VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 DESERT REFLECTIONS

JANUARY 2007

A NEW YEAR IS BEGINNING INSIDE THIS ISSUE: HAPPY NEW YEAR! LT OSMOND BE- 2 We have also been having wonderful times COMES A LCDR Time is flying for us here in Kuwait. We are together as a team: Thanksgiving, MWR more than halfway through the deployment trips, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. You’ll COMMANDER’S 2 COMMENTS and definitely have a chance to thinking about read about our PROJECTS & 3 homecomings. adventures in this TRAINING We are beginning issue and see to hear from our some great photos. THANKSGIVING 8 AT CAMP replacements, BUEHRING and that is a good Know that we are feeling! always thinking of MWR TRIP 10 DECEMBER 6 home fondly and We continue to looking forward to CHRISTMAS IN 12 manage huge our return. KUWAIT quantities of pro- jects and have As always, thanks MWR TRIP 14 JANUARY 3 some project for the support and completions to love. We couldn’t share with you. do this without you! WEATHER WITH 16 BEATRICE FED-KU Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner at Camp Buehring

A BET TO 17 REMEMBER PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

FET LIFE 18

MASTERCHIEF’S 18 CORNER

The FED-KU Newsletter is a monthly deployed newsletter generated by the FED-KU Engi- neers. This Public Affairs func- Laundry Trailer Floor Replacement tion is dedicated to keeping our families, friends, and Naval Moving Laundry Trailer... Facilities command personnel informed of our activities. The contents of this newsletter are The FED is managing projects unofficial, are not to be consid- throughout Kuwait. Here are ered the views of the U.S. Navy, pictures of some of the pro- the U.S. Government, including jects under construction. ...to a new the Department of Defense or (continued on page 5) location any other military services. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 2

LT OSMOND BECOMES A LCDR

On the morning of 05 December 2006, COL NAVY PRIDE IN AN Alexander performed the swearing in for ARMY WORLD LCDR Osmond at the weekly Command and Staff meeting. LCDR Osmond’s promotion is effective 01 December. "It was nice to be promoted in the field, overseas, while on active duty by Colonel Alexander, Area Sup-

COL Alexander, ASG-KU Commander, pins LCDR Osmond port Group Commander for all of Kuwait. It felt historic as he gave me Third Army command coins for Navy flag flying proudly over Camp Arifjan my two young boys." A handshake from the Colonel and A Big Smile! Jeffrey Jay Osmond

COMMANDER’S COMMENTS

As I think back over the past few months together on this blessing the music and testimonies were. I remember deployment I am struck by the meaningful things we being so struck with the presence of God in that service in have all shared. I am reading a book by Fredrick that little church in the middle of the desert. Of watching Buechner called ‘Listening to Your Life’. In it he writes that silly movie together and laughing as one. Of our gift “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that exchange and the laughter that peppered the game. I it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the think also of the new baby born to LT Piskin while out excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to here; the bitter sweet of a new life even while he is gone. the holy and hidden heart of it be- Each of us uprooted from our families cause in the last analysis all mo- and thrown together in this quilted, ments are key moments”. I am mind- patchwork family. Each of us dealing ful of these key moments in our with being away from our families, and shared lives that easily pass by unno- the sharing of this, drawing us to- ticed. It seems important to take no- gether. These are the key moments tice of these key moments we all that, in part, define our time here as share while out here. part of each others lives, sharing I’m struck during this deployment of these rich memories for years to the many such events and moments come. How such events as these that I will remember for a long time to seems to put the rest of life in per- come. I think of Thanksgiving and the spective and give meaning to why we time we all shared together. A sense are here. I expect we will each bring of family that seems a bit hard to ex- back something of what we have plain or hold on to: there was serving learned together to those we love. Thanksgiving in this very tall, very Somehow I don’t expect any of us will white chef’s hat and the meaningful come back the same as when we left; talk and laughter we all shared. Then we will have grown; each one. And for there was more recently the Christ- these kind of key moments I will al- mas Eve time together; sitting to- ways, always be grateful. gether in church and the amazing CAPT(s) Gean VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 3

PROJECTS & TRAINING

FED-KU AT THE RANGE

On December first, the Gunny: UT1 Wynia, BU2 Johnson, BU2 Begaye, CS2 Bat- FED-KU team met at a tie, HM2 Alaniz, CS3 Lewandowski, EA3 Buencilla and northern range to fire our SW3 Calder. The weapons with the assis- professionalism of all hands led to a safe and successful shoot.

EA1 Patterson shows off his target

tance of Gunnery Ser- geant Ronald Russell, LCDR Davidson, CDR Tryon, LT Piskin, EA2 Tuten, CAPT(s) Gean, USMC, attached to CDR Matis, LT Petracek, LT EA2 Fine, LCDR Vaninger and LCDR NMCB 5. Helping the Osmond and CUCM Foster Kern LCDR Watson, CAPT(s) Gean WASH RACK AND CATCH BASIN FOR THE DUST FACILITY

