Vol. 2, Issue 49 December 11, 2005

502nd Personnel Services Battalion is ready to help anyone who needs it pg. 7

215th Quartermaster isn’t a fish out of water running gun truck missions pg. 8 Photo by Spc. Spencer Case Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Soldiers make monument Base Camp Adder celebrates Thanksgiving by dedicating a Soldier-built memorial

pg.pg.pg.pg. 9955 Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda From left: Sgt. Pedro Domingo Leguizamon, Spc. Isaac Johnson, and Pfc. Eric Crawford, all members of the 2-44th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, pay their respects to fallen comrades during the inauguration of the monument they built. PAGE 2 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 National Security U.S. officials say terrorist Advisor outlines video is ‘disinformation’ progress in Iraq American Forces Press Service In Fallujah, Iraqi army troops and coalition forces American Forces Press Service detained three men and seized their weapons after the men attempted to gain access to the city. WASHINGTON – U.S. military officials in Iraq labeled Iraqi soldiers stopped and searched the suspects’ WASHINGTON – The U.S. is already on the road to a video as “disinformation” that was posted to a terrorist vehicle when they noticed the license plate and vehicle complete victory in Iraq, the president’s national secu- Web site and aired by some media showing the roadside name were blacked out. The soldiers found two AK-47s, rity adviser told Sunday talk show hosts. bomb attack that killed 10 U.S. Marines on Dec. 1. one sniper rifle, three magazines, several loose 7.62 mm “We do have a strategy and we think we’re making “The circumstances of the IED attack near Fallujah do rounds and a CD containing anti-coalition propaganda. progress” on the president’s National Strategy for Vic- not match those shown on the video,” they added in a In Siniyah, six terror suspects were detained Dec. 2 tory in Iraq, Stephen Hadley said on “Fox News Sun- statement. The videos authenticity has not been deter- after a concerned resident informed police about a day.” He added that “this is a difficult thing that’s be- mined, but “the statement claiming that the video shows vehicle-borne improvised explosive device being built ing done.” the Dec. 1 attack near Fallujah is false,” the officials said. nearby. Hadley said the subtitle of the strategy, unveiled Nov. In other news, Army and Air Force units teamed up to Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s 3rd 30, defined what the Bush administration considers a crush a terrorist attack against an Army patrol near Brigade Combat Team conducted a raid on the site and complete victory: “Helping the Iraqi People Defeat the Balad, Iraq on Dec. 3. The attack began with a hail of searched the suspects’ vehicle. Terrorists and Build an Inclusive Democratic State.” small-arms fire directed at the patrol. The Soldiers Two AK-47s, a sniper rifle, bomb-making materials Hadley said Saddam Hussein loyalists, terrorists and quickly located and engaged the gunmen, forcing them and $5,300 in U.S. currency were seized. rejectionists still try to derail the political process in the to take cover. Two of the six suspects tested positive for explosives run-up to the elections on Dec. 15, “because they know The patrol called for close-air support from two Air residue, though no explosives were found at the site. the political process will be the end for them.” Force F-16 fighter jets, which responded by dropping In a separate action near Balad, Soldiers from the 3rd He added that with each election, more and more laser-guided bombs. Two terrorists were killed in the Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team detained Iraqis have voted. “That’s progress,” he said. “That is short engagement. five terrorist suspects Dec. 3. the strategy for victory — that and the training of the One Soldier was treated at the scene for minor injuries The suspects were spotted using burning gas to soften Iraqi security forces.” and returned to duty. In a Kifl neighborhood, an Iraqi the asphalt so an IED could be placed in the roadbed. Hadley said progress got a boost from an unexpected police explosives disposal team discovered a weapons The same day near the eastern city of Sadiyah, another source: wanted Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al- cache Dec. 3 that included 143 122 mm mortar and seven terrorist was killed when the IED he was attempting to Zarqawi. 155 mm artillery rounds. place detonated prematurely. Zarqawi claimed his terrorist network was respon- The materials were turned over to authorities to be In eastern Baghdad, Iraqi firefighters from the Rusafa sible for the Nov. 10 hotel bombings in Amman, Jordan, destroyed later. Fire Station turned over more than 200 rounds of that killed 63 people and wounded hundreds. Those Three incidents Dec. 2 resulted in the wounding of an unexploded ordnance to elements of Task Force Baghdad attacks raised the ire of the Muslim world and have Iraqi police officer and the detention of 13 terrorist for destruction Dec. 1. changed the thinking of some Iraqis, Hadley said. suspects. The firefighters gave 65 artillery rounds and 143 “Zarqawi’s attack in Jordan has been a real catalyst In Samarra, Iraqi police officers on a patrol were mortar rounds to members of the 1st Battalion, 9th Field in making clear the true methods of the terrorists and it attacked by two men. The officers, backed up by police Artillery. has resulted in ... an increasing rejection of Zarqawi commandos, secured the area and engaged the two men. This cooperation is a continuing effort between the and the terrorists by Iraqis, he said on CNN’s “Late The police said the attackers used AK-47 assault rifles leadership of the Rusafa Fire Station and the artillery Edition With Wolf Blitzer.” “That’s a very good thing. and left in a white Toyota pickup truck. battalion to rid the area of unexploded ordnance and That’s progress.” Two individuals were later stopped and apprehended deny terrorists potential bomb-making material. Everyone involved, including the Iraqis, would like at an Iraqi army checkpoint driving a white Toyota truck. “On Nov. 3, we secured a slightly smaller, but still to move to the next level, Hadley said on ABC’s “This The soldiers at the checkpoint searched the vehicle significant, load of munitions in the same location. I am Week.” He was very clear, however, that any decision and found two AK-47s with cartridge cases littering the glad to be working with the firefighters here to make the by the president to withdraw troops be conditions- floorboard. community safer for everyone especially the children based. One condition is an Iraqi security force capable They reported the weapons were hot to the touch and who like to play in areas where much of the unexploded of securing its own country, he said. smelled of gunpowder. ordnance still remains,” said Maj. Jay Sawyer, the unit’s “We think that if trends continue and we continue to Later, two other insurgents were apprehended at the operations officer. make the progress, and the Iraqis continue to make ... same checkpoint for having weapons in their vehicle. “The most exciting aspect to me is that the Iraqi progress, we will be in a position sometime next year These individuals are also believed to have participated citizens provide the Iraqi security forces and fire depart- for the commanders on the ground to make their as- in the attack. ments with the location of unexploded ordnance they sessments,” Hadley said. “And it may be at that point The wounded officer was shot twice in the left shoul- find in their neighborhoods,” Sawyer added. “The that they will come to the president and say, ‘We want der and once in the head. The bullet ricocheted off the people want their communities safer and they look to the to make some adjustments.’” officer’s forehead and went through his left ear. Iraqi government to provide that safety.” At the end of the day, Hadley said the U.S. can help Medics at the scene said the officer should make a full A U.S. explosives disposal team later destroyed all of the Iraqis defeat the terrorists and establish an inclu- recovery. the ordnance. sive democratic state. Ultimately, however, they’ve got to take the reigns, he said.

and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000 Deputy Public Affairs Officer papers. 207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Commander Maj. Curtis Carney The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. in building 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda Times, 207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NCOIC HHC 3rd COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Web site at Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the www.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm Editor 3rd COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. The Contact Sgt. Marshall Thompson via e-mail at Sgt. Marshall Thompson contents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and are [email protected] or Sgt. 1st Class not to be considered the official views of, or endorsed Staff Writers Jeffrey S. Mullett at [email protected] Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda by, the U.S. Government, including the Department of Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 3rd COSCOM Commanding General Sgt. Mitch Armbruster Anaconda Times is a command information newspa- Brig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead Sgt. Jason Mikeworth per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Sgt. Ty D. Stafford Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press Center Spc. Spencer Case Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars Lt. Col. Brian McNerney DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 3 Soldiers renovate group headquarters By Sgt. Ty Stafford Staff Writer

Many Soldiers are seen inside a large gazebo seeking a reprieve from the hot sun under its wood and rafter enclosure. This gazebo and other facility improvements make life a little easier for the Soldiers using them. With more than 150 projects under their belt, Sgt. Mark Kinder, Pvt. Bryce Lyons and Pvt. Shawn Rounds use their skills to help build the 64th Corps Support Group’s headquarters facility at Logistical Support Area Al Asad into a small utopia. All the Soldiers working on the projects are using civilian-acquired skills to accomplish the mission. “We are both 88Ms [truck driver],” Rounds said of himself and Lyons, “and Sgt. Kinder is a mechanic.” Both Rounds and Lyons recently graduated from Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Miss. “We both got to Fort Hood and were reassigned to the 64th and now we are working here,” Lyons said. “We’re jacks-of-all trades,” Lyons added. Arriving in September, the Soldiers began creating shelves, tables and chairs to improve the working conditions. But after completing those tasks, the Soldiers were asked to stay on to help area beautification. Given the green light from the command, the Soldiers went to work creating gazebos, foot stools and cubicles for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Room and privacy screens for showers, to name a few items. “Some of the projects we come up with on our own, but most of them are on a need basis, like the door lock installations for the offices and shelving units,” Rounds said.

