircraft. He said he enjoyed having the opportu- ican-made UH-1 “Huey” utility helicopter and a nity to fly with American pilots. “It shows the co- Russian-made Mi-17 transport helicopter. operation with the two sides.” The four helicopters flew together from At BIAP, Spc. Michael Kelley, a native of Camp Taji over Baghdad before landing at the Bourne, Mass., from the 1-171’s 3rd Battalion, Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) where the 126th Aviation Regiment (Air Ambulance), Char- crews were met by U.S Air Force personnel and lie Company, briefed Iraqi medics on the equip- members of the Iraqi Security Forces. They then ment used in his specialized medical evacuation conducted ground training. helicopter. The Iraqis then briefed the Americans Sims, from McDonough, Ga., said there are on their equipment before they practiced loading challenges during mixed multi-ship flights, such patients onto the aircraft. as this one. The biggest challenge is the language “The partnership offers opportunities to barrier, she explained. Dissimilar equipment, ra- share tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), dio systems and flying skills create a different both Iraqi and American,” said Lt. Col. Steven flying environment than when flying with Ameri- Ballew, Army Aviation Safety and Plans Advisor. can pilots only. So when the pilots from the two “They have the way they do things, we have ours. militaries get the chance to fly together, it leads It’s always good to get together and share TTPs.”e to familiarization and better coordination while in

14 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 15 Story & photos by Spc. Darriel Swatts go for longer distances, faster.” from there. We’ve been called the ‘Sure The CH-47 Chinook helicopter Flight Sherpas,’ because we get the mis- and the C-23 Sherpa are both used as sion done. cargo and troop transports; however, the The Sherpas maintain a very Sherpa is only operated by the National high tempo of operations. Guard. “They receive a lot of requests “I used to be a crewchief on a - gineer on the C-23 Sherpa” McCoy said. movingfor their peopleservices, and and cargo it definitely all over keeps the “WeCH-47 have Chinook, limitations and now on I’mwhat a flight we canen country,”me busy. ...said they’re Spc. out Byron flying Yates, every futurenight, haul, but we move as much as we can as often as we can. The Chinook can haul in-charge for the 2-228th. “The amaz- four times as much as we can, but we can ingoperations thing about non-commissioned the Sherpas is that officer- they do it quicker and for longer hauls. But move a lot of people and cargo, but they both aircraft perform phenomenally and also pick up additional Space Available have their own niches.” (Space A) people and cargo, too. I’ll send “The Sherpa is a very versatile them out saying they are going to be aircraft; we’re able to move our loads moving a certain amount of stuff, and under almost any circumstance. Our they come back with doubled if not tri- only limitations are weight, balance and pled numbers because of all of the Space A they moved that night too, and I’m just engineer for A Company. “The hotter the left wondering how they did it.” weather,weather,” the said less Sgt. we can Clint carry. Walker, … (that’s) flight McCarthy summed up the Sher- pas’ mission in Iraq with the motto: “Somebody out there is waiting for us item,one of like the a reasons 15-pound we box fly ofat blood,night. …or But we and we can’t let them down, we won’t let we’ll fly to a location to drop off a single can load the aircraft to its max and go them down, we will get to them.” e

OINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The around the country. We’re like the Fe- and cargo, 10,000 people, and have With the whole drawdown of C-23 Sherpa is a military version dEx of Iraq.” U.S. Forces from Iraq, there are consis- J of the Shorts 360 civilian airliner. Since the Sherpas arrival in time. tently fewer and fewer assets to move The aircraft was adopted for mili- logged moreSherpa than tactics, 5,000 techniques hours of flight and cargo around the theater of opera- tary use about 20 years ago, said Capt. on operations. - tions. The C-23 has been called upon Adam McCarthy, commander of A Com- Iraq, they“The have service left an identifiablethat we provide mark erations in Iraq. to go that extra mile and move those pany, 641st Aviation Regiment, Oregon procedures have been modified for op things that are required to be moved, Army National Guard. “We use it for - - said McCarron. transporting passengers and cargo, or inghere in has this definitely war for eight made years an impactnow, and on I “Back home we fly during the “They prove to be a priceless a (combination) of the two all around thinkthis whole that thewar. whole ... Sherpas program have has been prov fly- day; however, here in Iraq, we fly sole service here, if something is needed Iraq and even down to Kuwait.” en itself over and over again,” said 1st C-23ly at pilot night,” for said A Company. Chief Warrant “When Officer I was somewhere, if they can move it, they’ll The Soldiers of A Company, Sgt. Scott McCoy, A Company. “We are Dan McCarron, maintenance officer and get it there,” said Maj. Tom Stackpole, who have been stationed on Joint Base day at a tactical low level altitude at a Balad, Iraq since October 2010, provide and if what they ask us to do is within highhere inrate 2005, of speed; we used but to now, fly during for safety the Warrior Ops., 2nd Battalion, 228th a crucial service in Iraq. ourhere capabilities, to support thewe’ll field get commander,it done for Aviationnight operations Regiment. officer-in-charge “Even though wefor “We supply what is called them. We get the mission done, hands vision goggles. Plus, we’ve had to do are drawing down here, stuff and the ‘last tactical mile.’ The Air Force down, day in and day out, to the best of reasons, we fly only at night under night people still need to be moved all the gets stuff into the country and we get our capabilities.” and instrument panels in order to make time; they are able to do so in an expe- it out to all the smaller bases in coun- Since the arrival of A Company itseveral safer; modificationsbecause, it was to originally the airframe a ci- ditious manner. They can carry more try,” McCarthy said. “We are extremely in theater, they have transported more vilian aircraft, which the Army adapted than a Black Hawk, but less than a Chi- than 2.2 million pounds of equipment for its own usage.” proficient in getting things and people nook, but the benefit is that they can 16 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 17 BOYKO

