Volume 1, Issue 65 April 5, 2010 TF Marne celebrates Chaldo-Assyrian New Year By Spc. Michael Adams “I think every linguist cultures coming together. TF Marne PAO and cultural advisor serv- Command Sergeant Major Task Force Marne Cel- ing in Iraq, it is their job to Jesse Andrews, TF Marne ebrated the Chaldo-Assyrian bring the ideas of the cul- command sergeant major, New Year with a cultural-fair ture to the fellow Soldiers attended the event. held at Contingency Operat- they work with,” said Angel “Speicher inside the fence ing Base Speicher, March Hermiz, the commanding is like a little corner of Amer- 31. general’s personal linguist. ica,” Maj. Gen. Cucolo said. The Chaldo-Assyrian cul- “We have to explain to them “The wonderful thing about ture was founded in the Nin- that Iraq is mainly an Arabic American society is that we ewa Plain, an area within country but there are many value diversity. We value di- Ninewa province, in mod- Christians here that speak verse cultures, diverse opin- ern-day Iraq. That culture Aramaic, the language Jesus ions, to us that is strength. is a direct descendant from spoke.” We learned the hard way-- such civilizations as the Bab- Hermiz added that per- with much pain and suffer- ylonians and the Mesopota- secution has displaced many ing--inclusion and accep- mians. Christians in Iraq, leaving tance of other cultures, other Samah Youssef, the divi- many without homes and opinions, other ideas does in sion cultural advisor and lin- looking for help from inter- fact … make us stronger. It’s Photo by Spc. Michael Adams, TF Marne PAO Angel Hermiz, the linguist for the guists working for TF Marne national organizations. been a long road over the TF Marne commanding general, organized the event as both During the event, Maj. past 200 plus years.” speaks at a culture-fest held at a celebration of Iraqi heri- Gen. Tony Cucolo, com- Major General Cucolo COB Speicher, March 31. The tage and as a way to educate mander of TF Marne, spoke spoke about the importance event commemorated the Chal- do-Assyrian New Year, which is Soldiers on the culture of the about the honored culture every April 1. country they were in. and the importance of all See YEAR, Page 3 Soldiers keep in touch with ‘battle buddies’ By Spc. Cassandra Monroe 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. and Soldiers must not forget about Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry their ‘battle buddies’ serving with them Division. “Sending gifts and technol- Most children’s rooms will have from home. ogy helps a lot too.” one thing in common: whether it’s With Soldiers and their younger sib- Specialist Terry Dixon finds many Batman themed pajama’s strewn lings or children separated by a deploy- ways to stay connected with her across their bed or Disney Princess ment, it is important for them to find 11-year-old, saxophone-playing, kara- posters hanging above their desks, ways to stay connected and let each te-practicing son, Emmanuel Battle. each child finds an idol of their own to other know that they care. “To get through this deployment, display across their room. “They can talk, write and read to you need to have that familiarity, that As the month of April begins, so them,” said Capt. Arek Ochalek, the does the Month of the Military Child, battalion chaplain with the Division See FAMILY, Page 3 The North Star Page 2 • April 5, 2010 LNOs take care of Soldiers during travels Submitted by He wished me good night, and set day trip to Baghdad for my boss. I Anonymous Marne Traveler me off for a good-night’s sleep. contacted Maj. Malcolm Wise and Sgt. Then, just prior to my flight out, I 1st Class Charles Hall to ask for assis- I recently had the pleasure – that’s was again in dire need of help. The tance in coordinating our visit. right – the pleasure of needing the as- flight information for my outbound Major Wise and Sgt. 1st Class Hall sistance of our liaison officer in Kuwait flight was incorrect. I called the day bent over backwards to ensure that all and Bagdad. Though they helped in LNO, Staff Sgt. Fredrick Reese in a coordination was complete - transpor- different ways, the LNO’s representing panic. Staff Sergeant Reese imme- tation, lodging, and a liaison to meet 3rd Infantry Division continue to rep- diately identified the problem and us at the airport. resent the Dog Faced Soldier proudly. created the appropriate documents, He answered all of my questions While traveling through Ali A- and hand-walked them through to quickly, letting me know that we were Saleem, Kuwait outbound to the U.S. ensure that they were processed. Staff important. Both made coordination for Rest and Relaxation leave, I called Sergeant Reese got me on the right for the trip remarkably easier, and that upon the night LNO for assistance … flight back home, taking the appropri- made my boss happy. at 3 a.m. ate action very quickly. These LNOs, and others, work crazy I was exhausted from being laid- Sergeant Fallaw and Staff Sgt. Reese hours and deal with insurmountable over in Joint Base Balad for four days, saved the day, and I am certain it was obstacles with grace and