The ARROWHEAD Est. 1919 Vol. 2, Issue 13 June 2011

Building a better future in Southern Photos by Sgt. James Kennedy Benjamin, 305th MPAD, USD-S Public Affairs This month... 4 Italian-led PRT leaves Iraq with smiles and well wishes The little known Italian-led Dhi Qar Provincial Reconstruction Team will wrap up their almost six-year mission at the end of June, marking the end of a successful cooperative endeavor between Americans, Italians and Iraqis.

8 36th Inf. Div. prepares base for transition Preparation for the transition of Contingency Operating Base to the U.S. State Department and government of Iraq is underway and on track to be completed as scheduled.

12 Serving a new nation to save his own It was the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 that forced Ahmed to make the decisions that would lead him down a new and perilous path.

The Division Commanding General Division Command Sergeant Major ARROWHEAD Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin Command Sgt. Maj. Wilson Early

Public Affairs Lt. Col. Eric Atkisson w Command Information Officer Capt. Don Larsen w Editors 1st Lt. Adam Musil, Sgt. 1st Class Merrion LaSonde w Layout and Design Sgt. Jeremy Spires w Staff Writers Sgt. David Bryant, Sgt. James Kennedy Benjaminw Contributing Writers/ Photographers Spc. Eve Ililau, Lt. Col. Enrique Villarreal, David, CH (Capt.) Benjamin Bender, CW2 Bryan Shaw, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Knox

The ARROWHEAD is a monthly magazine distributed in electronic and print formats. It is authorized for publication by the 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs. The contents of The ARROWHEAD are unofficial and are not to be considered official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, including the Department of Defense. The ARROWHEAD is a command information publication in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. The Public Affairs address is: 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs, APO AE 09374. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Merrion LaSonde via e-mail at [email protected], 1st Lt. Adam Musil via e-mail at [email protected] or Sgt. Jeremy Spires via email at [email protected]. 2 3

Excerpt of Memorial Day Remarks by Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin Commander, 36th Infantry Division and U.S. Division – South Basrah, Iraq

rom the American Revolution long remember what we say here, Fto the Wars in Afghanistan and but it can never forget what they Iraq, from the fertile fields of North did.” Lincoln’s advice to that quiet America to the dark blue deep crowd at Gettysburg in 1863 is of the South Pacific, from worth repeating here. the rugged mountains of the He said, “It is rather for us to Korean Peninsula to the flak- be here dedicated to the great filled skies over Germany, task remaining before us—that from the jungles and rice from these honored dead we paddies of Vietnam to the streets take increased devotion to that of Mogadishu, more than one cause for which they gave the million, three hundred thousand last full measure of devotion— American service members have that we here highly resolve that perished in battle. these dead shall not have died in Five young Soldiers made the vain, that this nation under God ultimate sacrifice in May. They shall have a new birth of freedom, came from places as diverse as and that government of the people, New Orleans, New Jersey, New by the people, for the people Mexico, Michigan, and even shall not perish from the earth.” the Philippines; together, they The best way that we can embodied what is truly great honor their sacrifice, and the about our Nation and sacrifices of the our Armed Forces. one million, three In the hundred thousand of America, young service members who men and women can aspire came before them, is to to be whatever they want resolve that we will finish to be, with few obstacles their work with success in their path that can’t be and honor, in the same overcome by dedication, spirit of Selfless Service perseverance, and desire. and devotion to duty that Staff Sgt. Christian A. Garcia, to answer their Nation’s call to duty characterized their own courageous Staff Sgt. Quadi S. Hudgins, 1st and to serve in harm’s way, wherever lives. Lt. Omar J. Vazquez, Private 1st they were needed. Each of them died In closing, let me say what at an Class Antonio G. Stiggins, and Spc. a hero. honor it is to serve with you on this Robert M. Friese died in support of Words alone cannot do justice historic mission. Take pride in what a noble mission, to help the Iraqi to their memory, or to the deeper you do, do it to the best of your ability, people secure their own new birth of meaning of their sacrifice. Their and look out for one another as we freedom for future generations, and actions in life spoke louder than any would our own brothers and sisters, to make our world a safer place in words of praise or thanks that we can or sons and daughters. I couldn’t be the process. offer here today. I believe this is what more proud of the work you’re doing They were among the special President Lincoln meant when he on behalf of the American people, few of their generation who chose said, “The world will little note nor and the people of Iraq. Italian-led PRT leaves Iraq with smiles and well wishes

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs ALLIL, Iraq – It was a hot, Iraqi’s. team of twenty Italian doctors and Tdusty Iraq afternoon and on the “The team in Dhi Qar is unique nurses performed corrective cleft front “lawn” of the historic Ziggurat because it is the only PRT in Iraq lip and palate surgery on hundreds of Ur men and women from three currently led by a U.S. ally,” of Iraqi children over the past different countries gathered to say said David H. Thorne, the U.S. four years,” said Thorne. “The thanks to the Dhi Qar Provincial Ambassador to Italy in an online doctors trained Iraqi medical staff Reconstruction Team for their statement release from the U.S. in performing this relatively simple efforts in making the lives of Iraqi Embassy procedure that literally brings a citizens a little easier. Throughout the years the PRT smile to a child’s face and changes The little known Italian-led has been responsible for building his or her life for the better.” Dhi Qar PRT will wrap up their schools, infrastructures, training The PRT also helped in making almost six-year mission at the end teachers and doctors, and increasing the government more efficient. of June, marking the end of a very the professional capability of During the closing ceremony, successful cooperative endeavor elected officials. Dhi Qar Province’s Deputy between American’s, Italian’s and “With U.S. logistical support, a Governor Ackmed Bunyan, thanked the Italians for their efforts in training the government staff, inside and outside of Iraq in efforts to support their new government. “Although the Italian and American flags will come down together at the PRT in Dhi Qar this week, I hope we will find new opportunities and sustain the spirit of U.S.-Italian partnership and innovation embodied in this mission,” said Thorne. “And I take this opportunity to thank the government of Italy, the brave and creative Dhi Qar team, and all Italians for having accomplished U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kenny Sargent and Spc. George Karam with 3-29th Bravo Battery, 3rd Bri- so much in rebuilding gade, 4th Infantry Division speak with Iraqis in Dhi Qar province, Iraq, June 18. U.S. Soldiers on Iraq.” the Provincial Reconstruction Teams conducted reconnaissance missions to ensure projects have progressed. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Lynn Friant)