DUST stands for Direct Unit Support Team. The wash rack nical expertise to overcome the obstacles, and to direct is a place for the cleaning of materiel handling equipment, the design to a successful construction. like rugged field fork lifts. It is As staff civil engineer to DPW, Mr. Galicia pro- part of the logis- vides technical expertise in all matters of civil tics support for engineering from soil capabilities to concrete Operation Iraqi and other contingency constructions. Contin- Freedom that the gency means for the purposes of providing a Seabees are structure to support the needs of the troops at building. NMCB the “tip of the spear”, the war-fighter. He has 5 poured 195 managed projects by both private contractors, cubic meters of and this, his first, with the Seabees. Many of concrete in a these struc- sloping form to tures that Mr. channel water Galicia has into a catch ba- completed are sin. The Environ- both horizon- mental protection tal and verti- service contrac- NMCB 5, Charlie Company, back row, cal construc- LCDR Osmond, left, and Arturo Galicia. tors pump out tion: from this and treat the waste water that collects in the basin, be- wash rack, to fore returning it to earth. prefabricated metal build- The Camp’s staff civil engineer, Mr. Arturo Galicia, was ings. Many of the project manager for the project, with construction the projects management coordination support from LCDR Osmond, support the FET South’s Troop Labor Coordinator. LCDR Osmond View of sloped wash rack with fenced catch basin Directorate of assisted the Seabees and Mr. Galicia in working through to the right. Logistics, unforeseen conditions that resulting in the Seabees which gets the submission to the FET of several construction administra- necessary supplies and equipment sent forward to the tion documents: Requests For Information (RFI) and Field battlefield and back to Kuwait for maintenance and Adjustment Requests (FAR). Mr. Galicia provided the tech- even to the US for major repairs. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 4

MWR CALL CENTER WALL

The Zone 6 MWR Community Center is a place where thusiastic sports the Troops can go to participate in a number of activi- fans made it hard ties. Some of these activities are board games, bil- for the Troops liards, ping pong, and that were trying video games. There is to talk to their a theater in this facility families only a as well. One of the is- few feet away. sues that the facility The South FET staff asked the Sea- team set up the bees to upgrade was job and NMCB 5 the phone center. The Seabees got the phone center is located job done. The New MWR Call Center Wall between the internet completed job café and the large has greatly low- screen TV viewing area. ered the volume level inside the phone center. TV viewers There were no walls are no longer a nuisance to the Troops using the phones. separating the TV view- ing area from the One of the Community Center managers, Amber Lee, said phone center. During "This wall is the best thing that has happened here in a sports events, the en- long time; it's our baby. Thank You SeaBees." Phone stations GUARD SHACK INSTALLATION

The main living area at Camp Arifjan’s Zone 6 has been suffering from too many vehicles among the pedestri- once two more pro- ans. The Command Cell requested that two guard jects are completed: shacks and drop-arm barriers be installed to resolve the Bulk Water Tie-In and problem, and a troop labor project was born. Lighting improve- ments, Zone 6 will be After acquiring the shacks from force protection, the able to completely FET turned the Seabees loose with lumber, concrete close off the LSA to all and cable. The Bees poured the slabs, installed the vehicle traffic. The shacks, and hooked them to grid power. guard shacks will be utilized to control LTC Terry Mills, Operations Officer for the Command movement of traffic Cell, says, into the area. Again, “Hats off to job well done.“ FET and NMCB 5 Trenching for power for the in- connection stallation of the two guard shacks in Zone 6's Life Sup- port Area (LSA). This Concrete Formwork project is part of a long term goal to completely isolate the LSA portion of Zone 6, thus enhancing our Force Protection posture. Although the Guard Shacks are not in immediate use, Completed Guard Shack Installation VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 5

PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION (CONT)

Installation of perimeter fencing.

Sunshade at Kuwait Naval Base PCB Build-out — Making rooms out of open bays TROOP LABOR

Recently asked what troop labor is, LCDR Osmond re- rons and camps, all camp officers liaise with the custom- plied: Troop labor is a “colloquialism for construction ers and the troop labor detachments of the NMCB. Sup- done by men and women in US military uniform, who porting the northern camps, the Seabees are able to util- have been trained to build, and to fight.” In the Navy, ize the expertise of the Army Engineers. Presently, the these types are known as Occupational Field Thirteen, 186th Engineering Company of the Alabama Army Na- sailors with construction rates, also known as the Sea- tional Guard’s heavy equipment unit is co-located with bees. “Seabees” typically are known for their organized NMCB 5. Employing heavy equipment to move earth and construction battalions of several construction compa- make sites ready for construction or improving roads is a nies: vertical construction, horizontal construction, and major tasking for troop labor in the northern camps. utilities construction. In the Army, these types are known by their Military Occupational Series (MOS), sol- To ensure that the clients of FET South are well served by diers with construction training, troop labor, the FET South has a also known as the Engineers. Troop Labor Coordinator (TLC) who is These engineers are typically or- familiar with troop labor construc- ganized in brigades and battalions tion, and experienced in customer that have construction companies, service. In this role the TLC ad- primarily for horizontal construc- dresses issues related to the imple- tion, but they also do vertical and mentation of construction by the utilities construction projects. troops: Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB), “Seabees”, and In Kuwait, the Navy Seabees, the the Army Engineering Battalions as- Army Engineers, and Army Na- signed to the Directorate of Public tional Guard Engineers, are as Works (DPW) as their maintenance busy as bees, as active as sea- and repair company. Presently horses, and proud as minutemen - NMCB 5 and the 863rd are ashore to their respective logos. Construc- Top to bottom: CE2 William Buckley, CE3 Andre provide construction services to the tion and engineering skills are Cunz, CE2 David Brodeur. The Seabees are as- FET and the DPW. LCDR Osmond highly valued as the Army im- signed to NMCB-5 at Camp Buehring. serves as the TLC, providing both a proves their positions, increases liaison officer and a technical quality their efficiency, and strives to become more economical assurance monitor. He reports to the FET South Director in sustaining the logistics supply line - moving people on matters of success and concern regarding troop labor. and equipment to and from theaters of operations. He attends weekly construction progress meetings to dis- Many projects being completed by the Seabees and cuss projects’ progress, and to obtain the weekly project Engineers are for the Directorate of Logistics, the com- situation reports of the NMCB construction companies at mand element that is responsible for materiel move- Camp Arifjan. Essentially diplomatic, it involves communi- ment. cation and coordination on the protocols and interfaces between the FET, DPW, and NMCB – to solve problems At FET North, responsible for the more contingent envi- and ensure construction progress. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 6