professional- and stiff from napping on the cold not the first time. They made me feel ism. They address our crises as an in- floor of the terminal. Sergeant Daniel welcome, and they made me feel like tegral part of their daily duties, and do Fallaw greeted me with a smile and a my priorities were their priorities. it with a smile. The TF Marne LNOs warm hand-shake. With his bound- These noncommissioned officers truly deserve recognition for caring for ing, positive disposition, he expertly were courteous and knowledgeable; the Dog Faced Soldier every single day, answered all of my questions and put I couldn’t imagine two better Dog and making sure that we are always my mind at ease. Sergeant Fallaw Faced Soldiers to represent Task Force taken care of. The next time you see a corrected my documents and set me Marne. TF Marne LNO, make sure you shake up with billeting. I recently had to coordinate a three- his or her hand, and say, “Thanks!” FOB Cobra dedicates dining facility to fallen Soldier By Pfc. Adrian Muehe 3SBCT, 2nd Inf Div PAO Combat Team, 2nd Infantry B, 296th Brigade Support Division. “For many of the Battalion, 3rd SBCT, 2nd The Dining facility at Soldiers here, nothing was ID, including Spc. Crystal Forward Operating Base more important than the Newman, a mechanic from Cobra, Iraq, re-opened its arrival of contracted cooks Sacramento, Calif., who was doors after a month of re- and a renovated dining Pfc. McLyman’s best friend construction at a dedication facility.” in the Army. ceremony, April 3. As the long awaited day “Honestly, I didn’t expect The facility was renamed for a better dining facility this to happen,” Spc. New- the Private First Class Erin arrived, it was also met with man said. “On my FOB, L. McLyman Dining facility sorrow with the dedication (FOB Warhorse,) there Photo by Pfc. Adrian Muehe, in honor of Pfc. McLyman to Pfc. McLyman. are gyms dedicated. Our 3SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. PAO who was killed during a “I didn’t get a chance to helicopter pad is dedicated Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Da- mortar attack at FOB Cobra, know Pfc. McLyman, but vidson, commander of 1/14th to someone, and I’m re- Cavalry Regt., 3SBCT, 2nd ID, March 13. I knew about her,” Lt. Col. ally glad they did this. I’m and Lt. Col. H. Haydn Hungerford The renovated dining Davidson said. “She was honored to be here, and if III, commander of 296th BSB, 3rd facility is part of an expan- a tenacious, fun-loving she were here, she would be SBCT, 2nd ID, remove the cover sion of FOB Cobra to make Soldier. She simply was for the plaque dedicating the honored as well.” dining facility at FOB Cobra, to living conditions here better what we want, and what After the dedication Pfc. Erin McLyman. Private First for Soldiers. we expect, from all of our ceremony, the dining facil- Class McLyman was killed dur- “To say that we inherited Soldiers. The decision to ity served its first meal, ing an attack on FOB Cobra a neglected outpost would dedicate this dining facil- and as the Soldiers of FOB “We are sad with the be an understatement,” said ity to Pfc. McLyman was an Cobra celebrated the open- passing of Pfc. McLyman, Lt. Col. Joseph Davidson, easy one.” ing of the newly renovated and we are honored that we commander of 1st Squad- Present for the dedica- building, they took time get the chance to dedicate ron, 14th Cavalry Regi- tion were her friends and to remember their fallen this to her,” Lt. Col David- ment, 3rd Stryker Brigade comrades from Company comrade. son said. The North Star Page 3 • April 5, 2010 Continued from Year, Page 1 of the cultural advisors and linguists, tory of the culture, the event featured a appreciated the event and the history it who he called multi-cultural advisors documentary and a slide show. taught him, but he appreciated the live- and multi-linguists due to the fact they Both featured different aspect of the entertainment the most. know many cultures and many lan- culture and what it contributed to mod- “I thought the dancers were excel- guages. ern societies around the world, includ- lent,” he said. “I really enjoyed see- “I learn so much every day serving ing architecture such as the hanging ing something different. I liked the with my multi-lingual cultural advi- gardens of Babylon, and mudbricks, costumes and the colorfulness of the sors. I would ask all of you today who which are still used in construction in dance.” serve with Task Force Marne please some parts of the world today, and the Primarily, the Chaldo-Assyrian peo- continue to share your knowledge and first known written legal code. ple are in Ninewa Plain in Ninewa your thoughts,” he said. “We need to The event also had Chaldo-Assyrian province, Iraq. They celebrated their hear what you have to tell us about the Folk Dancers who performed two tra- 6,760th New Year, April 1. culture of the land in which we are serv- ditional dances for the crowd. For more information on Chaldo-As- ing. The sharing of your thoughts is so Staff Sergeant George Rutledge, of syrian culture or cultural issues in Iraq, incredibly valuable to us.” Fairbanks, Alaska, is