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LEFT: Volunteers with the Smile Train give anesthesia to a small boy before his cleft palate surgery at Camp Dhi Qar near , Iraq. This is Smile Train’s second trip to the region and includes Iraqi and Italian doctors. They will operate on 90 children over the next few weeks from a mobile operating room donated by the Ital- ian government. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq)

(Photo by 1st Lt. Patrick Wilson 13th Sustainment Command) Soldier’s Health By CW2 Bryan Shaw and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Knox 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Safety Office

.S. Division-South has performed Uoperations in Iraq for a period of more than 365 days without a Soldier fatality. This is a tremendous achievement for all personnel who are and have been assigned to USD-S, and on behalf of all commanders and leaders I would like to thank the personnel of USD-S in achieving this benchmark. I am often asked what has led to our success in preventing Soldier accident fatalities here in theater. I don’t believe that is a question that is easily answered. It can be very difficult to pinpoint a specific reason for an event that occurs over time and over a large organization. However, I believe this trend can be attributed to two specific categories: leadership and lessons learned. Completing a mission to standard does not have to compromise operational or Soldier safety. I think the evidence of this leadership attitude is evident not only in the lack of an accident fatality but also in the minimal amount of serious injuries and a low rate of accidents and injuries in general. USD-S is currently at about half of the accident rate for equivalent-sized elements from last calendar year to this year, and has significantly lower rates than historical norms in I also believe it provides vindication to some extent of theater. Maj. Gen. Spurgin has made Soldier safety a the sacrifices our brothers and sisters have made. Their focal point, but leaders at all levels, and all personnel, lessons have been learned and applied by us, and we have been instrumental in carrying out this guidance have been safer through their sacrifice. successfully. There have always been patrols, logistics convoys, The other key reason is lessons learned; the hard, hard etc., throughout our Army’s history; only the equipment lessons taught to us by our brothers and sisters in arms. has changed. It is the continual adaptation to a changing This is particularly revealing in the Mine Resistant environment, the application of lessons learned, and the Ambush Protected (MRAP) fleet activities. Many of situational awareness of the American Soldier that has those lessons we learned in using these vehicles, and led to this Soldier accident and fatality free streak. other Soldier activities, were provided to us by Soldiers All members of USD-S have contributed to this who received serious injuries or lost their lives. These accomplishment and should be proud of their efforts. lessons cannot be forgotten. I believe the application of This is an embodiment of completing our mission with these difficult learning experiences is another indicator success and honor. of our current Soldier accident and fatality free streak.

6 7 Chaplain’s Showers Soldier’s Health Corner of By CH (Capt.) Benjamin Bender 36th Inf. Div., Deputy Division Chaplain Life learned an important lesson on my some place new, things don’t always personal hygiene in the morning, Ifirst deployment. We arrived in operate the same. When you go back after the water had all night to cool Balad, Iraq in August. I remember my home after this deployment, you down. When things change in first shower as if it were yesterday. I are going to find yourself in a new your relationships or your attitudes, remember turning on what I thought place. A place you have never been don’t get mad, get smart. Find out was the cold water only to have the before. Not completely different, but why things have changed, try to first layer of my skin boiled off. I different nonetheless. Even if you understand what has happened and thought, “(insert nonchaplain-like have been on multiple deployments, then adjust accordingly and go forth word here) That hurt! I will try the this redeployment will be different. boldly into this brave new world. other faucet.” There went the second This redeployment will be new. Not When you encounter change in layer. It took me two days to figure everything will operate the same. others, don’t automatically assume out why there was no cold water. For 37 years I had been turning the worst or attribute mal intent. You see the “cold” water sat on the water faucet to the right for Regardless of what I thought, outside in a giant plastic tank where cold water and now I could not that shower curtain did not have a it was super-heated by the sun all figure out why, all of a sudden, that personal vendetta against me, it was day, while the “hot” water sat in a had changed. For six years my kids just reacting to forces beyond its 40-gallon heating tank inside the came and hugged me when I came control. So are those in your life. shower trailer, shaded from the home from work and now I could not My children did not hesitate to greet sun’s life-sucking rays. Thus, the figure out why they hesitated when me rather than run to meet me, not cold water was hotter than the hot I saw them for the first time in the because they did not love me or were water and for two days I couldn’t parking lot after my deployment (it’s not glad to see me, they just did not figure out, for the life of me, which actually a very common reaction know how to process the emotions nozzle was hot and which was cold. with young children when they have they were experiencing. The key is I finally developed a fail-safe system been separated from their parents for to be patient and understanding. to differentiate the two; if I only got a long time, and it only lasts for a Although addressing husbands first degree burns, that was the cold very short time). specifically, I believe Peter’s advice water. For 21 years I had never been applies to all in this situation when Water pouring from a shower bothered by another vehicle going he says, “Likewise, husbands, live head at roughly the temperature of faster than 20 km/h. Now, going 40 with your wives in an understanding the surface of the sun creates a most was like breaking the sound barrier, way” (1 Peter 3:7). And James undesirable second-order effect; and getting up to speed on the access offers sage advice in this regard as It sucks a nasty, slimy, mildewy ramp felt like the Autobahn. well when he says, “But the wisdom shower curtain all up against you. I Your experience may be much that comes from heaven is first of all was dancing around in my flip-flops different than mine, but of this I am pure; then peace-loving, considerate, trying to avoid drops of scalding sure, not everything will work the submissive, full of mercy and good water while at the same time waging same for you as it did before you fruit, impartial and sincere.” I pray a losing battle against a malign left. That is neither bad nor wrong. that you are preparing for a great Iranian shower curtain! I asked, and The key is not to get mad; get smart. redeployment, and I’m praying that the VA doesn’t offer any benefits for When I understood why the cold you don’t get burned in the Balad Post Traumatic Shower Disorder. water was SO not cold, I adapted showers of life. The important lesson I learned and overcame. I adjusted my battle was this: when I find myself in rhythm and began conducting 36th Inf. Div. prepares base for transition