Story and photo by Spc. Matthew Wright

AMP TAJI, Iraq – 1st Lt. nia Army National Guard, enlist- Stanislav Boyko’s life has ing as a specialist. He received C been a journey—from his citizenship four years after his youth in the Ukraine to im- coming to the U.S. and then ap- migrating to America, to join- plied for the State of California’s ing the California Army National Officer Candidate School. Flying Guard, to deploying to Iraq. He was commissioned Boyko was born in the as a second lieutenant in 2007. city of Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine Now divorced, he has been on to a family with a long history two deployments to Kosovo of military service. “All the with the California Army Na- males in my family were in the tional Guard’s 40th Infantry Di- military,” Boyko said. “My great vision. Story by Spc. DarrielOl’ Swatts GloryPhoto by Capt. Jeffrey Maxwell grandparents, my grandparents He is now deployed to and my father—they were all in Iraq where he serves as a battle the Soviet Army.” captain for the 640th Aviation AMP TAJI, Iraq – Most people, when think- not harder, for them back home.” His father was a combat Support Battalion. As battle ing of flying a flag, think of a flag majestically The flag flying program is open to any and all engineer who spent most of his captain, he tracks current op- waving atop a pole. However, the 8th Attack Soldiers stationed on Camp Taji. military career in the Ukraine. erations and makes adjustments C “I’ve flown tons of flags since we got here in late However, his father was de- to plans based on emerging sit- Reconnaissance Battalion, 229th Aviation Regiment, flies ployed to Afghanistan in the uations. the flag a bit differently--inside an Apache attack helicop- February, early March,” said Moran. “I enjoy flying the flags because it’s a way of showing respect to the people 1980s during the Soviet Union’s “He is high energy,” ter while patrolling the skies of Iraq. 10-year war there. said Staff Sgt. Obed Jimenez, “The American flag is ... a great symbol of our back home and a way of thanking them for what they “It’s kind of funny, be- a Riverside, Calif., native who country; to have a flag that was over in combat, flown have done. When I’m out there flying that flag, I realize cause if I go to Afghanistan, works with Boyko. “I think he on a mission; it’s very powerful to a lot of people,” said the importance of it all.” I will be in Afghanistan on the brings experience, and he brings 1st Lt. Michael Moran, an Apache pilot for B Company, Pilots have been flying the flags while in country U.S. side, and he was in Afghani- knowledge.” 8-229th, based at Fort Knox, Ky., deployed to Camp Taji, since the beginning of the war and the tradition has been stan on the Soviet side,” Boyko Jimenez said his co- Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn. “It’s a way we passed along to each new incoming unit. It’s something said. workers see how Boyko em- can give something back to those who have given to that says, ‘Hey, I’m thinking of you and even though we Boyko followed his fa- braces the American way, yet us and to show people back home that we appreciate are half the world apart, you are with me in my mind, ther and family’s tradition by still shows his Eastern European going the military route, attend- roots and his Ukrainian side still them, by giving a large token of respect.” heart and soul,’” Hardin said. “We couldn’t do this program without the help ing both a military high school shines through. “He still has his The pilots of the 8-229th, deployed with the and a military academy. Boyko accent, the customs and stuff,” 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, have been flying flags for and support of our flight ops people,” Hardin said. “Peo- received a degree in the Ukraine Jimenez said. people back home since their arrival in Iraq. They have ple come in and ask us to fly a flag, and they accept the in international relations. “He may be from an- logged more than 6,000 hours of flight time flying more flag, document what needs to be done, hand it off to the At the military acad- other country, but he is very than 250 flags. pilots before the flight, get it back, and make a certifi- emy, he majored in international dedicated to the United States “We started as soon as we got here; we took cate of flight and have the pilots sign it to authenticate relations, and his road to be- Army,” Jimenez added. “He over from our predecessors and it has really exploded the cert, then they send it back home and all over the coming an American citizen be- talks about how he loves to from there. We’ve flown flags for people from every- states.” gan. wear the American uniform.” where back home: the VFW, schools, employers, and “For people back home, it’s like, ‘Wow, this flag He met an American girl Where his military ca- in the Ukraine and developed reer will go, only the future will even individual people,” said Maj. Alan Hardin, executive was flown on an Apache helicopter in Iraq,’” said Staff Sgt. Robert Ethridge, operations noncommissioned a relationship with her, he ex- tell. But Boyko says he is happy officer for the 8-229th, known as the Flying Tigers. “I per- plained. They got married and with his job and the people he sonally have flown a couple flags for people who mean officer-in-charge for the 8-229th. ‘“My son, daughter, he moved to the United States. works with, and he plans to stay a lot to me. It’s a way to let them know you’re thinking husband, wife, friend or colleague is there and they were After settling in Sacra- in the National Guard. He said he of them and to say thanks for what they do for us back thinking of me when they asked to have this flag flown.’ mento in 2004, he decided that hopes to use his university de- home. Sometimes we forget while we’re forward doing It’s just a great thank you for everything for whoever is a career in the U.S. Army was gree in international relations to our job, as hard as it may be for us, it’s equally as hard, if fortunate enough to receive the flag.”e the path he wanted to pursue. the fullest, both in the National He signed up with the Califor- Guard and on the civilian side. e

