Many Hands Make Light Work

September 23, 2009

www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 2 Issue 38 A helping hand Many hands make light work

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y 1s t Lt. Ja m e s La v e ll e 620t h CSSB, 10t h Su s t . Bd e .

CAMP SLAYER, Iraq – Multi- colored handprints replaced years of graffiti at the Flint- stone Palace in Baghdad, as service members worked with Iraqi Boy Scouts and Girl Guides Aug. 2 to revamp the dilapidated building. A group of roughly 40 Sol- diers, Sailors, Airmen and Ma- rines at Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, joined the children in Maintaining more an effort to clean up and beau- tify the structure. than water pumps Saddam Hussein had the Flintstone Palace constructed to mirror the town of Bedrock, Page 4 from Hanna-Barbera’s “Flint- stones” cartoons. Few children ever played here as Hussein re- stricted its use to his own family The fighting spirit members and close friends. In recent years, the Flintstone Palace has suffered neglect and vandalism. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, service members and Iraqi chil- First Lt. Jessica Burton, with the 2/664 Ordnance Detachment, 620th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, dren took the time to make the 10th Sustainment Brigade, and a Fort Hood, Texas, native, watches as a child with the Iraqi Boy Scouts and Girl palace a little nicer. Guides places a hand print on the wall of one of the rooms in the Flintstone Palace Aug. 2 in Baghdad. The Iraqi children spent the afternoon painting over graffiti to make the local landmark beautiful once again. SEE HANDS ON PAGE 3

A year of success: Camp 90th Sustainment Brigade colors deployed Taji Combatives for first time since World War II Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, bulk water, 75 St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Page 12-13 commanding general of the million bottles Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t of water and Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), addressed m u l t i - c l a s s JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq service members at the cer- supplies. Teamwork is the key – The 304th Sus- emony. “For the last tainment Brigade “Let me take this opportu- 11 months, the transferred com- nity to thank the service mem- 304th Sust. mand to the bers here in attendance,” said Bde. has pro- 90th Sustain- Wentz. “You are the most provided world ment Brigade fessional military force in the class sustain- in a transfer of world, confident, competent ment and dis- Lt. Col. Norman Green, commander of the 304th authority ceremony held Sept. and disciplined. We are suc- tribution sup- Sustainment Brigade, out of Riverside, Calif., and Command Sgt. Maj. Tracy Barlogio, also with the port in support 15 here at Joint Base Balad, cessful because of your dedica- 304th, case their unit colors during a transfer of au- Iraq. tion, hard work and sacrifice.” of the theater thority ceremony Sept. 15 here at Joint Base Balad, The ceremony marked the During the last 11 months, mission,” said Iraq. The 90th Sustainment Brigade, out of Little end of a year-long deployment the 304th has executed 1,532 Wentz. Rock, Ark., replaced the 304th. 419th Hosts last hoorah for the 304th Sust. Bde., out convoys for a total of more than The 304th of Riverside, Calif., and the 6.6 million miles, delivering did an exceptional job in a and resolve, said Wentz. They Page 16 beginning for the 90th Sust. more than 100 million gallons tough environment and led the did everything asked of them Bde., out of Little Rock, Ark. of fuel, 34 million gallons of mission with professionalism SEE TOA ON PAGE 2 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 Balad Blotter September 10 - September 17 Chaplain’s corner... By Lt. Co l . Wi ll i e Ai ls t o c k and I look to my left and to my right and see a fellow De p u t y Co m m a n d Ch a p l a i n , ESC 13t h runner. A word of encouragement goes a long way to MINOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: A witness called the law enforcement desk to report a fellow runner. Sometimes all that is needed is just that a vehicle accident occurred at Victory Loop ust last week there was a mini- your presence. Don’t forget you’re not alone. If you and Snake Street circle drive. The patrol arrived Jmarathon here on Joint Base Bal- want encouragement, be an encourager. on scene and came in contact with the driver of the ad. I read of another race, called the Secondly, remember struggle and hardship are a vehicle, who stated he was driving down Pennsylva- nia Avenue and ran into the fence. The witness who Comrades Marathon, held annually part of the race of life. We have all heard it said, “How was assisted by a different patrol stated he heard a in South Africa. This race is unique could we appreciate the sunshine if it were not for vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, squealing in that it covers 56 miles rather than the storms that come our way?” Paul described his brakes and a crash into the fence. He drove over to 26. You have probably not heard the struggle in the race of life in the book of Philippians. see if anyone was hurt. An investigation revealed the operator was traveling too fast for traffic circle and name Bruce Fordyce, but he dominated this race in He said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the lost control. No injuries were reported on scene. the 80s, winning nine consecutive times. His record upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). The time of 5 hours, 24 minutes and 7 seconds stood for race of life is not easy, but with encouragement from MAJOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: 21 years. He continued running even after his record each other, realistic expectations and a no quit spirit, A complainant telephoned the law enforcement desk and reported a major vehicle accident. The driver, was broken. we can do it. while conducting Mine Resistant Ambush Protect- I’m not a runner and to be honest I hate it. How- Finally, know your goal; know where the finish line ed vehicle training at the accident site, operated a ever, I have come to realize our lives are much like a is. For the runner, the finish line is clearly marked. vehicle with 6 other passengers on board. The op- marathon. The one common thread in the marathon However, in the race of life all bets are off. None of us erator stated the instructor approved driving anywhere on the training course. While operating the and the race of life is the concept of endurance. The knows when, where or how the race of life will end. vehicle at approximately 30mph, the operator said 100-yard dash ends in less than 10 seconds; the race We also know there is no first, second or third place; they attempted to slow the vehicle approximately 15 of life takes years. Those who have been running the all that is important is that we finish the race. feet away from a “bump” that obstructed the MRAP race know about the wall, the voice that says just quit, Look around, be an encourager; there is always course. The MRAP then went airborne approximately five feet above the ground and landed on the front no one will notice. How can we stay in the race and someone who needs help. One song writer put it in side of the vehicle. She said that everyone in the ve- finish? these words, “life is hard, but God is good.” When you hicle was wearing their seatbelt with the exception First, remember we are never alone; we don’t run hit the wall look to your left and right; we are in this of the instructor. Witness #2 said he was enrolled in seclusion. It always helps me when I’m running race together. in an MRAP class that had been scheduled for his unit. After his turn operating the vehicle, the operator had been driving for approximately five minutes when she had approached a small dirt mound at 20-25 mph. Upon impact, the vehicle landed on COLORS: 90th takes control from 304th the opposite side of the dirt mound. Witness#1 said he felt that the vehicle was traveling to fast when it TOA FROM PAGE 1 stage for a responsible withdrawal.” hit the dirt mound, so he braced himself for impact. Col. Gary L. Spry, the commander of the 90th, He also said he did not recall the instructor telling with class and courage, and their efforts were crit- said the unit is ready. the operator to slow the vehicle before hitting the ical in improving the security here in Iraq, Wentz dirt mound. Witness#2 stated he was the training “The 90th stands ready to accept this challeng- cadre during the time of the accident and that the said. ing mission,” said Spry. “I challenge the Soldiers operator approached the ramp and he yelled for “I am confident that the 90th is prepared and of the 90th Sustainment Brigade to exceed the her to slow down. He also said she approached the ready to assume the enormous task that lies high standards set by the 304th.” ramp at approximately 25 to 30mph and she inad- ahead,” said Wentz. vertently accelerated instead of braking. As the ve- Spry said the transfer of authority marks a his- hicle came to a halt he asked all passengers if they He said he looks forward to working with the toric point in the 90th’s colors history, as this is needed medical attention, and two of the passengers brigade as they spearhead the responsible with- the first time since World War II the colors were did. Damage to the vehicle consisted of a cracked/ drawal of equipment and personnel from Iraq. deployed to a theater of war. He said the mission broken front axle, the left front tire bent off axle, Lt. Col. Norman Green, commander of the possible radiator damage and a moderate amount will change, but it is imperative Soldiers remain of fluid leaking from vehicle. 304th, who was awarded a Bronze Star at the cer- flexible and committed to success. emony, praised the incoming brigade. Spry, reciting General George Patton, said, “All “The Soldiers of the 90th Sust. Bde., you are the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters. NIPR: 443-8602 the right brigade at the right time to replace the Every single man in this Army plays a vital role. SIPR: 241-1171 304th,” said Green. “You will inherit a very com- Don’t ever let up. Don’t ever think your job is un- plex mission and I know that you will continue to important. Every man has a job to do and he must Email: [email protected] refine and modify the current mission to set the do it. Every man is a vital link in a great chain.”

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Spc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command Lt. Col. Angelo Williams, 13th ESC Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be Spc. Michael V. Camacho considered the official views of, or endorsed 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman [email protected] [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contributing Public Affairs Offices Expeditionary Times is a command informa- 13th ESC PA NCOIC 139th MPAD Photo Editor tion newspaper in accordance with Army Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 10th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] [email protected] 16th Sustainment Brigade for security purposes. 90th Sustainment Brigade 13th ESC Staff Writer Expeditionary Times is published weekly by 139th MPAD Copy Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade the Stars and Stripes central office, with a cir- Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC Spc. Brandy Oxford 36th Sustainment Brigade culation of 5,000 papers. [email protected] [email protected] The Public Affairs Office is located on New 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. 139th MPAD Staff Writers 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team Capt. Brad Sinkler Sgt. Ryan Twist 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, APO [email protected] [email protected] AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 555th Engineer Brigade 139th MPAD First Sergeant Spc. John Stimac 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller For online publication visit: Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] www.dvidshub.net [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times

Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard Sexual Assault Response Whistleblower reprisals Coordinator By Lt. Co l . Ti m No r t o n if these events are related to an unfavorable person- 13t h ESC In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l nel action. IGs base their conclusions upon the “pre- ponderance of credible evidence” and the answer to Sexual violence can occur in any type of rela- histleblower reprisal is taken very seriously the critical question: Would the adverse personnel tionship, but most perpetrators of sexual assault Wwithin the Department of Defense, and each action have occurred anyway without the protected are known to their victims. Among victims ages Soldier should know that Army Regulation 600-20, communication? 18 to 29, two-thirds had a prior relationship Army Command Policy, and Department of Defense Remember, IGs can always answer questions, give with the offender. The Bureau of Justice Statistics Directive 7050.06, Military Whistleblower Protec- advice, reference reprisals and other similar issues. reports, in 2000, six in 10 rape or sexual assault tion, make explicit prohibitions against reprisal of victims said they were assaulted by an intimate DoD personnel. partner, relative, friend or acquaintance. Call the Within the Army, military and civilian leaders will Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 Joint Base Balad sexual assault response coordi- not take, or threaten to take, an unfavorable person- LTC Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) nator at 443-7272 or contact via pager 443-9001, MAJ Scott Peters (Deputy) nel action or withhold, or threaten to withhold, a pager 159 for help. Army members should seek MSG Roy Thacker (NCOIC) assistance with their unit victim advocate or De- favorable personnel action as reprisal for a military SFC Danilo Egudin ployed SARC; you may also call 433-7272 or 443- member making a lawful, protected, communica- SFC Javier Cruz tion with an Inspector General, a law enforcement 9001, pager 122/135 for assistance. organization, anyone in the chain of command or with special staff such as equal opportunity advisers Q-West (16th SB): DSN 827-6115 or safety officers. A lawful communication is infor- LTC Kyle Peterson Taji (10th SB/ 155 BCT):DSN 834-3079 mation that a Soldier believes provides evidence of LTC Timothy Norton/ LTC Paul Bird Interested in a movie? a regulatory violation, gross mismanagement of re- Adder/Tallil (287th SB/ 41 BCT): sources, an abuse of authority or a danger to public DSN 833-1710 health or safety. LTC Melanie Meier/ MAJ Jeffrey Copek Check the movie schedule In a nutshell, IGs use interviews, sworn state- Al Asad (321st SB): DSN 440-7049 on page 20 ments and a timeline to systematically understand SFC Tamera Wynn the key events, how or if these events are linked, and Legal Assistance Office is here to help