COMBAT LIFE SAVER COURSE

"It's simple…. Stop the air from going in and stop the red should get this training to save countless lives that stuff from coming out" was the message given to thirty could otherwise be lost by not knowing these simple, Army and five of our FET-North team members early but important steps. morning on 6 January 2007. Our instructor was Brent Cloud, retired military and an excellent instructor in all "We only have five liters" of blood in our bodies said of this having experienced first-hand all of the casual- Brent. "And if we have a bleeding wound we can lose ties he was instructing us about. Brent's "classroom" is 40% or more of that precious life source in about 2-1/2 a five-trailer connection of an open-room space….. As minutes' time!" We do not have the luxury of waiting for one enters one sees four life-like mannequins spread a medic. There is the need to do something immedi- out over the floor and three sides of the room ringed ately. The Combat Life Saver course teaches soldiers with chairs for the verbal instruction portion of the train- how to manage, treat and package patients for removal ing. The mannequins from the battlefield and are the "hands on" ap- to clinics where the more proach and there was professional levels of visible large-scale flexi- care will occur. It is struc- ble tubing to each man- tured to provide "tactical nequin from a sizable combat casualty care" for box set in front of tables the Average Joe soldier. with at least seven lap- top computers hooked Brent has been aboard up and ready to relay a Camp Buehring only a few countless array of hu- months. He already has man-like responses to trained more than 3,000 the mannequins. soldiers in these basic life saver strategies. Training The tubing was to intro- and experience that he duce a blood flow to can pass on from his pre- simulated extremity vious military real-life wounds so that practice situations where he faced could be performed on these same scenarios. our "comrades who had LCDR Bruce Davidson practices cutting and insertion of a breathing His intent is to take this been wounded in the tube in the eventuality of a head wound preventing normal breathing static training the neces- field." The three major sary steps further to pro- items addressed to the students were that of attention vide more "lifelike" scenarios where injured soldiers are to hemorrhage, airway compromise and tension pneu- happened upon in vehicles, under rubble, in night-time, mothorax…. Treating each expeditiously and in order so inclement weather and all levels of noise and distrac- that a fallen comrade could be saved in the field by tion so that the soldier is well versed on what he or she "anyone." "By anyone" is the message being touted by might experience later. "Ideally, I would like to give this Brent to the military. He says that the chances of a training to everyone," Brent said. He continued "I know medic being close by when these wounds occurs is slim how important these life-sustaining measures are to to none. Therefore it is his contention that each and assure that these oftentimes treatable wounds don't every soldier and civilian in a wartime environment end up being fatal." VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 7

ENGAGEMENT SKILLS TRAINER, ESP-2000

Sitting outside the training played the module, EA2 David Tuten ex- video critiqu- claimed to the seven other ing each per- FET-North members "We sim- son's choice ply can't get enough of real- of fire and his time hostile-environment conclusions based simulation training." to be made The comment was made just from our fir- before we stepped into one of ing actions. the MOUT site training trailers The intent to take part in a computer was to pro- simulated video laser training vide us with regimen. Our group broke out some idea as into two four-man teams with to how seem- three riflemen and one ma- ingly normal chine-gunner to receive verbal and innocent and hands-on (really it was contacts with "weapons on") training where local popu- various possible real-life sce- lace can "turn narios that had been staged bad in an and filmed in desert environs (from left to right) CDR Matis, EACN Simmons on machine gun, LCDR instant" and were played on a full size Watson and Master Chief Foster engage targets in a weapons simula- we then have tion training scenario screen, and our sailor team to shift from was an integral part of the a defensive action. posture to that of offensive as we conduct our daily taskings while here in Kuwait. The various scenarios played themselves out with our "teams" taking an active part in the action. The The training went well and our civilian instructor, Jo- weapons we were fitted with were laser connected seph Lucas summarized our training experience by and numbered as to the weapon. So when we fired, saying "your group did very well as a whole because each shot’s trajectory was traced and placed on the you completed all scenarios without any collateral movie-type screen backdrop. After each scenario damage to civilians and you have a good grasp of was played out to its conclusion, our instructor, Jo- what is required to assess these various situations seph Lucas of Computer Sciences Corporation re- that you would normally see in real life.”