18 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 19 RACE OF A LIFETIME AMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. es. McIntosh decided to take over 140 degrees in the summer. Yet he Shaun McIntosh, an as Bravo Company physical fitness uses that to his advantage. C Apache helicopter pilot as- officer and use his experience and “It (the heat) helps me signed to Bravo Company, training to help his soldiers to exer- out,” McIntosh said. “The Ironman 8-229th Attack Reconnaissance cise and improve their Army Physi- is in Arizona, so running in the hot Battalion, has participated in sev- cal Fitness Test (APFT) scores. weather acclimatizes me for it.” eral triathlons and is preparing for “It’s an awesome feeling to McIntosh decided to use his next challenge, the 2011 Ford see your Soldiers strive for a goal his new sport to accomplish some Ironman Arizona, set in Tempe. and achieve it,” McIntosh said. good. While on his deployment, McIntosh, a Nicholasville, McIntosh wanted more. he began to raise money for the Ky., native, trained and partici- He decided to transition back into Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). pated in his first triathlon in 2005. the triathlon events. While he was The WWP is a charitable organiza- He placed second in his age group. racing, he ran into some wounded tion that “works to raise awareness Story by That is where he found his calling. veterans who were running as well, and enlists the public’s aid for the “Even though I had the cheapest and this inspired him to race in the needs of severely injured service Spc. Matthew Wright and slowest bike on the course biggest triathlon event, the Iron- men and women, to help severely Photos by and almost drowned on the swim, man. Just before his arrival in injured service members aid and Staff Sgt. Michael Appleby I was hooked,” McIntosh said. Iraq, he signed up for the Ford assist each other, and to provide Over the years, he raced Ironman Arizona. The Ironman direct programs and services to in more than 10 triathlons. Even race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, meet their needs.” though he continued to train for He set up the short distance triathlons, he a web site wanted more. “I soon became It’s an awesome feeling through ready for a different challenge,” WWP,so McIntosh said. to see your Soldiers strive people can He changed his focus from donate and the three-sport event to the one help him he found the most compelling, the for a goal and achieve it. reach his run. “I dropped the bike and swim- monetary ming trunks, and started logging 112-mile bike race and a 26.2-mile goal for all his races and the Iron- miles on my shoes,” he said. run for a total of 140 miles in one man. “The inspiration I get from He eventually started com- day. He has been training diligently the Wounded Warrior Project peting in 10-mile races. He said he for this event while at Camp Taji. keeps me on the bike, treadmill wanted to do more with his per- McIntosh works the night shift and in the pool,” McIntosh said. sonal life and get away from the and as soon as he gets off work, What started out as a way mundane and everyday lulls and he heads to the pool to swim laps to challenge himself will end up stresses. The 10-mile runs turned three days a week. He also trains helping others as well. McIntosh to 15, then 20 miles. He kept look- for the bike portion on his station- said he wanted a purpose. Run- ing for new challenges as he in- ary bike in his room to keep up his ning the triathlons and racing the creased his distance. “I constantly endurance as well as dividing his long distance races for wounded looked forward to the weekends to running between the treadmill and warriors gives him that sense of explore new places and challeng- running the roads on base. purpose. e es,” McIntosh said. “Eventually I The rigid exercise program ran into challenges, like being lost and diet he follows helps boost his If you would like to donate, visit: in lower Alabama on a 32-mile fun endurance for one of the most ex- http://WWPProudSupporter.kin- run.” treme competitions for athletes. tera.org/shaun_mcintosh148 He competed in more than One issue is the heat of the des- five marathons, a 50K ultramara- ert of Iraq and the harsh tempera- thon race and multiple small rac- tures which can reach as high as

20 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 21 The Flying Tigers Receive Purple Hearts

Story by Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Gaffney, photo by Spc. Darriel Swatts