By 1s t Lt. Me l v i n Ra i n e s II available through the Office. however, is limited to 20 customers per you seek legal advice, it is important to Ch i e f , Leg a l As s i s t a n ce Legal assistance consists of such ser- month. bring all relevant documents with you. 13t h ESC Ju d ge Ad v o c a t e Ge n e r a l vices as notarizing documents and pro- You are eligible for legal assistance We will do our best to accommodate viding powers of attorney or wills. It if you are a military member or depen- anyone coming in from a remote for- he Joint Base Balad also includes providing advice regarding dent, retired military member, or De- ward operating location, however, if you TLegal Assistance Of- issues such as: family law (divorce, child partment of Defense civilian. Foreign make an appointment it is easier to en- fice recently added new custody and support, etc.), the Service- nationals and contractors are generally sure you will be seen. members to the staff. members Civil Relief Act, landlord-ten- not eligible for legal assistance unless The legal assistance office is located First Lt. Melvin Raines, ant law, bankruptcy or debtor/creditor they provide proof their contract with in the CLC on JBB. The building is in Sgt. Tammy Peshlakai issues, financial liability investigations the U.S. government specifically entitles the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue, in and Sgt. David Dawley are ready and of property loss and other issues of law them to such assistance. a building painted to look like a castle willing to assist you with a litany of legal that may affect the military community. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a blue sky above it. Hawk Avenue issues. This article is intended to pro- If you need to apply for U.S. citizen- Monday through Saturday. Walk-in ap- is the nearest intersection. The building vide information to the Joint Base Balad ship, you should make an appointment pointments are taken all day every day, number is 7235. community regarding the services per- to get assistance with this process. Also, but are subject to the availability of ap- For further assistance, please feel formed at the JBB Combined Legal Cen- the office can assist with first-time ap- pointments. We recommend you call free to contact our office at DSN ter and how to benefit from the services plications for passports. This service, ahead to schedule an appointment. If 318.483.2560. HANDS: Improving Iraq with their own hands HANDS FROM PAGE 1 An Iraqi boy At first, the children were hesitant to make their Maj. Gary Farley, with the Iraqi Ground Forces with the Iraqi mark, but after a demonstration by Burton and gentle Command Military Transition Team, and 1st Lt. Boy Scouts encouragement, the wall was soon covered with hand- Jessica Burton, with the 2/664 Ordnance Detach- and Girl prints. ment, 620th Combat Sustainment Support Bat- Guides, and One of the goals of the project was to teach the chil- a Soldier pre- talion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, led the cleanup. dren about service, said Burton, a Fort Hood, Texas, pare to paint Farley said the project’s vision was to provide the over graffiti in native. Iraqi children with an opportunity to work together a room of the “This was an opportunity for the kids to improve on a cause bigger than them. Flintstone Pal- their country with their own hands,” said Burton. “Instead of just accepting an undesirable condi- ace Aug. 2 in “They are learning to take pride in their work and tion, we wanted to teach them you can take action Baghdad. their community.” and make a difference,” he said. As the children and service members cleaned the With help from their U.S. friends, the Scouts The scouts soon covered the walls, themselves paint off their hands and picked up tools, a small worked together to clean and paint portions of the and their service member friends with a fresh coat of group attached a commemorative plaque to the entry- palace. white paint. As the children painted, Abdul Sajad, a way of the palace. The project kicked off with a tour of the palace. The local Iraqi artist, hand painted a mural full of colorful It read, “Restoring Iraq one place at a time. Iraqi Scouts were surprised to find the rooms covered in flowers and birds on one wall. Boy Scouts and Girl Guides worked to improve this graffiti, but excited to learn they could paint over it Once the paint dried, the scouts put their hand- site. Please keep this site beautiful. The future of Iraq and make their own mark. prints on the wall, leaving a bit of themselves behind. thanks you.” PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 Finance Soldiers prepare for US withdrawal By Ca p t . Da v i d Ce rr a t o Capt. David Cerrato, with the 125th Financial Management 125t h Fi n a n c i a l Ma n a ge m e n t Co. Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, and Staff Sgt. Ronald Oyardo, a supply sergeant CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION SPEICH- with the 125th, inventory equipment for turn in Sept. 8 at ER, Iraq – The 125th Financial Manage- Contingency Operating Location Speicher, Iraq. ment Company, 16th Special Troops Bat- “I am just glad to get this old equipment off my talion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, turned books,” said Capt. John Schulke, the commander of C in millions of dollars of excess equip- Detachment, 125th FM Co. “It will allow me to focus ment Sept. 8, at Contingency Operat- less on all my excess equipment and put more focus ing Location Speicher, Iraq, as part on what is important, my Soldiers and the mission at of the withdrawal of U.S. forces and hand.” equipment in Iraq. The turn in was also a milestone for some Soldiers, The finance company identified equipment that was since it meant their time in Iraq was coming to an end. not fully mission capable or was not being used to exe- “I feel good knowing that I am personally helping cute their wartime mission. For the 125th, this includ- the drawdown in Iraq,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Oyardo, ed six detachment hand receipts worth of equipment. Courtesy photo a supply sergeant with the 125th. “When all is said and Detachment commanders inventoried all items and Overall, the unit turned in nearly 10 percent of its done, I think everyone who has served in Iraq can feel weighed their operational needs in selecting items. equipment. a sense of accomplishment.” It is flu season - remember what your mama taught you

By Ca p t . Jo h n Ro ss The Centers for Disease Control and In addition to getting a seasonal flu • Try to avoid close contact with sick 332n d Ai r Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Wi n g Prevention list droplet spread as the vaccination, there are simple, common- people. Pu b l i c Af f a i r s main way various strains of the flu vi- sense steps JBB service members can • While sick, limit contact with oth- rus – including influenza A (H1N1) – take to prevent spreading the virus and ers to keep from infecting them. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Eat your are spread from person to person. to ensure maximum mission capabil- • Use sanitizing wipes to wipe down greens. Say thank you. “It can happen when droplets from a ity: common-use items, such as phones and Change your underwear. cough or sneeze of an infected person • Cover your nose and mouth with gym equipment. Stop hitting your brother. are propelled through the air and de- a tissue when coughing or sneezing. “In the deployed setting here at Our moms taught us posited on the mouth or nose of people Throw the tissue in the trash after you JBB, service members and contrac- a lot of small things that nearby,” said Lt. Col. Don Savage, public use it. tors are all living and working in close came in handy later in health officer at the 332nd Expedition- • Wash your hands often with soap contact with each other,” said Savage. life. ary Aerospace Medicine Squadron Air and water, especially after a cough or “If everyone makes a concerted effort As flu season begins, two of those Force Clinic. “This facilitates the spread sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners to practice good hygiene, we can break little tidbits will save Joint Base Balad of the virus very quickly. Not only will it are also effective. the chain of disease transmission and a lot of time and trouble: Cover your take you out but it can easily spread to • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or limit the impact flu will have on us this mouth and keep your hands clean. your wingman or battle buddy.” mouth. Germs spread this way. season.” September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Maintaining more than water pumps St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y ties in the U.S., as well as the fami- Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g lies of his Soldiers, to provide the Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f children in the villages surrounding Camp Adder with clothes, shoes, CAMP ADDER, Iraq – Soldiers with the 546th Main- school supplies and snacks. tenance Company’s water-pump team These children have grown ac- work tirelessly to keep the water flow- customed to visits from King and ing at Camp Adder, Iraq, and the sur- his team and flock to the pump sites rounding areas. whenever they stop by. While the “It’s essential to get water out fuel handlers take care of the pump here for drinking, showers, sewage, generators, other Soldiers line the everything,” said Staff Sgt. Jef- children up behind one of the ve- frey King, noncommissioned officer in charge of the hicles. They wait eagerly in line for pump team and an East Orange, N.J., native. anything the service members have The team, out of Fort Polk, La., maintains the to offer. pumps that bring water from the Euphrates River to “Handing out stuff to the kids, Camp Adder to be treated and filtered for use. Be- that’s the best part of the mission,” cause Camp Adder sits higher above sea level than said Paul. the river, it takes multiple systems to pull the water The children come from an im- up and channel it into the base. poverished village without adequate The team travels to pump sites, run by Iraqi civil- healthcare, so the team also provides ians, every couple of days to make sure they work medical care when they can, Paul properly and have plenty of fuel. said. “We are trying to get the water level back up, so “We do what we can with the sup- we give them as much fuel as possible,” said Spc. Ste- plies we have, and try to bandage the ven Paul, a power-generator mechanic with the unit kids up if they need it,” he said. and a Providence, R.I., native. Paul said he and the rest of the The Warfighters of the 546th work just as hard team share a sense of pride in tak- to maintain friendships with the local population as ing care of the local children, while they do to maintain the pumps, and they do this by fulfilling the water needs of Camp taking care of the local children. Adder. “As long as we have the kids around, it’s making “It’s a good feeling at the end of the families happy and we feel like we’re doing some- the day to be doing this,” said Paul. thing positive with our mission,” said King. “This being my first tour, I’ll remem- King said his team receives donations from chari- ber it for a long time.”

Spc. Steven Paul, a power generator mechanic with the 546th Main- tenance Company and a Providence, R.I., native, walks an Iraqi child toward his team of Soldiers as they hand out clothing and snacks outside Camp Adder, Iraq.

Iraqi boys from a nearby village line up as Soldiers from the 546th pump team prepare to hand out clothing, school supplies and snacks outside Camp Ad- der, Iraq.

Sgt. Dionicio Barron, a petroleum supply specialist with the 546th Maintenance Company pump team and an Anson, Texas, native, works with a local child Staff Sgt. Jeffrey King, the noncommissioned officer to refuel a generator that powers one in charge of the 546th Maintenance Company pump of the pumps supplying water from the team and an East Orange, N.J., native, gives ice and Euphrates River to Camp Adder and the water to local Iraqis as his team refuels the water surrounding contingency operating loca- pump generators outside Camp Adder, Iraq. tions in southern Iraq. PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 New Mexico Guardsmen earn combat patch

By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ad a m V. Sh a w bert Murillo, the unit’s guideon bearer. “I will wear it as 16t h Su s t . Bd e I go from this unit to another.” For unit leaders, it was a reminder of the mission at CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION MAREZ, hand. Iraq –Soldiers from Headquarters and “It feels like I am serving my country in the best pos- Headquarters Co., 515th Combat Sus- sible way that I can,” said Sgt. Cimarron Gonzales, the tainment Support Battalion, of the New unit’s property book non-commissioned officer and a Mexico National Guard, were awarded Belen, N.M., native. a combat patch Sept. 5 at a ceremony Col. Martin B. Pitts, commander of the 16th, gave at Contingency Operating Location Soldiers a brief history lesson about the 16th Sust. Bde., Marez, Iraq. and described the meaning of the patch. During the ceremony, leaders placed the 16th Sus- Command Sgt. Maj. Paul T. Martinez, with the 515th tainment Brigade patch on the right arm of nearly 120 CSSB, said the 515th and the 16th are now intertwined. Soldiers. The combat patch is awarded to Soldiers who “It is an honor to wear the patch of the 16th Sustain- serve in a combat environment. ment Brigade and to unite our units’ history forever,” “I’m proud to wear the combat patch,” said Spc. Gil- he said. Volunteers recognized for thousands of hours of service St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y that I can serve others,” said Spc . Jo h n St i m a c Bowers. “That is what volun- Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f teering is all about.” Roughly 40 Soldiers were CONTINGENCY OPERAT- recognized for their service, ING LOCATION with certificates of apprecia- Q-WEST, Iraq – tion handed out by Boulware A banquet was and Col. Martin B. Pitts, com- held at the mander of the 16th Sust. Bde. Sgt. Audie Two Soldiers were distin- M u r p h y guished as volunteers of the room at Q- deployment, including Capt. West, Iraq, Sept. 15. to recog- Antinita Graham, the 16th nize volunteers with the 16th Sust. Bde. support operations Sustainment Brigade’s chap- officer and a Houston native. lain programs. Graham said she has led the The 16th Sust. Bde., out of multi-cultural gospel service, Bamberg, Germany, is serv- planned both women’s con- ing its last few weeks of a ferences, assisted in baptisms 15-month deployment at Q- and volunteered in whatever West. capacity was needed. Maj. James R. Boulware, “Everybody has a purpose the 16th’s chaplain and a Rad- in life; my purpose is to serve cliff, Ky., native, said the Sol- God and help people live bet- diers used volunteer work to Col. Martin B. Pitts, commander, 16th Sustainment Brigade, and Maj. James R. Boulware, 16th Sust. ter, happier and stress-free keep their minds off the long Bde. chaplain, present a certificate of appreciation to Sgt. Joseph Hernandez, the 16th Sust. Bde. night lives,” said Graham. “Volun- deployment. operations noncommissioned officer in charge and a Portsmouth, Va., native. Hernandez volunteered as teering makes it a lot easier “It kept up their spiritual, a drummer for the entire 15-month deployment. to cope with all the issues and emotional and mental fitness, stress that go along with long and was a great morale boost- programs such as music cheon, Boulware said. they did the rest.” deployments.” er,” said Boulware. “If things ministries, making bulletins, The volunteers, who arrived Sgt. Maj. Betty Bowers, the The dinner ended with a were not going well at work, teaching and simply provid- in July 2008, implemented 16th Sust. Bde. support op- cake-cutting ceremony and the volunteer work seemed to ing an extra pair of hands. and hosted the conferences, erations sergeant major and a closing words from Boulware. bring joy and satisfaction to Throughout the course of he said. Mount Pleasant, S.C., native, “We want to just say thank them when they were at the the deployment, volunteers “These Soldiers started a said she participates in the you for the thousands of hours chapel.” have also helped with events lot of new programs,” said gospel service and has been you have given to volunteer,” Boulware said the volun- including prayer breakfasts, Boulware. “We provided them the head usher for the entire he said. “Thank you for all teers serve weekly – con- women’s and men’s confer- with the resources, encour- deployment. your hard work and for shar- ducting chapel services and ences and a Mother’s Day lun- agement and guidance, and “It brings me a great joy ing your gifts and talents.” 1. Power strips are free of 4. Smoke detector is debris and clothing. Check operational.

