Phantom News Vol. I, Issue 11 Telling the TF Phantom story March 4, 2007 Proper weapons practices 1 key to ending negligent discharge incidents in Iraq Drop the magazine Story, photos by Spc. Abel Trevino zotti, MNC-I trial counsel. “With no 28th Public Afairs Detachment type of misconduct is there (a set UCMJ punishment).” The recent death of a Soldier near Rizzotti added that every incident 2 Baghdad from poor weapons handling is different and should be handled that has increased awareness throughout way, usually at the lowest command Iraq, including Camp Victory, on the level. Criminal cases of negligent dis- prevention and consequences of neg- charge are usually the cases passed up ligent discharges. to the corps level. Pull the charging handle So far in 2007, 16 negligent discharg- Commanders dictate unit policy es have resulted in 16 injuries and one for responses to negligent discharges. death in MNC-I areas of operation, said Those responses can range from infor- Lon C. Cooper, MNC-I safety officer. mal retraining in weapons handling to 3 A safety alert addressing this prob- criminal charges in negligence and der- lem was released by Lt. Gen. Ray Odi- eliction of duty. Injuries or death can erno, MNC-I commanding general, result in harsher punishments. Jan. 31. “With a negligent discharge with He emphasized that each incident no injury, it’s usually handled (at the Ensure the chamber is clear was “unnecessary, preventable, and a commander’s level),” Rizzotti said. “If direct result of (soldier and leadership there’s any sort of injury, it’s a much failures to enforce safety standards).” more formal, more involved investiga- “Each time a leader fails to enforce a tion.” 4 weapon procedure standard, he or she At a minimum, Soldiers should be missed an opportunity to prevent a fu- aware that their commander should ture negligent discharge,” he wrote. make an inquiry every time their weap- The prevention of future negligent on is fired, regardless of intent. discharges starts with proper clearing “Any weapons discharge is re- Put the weapon on semi procedures and treating every weapon viewed by the commander in the (af- — regardless of its status — as if it is ter action review),” said Lt. Col. John loaded, Cooper said. Wells, MNC-I administrative law chief. “Weapons handling is one of our “Depending on the outcome of that, it 5 most basic Soldiering tasks,” Odierno could require (an investigation).” wrote. “Though they are a part of every- Wells said that every investigation day life in theater, we cannot become and inquiry allows commanders to complacent. We must be disciplined make changes on the battlefield, from Soldiers who do not carelessly injure what is being viewed as a hostile act Squeeze the trigger ourselves or our battle buddies.” and intent from the Soldier’s perspec- If knowledge that they have injured tive to what caused negligent discharg- or killed another because of their own es. negligence is not enough to make Sol- The Soldier is ultimately responsible 6 diers observe proper practices, they can for his weapon and its actions, he said. also face wide-ranging charges under “Every Soldier should know – when the Uniform Code of Military Justice. he fires his weapon – exactly where “The common misconception is that that round is going to go,” Wells said. there is a blanket policy for negligent “It’s not just a matter of professional- Put the weapon on safe discharges,” said Capt. Michael Riz- ism, it’s a matter of pride.” Page 2 Commentary March 4, 2007 You hurt, but your kids may hurt more Sgt. 1st Class Terrence L. Hayes routine of exercise, game and my daughter is getting 28th PAD Detachment Sergeant work, fellowship with agitated. I guess it’s normal for her to friends and sleep. feel that way, but sometimes I wonder “Daddy, where are you?” That’s And I actually feel “What is she thinking?” become a familiar question. like the depressed one A year is short for us when you put Deployments affect many troops at times. it in perspective. A year for a toddler in different ways. Some may suffer On the flip-side, is forever in her eyes. Hayes the depression of being away from she continues her “Daddy, do you want to watch loved ones, while others may suffer routine without me — wishing that I’d Dora?” she asked me yesterday. In- fear of going outside the wire on daily walk through the door like I always stead of saying I can’t, now I say yes missions. No matter what way deploy- do and hug her and join in her “daddy and then she places the phone to the ment affects you, it probably affects time.” Who’s actually the one hurting TV like I can see it. That’s the beauty your children the most. more? of children. I knew being away would affect my Each time I speak to my wife she So, next time you feel down and 2-year-old daughter, but I didn’t know tells me how much Nailah has grown out of it from “the me against the how so. “Daddy, come get me,” she al- — and I don’t mean in height and world syndrome,” think about your ways tells me when I speak to her. But, weight. She’s maturing her spirit, or son or daughter back home who feels honestly, how should I respond? I hurt as Big Mamma calls it, “she has an old like they lost their best friend the day every time she asks these questions, soul.” you left. Pick up your troubles, work but then I think how much she could I once was the relief pitcher, as I harder and reflect on those days ahead be hurting knowing that something is like to call it at home. My wife would with your kids. Your troubles and different with our relationship. be the starter