Usually, working without plans of any type, the Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford Soldiers create the structures using equipment and Pvt. Shawn Rounds uses a sledge hammer to adjust the floor to the new entry control point at the main entrance to the group th lumber supplied by the 64 CSG. headquarters while Pvt. Byrce Lyons holds it in place. “So far our biggest project is the large gazebo, which took us about two weeks to build,” Rounds said. the 64th CSG. Nelson along with Maj. Richard Graves, what they’re doing. The gazebo, located behind the main headquarters is chaplain, use the gazebo often. “It’s nice to see what we’ve done and how the Soldiers not only used for a break area, but also for meetings for “These guys are dedicated to their job, they’re always and the command respond to what we’ve made,” larger groups. working.” Graves said. “I think they are giving the Rounds said. The detail is currently working on a new “The gazebo was put up pretty quickly and each Seabees a run for their money.” Entry Control Point at the main entrance to the group project seems to be an improvement on the last one The detail doesn’t foresee any changes to their mis- headquarters and is slated for another project to begin in built,” said Sgt. Matthew Nelson, chaplain assistant for sion while they are stationed at Al Asad, but they enjoy December.

Question of the Week What is one of your favorite holiday traditions?

Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Hanson Sgt. Steven Awa Spc. Francinette Holokahi and Spc. Sgt. Lauren Robinson Staff Sgt. Samasoni Celea 1st BCT 29th BCT Nicole Harrison, 29th BCT 29th BCT 100/442nd IN "We take a trip around Thanks- "My mom lets someone else "We go to Maile Beach and have "Right after Thanksgiving dinner, "We do a lot of story telling, up giving to get together with the cook, for once." a party where all the kids get pre- we start decorating for Christ- to midnight Christmas Eve." family." sents." mas." PAGE 4 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 Re-up office keeps signing Joy Night Soldiers on in Camp Al Asad By Sgt. Ty Stafford Christmas Staff Writer

The 64th Corps Support Group re-enlistment office at music Logistical Support Area Al Asad has been busy since its arrival in Iraq. So far, more than 80 re-enlistments have taken place and still more to come before the group leaves next year. th celebration The 64 CSG, arrived at Al Asad in September but had one Soldier re-up prior to even leaving Kuwait, said Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Benson, senior career counselor. Of the 80 re-ups, the majority have been junior enlisted Soldiers re-enlisting for six years, she said. Within the group alone, Benson and her team are re- sponsible for more than 300 initial-term Soldiers and more than 400 mid-term and career Soldiers. Mid-term Soldiers have re-enlisted once and are under 10 years of service while career Soldiers have surpassed their 10 year mark. “We’ve done several re-enlistments the same day the Soldier walks in,” Benson said. The re-enlistment process can be done within 24 hours using the Internet to access the Soldiers database. If the Internet is down, it can lengthen the process, Benson said. Even though the office is augmented with re-enlistment NCOs from FOBs at Al Taqaddum, Tallil, Ramadi and even Camp Arifijan in Kuwait, it’s kept busy on a day-to-day basis. “We rely heavily on the re-enlistment NCOs at the other bases to do the leg-work since we can’t travel to them,” Benson said. Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford In her office, Benson is helped by Staff Sgt. Rosielani Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Benson, senior career counselor for Coger, who became a career counselor in June and Staff the 64th Corps Support Group, has been a career counselor Sgt. Simon Gordon, a representative from the 82nd Airborne for the U.S. Army for five years. Division, which has a task force sized element stationed at Al Asad. “I have a point of contact in Baghdad that handles all The 101st Airborne Division used the re-up office while Reserve re-enlistments if they decide to stay with the Re- they were stationed at Al Asad, Benson added. serve system,” Benson said. “Outside of the group, we have many units and Sol- Before the group leaves next year, Benson estimates more diers who are attached to us or do not have a career coun- than 500 re-enlistments but it could easily surpass that selor and use us as their re-up office,” Benson said. with the other units attached to the 64th CSG. Dec. 18 For Reserve Soldiers, the office offers an RC to AC (re- In any event, the re-up office will continue to keep Sol- serve component to active component) re-enlistment op- diers informed on career decisions and help the Army meet contact 829-1430 tion but does not actually re-enlist Reservists. its re-enlistment goals for the future. FreedomFreedom RadioRadio FrequenciesFrequencies

107.7 Baghdad 107.9 Sinjar 105.1 Mosul, Fallujah 107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi 93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad 107.1 Ridgeway 102.5 Camp Taji