NEWEST FED MEMBER

The FED Team welcomes Laci Marie Piskin, born to LT Deniz and Julie Piskin on December 15, 2006. She was 7 lb, 15 oz, 20 inches long, and quite the little screamer! Both Julie and I would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes! Everyone is healthy and doing great! Thanks! Baby Laci Marie is now almost 9 pounds and grow- ing. Mom is doing good, but sleep is hit and miss. Her big brothers are being good little helpers too. … quite the little Right now, the only cute thing that she is doing for a 3 week old baby is ripping out some massive screamer! belches. I suppose that won't be cute in about 10 years, so we'll have to work on that of course. Other than that, she had her first check up and everything seems to be checking out good. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 8

THANKSGIVING AT CAMP BUEHRING

CAMPS ARIFJAN AND BUEHRING TURKY TROTS Both FET teams started the day bright and early with 5k Runs. At Camps Arifjan and Buehring, the Turkey Trots brought hundreds of runners together on a crisp Thanks- giving morning with 12 of them from the FET group. Signups began at 0500 with the starter pistol sounding at 0600. The South team had six participants: CDR Tryon, LCDR Vaninger, LCDR Kern, LCDR(s) Osmond, LT Petracek and EA1 Patterson. The North team had six runners: CDR Matis, LCDR Davidson, LCDR Watson, EA1 Patterson, LCDR(s) Osmond, and LT LT Piskin, CM1 FED-KU Getting Down to Business Petracek Signing up for the Turkey Trot at Coverdale, and Camp Arifjan. EA2 Tuten. This cherry, pecan and many more). Eggnog was served and should be a re- the sparkling grape juice was flowing to help celebrate quirement before any Thanksgiving and the day’s festivi- the day. ties as it burns about 450 calories and gets you ready to attack the day, or the food, whichever the case may be. CAPT(s) Gean and CUCM Foster worked as servers in the DFAC line. Despite their best efforts, the team gave After the Turkey Trot, FET South saddled up for the trip them a hard time as we filtered through the line. They over the sand dunes and through Kuwait City to enjoy the did an excellent job and didn’t miss the plate once during hospitality the half hour they were serving. It is a tradition for the of FET senior officers and senior enlisted to serve the holiday North. Trav- meals to the troops and is an opportunity for them to say eling in two thanks as the troops pass through. When they were fin- vehicles, ished with their official duties, they joined the team at the team the dinner table... navigated their way to Camp Buehring. One fun thing about driving in Where’s Waldo? CDR Tryon (at left, in white Kuwait is to shirt) getting ready to run. be able to tell people how fast we are allowed to drive. It takes about an 1:45 to make the journey but we get to do it traveling at 120. Now that is 120 KPH, which is 75 mph, about the same as what is driven in the states.

THE FESTIVITIES After a brief business meeting, the team adjourned to the Dining Facility (DFAC) for a scrumptious meal of turkey, prime rib, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuff- ing, gravy, corn, greens, carrots, cranberry sauce, and CAPT(s) Gean and CUCM Foster serve LCDR Vaninger and LCDR every kind of pie you can think of (pumpkin, apple, Kern VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 9

THANKSGIVING AT CAMP BUEHRING—CONT

The DFAC staff at DFAC #3 did a fantastic job of decorating, with gingerbread and cracker houses, watermelon and squash carvings, ice sculp- tures, paper mache, crepe pa- per, and sparkling lights. The tables were adorned with Thanksgiving tablecloths, menus and napkins and loaded

One of the many decorations.

down with candy. All the DFACs had a competition on Camp Buehring DFAC decorated for Thanksgiv- which one could ing. They did an outstanding job with their provide the wonderful creations. “Best” display. DFAC #3 in Buehring didn’t even place, but as you can see by the photos of some their crea- tions, they did an excellent job and we were very appre- office. Dis- ciative of their effort to make us feel at home. cussing many things that Following din- probably were- ner, although n’t remem- most of us were looking forward to a nap, the team EA2 Fine & EA2 Tuten enjoyed “Akeelah and bered, such as who is better, Maryland or Illinois and when to get together for Christmas and do LCDR(s) Osmond this all over again, & LT Piskin before the South group headed the Bee.” We “home” to Arifjan. chastised Master It was a wonderful Chief for picking time for north and a movie we just south to come to- couldn’t sleep gether like a typical through! After family and just talk the movie we did CDR Matis & CAPT(s) Gean about anything a little catching besides work. It LCDRs Kern, Vaninger & Watson up back at the was a relaxing day of fellowship, good food, and fun. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 10