Story and photo by Sgt. David A. Bryant 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs ASRAH, Iraq – Preparation for what they wanted concerning the department will be ready for the Bthe transition of Contingency preparation of the grounds,” said most part by June 1,” Baker said. Operating Base Basra to the State Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bell, COB “There are a few small camps they Department and the government of Basra property management non- aren’t sure they want to keep or Iraq is underway and on track to be commissioned officer-in-charge. bulldoze yet, since they’re still in completed as scheduled, according “Those requirements were to clear the planning stage, but we’ll be to Sgt. 1st Class Sloan Baker, 36th and level the land to the best of our ready to roll whenever they are.” Infantry Division force protection ability and remove most in-ground Baker’s primary job is to set up noncommissioned officer-in- systems like septic tanks. Several and maintain all force protection charge. structures actually fit into the structures on the base, which On May 8, division Soldiers and department’s plan so they were not includes blast walls, bunkers, entry Iraqi contractors began leveling touched.” control points and the perimeter Life Support Area Brady Lines, The area designated for the State fence, he said. While he doesn’t the former living area for Soldiers Department is currently about 85 actually work for the mayor cell, attached to the Area Medical percent ready, added Bell, 35, of he assists them because he runs the Clinic. It is one of several areas of Lyons, Kan. contracts with Al Yamama and Al the COB undergoing the required “The interior area for the Dalham, two local Iraqi companies process of responsibly removing military equipment and ensuring the property is ready for its new tenants. “We currently have the T-wall line in place that encompasses the limits of the Department of State perimeter, except for the roads and a few other areas we can’t close up just yet,” said Baker, a 38-year- old native of Medina, Texas. “But we’re making room for them. We already have one area fully leveled and being used to store all their equipment, housing units and vehicles. We’ll see a big change soon with Department of State personnel coming in and preparing their area to move in.” Sgt. 1st Class Sloan Baker, 36th Inf. Div. force protection noncommissioned officer-in- “The Department of State charge, shows the foremen where to stage the refuse of a former Life Support Area area May 8 until the companies can haul it to a dump site approved by the local government. conducted a walk-through with Soldiers from the Texas division, currently in charge of U.S. Division-South, are pre- the mayor cell back in January paring the base for a responsible turnover prior to the Dec. 31, 2011 deadline for U.S. and gave us the requirements of military forces to withdraw from Iraq.

8 9 hired for their heavy equipment — Department area) as we follow the leave a permanent record of what such as bulldozers, dump trucks rules outlined for base closure,” we’re giving to Iraq.” and cranes. The mayor cell does Bell added. “The guidelines are if The current worth of items COB not have access to the heavy we remove the basic life support Basra is prepared to turn over to equipment that Baker does as the for the camp, such as generators GoI, such as the containerized force protection NCOIC. and septic systems, then we have to housing units, latrines, generators “Al Dalham will clean up the completely clear the camp and take and force-protection structures, is majority of the area around the it back down to its original state. approximately $30 million USD, airport in order to turn it over to (the The goal is to make it look like added Bell. Most items have no use government of Iraq),” Baker said. there was never a camp there. If on military bases back in the States, “Everything outside of the T-wall we don’t remove the BLS, then the and the cost of shipping it all back perimeter for the Department of camp can be transferred at closure to the States is so excessive that State belongs to GoI, with perhaps to the government of Iraq through handing it over to Iraq is more cost- a few contractors Iraq authorizes to the (Foreign Exchange of Personal effective. remain.” Property) process.” “It’s going to take a little time, but The areas where U.S. military “The list of equipment we give we’ll have no problems meeting our and civilian employees of U.S. to GoI has to be approved by (U.S. deadlines for transition – either to Division-South live will be cleaned Div.-South) and (U.S. Forces-Iraq),” the Department of State or to GoI,” up and turned over to Iraq for use continued Bell. “Analysis of real said Bell. “We have a great team of by Iraqi Security Forces, said Bell. property, or permanent structures, people working on this, Soldiers and Each area, called a Life Support is done and all force protection (foreign service nationals) alike. Area or LSA, contains everything structures have to be declared and We are really putting the mayor needed to sustain personnel: power documented in order to and incoming garrison commander generators, living in a good position for a smooth areas, shower transition before we redeploy and restroom back to Texas.” facilities, medical clinics and even recreational facilities. “As far as the transfer to GoI, the requirements are a little different (from setting up the State Every day Soldiers from the 36th Inf. Div. and foreign service nationals work tirelessly to prepare Contingency Operating Base Basra for transition over to the State De- partment and the government of Iraq.

Photos by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs 10 11

We’ll have no problems meeting our “deadlines for transition - either to the Department of State or the GoI. -- SGT 1ST CLASS ROBERT BELL ” COB BASRA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NON- COMMISSIONED OFFICER IN CHARGE Serving a New Nation Native Iraqi served in Saddam’s Army, now U.S. Soldier