“Always There, on the Air!” DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 5 One stop logistics center opens By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth communication between offices. Staff Writer “Sometimes computer networks go down, or the phone system goes down,” Gilmore said. “Now we can just go down the hallway to talk to that person.” The 35th Area Support Group is making life, and its Maj. David Smith, the installation food service supporting services, easier at Logistical Support Area manager, agreed that communication is easier. Anaconda. “We’re able to coordinate better with Billeting, Life The new Garrison Logistics Center opened Nov. 28 at Support, communications branch versus being spread the corner of Thunder Road and New York Avenue in an out over Anaconda,” Smith said. effort to consolidate LSA Anaconda’s Food Services, “The overall coordination when you have everyone Property Book Office, Billeting and Transient Housing, here is much easier if you need to have a discussion as well as Automation, Life Support services and the concerning something than if you try to do it by e-mail or Director of Logistics. over the phone,” said Chief Warrant Officer Tom Hasler, “The Logistics Center supports all of the garrison for the installation food advisor. life support, billeting, food services, any type of logistical The new facility is also speeding up the work of the requirements,” said Lt. Col. Mike Gilmore, the garrison 35th’s S-6 section. director of logistics. “It’s basically a one-stop shop for “Where we were at before was a trailer, and it was just unit members here at LSA Anaconda to put in a request constantly getting muddied-up with dirt and dust, and about life support issues.” we were spending a few hours a day trying to knock the The consolidation effort took about two weeks of dirt off our stuff,” said Sgt. Jim Weston, a Soldier from the planning before work on the new facility began, Gilmore S-6 section. “Being able to get over here has been great.” said. Weston also said his mission has been streamlined Once the site was selected, Soldiers began a 10 day now that his section is co-located with its main customer campaign to refurbish the former mayor’s cell building. group. They cleaned, painted and even built some new furniture “Now that we’re with the other sections, we’re to create a custom feel for some offices. dealing more with the users that actually need our help,” “The staff is ecstatic with more space to work in,” Weston said. “It’s not an all-day affair trying to get Gilmore said. someone’s system up on the network.” Previously, some service offices were cramped to- Gilmore said the efficiency of the new facility applies gether at the new mayor’s cell building near the post to customer units as well as those who work in the GLC. chapel. Other offices were scattered across the camp. Gilmore said placing all of the services together means “It cuts down on foot traffic at the new mayor’s cell the customers no longer need to travel from place to Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth and helps make that more secure,” Gilmore said of the place to handle their logistical needs. Col. Sharon Duffy, the deputy commander of the 3rd Corps move. “We’re customer service oriented,” Gilmore said. “Our Support Command, shakes hands with a Soldier as she tours Gilmore also added that combining the various number one goal is to support the Soldiers in the field. the newly opened Garrison Logistics Center at Logistical logistics services into one center will help improve It’s all about the Soldier.” Support Area Anaconda. Pine Bluff graduates share memories in Iraq By Sgt. Ty Stafford Williams, who was a couple of years Staff Writer behind us, served here as well,” Hunt said. t was a good place to grow up and I “The ROTC program at UAPB, only At the 64th Corps Support Group at produces 4 to 5 graduates a year,” White Logistical Support Area Al Asad, Iraq, the think we are all in touch with said, “so for that many of us to be out here Headquarters and Headquarters Com- serving in Iraq is amazing.” pany commander, the chaplain and an friends and family back there. During Graves’s time at UAPB, the intelligence officer play key roles in day- ROTC program was mandatory for all to-day operations. I -Maj. Richard Graves students, but now the freshmen class will But for these three officers, their bond begin with 400 to 500 members and goes back even further than the military. narrows down to 40 to 50 by the senior Maj. Richard Graves, chaplain, Capt. through in-processing at the unit at Fort Division 1AA team, went on active duty year, White added. Oral White and Capt. Tim Hunt all hail Hood and two of the officers knew each as a chemical officer, re-classed to ord- “It takes a lot of dedication to get from the state of Arkansas and even went other at the school. nance and then moved on to command through it. Doing PT in the morning is not to the same college, the University of “I met Sgt. Nelson when I in-processed, the HHC for the 64th. usually a part of normal college life,” Arkansas at Pine Bluff. because the clerk said, ‘Oh you’re from Hunt was on the Delayed Entry White said. The city of Pine Bluff has a population the same hometown as Sgt. Nelson’ and I Program with the Arkansas National College is not the only link the Soldiers near 70,000 and the UAPB campus has a met the others here,” Graves said. Guard before getting accepted for the have to Pine Bluff. All the servicemembers little more than 2,500 students. Graves, the oldest of the Arkansas Green to Gold Program and receiving his have family members living in the Pine Although the years separate them, the natives, graduated UAPB in 1978 and commission as an infantry officer as- Bluff and Little Rock area, which is a trio along with Chief Warrant Officer Dill spent time afterwards in the Kansas signed to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort short drive away. and Sgt. Nelson, who is on rear detach- National Guard and the chaplain candi- Hood, Texas. “I go home to hunt and visit during the ment assignment at Fort Hood, Texas, date program before coming onto active Both White and Hunt were in the same holidays,” Hunt said. have common memories of life in Pine duty in 1999 and eventually landing a fraternity at UAPB. “It was a good place to grow up and I Bluff. position with the 64th CSG in July. “We were Omega Si Phi,” White said. think we are all in touch with friends and “There is definitely a connection White and Hunt, closer in age and Hunt also had two other officers in his family back there,” Graves said. between us. We know all the places to eat graduation, both received their commis- graduating class who are currently Although not an official reunion of at and we know the area so we have sion from the UAPB Reserve Officer serving in Iraq. classmates, their meeting in Iraq helps reference points when talking about Pine Training Course. White graduated in “Capt. Kendrick Lusk and Capt. remind them of past memories of friends Bluff,” Graves said. 2000 and Hunt in 1999. Bernard House are both serving around and family as they continue their tour in The group met by happenstance, White, a tailback for the Golden Lions Baghdad and another officer, 1st Lt. Iraq. PAGE 6 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 WWinterinter isis thethe timetime fforor airair conditioningconditioning By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth keep them clean by using an air hose at Staff Writer any maintenance facility to blow out debris. Once they go bad, Licon said, it can lead to lengthy repair times. Now that December is here and the “The condenser can take four to five official start of winter is looming, memo- hours to replace,” Licon said. “The ries of 130 degree summer days are evaporator is another one that can take fading. That doesn’t mean Soldiers four hours.” shouldn’t start planning for next summer. Long waits in sweltering heat with no The Army Materiel Command Tactical air conditioning is something most Wheeled Vehicle Service Center is encour- Soldiers don’t want to endure. aging Soldiers to get the air conditioning “I recommend people come in now so units for their vehicles serviced now to they don’t have to wait in line,” Licon beat the spring rush. said. “We want people to come here now, “Our workload is slow due to the cold before the summer comes. That way season,” Gerry Kesselbach, the shop lead nobody gets left out.” for air conditioning services said. “We Licon said he is happy to help Soldiers have the parts on hand and we have time. out with their air conditioning issues. Everything is 100 percent in stock.” “I did six years in the military, now I’m Kesselbach said last summer nearly here for the Soldiers,” Licon said. “I know half of all customers were turned away what it’s like to be out there in the heat each day. with all their gear. For them to take care of Shop statistics show that the month of themselves and get this done would be May is nearly five times busier than good.” November and December. Kesselbach said he couldn’t stress “The summer workload is unbeliev- enough the need to repair broken units. able,” Kesselbach said. “Last year the “Air conditioning is essential. Right demand was so high we were out of a lot now, everybody forgets about it because of parts. Hopefully we won’t run into the it’s not hot enough,” Kesselbach said. same problem, but I have to assume that “With all the armor and all the gear, it’s a we will.” must to have air conditioning. It’s a killer Although the shop works on a first if you don’t. You’re going to pass out.” come, first served basis, priority is given Kesselbach said he hopes everyone to combat logistics patrols that are just will take advantage of the slow winter stopping by for a few hours at a time. season to prepare for the busy summer “Convoys, people who go outside the months. wire, we’ve got to get to them first,” Hugo “Think ahead,” he said. “If you know Licon, a field service representative, said. it’s broken, come now.” Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth The most common issue with air The AMC is located on the north side Hugo Licon, a field service representitive, works to replace air conditioning system parts on conditioning systems is dust clogging up of Sustainer Street, east of Pennsylvania a humvee at the Army Materiel Command Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Service Center at Lo- the evaporator, Licon said. Soldiers can Avenue. gistical Support Area Anaconda.

LSA ANACONDA Dining Facility Hours of Operation

DFAC 1 Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Late Night 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DFACs 2 & 3 Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. DFAC 4 Breakfast 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC hours for all locations are seven days a week. All patrons must be in the proper uniform and be able to present appropriate identification. DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 7 502nd PSB ready to help Soldier uses mortuary By Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux skills from old MOS Staff Writer