and then I would come pains will seem small and you’ll un- No longer do I have “Dora the home at the bottom of eighth inning derstand that they feel the same pain Explorer” afternoons or “Bratz” dolls and close out my daughter’s day. — nothing that a mother or father’s playtime with her. Now I’m in a set Now, my wife has to pitch the entire love can’t cure. Chaplain’s Corner in Babylon, one of the king’s minis- mystery of chance, of startling twists The Mystery ters authored a plan to murder en and sudden opportunities. masse an entire nation that had been It may seem, as the “bad guy” in of Chance exiled to Babylon for nearly 70 years. this story thought, that life happens Chaplain Raymond Milburn Through a convoluted series of events, at random and that there is no order 504th MI Brigade Chaplain his plan backfired and the tables were to what is happening. God may seem turned. concealed, but He is there all the time, The Bible often seems like a fairy On the very day that he chose to playing a constant role in our lives. tale — the sea splits, the evil die, the have all the Jewish exiles in Babylon He may not openly intervene, but righteous are rewarded. God is so ac- killed, the king’s minister was hanged still God is there — guiding, directing tive and life is so orderly. on a gallows he had ordered built as and steering a joyful recognition in an Yet the world of our experience part of his evil plan. often bleak and frightening world. seems very different. It’s disorderly, The Biblical book of Esther is the Life seems to be pretty ordinary unfair and cruel. The evil prosper and narrative of the events circumstances here in “Babylon.” We march from the righteous just become cynical. surrounding the Feast of Purim. It is day to day not really noticing whether On the fourth and fifth of March neither filled with signs and wonders, God is here or not; not really doing a there will be celebrations to commem- nor prophecies and miracles. God’s whole lot to find out. Then, just like orate a significant Biblical event — the presence in this extraordinarily ordi- the Jewish exiles in Babylon, we get Feast of Purim. Some 2,500 years ago nary story is revealed throughout the See MYSTERY, page 3

Phantom News is an authorized electronic publication for MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno Phantom News welcomes columns, com- members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. James Hutton mentaries, articles and letters from our electronic publication are not necessarily the official views of MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric E. Parris readers. Send submissionsor comments or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Hayes to [email protected]. The Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the respon- Editor: Sgt. Jacob Boyer editorial staff reserves the right to edit for sibility of the Public Affairs Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Staff: Spc. Laura M. Bigenho, Spc. D. A. Dickinson, Spc. Beatrice Florescu Vila-Verde, security, accuracy, propriety, policy, clarity Spc. Stephanie Homan, Cpl. Jess Kent, Spc. Abel Trevino and space. March 4, 2007 Page 3 Platoon secures convoys from Victory to IZ Story, photo by Spc. Beatrice Florescu-Vila Verde MNC-I PAO

Soldiers assigned to Multi-National Corps-Iraq’s Convoy Platoon provide security and transportation to personnel traveling from Victory Base Complex to the International Zone each day to ensure those travellers are protected. Preparing for this duty re- quires self-discipline, weap- on and vehicle maintenance, and strong communication and coordination. Soldiers wake up early to get ready for a pre-dawn meeting at the Special Troops Battalion Task Force-Phantom Motor Pool. Spc. Juan Varela, switchboard operator, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, III They perform mainte- Corps, gets set in a Humvee turret before a convoy to the International Zone. nance checks on vehicles, communication systems and Baghdad to the IZ, and Passengers are picked up In the afternoon, the con- weapons. drops off passengers. Every from the IZ and brought to voy goes through its routine The convoy commander overhead ramp, vehicle and VBC. The Soldiers maintain for a return trip to the IZ. briefs everyone after the individual can pose a threat. their focus on safety and Once it returns from its sec- preparation is complete. The Communication is very im- security. After dropping off ond round trip, the platoon convoy forms and moves to portant and helps Soldiers that group, the convoy heads gathers for a briefing before its assembly area. maintain vigilance. to the motor pool. being released. Passengers and their lug- “I am not really scared,” After every trip, the pla- Two groups of Soldiers gage are loaded onto ar- said Pvt. Stephen Kast, truck toon’s Soldiers check the ve- from Headquarters and mored buses known as Rhi- driver, STB, TF-Phantom. “I hicles to ensure everything Headquarters Company, III nos, and the journey begins, have to watch my back and is functional. Corps and the 329th Chemi- said Staff Sgt. Darrin Bough- make sure that IEDs don’t When they return for the cal Company, handle con- ton, squad leader, STB, TF- catch us by surprise. As long second trip, weapon main- voy duty. Phantom. as we do what we are trained tenance takes priority. Ev- Each group runs the con- The convoy exits Camp to do, and we stick with the ery weapon is thoroughly voys for a week before tak- Victory, drives through training, we’ll be alright.” cleaned and inspected. ing a week off.