2. Electrical devices not in use CHUsdays 5. Fire extinguisher is are unplugged. serviceable (in the green) Each Tuesday Check The Following 3. Power strips and outlets are in Your CHU 6. Room is neat and orderly not overloaded. September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Wagonmasters land in the sands of Kuwait

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Staff Sgt. Ronald Boast hands a tough box to two other St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Com- 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s pany, Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Bri- gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Sept. CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Three weeks after cas- 10, after the unit’s arrival to Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The ing their colors at Fort Hood, Texas, roughly 400 15th Sust. Bde. Soldiers are scheduled to do final training at Buehring before moving north into Iraq. Soldiers from the Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command to understand that they can survive in this heat,” Lodi (Expeditionary), arrived at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, said. Sept. 10 and 11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom For one Soldier, the heat did not live up to the pre- 09-11. deployment hype. The Soldiers are scheduled to conduct their final Spc. Latchmi Mooteram, a supply clerk with the round of pre-deployment training before moving brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company, north into Iraq, said Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, the brigade was told by her peers Kuwait would be extremely hot. commander. “It’s a lot like Texas,” said Mooteram, a New York Lodi said the unit took advantage of two types of native. training in Kuwait – mandatory and focused. Mooteram said her favorite part of the training Mandatory training included a weapons test fire, was close quarters marksmanship—training in which close quarters marksmanship, vehicle rollover train- Soldiers engage targets in all directions, while both ing and counter-improvised explosive device train- standing still and moving. ing, Lodi said. “It was fun, and a little bit scary,” she said. “Mandatory training makes up the core foundation Aside from the training, Mooteram said she strug- of our mission,” she said. gled to adjust to the time difference – Kuwait is eight Focused training is more specific, consisting of hours ahead of Texas – and missed some of the com- classes on counterinsurgency, staff enabler training forts of home. and medical training for the medics. “I miss home cooked food and civilian clothes,” she Lodi said the training gives Soldiers an opportu- said. nity to “get their heads in the game” and focus on the With the unit’s time in Kuwait winding down, mission, without the distractions of home. Mooteram said she wants to complete the training in The training in Kuwait also gives Soldiers time to Kuwait and move north to Iraq. adjust to the heat, with daily temperatures over 100 “We’ve tried to stress hygiene, nutrition and physi- “I’m excited,” she said. “I just want to go there, get degrees. cal endurance as ways to push Soldiers and get them settled and do my job.” Sustainer convoy relocates Stryker vehicles By Spc . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o (HET systems), but really we’re Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f getting most of our experience in country,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wen- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LO- dell Thompson, the 2025th HET CATION SPEICHER, Co. 2nd platoon sergeant. Iraq – As the drawdown The 2025th, along with 32 of of U.S. military forces their HET systems, security es- in Iraq continues, corts and additional support ve- the 2025th Heavy hicles, left Speicher heading to- Equipment Trans- ward Warhorse. portation Company Thompson said the convoy plays a key role in the consolidation made a routine stop at JBB, of those forces. where the Soldiers conducted During the course of nearly a week, preventive maintenance checks the 2025th HET Co. relocated roughly and servicesbefore continuing to 150 Stryker vehicles belonging to 1st Warhorse. Battalion, 25th Stryker Brigade Com- These checks are important bat Team, from Contingency Operat- elements in the prevention and ing Location Warhorse to Joint Base mitigatation of blown-out tires Balad. and vehicle malfunctions on the The heavy equipment transport is road, said Thompson, a native of a tractor and semi-trailer system de- Jacksonville, Ala. signed for the movement and trans- After leaving JBB, the convoy portation of large vehicles. It is ca- faced the obstacle of crossing a pable of carrying payloads of up to 70 pontoon bridge across the Tigris tons. River. The HET systems are wide The HET system is composed of and had roughly eight inches of two components, the tractor and space on either side while cross- Courtesy photo semi-trailer. The tractor is equipped ing the bridge, said Maj. Earnest Drivers navigated a heavy equipment transportation system on a pontoon bridge over the with front and rear-axle steering. The Hearn, commander of the 2025th. Tigris River on their way to Contingency Operating Location Warhorse, during a week-long semi-trailer’s axles make it possible It was a challenge for several of mission that started Sept. 1. The narrow bridge allowed the HET systems roughly eight inches for the trailer to turn in unison with the less experienced drivers, but on either side of the vehicles as they passed. the tractor, making tight turns pos- something they were able to over- sible. come, he said. The convoy repeated this process sion the unit has conducted since ar- The 2025th, originally a light and Once at Warhorse, the Soldiers in- five times, unloading the Strykers at riving in theater. He said it tested their medium vehicle transportation com- spected their vehicles again and per- JBB, he said. skills and abilities as transporters. pany, was converted to a HET com- formed necessary maintenance, said Thompson said the drivers became “They have proven themselves to pany prior to its deployment. Thompson. The Strykers were then more accustomed to the road and be very versatile and determined to “We went through HET training loaded onto the HET trailers and the crossing the bridge with each trip. prove themselves as capable drivers,” back in the states and qualified on the convoy returned to JBB. Hearn said this is the largest mis- said Hearn. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 Medic on a mission to improve MRAP St o r y a n d Ph o t o stipulations of Shaw’s project could read what is what on the By Sp c . Jo h n St i m a c was that he not make perma- wall.” Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f nent changes to the vehicle’s Shaw used some of his own functionality. funds to upgrade the vehicle CONTINGENCY OPERATING “I gave him the left and right and had the tags made at the LOCATION Q-WEST, limitations,” said Garcia. “My local sewing shop. Iraq –Mine-Resis- big thing was not to take any “Price doesn’t matter,” said tant Ambush-Pro- seats out and he accommodat- Shaw. “It is all about what I need tected vehicles ed me on that.” to do to be proficient in my job, provide unparal- Shaw said all of the upgrades or to possibly save someone’s leled protection are collapsible and could be life if something happens.” for service members through- taken down in 30 seconds if Shaw’s upgrades to the vehi- out Iraq, but one sergeant took needed. cle did not go unnoticed by his his MRAP to a whole new lev- “Nothing has changed the team. el. ability of this vehicle,” said “Staff Sgt. Shaw took a ba- Staff Sgt. Michael Shaw, a Shaw. “If need be, the vehicle sic MaxxPro Plus vehicle and medic for the 16th Sustainment The upgrades Staff Sgt. Michael Shaw made to the Mine-Resistant could hold its full passenger ca- turned it into a rolling medi- Brigade and part of the unit’s Ambush-Protected vehicle help accommodate his medical mis- pability.” cal facility that could rival any personal security team, spent sion. The tags are color-coated and strategically placed so they Shaw said he also changed TMC in country,” said Garcia. the last year upgrading an are easily accessible to the medics. the way the litter is placed in Although the unit has had MRAP to function as a medical the vehicle, going feet first so no serious trauma patients, the vehicle, in addition to its stan- Shaw said the vehicle’s sup- is traveling on rough terrain, the patient’s head is not direct- vehicle is ready for that type of dard operating capabilities. port arms come too high for pa- Shaw said. ly under the weapons’ rack. situation, Shaw said. “Being in the back of the ve- tient accessibility. He placed the litter on the “If I didn’t do that, brass and “We have treated a local na- hicle, it was obvious something “The standard MaxxPro Plus seats to solve the problem. ammo would be possibly fall- tional that was in an accident needed to be done to make a may give a patient six inches “I used a four-point system ing in the persons face,” said when we were out one time,” viable trauma platform for any or less headroom and, if you to make sure the litter remains Shaw. said Shaw. Soldier,” said Shaw. are trying to do a thorough as- in place, even in the event of a Shaw also color-coded all of He said his unit secured the Shaw, a native of Kinnelon, sessment, it can’t be done when rollover,” said Shaw. “In addi- his medical supplies and stra- area, the patient accepted their N.J., said this vehicle is one of the patient is six inches from tion to using my own strength, tegically placed them on the care and they stabilized her un- a kind – a non-medical MRAP the roof,” said Shaw. “The only I put in a ratchet system as wall. til the Iraqi Army took her to a adapted to perform a medical other alternative would be to well. The patient is strapped to “I made the oxygen and air- hospital. mission. put the patient on the floor.” the litter and the hooks so they way passage items blue and the Shaw said he takes a lot of “This is probably the only Placing patients on the floor won’t be going anywhere.” extreme trauma items in red,” pride in his mission. MRAP in theater to be modified could leave them open to addi- Sgt. 1st. Class Michael T. said Shaw. “In the heat of the “My job is to keep them alive, to this extent, so the team and tional injuries, including being Garcia, the PST platoon ser- moment, I will know exactly stabilize them and get them on I nicknamed it the MEDRAP,” impaled or crushed by equip- geant, with the 16th Sustain- where everything is, and any of to the next level of care,” he said Shaw. ment in the vehicle when it ment Brigade, said one of the the other medics or passengers said. Trans. Soldiers pull some overtime By 1s t Lt. Ka i l e y Vi l c h e s icy,” said Spc. Yuriy Mat- 70t h Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Co m p a n y viyenka, a combat recovery wrecker operator and CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION SPEICH- a Meriden, Conn., native. ER, Iraq — Most Soldiers in Iraq serve a 12- “I still feel uncomfort- month tour, but this transportation com- able with Iraqi vehicles pany is working overtime. passing me, but I have to The 70th Transportation Company, accept it and trust the de- 264th Combat Sustainment Support cisions of our gunners.” Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, Another milestone was the last unit to deploy for 15 came June 30, as Coali- months, as part of the surge in forces to Iraq in support tion forces pulled out of of Operation Iraqi Freedom. the cities of Iraq. This The company touched down in Kuwait just days be- made the rural roadways fore the Aug. 1, 2008 cutoff for 15-month deployments. even more potentially Initially, the 70th was deployed to support line-haul dangerous. transportation missions in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Consequently, the unit based out of Al Asad Air Base. Due to the repositioning focused on gunner train- of forces in Iraq in September of last year, however, the ing such as escalation of unit received a change of mission and orders relocating force, to counteract this them to Contingency Operating Location Speicher in challenge and to help Courtesy photo Tikrit, Iraq. Soldiers remain vigilant Sgt. 1st Class Shannon Gordon, a motor sergeant with the 70th Transporta- The company’s mission changed from a traditional on the roadways. tion Company, supervises Soldiers unpacking and laying out tough boxes in preparation for a customs inspection Sept. 10 at Contingency Operating medium-truck transportation company to a multi- “As a gunner, the Location Speicher, Iraq. tasked unit. This meant primarily serving in area re- entire time I’ve been in covery escort and continuing to carry line-haul support recovery escort I can with a fleet of 16 semi-tractors. honestly say that I eat, breathe and sleep escalation of tion of Iraq from previous deployments and said they The transportation company dealt with other chang- force and the mechanics of the .50 cal.” said Spc. Laura are glad the country is headed in the right direction. es during its deployment. In January, the new security Bulvas, a recovery team specialist with the 70th. “I feel better about leaving this place and redeploy- agreement went into effect, as well as the share-the-road Bulvas, a Chicago native, spent 13 months as a recov- ing this time around,” said Staff Sgt. Colan Roberts, a policy, which gave roadways back to the Iraqi people. ery escort for the company. platoon sergeant with the 70th. “I always knew I’d be “It was really hard to adapt to the share-the-road pol- Many Soldiers in the unit have seen the transforma- coming back; now it feels more like a job completed.” September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 36th Sust. Bde. commander meets tribal leaders St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f CAMP ADDER, Iraq – As the 287th Sustainment Brigade transferred authority to the 36th Sustainment Brigade this week, they also handed over the key to much of their success here, a partnership with the shaykhs of the Al Ghizzie tribe. The commanders of the 287th and 36th, Col. Robert Schmitt and Col. Sean Ryan, respectively, their command sergeants major, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Newton and Command Sgt. Maj. Elizabeth Shockley, and the chief of civil military operations for the brigades, Lt. Col. Clinton Moyer, met with the shaykhs for dinner at the home of Shaykh Ali Manshed. “The goal of the dinner was for Col. Schmitt to thank the shaykhs for their friendship and to introduce them to Col. Ryan,” said Moyer, a Clearwater, Kan., native. “The shaykhs have been really in- strumental in a lot of ways for us,” he said. Col. Sean Ryan and Col. Robert Schmitt, commanders of the 36th and 287th Sustainment Brigades, respectively, joke Moyer said the tribal leaders with the leaders of the Al Ghizzie tribe after dinner Sept. 17, at the home of Shaykh Ali Manshed, outside of Camp Adder, helped the 287th throughout the de- Iraq. ployment by talking to the families on their land to ensure the local children tribe will be vital to the mission. He we will continue partnering with terpreter. “This is like your tribe.” stayed away from the convoys and out said meeting the local leaders is para- them.” As Ryan spent time getting to know of harm’s way. mount on an operational and tactical After the dinner, Manshed invited his new friends, Schmitt said goodbye The Al Ghizzie tribe owns much of level because it keeps them informed his guests inside for tea and friendly and thanked the shaykhs, who, for the the land outside Camp Adder, and all of the local populace’s attitude and conversation, where Ryan told them first time, all gathered to meet with the water pumps that bring water to their operational environment. about his home and showed pictures the 287th. Adder and the surrounding contin- “We appreciate what they are doing of his family. “This was the best meeting we’ve gency operating locations. with the pump houses,” said Ryan. “I “You are among your friends and had,” said Schmitt. “It was a fantastic Ryan said the partnership with the wanted to reassure the shaykhs that family,” said Manshed through an in- way to end our deployment.”