Story and photo by Sgt. David A. Bryant 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs ASRAH, Iraq – Decisions for the competition had been pulled Two days later, a second brush Bcan be painful to make, and back so hard that it caused a hair- with death shook the corporal serving sometimes choices can alter the trigger. One went to pick up the rifle as a physical fitness instructor in entire course of a person’s life. For and touched the trigger, setting off Saddam’s army. one 36th Infantry Division Soldier, the rifle and putting a bullet through “We were digging holes for the tormenting decisions he was the other’s back. shelters; I was outside the hole and forced to make would lead him to “I had to keep my hands on the exit some of my friends were inside it, a life fraught with danger, isolation wound for about an hour, because and we were talking. They stopped and a journey that he never expected. his guts were literally coming out,” talking and started looking at Sgt. “Ahmed” was born in Ahmed said. “We took him to the something behind me,” Ahmed said. Baghdad, Iraq in 1976, three years hospital, but he literally died a few “I was like, ‘What’s going on? Why before Saddam Hussein officially minutes before we made it there. I are [you] guys not saying anything?’ took control. His father, a pharmacist, was looking at him the whole time, And that’s the only thing I said. The was not a big fan of the new regime, and he was looking at me. On the next thing I know I’m flying through although they continued to live and way back from the hospital was the the air and dropping onto them. work in the nation’s capitol. With first time I almost died.” A rocket landed about half a mile all of his siblings either in college A government headquarters behind me. Lucky for me it didn’t or working respectable jobs, silence building was situated between the blow up, but the shockwave from the was the best policy for their survival. hospital and his unit’s base; a prime hit threw me into the shelter hole.” It was the beginning of Operation target for the U.S. military. The The third incident occurred at Iraqi Freedom in 2003 that, as it did driver of the van knew this and told night while Ahmed was doing for so many others, forced Ahmed to Ahmed and his fellow soldiers he weapons-guard duty. The weapons make the decisions that would lead would try to drive by it as fast as were in a large metal shipping him down a new and perilous path. possible. Less than a mile before container, and the lights were on “I was a corporal in the Iraqi getting there, a U.S. rocket hit the inside. Officers and enlisted alike Army stationed at a place called building with a blast so powerful it were inside a nearby shelter hole. A Taji. I was always paying money rained clots of mud down on them. plane was circling overhead. to not go anywhere,” he said. “The “We made it to the gate of that “When I say ‘shelter’, I mean a corruption in the at the building and three bloody soldiers hole dug about five meters by four time was very well known – you jumped on the van, hoping we meters, and maybe four or five feet pay money, you don’t have to go out could help them,” he recalled. “But deep,” he explained. “There were on patrol: you pay money, and you another car from my unit that was 15 people in there. The only thing don’t have to do guard duty. Then behind us came up, pulled over, I saw was the rocket flying straight when the war started, I couldn’t do and said, ‘That’s the first missile. for a distance and then dropping that anymore and I had to stay there Leave.’ Because back when the war right away. When it was dropping, for a couple of weeks. I almost died started, when (the Americans) were I was looking at it from outside three times… I mean I was close to bombing us from the air, wherever the hole, and I was [thinking] ‘It’s death.” they hit they would hit twice. We coming close to me. It’s coming at The first incident occurred when weren’t even half a mile away when me.’ So I’m walking to the shelter two of his friends were attempting the second rocket came in. When it hole, and right before it hit I jumped to see who could clear his AK-47 hit, the vehicle we were in was lifted inside. When the explosion came, it assault rifle the fastest. The charging into the air from the force of the was like being in the middle of an handle on the rifle they were using explosion.” earthquake. We were shaken just

12 13 like that.” Iraqis and beaten to death. The guy to become a translator for the U.S. After that he’d had enough, he with the grenade, though, got inside Army. His father was against it, as said, and simply dropped his weapon the alley but wasn’t fast enough. So Saddam had not yet been caught, and walked away. the people trapped him in the middle and he feared Saddam still had a “I figured, I don’t like the of the alley, all armed with AK’s. chance of returning to power. His government, don’t like anyone in it, The guy couldn’t go anywhere, so mother and siblings helped convince so why am I holding a weapon and he swallowed the grenade and blew his father to allow it, however, and just waiting to die?” he said. “And himself up. We checked the body and Ahmed soon began working at a when I left, I looked behind and saw a letter saying, ‘Kill nine Shia forward operating base outside of there were about 40 soldiers coming and you will go to heaven. If you kill Tarmiyah, just north of Baghdad. after me. They were leaving too, so no one and come back home, you “Tarmiyah is the most dangerous I was the motivation for them. I took will be killed. If you get captured, place, not just in Iraq, but also in a bus back to Baghdad, and when I kill yourself.’ Which is what he did. the world,” Ahmed explained. “Al got there I couldn’t find my family. At the bottom was the signature of Qaeda called Tarmiyah the capital They had run north to Diyala, which his mom and dad. We checked the of the Islamic Iraq, because all the was a place the U.S. Army didn’t body, and his passport was Syrian. bad guys, all the Al Qaeda people, bomb at that time.” The people were outraged and spit went there from other countries such For a time, Ahmed said he just on his body. We dragged the body to as Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia; stayed in Baghdad and watched a garden area we had in the middle from there they would be spread out the war. A fight broke out between of our houses and buried him there. across the country.” some Saddam loyalists and two U.S. That’s how my story with the U.S. His first week on the job brought Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Army started.” home just how dangerous it was. On the loyalist’s bodies disappearing in A platoon of American Soldiers a trip to visit the local police chief, a a red mist. Soon after, an incident came by and wanted to know meeting known only to the Soldiers occurred that would land him a new what happened. Ahmed explained and the police chief himself, he job. everything that had happened to the had his first experience with an “There were two guys walking lieutenant in charge. improvised explosive device. The around my neighborhood, posing “The L.T. asked, ‘Where are you highway leading to Tarmiyah – one as followers of Hussein, a respected from?’ I said, ‘I’m from here. That’s he said was normally quite busy – Shia Imam,” Ahmed recalled. “Two my house right there.’ He said, ‘No, was deserted. A sport utility vehicle brothers who were also Shia invited you’re not from here; you’re lying. was blocking traffic a few miles them to lunch. The guys told them Where in the States are you from?’” ahead of the convoy, and a media to go away. The brothers were like, Ahmed said. “I told him that I’m crew from Al Jazeera was waiting ‘We just invited you to lunch, why not from the States and had never on the side of the road. do you have to be so mean about been there. My house was right “The gunner spotted the first IED, it?’ One of the followers pulled out here. They didn’t believe it because and we had to call EOD since there a 9 mm handgun, and the other a of my accent, I spoke English when wasn’t really any (quick reaction grenade. We found out they were not I was 15 years old. I learned it by force) back then,” he said. “We Shia followers – they were Syrians; myself, watching movies. Instead of found out it was a string of seven not even Iraqi. They were members just watching movies with sound, I IEDs linked together. They were of Saddam Hussein’s Fedayeen, would mute the sound and read the waiting for us to get into the middle “The Sacrificers.” translations at the bottom and just of the chain to blow it up. The SUV “The guy with the 9 mm ran try to speak it.” blocking the highway took off through an alley and was caught by The incident ended with an offer and we were unable to find them.