MYSTERY, from page 2 reveal God presence. Their actions we are faced with a choice: Do we turn affected the entire Babylonian Empire to God and worship Him or do we fail convinced that there really is a threat and have reverberated for millennia. to notice and keep on believing that to our lives and the drama of a sudden Today in Iraq, you do not have we are here on our own to get by the salvation does in fact reveal that there to be a chaplain (you know, those of best way we can? is a God and that He is in fact real and us who are called to “bring God to Allow me to paraphrase another present. Soldiers and to bring Soldiers to God”) Biblical character to answer my own Do we need to wait for a threat to to help reveal God’s presence either. question. our lives to seek out God’s presence Our God-like — or God-less — actions “If you decide that it’s a bad thing here in Iraq? The answer is a clear and may serve to reveal or conceal God to worship God, then choose a god resounding “NO!” right here in the same place it hap- you’d rather serve — and do it today The good guys in the story weren’t pened 2500 years ago. ... [but] As for me and my family, religious leaders, yet they helped to When God is revealed in our lives, we’ll worship God.” Page 4

Hip-Hop Comedy Tour

entertains Photos by Spc. Abel Trevino Houston-based rapper demonstrates his Texas pride and leads a crowded audience at Camp Liberty in the traditional “Hook troops ‘em Horns” hand signal. Wall was the headliner for the Jamie Kennedy Hip-Hop Comedy Tour, which made its last stop here Feb. 23. Jamie Kennedy, Paul Wall shine at Liberty show Spc. Laura M. Bigenho responded to his tease, “Y’all ready? I want to hear Orona said it was a dream come true being able to 28th Public Affairs Detachment you make some noise!” An energized crowd cheered freestyle alongside Wall. loudly for 15 minutes before the first act took stage. “At first I felt a little jittery, but after I got into my Aside from the sound of Blackhawks passing Dawes grabbed the audience’s attention by thank- groove, I was good,” he said. “It was perfect!” overhead, the atmosphere outside Camp Liberty’s ing troops for their service. The evening also included a break-dance perfor- Morale, Welare and Recreation Center resembled “It’s because of you and what you do for this mance by Casper, dozens of Kennedy’s DVDs being any typical concert venue Feb. 23. country that we can do this stuff in the States,” he tossed to the audience and an “after party” inside Actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy and rap- said. Moments later, Dawes transformed into his the MWR where the crew autographed posters and per Paul Wall entertained troops as part of “Jamie comical self when he became silent as two Black- posed for photos with fans. Kennedy’s Hip-Hip Comedy Tour,” made possible hawks flew by and asked, “Are those ours? Please Kennedy and Wall agreed the tour here was phe- by USO and Armed Forces Entertainment. Comedian say yes.” nomenal and had plenty to say to the troops. Bill Dawes, rapper and comedian Stu Stone, DJ Joey Kennedy’s long list of jokes included a testimony “Being here has already given me a different per- Nicks and break-dancer Casper joined them onstage of his first experience eating a “Hoo-ah” energy bar, spective of what you’re doing here,” Kennedy said. for an evening of comedy, music and dancing. a love song about his ex-girlfriend’s oddly shaped “The news back home mostly reports bad things and Kennedy, 36, is known for his role as Randy body feature, a rap about his idol Bob Saget and the sensationalizes so much that it makes others scared Meeks in the “Scream” horror trilogy and TV shows fear he felt when a flight attendant made an an- to come here.” “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment,” “Malibu’s Most nouncement in Japanese. Growing up with a grandfather who was a lieu- Wanted” and “Blowin’ Up.” “There is nothing scarier than turbulence in an- tenant colonel in the Army and having friends who Wall, 26, has performed with rap artists Mike other language,” Kennedy said. “I thought, ‘Oh (no), were killed in Iraq, Wall said the military has been a Jones, Nelly, and others. His first , this guy thinks Godzilla is in the cockpit.’” strong influence in his life. “” went platinum and had sev- Wall opened his portion of the show with hit “I grew up with a profound respect for every- eral hit singles including “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” “They “March ‘N Step.” Accompanied by the rest of the body in the military, especially those serving in war Don’t Know” and “Girl.” His sophomore album, crew, he invited several troops on stage to dance