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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A loud, thunderous For distribution, con- rumble accompanies the bright tracers tact the 13th ESC PAO which illuminate the night whenever there is an indirect-fire attack here, but located at Joint Base this sound and light show should be comforting to the residents of Balad. Balad, Iraq The counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar gun addresses the various indirect-fire threats faced by JBB personnel on a daily basis. The C-RAM, also called the land based phalanx weapons system, fires about 4,500 rounds a minute Joint Base Balad 318-483-4603 in order to bring down any sort of missile launched by enemy combatants, said Petty Officer 2nd Class COB Adder 318-833-1002 Cody Gilbert, land based phalanx weapons system Camp Taji 318-834-1281 technician, with the Headquarters and Headquar- ters Battery, 33rd Air Defense Artillery. COB Q-West 318-827-6101 “JBB doesn’t get attacked all the time, but when it Al Asad Air Base 318-440-4103 does, we have the C-RAM,” said Gilbert, a native of COB Speicher 318-849-2501 Washougal, Wash. The C-Ram protects Balad in three ways: sensing imminent attacks, warning service members in the vicinity of the attacks, and intercepting the object by firing 75 rounds a second, bringing it down, said Gilbert. “It’s very impressive,” said Staff Sgt. Alfred Sala- zar, force protection operations NCO, 13th Sustain- e-mail:expeditionarytimes@ ment Command (Expeditionary). “How fast and how Petty Officer 2nd Class Cody Gilbert, land based iraq.centcom.mil far it is able to fire without hurting anybody is sur- phalanx weapon system tech, 33rd Air Defense Ar- prising.” tillery, cleans the barrel of a counter-rocket, artil- Salazar said, “It’s very important to the personnel lery, missile weapon system. The C-RAM provides at Balad. It helps us sleep at night.” security for personnel here at Joint Base Balad. Humor reaches JBB Airmen – on a serious subject and information to more than 200 Airmen in three the program founders created specialized versions By Se n i o r Ai r m a n An d r i a J. Al l m o n d separate shows. Led by two professional stage per- for the military. Using customized scripts, the pro- 332n d Ai r Expeditionary Wi n g Pu b l i c Af f a i r s formers, the program incorporated audience interac- duction reflects the military jargon, customs, cour- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq –Most Airmen do not as- tion to confront issues dealing with sexual offenses, tesies and core values of each particular branch. The sociate sexual assault prevention training stereotypes and misconceptions. shows aim to empower military personnel to be al- with theater lighting and comedic ban- "Sex Signals is such a great program because it lies in sexual assault prevention. ter, but that is just what they got from keeps the dialogue going," said Capt. Vanessa Van- "We try to set the show up like it's a conversa- "Sex Signals" Sept. 16 at the Sustainer den Bout, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing sexual tion, not a lecture series where we talk at our audi- Theater here. assault response coordinator. "The production is ence with (slides) behind a podium," said Sharyon The 90-minute semi-improvisa- funny, unique and presents the information in a Culberson, one of the performers. "It's very easy go- tional comedic production offered entertainment down-to-earth way that is likely to hit home with our ing. That helps us relate to the target ages (of 18- to service members." 24-year olds) about the way people speak and think The program, which was when they're in relationships, whether an intimate mandatory for Airmen on relationship or friendship, and when relating to each base under the age of 26, other. It gets people to open up and speak honestly was intended to align with about their feelings on the subject matter." the Air Force's commit- The two-person team said humor is a key ingredi- ment to eliminate incidents ent in the show being a hit with audiences. of sexual assault through "Through (performing) this show, I have experi- awareness and prevention enced how successful learning through entertain- training, education, victim ment can be," said Chris Sanders, Culberson's show advocacy, response, report- partner. "It's funny because you feel like you know ing and accountability. (the characters) and they're just arguing about sex. "Sexual assault is rarely But, there are a few times during the show that we a misunderstanding. It's a are blatantly saying, 'Here's some education - learn deliberate crime that can this.'" be prevented through inter- The production made a positive impression on vention," said Vanden Bout. Airman 1st Class Evan Albeck, 332nd Expeditionary "It's each Airman's, Sol- Civil Engineer Squadron electrician. dier's, Sailor's and Marine's "It was a different and more effective way of say- job to step up and prevent ing the same information we've heard a thousand U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Hubenthal sexual assault. Sex Signals times," said Albeck. "I think we all appreciated that Sharyon Culberson and Chris Sanders, Catharsis Productions actors, encourages us to look at the it told the message in an amusing way." interact with their audience Sept. 14 during the “Sex Signals” presenta- real nature of assault." To obtain training, education or outreach relating tion at Sustainer Theater at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Catharsis Productions Though originally geared to sexual assault, all JBB personnel may contact the plans to present Sex Signals to seven different locations in Iraq this year. toward a college audience, SARC office at 443-SARC. September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 A year of success: Camp Taji Combatives St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Pf c . Mi c h a e l P. Sy n e r 10t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s CAMP TAJI, Iraq – When the 10th Sustainment Bri- gade arrived at Camp Taji, Iraq, in No- vember, there was no program in place to teach and expand the Modern Army Combatives Program, a curriculum adopted as part of the core Soldier skills. Instead, the unit worked with a few enthusiastic martial artists and a rough-around- the-edges gym, converted from a mechanic’s shop, to revamp the MACP program at Camp Taji. “The building has a lot of cracks in the walls, broken windows and a lack of door seals which don’t prevent the outside environment from coming inside,” said Sgt. 1st Class Leonardo Mu- noz, one of the MACP cadre, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the brigade’s transportation branch and a LaPorte, Texas, native. At Fort Drum, N.Y., the unit’s home station, combatives classes were a weekly training event during Sergeant’s Time. Although the brigade changed locations, they did not change their habits. Command Sgt. Maj. Allen G. Fritzsching, Sgt. Joe Spera with 1/111 the brigade’s senior Recon, 56th Stryker enlisted adviser and a Brigade, resists a failed Houston native, said single-leg takedown he is a strong supporter during the Modern Army of the Army’s unarmed Combatives tournament, combat system. hosted by the 10th Sus- “Our Soldiers are tainment Brigade Aug. 29 logistics warriors who at Camp Taji, Iraq. sustain the force and enable our combat units to conduct full-spectrum operations on an asymmetrical battlefield,” said Fritz- sching. “We are Warfighters first and it is vital that we know how to fight. MACP gives us those skills.” Even before the deployment, Fritzsching knew he wanted to make the program readily available for Sol- diers. “Prior to our departure, the sergeant major wanted to start up a combatives school similar to what he has done before, during his last deployment with noncommissioned officer education system school- Spc. Douglas Adkins, with the 10th Sustainment Brigade, secures a keylock submission against an opponent in ing,” said Munoz. “With the brigade commander’s his battle for 3rd Place of the light-heavyweight division, during the Modern Army Combatives tournament Aug. 29, blessing, we purchased items that we felt would be held at Camp Taji, Iraq. needed in order to have a successful school environment.” for MACP are a certified instructor and a soft-floored Other complaints included the difficulty in main- The procurement of supplies was one of the larg- area, such as grass or sand, to effectively and safely taining a clean training environment as far as weath- est issues the program faced, said Sgt. 1st Class Jim- train. Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. Boorn, another cadre er-proofing. mie L. Blockett, the NCO in charge of the program, member who is an electronic warfare operator with “It’s pretty close to training outside,” said Munoz. as well as the legal NCOIC and a Little Rock, Ark., the brigade, and Tampa, Fla., native, said he would Fritzching said, despite the less-than-ideal accom- native. have appreciated better accommodations. modations, the cadres’ ability to adapt shone through. According to Army Field Manual 3-25—the regu- “Air conditioning,” he said. “The building we used “It was demanding because we were resource- and lations pertaining to MACP—the only requirements was like a sauna some days.” time-constrained,” said Fritzsching. “A lot of the suc- September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 A year of success: Camp Taji Combatives Sgt. 1st Class Harvey Martinez, with the 10th Sustainment Bri- gade, completes an arm bar from the guard, finishing a fight during the Modern Army Combatives tournament, hosted by 10th Sus- tainment Brigade Aug. 29 at Camp Taji, Iraq