We checked the body and saw a letter saying ‘Kill nine Shia and you will go to heaven. If you kill no one and come back home, you will be killed. If you get captured, kill yourself.’ Which is what he did. At the bottom was the signature of his mom and dad. He said, ‘My dad’s blood is on you.’ I looked at him and asked, ‘Why?’ He told me I was the only Iraqi there with the U.S. Army, so I was the one bringing them here. Al Jazeera was videotaping and Ahmed. he said. “The Iraqi Army guy was everything. That night in the news, “He said, ‘My dad’s blood is on going to get paid $100,000 dollars they reported that two Bradleys had you.’ I looked at him and asked, for inviting me to lunch. And the bad been burned and one U.S. Soldier ‘Why?’ He told me I was the only guys somehow knew where I was had been killed. They made it look Iraqi there with the U.S. Army, so working at. Fortunately, the intel like we lost a lot, and the IED never I was the one bringing them here,” made it to my unit first – they were even went off. At first I thought, Ahmed said. “I said, ‘No, sir, you got the ones who told me. The one who ‘Maybe that’s in another place.’ Until that totally wrong. I’m here helping was supposed to invite me to lunch they said it occurred in Tarmiyah.” rebuild the police station, and the was killed a week later.” For a while, Ahmed said he people who killed your family are “I had to live on base and be a got along well with the people of the bad guys.’ He told me, ‘I don’t stranger in my own country; be a Tarmiyah, helping them relate to the know the bad guys. I know you.’” foreigner in my own country. To American forces. They still received From that moment on, Ahmed said save my family from all of this … a constant barrage of mortar and he was marked for death in that city. if I went back home, they wouldn’t RPG fire, but it didn’t bother him The unit he was working for took just kill me, they would kill my because he was helping his people. him home to Baghdad and informed whole family,” Ahmed added. “So One day, while American troops him he needed to go straight to I was safe if I was away from my were in the middle of rebuilding the the FOB the next day, bypassing family, and they had been safe until police station after a fire, a mortar Tarmiyah. He could continue going this moment. We got rid of the bad round meant for the Americans on missions anywhere else, but that guys, and then along came the Mehdi overshot the police station and would be one city forever closed to Army, and same thing: they wanted landed on a house, killing the entire him. me for working with the U.S. Army. family within except for one son. The Not long after that, his unit Everyone was looking for me.” survivor immediately went before informed him he could not longer “I have a saying,” said Ahmed, the tribal elders for vengeance, and go to his home in Baghdad. They who was nominally raised a Muslim the following morning, came to had received an intelligence report but does not consider himself one. of a plot to “God brought me to life, so God kill Ahmed, can take my life whenever he wants. and for his So whenever I went on a mission own safety outside the wire, I’d put my body he would be armor on but I’d have no plates in restricted to it. I got my butt chewed many times the FOB. by the first sergeant, but I didn’t “The bad listen. I did whatever I wanted to guys had do,” said Ahmed. “A lot of Soldiers worked a deal were afraid to be near me because of with an Iraqi possible snipers, but I didn’t care. I Army guy to kept doing it anyway, because what I invite me to was doing I was doing for my people. lunch and kill I can die for my people; I would give me. They were everything for my people and my Ahmed, an interpreter like the one pictured above, assisted Soldiers waiting for family. I don’t care about anything in gathering information from fellow Iraqis on how businesses are me there and else.” doing, what infrastructure needs there might be, and what sorts of dangerous weapons or bomb-making materials are in the area. As in Tarmiyah, Time passed, always under the a result of helping the Americans, Ahmed’s life was put in danger, so I could threat of death. Ahmed said his boss forcing him to leave the country. (Photo by Spc. Samuel Soza, 367th not go back finally approached him and asked MPAD) anymore,” him how long he intended to stay.

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“I said, ‘I don’t know. Until knew who I was, so at midnight, he who had chosen to work for the everything gets okay, I guess?’ took his wife and left, because he U.S. Army were hated the most. The He said, ‘No. Congress signed the didn’t want to die. If the bad guys landlord of the apartment Ahmed Special Immigrant Visa program. caught me, they would kill the driver rented while he went through You need to go do it,’” Ahmed said. as well. We went to another driver the interview process for his visa “I asked him what that was. He said, that didn’t know me, and the QRF continuously fished for information ‘You are a U.S. Army employee, so guys said, ‘This is my friend, he about his reason for coming to Syria. when you go to the States, you’ll needs to go back to Baghdad, just So he came up with a believable lie. have all the rights of a resident green- please cross the river.’ The guy took “I told them that my mom had card holder. You won’t have to apply me, at least. When you cross the kidney failure and that I was doing for anything; you will automatically river, you have to pass the base at all the tests and interviews in hopes have everything a citizen does.’” Balad and go through a checkpoint to take my mom to the States, or His family was sad he would be there. We were stopped, and I had to Canada or Germany, to have the leaving, but also happy he finally had make out like I don’t speak English surgery where I could donate one a way out. His unit helped him get all so I would not give myself away of my kidneys to her,” he said. the paperwork together, and the two- to the driver. They were checking “They respected that. And, as usual, star general in charge of northern the car and everything, and in one I was always talking bad about the Iraq who he had been translating of my bags was my money almost U.S. Army; it was the only way for, immediately signed it and sent $6000 dollars. The private checking to stay alive. I was always under it forward with his recommendation. the bags was like, ‘Whoa, whoa! interrogation from the landlord,

Now you know SIV stands for Special Immigrant Visa. While there are many categories of SIVs, Iraqi citizens, like Ahmed, who worked on behalf of the U.S. Government for one year or more after March 20, 2003, and who have experienced an ongoing serious threat due to that employment, are eligible for a SIV.