and zones,” Wall said. “Get Money, Stay True,” is due out April 3. sing with them. Kennedy promised to tell other celebrities they Wall, a renowned jeweler, is also infamous for Kennedy asked for Wall’s biggest fan to come should come to Iraq. his pricey platinum, gold and diamond-studded forward and invited him to sing a duet with the rap- “Get home safe and know that I’m going to tell “.” This mouth jewelry is custom-made to fit per. Spc. Javier Orona, 410th Military Police Com- everybody I can to come here to entertain you and over teeth, and is usually made with precious metals pany, came forward but did not know all the lyrics keep you smiling,” he said. and stones. to Wall’s song. At that point, the performers asked “It was an honor for (us) to come here,” Wall said. DJ Joey Nicks opened the show by spinning the 25-year-old Brooklyn native if he could freestyle, “We’re here to thank the troops because they let us old-school hip-hop as the audience enthusiastically and he did. do what we do back in the States by keeping us free.” Page 5

Photos by Spc. Abel Trevino Houston-based rapper Paul Wall demonstrates his Texas pride and leads a crowded audience at Camp Liberty in the traditional “Hook ‘em Horns” hand signal. Wall was the headliner for the Jamie Kennedy Hip-Hop Comedy Tour, which made its last stop here Feb. 23. Jamie Kennedy, Paul Wall shine at Liberty show Spc. Laura M. Bigenho responded to his tease, “Y’all ready? I want to hear Orona said it was a dream come true being able to 28th Public Affairs Detachment you make some noise!” An energized crowd cheered freestyle alongside Wall. loudly for 15 minutes before the first act took stage. “At first I felt a little jittery, but after I got into my Aside from the sound of Blackhawks passing Dawes grabbed the audience’s attention by thank- groove, I was good,” he said. “It was perfect!” overhead, the atmosphere outside Camp Liberty’s ing troops for their service. The evening also included a break-dance perfor- Morale, Welare and Recreation Center resembled “It’s because of you and what you do for this mance by Casper, dozens of Kennedy’s DVDs being A fan snaps a picture as Paul Wall displays his signature platinum and diamond grill while any typical concert venue Feb. 23. country that we can do this stuff in the States,” he tossed to the audience and an “after party” inside singing appropriately titled song “Grillz.” Actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy and rap- said. Moments later, Dawes transformed into his the MWR where the crew autographed posters and per Paul Wall entertained troops as part of “Jamie comical self when he became silent as two Black- posed for photos with fans. Kennedy’s Hip-Hip Comedy Tour,” made possible hawks flew by and asked, “Are those ours? Please Kennedy and Wall agreed the tour here was phe- by USO and Armed Forces Entertainment. Comedian say yes.” nomenal and had plenty to say to the troops. Bill Dawes, rapper and comedian Stu Stone, DJ Joey Kennedy’s long list of jokes included a testimony “Being here has already given me a different per- Nicks and break-dancer Casper joined them onstage of his first experience eating a “Hoo-ah” energy bar, spective of what you’re doing here,” Kennedy said. for an evening of comedy, music and dancing. a love song about his ex-girlfriend’s oddly shaped “The news back home mostly reports bad things and Kennedy, 36, is known for his role as Randy body feature, a rap about his idol Bob Saget and the sensationalizes so much that it makes others scared Meeks in the “Scream” horror trilogy and TV shows fear he felt when a flight attendant made an an- to come here.” “The Jamie Kennedy Experiment,” “Malibu’s Most nouncement in Japanese. Growing up with a grandfather who was a lieu- Wanted” and “Blowin’ Up.” “There is nothing scarier than turbulence in an- tenant colonel in the Army and having friends who Wall, 26, has performed with rap artists Mike other language,” Kennedy said. “I thought, ‘Oh (no), were killed in Iraq, Wall said the military has been a Jones, Nelly, Kanye West and others. His first album, this guy thinks Godzilla is in the cockpit.’” strong influence in his life. “The Peoples Champ” went platinum and had sev- Wall opened his portion of the show with hit “I grew up with a profound respect for every- eral hit singles including “Sittin’ Sidewayz,” “They “March ‘N Step.” Accompanied by the rest of the body in the military, especially those serving in war Don’t Know” and “Girl.” His sophomore album, crew, he invited several troops on stage to dance and zones,” Wall said. “Get Money, Stay True,” is due out April 3. sing with them. Kennedy promised to tell other celebrities they