Detachment C of the 502nd Personnel Services Battal- ion on Logistical Support Area Anaconda has its doors open to everyone who needs assistance with personnel issues. They help over 20,000 personnel on Anaconda, and additional customers from the surrounding forward operating bases. Whoever walks through their door becomes their customer, whereas, at their home station at Fort Carson, Co., they have identified units who make up their clientele. PSB offers a wide variety of services. These include: updating noncommissioned officer evaluation reports, officer evaluation reports or issuing common access cards often referred to as ID cards. They also have a machine to produce identification tags. “We do citizenship applications, personnel actions if Soldiers want to go to warrant officer boards, OCS boards, we work on promotion documents, ERB [Enlisted Records Brief] updates, ORB [Officer Records Brief] updates,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patricia Winfrey, the OIC of personnel services support. If a Soldier is eligible for a board, he or she may walk in to PSB to update records. If a Soldier just needs to use a computer to download some items from their official Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda military files, they may do so at PSB, Winfrey said. Sgt. Donald Lonski of the 254th Quartermaster Co. pre- The PSB is in the process of getting their systems up pares to leave Iraq after a year of unexpected events. and running, so that they can access and update Reserv- ists and National Guard records as well. Currently By Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda whenever Reserves and National Guardsmen deploy, Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Staff Writer there isn’t a system that is accessible theater- wide to Spc. Amando E. Garcia, a personnel clerk with Detachment update their records. PSB is working on getting the RLAS C, 502nd Personnel Services Battalion troubleshoots the computer used to produce ID cards. [Regional Level Application Software] and PERMS An explosion rocked Sgt. Donald Lonski’s cot at an [Personnel Electronic Records Management System]. For Iraqi camp just outside Tal Afar one morning in now, they have points of contact on the Reserve and Exchange or the dining facility, until PSB is able to make October. National Guard side who they can consult. a new card. A resident of Felton, Del., Lonski had been living at “The ID cards section is the majority of our workload Despite the occasional holdups, customers seem the camp for nearly three months as part of a shower, here. We get civilians, DOD contractors and Soldiers,” satisfied with the PSB. laundry and textiles team that the Army Reserve’s Winfrey said. “I think this far I have been pretty impressed with the 254th Quartermaster Company had sent to support The section helps anywhere between 35 and 50 service. It is not their fault that the machinery went about 700 Iraqis and less than 100 Americans living customers a day, said Spc. Almando E. Garcia, personnel down, so I really don’t have any complaints,” Johnson there. The camp served as a launching pad for anti- clerk assigned to the ID cards section. said. terrorist operations and on Oct. 12, a group of civil- “I like getting to see all the different Soldiers coming Another issue that the PSB has been experiencing is ians came to the gate seeking to enlist in the new Iraqi in, who are not from normal garrison units. They tell me that most people have more time to come in during the military. Armed with a vest full of explosives, an about their experiences all the time,” he said. weekend to get a new ID card. Little do they know that insurgent found his way to the middle of the crowd Different cases require different documentation when during the weekends, some of the systems used to issue and blew up himself, killing nearly 30 prospective one needs an ID card. the cards are under scheduled maintenance in the U.S., recruits and injuring at least 35 others. If the card was lost or stolen, the Soldier “has to have which creates enormous delays in issuing cards. A sergeant in Lonski’s team awoke him, and told a DA Form 4187 signed by the commander, and a DA PSB asks their customers to only contact the ID cards him that the attack resulted in a mass casualty Form 4856, where I counseled him on loosing his ID card section during the weekend if it is an emergency. If situation. The only doctor on site, a U.S. Navy corps- and the importance of keeping up with that ID card,” everything is up and running, an ID card can be issued man, had run through a mass casualty exercise with said Sgt. 1st Class Larry R. Johnson, a mechanic from in as little as 12 minutes, whereas during the hours of Lonski’s team the day before, and as practiced, he Forward Support Company, 159th Aviation Brigade, 4th- scheduled maintenance, the process can take over an asked the team to secure the area of impact and asked 101st Aviation Regiment from Fort Campbell, Ky. hour, Garcia said. Lonski to take charge of the deceased. He’s been in country for a little over a month, but he’s PSB has also experienced a flood of customers who Lonski, who joined the Army Reserve 12 years ago already had two Soldiers loose an ID card. were concerned with their Servicemember’s Group Life as a mortuary affairs specialist, was the only Soldier If a Soldier was promoted, all he needs is promotion Insurance or Family Servicemember’s Group Life Insur- on post with any knowledge of how to treat corpses. orders to acquire a new card. If a card is expired, PSB ance lately. He grabbed five other Soldiers and blasted an air needs to see deployment or extension orders to issue a According to a Department of the Army memorandum conditioner through a small room, setting up a new card. dated Nov. 22, 2004, “The SGLI coverage was automatic makeshift morgue. The system is not always very reliable and goes down for servicemembers who were married when the program “One thing that I stressed with my guys was quite a bit. If that happens, the NCOIC of the ID card began (including dual military); entered active duty or respect for the deceased,” Lonski said. “There are section needs to call a helpdesk in Germany or in the Ready Reserve and were already married or had depen- proper ways to take care of their bodies, and you have States. “Normally if our systems are down, we come in dent children; got married or gained a dependent child to be careful with their [belongings], you have to take earlier or stay later, so we can help Soldiers, because during service and had SGLI coverage. Coverage must be care of them just as if they were one of yours.” most have to fly in,” Winfrey said. automatically declined by submitting SGLV Form 8286A The Soldiers did what they could with what they If they are unable to repair the system, they provide a to the servicing Personnel Services Battalion.” had. Normally, a team of 15 Soldiers would have memorandum for the customer, stating that the customer Lt. Col. Randolph Draughohrne, a National Guard staffed a morgue for the number of casualties that was not able to obtain a new identification card. This memorandum will temporarily allow access to the Post see 502nd PSB on pg. 15 PAGE 8 DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 PAGE 9

Photo by Spc. Spencer Case Sgt. Jason Nickles, a squad leader in the 215th Quartermaster Company. Ohio State fan sets an example as a good NCO

By Spc. Spencer Case Staff Writer Photo by Spc. Spencer Case Staff Sgt. James Connour and Spc. Charles Wilson of the 215th QM Co., remove a .50-caliber machine gun from a custom-made turret for Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda five ton trucks at Camp Cedar II, Nov. 25. Soldiers of the 215th provide security for combat logistics patrols over the last year. CAMP CEDAR, Iraq – Sgt. Jason Col. Victor McCagnan, the commander of the 16th Corps Support Group, renders a salute during a ceremony inaugurating a monument to fallen servicemembers at Camp Adder, Iraq. Nickles considers himself as the big- By Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda gest Ohio State fan in Iraq. Others Staff Writer think of him as a competent Soldier and an example to younger QM unit runs gun trucks servicemembers. ThanksgivingThanksgiving Since December of 2004, the Ohio Servicemembers at Base Camp Adder cel- The 215th QM adapts to new mission and learns new skills in a combat zone native has drawn on his experience to serve as a squad leader for the 215th ebrated Thanksgiving by dedicating a monu- By Spc. Spencer Case CLPs throughout Iraq, as far west as The unit had squad-sized elements in Quartermaster Company, of ment to fallen comrades on Nov. 24. Staff Writer Combat Outpost Rawah and as far north Combat Support Center Scania, Camp Jeffersonville, Ind., which has es- MonumentMonument as Tal Afar and Logistical Support Area Charlie and Camp Cedar II. These corted combat logistics patrols During a somber ceremony, servicemembers based out of Anaconda. Sometimes the Soldiers would elements supported other units in Class I throughout Iraq. CAMP CEDAR II, Iraq—The Soldiers of set out on missions they expected to be yards, which are secure areas where “He’s probably about the best Camp Adder, Camp Cedar II and Tallil Airfield dedicated some quartermaster companies might feel only a day long but ended up being three travelers can stop to get Meals Ready to leader in the whole company,” said Soldiers find their own way a monument to those who had died while serving out of the like fish out of water performing escort day events. Eat, water, ice and sometimes treats like Spc. Kyle Barner, a gunner for the 215th three camps. missions. However, the Soldiers of the “In the past year, we basically lived in beef jerky and sports drinks who worked alongside Nickles to honor their comrades “I can think of no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Iraq than by dedicat- 215th Quartermaster Company have made our trucks,” said Sgt. Jason Nickles, a The unit set up a program called K2K throughout the deployment. “He ing this outstanding memorial to our fellow men and women in uniform who have themselves at home on Iraq’s dangerous squad leader in the 215th. or “Kids 2 Kids,” that requested provi- doesn’t look out for himself first. He laid down their lives in the effort to provide the people of this free and sovereign roads. One way the 215th adapted to the sions from friends and families at home looks out for us first.” nation a democratic way of life that we as Americans exercise daily,” said Brig. Gen. The outgoing unit of just over 100 circumstances was by constructing to assist the local population. Soldiers In March, Soldiers from the 215th Jimmy Welch, the commanding general of the 194th Engineer Brigade and the keynote Soldiers from Jeffersonville, Ind., has custom-built gun turrets that converted volunteered to go on missions distribut- were helping to escort trucks from speaker at the event. “Today, it is our tradition to gather with family and friends to completed 350 escort missions for mili- five ton trucks into gun trucks. Through- ing the supplies to local nationals who Kellogg, Brown & Root when an IED express that which we are thankful for. As I look out upon you, I see that we make up tary and civilian combat logistics patrols out the deployment, troops continued lived between Camp Cedar and nearby disabled one of the fuel trucks that just that: leaders, friends and together, a family that has gathered to express our since February, said 1st Sgt. Brian Brocker making adjustments, such as adding a Tallil. The unit also made a trip to an they were escorting. Nickles took con- gratitude to those members [to] whom we owe thanks.” of the 215th. box to hold ammunition. orphanage at Nasariyah to give clothes trol of the CLP and reported the inci- Consisting of a an American and an Iraqi flag, a pair of boots, a kevlar helmet, a They also maintained their own “Pretty much any time they had a and candy to the children there. Danler dent to higher command. pair of identification tags, a replica M-4 rifle, and a white wall bearing 59 names, the vehicles, distributed basic provisions for scrap of metal and a welder they had said that the communities gave a positive In another instance, Nickle’s CLP monument is the product of the creativity of members of the 2-44th Air Defense Artillery other Soldiers on the road, and set up a something to add on to better their own response that was “overwhelming” to the halted when a civilian CLP ahead Battalion. charitable organization for Iraqi children, trucks,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Danler, who point that the Soldiers could not fit all the was under small arms fire. Somehow, “We wanted to honor those who gave all they had and to let people just getting on on top of other duties. has been the commander of the 215th supplies onto trucks. a KBR employee was stuck behind the ground know what’s expected of them,” said Sgt. Pedro Domingo Leguizamon, an Though 80 percent of the unit’s since he replaced Capt. Charley Faniel “For the Soldiers, it gives them a sense and needed to get to the front of the intelligence analyst with the 2-44th who was preparing to end his one year tour in Iraq Soldiers were reassigned from other units Oct. 18. that they are here doing something CLP. So Nickles, armed with an M- and who helped build the monument. in Kentucky, Ohio and elsewhere, the Soldiers of the 215th said the mission good,” Danler said. 249 Squad Automatic Weapon es- “These guys were given the mission and they took charge,” said Sgt. Maj. Timothy leadership of the 215th said the unit was was rewarding despite the difficulties. Spc. Chet Runion, of Sulphur, Ky., said corted him to the front while the Grant of the 2-44th about the Soldiers who built the monument. “They did it with able to come together for a difficult and “It makes you feel good about yourself, the tour has brought him two things: firefight was taking place. diligence and passion and they went the extra mile.” important tour. knowing that you’re keeping everybody friends and patience. For now, Runion, Nickles joined the Army when he Beginning in September, Leguizamon, Pfc. Eric Crawford and Spc. Isaac Johnson “To do the missions we have done in safe,” said Spc. Kyle Barner, a gunner like most of his peers in the unit, is was 18 because he felt his life lacked worked under the leadership of Sgt. 1st Class Thanh Phan in building the monument. the timeline we’ve done it, and to do it with the 215th. looking ahead to redeployment. direction. The Soldiers gathered the supplies from post units, and Phan even pitched in from his safely for nine months, for me is out- Though escort missions took up the “I’m looking forward to getting back Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda th own pockets to pay for some of the decorations. standing,” Brocker said. bulk of the unit’s effort, the 215 kept home,” Runion said. “This is the longest see 215th NCO on pg. 15 Servicemembers from units at Camp Adder, Cedar II, and Tallil Airfield present their unit's Soldiers of the 215th have gone on busy with other activities. I’ve ever been away from my brothers.” colors during a ceremony honoring fallen comrades Nov. 24. see Monument on pg. 15 PAGE 10 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 Conserving Water on Anaconda By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster Going on Staff Writer Emergency