“The benefit of this system is that Soldiers are able to improve their skills through regular competition,” Boorn said. “Being able to compete instills esprit de corps, brings units closer together and makes Soldiers comfortable with having to deal with someone who fights back. Basically, it allows them to pressure-test what they’ve learned and find out that it actually works.” The brigade’s training program lasted a solid year while deployed, turning out a number of fighters with both grappling and striking skills. Just after the last course’s graduation, a camp-wide tournament was held. Weigh-ins were held the day prior, with six different weight classes for competitors. Cpl. Corey Minatani, a training NCO with the 1161st Transportation Company, 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sust. Bde., joked during the weigh-ins. “I feel fine now, but wait until after the tournament; then I’ll be broken,” said the Moses Lake, Wash., native. Fighting started at 9 a.m., following a brief from Boorn about the rules of the competition. The tournament rules were divided into two different sets: the preliminary and finals. In the preliminary fights, competitors were only allowed to grapple, with certain throws and sub- week level one certification courses and three, one- missions ruled out for Soldiers' safety. month level two courses, both of which were available The finals followed the same rules, but allowed to anybody at Camp Taji. open-handed strikes to the face and closed-fist strikes “When we started the training, it generated a lot of to the body. Kicks were outlawed in both rounds. interest among units on the camp,” said Fritzsching. More than 94 fighters submitted paperwork to com- “We train Soldiers, despite what unit they are assigned pete with 15 teams formed between different units. to. We are all in the Army; we are all one big team.” The tournament received sponsorship from http:// The training produced roughly 185 fighters. thejitz.com, an online fight-apparel store owned by Pfc. Henry Handwerker, a support operations spe- Scott Bauer and Michael Cascia. cialist, graduate of the level one certification course, “It’s absolutely important for troops to learn hand- and a Hartsville, S.C., native, said MACP has become a to-hand combat,” said Bauer, a former Soldier who is healthy hobby to help him through the deployment. deployed as a civilian here. “We want to help support “I did a little wrestling in high school,” said that.” Handwerker, “but I love doing this. It’s great, choking The Web site offered gift certificates and shirts for people out, and it’s good exercise.” the winners of the tournament, and Bauer said the Spc. Douglas Adkins, with the 10th Sustainment Brigade, secures a keylock submission against an opponent in Staff Sgt. Natasha Scott, a certified level-two fighter, company intends to get more involved with service his battle for 3rd Place of the light-heavyweight division, during the Modern Army Combatives tournament Aug. 29, with the brigade intelligence section, and a Philadel- members and their training. held at Camp Taji, Iraq. phia native, said she gained many things from MACP, “We are hoping to get some instructors of our spon- including confidence. sored professional fighters to visit Soldiers, but noth- A Soldier secures the mount position during the Mod- “I have never been in a fight before in my life,” said ing is set yet,” said Bauer. ern Army Combatives tournament, hosted by 10th Scott. “After going through MACP, I no longer have the In the meantime, the company offers discounts for Sustainment Brigade Aug. 29 at Camp Taji, Iraq. fear of being hit or facing my opponent. It was a great service members who live at Camp Taji. experience.” “I’ve got a lot of love for the military,” said Bauer. cess is a result of the professionalism and relentless One of the main concepts behind MACP is The tournament served as the culmination of a year’s dedication of the cadre. They made it work.” live training, meaning the concepts can be employed worth of blood, sweat and tears for the 10th, which will Despite these challenges, the Muleskinners estab- against fully-resisting opponents, without a large risk soon depart Camp Taji, leaving behind MACP knowl- lished a camp-wide training program with seven, two- of serious injury. edge and training for future service members. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 Soldier answers call to refuel aircraft specialist through on-the-job training, St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y she has a hand in every aspect of the Spc . Be t h Go r e n c refueling process – from standing by Ta s k Fo r c e 38 Pu b l i c Af f a i r s with fire extinguishers as a fireguard, BAGHDAD, Iraq – The newest addition hooking up the hose, refueling the air- to the Riflestock forward craft and operating the fuel truck to us- area refueling point team ing her logistics background to file and blends into the workflow track paperwork. as though she belongs “It’s a good learning experience,” she below the blades of a he- said. “You get to meet tons of people licopter. and learn a lot about the job.” Spc. Theresa Welsh, Assisting with her on-the-job train- of Harrisburg, Pa., was not slotted to ing, Staff Sgt. Brian Pierce, a Hershey, work at the FARP during her deploy- Pa., native, said Welsh has a high level ment in Iraq. She was a logistics special- of comprehension and learned the dif- ist but, when Riflestock needed more ferent jobs quickly. Soldiers to help complete the refueling “We have to slow her down,” he said. mission, FARP personnel reached out “She’s a get up and go type person.” to the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade Working as the first shift leader, for extra Soldier support and Welsh Pierce assists and observes Welsh regu- stepped up. larly as she learns the refueling craft. Welsh, who has been with the group “She wants to get on every bird,” roughly a month, said she did not want said Pierce. “Across the board she is an to be “stuck in an office” and wanted to outstanding Soldier, and I hope to have “see the action,” so she answered the five or 10 more like her.” Spc. Theresa Welsh, a logistics spe- call to work at the Baghdad refueling When Welsh returns to the U.S., she cialist from the Pennsylvania National point with E Company, 1st Regiment, said she plans to attend school to re- Guard, refuels a UH-60 Black Hawk Aug. 137th Assault Helicopter Battalion. class and officially become a petroleum 24 at Riflestock forward area refueling As Welsh learns to be a petroleum specialist. point as part of her on-the-job training. Mississippi Guardsmen clean house

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s sition of the unclaimed items. 2/198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s Ba t t a l i o n “Some of the stuff has been in those containers for at least three years,” said Staff Sgt. Shelden W. Pope, CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, battalion property book team chief with the 2/198 CAB Iraq — When Mississippi Guardsmen cut and a Senatobia, Miss., native. “During our transfer of the locks on five unclaimed shipping con- authority, I conducted an inventory of excess property tainers Sept. 15 at Contingency Operat- on the books and found some of it in those (containers), ing Location Q-West, Iraq, they found such as communications and computer equipment, a $75,000 in unused supply items and surveillance system and other such items.” unclaimed equipment. The unclaimed items included numerous pallets of Members of 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, printer paper worth roughly $10,000, printers and ink out of Senatobia, Miss., opened containers near the Base cartridges, desktop and laptop computers, hand tools, Defense Operations Center as part of a theater-wide ini- mechanic tools, electrical equipment, office furniture, tiative to account for all containers and their contents small arms paper targets, four industrial air condition- during the responsible drawdown of U.S. troops and Capt. William D. Waldrop, a logistics officer with the ers, old handheld radios and base stations, and spools 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, out of Senato- equipment from Iraq, said Capt. John E. Satterfield, bia, Miss., opens an unclaimed shipping container of cable. director of public works and container manager for the Sept. 15 near the Base Defense Operations Center at “The Mayor Cell is accountable for 317 shipping con- 2/198th CAB Mayor Cell and a Midway, Ga., native. Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. tainers across the base, and we have to account for each Command supply needs determine how the unit han- of them on a monthly basis,” said Satterfield. “As we dles the property, said Capt. Dirk Waldrop, the battalion Following command supply discipline procedures, find unclaimed containers, we will have to open them. logistics officer and a Senatobia, Miss., native. the property book officer inventories the equipment This is an ongoing process, all part of our efforts to as- “Technically, we classify these unclaimed containers and material, records any serial numbers, submits sist a responsible draw-down of forces and equipment as found-on-installation, FOI,” said Waldrop. the inventory to higher command, and awaits dispo- across Iraq.”

To: Pvt. Bryan Cornish

From: Tiffany and ‘Baby’ Nadiyah Tierre- Rene Cornish (born Aug. 28, 2009)

“I love you, Daddy.” September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15

419thSt o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y hostsDaugherty and last hoorah St a f f Sg t . Os h a w n a Ta ck e t t Hartman had just 10t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s returned from a mission that night, but CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers with the 419th Combat were geared up and Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th ready to go at the Sustainment Brigade, nicknamed “Wolf- pool by 5:30 a.m. pack,” participated in a five-lap swim, a “They almost 5K tactical march and a 5K run Sept 7 made it too easy for at Camp Taji, Iraq. me,” said Longhen- The competition resembled a relay ry of his two team- race, with numbered D-rings handed mates. off to the next competitor as each event was complet- Daugherty fin- ed. ished the swim in first Staff Sgt. John Harlow, a Lakewood, Wash., native, place, as did Hart- who helped organize the event, and Command Sgt. Maj. man in the march. Paul Swanson, a Perris, Calif., native, with the 419th, Their total time was gave an overview of each event and provided a risk as- 1:05:44. After the sessment to Soldiers. Medics and lifeguards stood by at competition, the Sol- the swim meet and 5K routes. diers of B Troop left Soldiers began the competition with five laps in the for yet another mis- pool, then took their numbers just outside of the pool sion to Contingency area, where their partners waited at a table with their Operating Location Enthusiastic participants wait for their teammates to put coins in their hats and hel- weapons disassembled. Adder, Iraq. mets during the mystery event of the 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion’s triathlon Sept. 7 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Two members of each three-person team swam The marchers assembled their rifles and left on the The final competi- the width of the pool until all 100 battalion coins were retrieved. 5K journey wearing full body armor, which weighs tion involved two team- roughly 35 pounds. mates entering the Eagerly waiting The competition was complete when runners crossed pool while the other for Sgt. Britt the finish line to meet cheering fans. teammate stayed Hawke, a Salt The first team to finish was B Troop, 2nd Squadron, on the side, hat in Lake City na- 107th Cavalry Regiment, 419th Combat Sustainment hand. One hun- tive, to finish Support Battalion. The winners were Spc. Mitchell dred battalion coins the marching Daugherty, a native of Athens, Ohio, along with Staff were placed in the portion of the triathlon, Spc. Sgt. Steven Hartman and Capt. Louis Longhenry, both shallow end, while Lucia Enriquez, from Cincinnati. Soldiers waited on from Benton the other side. On City, Wash., the command go, raises her hand participants swam to catch the to the other side, team’s D-ring. picked up one coin Enriquez ran a at a time and swam 5K as the final back to place the part of the triathlon Sept. 7 coin in the hat. at Camp Taji, The group that Iraq. collected the most coins won the con- test, and the number of coins gathered was added to or sub- tracted from the final times for the teams. Seventeen teams, 54 participants and more than 20 volunteers participated in the event. After the competition, the winning teams were announced and awarded. All volunteers for the competition were called forward and Lt. Col. Kristan L. K. Hericks, the commander of the 419th CSSB, awarded them with coins. “They have done an incredible job and that is the memory I want them to take home,” said Hericks. Swanson said he wanted to give back to the unit through the event. First Lt. Otto Vindekilde, a Corpus Christi, Texas, na- “We just wanted to do some- Staff Sgt. Steven Hartman (left), from Cincinnati, and Sgt. Jeremy Bowden of tive, with the 96th Transportation Company, assembles thing fun for the troops,” Swan- Laguna Beach, Calif., battle for the lead during the marching portion of the his rifle after his teammate completed the swimming son said. “The lieutenant colonel triathlon hosted by the 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Sept. 7 portion of the triathlon, hosted by the 419th Combat and I will really miss the Soldiers at Camp Taji, Iraq. Hartman stayed the course and won the march. Sustainment Support Battalion Sept. 7 at Camp Taji, here. They’ll always be a part of Iraq. Upon assembling the rifle, he marched 5 kilome- the Wolfpack Family.” ters for the second portion of the event. PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 49th Transportation adopts Killeen Field

By Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t an eyesore.” Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Lee said the 49th Trans. Bn. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Since the 49th adopted it, put a Transportation Batallion adopted Killeen sign on the fence Field at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, they have with their name worked to revamp everything but the on it and began to field’s name. clean. The Batallion out of Fort Hood, He said they Texas adopted Killeen Field – named want to keep the after Killeen, Texas – in July and immediately began field maintained cleaning it, making repairs and laying the ground- and opened for work for large-scale improvements. more events. Spc. Adrian B. Lee, a transportation manage- The unit plans ment coordinator with the 49th Trans. Bn. and a to put a cover Marianna, Fla. native, said the field is only used for over some of the football, but he and his unit would like to expand its bleachers because functionality to include soccer and other sports. the field and seat- “We want to tell people it’s a place you can go to ing give no pro- have fun and hang out,” said Lee. “It’s not rundown tection from the anymore and we would like to get more people in- sun, he said. volved out there.” Some smaller He said they plan to look into getting a score- projects the unit board, grill and a concession stand at the field. would like to ad- Staff Sgt. Winston C. Purchase, an Austin, Texas native, and Spc. Adrian B. Lee, a Marianna, Fla. native, transportation management coordinators with the 49th Transportation Battalion These improvements would benefit service mem- dress include fix- out of Fort Hood, Texas, are part of the team that cleaned up Killeen Field after the unit ad- bers and civilians who look for a full, sporting-event ing the gate, add- opted it in July. experience, he said. ing new cones and Staff Sgt. Winston C. Purchase, the unit’s non- improving the field’s aesthetics, he said. care for it as his unit has. commissioned officer in charge of in-processing for “We have to start small,” said Lee. “There are “We want to leave our name,” said Purchase. Mobile Control Teams and an Austin, Texas, native, soccer goals on the field, but they also need to be Lee said he volunteered with Habitat for Human- said the unit kept the field’s name because it lent fixed.” ity in high school, building houses, and the experi- itself to the hometown feel. Purchase said he wants more service members ence made him want to make the field better than it “Killeen Field was adopted for the morale of the and civilians to use this field and to know the 49th was when he arrived here. Soldiers,” said Lee. “It was basically a field just sit- maintained it for them. When they see the work the “It’s a good feeling knowing something we’re do- ting there and nobody was taking care of it. It was unit has done, he said he hopes they will continue to ing is going to be here after we leave,” he said. September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Managing a critical aggressor: Case example I