It was the very beginning of the SIV There’s a lot of American money every single day. I had to tell him my program, and his paperwork was here, what the hell?’ And he started story every day, because he wasn’t approved within three months. His yelling. Slowly and quietly, I walked buying it.” next step would be the interview to over and I literally told him, ‘Don’t Ahmed finally completed his grant his visa. kill me – but put the money back in interviews and was called in to get The interview was originally set the bag. I’m going to the States and his visa. The Syrian working for the up at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, you are not going to stop me!’” embassy, who gave him the visa, a country he had already been He managed to get through the told him he needed to get a plane banned from entering at the whim checkpoint but had to lie again to the ticket to the States immediately and of a border guard who didn’t like his driver, saying he had used sign-speak get out of the country as fast as he looks. He rescheduled it for Syria, to get through to the Americans. could. but that would present him with If the driver ever suspected he “I asked him what was up, and he another unique challenge. was a translator working for the told me that there had been four of “I left the FOB with the QRF and Americans, the driver would most us to come to the embassy under the went to the Iraqi Army compound. likely turn him in for a reward. SIV program. I was the only one to We had a deal with a driver to take Syria would prove to be nearly show up for my visa,” Ahmed said. me across the river, make a u-turn, as dangerous as Iraq for Ahmed. “I asked him about the three others, and then go to Baghdad, just to The political climate was actively but he said they were still looking bypass Tarmiyah,” he said. “We hostile to anyone associated with the for them. I heard later that one had were to leave at 5 a.m. The driver American military, and those Iraqis been beaten to death, and the two others had been taken by Syrian fingerprint on the visa… I signed, Southwest is!’” intelligence. The one who had been did my fingerprint, and walked out The gentleman told him how to beaten to death had been living in a the door. A lot of people were there get to the terminal he needed, and hotel, and he had told a janitor that waiting for their families. I was told him to speak to a lady there he was a U.S. Army employee. The the only one on the plane who had who’s job was to help people get janitor was an Iraqi, and he called no one there. So I just stood there, to where they were going. Ahmed the Syrian authorities on him. The looking left and right, wondering found the lady, who directed him to other two had relatives call the where I was going to go.” the counter he needed and told him Syrian authorities on them; their Unsure of his future, he said he to just let the person at the counter own family turned them in.” wound up calling a girl he’d met know he needed a ticket to Tucson. When he arrived in the States online who lived in Tucson, Ariz. “‘It’s that easy?’ I asked, and she at John F. Kennedy International She was enthusiastic he’d made it said it was. So I went to the counter, Airport in New York, Ahmed to America and immediately invited gave them my visa, got my ticket, carried a large sealed envelope with him to come out and stay with her. then waited for a few hours and got all of his paperwork. The customs His only problem was that he didn’t on a plane to Tucson,” he said. officials had been expecting him, know how to go about getting there; The trip from Syria to Tucson took but he said they were unsure of the trip from Syria was his first time him about 72 hours, and the only what to do with him. He was the on a plane, and the process of buying thing sustaining him throughout very first person to arrive in the U.S. a ticket was still a mystery. was fruit juice and coffee, he said. under the SIV program. He was led “I went to a guy standing outside The novelty of the flight and the to the immigrant interview room, at the airport and asked him what I nervousness about his new life in told to have a seat, and to hand the should do; I told him I was trying the U.S. kept him from being able paperwork to the person behind the to get to Tucson,” Ahmed said. to sleep, and he avoided the food desk. “He seemed knowledgeable, and served on the airplanes because he “Not one minute later, a lieutenant he told me that Tucson wasn’t an was unfamiliar with it. came in. He said, ‘You have international airport so I should go The only things Ahmed said he paperwork for a translator.’ They said try Southwest. I said, ‘Okay, I’ll go. could think of when he arrived were ‘Yes, here it is’. He called my name, But I need to know where and what food and sleep. His friend took and I was scared to death, thinking maybe I had Sgt. Ahmed is done something a 36th Infantry wrong,” Ahmed Division recalled. “He translator working said, ‘Where’s as a mayor’s cell non-commissioned your bag?’ I officer with grabbed it; he told Headquarters and me to put it on and Support Company, said, ‘Welcome 36th Division to the States.’ I Special Troops Battalion. He said, ‘That’s it?’ oversees Iraqi He said, ‘Yeah, crews clearing that’s it. Welcome out a section to the States.’ I of Contingency Operating Base asked him what I Basra as part of was supposed to the transition of do, and he told U.S. Forces out of me to go sign my Iraq. name at a desk and put my index