Nobody would want to take a water bottle Leave? shower every morning in Iraq. Although the chances are slim that anyone will have to do such a thing, it’s important to do all we Don’t forget, can to avoid a water shortage. Logistical Support Area Anaconda offers its inhabitants the luxury of running water. Conserving water, whether at home or de- ployed, is something that everyone needs to consider. From cooking and cleaning in the dining facilities, washing laundry and helping with construction, water plays a major role on Anaconda. Here are some ways that servicemembers and civilians can conserve water:

· If the toilet handle frequently sticks in you MUST the flush position letting water run con- stantly, contact your Kellogg, Brown and have civilian Root housing office or report it through you clothes to chain of command. · Take shorter showers. be able to · In the shower, turn water on to get wet, turn off to lather up and then turn back on fly out! to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair. · Don’t let water run while shaving, Also make sure you brushing your teeth or washing your face. have a copy of your · Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessar- ily. orders on you at all · Don’t hesitate to report any problems courtesy photo times, even when with running water, broken pipes, or drip- it’s much harder to get and purify water and civilian contractors are doing their part ping faucets. here. to make life on Anaconda better. Be sure to you are at home! The average person in the U.S. uses be- Water can be lost in many small ways. If fill out the proper paperwork to have your tween 50 gallons and 200 gallons a day. your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop toilets and faucets checked if they are con- The personnel on LSA Anaconda use over per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 tinuously running or dripping. Water con- 1 million gallons a day. gallons per year, according to servation doesn’t just affect those living on Although that puts the average Ana- Waterinfo.org. Anaconda it affects everyone, doing your conda resident below the norm in the U.S., By conserving water, servicemembers part to help can make a difference.