et’s try a You might think, “How dare this jerk can begin to place this person’s behav- risk becoming a blameaholic. Lmind ex- be so hostile?” Or you might say, “How ior in context: Is the critic’s assessment 4. Take a Time Out. Finally, if the ercise. You’ve the hell do you know how I prepared? objective – even if his manner of deliv- aggressor’s initial barrage leaves you just given a And what makes you such a hot shot ery is woefully subjective – or does he stunned or speechless, you don’t have presentation expert, you bozo?” And while immedi- have an agenda? Or, might she be jeal- to stay in the ring desperately trying to at an impor- ately counterattacking and feeling en- ous? summon up a counterpunch. Basically tant meeting. titled – an eye for an eye, an ego for an By processing your thoughts and you can state, “I won’t be a party to this As the meeting ego – your reactivity may well indicate feelings and by assessing or, at least, kind of verbal barrage (or “harassment” concludes, you wounded pride. questioning the aggressor’s behavior if encounter is more hostile than just turn to a col- 3. Feeling Fearful or Humiliated and patterns and situational constraints heated). Or, if feeling centered, you can league (a casual Withdrawing. Whether lowering your you are now ready to transform a reac- declare: “I need a time out before re- “The Stress Doc” acquaintance) eyes in defeat or turning pale in a state tion into an assertive and effective re- sponding.” You also can say, “I believe Mark Gorkin and ask, “How of shock, you now feel intimidated and sponse. we need a time for us to have a profes- did the presen- helpless. Incredulous at the brazen 2. Metacommunicate. Here’s my sional discussion.” tation go?” And in a decidedly judgmen- verbal harassment, some sensitive in- conflict management axiom in dealing Remember, it’s okay if you don’t have tal and unfriendly tone this colleague de- dividuals or folks with underdeveloped with a critical aggressor: Before justify- a perfect comeback to an aggressor’s clares, “Frankly, you fumbled the data. assertive muscles, become immobi- ing or explaining your behavior, com- spewing. Take time to think about and Obviously, you didn’t prepare very well!” lized. A target’s suppressed rage may ment upon – whether tactfully or di- sleep on the problem and a response … Imagine being the presenter. How also add to a sense of impotence. Now rectly – the aggressor’s harassing tone then you’ll nail the jerk tomorrow! Just would you feel receiving such critical you likely sit passively or withdraw ig- and/or content. Using our mind exer- kidding. Seriously, taking a time out is feedback? What would you say or do nominiously from the battlefield. (Of cise as an example, you might say, “I’m not a sign of weakness. Basically it is in return? Let’s assume that punch- course, a tactical withdrawal may be a open to feedback, but I don’t appreciate a strategic retreat to help you cleanse a ing this guy in the nose is not a good productive and purposeful step. But being attacked,” or “such global and un- wound, get centered and to formulate intervention strategy. Actually, this is more on this shortly.) specific comments are not useful and, an I response. Hitting the pause but- the scenario I pose to attendees of my Positive Limit-Setting Strategic In- frankly, I find them hostile. Can you be ton affirms your integrity while setting Managing Anger and Difficult People terventions more specific and be professional?” limits and boundaries on a charged ex- Program – also subtitled, “When Going Having delineated three defensive Along with staying centered and change. Postal is not an Option.” As a former reactions, it’s time to describe a con- non-reactive, you are setting appropri- stress and violence prevention consul- structive and strategic approach to set- ate boundaries. You’ve returned the tant for the U.S. Postal Service, I feel ting limits on a harsh aggressor. Con- harsh critic’s verbal hand grenade, as Mark Gorkin, LICSW, “The entitled to my attitude. sider these basic assumptions, attitudes opposed to freezing up or to hurling it Stress Doc” ™, is an acclaimed Let me begin this analysis by illus- and actions: back in an enraged or vengeful state. keynote and kickoff speaker, train- trating three common emotional and 1. Understanding the Difference 3. Use Assertive “I” Messages. Un- ing/OD & team building consultant, behavioral reactions to this critical ag- Between Reaction and Response. The derlying this tactfully assertive ap- psychotherapist and “Motivational gressor exercise: aforementioned feelings, thoughts and proach to defusing hostility is the rec- Humorist.” He is the author “Prac- 1. Feeling Rejected or Exposed. If behaviors are defensive reactions – ognition that assertive “I” messages, tice Safe Stress: Healing and Laugh- this instance applies, you likely feel defensive in this sense does not mean unlike blaming “You” messages, don’t ing in the Face of Stress, Burnout & hurt and put down by the antagonist’s healthfully self-protective. A target add static to communication chan- Depression” and “The Four Faces of harsh words. Or you are surprised by quickly feels attacked and psychically nels. “You made me” or “It’s your fault” Anger: Transforming Anger, Rage, the stinging critique; you believed your wounded; he or she is being verbally transfers all the power to the aggres- and Conflict into Inspiring Attitude presentation had been at least satis- mistreated or abused by the aggressor. sor. In reality, one-sided blaming often & Behavior.” A kickoff speaker for factory. Now you may feel exposed. And whether lashing out in anger or rationalizes an immature reaction or Estrin Legal Education Conferenc- Feelings of guilt, “I could have tried feeling humiliated and quickly retreat- counterattack. In contrast, a construc- es, the Doc is America Online’s on- harder or done better,” or shame “this ing, the “victim” is in reactive mode: tive I message acknowledges your expe- line psychohumorist ™ and pioneer criticism confirms my inadequacy or “You’ve hurt me” or “You made me up- rience as a target: “That hurts” or “I’m of a USA Today Online “HotSite” worthlessness,” may dominate. Now set” or “It’s your fault” or “You caused angry right now.” Such a message also – http://www.stressdoc.com – rec- the only means available to counter the me to strike back.” states what you don’t like or what you ognized as a workplace resource by criticism is with hastily conceived self- However, there’s a strategic alterna- do prefer: “I don’t appreciate being at- National Public Radio. For more justifying explanations or face-saving tive: you can experience and process tacked and I don’t listen well. I can hear info on the Doc’s speaking and rationalizations. your feelings and thoughts before be- and consider more specific feedback.” I training programs and products, 2. Feeling Attacked and Becom- having in a knee-jerk manner. You can messages help reaffirm your integrity email [email protected] or call ing Aggressive. In this scenario you acknowledge feelings of pain, shame while establishing healthy boundaries. 301-875-2567. quickly feel defensive and reactive. and anger, and then get centered. You So abstain from those reactive yous or

This issue of the Expeditionary Times contains a reader submitted article written by Mark Gorkin, also known as “The Stress Doc.” Mr. Gorkin’s views are not neces- sarily those of the Department of Defense and the inclusion of his submission is not meant in any way as an endorsement of his services. PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009

No supplement for hard work D o y o u St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y A jar of peanut butter can be as ef- Spc . Li s a A. Co p e fective in providing calories and protein Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f as a jar of protein powder, said Hyde, a Minneapolis, Minn., native. h a v e a JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Stores on Wahl said he had a similar opinion Joint Base Balad, Iraq, about the use of protein supplements. carry products promis- “I think the end result is about the s t o r y ing to help consumers same,” said Wahl. “When you eat a lose weight or gain bunch of (protein) powder you get it muscle, using words slightly quicker. When you eat a bunch idea? such as explosive, of beef you get it slightly tastier.” massive, premium, Instead of taking supplements, sim- super and advanced to market their ply consuming caffeine before a workout product as the best. can provide athletes with more energy, These supplements are neither food which leads to improved performance, nor drug and therefore not regulated said Hyde. by the Food and Drug Administration, “If you are trying to lose weight, you Contact us at: which Col. Richard C. Wahl, command really don’t need any supplements,” he surgeon for the 13th Sustainment Com- said. mand (Expeditionary), said concerns Capt. Vanessa A. Vanden Bout, the him. sexual assault response coordinator for “The reason for my concern with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, and muscle-building supplements is, in a level one certified CrossFit trainer, general, you don’t know exactly what said hard work is the answer to achiev- you are getting,” said Wahl, a Fountain, ing personal fitness goals. expeditionarytimes@ Colo., native. Vanden Bout quoted 1984 Olympic Lt. Justin M. Hyde, dietician for the champion runner Evelyn Ashford in iraq.centcom.mil 332nd Expeditionary Medical Support reference to her own fitness: Airman 1st Class Corey A. Menhart does Squadron, said diet adjustments are “Whatever muscles I have are the ring dips during his daily workout Sept. more cost-effective and usually yield product of my own hard work and noth- 8 at the H-6 Fitness Center at Joint Base better results than taking supplements. ing else.” Balad, Iraq. Lone Wolf comedians inspire howls of laughter

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Li s a A. Co p e Comedian Paul Myrehaug performs Sept. 15 at Morale, Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Welfare and Recreation Center West at Joint Base Bal- ad, Iraq, during the Lone Wolf comedy tour. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Three comedians with the Lone Wolf Comedy Tour performed “My father was in the military for 28 years,” said Sept. 15 at Morale, Welfare and Recre- Vidale. “It’s a tribute to him.” ation Center West at Joint Base Balad, Paul Myrehaug, a native of Vancouver, British Co- Iraq, as part of a 10-day tour in coun- lumbia, Canada, said as a stand-up comic, one of his try. heroes is comedian and actor Bob Hope and he was Comedians Olivia Arrington, inspired to follow in his footsteps and perform for the Thea Vidale and Paul Myrehaug troops. said they performed the four-show Sgt. 1st Class Karen R. Stokes, the noncommis- tour to help raise the morale of the troops stationed in sioned officer in charge of personnel for the 49th Iraq, each comedian citing different personal reasons Transportation battalion, 13th Sustainment Com- for choosing to perform. mand (Expeditionary), said the show was a great op- This is Arrington’s fourth tour in Iraq. She said she portunity for Soldiers to come together and take some has been entertaining the military for more than 15 time off. years and has performed in 21 countries. “Comedy is something you need here, to release all “I feel a passion and a drive to do this for the mili- of your stress,” said Stokes, a Virginia Beach, Va., na- tary, and to go into these little remote places and see tive. them smile, even if it’s just for 90 minutes,” said Ar- Master Sgt. Michael A. Stansbury, an automated rington. logistics specialist with Port of Entry Transition Team Arrington said she has never felt unsafe while with 4130, said he attended the Sept. 15 show to relax and the military; she feels confident in their abilities and enjoy a break from his everyday routine. trusts in her personal faith. “All the comics brought something different to the “My faith in God is way bigger than my fear of Vidale, a Los Angeles native, said she has a family table, and each one of them kept me laughing pretty man,” said Arrington. tie to the military. much the whole show,” said Stansbury. TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM E-mail: [email protected] September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, 5 2 1. What boxing class is heaviest - flyweight, bantam and each of the nine 8 7 5 2 weight or feather weight? 3×3 boxes contains the 2. Who beat Michael Moorer in a 1994 heavyweight digits from 1 to 9 only 7 1 5 title fight hyped as “ One for the Ages”? 3. Who did Joe Frazier say he wanted “like a hog wants one time each. 6 7 4 8 Last week’s answers slop”? 4 1 5 7 9 8 2 3 6 1 9 6 5 4. How old was George Foreman when he became the 7 3 6 1 5 2 4 8 9 oldest heavyweight champ in history? 8 2 9 6 4 3 5 7 1 5 7 4 6 5. Who reigned as heavyweight boxing champ of Ugan- 5 4 2 9 8 6 3 1 7 da from 1951-1960? 6 8 7 3 2 1 9 5 4 9 6 7 1 9 3 5 7 4 8 6 2 2 5 4 8 6 7 1 9 3 2 9 4 3 3 7 8 2 1 9 6 4 5