16 17 him to his first fast-food restaurant who became a U.S. citizen and used After discussing it with them for a and then took him home, where he his doctorate’s degree in economics while, he decided to join, and not showered and then slept for an entire to become a real estate mogul. He just for the educational benefits. day. and the friend’s uncle in Dallas “I did it to prove a point: that all He stayed at his friend’s house knew each other from when both left Iraqis are not bad guys,” said Ahmed. for two weeks and then called an Iraq during the rise of Saddam in the Ahmed hates Al Qaeda and the Iraqi friend at the FOB where he had 1970s. Both ended up staying in the ideology they espouse. Their brutal worked in Iraq. The friend gave him U.S. after losing family members to treatment of the Iraqi people is one a number for an uncle who lived in Saddam’s brutal reign. of the reasons he decided to fight Dallas, Texas. Ahmed was fed, put up for the them as a U.S. Soldier. “I called his uncle, who told me night, and then taken to the airport After completing basic training he’d been waiting for me to call. the next morning for the first flight and advanced individual training I said that I had just gotten the to Dallas. He stayed with his friend’s as a 09L, Ahmed worked for a time number, but he said he’d told his uncle for a few weeks before finally assisting recruiters in finding more nephew to give me the number a getting his own apartment and a job translators. He was soon deployed at a fast-food restaurant. His first with the 56th Infantry Brigade job didn’t last very long, because Combat Team to his native country, his manager was a former Muslim where he served as a translator a who converted to Christianity after mere 15 miles from his old home. the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Finding a job after he returned to The manager hated Muslims, and Texas proved difficult, and he soon because Ahmed was Arabic he had no money to live on and would simply assumed that Ahmed was go days without eating, he said. also Muslim. The opportunity to deploy with the Ahmed soon found another job 36th Infantry Division headquarters at a printing company. The pay was for Operation New Dawn came as only $8 an hour, but it paid the bills. a blessing. He moved to Austin for He kept in contact with his former the unit’s pre-mobilization and is bosses in Iraq, and it was his former now serving a second tour in his “The uniform commander, a National Guard native land as a liaison between I’m wearing, I Soldier, who convinced him to go U.S. Division-South and local Iraqi enlist in the Texas Army National contractors, assisting in the transition wear first for my Guard. of U.S. forces out of Iraq. people.” “He knew that my dad’s dream Ahmed’s love for his people led was for me to finish my education, him down a long, dangerous road; get a master’s degree or something a road that is still not safe for him, long time ago,” Ahmed said. “He from the United States. He used that he said. He’s not always happy with asked me where I was, and when I on me; he said, ‘Are you going to let the path his native country takes at told him Tucson, he told me, hang your dad down? Are you going to times, but he feels he’s done his part up and wait for 10 minutes. Literally keep working for $8 an hour? How to give his fellow Iraqis the freedom 10 minutes later, I got a call from are you going to study?’” Ahmed they need to become a truly great another person, who asked me what said. “I kept telling him that I’d think nation. address I was at. I told him, and he about it, and he eventually convinced “Iraqis were victims, trapped in said to get my bags ready because me.” a cage for 35 years under Saddam he’d be there in 15 minutes. I asked The captain in charge of recruiting Hussein,” he said. “But the U.S. him who he was, but he just told me at Camp Mabry, the headquarters of Army, we came and opened that to get ready.” all Texas Military Forces, located cage wide open. The uniform The man who came and picked in Austin, Texas, came out to visit I’m wearing, I wear first for my him up turned out to be one of the Ahmed with another Soldier in the people.” richest men in Tucson, a native Iraqi translator field, an “oh-nine-leema.” One World

Story and photos courtesy of DavidThe 8th gate of Babylon 36th Inf. Div. Interpreter, USD-S Public Affairs Contributing writer: Sgt. Jeremy Spires s the eighth gate to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Ankara, where the lions at the gates Ainner city of Babylon, the Some believe that the of the city too much resemble the Ishtar Gate was dedicated to the statue represents a symbol for lion of Babylon and are made from Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Babylonians’ triumph over their the same mountainous material. Constructed with glazed bricks enemies and bringing gifts and Nebuchadnezzar was also depicting lions, dragons and plunders from the defeated cities. credited with the construction aurocks, the gate allowed access to This idea was supported by the of the Hanging Gardens of the Processional Way statues of the fact that both of the rigid mass and Babylon, which were built for deities of Babylon were paraded base of the Lion of Babylon do his wife Amyitis, although it is through each year during the New not indicate that the statue came still disputed whether the gardens Year’s celebration. from the plain land of Babylon its actually existed. Excavations by It was under the direction of king stone was mostly brought from a archaeologists reveal possible Nebuchadnezzar II, 605 B.C. to mountainous area. foundations. 562 B.C., that the Ishtar Gate was Perhaps the Lion of Babylon was Saddam Hussein installed built. Nebuchadnezzar ordered one of the plunders brought from a huge portrait of himself and the complete reconstruction of the the Hittite city of Hattusha, whose Nebuchadnezzar at the entrance to imperial grounds, including the historical site is now known as the ruins of Babylon. He also had construction of the gate, during his Boğazkale, east of Turkish capital part of the ruins rebuilt with bricks reign. inscribed in an imitation Along with the of Nebuchadnezzar building of the gate, a and the inscription that statue depicting a lion reads, “This was built stalking a man was by Saddam Hussein, son installed. The Lion of Nebuchadnezzar, to of Babylon guards the glorify Iraq.” entrance to the gate and is also dedicated to the

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Sadr City

Story by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs www.google.com/images

adr City is a suburb district In March 2008, while farther in Al-Anbar, and armored forces Sof Baghdad. Built by Prime south the was from the 9th Division based in Taji, Minister Abdul Karim in 1959, raging, clashes in operating without involvement of the city was unofficially renamed between U.S. forces and the Mahdi U.S. forces pushed deep into the after the Shia leader Mohammad Army increased. The Mahdi Army city. Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr after used IED’s and engaged the U.S. The Iraqi Security Forces met his death. Now, Sadr City, is one of forces with sniper fire and intense little resistance in moving through the nine administrative districts in small arms engagements in the the city and took up positions Baghdad and holds more than three urban area. formerly occupied by the Mahdi million Shiite residents. While attacking the American Army. Sadr City then became the During the early stages of military in Sadr City, the Mahdi main base for the Shia Insurgent Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. Army also increased its rocket group Kata’ib Hezbollah, an military forces focused on rebuilding attacks against the Green Zone offshoot of the Mahdi Army. destroyed civilian infrastructure and other U.S. bases, killing and Sadr City has not only and training local leaders in wounding several Iraqi civilians known violence since 2003, democracy. The American forces and U.S. military personnel. it has also known a giant leap established neighborhood councils On May 10, 2008, Muqtada Al- forward in democracy. In 2009’s and districts, giving the citizens Sadr ordered a cease-fire. This provincial elections and in 2010’s of Sadr City representation in the allowed Iraqi troops into all parts parliamentary elections, voters new government. Although due of the city. An entirely Iraqi- in Sadr City allowed the Iraqi in part to the increased tensions planned operation, six battalions National Alliance to make huge and violence against the American of Iraqi troops from the 1st (Quick gains in building the present Iraqi military, such progress was slow. Reaction Force) division stationed government. One People 3d ACR and ISF train for future operations

