Volume 1, Issue 36 January 25, 2010

Photo by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs, 1BCT, 1st AD PAO Punisher Soldiers from 3rd Plt., Co. D, 1/37th AR, 1HBCT, 1st AD, and their partners from 46th Bde., 12th IA Div. train on loading and unload- ing a Blackhawk for an air assault at their shared compound, PB Gaines-Mills, Jan. 20. Soldiers train, live with IA partners By Pfc. Jessica Luhrs, “Since we live with our partners we “I think they respect us more 1BCT, 1st AD PAO can train or go on missions anytime because we live with them,” said Pfc. the IA wants to; within minutes.” Crownover. “It allows us to assist them A single blue door separates the This is a true advantage for the anytime they need it.” 46th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division Punishers and their IA partners; the Assisting their IA partners is exactly and the “Punisher” Soldiers of 3rd Pla- numbers can prove it. Together they what these Soldiers do on a daily basis. toon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 37th have been on more than 45 missions, At Gaines-Mills the infantry Sol- Armor Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade discovered nine separate caches and diers are able to train the IA Com- Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, captured many insurgents that were mando Company in everything from at their shared compound, Patrol Base involved in planting improvised explo- basic weaponry to how to conduct air Gaines-Mills. And the Soldiers here sive devices, since they arrived here assaults. The leadership for the Pun- wouldn’t have it any other way. nearly two months ago. ishers is able to provide assistance to The Punishers have more training Living together not only gives the their IA counterparts and mechanics opportunities than other elements partnership an advantage with mis- are able to give hands-on training to in Kirkuk, according to Pfc. Michael sions, but also allows the training of the IA mechanics. Crownover, a Colorado Springs, Colo., IA soldiers to be more in depth and native and a gunner for the Punishers. personable. See Partners, Page 3 The North Star Page 2 • January 25, 2010 3ID Soldier uses honesty to foster relationships By Capt. Tim Mills lenges head on and focusing the dia- could have an operation to fix his hear- 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. logue on what will assist Iraqi leaders ing. in moving Iraq forward is what makes Staff Sergeant Henry knew there Saying “No,” is difficult. Many Staff Sgt. Henry the right person for was nothing he could do because it work tirelessly to avoid it. So what’s it the job. wasn’t a life-threatening injury. like to have a job where you can’t say, “We can’t assure them anything,” Lieutenant Colonel Ghazi Hamed “Yes?” said Staff Sgt. Henry. “We need to fo- Goma’a, station commander of the Staff Sergeant Keshon Henry is the cus on the elections. We don’t approve Al Aswar Iraqi Police Station in Al platoon leader for the 1st Personal projects as the security detachment.” Sequor, offered to relay the message Security Detachment, Headquarters Finding a break in the conversation, to the family, but Staff Sgt. Henry very and Headquarters Support Company, Staff Sgt. Henry brought the meeting deliberately said that he would go and Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd back on track and discussed security talk to her. Infantry Division. Part of his job is to preparations for the elections. “I want her to hear it straight from meet weekly with key leaders in the As the meeting closed, Staff Sgt. me,” said Staff Sgt. Henry, who doesn’t Salah ad-Din province. Henry was notified of another situa- want the Iraqi Army or Police to have This week the room is full. The au- tion. to speak on behalf of United States dience listens as a local sheik express- In a nearby room, a mother sat on Division – North. “I’d rather they hear es his discontent with a contractor a couch with three young girls. The it from me.” from a different tribe working in their woman came to the local police station After meeting the mother, she area. His frustration is that the con- seeking care for her husband’s hearing handed Staff Sgt. Henry a packet writ- tractor is renting construction equip- problem. ten in English. He read through it, and ment and hauling sand and gravel She was told that if she acquired a explained that there was nothing he from a different tribe’s area rather letter from U.S. forces her husband could do. than “buying locally.” The disheartened woman “If he needs more nodded with understanding, shovels, he’s going back picked up her family and left to his city and renting the room. ten more shovels,” said “I wish I could help them,” Mukhtar Salam Salaman said Staff Sgt. Henry. “I wish Hamad, the Sons of Iraq I could say, ‘Yes.’ It kind of Leader of the Al Douri sucks to tell people, ‘no.’ You Tribe. “Let’s say at the want to put them in your truck, same time he needs grav- bring them back to base and el. He goes back to his say, ‘What can you do for this area and gets that gravel person?’ but you can’t.” from his area. We even However, Staff Sgt. Henry offered him a cheaper admits that by telling it like it price from our area.” is allows a person to pursue a To sit in the midst of different approach rather than discontent and not agree, place hope in a failed direction. pick a side or make a Photo by Capt. Tim Mills, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. “I don’t give people the run promise is a challenging Staff Sergeant Keshon Henry, (right) with HHSC, DSTB, 3rd ID, listens around,” said Staff Sgt. Henry. task, but for Staff Sgt. as an Iraqi woman requests medical assistance for her husband, Jan. 21, at the Al Aswar Iraqi Police Station in Al Sequor. As a platoon “I’m not that type of person, Henry its business as leader, Staff Sgt. Henry meets with the local sheiks and Iraqi Police so I’m not going to do that to usual. Taking these chal- commander to discuss security. them.” Battlefield promotions allow faster growth for paramount Soldiers By Sgt. Johnathon Jobson battlefield promotion program. Class Jack Cleff, the noncommissioned TF Marne PAO Battlefield promotions remove officer in charge of Task Force Marne many of the standard requirements for G-1 Human Resources Section. “For For Soldiers in the rank of ser- promotions and instead impose their example, time-in-grade and time-in- geant or below, who are deemed to be own specific requirements and restric- service don’t apply. of the utmost caliber by their brigade tions. Soldiers don’t have to be in a commander and brigade command “The biggest difference [between promotable status; they don’t have to sergeant major, certain requirements regular and battle field promotions] is appear before a promotion board and to earn the rank of sergeant or staff that some of the regulatory guidance sergeant can be waivered under the does not apply,” explained Sgt. 1st See Promotion, Page 3 The North Star Page 3 • January 25, 2010 Continued from Partners, Page 1 Captain Muhammad Husan, the Commando co. commander spoke very highly of the training that the Punish- ers hold for his soldiers. “The class that is being held today is on the last day,” said Capt. Muham- mad. “I am very confident that they have been trained so well that they will be able to come back and teach other Soldiers in the company what they have learned.” These are the results the Punishers are looking for; they want the IA to be able to stand on their own and because we train, work and live together this mission will be accomplished at a dif- ferent level then other elements in the Photo by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs, 1BCT, 1st AD PAO area, according to Sgt. Rodney Owens, A Punisher Soldier of 3rd Plt., Co. D, 1/37th AR., 1HBCT, 1st AD, and his partner from 46th a Long Beach, Calif., native, and a gun- Bde., 12th IA Div. train on loading a Blackhawk at their shared compound, PB Gaines-Mills, ner for the Punishers. Jan. 20. See Promotion, Page 3 [promotion point] cutoff scores are out promotion, Soldiers must display ex- who has not completed the Warrior the window.” ceptional leadership and performance Leader Course. However, battlefield promotions that clearly distinguish them from Non-WLC graduates promoted to are not handed out like candy. They their peers and is expected of a higher staff sergeant under the provisions are regulated at the U. S. Forces - Iraq rank. of the battlefield promotion program level and each division is only allowed One of the most important things must complete WLC within 270 days a specific amount of battlefield promo- that go into a battlefield promotion of their redeployment. Failure to com- tions. packet is the letter of recommendation plete WLC will result in an administra- “Every quarter we get allocations from the brigade commander and bri- tive reduction to sergeant unless an from USF-I as far as how many pro- gade command sergeant major, show- extension is approved. The approval motions we can give to certain rank,” ing that the Soldier is excelling while authority for the extension request for said Sgt. 1st. Class Cleff. “We break working in a grade position above the Soldiers who are beyond the 270 days them down per brigade based on unit one they currently hold, said Capt. Noncommissioned Officer Education strength and the number of Soldiers Toni Brown, the TF Marne G-1 Human System requirement is Department of in that specific rank. Promotions to Resources Section officer in charge. the Army G-1. private two and private first class are The only other documents required All Soldiers should always strive for unlimited, so a brigade could literally are the Department of the Army form excellence and never accept anything promote every private in the brigade. 4187 requesting the promotion, DA less than the best quality of work The majority of the battlefield promo- form 4187-1-R endorsed by the Sol- from themselves. For Soldiers who tion packets we see are for private first dier’s NCO support channel (from first are consistently performing at higher class to specialist and specialist to ser- sergeant through the brigade com- than expected levels and who show geant, but those allocations are limited mand sergeant major) and the en- leadership qualities that surpass their and change every quarter.” listed record brief. Promotion to staff rank, battlefield promotions give credit To be considered for a battlefield sergeant is conditional for any Soldier where it is due.