Wall, a renowned jeweler, is also infamous for Kennedy asked for Wall’s biggest fan to come should come to Iraq. his pricey platinum, gold and diamond-studded forward and invited him to sing a duet with the rap- “Get home safe and know that I’m going to tell “grillz.” This mouth jewelry is custom-made to fit per. Spc. Javier Orona, 410th Military Police Com- everybody I can to come here to entertain you and over teeth, and is usually made with precious metals pany, came forward but did not know all the lyrics keep you smiling,” he said. and stones. to Wall’s song. At that point, the performers asked “It was an honor for (us) to come here,” Wall said. Breakdancer Casper demonstrates his flipping and leaping capabilities as he flies over DJ Joey Nicks opened the show by spinning the 25-year-old Brooklyn native if he could freestyle, “We’re here to thank the troops because they let us three Soldiers. Casper’s act opened with several flips and spins before he asked for audi- ence participation. old-school hip-hop as the audience enthusiastically and he did. do what we do back in the States by keeping us free.” Page 6 March 4, 2007 Regular check-ups keep K9s healthy Vet clinic provides care for military dogs Story, photo by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho 28th Public Affairs Detachment

Like people, dogs need regular checkups and screenings. The Veteri- nary Clinic on Camp Slayer provides those checkups and other treatments for military dogs across Multi-Nation- al Division-Baghdad. The clinic’s primary mission is to provide varying levels of support to dog teams, said Capt. Michael Fielder, Victory Base Complex veterinarian, 248th Medical Detachment. The levels range from one to three, with the first being minor injuries such as broken nails and small cuts. Level Two involves injuries that require a higher level of equipment. Level Three cases usually require more definitive surgical care. The clinic is equipped to handle some surgeries, but it depends on the type. Those which cannot be handled at Slayer usually get transported to a clinic in the International Zone, Fielder said. “If a dog comes in with a ruptured spleen, I could remove the spleen and Capt. Michael Fielder, Victory Base Complex veterinarian, 248th Medical De- the dog would be back and working in tachment, draws blood from Mandy, a 3-year-old military working dog. Mandy’s partner, Sgt. Michael Bending, 34th Military Police Detachment, assisted by five to six days,” he said. “If I had an holding Mandy still during the procedure. Bending brought Mandy to the VBC emergency surgery come in that we’re Veterinary Clinic for her semi-annual physical exam. not fully equipped to handle, I would do absolutely everything I could to Contes said. ment.” stabilize the dog for travel to the next One difference between the two is For Contes, the most rewarding destination.” that it can be more difficult to control aspect of working as a veterinary The clinic is available 24 hours for a dog, Fielder said. Just like humans, technician here was realizing that she emergency care, but it has not had any dogs occasionally need tranquilizers really knew her job. cases since Fielder and Spc. Thanisha to help relax. Although she and Fielder work Contes, veterinary technician, 248th “Sometimes we have to give them together as a team, there are days he Med. Det., arrived in September. a little something to take the edge off, travels to inspect clinics and assist Semiannual physical exam appoint- but for the most part, their handlers with their needs and she stays behind ments account for most of the clinic’s are really (helpful),” he said. The K9s to care for the K9s without him. patients, Contes said. are required to wear a muzzle for “I have a vet I can get in contact Depending on the K9’s health, he everyone’s safety and easier handling. with if I need to, but realizing I can get will receive either a basic checkup or Even when dogs act up, both agree along without the vet is a pretty good one that is more thorough, where the that helping K9s is rewarding and feeling,” she said. “I love dogs, and it vet may draw blood, run fecal tests or enjoyable work. helps that I don’t get frustrated with conduct X-rays. “I especially dig the nice ones, but I them very easily.” After the tests, they are sent to Gol- enjoy the mean ones too, because you “(Operating the clinic) keeps us by Troop Medical Clinic for results. can work out an understanding with busy,” Fielder said. “A lot of the job is “It’s very similar to a human go- them a lot of times,” Fielder said. “It being able to work with the dogs’ dif- ing in for a checkup at the doctors,” gives you a good sense of accomplish- ferent personalities.” March 4, 2007 Community Page 7