MWR TRIP DECEMBER 6

We finally were allowed to get off base for something roads here. Why have a car length distance between you other than work and it was a good time. It really wouldn’t and the car in front when 5 feet will do. Not everyone have made much of a difference where we went as long drives that way, but the vehicles are packed close to- as we got to go. The first of our anticipated Morale, Wel- gether and travel at a very high rate of speed wherever fare, and Recreation (MWR) trips was to take us to the they are. We had safe travels throughout the day but did Grand Mosque, get to see some really cool bumpers. the Kuwait Towers, and THE GRAND MOSQUE the Al Kout The trip from the base to the mosque took approximately Mall. All of the an hour and as we found out when we got there we were FED KU team to join another group for the guided tour so we waited for went as well as about 15 minutes for the tour to start. The Grand several people Mosque is the larg- we work with est mosque in Ku- and people we wait and is the larg- had never met est mosque with a before. carpeted floor. To The gang’s all here and ready to go. L-R LT enter the mosque Petracek, CM1 Coverdale, LT Piskin, CPT The plan was one needs to be Kircher, CAPT(s) Gean, LCDR Kern, and for a full day of modestly dressed LCDR Davidson. activities but and women will be we should have asked to wear a hi- known something wasn’t planned right when the bus jab (head scarf) and wasn’t where we were supposed to meet it to escort on South elevation of the Grand Mosque. abaya (the tradi- to the base. The original plan was to leave the camp at 8 tional over-all am and be at the mosque by 9 am for the tour. After that women’s black garment) and both men and women will we would travel to the Kuwait Towers and view the scenic be asked to remove their shoes. The mosque covers a downtown of Kuwait City and the Arabian Gulf while en- total area of joying a relaxing lunch. The final stop in the afternoon 45,000 m2 with was at the mall for a little upscale shopping before we the center court of headed home sometime between 6 and 7 pm. That was 5,300 m2 alone the plan. having a capacity of 10,000 people. The North team During the final came down early days of Ramadan, Wednesday the use of the morning to arrive mosque can swell before the 8 am to 150,000 people departure time, using every possi- CDR Matis, LCDR Kern, CUCM Foster, the additional ble space, includ- LCDR Vaninger, CAPT(s) Gean preparing members of the ing the parking to enter the mosque. party arrived, and lots, for their we were all prayers. The other group didn’t show up until we were ready. The trip done with the tour; glad we didn’t wait. left a few min- A slow point in the downtown traffic. utes late as the The carpet is laid out in strips. A thin strip to separate bus that was to be met at the entry point to be guided on larger sections that are just wide enough for a person to to the base had already entered and was waiting at the place his prayer rug and stand behind it. I also meant to Community Center. So, after tracking down the bus and say he as there is a separate prayer area for women. As getting it to the correct starting point, we left the base described to us, you don’t want to be distracted during excited to be going out. prayers with thoughts of the woman several rows in front of you. Each row is planned to hold approximately 175 If anyone has driven in LA and think they drive terrible people with all of them facing Mecca in Saudi Arabia or in out there, which they do, it is nothing compared to the this case, west-southwest. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 11

MWR TRIP DECEMBER 6—CONT

The tour took towers. As we left, approximately an we stopped for the hour so by 1015 group Season’s we were ready for Greetings picture the next site, the with the whole Kuwait Towers. gang. The problem now was that the res- AL KOUT MALL taurant at the Next stop, Al Kout towers doesn’t Mall. Al Kout is open until 1215, the old name of and the towers The start of the tour at the mosque. The Kuwait and in this Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas were only 15 min- person in pink at the left was our tour case happens to utes from the guide Michelle. be a shopping mall in the Fahaheel area on the south mosque. So the side of town. On the shore of the Arabian Gulf, the Al plans changed to visit the towers and forego lunch until Kout Mall is an upscale shopping experience that, well, we got to the mall. reminds one of home. Shops like Nine West and Athletic Attic were ones that KUWAIT TOWERS we found next to The Kuwait Towers were used as targets by the Iraqis the Abaya store for when they invaded in 1990 and were found trashed on those looking for the inside with large holes in the ball structures when the more traditional they left. dress. Now they Now fully may have been renovated, wearing Nike’s un- they provide der there, but who splendid could tell. I do be- views of lieve most enjoyed Kuwait City a nice Lebanese LCDR Watson, CDR Tryon, and CAPT(s) and the Ara- meal or something Gean enjoy views from atop the obser- vation tower at the Al Kout Mall.

sweet at the CinnaBon store. To add a little twist to the mall shopping experi- ence, one section offered fresh produce, meat, and fish just picked, skinned, and Looking west from the observation deck of caught. The things we miss out on living the Kuwait Towers. The tallest structure at in the States…. Although it was shopping center left is the Liberation Tower. at a mall, it provided a wonderful time to be out and enjoy a nice day in Kuwait. bian Gulf. The tallest tower is 187 m (613’-6”) with an observation level at And although the forecast was for rain, 123 m (403’-6”) and a restaurant, the the weather cooperated on trip day and one we didn’t eat at, at an elevation of the 82 m (269’-0”). The observation plat- rain form completes one rotation every 30 stayed minutes providing excellent views of the away entire skyline as you enjoy a fresh until brewed cup of coffee or a snack. The the next tower at 145.8 m (478’-4”) is a wa- next ter tower with a million gallon capacity. day. The third tower at 113 m (370’-9”) houses equipment to control the flow of electricity and illuminates the two bigger The Kuwait Towers. Fountain at the Al Kout Mall. DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 12

CHRISTMAS IN KUWAIT

CHRISTMAS EVE Everyone reading this has been very supportive of our team over The Army needs to realize that people here, but Troop 444 has a special do like to sleep in when they can. place in the hearts of the FET Christmas Eve, which was Sunday, saw South’s members for all they have the FET North members running in the done. 5k Jingle Bell Trot, albeit, there were

only 3 this time: CDR Matis, LCDR Wat- Next we were able to see Master son, and CM1 Coverdale. Noon on Chief’s wife, Sandra Foster, and Christmas Eve found the FET South son, Thomas James Foster, III, on team driving north through the country- the local North Carolina news sta- side for an evening with our FET North tion expressing fond wishes and family. The North team welcomed thanks for a job well done. CUCM their visitors with limitless hospitality and lots of food! The conference room was garnished with lights and a Christ- mas-y table, and did I mention lots of FET North’s gift to FET South, Rappin’ food? Santa!