9 6 1 4 3 5 7 2 8 5 1 Amin Idi 5. Forty-five 4. Ali Muhammad 3. Foreman George 2. weight Feather 1. JOINT BASE BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: TRADITIONAL - Sunday MASS - Saturday Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, 0200 Air Force Hospital Chapel 0930 Provider Chapel 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. 1030 Freedom Chapel (West side) 1100 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) 2000 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 1400 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1730 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Sunday 0830 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: 2000 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1100 Provider Chapel 1100 Air Force Hospital AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL - Sunday Thursday 1100 Air Force Hospital 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball 1100 MWR East Building 1200 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Mon., Wed., Fri. 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 1230 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Monday-Friday 1130 555th Engineer Bde. (Bldg. 7200) EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. 1900 Provider Chapel JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES- Friday NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: CONTEMPORARY- Sunday 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., 0900 Chapel- Next Iraq/MWR East Saturday 0930 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- 1030 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: 1400 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) 1900 Freedom Chapel (West Side) ISLAMIC PRAYER - Friday Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. Wedneday 2000 Gilbert Memorial Chapel 1230 Provider Chapel 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court LITURGICAL (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian) - Sunday PAGAN/WICCAN FELLOWSHIP - Thursday Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 1500 Gilbert Chapel (H-6) 1900 The Shack a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Saturday Saturday 1900 The Shack Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: 1000 Provider Chapel GREEK ORTHODOX - Sunday Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST - Sunday 0900 Provider Annex Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano 1530 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)- Sunday Gilbert Chapel: 443-7703 Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 1300 Provider Chapel 1530 Freedom Chapel (West side) Provider Chapel: 433-2430 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball 1900 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Freedom Chapel: 443-6303 Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Sunday 9/27/09 Summer Action Sports Tour: Toyota Challenge, Tape Delayed Upcoming sports 8 a.m. AFN/xtra 2009 FedEx Cup - The TOUR Championship: Third Round (East Lake GC, Atlanta, GA) (JIP), Tape Delayed 10 a.m. on AFN AFN/sports Wednesday 9/23/09 Friday 9/25/09 NASCAR Nationwide Series: Dover 200 (Dover International MLB TBD, Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra ESPN College Football: Mississippi @ South Carolina, Live Speedway, Dover, DE) , Tape Delayed 10 a.m. AFN/xtra MLB TBD, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. AFN/sports 2:30 a.m. AFN/sports New York Yankees @ Los Angeles Angels , Live 8:30 p.m. Thursday Night Baseball: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. Monday 9/28/09 AFN/sports AFN/sports Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders (JIP), Live 1 a.m. AFN/ 2009 FedEx Cup - The TOUR Championship: Second Round xtra (East Lake GC, Atlanta, GA), Live 8 p.m. AFN/sports NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: OReilly Super Start Thursday 9/24/09 Saturday 9/26/09 Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals (Dallas, TX), Live 2 a.m. Wednesday Night Baseball: Teams TBD, Live 2 a.m. AFN/sports MLB on TBS - Friday Night “Pennant Race” Special Edition: AFN/xtra Texas Rangers @ Oakland Athletics, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees, Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Sunday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts @ Arizona MLB TBD, Tape Delyaed 10 a.m. AFN/sports ESPN College Football: Missouri @ Nevada, Live 4 a.m. AFN/ Cardinals, Live 3:15 a.m. AFN/sports NFL RePLAY - Game 3: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 3 p.m. sports AFN/ sports Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs Cummings (SpiritBank Tuesday 9/29/09 NFL RePLAY - Game 4: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 4:30 p.m. Event Center; Bixby, OK), Live 6 a.m. AFN/xtra Monday Night Football: Carolina Panthers @ Dallas AFN/ sports ESPN College Football: Missouri @ Nevada, Tape Delayed 2 Cowboys, Live 3:30 a.m. AFN/sports 2009 FedEx Cup - The TOUR Championship: First Round p.m. AFN/ sports Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra (East Lake GC, Atlanta, GA), Live 8 p.m. AFN/sports New York Yankees @ Los Angeles Angels, Live 5 p.m. AFN/ xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009

A mediocre love story about weirdoes

By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho f f m a n (writer/director/actress) comes into the video store ca films, and has intense sexual issues. The audience Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f and Ritter’s character decides to go after her. He looks learns of her past and watches as she works through up her address in the store computer and pretends to her demons. ood Dick” is what would hap- run into her at her apartment. Slowly, they develop a There are plot points that may frustrate the average “Gpen if Lloyd Dobler from “Say painful give-and-take relationship. He wants to know moviegoer. The audience never completely learns why Anything” fell in love with Lisa Rowe what she’s feeling on the inside but she just keeps push- Palka’s character has such extreme social issues. There from “Girl, Interrupted” – the stalker ing him away, until all the cards are thrown out on the are vague hints, allowing the audience to create their type somehow convinces the crazy table. own conclusion, but never the direct explanation most girl, and the audience, his motives are The acting in this film was quite solid. Ritter comes people want. The ending is also a little too easy for such pure. In the long run, he wins her over, and the movie’s off as charismatic and outgoing, but still in need of a complicated love story, but overall the film works. quirky characters win the audience over. It’s not great; some company. The audience vaguely learns of his past This movie, to put it bluntly, is weird, but the charac- it’s not awful, but it’s worth checking out. drug addiction, which really adds to the disparity of his ters are intriguing. This film keeps the audience want- Jason Ritter (“Freddy vs. Jason”) plays a video- character. He is lonely, but he sees something in Palka’s ing to know what is going to happen next. It’s not a store clerk that lives in his car and desperately seeks character he can’t resist. Palka does a great job. She’s a great love story, or like any love story on film, but it’s companionship. One day, Marianna Palka’s character weird introvert who only rents 1970’s soft-core eroti- worth the 86 minutes it will take to watch it. EA releases a terrible new chapter in Madden By St a f f Sg t . Jo e l Gi b s o n not to buy another installment until EA are finicky, unrealistic and have nothing but playing games that count toward a Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f showed a real commitment to making to do with ability, other than hitting the ranking system costs an additional $5. a quality product again. Man, did they right button as it pops up on the screen. That’s not a huge sum, but definitely e- 've been purchasing fool me this year. The last aspect of Pro-Tak is the re- blackmail. Igames in the Madden The public-relations blitz and obvi- placement of intuitive running with the The Extra Point Show is kind of in- franchise since 1994, ously-planted http://www.amazon. right control stick. Just press the stick in teresting and definitely worth watching and Madden 2010 for com "customer" reviews suckered me a direction and the ball-carrier will do a … the first two or three times. After that the Playstation 3 is the into believing 2010 was going to be a semi-random avoidance move. This fea- you can figure out exactly what is going second-worst install- good product. In reality, the new feature makes it feel like the game is tak- to happen. ment I have ever owned. tures equate to putting makeup on a ing the player for a ride, rather than the Superstar mode is extraordinarily The latest edition of the much bally- pig. player controlling the action. lame and provides none of the attach- hooed football video game is proof posi- New features for 2010 include Pro- Online franchise mode seems pretty ment to your fake player the 2007 edi- tive that monopolies make mediocrity. Tak, a cute name for a new animation cool, but I can't comment on it because tion did. Franchise mode is cumber- For those unfamiliar with the monopoly system that allows nine-man gang tack- I don't have internet in my room and, some and lacks personality. Really, the comment, Electronic Arts secured ex- les and fight-for-the-ball mini-games, even if I did, it probably wouldn't be fast only games worth playing are exhibition clusive rights to make NFL videogames online franchise mode, the Extra Point enough for me to play Madden online. games against human opponents, and after Sega released a vastly superior Show and online co-op mode. I will, however, comment on the fact I've come to expect a lot more from this product in "ESPN NFL 2K5." It's just a little amusing to me that that if you want to play online franchise franchise. The Madden series peaked with the it took EA five years to come up with mode, you should really buy the game On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Mad- 2007 edition for Playstation 2. Every a decent gang-tackle system, consider- new. If you buy it used, your authenti- den 2010 a solid 2, mainly because the next-generation (Xbox 360 and PS3) ing "ESPN NFL 2K5" had a seven-man cation code will most likely have been graphics are incredible. version has been garbage. gang-tackle feature. used by the original purchaser, render- By the way, feel free to send com- After purchasing the 2007 edition The mini-games wherein players ing it useless. ments my way, negative or positive, via of Madden for the Xbox 360, I decided fight for a loose ball during a fumble pile Also, playing games online is free, email at [email protected]. Pvt. Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater

Wednesday, Sept. 23 Sunday, Sept. 27 5 p.m. The Hurt Locker 2 p.m. Chance of Meatball 8 p.m. Aliens in the Attic 5 p.m. Bandslam 8 p.m. A Perfect Getaway Thursday, Sept. 24 Monday, Sept. 28 5 p.m. Whiteout 5 p.m. A Perfect Getaway 8 p.m. Funny People 8 p.m. Chance of Meatball

Friday, Sept. 25 Tuesday, Sept. 29 2 p.m. Bandslam 5 p.m. Chance of Meatball 5 p.m. G.I. Joe 7 p.m. G.I. Joe 8:30 p.m. Chance of Meatball Saturday, Sept. 26 Wednesday, Sept. 30 2 p.m. G.I. Joe 5 p.m. G.I. Joe 5p.m. Chance of Meatball 8 p.m. The Hurt Locker 8 p.m. A Perfect Getaway September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Ir a q

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1-150th Company, B Troop, 3rd Platoon, discuss where to set up concertina wire, with Iraqi soldiers, in Jumabi Village, Yusifiyah, Iraq, Sept. 10. The U.S. Soldiers help members of the Iraqi Army close off roads in the village at an Iraqi Army security checkpoint.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe Iraqi Air Force students Kareem Karwan, Hameed Ali and their instructor Steve Cawthon, perform a pre-flight inspection before their training-exercise flight in a UH-58D Bell helicopter on Contingency Operating Location Warrior, near Kirkuk, Iraq, Sept. 13.

U.S. Army Spc. Chris Wingate, attached to C Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, demonstrates how to insert an IV needle during first-aid training for Iraqi soldiers attached to 3rd Battalion, 18th Iraqi Army Brigade, in Di- ayala Province, Iraq, Sept. 16. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kirk Worley

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Hugo Flores-Diaz from the 25th Special Troops Bat- talion Security Detach- ment, 25th Infantry Divi- sion speaks with a local resident during a routine patrol to hand out toys and hygiene kits to residents, near Tikrit, Iraq, Sept. 10.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Luke P. Thelen