Announcements Operating Hours Tax help at education center dad Edition will be held May 5 at Camp Vic- Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. The MNC-I legal assistance office has set tory. Events include a 13.1-mile run and a 6- Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. up two computers at the education center mile fun walk. Registration information can Dinner 5:30 - 8 p.m. Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. to allow Soldiers to file tax returns. Anyone be found at vbcroadrunners.com. Sports Oasis Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. with questions can stop by the Legal Assis- Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. tance Office, Bldg. 133, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local SkillPort CBT Server Dinner 5 - 9 p.m. Education Center The Local SkillPort CBT Server has been Open 24 Hours Camp Liberty Post Exchange CIF closed made available to those interested in the IT 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. The Victory Base Complex Central Issue field or those who want to know more about Fitness Center Open 24 Hours Facility will be closed for all but emergency particular software products. Go to http:// MNC-I STB Mailroom 9 a.m. - noon issue March 12-14 for inventory. training.iraq.centcom.mil/skillport. For 5 - 7 p.m. more information, contact Ed Tyler at 822- Golby Troop Medical Clinic Sick Call Mayor’s Cup 4871. Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon The 2007 Camp Victory Mayor’s Cup, a Dental Sick Call 14-event, unit-level sports competition, be- Soccer league starting Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. gins in March. There is a mandatory coach- A six-on-six soccer league is forming at Mental Health Clinic Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. es’ meeting today at 6 p.m. in Area 51. For Camp Victory. Draft day is March 11 at the Saturday 9 a.m. - noon more details, call 822-5501. soccer courts near the food court. A manda- Post-Deployment Health Briefings Monday, Wdenesday and Friday 1 p.m. tory coaches’ meeting will be held March 14 Pharmacy Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; Knights of Columbus at 5:30 p.m. at Victory Gym. For more infor- 1 - 4:30 p.m. meetings cancelled in March mation, contact Spc. Chris Christian at chris. Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Legal Assistance/Claims The VBC Knights of Columbus Round- [email protected]. Saturday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. table will not hold meetings in March while Personnel Service Support Centers its leadership is on R&R leave. Meetings will Tae kwon do lessons Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. resume in April on the 1st and 3rd Sundays Grand Master Sung Bok Nam, coach of ID Cards of the month at 7 p.m. in the large classroom the 1993 U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Team Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Bldg. 24F. and the 2003 Iraqi National Tae Kwon Do Team, offers tae kwon do lessons Tuesdays, Worship Hours Mini Marathon registration open Thursdays and Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. at The Indianapolis Mini Marathon-Bagh- the Camp Victory Fitness Center. Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31) Sunday 7 a.m...... Collective Protestant 8:45 a.m...... Collective Protestant 10 a.m...... Catholic Confession Negligent discharge of weapons 10:30 a.m...... Catholic Mass noon...... Gospel Protestant 2 p.m...... Latter Day Saints During the 2006 calendar year, negligent discharges resulted in 43 coalition injuries 4 p.m...... Episcopal/Lutheran 6:30 p.m...... Contemporary Protestant and three fatalities. In the past month, there have been 10 such injuries. Leaders and ser- Saturday vice members must observe proper weapons handling and clearing procedures. Lt. Gen. 11 a.m...... Seventh Day Adventist Ray Odierno, MNC-I comanding general, has mandated the prescribed safety measures, 8 p.m...... Catholic Mass Mini Chapel (Bldg. 24F) which should be posted throughout every section. Sunday 9:30 a.m...... Breaking of Bread 3 p.m...... Church of Christ 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Area 51 Weekly Schedule 8 p.m...... Knights of Columbus (1st & 3rd Sundays) Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Monday-Friday 11:30 p.m...... Daily Mass Friday Fight Night Pool Ping Pong Halo 2 Salsa Night Reggae DJ Big Will 6:30 p.m...... Jewish Service XBox 360 Tournament Tournament Tournament 8 p.m. Night Smooth Sunday Tournament 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. AFN Freedom Radio