After discussing topics concerning demobilization Foster had (hooray!) and our next MWR trip, efforts turned to the signed up to Christmas gift exchange. CDR Ron Kramps from CFLCC make a typi- joined us for our celebration of family, gift exchange, and cal Christ- food. We scuffled for several mas greet- minutes over the gift-stealing ing to be rules for this exchange, but it shown dur- turned out to be an almost ing commer- wasted endeavor as only one cials back in gift was filched! All seemed the states. Channel 12 Anchorwoman, Sandra Foster, Thomas happy with their gifts such as Unfortu- James Foster, and co-worker Marlena Milton Standing. pocket lights, cups, movie, nately his and CD’s. Once the presents time slot was canceled. But the Lord does work in myste- were all unwrapped, we rious ways. Due to the cancellation, the opportunity arose turned to the movies. for CUCM to communicate with his family directly. It was

wonderful to watch and if you happen to see CUCM Foster EA1 Patterson showed the in the future, just call him Master Chef, he’ll understand. Boy Scout Troop 444 Christ-

This was followed by “Christmas Vacation” an excellent way to share the joy of Christmas (and CUCM Foster in the Choir a few belly laughs) with our FED family. After the movie, we hit DFAC #1 for a nice meal to- mas video made gether and then headed off to the base Chapel. especially for the team. It was truly a The Christmas Eve service at the Buehring heartwarming show Chapel was a very special event. Our own Mas- - 18 minutes of the ter Chief Foster sang in the choir and they pro- most fabulous pres- vided inspiring music. The message of the eve- entation of Christ- ning was moving: “Christ our Lord is born!”, mas classics in and there were more than a few teary eyes. The singing and instru- team was able to focus on the true meaning of mentals that the the season. Before the final song was sung, scouts played and Silent Night, each of us lit candles one at a time sang just for us. FED-KU members at Christmas Eve service, Camp and remembered those who have a special Buehring Kuwait place in our heart. VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 13

CHRISTMAS IN KUWAIT—CONT

CHRISTMAS

Now for Christmas: Again the day started at oh-dark- hundred when the FET South team participated in the Jin- North DFAC gle Bell Run. Participants for this 5k were: CDR Tryon, Decorations LCDR Vaninger, LCDR Kern, LCDR Osmond, LT Petracek and EA2 Fine. Some were overheard to say “I’m only doing

this for the t-shirt. Am I crazy?” (By the way, rumor has it

that we get long sleeve shirts at the January run.)

Following the run and getting our t-shirts, the event pho- tographer gathered all of the Navy personnel in sight for a

group photo (with shirts.) Now you can see why we get up

to run in the dark and cold.

Down south, a re- laxing morn- ing of FET North at Christmas dinner fellow- ship with the Seabee battalion staff and heavy-duty nap- ping was followed by Christmas dinner at the Zone 6 DFAC. There was another wonderful meal much like Navy personnel at Arifjan get together for a group photo after the 5k Thanksgiving. The tables were decorated with bottles of Jingle Bell Run. sparkling grape juice and Christmas ornaments filled with chocolates. A festive atmosphere was shared by all. The holiday for the North team was very much a "kick- Team members have been back and relax" time as noted by CM1 John Coverdale. bringing in their Christmas The North team spent Christmas Day relaxing. Nothing spoils to share, and I’d much happened until late afternoon when all convened in have to say that we re- the DPW Conference Room for a group viewing of the ceived enough chocolate movie "Elf." The team then went to supper together at the gifts that we are set for the DFAC after which they spent the remainder of the evening rest of the deployment! making personal phone calls and reflecting on the holiday in each person's individual way.

South DFAC Decorations

FET South officers at Christmas dinner DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 14

MWR TRIP JANUARY 3

This month’s MWR trip took us to another mall and the stores that Scientific Center. As I told someone that we were visiting were set up a mall for our trip, in shock she asked, “Who arranged like some- that?” Why would you want to go to another mall when thing in a there is so much to see in Kuwait City? That is a very flea market; good question and the answer is a simple one. There are a lot of stuff only a handful of spots that have been “chosen” for visita- crammed tion. You have read about 3 of them and there are these into a small 2 with a few more out there and more coming next month. space. We don’t have many pic- CITY CENTRE MALL tures of the At the Souk Al-Salmiya complex, City Centre Mall isn’t like mall as we the upscale mall we went to last month but it is the largest LCDR Vaninger enjoys the local Starbucks. did get into popular market in trouble by the local security for snapping one of the Kuwait with no McDonald’s. Still, we did get a few before being caught. less than 3 cof-

fee shops inside But with all that the mall did and didn’t have to offer, it with one of them had a Starbucks, so it’s all good! being a Star-

bucks. Besides SCIENTIFIC CENTER Starbucks, the Located on the waterfront at Ras Al-Ardh in the Salmiya mall also offers area, the Scientific Center of Kuwait is a gift from the late the largest lei- Emir Sheik Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabbah. The pur- sure and enter- pose of the Center is the tainment hall for advancement of the sci- children. No chil- The nicer side of the city Centre Mall. ences and cultural heri- dren? It has the tage of Kuwait, to serve largest bowling and leisure hall for adults with Cosmo as a center for excellence Bowling. It also offers “a large variety of shops for ready- for environmental educa- made clothes, shoes, bags, gifts, luxury items, accesso- tion. Its goal is to pro- ries, mobile phone shops, photocopying, pharmacy, and mote public awareness perfumes” (as copied and commitment to the directly from the bro- care of the wildlife and chure). All that shop- ecosystems in the Arabian ping might make you Gulf region. hungry, so there are restaurants like Burger King, Pizza Hut, New York Fries, and Whether he is coming or going, McDonalds to CDR Tryon is always ready. name a few.