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Clinic Hours: Open Sunday—Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Please call in advance to eliminate waiting DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 11 CIF does direct exchanges for Soldiers in Iraq By Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Reynaldo Baluyut, a warehouse worker in the cus- Staff Writer tomer service section, remembers about a month ago, when they serviced over 150 customers who showed up out of the blue. What do you do, if you need your boots direct ex- “From time to time CIF gets really crowded on days changed, and you are sitting at Combat Outpost Rawah? where there are a lot of convoys coming in to LSA Hopefully, your unit supply representative has an Anaconda,” he said. account established with the Central Issue Facility at Unit supply clerks are encouraged to make an ap- Logistical Support Area Anaconda, and he or she can pointment for bulk turn in or issues. They are asked to hop on a convoy or a helicopter and exchange those submit the amounts and sizes requested, so CIF can pull boots for you. the items from their warehouse and have them ready by “There are other facilities in Iraq, but this is the only the time the supply clerk arrives. recognized facility that supplies everything. When it Unfortunately there are occasions when CIF does not comes to supplying the Soldiers, we have everything have the proper size from all items. It takes anywhere they need. We are the biggest one in Iraq,” said Ricky L. from 60 to 90 days to receive an item once it’s ordered Ammons, a Kellogg, Brown and Root foreman working at from the U.S., Ammons explained. the CIF. “Generally we do pretty well, because we get ship- Ammons spent eight years in the Army himself. He ments in at least two or three times a week,” he said. said it really helped him prepare for his mission over The purpose of this CIF in theater is mostly to ex- here. change unserviceable items for troops. Initial issue of “When you run into certain situations, you can be a items is not their primary mission, unlike CIF facilities little more sympathetic, but at the same time you give stateside. them the guidance that they need,” he said. If a Soldier lost some of his TA-50 or it was destroyed It is relatively easy to establish an account with CIF. in a fire, for example, CIF can help with the replacement. The unit supply representative has to have a DA Form On the top of the most wanted items recently are the CVC 1687, which is a notice of delegation of authority signed coveralls. These are flame retardant coveralls mostly by the unit commander, and they also need to submit the used by aviators, firemen, fuelers and gunners, Augeri commander’s assumption of command orders. said. The only other thing they need after this is a memo- Troops often ask for direct exchange of items they randum stating the type of transaction the Soldier needs. received through the Rapid Fielding Initiative as they CIF is getting plenty of customers from all over the came through Kuwait. Most of these items are new to the theater. Army system, and CIF does not carry them yet, Ammons “They come from eight hours away just to get business Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux said. done,” Ammons said. Pfc. Keesha N. Dentino, a military policeman with Headquar- Of course with the issuing of the new army combat Staff Sgt. Dwayne K. Holliday is a unit supply clerk ters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Troops Bat- uniforms, or ACUs, everybody in theater wants them. from Company A, 1st of the 169th Armor. He is stationed talion picks up a bulk issue for her unit at the Logistical Sup- However, CIF doesn’t carry them in theater, Augeri said. port Area Anaconda Central Issue Facility. at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, formerly known If someone needs their ACUs replaced for some reason, as FOB Cuervo. CIF is only able to give that Soldier a pair of DCUs and a He actually had to fly a Marne Express chopper to service them right away, so we can get them back on the memorandum stating that the uniform was turned in LSA Anaconda to close out his company’s account, since road,” Ammons said. and was replaced by a different kind. they are getting ready to redeploy. He rated customer If the Soldier shows up in an emergency situation, and Employees working at CIF seem to be there for the service at CIF as excellent. he or she does not have the proper paperwork, CIF refers Soldiers. Augeri said his favorite part of his job is the “Every time we come up here as soon as we come the Soldier to the accountable officer, who is an Army interaction with the customers. through the door we always have someone in our face representative and has the authority to make case by “I am thrilled and it is an honor to support the asking how they can help us,” he said. case decisions on issuing out items in emergency situa- Soldiers that guard their country,” he said. Although official customer service hours run from 8 tions. “I like working here, because we work together. One a.m. to 7 p.m., CIF is actually running 24 hour opera- If the Soldier’s unit has an account with CIF, but the team, one fight,” Baluyut said. tions. Soldier shows up without the proper paperwork, the To contact the LSA Anaconda CIF, call 318-829-2535 “The purpose of the night shift is mostly to service Soldier will be helped, but the account is flagged until or email to [email protected]. Customers may Soldiers who have an emergency,” Ammons said. An the proper documentation is submitted. also stop by the facility located in building 4058 to pick emergency might be having to replace someone’s indi- The facility sees anywhere from 20 to 80 customers a up a copy of their detailed customer service handbook vidual body armor, replacing a lost helmet or bloody day, said Chance W. Augeri, the head of customer which contains exact instructions on transactions and uniform, since it is a biohazard. “We go ahead and try to service, who is also a former Soldier. samples of all the forms needed when dealing with CIF. Congressmen visit with their constituents in Iraq By Sgt. Susan Redwine with servicemembers to informally Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Bri- someone from our state,” Ker said. “It just 159th CAB PAO discuss various issues related to duty in gade. “The main focus was to get a feel happened that they’re in the House of Iraq. for what was going on over here.” Representatives.” “We came to find out the morale of the “I was surprised that they came to Ghent said he thinks the information Six congressmen made a stop at troops situated in Iraq firsthand,” Shuster visit,” said Sgt. Anthony Ghent, human the Representatives will take home will Logistical Support Area Anaconda to said. “We just want them to know the resource NCO, 159th CAB. help them make decisions in their jobs as visit with Soldiers during a luncheon folks back home support them and bring Ghent added that it was the first time legislators. Nov. 28 at Dining Facility 1. holiday greetings from the States and he’s seen such high-level officials during “It’s a morale booster to know Approximately 40 servicemembers thank them for being here.” his enlistment. someone’s trying to look out for you,” from all over post took part in the lun- Topics of discussion ranged from He said he was impressed that they not Ghent said. cheon, which gave them a chance to family issues to housing and deployment only took the time to come over, but “We want to thank all the Soldiers out speak with their individual state Repre- lengths as well as the general morale of actually sat down and talked with the there putting it on the line every day,” sentatives. the troops and attitudes about the mission Soldiers. Meeks said. “We wanted to get on the Representatives Bill Shuster (Pa.), in Iraq. Many of the Soldiers simply enjoyed ground and see what’s happening to see Adam Smith (Wash.), Tim Ryan (Ohio), “It was nice, it was a nice meet and being able to talk to someone from home, if we’re doing this the right and most Kendrick Meeks (Fla.), Jack Kingston (Ga.) greet,” said Capt. Jeffrey Ker, personnel whether they were congressmen or not. effective way. We want to get the job done and Dennis Rehberg (Mont.) sat down officer, 3rd Battalion, 101st Aviation “It was just a nice break to talk to right.” PAGE 12 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005

LSA Anaconda Soldier’s WWesestt MWRMWR Legal Center EastEast MWRMWR DSN 829-1947 Dedicated to providing a variety of ScheduleSchedule services including: ScheduleSchedule Powers of Attorney and Notaries Citizenship Application Preparation and Immigra- Blackjack Education Center tion Issues Karaoke Night Divorce and Family Law Issues offers the following programs Guardianships Open-mike nights will Tax Services be every Saturday at 8 p.m. • College classes on-line Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act Issues • Computer classes FLIPL and Reprimand Rebuttals • GED study sessions Personnel Claims and Wills • CLEP study sessions and testing • College entrance examination preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) Table Tennis • GT improvement classes LSLSAA AnacondaAnaconda • Pre-test GT predictor Tournament • On-line military education (eArmyU, ACCP, Smart Force, AARTS, ACES) A Table-tennis tour- • Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test nament will be every study session FitnessFitness Sunday at 3 and 8 p.m. DSN 829-4010 TEXAS HOLD’EM CenterCenter 8-Ball at the Tournament Pilates Panther Pavilion The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center An 8-ball tourna- Mondays at offers Pilates classes at 5:45 a.m. Mon- ment will be held day, Wednesday and Friday. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. every Monday at 3 Aerobics and 8 p.m. There will be an aerobics class Mon- day, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. Darts Freestyle aerobics is Saturday at 9 Redeployment Briefings a.m., and today at 1 p.m. Tournament Briefing will be held in a new A darts tournament will be held Sundays Karate location. For location call at 8 p.m. Karate classes will be Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Staff Sgt. Litrena Gordon at 7:15 p.m. 829-1815 8-Ball Tae Bo 8-Ball The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center offers Tae Bo classes Tuesday, Thurs- Tournament day and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. Going Home? Tuesdays at Kobushi Sessen Jutsu Naval Customs will be holding 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center briefings for returning units. The offers classes in the feudal warrior combat art Tuesday, Thursday and Briefings will cover MILVAN Saturday at 8:30 p.m. inspection and restricted items.

Anaconda Choir Capoeira The brief will cover container and Join the Anaconda Choir, now The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center MILVAN inspections, prohibited items, forming. Practice now for offers capoeira classes Sunday at 6 and tips on how to make the process go Christmas. p.m and Monday, Wednesday and well. Customs inspectors will be there to Friday at 8:30 p.m. Practice is held at the Tuskegee answer questions Chapel on Wednesday and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu For questions and reservations call Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to Combatives Classes will be MT1 McCreary: 8:30 p.m. Sundays at 8:30 p.m. and Wednes- 829-1824 days and Fridays at 8:30 p.m. DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 13

Movie Schedule Sustainer RReligiouseligious ScSchedulehedule Reel Time Roman Catholic Mass Sunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom Chapel Reel Time Saturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel Sunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom Chapel Theater Sunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee Chapel Protestant Praise and Worship (schedule is subject to change) Sunday 11 a.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 9 a.m. Sustainer Indoor Theater Sunday 8 p.m. Provider Capel Annex Sunday 11 a.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148) December 11 Mon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel Sunday 6:30 p.m. MWR Tent 29th Spt. Bn. 3 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel 6 p.m. Serenity Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel 9 p.m. Flight Plan (30 minutes prior to each mass) Protestant-Contemporary December 12 Church of Christ Sunday 11 a.m. Town Hall 3 p.m. Exorcism of Emily Rose Sunday 2 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel 6 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours Protestant-Traditional 9 p.m. An Unfinished Life Islamic Prayer Sunday 9:30 a.m. Provider Chapel Friday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 10 a.m. Freedom Chapel December 13 Sunday 5:30 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel 3 p.m. Flight Plan Samoan Congregational Service 6 p.m. Corpse Bride Sunday 4 p.m. Provider Chapel Protestant-Liturgical Service 9 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours Sunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel Spanish Speaking Worship Service December 14 Sunday 2 p.m. Freedom Chapel Latter Day Saints 3 p.m. Greatest Game Ever Played Sunday 1 p.m. Provider Chapel 6 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours Jewish Prayer Sunday 4 p.m. Freedom Chapel 9 p.m. Serenity Friday 6:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex Sunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel Wednesday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex (FHE) December 15 Protestant-Gospel 3 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours Sunday 11 a.m. Sustainer Indoor Theater 6 p.m. Flight Plan 9 p.m. Corpse Bride Religious schedule subject to change