Iraqi soldiers from Shaeba unit in Nasariyah fire a mortar during an M-252 81 millimeter mortar system certification program training exercise, near Gharaf, Iraq, Aug. 24. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Gavriel Bar-Tzur PAGE 22 September 23, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q the 215th Brigade Support Battalion. Hundertmark said she was initially surprised, but Ceremony opens welcomed the hospitality when a few of IA officers reached over and refilled her plate for her. new life-support "As an American, I was surprised to see them use their hands to serve me, but I quickly realized that by placing meat on my plate they were showing an act of facilities at Camp friendship,” said Hundertmark. For most of the Greywolf staff, this was the first time meeting their Iraqi Army counterpart. The personnel, Mejid intelligence, logistics, civil affairs and signal officers CAMP MEJID, Iraq – The Al Asad Location Command from both sides were formally introduced. opened a roughly $8 million improvement “This is to be expected because primarily the Bri- to its life-support facilities in a Sept. 10 cer- gade Support Battalion is tasked with Iraqi Security emony at Camp Mejid, Iraq. Forces interaction while I support the American forc- The 10-month construction effort im- es,” said Maj. Kevin Anderson, brigade logistics officer proved the location command and 7th Iraqi Army Di- for the 3rd HBCT. “It is always good to meet with our vision sustainment capacity with the addition of three Iraqi counterparts and develop the relationships that barracks, a fire station and a distribution facility for help to strengthen to bond between our militaries.” petroleum, oil and lubrication products. Overall, the mood was light and the topic of work The commanding general of 7th IA Div. and the was avoided. One IA officer talked about his up- commander of the location command toured the coming vacation, while others conversed about complex after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. their families. The barracks will house location command Sol- “It was nice to share pictures and talk about our diers. The fire station will provide the camp with its children,” said Hundertmark. “Even though there first firefighting capability. The POL distribution fa- security,” said Annino. “Together, we built this facility was a language barrier, it was easily understood that cility will provide the 7th IA Div. with increased fuel one brick at a time with our collective hands, minds they were proud parents just like we are. The love of capacity. and hearts.” our children is a common bond.” The United States Army Corps of Engineers-Gulf The scope of the project included the construction Despite differences in culture and religion, and the Region South provided quality control during the of a fire station, a flammable materials point, platoon language barrier, it was clear there was a mutual re- project to ensure the Iraqi Army received quality fa- warehouse and three new barracks capable of housing spect between the two forces. cilities. 250 Soldiers. The project also included the construc- “Knowing that this type of event normally involves tion of a bulk lubricant storage facility and distribu- those of the Islamic faith, I was honored that they would tion points with a capacity to hold 2.3 million liters allow us to participate with them,” said Maj. Robert Gulf Region Division of diesel fuel, 800,000 liters of benzene and 100,000 Collins, a brigade signal officer for the 3rd HBCT. “We liters of kerosene. are such a multi-cultural military ourselves, that if it is The Turkish-owned Emta Insaat A. S. Company important to respect our own diversity then we should builds new facilities for was the general contractor for the 12-month project. respect theirs as well.” Funding for the facility was provided through the Iraqi army Iraqi Security Force Fund. The Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engi- AL ASAD, Iraq – With U.S. Marine units set to leave neers in Iraq completed thousands of reconstruction the base at Al Asad in the coming months projects in partnership with the U.S. government and Iraqi children go and a reduction in strength for the U.S. Army the government of Iraq. Since 2004, GRD has com- units replacing them, more emphasis is being pleted 4,642 projects throughout Iraq valued at more placed on the Iraqi Army. than $7.2 billion, and has 311 projects ongoing. from mud hut to Those Iraqi army units are now better equipped to provide protection to the western Al Anbar province following the recent completion of the Al Asad Loca- new school tion Command. Greywolf staff The $8.7 million location command project, man- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WARRIOR, aged by the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps officers get a taste KIRKUK, Iraq— The school children in the of Engineers in Iraq, was formally turned over to village of Chemin in Kirkuk province, Iraq, the Iraqi Army following a ribbon-cutting ceremony have always known the small mud house on Sept.10. of Iraqi culture the outskirts of their village as their school. U.S. and Iraqi dignitaries attending the ceremony Although the classrooms were so small only a few included Col. Dan Anninos, commander of the Gulf MOSUL, Iraq – Staff officers from 3rd Heavy Brigade children could fit in at one time, with only a couple of Region District; Maj. General Abdullah, command- Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, enjoyed desks for the more than 30 kids to share, they made do er of the Iraqi Seventh Army and Col. Khalid Noori, an evening of dinner and relaxed conversa- with what they had. commander of the Al Asad Location Command. tion with their Iraqi Army counterparts But this is all about to change for the children of this “Today we celebrate a major step toward the Sept. 7, at Contingency Operating Location small village as a new school enters the final stages of completion of the Al Asad Location Command,” said Diamondback, Iraq. construction thanks to help from the 2nd Brigade Com- Noori. “This command will have a major impact in The Greywolf brigade commander and staff hosted bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. the support of Iraqi units in the western region by the dinner for their colleagues from 2nd Iraqi Army The new school, which will serve children up to the managing administrative and technical support and Division to show their respect for the Muslim holy sixth grade, would accommodate many more students providing security for both the base and the mobile month of Ramadan. than the previous school, said Sgt. 1st Class Carl Lay, convoys.” The Iftar, an Arabic word for the evening meal the essential services liaison officer for 2nd BCT and a Anninos called the completion of the project a when Muslims can eat after fasting all day during Ra- Carrollton, Texas, native. proud event for the Gulf Region District’s Al Asad madan, was an opportunity for the American staff to “The children just didn’t have enough room in their Resident Office and the Iraqi Army. experience Iraqi customs and culture. old school,” Lay said. “My team is very proud of these facilities and we “I started to fix a plate and then realized that I was The school has been under construction for roughly hope it increases the Iraqi army’s readiness level as expected to stand and share the food on the platter,” 80 days and will soon be furnished with new equip- they assume more responsibility for their country’s said Capt. Julie Hundertmark, battalion surgeon with ment, including desks, chalkboards, curtains and other September 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

needed supplies. provincial government. “We had to rent the hut for the school before,” said Gulf Region Division As this was the first part of the planning stages of the village mukhtar, Jyhad Muhammed. “This is going the project, the PRT had many decisions to talk about to make a big difference to this area.” completes repairs to Taji with other members of their team and the local gov- Jyhad said he was excited at the prospect of what the ernment. children in his village could accomplish with the educa- “Today was the first day of a two-day effort to do tion they would receive at the new school. water treatment facility preliminary assessments of the villages,” said Brian “They will be able to go much further in life with a TAJI, Iraq – Engineers will soon fire up two jet en- Jalbert, the head of the PRT reconstruction section. good education,” he said. “We are so happy they will gines, but not at the Baghdad airport. “We were counting the number of structures that had have the chance. In partnership with the Government of been severely damaged or completely destroyed, of “When they see the new school, they will be excited Iraq, the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army which there were a great number, to get a sense of to learn again,” said Jyhad. Corps of Engineers has completed the re- how much rubble there is to remove and how many The youth in the village were more excited about the pair of twin Rolls-Royce jet turbines at the Karkh Wa- houses will need extensive repair or were completely new school than their elders. ter Treatment Plant. destroyed and will require rebuilding.” “Our last school was built of mud,” explained 10- Successful liability testing of the turbines could Jalbert said they wanted to understand the mag- year-old Hussein Qasim. “We are really excited about equate to 40 percent of Baghdad area residents en- nitude of the problem by making preliminary assess- the new school. It’s much better to have a bigger and a joying an uninterrupted water supply. ments and evaluating options. The PRT has different newer school. I will be able to study much better and do The testing is the culmination of an extensive re- choices as they decide how to approach the recon- new things there.” pair project to the Taji-based facility, managed by the struction of these destroyed villages. One option is Lt. Col. Hugh McNeely, the deputy commanding of- Gulf Region District’s Taji Resident Office. giving the communities enough cash to repair their ficer of 2nd BCT, said the unit wanted to give the stu- The roughly $8 million project entailed rebuild- own homes; this puts the families at risk of being dents an environment conducive to learning. ing the backup generating system for the plant, which robbed or threatened. Another method, repairing all The building of the school also had an added benefit was damaged by a bomb in 2005. the structures themselves with in kind donations of to the community. Project Engineer Reginald Terry said the project is building materials is also risky, said Mark Schapiro, Jyhad said many of the villagers are unemployed vital to residents of Taji, providing more than 345,000 head of the PRT economics section. and were able to get jobs working on this project. gallons of water per day to local residents. “The other option is to contract out and take care of Lay paid his fourth visit to the site Sept. 8, and said The unreliability of the Baghdad electrical power everything for them. That has its own drawback – we he was pleased to see the school construction was on grid makes it essential for a backup system to be on- do not know what the boundaries are and how they track. line to keep the plant fully functional, said Terry. want their houses rebuilt,” he said. “If you all are willing to put your kids in this school, A power outage can cause up to a four-hour delay This particular project is urgent because the fami- then I’m willing to put my kids in this school,” he said to restart the water treatment system. The backup lies whose homes were destroyed will live on the to one of the engineers at the site of the project. power system at the facility utilizes twin Rolls-Royce streets or in temporary housing when the cold winter jet turbine engines that produce 8.5 megawatts of months come. electricity. As the PRT spent time assessing the sites, locals Iraqi Air Force officer The project also involved reconstruction of the asked them questions about the outcome of the visit, generator building, the installation of a new turbine- wanting to know what to expect. takes control of the sky generator control system, repairing the fuel delivery “Our answer to them was, ‘There is a time con- system to the turbines and the rehabilitation of the straint. We want to get this done before winter. If we butterfly valves to increase the flow and capacity of can pull this off, then we can eat together and cele- KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq – water through the treatment process. brate,’” said Schapiro. Iraqi Air Force First Lt. Waad Shuhatha The Iraqi-based Aws Mohey Ahmed Company became the first post-war Iraqi service was the general contractor for the repair project. member to earn a certification in air traffic The Houston-based HPI LLC is providing the equip- control from the International Civil Aviation Orga- ment and technical expertise for the turbine control ISF arrest 10 nization, continuing the transition of military train- systems. The project was financed through the Iraqi ing and assets to the Iraqi armed services. Economic Support Fund. suspected terrorists, He began training in 2006 by taking a basic The Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engi- course in English, the language of aviation. neers in Iraq has completed thousands of reconstruc- He then moved on to learn basic air traffic con- tion projects in partnership with the U.S. government disrupt VBIED and trol, airfield operations and the rules that govern and the government of Iraq. Since 2004, GRD com- the occupation. In July 2007, he began on-the-job pleted 4,642 projects throughout Iraq valued at more criminal networks training with U.S. Air Force controllers using Fed- than $7.2 billion, and has 311 projects ongoing eral Aviation Administration techniques. One his biggest challenges was obtaining certi- BAGHDAD – During operations throughout the fication by the International Civil Aviation Orga- Baghdad area, Iraqi Security Forces, with nization. The agency differs from the FAA in that U.S. forces advisers, arrested 10 suspect- it oversees all aspects of international air naviga- Ninawa reconstruction ed terrorists under the authority of vari- tion, while the FAA is the standard for the United ous warrants issued by the Government of States. team sets plans to Iraq Sept. 11. The certification ensures Waad meets all stan- Soldiers with Iraqi Special Operations Forces ar- dards in accordance with the ICAO, but also helps rested four suspected terrorists in the Al-Rasheed the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority get closer to being rebuild bomb sites in area of Baghdad with a warrant issued by the Cen- recognized under the ICAO. tral Investigative Court of Al Khark. The men are Waad shared his experience with other Iraqi Shrekhan, Khazna suspected of IED attacks against Iraqi Security trainees to help them understand and work through Forces and the citizens of Iraq. the language barriers. MOSUL, Iraq – Two bombsites in Mosul are under- During a separate mission in the Lutifiyah and “The most challenging thing for me was the lan- going reconstruction by the Ninawa Pro- Mahmudiyah areas of Babil province, Soldiers with guage, because we take the English word and put it vincial Reconstruction Team who, along the Emergency Response Brigade arrested six sus- in Arabic in our mind, and then from Arabic trans- with the 130th Engineer Brigade, 8th The- pected terrorists with warrants issued by the Court late to English … but now we work pretty good in ater Sustainment Command, visited and of Criminal Investigation of Al Karkh. English,” Waad said. assessed the sites Sept. 2 and 3. The individuals are suspected of being affiliated Despite the challenges the Iraqi officer faced, he Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices hit two with terrorist networks, one of whom law enforce- said he is now ready to serve as an example for his villages: Shrekhan Sufla, located northwest of Mosul ment suspect is a leader of a local cell. The sus- fellow Iraqi service members. and Khazna Tabtah, located east of Mosul Aug. 7 and pects were arrested for forced displacement of Shia “It’s a great feeling, we feel like we are taking 10, killing 79 residents and injuring 379. families, setting up illegal checkpoints and kidnap- control from the U.S. air traffic control and Iraqi air Various humanitarian aid organizations improved pings. traffic control is very proud,” he said. Waad said his minor damage to the sites, but reconstruction of se- In both missions, the Soldiers entered the sus- next goal is to earn the Local Control certification verely damaged areas will be managed by the PRT, pects’ residences and arrested them without inci- from the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority. who will coordinate the reconstruction effort with the dent. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 23, 2009 Phantom Support

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Edward J. Monell U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael Syner Sgt. Timothy Burton of South Hill, Va., from the Communications Section, Headquar- ters and Headquarters Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, teaches Soldiers in the battalion’s Pre-Warrior Leader’s Course how to put tactical Army radios into operation. The battalion recently restarted the Pre- U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Caulkins Warrior Leader Course in late August. The 10th Sustainment Brigade’s Command Sgt. Maj. Allen G. Fritzsching, a native of Houston, discusses traffic flow of the Fuel Farm with the 138th Quartermaster Support Company Fuel Farm officer in charge, 1st Lt. Erin Spc. Brian Matus Jayne, from Brazil, Ind. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, from the Communica- tions Section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 396th Transportation Company, 260th Combat Sustain- ment Support Bat- talion, selects a radio for use in the company’s night convoy operation. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. William O. Horton II

A civilian trainer explains the basics of close quarters marksmanship to a Headquarters and Head- quarters Company, 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade Soldier during training at Camp Beuhring, Kuwait, Sept. 12. The “Wagon- masters,” like other Army units, are required to U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kory Smith complete certain training Soldiers from the 89th Transportation Company, with the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battal- requirements in Kuwait ion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, received their awards for a successful deployment at Al Faw palace on before making their move Aug. 31. The company is out of Ft. Eustis, Va., fell under four different battalions and relocated twice to northern Iraq. over the duration of the deployment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Cooley