There is also a Construction began in LCDR Osmond having a little more fun grocery store in 1996 and was completed than most in the entertaining hall. the middle to fin- in 1999 at a cost of $63 ish out the shopping needs. million. The complex cov-

ers an area of 80,000 This mall is hard to describe as there appeared to be LCDR Kern, EA1 Patterson, LCDR Van- inger, LCDR Watson relaxing at the Sci- square meters and offers several scales. The shoe stores were very nice. Well entific Center while LCDR Osmond walks five different attractions: displayed and nicely organized, similar to the shoe by. They had coffee here too. the Dhow Harbor, the stores one would see in a mall in the states. There Aquarium, the IMAX Thea- were also several clothing and accessory stores that were ter, the Discovery Place, and the Gift Shop. The Scientific on this level. At the other end of the spectrum were Center building has big sails serving as its roof to remind VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 15

MWR TRIP JANUARY 3-CONT

us of Kuwait’s seafaring tradition and is 18,000 square Outdoors, meters. the Dhow Most of our group enjoyed the IMAX movie, Alien 3-D Ad- Harbor dis- venture, which made a few of the team a little woozy. plays the Seems the aliens landed on earth looking for a new place lone surviv- to live, but they ended up in an amusement park and after ing Kuwaiti one too many sailing ship roller coaster from the rides, decided pre-oil era, they couldn’t named live here. Fateh El- Since none of Kheir, which us thought to translates Promenade at the Scientific Center. LT Piskin in front of the Fateh El-Kheir. to “the ad- vent of all good.” This ship was a cargo vessel, while five smaller dhows alongside were devoted to pearl diving and fish- LT Piskin poses near the Dhow ing. The complex Fateh El-Kheir also offers a one kilometer curved bring children along, we walking path along skipped the Discovery Place, the sea, copying a although many local families wave course, which were enjoying the 1400 square ends in two 70- meters of educational games meter long fishing and fun learning experiences. piers. Several of us The aquarium is the largest in enjoyed a seaside the Middle East and covers all walk and stroll three of Kuwait’s regions. It along the pier, al- provides a journey from the dry LCDR Davidson enjoying the gulf at the though the breeze desert environment to the Scientific Center with downtown Kuwait nearly got the best Everywhere we drove, something City in the background. was being built. Kuwait City is a coastal wetlands and then into of us. city under construction. the deep blue sea. The desert section shows Kuwait’s desert A snack at the coffee shop or a little browsing in the Gift wildlife and explains how these animals have adapted to Shop rounded out the day. The Gift shop offered collecti- the harsh environment. The wetlands area offered otters ble items, educational toys and science kits, and a large and crocodiles, and the sea exhibits showed everything selection of t-shirts and socks (made in the USA) which from coral reefs and sharks to colorful tropical fish and were popular as a souvenir of the visit. seahorses.

No aquarium visit is complete without a really big shark with lots of sharp teeth as seen here! DESERT REFLECTIONS Page 16

KUWAIT WEATHER WITH BEATRICE

High temp for the month occurred on December 6... on December 16. (We think that may be a record for the 70F/21C (Record is 81F/27C) month and a record for single day in December, also) Coolest High temp occurred on 17 December.. 50F/10C There were 6 days with greater than a trace of rainfall. Low temperature for the month occurred on 30 December.. Anomalies... we noticed much less fog than is typical for 30F/-01C (we think this ties the record for December, but December. We would attribute that to a higher than nor- our records are mal occurrence of winds from the northwest, which is a limited) drying wind for Udairi. We had fewer storms in Decem- ber than we might normally expect but two of them were Max Wind was lulu's, one producing record rain, the other coming 40 knots through dry but producing record wind. Overall, the (52mph) on De- month didn't diverge greatly from what we'd normally cember 27. (we expect. December 2005 was much warmer than nor- think this may mal. December 2006 fell back more within norms. be a record for December, too) January is basically a continuation of December. We would normally expect much of the annual rainfall total 1.9" of rain fell of 6" to fall this time of year and the coolest tempera- in December. tures of the year. Beatrice. 1.43" of that fell

NEW YEAR’S EVE

With myriad entertainment options from which to choose, That's right, you got it! The run started right as the day, a boring, lonely New Year’s Eve just couldn’t happen. At and the year switched from 2006 to the new 2007. Camp Arifjan, there were no less than 6 different events to Guess we can call that "running in the New Year?" (as ring in the new year, from a 50’s Sock Hop to an Outdoor opposed to ringing in Carnival (sounds cold…) and a bonfire (that’s more like it!) the New Year-- little pun there). New Years Eve and Day was personal time to relax and reflect on this special time and what it means to us here and our families back home.... Thinking of the present -- looking forward to the future. The South team opted to spend the final hour of 2006 together in the office conference room, complete with masquer- ade masks (thanks to EA1 Patterson’s acquisi- tion skills), food and drink. We had our own countdown to midnight and toasted 2007 with sparkling grape juice.