December 16 3 p.m. Unfinished Life 6 p.m. Two for the Money Movie Synopsis for Dec. 11 - Dec. 18 9 p.m. Aeon Flux 12 a.m. Aeon Flux Aeon Flux Although life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a December 17 PG-13, sci-fi, 99 min lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, 3 p.m. Serentiy Charlize Theron, Francis McDormand Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the 6 p.m. Aeon Flux next, that can keep him away from his one true love. 9 p.m. Into the Blue In the 25th century, a rampaging virus has forced the remnants of humanity into the seclusion of a final An Unfinished Life December 18 city. There is great political conflict within, however, PG-13, drama, 108 min 3 p.m. Aeon Flux and this is the story of an acrobatic assassin, Aeon Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman 6 p.m. Into the Blue Flux, whose latest target is the government’s top 9 p.m. Two for the Money leader. Still in shock from his only son’s death a decade ago, Einar has let his ranch fall into ruin along with his marriage. Now, Einar spends his days caring only for The Exorcism of Emily Rose his hired handyman and last trusted friend, Mitch, PG-13, horror, 114 min who was gravely injured in an encounter with a Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson grizzly bear. Einar intends to live out his days in this heartbroken solitude...until the very person he blames In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church for his son’s accident comes to town: his daughter-in- officially recognized the demonic possession of a 19 law Jean. year-old college freshman. Told in flashbacks, ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ chronicles the haunting trial of the priest accused of negligence resulting in the death of the young girl believed to be possessed and Serenity the laywer who takes on the task of defending him. PG-13, sci-fi, 119 min Nathan Fillian, Alan Tudyk

The Corpse Bride Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran on PG, annimation, 76 min the losing side of a galactic civil war, now ekes out a Jonny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic Set in a 19th century European village, this stop- crew who are the closest thing he has left to family - motion, animated feature follows the story of Victor, a squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal. young man who is whisked away to the underworld When Mal takes on two new passengers - a young and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real doctor and his unstable, telepathic sister - he gets bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. much more than he bargained for. PAGE 14 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 Cargo Transfer unit does heavy lifting By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth Staff Writer