Al Asad...... 107.3 Kirkush...... 107.3 Ali Base...... 107.3 Mosul...... 105.1 Ar Ramadi.. 107.3 Q-West...... 93.3 Do you have an announcement about an event of interest to the Camp Victory Baghdad..... 107.3 Taji...... 107.3 community? Contact Sgt. Jacob Boyer at [email protected] with the Balad...... 107.3 Tal Afar...... 107.3 information. Information for community announcements needs to submitted at least Fallujah...... 105.1 Taqqadum... 107.3 Kirkuk...... 107.3 Tikrit...... 100.1 two weeks prior to the event to allow for timely publication. All stations are FM Page 8 Sports & Fitness March 4 2007 Take a swing and a break at VBC driving range Story, photos by Sgt. Jacob Boyer Editor

Life in Iraq can be a noisy, stress- ful affair. Most who have spent time here will tell others how important it is to make some time to do something — anything — enjoyable to get away from the daily grind of life in a war zone. For some, the soothing sound of clubs swinging and dimpled balls “THWACK”-ing off tees is the perfect escape. While many here find themselves driving golf balls into lakes and fields, Staff Sgt. Bob Moore, a video production detachment NCOIC with 346th Tactical one battalion — with help from home Psychological Operations Company (Airborne), 15th PSYOPS Battalion, and Sgt. Wesley Fallos, a video production team leader with the unit, take their swings — set up a driving range for enthusi- at the battalion’s driving range. asts old and new. “A lieutenant colonel who was ment — a few old clubs,” he said. hitting balls.” here this morning told me ‘I almost “The senior NCOs started policing Once the tee boxes were complete, feel guilty when I’m here driving stuff up, and the golf clubs were on word spread fast. Service members golf balls, because I feel like I’m not the way out, but I managed to hold from within and without the unit in Iraq,’” said Capt. David Sifferd, onto them.” started taking the opportunity to un- a chaplain with the Psychological A few old clubs and a big patch of wind with a little golf. Operations Task Force-Iraq. “I said sand do not make a driving range, “It’s good stress relief,” said Staff ‘That’s the whole point.’” however. Sifferd’s daughter sent him Sgt. Bob Moore, a video production Sifferd, a native of Lansing, Mich., a few boxes of balls so he could hit out detachment NCOIC with the battal- who joined the 15th Psychological of the dirt. Then a friend of his who ion’s 346th Tactical PSYOPS Company Operations Battalion when it deployed works for the Golf Channel asked if (Airborne) from Lexington, Ky. “It’s to Camp Victory in April 2006, said there was anything he needed. He a good way to talk with my Soldiers. the idea for a golf range came up very asked for balls. One story in the cable I drag them out here as an informal early in the unit’s stay here. network’s online magazine later, and way to talk with them, especially on a When the Soldiers of the 15th he got more than he imagined. sunny day.” PSYOPS Bn. fell in on their facilities on “Within a few weeks ... individu- While some, like Moore and Sifferd, the southwest end of Lost Lake, they als, clubs, employee organizations and have golfed for years, others have found the prior occupants had left churches were sending clubs, balls, found an appreciation for the game something behind. tees, hats and every accessory we while they have been working on their “There was scattered golf equip- could imagine,” Sifferd said. “(Golf stroke at the range. equipment manufacturer) Top Flite “I just started when we came out sent 32 cases of balls. People were hit- here,” said Sgt. Wesley Fallos, a video ting them as fast as they could.” production detachment team leader In addition to about 60,000 balls, with Company B, 15th PSYOPS Bn. more was coming. Chicago’s Wittek from Gurnee, Ill. “I’ve learned my golf Golf Supply Company sent the unit game needs some improvement, but ball pickers to allow them to clean up when you get so frustrated and need the balls they were hitting out into a few minutes, it gets your mind off fields, along with driving mats and a everything going on around you.” drving cage. Sifferd said the golf range is open “After we got the mats, I said there for golfers from any unit. He calls the was no way we were going to lay range a tremendous blessing. those in the dirt, so we found some “A driving range for Soldiers is like Moore knocks a ball off the tee at the lumber and built a platform for the a watering hole in the desert,” he said. golf range at his battalion’s headquar- mats,” Sifferd said. “As soon as there “Word spread fast, and people are out ters. was one mat, people were out there here any hour of the day.”