AMP TAJI, Iraq – Three deployed works full time as an For Lovewell, there was U.S. Army Reserve Sol- automotive body repair techni- some added drama following C diers from Kentucky were cian. the attack. His brother Steven presented the Purple Heart Spc. Nathaniel Lovewell also is a member of the unit, medal in a June 9 ceremony for of Oldham County, Ky., an air- and both brothers were told combat injuries they sustained craft hydraulic system repair that the other was unaccounted during an insurgent mortar at- technician in the battalion’s for after the incident. They ran tack here. aviation maintenance company towards each other’s location The Soldiers, assigned joined the battalion in March, and were relieved to find each to 8th Battalion, 229th Attack 2008 and is a full-time student other on the way. Reconnaissance Regiment, and at Eastern Kentucky Univer- Samples and Lovewell based at Fort Knox, Ky., de- sity where he is enrolled in the remained at Taji following treat- ployed to Iraq in February in ROTC program. ment, but due to his more sig- support of Operation New The Soldiers were per- nificant injuries, Seekman was Dawn under Task Force Con- forming their regular duties on transported to Landstuhl Army dor, headed by the 40th Com- the airfield flightline just prior Medical Center in Germany for Spc. Olivia Samples, Spc. Nathaniel Lovewell and Spc. Mitchell Seekman bat Aviation Brigade of the Cali- to sunrise as part of the over- more advanced care. fornia National Guard. night shift maintenance team During the ceremony, The Soldiers honored when mortar rounds began im- Brigade Commander Col. Mitch include: pacting the airfield. They imme- Medigovich praised the three as present that the toll from the emony, Lovewell said, “This and to receive the noteworthy Spc. Olivia R. Samples diately took cover, along with great Soldiers who were willing attack was not higher. He said, is an honor. You know, I told medal in front of their peers. of Louisville, Ky., an automated other members of the team. to place themselves in harm’s “The enemy controlled what my mom I wasn’t going to get However, they also had other logistics supply specialist with “We could hear the way for the good of their coun- was going on that morning, only wounded over here.” things on their minds as Sam- the battalion’s aviation main- rounds coming closer and clos- try. He also specifically compli- God knew what was going to Seekman added, “I ples and Lovewell were just tenance company. Samples is a er,” Samples said. mented the Soldiers for their happen.” guess I paid my price. I didn’t hours from departing Taji to full-time member of the unit, One mortar round conduct following the incident. During the ceremony, want to earn this medal, but I head back to the United States having joined in March, 2008. landed close enough to injure “Their grace and dignity Seekman also was awarded the got it. I thank God for my life.” for regularly scheduled R&R Spc. Mitchell Seekman the three Soldiers with shrapnel makes us proud and they really Combat Action Badge. Samples Samples echoed that leave, and time with family and of Radcliff, Ky., an Apache heli- and blast pressure. Following are the epitome of the Warrior and Lovewell had been present- sentiment, saying, “We are so friends. They have quite a story copter crewchief with one of the attack, they were transport- Ethos,” he said. ed their badges at an earlier lucky; we are blessed in so to tell. e the battalion’s flight companies. ed to the base medical clinic Battalion Command- ceremony that occurred while many ways.” Seekman joined the battalion in for evaluation and treatment of er Lt. Col. James O. Posey, Jr. Seekman was in Germany. The Soldiers were tru- February, 2006 and when not their injuries. summed up the gratitude of all Following the cer- ly honored by the ceremony,