10:30-midnight on New Years Eve, Master Chief Fos- ter spent in a "Watch Night Service" after which his church group went to the DFAC for a shared early morning breakfast.

CM1 John Coverdale was the only FET-North partici- pant in the "New Year's Eve" 5K run, placing 3rd in his age category (we’re not telling which one that is!) VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 Page 17

A BET TO REMEMBER

PART 1 LTC Henry Blake, from M*A*S*H). This all started last month, so So my counter was, if the Terps Deniz can blame it all on Bruce. won then he’d have to dress up in Back then you might recall that a Terrapin suit. Well fortunately Deniz won the caption contest and for him I didn’t have a Terp outfit, with it a coveted Iced Oatmeal but based on the picture I think Raisin Energy Bar (legal disclaimer you can figure out who won the — of course being that they are game. And while his newborn free, but scarce, at the DFAC, he daughter Laci won’t know any bet- didn’t really win anything). So ter about her dad’s escapade, when my Terps (University of Mary- Deniz might have a little explaining land) came to be matched up to do to his Illini Fanatic boys, Con- against Deniz’ Fighting Illini nor and Brennan, just as I would (University of Illinois) in the “ACC/ have had to do. Lesson learned: Big 10 Challenge” I went and CDR Tryon collects from LT Piskin, GO TERPS! Fear the Turtle! CDR Tryon asked Deniz if he wanted to risk PART 2 his recently awarded energy bar. Well Deniz must have CDR Tryon and LT Piskin had a friendly wager for the an- been feeling a little confident, as his team was unde- nual ACC/Big Ten Basketball Challenge. This year was feated at the time, so he wanted to raise the stakes a Maryland vs. Illinois. As a result of Maryland escaping little. So the deal was that if the Illini won, I, with the Champaign, Illinois with a 72-66 win, LT Piskin honored emphasis on “I”, would have to put on and model one of his word by wearing the shirt of the enemy and forcing a his Illinois “Big I” shirts (which being that we are with the somewhat fake smile and acting like a crazy turtle. LT Army, it generated visions of Illinois’ most famous alum, Piskin PHOTO CAPTION CONTEST “Aw shucks, only one Engineer left on sale! I thought it was a buy one and get one free promotion?!” LCDR Eric Watson

“MOD Orders for CDR Matis – ‘Best used by 23 FEB 2007, Expires 10 MAR 2007.’” CM1 John Coverdale

“They said I could go home if I quit dressing this way.” LT Steve Petracek

“Using his position as FET North Director for cover, CDR Matis pre- tends to inspect jobsite conditions as he anxiously awaits the first de- livery from the Ice Cream Man.” LT Deniz Piskin

“Ah, Yes it’s up! Now let’s hope that good-old G2100 holds!” LCDR Jeff Osmond

Assailant: Alright Sir! Just keep your hands where I can see them and move over to that wall. I get the Caulk and nobody gets hurt!

CDR Matis: You won’t get away with this you scoundrel! Those tubes of caulk are for this job! First Place: “Geez… I much preferred the Swedish Bikini Team soft drink poster of last month!” LCDR Bruce Davidson Assailant: Yeah I know, but we’re out of welding rod on my job and if you apply caulk and paint it, it looks just like it was welded. Adapt and Overcome. Semper Gumby. Second Place: CM1 Coverdale

CDR Matis: Now you’re talkin’ sailor! Say…Have you considered a Third Place: LCDR Watson career in the Army?

Assailant: Yeah, I’m thinking about it…I’m thinking NO! EA1 James Patterson FED KU

Write us

North FET Team at: Camp Buehring, Kuwait APO AE 09330

South FET Team at: FED - KU 06/08-II APO AE 09366

MASTERCHIEF’S MESSAGE

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the As we celebrated the birth of the Prince of Peace, we government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name were reminded of the specific mission we were chosen to shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The perform. Although we are closer to returning to our fam- everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ily and friends, we must maintain our diligence to com- plete the mission assigned. Seasons Greetings to the family and friends of the FED- KU. We are very appreciative for the gifts, goodies and Please continue to send those cards, letters and care conversations we shared during Christmas and New packages. The time is coming when we will begin send- Years. We are thankful for the new addition to the FED-KU ing packages home as we prepare for redeployment. family, the new born daughter of the Piskin family. May God continue to Bless Amer- ica, It was a blessing to have our ex- tended military family share their Master Chief thoughts and concerns during our candle light service on Christmas Eve. We were able to exchange I returned, and saw under the gifts, eat lots of food and watch a sun, that the race is not to the movie together. This time of year swift, nor the battle to the strong, has always been special to me. neither yet bread to the wise, nor Christmas of 2006 was the first yet riches to men of understand- time my wife and I were not shar- ing, nor yet favour to men of skill; ing it together. I am thankful for but time and chance happeneth the support each of you has pro- to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 vided to the team. CUCM Foster