a battle noncom- contact Samah R. Youssef at NIPR: To show those who attended the his- missioned officer with TF Marne. He 849-0043 or SIPR: 670-2115. Continued from FAMILY, Page 1 support system,” said Spc. “There’s one postcard Another way that Sgt. eighth birthday. Terry Dixon, a signal sup- she sent me while I was in Rodriguez connects with his “She’s my heart, there port specialist with the 3rd Korea for Christmas,” Sgt. sister is by spending their aren’t words to explain,” Signal Company, DSTB, 3rd Rodriguez said. “The post- birthdays together each said Sgt. Rodriguez of An- ID. “I know if I call home, card was of a little girl lying year, no matter what part of isha Marie. “I just want the he’s there. on the ground with an um- the world he is in. Sergeant best for her, more than what “I send him little gifts, brella, and my first reaction Rodriguez and Anisha Marie I have. I would do anything like a picture of him with to the card was, ‘Aww.’ are two days and 20 years in this world for that little his karate gear on that “When I opened the apart, but share the month girl. If I never have kids, was made into a magazine card, that’s exactly what she of June. that doesn’t matter, because cover,” said Spc. Dixon. “I wrote. My heart stopped They’ve managed to I’ll have her.” also got him Chuck Norris and the tears came down my spend their birthdays to- Although Spc. Dixon DVDs because he is into eyes. I don’t know if it’s our gether the last three years and Sgt. Rodriguez are not karate now.” chemistry, but almost every in a row, and this June, Sgt. children, they still manage Soldiers can also take little thing about each other Rodriguez plans on continu- to get in touch with their advantage of cultural gifts is the same. Two bodies, one ing the trend and seeing his child-like side, something the local shops have to offer, soul.” sister for his 28th and her they can attribute to both since they are in deployed Emmanuel and Anisha to a part of the world not Marie. everyone gets a chance to “I call her my Super Girl, visit. and I’m her Superman,” “I just sent him a book- said Sgt. Rodriguez of his let full of Iraqi money and baby sister. “I’m called coins because he likes coins Superman because that’s my from different countries,” favorite cartoon hero.” Spc. Dixon added. “He’s got “On my bed, I have Em- an old soul, and he likes the manuel’s Pokémon sheets, Temptations so I’ll go online and before I left [for de- and get him Temptation ployment] he said, ‘Mom, DVDs.” you can take my Pokémon For Sgt. Josuan Rodri- sheets,’” said Spc. Dixon. guez, a communications “It’s a way for me to stay specialist and training connected with him. It’s a non-commissioned officer constant reminder for me. for 3rd Sig. Co., DSTB, 3rd He’s the reason why I’m ID., the communication doing what I do. He always hits closer to home through Photo Courtesy of Sgt. Josuan Rodriguez says ‘Mama, I’m proud of postcards from his 7-year- Sergeant Josuan Rodriguez stands with his parents, niece and sister, you,’ and I say I’m proud of old sister, Anisha Marie. Anisha Marie, during a military event. him too.” The North Star Page 4 • April 5, 2010

Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Sergeant Peter Mettias, of Victorville, Calif., is with 2nd Battalion, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. He serves as an OH-58 crew chief and has made strong contributions to the Ghostriders’ maintenance team, positively impacting troop operations. Over the last seven days, he facilitated the launch of more than 20 combat missions resulting in more than 280 flight hours. He completed five preventive maintenance services, supervised the completion of six preventive phase maintenance tasks, and contributed directly to the completion of a tail rotor system dynamic balancing, four main rotor flight control adjustments and numerous hours of troubleshooting to keep the Ghostriders postured to support combat operations. In addition, he is directly responsible for coordinating the calibration of the troop’s test, measurement and diagnostic equipment, items that are essential to the completion of critical maintenance tasks. Sergeant Mettias’ technical expertise and leadership have earned him the title of today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

Zena Bamerni, of Nashville, is one of the few linguists capable of translating English to written Kurdish in Task Force Marne. Bamerni is often tasked with short-notice requirements to translate lengthy, technical documents for crucial meetings. Due to the limitations of the available equipment, this has resulted in many late nights as she painstakingly “types” the document using a virtual keyboard with a mouse. Additionally, Zena is a valued member of the United States Division - North’s plans section; she translates a wide range of documents quickly and efficiently between English, Arabic, and Kurdish. Whatever the task, she always attacks the chore with professionalism, without complaint, and with a smile on her face. Therefore, Bamerni is an excellent choice for this week’s Task Force Marne Service Provider of the Week.