The call for heavy lifting at Logistical Support Area Anaconda is usually answered by the Soldiers of the 21st Cargo Transfer Company. The 21st runs a diverse set of missions here, operating the Forward Redistribution Point, shuttling ammunition around the Ammunition Supply Point, providing multi- purpose heavy equipment support for LSA Anaconda and operating two entry control points. “When we left our home station, our mission was still to be determined,” 1st Sgt. Kelly B. Hill said. “Now we’re getting into the battle rhythm of everything.” Although the 21st has been in theater just over a month, they are far from inexperienced. Most of the Soldiers are on their second tours. Hill is on his third. “Every deployment you hope that it gets better, and by far this is the better living condition,” Hill said. “Every rotation is getting better and better and better.” Hill said they have been applying that experience both here and at home. “We have an outstanding Family Readiness Group program in the unit. We’re constantly taking pictures and sending information back to the rear so that they know what’s going on,” Hill said. “It’s a lesson learned from previous deployments that staying in contact with the families makes a better atmosphere down range.” Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth Hill said the 21st is working hard to improve their Sgt. Karla Guillen of the 21st Cargo Transfer Company helps guide a forklift operated by Sgt. Crystal Cabido. situation on the ground. “The first couple of weeks were pretty painful,” Hill same.” every single pallet before it goes out from here. We keep said. “The maintenance of the equipment that we were Guillen, who finished a tour in Afghanistan a little everything stacked and keep the nets out of the weather.” hand receipting was in pretty bad shape. Since then, our less than a year before deploying to Iraq, said she is glad Castro said they stay motivated by always having maintenance team has been working strong and things for the chance to work in her military occupational something to do. have been getting up.” specialty again. “For me, it’s a pretty good mission. I’ve been doing Sgt. Crystal Cabido, the shift supervisor at the FRP, “We actually get to do our MOS. We’re busy, so that’s this for five years. I’ve done most of my work in ships. acknowledged the challenges the 21st faced when they a good thing,” Guillen said. “It helps the time go by This is my first time doing A/DACG so it’s a good arrived. quicker.” experience,” Castro said. “All of the training we do in “When we first got here, we had a lot of stuff that had Guillen said the 21st works closely with Kellogg, the rear really is coming into effect here.” to go out, but in the beginning we were really low in Brown and Root to get supplies to customer units. She He also said the work is getting easier with the vehicles,” Cabido said. said good communication lines are the key to a success- experience earned each day. Cabido said the team is working together well to ful mission. “The more time we spend here the better we get at it. streamline their operations. “Working with KBR can be challenging. We have our We’re trying right now to get this group really familiar “We all rotate around,” she said. “Whoever’s free and own set of rules, and they have their rules,” Guillen said. with the equipment so that it just becomes second whoever needs something, they just jump on it.” “Usually when there’s a big issue we bring it up to their nature,” Castro said. She also said this teamwork helps when tackling the supervisor or they will talk to our supervisor and find an Overall, Guillen said, the unit is becoming closer unpredictable workload they face each day. agreement. It works out pretty well.” through the heavy workload they share. “A lot of things come in randomly,” Cabido said. Spc. Hector Castro helps run the Arrival/Departure “It’s like a family. We have our disagreements and “Sometimes we’ll get only a few trucks, other days they’ll Airfield Control Group. agreements every day,” Guillen said. “I think we’re come in back-to-back all day.” “Trying to keep the pallets clean is a big challenge. coming together.” Sgt. Karla Guillen, the rough terrain container handler The Air Force has standards that the pallets can’t have Hill expressed pride in the work of his soldiers. NCOIC, echoed Cabido’s sentiments. holes, the cargo can’t be wet so we have to make sure we “The Soldiers that I have are all quality Soldiers,” Hill “We work as a team here,” she said. “We’re all the protect it from the weather,” Castro said. “We inspect said. “We were eager to come here and do our job.” More Iraqi security forces being fielded, U.S. general says American Forces Press Service forces. “The special police, in particular, pro- are trained and equipped, Dempsey said, Dempsey said about 225,000 Iraqi sol- vide a vital function in countering the in- noting plans call for training 135,000 more diers and police will be available to pro- surgents and terrorism foreign-fighter regular police officers. And there are now WASHINGTON – Increasing numbers vide security for Iraq’s Dec. 15 nationwide threat because they are a bridge for us,” about 18,000 Iraqi border police, with plans of Iraqi military and police are being trained, election. That, he said, is in contrast to the Dempsey said. After a city or town is stabi- to add another 9,000. About 3,000 Iraqi equipped and fielded to confront terrorists 130,000 Iraqi security forces that were lized, he explained, Iraqi special police can highway patrol officers have been trained, trying to destabilize the new Iraqi govern- available during the Jan. 30 election. employ their normal policing skills to in- he said, noting another 3,000 are required. ment, a senior U.S. military officer in Iraq Dempsey said current plans include teract with the populace and root out any The projected final level for Iraqi secu- said. establishing 10 Iraqi army infantry divi- remaining terrorists. rity forces — including military, regular and “Iraqi security forces are in the lead, right sions —160,000 soldiers — by 2007. Yet, “we’ve got to get to the point where special police, border police and other units now,” Army Lt. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, A priority for 2006 is to focus on Iraqi the police are truly an element of local civil — is pegged at more than 340,000 members, chief of Multinational Security Transition police forces, Dempsey said. There are control as opposed to counterinsurgent Dempsey said. Command Iraq, told Pentagon reporters now about 25,000 Iraqi special police that forces,” Dempsey said. That is one focus That number is likely to change, he said, during a satellite news conference from can conduct combat and commando op- point, he said, for the Iraqi police improve- as the new Iraqi government that takes over Iraq. Dempsey’s organization assists the erations as well as routine policing du- ment program in 2006. after the Dec. 15 election mulls its spending Iraqi government in developing its security ties, he said. Today about 75,000 regular Iraqi police priorities. DECEMBER 11, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES PAGE 15 Soldier finds use for mortuary skills continued from pg. 7 In July, another terrorist detonated Order of the Spur was “the greatest became a truck driver, Lonski is used to himself less than 100 meters from the honor” he’s ever received in the military, adventure and service, both of which he resulted from the attack, but Lonski only camp, killing nine people for whom Lonski said volunteering to set up the said he found in Iraq. had five helpers, none of whom where Lonski also provided immediate mortuary morgue was nothing exceptional. As a young teen, instead of doing trained in mortuary affairs. care. “I was just doing what I’ve trained to research papers for school, he would And normally, the morgue would have “Throughout the whole deployment, do and they needed help,” he said. write reports on truck driving trips that an advanced storage facility cooled by a he did exceptionally well,” said the In 2001, he volunteered to help care for he took with his parents – his mom is also gigantic freezer, but Lonski made it work 254th’s 1st Sgt. David Ritter. “His mortuary the corpses of victims of the Sept. 11 a truck driver as is one of his brothers. with a standard air conditioner. Nothing affairs background really helped the attacks at the Pentagon. And as the end of After a short career as an actor in New seemed normal about the process. But for Soldiers at Tal Afar.” his deployment neared, he re-enlisted in York City, he became an officer with the Lonski, the situation was becoming Lonski helped so much that the 3rd the Reserves for six years, practically Harrington City Police Department in familiar. Armored Cavalry Regiment, the unit with volunteering for a second deployment. Delaware, where he has been serving for Though he never expected to do the most American troops at Tal Afar, For him, it is all part of the same war: he six years. mortuary affairs during the deployment, conferred upon Lonski and his team the sees the anti-Iraqi insurgency as having After a year-long deployment, though, the Oct. 12 incident was the third time Order of the Spur, a military honor only the same goals as the terrorists who he said he is ready to return home to his that he used his specialty since arriving attainable through completion of a attacked the U.S. in 2001. wife and two children. Lonski said he in Tal Afar. rigorous military course or through “The 9/11 terrorists were targeting will end his unpredictable tour with a In August, a suicide bomber killed commendable service during times of innocent civilians just to cause havoc. It’s surprise homecoming. several civilians at a checkpoint near the war. The 3rd ACR cited the latter reason in the same philosophy that they [the “I’m going to surprise them,” he said. camp and Lonski volunteered to set up a welcoming Lonski into its order. insurgents] are using here,” Lonski said. “They don’t know exactly when I’m temporary morgue for them. While noting that induction into the The son of a Fort Knox NCO who coming home.” 215th QM NCO 502nd PSB open to all Soldiers continued from pg. 7 decline coverage, and whose premiums were not de- ducted, may incur a significant debt when one member sets example th signal officer from the 40 Corps Support Group had separates from service and is registered in DEERS. The some issues regarding his FSGLI. He is the night shift debt for overdue FSGLI premiums will be collected for his Soldiers OIC of the Combat Service Support Automation retroactively. Management Office. Shortly after he was activated, in The President also signed into law a $150,000 in- continued from pg. 8 July, $400 was deducted from his pay on his leave and crease of the SGLI, raising it to $400,000 coverage. It is an earnings statement for the FSGLI. From that point on, the automatic raise, which went into effect on Sept. 1. If “I was looking for discipline,” Nickles said. “I monthly deductions for FSGLI was made. servicemembers do not wish to participate in the pro- wanted to mature and do things I’d seen military “I did not enroll in Spouse SGLI and was not aware gram, they need to fill out the SGLV Form 8286A. people doing.” that it even existed until I saw the deduction,” Although it is something dealing with pay or money, Nickles left the Army in January 2001 after four Draughohrne said. SGLI and FSGLI matters need to be addressed at the PSB, years of active duty service, but joined the Reserve He cautions everyone: “Carefully read your LES. Take not at finance. shortly after Sept. 11. Nickles said he came back action to decline enrollment in programs that Soldiers PSB is located in Building 4141-A, across from the because he missed the camaraderie he felt with his are automatically enrolled in if the Soldier is aware of East PX. Customers may also contact PSB at 829-2883 or fellow Soldiers during his service. He also wanted to the program.” 829-2978. pay for his education as a student at Ohio State Thanks to the 502nd PSB, his LES now reflects that the The hours of operation for CAC cards are Monday to University majoring in human development family deductions have been stopped. He thinks that Reserve Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the personnel services. To this day, Nickles is known by all as a and National Guard Soldiers should be especially aware services support section it is Monday to Saturday from 9 diehard Ohio State fan, complete with a college flag of automatic enrollments and deductions. He also thinks a.m. to 6 p.m. The hours are the same for both sections on on the wall of his trailer to make him feel more at that although the SGLI is a great benefit, it should not be Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. home. automatic. Soldiers should be given the option to enroll. “Come prepared, make sure you have all the right Nickles deployed to Afghanistan with the 412th The Department of the Army memorandum also documentation, try to get here early and expect to wait,” Civil Affairs Battalion in May of 2003 where he highlights that dual military couples who did not Garcia said in conclusion. assisted a Special Forces unit and helped perform humanitarian missions for the local population. He became familiar with weapons such as the .50-caliber machine gun, M-249 SAW, and the M136 AT-4 anti- Soldiers build monument in Iraq tank weapon among others. Once he returned from Afghanistan, the Army continued from pg. 9 reassigned Nickles to the 307th Medical Group. He was only with the unit for a few months before he was They worked on the project while continuing to carry out their truck escort missions. th reassigned to the 215 for deployment to Iraq. “It was a privilege just to be a part of something that great,” said Johnson, who is a cook with the 2-44th. “It th Now that the deployment with the 215 is coming could be anybody’s name on that wall. It could happen to anyone of us.” to a close, Nickles said he can’t wait to go home to It happened to two of Welch’s Soldiers who died during an attack on the roads of Iraq. Sgt. Derrick Lutters visit his mother, Kim Karrasch, who lives in Grove and Sgt. Dusty Carroll died during their deployment when terrorists attacked them with improvised and City, Ohio, and his sister, Jennifer Nickles, who also vehicle-borne explosive devices. lives in Columbus, Ohio. He plans to live in an “Reading these names brings visions of faces, smiles, and multiple memories of those with whom we apartment with Spc. Barner and other friends he has lived, laughed, cried, ate, and slept beside,” Welch said. “And sadly, we know they will not come back home th made from the 215 . with us. For me personally, I feel this pain. That wall today bears two names of my own Soldiers and it hurts Nickles re-enlisted for another six years, but says me deeply when I think of them,” he said referring to Lutters and Carroll. he ultimately wants to pursue a civilian career in the Col. Victor McCagnan, the commander of the 16th Corps Support Group at Adder, accepted the monument FBI or CIA. For now, he is content to concentrate on on behalf of the camp. the deployment. “We hope and pray that we never add another name to that wall,” McCagnan said, pledging to maintain “I get to bring all my troops home in a few days and and safeguard the monument. I’ve never failed a mission,” Nickles said. “That’s something I’m very proud of.” PAGE 16 ANACONDA TIMES DECEMBER 11, 2005 AROUND 3rd COSCOM

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda Turkey Trot winners in Tallil From left: Spc. Nathan Rayle, a chaplain assistant with the 10th Combat Support Hospital, The camp's MWR office sponsored the 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. Colunga won the men's Air Force Lt. Allison Hardwick, a pilot with the 777 Expeditionary Area Squadron, and 1st Sgt. competition, finishing in 16 minutes and 54 seconds, while Rayle finished second in 18 Juan Colunga of the 418th Transportation Co., receive their trophies for winning Tallil's minutes and 18 seconds. Hardwick won the women’s competition in 19 minutes, 57 sec- "Turkey Trot." onds.

Courtesy photo Making friends in Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Kurdistan That’ll make the insurgents think twice Capt. Lorene Rodan-Grunwald, 627th MCT, is stationed at Habur Gate. The pictures were taken at a village outside of Truck drivers devise the most frightening design for their vehicle, a student driver sticker. Zakho in Kurdistan.