Soldiers from the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi Army battle each other in a training exercise in preparation for Operation Eagles Rising, an event developed by the 3d ACR to enhance the Iraqi Security Forces offensive and defensive tactics and basic force protection measures. This training exercise will prepare the ISF to manage the nation’s security requirements after the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. (Photos by Sgt. James Kennedy Benjamin, 305th MPAD, USD-S Public Affairs)

20 21 A moment in history... By Lt. Col. Enrique Villarreal 36th Inf. Div. Command Historian rom its formation in 1775, the United States Army new ground. Fhas been the primary land-based portion of the U.S. On May 16, Congress formed itself into a Committee military. Though not solely used as a military force, of the Whole to “take into consideration the State of sometimes helping in domestic violence and natural America.” This important parliamentary maneuver disaster situations, the Army’s primary responsibility has reflected the fact that Congress, although unsure ofits been the fighting of land battles and military occupation. objectives, was absolutely convinced of the importance First founded in response to a need for professional of presenting an appearance of unanimity to the world. As soldiery in the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Army has had the Committee of the Whole, the delegates could freely several major periods of service from the War of 1812 to debate in secret and arrive at a consensus without placing the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. any disagreements into the record. Congress successfully Formation of a New England army in the first months used this formula for the next month. after Lexington marked the first phase in the military Decisive action came on June 14, when Congress struggle with England, but even as the regional army adopted “the American continental army” after reaching gathered before Boston, a significant step in the creation a consensus position in the Committee of the Whole. of a national force was being taken in Philadelphia. The The record indicates only that Congress undertook to Continental Congress convened there on May 10, 1775 to raise ten companies of riflemen, approved an enlistment resume its coordination of the thirteen colonies’ efforts to form for them, and appointed a committee (including secure British recognition of American rights. It faced the Washington and Schuyler) to draft rules and regulations fact that four colonies were already in a state of war. News “for the government of the army. With that being arrived a week later that Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold resolved, six companies of expert riflemen were raised had captured Fort Ticonderoga, an event which expanded in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia. the dimensions of the conflict and largely ended hopes Each company consist of a captain, three lieutenants, four of a swift reconciliation with Britain. The Continental sergeants, four corporals, a drummer or trumpeter, and Congress reluctantly moved to assume direction of the sixty-eight privates. military effort. Thus far the organization of forces had The following day, Congress unanimously elected followed colonial precedents, but to establish an army George Washington to command all present and future representing all thirteen colonies Congress had to break military forces of those United Colonies.

George Washington was the best spy master in American History! He ran dozens of espionage rings in British-held New York and Philadelphia. The man who supposedly could not tell a lie was a genius at disinformation. He constantly befuddled the British by leaking, through double agents, inflated reports on the strength of his army.

The Americans of 1776 had the highest standard of living and the lowest taxes in the Western World! Farmers, lawyers and business owners in the Colonies were thriving, with some plantation owners and merchants making the equivalent of $500,000 a year. Times were good for many others too. The British wanted a slice of Soldiers in the American Continental Army. (Photo taken from www.freepublic.com) the cash flow and tried to tax the Colonists.

22 23 36th Inf. Div. Hall of Heroes Cpl. Charles E. Kelly Company l, 143rd Infantry, 36th Infantry Division

or conspicuous gallantry and Immediately thereafter Cpl. Kelly, used the shells as grenades, killing at Fintrepidity at risk of life above again a volunteer patrol member, least 5 of the enemy. and beyond the call of duty. On Sept. assisted materially in the destruction When it became imperative that 13, 1943, near Altavila, Italy, Cpl. of two enemy machine gun nests the house be evacuated, Cpl. Kelly, Kelly voluntarily joined a patrol under conditions requiring great skill despite his sergeant’s injunctions, which located and neutralized enemy and courage. . volunteered to hold the position until machine gun positions. Having effectively fired his the remainder of the detachment After this hazardous duty he weapon until all the ammunition was could withdraw. As the detachment volunteered to establish contact with exhausted, he secured permission moved out, Cpl. Kelly was observed a battalion of U.S. infantry which to obtain more at an ammunition deliberately loading and firing a was believed to be located on Hill dump. Arriving at the dump, which rocket launcher from the window. 315, a mile distant. was located near a storehouse on He was successful in covering the He traveled over a route the extreme flank of his regiment’s withdrawal of the unit, and later in commanded by enemy observation position, Cpl. Kelly found that the joining his own organization. Cpl. and under sniper, mortar, and artillery Germans were attacking ferociously Kelly’s fighting determination and fire; and later he returned with the at this point. He obtained his intrepidity in battle exemplify the correct information that the enemy ammunition and was given the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed occupied Hill 315 in organized mission of protecting the rear of Forces. positions. the storehouse. He held his position throughout the night. The following morning the enemy attack was resumed. Cpl. Kelly took a position at an open window of the storehouse. One machine gunner had been killed at this position and several other soldiers wounded. Cpl. Kelly delivered continuous aimed and effective fire upon the enemy with his automatic rifle until the weapon locked from overheating. Finding another automatic rifle, he again directed effective fire upon the enemy until this weapon also locked. At this critical point, with the enemy threatening to overrun the position, Cpl. Kelly picked up 60-mm. mortar shells, pulled the safety pins, and Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Henry runs with fellow Soldiers during the Army’s 236th birthday on June 14. The 36th Inf. Div. along with supporting units formed up on Contingency Operating Base Basra for a three-mile run in celebration of the Army’s birthday. (Photo by Sgt. Jeremy Spires, 36th Inf. Div., USD-S Public Affairs)