22 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 23 He’s already come home for Connecting his leave, and while he was here, he got to see the birth of our with Family child. -Brisa Frost (her husband Spc. Jason Frost, left) AMP TAJI, Iraq – “Having him deployed send a piece of home to their deployed Soldier. is very emotional for me, I’m so used to hav- “The family sends me care packages; the first C ing him around, and he normally helps with our one they sent was very emotional (for me). On the in- son (two-year-old Julian Verduzco) and helps around the side flaps of the box, my kids and wife each drew pictures house,” said Kendy Verduzco, wife of Spc. Rosario Ver- there and colored it. I ended up cutting the pictures out duzco who is deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq with the 40th and now have them on the wall along with the picture of Combat Aviation Brigade. “So, having him away, it’s really (our family) they sent me,” Parker said. “This last one I just hard. I know when I see him on the unit’s Facebook page, received had a bunch of letters from my daughter’s third I always get super emotional and when I see his pictures grade class and she insisted I read hers last. Hers was very there, I just tear up.” emotional because some of the things she said. Also, a lot When people think of those who serve our of her friends said she’s sad some days because her dad’s country, they often think of Soldiers in uniform; but they away, but she can’t wait for me to get home so we can go seldom think about the spouses, children and other family to Hawaii.” members that those service members leave behind when “Of all the things that my family does to stay in they deploy. contact, I have to say my favorite thing to receive is the “It’s our first deployment together, but we’ve hand-written letters; they are just so personal,” said Spc. been together ever since he joined the military, so this de- Adrienne Thomas, paralegal specialist with the 40th CAB. ployment is kinda like when he has to go away for training “It shows that they took the time out of their day to sit every year, it really doesn’t feel like he’s half a world away, down and handwrite that letter, it just means much more except I can’t go and see him when he’s done for the day,” to me than an e-mail; because, you can e-mail anybody, said Brisa Frost, wife of Spc. Jason Frost who is deployed including your bank, but a letter shows a level of caring to Camp Taji. “But during those training events he didn’t that e-mails don’t.” have Skype and he didn’t have good cell phone reception, The 40th CAB Soldiers have passed the halfway so we actually talk more with him there (in Iraq) than we point in their deployment to Iraq. Some of the Soldiers did when he was training back home. The only time it’s have already gone on their two weeks of R&R leave and Of all the things my family really difficult is at night, but that’s mainly because of the others are still looking forward to it. baby (newborn Margaret Frost).” “He’s already come home for his leave, and does to stay in contact, my favorite Deployed Soldiers deal with stress on a daily ba- while he was here, he got to see the birth of our child sis; but the families back home go through just as much, if (Margaret),” said Brisa. “But when he got home we just is the hand-written letters... not more, stress than the Soldiers themselves. picked up and carried on like he never left, the only real “This is my fifth deployment in 20 years; but it’s big change was that we were in a new apartment and our -Spc. Adrienne Thomas my first deployment as a married person. There are a lot car broke down. It was exactly like life before, except we more stresses that are involved when you are leaving your now have a baby.” family behind, and we’re finding those out as we go along,” “There is no way to prepare yourself completely said Capt. Yusef Parker, a nightshift battle captain who is for a deployment, until you’re in that situation,” Kendy said. deployed to Camp Taji with the 40th CAB. “It’s another “You just have to make the best of it and know peo- hurdle we have to overcome as a family, and I think we are ple change through the experience. I just can’t wait ‘til doing just fine.” he comes back home, I’m so proud of him and what he The families of the 40th CAB are helping them- does.” e selves and their Soldiers alleviate stress by finding ways to Story and Photos by Spc. Darriel Swatts

24 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 25

The editor’s letter BLOOD MOON

Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. James Stroman

e’ve been running The Condor for a few months now. Through all our ups and downs and many Wchallenges, we will continue publishing right up to our last days here on Camp Taji. We are committed to telling your stories and doc- umenting our Brigade’s mission during Operation New Dawn. As we travel to different FOBs to capture stories and images of the Brigade, we are reminded that we are one unit and one team connected by the uniform we wear. We will continue to document all the great work our Sol- diers are doing and get those stories published in as many news outlets as we can, including video and radio stories broadcasted on AFN. We also appreciate your photo submissions for the magazine. Keep sending them in. And again, if there is a story you think should be told, just drop us a line. It can be about your battalion, your section or any individual you feel should be highlighted. When the magazine is distributed, boxes are sent AMP TAJI, Iraq – The longest total lunar eclipse in 11 years occurred to the different camps to provide a copy to all of the Sol- June 15, turning the moon a dusky, blood red that captivated sky diers in the Brigade, but if there is a place where you think C watchers around the world. we should send additional copies, just let us know and U.S. troops at Camp Taji, Iraq, sat outside and watched the we’ll send them out. event unfold, witnessing what has been referred to as a “blood moon.” Thank you for all that you do! The lunar eclipse began at 9 p.m. local time and lasted until 1:02 a.m. The peak of the eclipse occurred at 11:12 p.m. The moon was totally obscured for 100 minutes, making it the longest total lunar eclipse in the decade. The eclipse was visible from start to finish from eastern Africa, central Asia, the Middle East and western Australia. According to Space.com, only three other eclipses have rivaled the duration of totality of this eclipse in the 1st Lt. Jason Sweeney last 100 years. The last lunar eclipse of similar length occurred on July 16, 2000 Editor-in-Chief The CONDOR Magazine and lasted 107 minutes. e

26 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 The CONDOR Magazine July 2011 27