Task Force Marne Kid Hero of the North You are invited Connor Phillips, 8, excelled in Easter Sunrise Service Where: Main Gym Stadium, school and sports over the last few COB Speicher weeks resulting in several accom- When: April 4 plishments. Chuck Mulligan (Hypnotist) First, he was chosen as the Stu- Where: COB Speicher, FOB Normandy, dent of the week over forty other FOB Warhorse, COL Cobra, FOB Griz- students in his Chong Nhu Karate zly, COL Bernstein class, which resulted in him leading When: April 4-8, Time TBD the class Dragon Run. Twista He received three As and one B Where: FOB Q-West on his report card resulting in a 3.75 When: April 14, Time TBD grade point average on his first re- Zac Brown Band port card since starting a new school Where: FOB Warrior, Mosul due to his parent’s deployment. When: April 16-17, Time TBD Connor also finished his second Har- Darryl Worley ry Potter book this month. Finally, Where: COB Speicher Connor led his baseball team to vic- When: April 30, Time TBD tory by driving in four runs including UFC Tour the winning three-run homerun. Where: TBD As Connor’s karate instructor When: May 3-6, Time TBD stated, “Connor sets the example Lonewolf Comedians for all other students to follow,” but Where: TBD more importantly, he is a great ex- When: May 11-14, Time TBD ample for his younger siblings. Con- Phil Vandel nor is an all-around great kid and is Where: TBD a well deserving Task Force Marne When: May 18-22, Time TBD Kid Hero of the Week! The North Star Page 5 • April 5, 2010 Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s Companies donate to save nearly seven times, Eugene DeFronzo, with media attention from Texas Seattle fireworks Cheshire, Conn., plans to run his Motor Speedway President Eddie United Press International 409th marathon in Abilene, April 10, Gossage’s announcement that wearing bib #29. radio host Terry Dorsey accepted a SEATTLE - Company officials with DeFronzo has also run in Kenya, $100,000 offer to change his name to Starbucks and Microsoft said they are Antarctica, Berlin, London and all 13 TexasMotorSpeedway.com, the Fort making donations to help preserve a Canadian provinces twice. Worth Star-Telegram reported April 1. traditional July Fourth fireworks show “I am looking forward to doing the The announcement, sent out in a in Seattle. Eisenhower Marathon as I have heard news release, was later revealed to be Dave Ross, a disc jockey with many nice things about it,” DeFronzo a prank. KIRO-FM, Seattle, said he began said. “I have a sense of humor, but this taking pledges to save the Lake Union DeFronzo, who is 74, said that 20 just was not funny,” Wilder said Fourth of July fireworks show April years ago he was out of shape, and one Wednesday. “My staff and myself 1 after One Reel, the company that of his friends advised him to take up both wasted about three hours today produces the event, announced it running. because where you file to change needed half a million dollars by next “I should have started running a lot names is in the family law building. week to be able to put on a display this earlier,” DeFronzo said. “I ran my first We couldn’t just let all these year, KING-TV, Seattle, reported April marathon at age 54. “The training is unbridled film crews into this place 2. rigorous, and the last six miles seem where people are standing in lines Ross, who personally pledged to last forever, but when you pass the with their lives falling apart and $1,000 to the cause, said Tom finish line, the thrill is worth all the children all around crying,” he said. Douglas, a restaurateur and One Reel hard work.” “How am I supposed to let all these board member, was the first to pledge DeFronzo hopes to finish his TV people film this? I have got to be a donation with a promise of $5,000. seventh round of running a marathon careful about that, and everyone needs He said many more donations from in every state, and needs to run to get appropriate permissions to do local businesses followed, culminating marathons in only six more states to so. in Starbucks and Microsoft do so. I’m not laughing. Let’s put it that announcing plans to donate $125,000 way. It was just a great inconvenience each. Name prank irks Texas and, apparently, Mr. Gossage and “I think we can guarantee this district clerk Mr. Dorsey have a lot of time on their thing,” the Seattle Times quoted United Press International hands so maybe they can help us with Ross as saying after the corporate our 30,000 cases and the overload we donations. FORT WORTH, Texas - The have on a daily basis. Man plans to run his 409th district clerk of Texas’ Tarrant County said he and his staff were not amused marathon in Abilene by an early April Fools’ Day prank by Abilene Reflector-Chronicle Anti-Kidnapping tip: Texas Motor Speedway officials. Don’t let your guard down. Keep a ABILENE, Kan. -Having run Tarrant County District Clerk close eye on your battle buddy and a marathon in every state and DC Tom Wilder said and his staff spent check accountability regularly three hours Wednesday dealing

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 publication for members of the U.S. Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff Army. Contents of The North Star are not TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Defense, Department of the Army or the TF Marne Writer- Sgt. Johnathon Jobson 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content of The North Star is prepared, edited, Editorial Staff provided and approved by the Task Force Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs 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