Support ground ATHP nesty day every first day of the month, sional Ammunition Specialist and Jan. 1st- April 1st. fully support and uphold the Amnesty and turn in all amnesty This will give Speicher units the program and policy. No questions for drawdown retrograde chance to clean up their AO of all un- asked. needed ammunition. They just want your Junk ammo. The ground ammo transfer and No appointments necessary, walk- Keep safety first if you have an holding point, located behind the ins will be seen. amnesty box with something that Explosive Ordnance Disposal Build- ATHP hours for the Amnesty day looks unsafe. Inform the personnel ing on Contingency Operating Base will be 7 a.m- 3 p.m. at the ATHP and arrangements will Speicher, will be conducting an Am- The ATHP Personnel are all Profes- be made for pick-up. The North Star Page 4 • January 25, 2010

Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Specialist Devin Colon, of Mills, Wyo., is a construction equipment repairer for Forward Support Company, 1st Engineer Battalion. She goes above and beyond her daily duties by stepping up to be a driver in the combat logistic patrol (CLP). In just over a month, Spc. Colon has driven on 14 missions totalling more than 2,800 kilometers. She also trained Iraqis on safe operation and maintenance of construction equipment and other new vehicles in the Iraqi rolling fleet at four separate Iraqi bases. Specialist Colon provides daily maintenance expertise for the CLP vehicles, helping to ensure that the patrol’s fleet is maintained and properly serviced to accomplish it’s mission. These qualities and her outstanding commitment to mission success, make her a clear choice for today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

Specialist Stephan Stothers, of Oxford, Mich., is with Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat team, 2nd Infantry Division. He is a mortar gunner who performed admirably during a recent training event in support of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division. Specialist Strothers instructed the Iraqi soldiers in numerous mortar gunnery drills, including placing the mortar in and out of action and direct laying the morter. By the end of the training event, the 2/19th soldiers were placing and recovering their 60mm mortar and spotting their poles for direct lay without assistance or guidance. Specialist Strothers showed extensive knowledge and motivation while training the IA on mortar operation and has shown time and time again that he is a valuable to his mortar section. His professionalism, competence and can-do attitude make him an easy choice for today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

You’re invited

Thund-Her-Struck ‘The Ultimate all-girl tribute to AC/ DC’ When: Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Where: COB Speicher Main Gym

Mass Re-enlistment When: Jan. 27, 2 p.m Where: COB Speicher Soccer Stadium

The Great Aloha Run When: Feb. 1, 8:10 a.m. Registration is from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the South Dining Facility Where: South Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Houston Cheerleaders When: Feb 5-8 Where: To be determined

Passport Info The office of the Staff Judge Advo- cate will not be processing passport applications from Jan. 26 - Feb. 12 The North Star Page 5 • January 25, 2010

Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s Cash-strapped county Missing Tiger Found in Van the light most favorable to her and her defends wallpaper Zandt County husband, Troy Mattos. The appeals court judges “found United Press International NBCDFW.com it wasn’t excessive force,” said Maui DECATUR, Ga.- Officials in a VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas- A Deputy Corporation Counsel Moana Georgia county facing a $50 million tiger reported missing in Van Zandt Lutey. “That’s important to us, because deficit said a $101,000 wallpapering County has been found and secured. it’s the first decision in our state on project is a necessary measure to The 400-pound female tiger this particular level of force. Under repair damaged facilities. was reported to be on the run after similar circumstances, this use of DeKalb County Commissioner escaping its enclosure during a force would not be unconstitutional.” Connie Stokes, chairwoman of the storm, Jan. 20. A Van Zandt Sheriff’s Honolulu attorney Eric Seitz, budget committee, said the contract Department deputy said he thought he representing the Mattoses, said he approved last week for wallpapering spotted the tiger the same day. would ask the entire court to review and painting county buildings was The tiger was found the afternoon the opinion issued by a three-judge a necessary measure despite the of Jan. 21 and secured. It is now in the panel of the court. $50 million deficit in next year’s possession of Texas Game Wardens. “In my view, the decision in our budget from a decline in tax revenue, There have been no reported case was patently dishonest and lacks the Atlanta Journal-Constitution injuries in connection with the tiger’s integrity,” Seitz said. reported, Jan. 21. escape. Police officers went to the couple’s “I had the same concern too about The ownership of exotic wild home in Wailuku in response to a 911 why are we doing wallpapering. But animals (such as tigers, lions and call reporting a domestic disturbance they told us it’s all for replacement for jaguars) in Texas is allowed by law on Aug. 23, 2006. Troy and Jayzel flood or water-damaged wallpaper,” with a license. The animal also must Mattos were charged with harassment, Stokes said Jan. 19. “They’re not be registered with the state, according but the charges were later dismissed. decorating and adding new wallpaper.” to BornFreeUSA.org. Angela Walton, a county Answer to Friday’s Sudoku spokeswoman, said officials chose Taser use on woman was the lowest of 12 bids for the year-long constitutional, court rules contract. Honoluluadvertiser.com She said Southern Perfection MAUI, Hawaii- Reversing a lower Painting Inc. in Snellville, Ga., will court’s ruling, a federal appeals court be responsible for wallpapering and said a Maui woman’s constitutional painting at several county buildings. rights were not violated when police “This does not pertain to any officers used a Taser on her in 2006 at individual’s office, but to the needs her home, the Maui News reported. of the county on an as needed In an opinion for publication filed basis,” Walton said. “This is regular Jan. 12, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of maintenance and has been an existing Appeals in San Francisco said that contract with the county for several the force used against Jayzel Mattos years.” was “reasonable,” viewing the facts in

THE TASK FORCE MARNE Commanding General - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo North Star Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. The North Star is an authorized Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff publication for members of the U.S. TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen Army. Contents of The North Star are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs by, the U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne Writer- Sgt. Johnathon Jobson Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content Editorial Staff of The North Star is prepared, edited, Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs provided and approved by the Task Force Marne Public Affairs Office. Editor- Spc. Michael Adams 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division 2nd Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 130th Engineer Brigade 3rd Infantry Division 1st Armored Division 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment