September/October 2011

Afghanistan Engineer District-North C Tajikistan h Uz in District Commander bek a Col. Christopher W. Martin is ta District Command Sergeant Major n Chief Master Sgt. Chad Brandau

Chief of Public Affairs J. D. Hardesty hshan Editor and Writer dak Paul Giblin Ba Layout and Design ar uz kh Joseph A. Marek Kund Ta Writer and Photographer Mark Rankin jan wz Ja

The Freedom Builder is the field magazine of the lan Engineer District, U.S. Army Corps of gh Volume 11, Issue 4 September/October 2011 www.aed.usace.army.mil n Ba n a r a Engineers; and is an unofficial publication authorized t angan t is am e ris by AR 360-1. It is produced bi-monthly for electronic n S jsh u distribution by the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Corps e an N 4- P r Winging it of Engineers, Afghanistan Engineer District-North. It is a m ul un Airmen comprise more than a quarter of the military produced in the Afghanistan theater of operations. Fa P K k ryab ri Kapisa n members within the Army Corps of Engineers unit. Views and opinions expressed in Freedom Builder r a wan L a S ar aghm are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army u Bamyan P or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 8- ul bul Final tribute to Coker All photographs appearing herein are by the T ab ries - Ka rhar K Sto ga Colleagues honor James W. “Will” Coker, who was Afghanistan Engineer District Public Affairs Office an unless otherwise credited. N dedicated to family, religion and service. The mission of Freedom Builder is to support the Wardak r Commander’s Internal Communication Program for his n a 10- the Afghanistan Engineer District-North. It also serves dg g Remembering 9/11 Ba a o as the Commander’s primary communication tool for t L District personnel pause to remember the terrorist a accurately transmitting policies, operations, technical s y t attacks in 2001. r i k developments, and command philosophy to the ho a G le heart P st g shot Afghanistan Engineer District-North. n 17 Purp Kho -Partin Page g the way Page 34 14- 4-Pavin Securing Afghan roads a kun ni Page 1 The Freedom Builder Magazine is available online at Day di az Select Corps of Engineers professionals guide at h h www.aed.usace.army.mil er G road projects and similar work at outposts around H g Cover image: f 17- Soldier gets Purple Heart A Paktika Col. Christopher W. Martin awards a Purple Heart to n Sgt. Barry W. Castro. Uruzga ul Zab 18- Work bustles across the north Personnel focus on a police headquarters, ammo bunkers, airport passenger terminal and more. 20- Small firms, big business har da District officials meet Afghan construction executives Farah an K one-on-one to develop business connections. 22- Olé! Hispanic employees show pride in their heritage during an event in Kabul. mroz Ni lman He 24- Breakfast in Afghanistan Chef Tracy Hunter takes the long road back to the dining facility at Qalaa House. an 28- Training Day Ir Military personnel work out the kinks in cross-loading, Some of the Airmen within the district’s ranks: then demonstrate it to civilians. 1) Master Sgt. Travis Chadick; 2) Master Sgt. Guadalupe RodriguezValdez; 3) Tech. Sgt. Dwain 30- Cousins in arms Hornesby; 4) Staff Sgt. Erika Jackson; 5) Tech. Pennsylvania cousins Chris and JeremyIn Houckdia rebuild Sgt. Sunshine Scarbrough; 6) Chief Master Sgt. istan family ties while stationed in Afghanistan. Chad Brandau; 7) Capt. Trent Arnold; 8) Staff Sgt. Pak Tilmon Alvin; 9) Lt. Col. Aaron Benson; and, 10) 34- Parting shot Capt. Mark Jones. Al VanGuilder breaks down barriers while building a (Full story on pg. 4) wall in remote Mistegay. Photo by | Joe Marek The district’s line-up of employees already Afghanistan. Without the open-door policy has something of a pick-up team feel to it. The at the Corps of Engineers, he and others group of 1,400 is comprised of U.S. military might have missed the chance altogether. service members, U.S. Army employees, “In the back of my mind, I always wanted Winging it private-sector U.S. contractors and Afghan to get here to Afghanistan, definitely,” employees plucked from locations around Benson said. “I got to go to Iraq for 90 days, Airmen fill key roles in Army unit the globe. so I thought it would be really neat to say The mix-and-match composition is further later in life that I was able to serve in both of evident even among the military members. these theaters while I was in the military.” The specific numbers change on almost In fact, the Air Force has been extending daily, but the composition of military service the tours of its members, so that they can members on Aug. 27 illustrates the joint serve in leadership positions and make nature of the district’s military team. On that greater contributions to the effort. Benson day, 66.7 percent were Soldiers, 26.4 percent began his year-long tour in May. were Airmen, 5.4 percent were Seamen and The general consensus among Airmen 1.5 percent were Marines. within the district is that the biggest All armed service members arrive in impediment to serving in the unit is simply Afghanistan knowing that the task is tough learning the Army’s unique and sometimes and aligned with peril, but they’re united in puzzling lingo. In contrast, the greatest the mission to defend freedom and eradicate benefit is exposure the Army’s protocols and terrorism, said Air Force Maj. I don’t think we could methodologies. Keithen Washington, who accomplish the Two key components heads the human resources to developing a sense Story by | Paul Giblin Photos by | Mark Rankin mission without operation for the district. all the Air Force of teamwork across the “This is definitely a team personnel. branches is for non-Army and close-contact sport,” he service members learn ABUL – The U.S. Army Corps said. “Our success is dependent the Army’s acronym-laden Kof Engineers in northern on the ability to operate in this language and for all service Afghanistan increasingly is taking on joint environment, bringing the members to pick up each of the the blue hue of the Air Force. full capability of our strengths other branches’ rank structures, Air Force service members fill more to the forefront. I’ve visited all the said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. than a quarter of the military positions forward operating bases and the Chad Brandau, who serves as the within the unit, including several of camaraderie and esprit de corps has top enlisted member in the district. the top leadership positions. Consider been nothing short of phenomenal.” “We’re very fortunate,” he said. “We have this: The district’s deputy commander, Because the Army is largely tasked with the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and of course, the top non-commissioned offer and the fighting operations of the war in Afghanistan, we have our Airmen. They work together. I chief of the force protection team are all the other services have been called upon to haven’t seen a hiccup.” Air Force members. fill vital roles within the Corps of Engineers, Brandau noted that almost immediately The Airmen’s contributions are critical said Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Benson, who after Col. Martin assumed command of to Afghanistan Engineer District- serves as deputy commander of the district. the district on July 10, he ordered posters North, said Army Col. Christopher W. “The Air Force, the Navy and other services highlighting the Army’s values be displayed Martin, commander of district. have come on line to accept these taskers,” prominently at Corps of Engineers facilities “I don’t think we could accomplish Benson said. “There’s just so many Army across the district. The posters, which focus the mission without all the Air Force resources out there, and there just aren’t on loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, personnel that we have,” he said. “Just enough to go around, so the other services honor, integrity and personal courage, by the number of engineers and military have stepped up.” design feature photos of the district’s service engineers that it takes to execute here, The joint nature of the Corps of Engineers is members from every branch. we just have it in the Army, so it takes especially beneficial to Airmen, Benson said, “What the boss is saying is ‘Check your a blend of all the services.” because it provides opportunities for Airmen sticks on these values.’ He’s not telling the to contribute directly to the war effort in Sailors or the Airmen or the Marines that District human resources chief Maj. Keithen Washington stands guard as 4 he waits for a helicopter before leaving the Afghanistan National Police 5 Wardak provincial headquarters complex in Maydan Sahar, Afghanistan. regular duties when he returns to his Air Force unit in England at the conclusion of Blended workforce his tour in Afghanistan. “We bring in more of the transport Afghanistan Engineer District-North blends civilian and military personnel, specialization, like the cargo prep and pallet build-up of moving and manifesting cargo, government-sector and private-sector employees, and Americans and Afghans. which here is probably 90 percent of our effort in supporting the forward operating bases,” he said. 9.1% Arnold is particularly proud of a new 36% procedure he guided to develop a small pallet 10.9% that fits inside Russian-made Mi-8 transport helicopters, which are under contract to the Corps of Engineers in Afghanistan. U.S. military Furthermore, he directed an effort to develop a standard packing list of materials and to make the entire operation accessible Air Force logistics personnel Master Sgt. Guadalupe through Internet systems, which he based on U.S. Army civilians RodriguezValdez (left) and Capt. Dennis Widner load equipment onto a hardened truck in Kabul. the Air Force’s model of in-transit visibility. “We used those same principles and applied they have to get of the values from their them to the Army concept of operations,” he U.S. contractors services. All he’s saying is ‘Check your sticks said. on these values.’ It’s a good thing,” Brandau The result is that forward operating bases said. now receive supplies in organized shipments Afghan employees It helps, of course, that the services’ ethoses on a regular schedule, which marks an have commonality. improvement on the previous method of Despite the joint nature of the district, it’s delivering supplies piecemeal on a haphazard 44% hard to overlook the sheer number of Air schedule, he said. Force service members within the district’s The improved system should benefit the ranks. One of Brandau’s favorite gags is Corps of Engineers long Arnold rotates to casually mention to Soldiers that the out. Conversely, he’ll take with him the Blended military district’s population of Airmen just hit the Army’s concept of standardized of property Air Force service members comprise more than a quarter 51 percent mark, always produces a gulp. (At accountability, he said. 66.7% least it did until publication of this article, Working alongside Army personnel has of the military personnel assigned to Afghanistan anyway.) been particularly beneficial, as might be Engineer District-North. While there are similarities among the expected, concerning security measures. Army and Air Force, there are differences, “They’re security forces by trade. They know as well. that business. It’s inherent in their jobs,” 26.4% The Air Force’s institutional culture Benson said in regard to Army personnel. toward processes generally is businesslike The Army is renowned for security 5.4% and technical in nature, said Air Force training, which greatly streamlines planning 1.5% Capt. Trent Arnold, who heads the district’s and reduces risk while working in a war logistics operations. In comparison, he said, environment, he said. “I’ve learned a lot,” he he’s found the Army’s culture to be based in said. strength, accountability and can-do attitude. Martin said he appreciates the diverse During his yearlong tour, which began in perspectives that Air Force personnel have September 2010, Arnold has tried to blend the brought to the organization. “It’s a good way Marines Navy Air Force Army organizations’ respective tactics, techniques of mixing things up to fill critical spots. A and procedures. He plans to incorporate fresh set of eyes is good thing to have,” he Note: Count taken on Aug. 27, 2011. Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Graphics by | Joe Marek some the new blended mythologies into his said.

6 7 served as role model to his family, friends was 59 years old and he was still working, and co-workers. “He was a man of God, a true still learning,” Bechtold said. servant whose actions in daily life labeled He noted that at Camp Integrity where him as a true man of faith,” he said. Coker was assigned, Coker met a group of Co-workers remembered Coker as a soft- co-workers for prayers each day before work spoken, hard-working, kind-hearted and at 7:15 a.m. “He taught us to man enough to deeply religious man. hold hands in prayer,” he said. Operations and Maintenance chief Cheryle Coker also took a leadership role in Sunday Hess noted that Coker had served the evening Bible study session. He often spoke United States for 20 about his religious years, beginning as a mission trips to Africa civilian employee with and his plans for future the Air Force, then with mission trips. the Navy and Army. During the memorial He served overseas service, military and twice, in Djibouti and in civilian personnel Afghanistan. formally lowered and “In all his job folded a red and white assignments, Will tried to Corps of Engineers flag make the world a better to present to Coker’s Final tribute to Coker place in very tangible family. They replaced the Story and photo by | J.D. Hardesty ways,” Hess said. flag at the headquarters District commander Col. Christopher W. Martin (right) salutes a photo of James W. “Will” Coker Coker was regarded building and lowered it during a memorial service at the Qalaa House compound on Sept. 9. for being technically to half staff in tribute. ABUL – Hundreds of Corps of said Afghanistan Engineer District-North competent, quality “Amazing Grace” and Engineers employees gathered commander Col. Christopher W. Martin. conscious and thorough, other songs played as K James W. “Will” Coker from across Afghanistan on Sept. 9 at the “For now, let us just focus on the memory of she said. In Afghanistan, Coker’s co-workers filed Qalaa House compound to pay tribute to Will and the lives he touched when he was he oversaw operations and maintenance at past a photo of him to offer final salutes, co-worker James W. “Will” Coker, who was here.” 12 Afghanistan National Army site in the prayers and letters to his family. killed by insurgents four days earlier while Coker, of Mount Pleasant, N.C., had served Kabul region. The memorial service was streamed live supervising reconstruction efforts near the in Afghanistan for about three months. At “Most recently, Will was working diligently through the internet to Coker’s family in capital city. home, he worked as an engineering technician to solve a problem with waste water North Carolina, to colleagues at district Coker, 59, served a site manager for the assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering treatment facility aerators that are causing offices across northern Afghanistan, and district’s Operations and Maintenance Command. He is survived by his wife, three unclean waste water to be released into a to personnel at Transatlantic Division Division at Camp Blackhorse, just outside of adult children, one stepdaughter and five nearby wadi. This was the professionalism headquarters in Winchester, Va. Kabul. grandchildren. and dedication to the mission that everyone While scores of co-workers lined up to pay The circumstances of his murder are under “Will was a good man, a man who we really in O&M had come to expect from him,” she their respects to their fallen comrade, the investigation and details have not been had the opportunity to know for a short time. said. colonel’s closing remarks remained heavy on released. Even more importantly, Will was one of our Operations and maintenance program the minds of those in attendance. “May each “This has been a turbulent and emotional family. And we all miss him,” Martin said. manager Charlie Bechtold said Coker of you find the courage and strength that week with the sudden loss of Will. I know Martin said Coker chose to live his life inspired others around him. “He’d stay after Will had to remember that each day we have many of you are still looking and waiting as a family man, an educator, a working work to achieve his personal goals. He’d here is a gift; and to live as he did, like each for answers, and they will come in time,” professional and as a brother in Christ. He always be working on-line for his classes. He day was his last.”

8 9 District pauses to mark anniversary

Story by | LaDonna Davis Photos by | J.D. Hardesty ABUL – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers At 4:30 p.m. Kabul time – 8 a.m. Eastern Kpersonnel took time to reflect on time in the United States to coincide with their mission in Afghanistan on the 10th the time of the first attacks – more than 300 anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist district personnel gathered for a candlelight attacks in the United States. vigil. Military and civilian employees formally They recalled the attacks through pictures, raised more than 100 U.S. flags throughout videos and an hour-by -hour recount of the morning of Sept. 11 at the Qalaa House the four flights that crashed in the World Capacity building team deputy Jeff Collins lights a candle and news footage of the terrorist compound, which serves as the headquarters Trade Center towers, the Pentagon and a attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, plays behind him during the vigil at the Qalaa House compound. of Afghanistan Engineer District-North. Pennsylvania field in 2001.

10 11 “If you’ve been watching CNN over the the Afghanistan Engineer District to  Kabul streetlights – Solar-powered spite of construction challenges associated past several days, you know it’s not over bolster the rebuilding effort. The district’s streetlights are being erected along some of with a large and intricate project. just because Bin Laden’s gone,” district mission was to provide quality, responsive downtown Kabul’s busiest streets to improve The Corps of Engineers’ reconstruction commander Col. Christopher Martin said engineering and constructing services safety in a city that does not have a reliable efforts in Afghanistan – the country where during the ceremony. benefit Afghan men, women and children, so electric grid. the Sept. 11 attacks were plotted – pay “There is still a significant threat out there that the country could thrive again.  University textbooks – More than tribute to the people who were killed that from Al Qaeda. We have a totally different In 2009, the district split into two – 17,500 new textbooks have been provided day, Martin said during the candle light type of enemy that we’re fighting here today. Afghanistan Engineer District-North, to five universities at a cost of nearly $2 vigil. We just have to be aware of that,” he said. which is headquartered in Kabul; and million funded through the Commander’s “We lost 2,800 people, and countless Corps of Engineers personnel have served Afghanistan Engineer District-South, which Emergency Response Program. Kabul numbers of military and civilians since then. key roles in Afghanistan for the past decade. is headquartered in Kandahar. University and the four other schools had So, let’s just make sure that what we’re doing After Sept. 11, 2001, a Corps of Engineers Both districts continue the mission of been using outdated books and materials everyday reminds us of why we’re here and forward engineering support team deployed delivering quality infrastructure projects, for years because of hardships caused by what we hope to get out of this,” the colonel with the Army XVII Airborne Corps and providing operation and maintenance decades of war and Taliban rule. told district personnel. worked with that unit’s engineers during services for completed projects, and  The Detention Facility in Parwan – “Let’s make sure we’re doing the right combat operations. developing the engineering and construction The $43 million high-tech prison at Bagram things, so that one day we can look back at The Corps of Engineers team provided the capacity of Afghanistan’s workforce. Airfield features three detention housing this period in our lives with pride and say, ‘I XVII Corps with engineering, The North district’s units for low-risk and high-risk detainees. was there and I helped make a difference,’” construction, planning, operations are carried The facility was built in less than a year, in he said. contracting and real estate We have a totally out through five management expertise different type of enemy primary programs: The during and immediately Afghanistan National after the conflict. that we’re fighting here Army program, the In 2002, the Corps of today. Afghanistan National Engineers established the Police program, the Afghanistan Area Office Military Construction in Kabul to help manage construction branch, the Operations and Maintenance and renovation of facilities for the new branch, and Infrastructure and Planning Afghanistan National Army. branch The newly formed Afghanistan government Additionally, the district’s Capacity established an army to secure internal peace Building program helps bolster Afghan and security after decades of war and conflict. workers’ skills to design, engineer, build But, in order for the Afghan army to succeed, and maintain facilities as U.S. and coalition its soldiers needed new facilities that would personnel transition out of the theater of provide places to train and work. operations. Most of the existing military facilities in In 2011, the district awarded more than and around Kabul at the time were either $3.5 billion in contracts for approximately damaged or destroyed, making repairs 500 projects. The district employs more than difficult or impossible. Despite the conditions, 500 civilian and military service members Corps of Engineers personnel and contractors and has six area offices. Force Protection unit members Army Spc. Maurice Jones (left) Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph began rebuilding some structures. Some of Afghanistan Engineer District- Saia (center), and accountant Erin Connolly fold one of more than 100 flags that were flown at Qalaa In 2004, the Corps of Engineers established North’s more noteworthy projects include: House throughout the morning on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

12 13 and provide engineering and construction must’ve had a positive influence on him.” expertise. Keys had gone on more than 40 missions with The road project, like the majority of Oliveira, whom he called a professional and construction projects run by the military’s courageous Soldier and an excellent leader. provisional reconstruction teams, are funded “Quite often, he was the lead man running through the Commander’s Emergency ahead of us clearing culverts, and always on Response Program, which gives U.S. military his game. He continuously had a big smile commanders wide latitude in directing on his face, and was well respected by his humanitarian assistance projects in their men. His confidence and leadership were regions of responsibility. outstanding,” he said. The construction work is contracted to In 2009 when the road was still dirt, U.S. Afghan companies that hire workers from forces found at least 19 IEDs on the road the areas where the work is being performed. between Sharan and the village of Mata Khan, Corps of Engineers personnel offer technical a stretch of about seven miles. The following assistance, often teaching construction skills year, the total increased to at least 22. to Afghan laborers on a one-on-one basis. Some of the IEDs included 30 pounds or more About six miles of the Sharan-to-Zurmat road of homemade explosives. That much explosive have been completed so far. The unfinished material can tear a four-door sedan to pieces, thoroughfare has improved Graham said. Motorcycles safety for residents of cities and sedans are two of most Story and photos by | U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan DeCamp and villages in the area, said The U.S. military common vehicles used by Aziz Ullah, sub-governor of has deemed the PRTs’ Afghans in Paktika. U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Raymond Border (left) guards civil engineer John Keys as he inspects Mata Khan District, which role in reconstruction, Graham previously spent construction of the Sharan-to-Zurmant Road on Sept. 12. Border died in a bomb attack on the road Oct. 20. is a political region within more than 18 years as an . mentoring and local Army combat engineer, “It used to be really hard governance to be an a tenure that involved for the people to drive from essential component detecting and clearing here to Sharan, because they of its mission in IEDs in Paktia and Khost were scared of IEDs and Afghanistan. provinces in Afghanistan in ATA KHAN, Afghanistan – Two U.S. Chief Petty Officer Raymond J. Border, 31, things like that,” Ullah said, 2008 and ’09. MArmy Corps of Engineers employees of West Lafayette, Ohio, and Army Staff Sgt. referring to bombs called “Gravel and dirt roads are playing key roles in the construction of a Jorge M. Oliveria, 33, of Newark, N.J., were improvised explosive devices. “Right now the were prime locations for placing IEDs,” he nearly 22-mile road that’s intended to improve killed by a bomb placed along the project road is paved and they’re not faced with those said. “IEDs in hard-surfaced roads are harder transportation, bolster the economy and on Oct. 19. They were part of the security kinds of problems anymore.” to hide. It takes more time to dig the hole for strengthen security in parts of two provinces detail that guards Corps of Engineers civilian The IED that killed Border and Oliveria the bomb, and wires running from the holes in the southeastern region of the country. personnel. was hidden in a culvert. Keys had worked are easier to see, because they’re not going The $6.7 million road will link the villages The project is being supervised by military closely with both men. Border and Keys spoke through dirt. Often they’re running on top of of Sharan in Paktika Province and Zurmat in personnel assigned to the Paktika Provisional frequently about Ohio, because both grew up the road.” . Construction began in June Reconstruction Team, which is located at in the Buckeye State. However, no amount of pavement will make 2009 and is scheduled to be complete early Forward Operating Base Sharana, one “He was personable, dedicated and always the road completely safe from insurgents and next year. The finished road will resemble a of several such bases scattered across wanted to learn more. He was taking online terrorists. The new surface provides additional paved city street similar to one in the United Afghanistan. Corps of Engineers civil engineer college classes to help become a senior chief,” benefits. States. John Keys of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and Keys said. “We discussed our families, and Before the road was paved, a driver heading The risk involved in the project cannot be construction representative Chuck Graham how Chief’s oldest stepson had enlisted in the from Sharan to Mata Khan would have needed overstated. Two U.S. service members, Navy of Lexington, Ky., are stationed at the base Navy and will report in January. Chief Border two hours to travel the seven-mile stretch.

14 15 Now the drive takes just 30 minutes, Keys seeing more than 1,000 people buying and said. selling food, textiles and services. The road “The road was heavily rutted and it would have been the shortest distance to frequently washed out or was impassable travel for people and goods coming from the during periods of high rain or spring runoff,” north. he said. “Breakdowns such as broken axles, The Sharan-to-Zurmat road provides flat tires or loads falling off trucks were residents of neighboring provinces a safer common.” way to connect to each other, whether that Though the concern about IEDs may involves bringing goods to a market or uniting never go away altogether, the paved road families, Ullah said. will have a large impact economically and “It used to be that no one was willing to socially, according to Paktika Provisional cooperate or come to the district center,” Reconstruction Team civil affairs and U.S. he said. “This is starting to change in part State Department representatives. because of the road. People are willing to come It’s difficult to gather accurate and share their issues with us and we are population or economic data doing what we can to help them out. People for the villages Sharan are more willing to cooperate with the Afghan and Zurma, because of government and the trust is increasing the high number of people between the two.” continually moving around Overall, 35 Corps of Engineers professionals Story and photo by | Mark Rankin the provinces. However, are assigned to 15 provisional reconstruction Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Brandau acknowledges Army Sgt. Barry W. Castro for being awarded June statistics compiled by teams, or PRTs, across northern Afghanistan, the Purple Heart Forward Operating Base Shank on Oct. 13. the World Bank’s Economic said Matt Toton, the director of the PRT Policy and Poverty Sector program for the Corps of Engineers in that Nashville Soldier gets Purple Heart show Paktika Province region of the country. hosts a population of “The U.S. military has deemed the PRTs’ UL-E ALAM, Afghanistan – Army suffered a concussion as a result of the blasts. about 400,000, while Paktia role in reconstruction, mentoring and local PSgt. Barry W. Castro of Nashville, “It’s a pretty significant event that happened Province has about 500,000 governance to be an essential component of its Tenn., was awarded the Purple out there,” said Col. Christopher people. Together, that’s approximately mission in Afghanistan. And the U.S. Army Heart medal, which is one of the W. Martin, commander of 3.7 percent of Afghanistan’s total Corps of Engineers, recognizing its strength, Army’s oldest and most respected Afghanistan Engineer District- population of 24.5 million. has, since 2003, committed personnel to honors, on Oct. 13 for a combat North. The two provinces, along with Khost supporting the engineering and construction injury he received on Sept. 4. “It’s not an award that I Province, commonly are referred to as side of that mission,” said Toton, a Seattle Castro, who is assigned to the ever want to have to present to “Loya Paktia” or “Greater Paktia” by resident who’s based in Kabul. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at anybody, but it’s an award that local Afghans. Paktika and Paktia became The Sharan-to-Zurmat road’s true measure Forward Operating Base Shank, I when I do have the opportunity, separate provinces in 1964, and Khost of success is its roles in improving Afghans’ was involved in a ground convoy I’m very proud and honored and became its own province in 1995. Many quality of life and boosting their faith in in the northeastern region of humbled to present,” Martin said residents of the three areas still have their government, according to members of the country on the day he was during the ceremony attended by strong social ties. the provisional reconstruction team. That’s Paktika Provisional Reconstruction already happening, Ullah said. injured. military personnel and civilians Team members visited Sharan’s “The development of local roads has made At one point, the convoy of alike at Shank. bazaar in the provisional capital the people happy. They feel more connected to Mine Resistant Ambush Protected “I feel privileged,” Castro said after Aug. 25. They reported outside areas like Paktia’s capital of Gardez, vehicles stopped and Castro stepped the ceremony. He has remained at the Khost and Ghazni provinces, and even Kabul,” out of his rig. Insurgents attacked with base and he said he hopes to resume his Ullah said. v rocket-propelled grenades and Castro full scope of duties soon. Keys photographs concrete forms used on a bridge along the road. 17 contracts. The program is designed to bring jobs to the local economy. Work continues across the north Camp Shaheen Story and photos by | J.D. Hardesty MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghan- istan – Martin hosted Brig. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gen. Kendall P. Cox on a tour of had 330 projects with a combined construction projects managed by value of $2.8 billion under construction Corps of Engineers across nine across the northern portion of the northern provincial districts on country in October. Aug. 17. Here are some highlights: The work included several projects at Camp Shaheen, a Afghan army Bagram terminal complex. Among the projects is the BAGRAM, Afghanistan – A new 209th Infantry Kandak, which is passenger terminal, which will serve being built by Technologists Inc. as a gateway to Afghanistan for the The facility is designed to house estimated 500,000 passengers who Civil engineer Anthony Ruth (right) briefs Martin on the progress and support more than 600 Afghan travel through Bagram Air Field of the 25 ammunition bunkers construction project near soldiers when complete. annually, opened Aug. 31. Chimatallah. The Corps of Engineers hires The terminal opened ahead of “Finishing ahead of schedule is the Afghanistan National Police Afghanistan quality assurance professionals schedule and dwarfs the old 7,500-square-foot culmination of good partnership between Headquarters which is being constructed by who supply day-to-day hands-on support terminal it replaces. The new facility gives the everybody involved,” said Bagram Area Office Kabuljan Construction Co. for construction projects, allowing Corps approximately 1,400 daily passengers plenty of officer-in-charge Lt. Col. Douglas Vanderhoof. The nearly $1.5 million project that includes of Engineers program managers, resident room to stretch out in air conditioned facilities. “We’ve established a very good working the headquarters building, guard towers, a engineers and construction representatives to The terminal has space for 1,250 passengers, relationship with the Air Force. It’s because of security wall around the perimeter of the site concentrate on completing multiple projects five times the capacity of the old terminal. this relationship that we’re able to get these and a water well house. simultaneously. “This will enable even greater passenger projects done on time.” The project is scheduled to be completed in Also on the base, the Afghanistan National movement more effectively throughout Vanderhoof lauded the contractor for their the spring of 2012. Hospital project is nearing completion. It is Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, hard work, but, also stressed the relationship being built by Turkish-based Biltek. The 46- commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary between the army and Air Force as paramount Ammo bunkers bed facility includes a dining facility, pharmacy Wing. The terminal supports both fixed- and to a successful project. CHIMATALLAH, Afghanistan – The and conference room, among other features. rotary-wing aircraft. The Corps is scheduled to complete a new Corps of Engineers is partnering with the In addition, a Battalion Support Complex Yuksel Construction Co. built the new cargo terminal before year’s end. “That project Afghanistan National Army to build 25 is being built by the firm Herai Alpha. The terminal. is currently ahead of schedule as well,” he ammunition bunkers in Kabul project includes a battalion headquarters, said. Other construction projects Province. he said should be completed by Construction of the $5.3 million the end of the year include a waste project, which also is managed water treatment plant and a waste by the Kabul Area Office, management facility. started about a year ago, and is on schedule to be completed in Police headquarters March 2012. PAGHMAN, Afghanistan – The Afghan Builders Lt. Col. Steve Danner, the officer Consortium will construct the in charge of the district’s Kabul roads and a drainage system. Area Office, hosted Afghanistan The consortium is a group of Engineer District-North contractors that was assembled commander Col. Christopher in response to the Afghanistan Col. Christopher W. Martin tour several construction projects in W. Martin on a tour of several First program, which gives Aug 18 with Kabul Area Office officer-in-charge construction sites in Kabul incentives to Afghan companies Maj. Gen. Kendal P. Cox (wearing a white hard hat) listens to Lt. Col. Steve Danner (behind) and civil engineer Anthony Ruth, Provinice on Aug. 18. and contractors to use local representatives of Technologists Inc. discuss construction of including the Afghanistan National Police Paghman District The tour included the Afghan laborers to fulfill work Afghan army complex at Camp Shaheen Aug. 17 at Mazar-e Sharif. Headquarters being constructed by Kabuljan Construction Co.

18 19 and construction process and answer any different than what makes an American question you might have,” Martin told those company successful; it is the ability to know in attendance. your contract, execute your contract and Mohammed Sohail Alami, operations deliver a quality product at the end,” he said. manager and business developer for the Many of the country’s buildings were construction firm Omran Holding Group, destroyed during the last several decades of came with questions about contracting. civil unrest and need repaired, so a thriving “This was a good opportunity to speak construction industry needed rebuild army directly with Corps of Engineers contracting facilities, police stations, schools, roads, executives and learn how other Afghan government buildings and more, Martin business owners are doing business,” he said. said. The Afghanistan Builders Association is Rex Mols, the district’s chief of quality doing its part to help Afghan construction assurance branch, and Lt. Col. Rusty companies grow and provide quality Dooley, chief of contracting, agreed that construction, the association’s vice present the conference presented an ideal setting to Mowdood Popal told the audience. make professional connections. The association is a non-profit, non- “This type of environment provides a governmental trade organization that period to answer one- was established on-one questions, with the support network and the The things that make of the U.S. Agency Story and photo by | Mark Rankin opportunity to give for International key information,” Mols Afghan companies successful Development and District chief of quality assurance Rex Mols (right) fields questions from Afghan building industry said. “With so much Afghan construction executives on Oct. 5. construction going on are no different than what companies in May 2004. in Afghanistan, it’s an Its task is to establish opportunity for them makes an American company construction guidelines to see what other successful. and standards, and Small firms, big business businesses are doing.” to educate Afghan Another attendee, construction executives District officials forge one-on-one relationships with Afghan construction execs. Nilofar Savedi, and laborers. It also who serves as president of Gulf Prince strives to enhance the integrity and visibility ABUL – U.S. Army Corps of related businesses. Construction and Logistics Services Co., of the construction industry in Afghanistan, KEngineers officials are reaching out to The event also attracted representatives of which is based in Kabul, said she was he said. Afghan construction company owners and various Afghan government ministries, and thankful the Corps of Engineers conducted It’s important for the association to contractors in an effort to encourage more of Afghan vocational schools and universities. the conference because business prospects regulate the private sector and to ensure them to bid on construction projects offered Afghanistan Engineer District-North for women in Afghanistan are extremely that contracts, accounting practices, by the agency. commander Col. Christopher Martin limited. building standards and safety protocols Corps of Engineers officials underscored and a team of representatives from the “Today, I am very pleased because we have are adhered to as the Afghan construction that message during a business conference district’s contracting, quality assurance, this opportunity to be here and educate industry expands, Popal said. at the Serena Hotel in downtown Kabul and engineering and construction branches ourselves further,” she said during the The relationships, partnerships, on Oct. 5. The half-day conference, which discussed job opportunities. They gave an program. She said she made several new collaborative efforts and enthusiasm that was co-hosted by the Afghanistan Builders overview of the Corps of Engineers’ overall contacts during the conference and that she were developed were developed at the Association, was designed specifically for building program, and of it quality assurance plans to bid on road construction work. conference and others like it will benefit the Afghan business leaders who own, manage and contracting practices. The principles of good business are country’s construction sector long after the or serve in upper-level management “This is an excellent opportunity for universal, Martin said, “The things that Corps of Engineers’ scheduled departure in positions at engineering and construction- the Corps to fine tune the contracting make Afghan companies successful are no 2014, he said.

20 21 to achieve a dream,” he said. divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for Hispanics have a proud tradition of serving life without friends is like life on a desert in the military, Cuebas said. Since the 1960s, island. … To find one real friend in a lifetime they have served in disproportionately high is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” numbers on the front lines and 43 Hispanic The event also featured Hispanic-style Americans have earned The Medal of Honor, dance and food. the military’s highest honor. Administrative support specialist Diane They also hold several important roles Davis and Camp Egger’s Army Sgt. within Corps of Engineers’ district in Fernando Ramirez spun and swayed as they northern Afghanistan. Cuebas noted that demonstrated salsa dancing, a dance style he moved to Florida from Puerto Rico with a that originated in the Caribbean and has wife and a 1-year-old daughter to pursue his become popular in Mexico and throughout personal dream. Central and South America. “I found myself without friends and They encouraged those in the audience speaking really broken English,” he said. to join salsa-dancing classes that are held “And if you think I have an accent now, regularly at both Qalaa House and Camp imagine 32 years ago. But here I am serving Eggers. our country with all of you, standing as a The selection of food featured desserts, proud Hispanic American.” snacks and drinks representative of several Among others: Force Protection unit countries throughout the Caribbean and member Army Sgt. Alejandro Sanchez and Central and South America. Photos by | Mark Rankin Story by | Paul Giblin contract specialist Daniel Portillo, who both Portillo gave the invocation, supervisory Program coordinator Sarah Shea serves arroz con dulce, a Puerto Rican bread pudding dish, while emigrated from Mexico; contract specialist contract specialist Ana Camacho read procurement analyst Carlos Brava tries guava paste, another treat, at the district's event. Dienor Bolanos, who emigrated from Costa President Barack Obama’s proclamation Rica; program analyst Michelle Newman- declaring Hispanic Heritage Month, and Hispanics spice up district Gallardo, who grew up in Puerto Rico; and local national workforce manager Deb Olé! contract specialist Yvette Walker, who’s a Santiago recited a closing prayer. ABUL – Hispanics’ influence in culture, spicing up sports, food, arts, politics, first-generation American born of Puerto Kthe United States is mirrored by government, science, business, education Rican parents. Hispanics’ contributions in the U.S. Army and more, he said. Overall, Hispanics represent about 11 Corps of Engineers, said Edwin Cuebas, He highlighted several Hispanics percent of the district’s workforce, according the keynote speaker at a Hispanic Heritage luminaries, including baseball icon Roberto to a review of personnel records. event at the Qalaa House compound on Oct. Clement, guitar great Carlos Santana and Cuebas said, “Recently, President Obama 12. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, was quoted: ‘The story of Hispanics in “As we sit here today, we represent our among others. America is the story of America itself.’ I nation’s best. We are not only leaders, but “This has been accomplished by the hard couldn’t have summarized it better. We are contributing members of the society that work, dedication and struggles that many all one people, living out our dreams for has been shaped by our cultures,” said Hispanics have endured in realizing their freedom and independence.” Cuebas, who serves as the assistant chief American dream,” Cuebas told nearly 100 vDistrict deputy commander Air Force of construction for Afghanistan Engineer people who attended the event. Lt. Col. Aaron Benson opened the event District-North. “Over the years, we have continued to strive by encouraging employees to embrace the Americans who whose ancestors came for the same goals, dreams and realities as diversity of the workforce in Afghanistan. from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and those born in the U.S. As Hispanics, we are He recalled the words of Spanish Assistant chief of construction Edwin Cuebas Central and South America have made a vast and varied group of people, each with philosopher Baltasar Garcian: “True (left) and deputy commander Lt. Col. Aaron important contributions across American our customs, unique ideas and determination friendship multiplies the good in life and Benson speak at the event.

22 23 ABUL – Tracy Hunter didn’t grow up It’s that ingenuity that gave Hunter her Kcooking, but her intuition and desire start in the food industry and generated a to please others led her down an unexpected successful 20-plus year business. path to the dining facility at the U.S. Army In the ’80s as Hunter was working her way Corps of Engineers’ headquarters in northern through college as a waitress Patsy Clark’s Afghanistan, where she’s renowned for her Restaurant, an upscale establishment in cookies, pies, soups and fresh baked bread. Spokane, Wash., she realized that a niche Hunter grew up in an Air Force family market wasn’t being met. eating canned food and military meals. “A lot of drunken driving laws went in to She studied civil engineering in college and affect,” she said. “That really impacted how worked as a waitress at a popular restaurant the food industry could sell alcohol. That, in Washington state in the 1980s. in turn, affected their business sales, since Since then, her career path has alcohol yielded the highest revenue.” taken her to the Qalaa House compound in Hunter realized the restaurant industry northern Afghanistan, where she’s usually could make up for the declining alcohol enveloped in the aromas of fresh baked revenue by tapping in to a market that bread, homemade soups or gooey cinnamon wasn’t being fully explored. rolls. “The next highest revenue maker in She acknowledged that the standard menu the business was desserts, but back then, options in a war zone dining facility are restaurants didn’t hire bakers and the limited, but with a little tender loving care menu options for desserts were like a frozen and creative thinking, it’s not hard to turn cheesecake, very limited,” she said. everyday military dining into something Hunter decided to use the money that she special. had saved for college – about $20,000 – to “Sometimes you have to make do with buy some used equipment to open a food what you have,” Hunter said. “So I don’t wholesale and catering business with her have pumpkin to make pumpkin bread. OK. sister. Well, I have sweet potatoes, so why not make They opened Just American Desserts in sweet potato bread?” 1986 as an anchor store in a strip mall in Spokane. Hunter and her sister catered

Story by | LaDonna Davis Photos and graphics by | Joe Marek Food service specialist Tracy Hunter took the long road back to Afghanistan for a second tour.

24 25 parties, sold baked goods to restaurants, and facility manager from 2006 to 2010 until Capt. Trent Arnold, the former director of make holidays special. provided basic food management and prep tragedy struck. the district’s logistics operations. “Tracy fills “Every holiday you have while deployed, skills to local food businesses. After a previous battle with cancer, Springer that task with her expert baking skills and you are going to remember it,” she said. “It Hunter said she never imagined going fell ill again in 2010. She left Afghanistan to welcoming demeanor.” is very important to me that I make sure into the food industry. She said she not a be with her husband, who died from cancer The best part about working for the everyone here gets a taste of home and a professional chef, and all of her recipes stem later that year. military, Hunter said, is being able to bring little reprieve from their jobs during their from trial and error. But she always knew “We really lived our lives to the fullest,” a taste of home cooking to each person who meals.” she would own her own business. Hunter said with tears in her eyes. The is deployed. Hunter has instituted other traditions “Now in retrospect, looking at it, my pain of losing her soul mate was still fresh “I love what I do. I think it shows. That’s at Qalaa House. Anyone who dines on the favorite toy was the Easy Bake Oven. I wore in her mind, but it was that great loss that hard to hide,” she said. “To make something compound regularly knows about “Pay-day that thing out,” Hunter said. “I knew I would prompted Hunter to return to Afghanistan out of nothing, to put a smile on people’s faces, Cinnamon Roll Fridays.” Every other Friday, own my own business; that’s what I always for a second tour beginning in July as a food that’s the greatest feeling in the world.” Hunter bakes hot fresh cinnamon rolls that wanted to do, but I just never knew what it service specialist. Though cooking for more than 300 draw service members and civilians from all would be.” Hunter explained that her decision to deployed military members and civilian over the Green Zone. Hunter’s business became so successful return to the district so shortly after her employees each day and managing a staff of While she’s nearly legendary for her that she and her sister opened three locations husband’s death wasn’t a difficult decision. more than 20 Afghan workers can be grueling cinnamon rolls and desserts, her cooking throughout eastern Washington, but in “I’d rather be here than sitting at home and labor intensive, Hunter said she knows skills extend beyond dough, sugar and 2006, her passion for food and management crying all day thinking about my loss. This how important mealtime is. She wants to flower. Her repertoire includes freshly made pointed her in a new direction. is like home for me,” she said. make sure everyone’s dining experience is chicken salad, hot soups, Asian cuisine, and Hunter’s husband Mark Springer worked “One of our priorities is to increase morale memorable, especially during the holidays. even hearty sandwiches. for the Corps of Engineers as an engineer for and quality of life on Qalaa,” said Air Force For each Thanksgiving and Christmas that “I’m not just a one recipe gal,” she said. the Seattle District. In 2003, two years after Hunter has been deployed, she has led efforts Additionally, Hunter noted that she was the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United to prepare special holiday spreads featuring not hired to be a baker, or even a chef; she States, Springer volunteered to deploy to carved turkey and ham, fresh-baked rolls, was hired to be a supervisor. It’s really her Afghanistan to help rebuild the country as all the traditional fixings and selections of passion for teaching others that fulfills her, part of a forward engineering support team. special desserts. she said. After a few years of deployment, Springer “During the holidays, Tracy would always “I love sharing my knowledge. This isn’t enlisted his wife to come be with him to run go way out of her way to make sure everyone the Tracy show; I want everyone to own what the dining facility. After some convincing, felt at home,” said Joe Marek, who arrived they’re doing. Everyone brings something Hunter sold her part of the business to her at Afghanistan Engineer District-North as a different to the plate,” she said. sister and agreed to deploy. Hunter and her public affairs specialist in 2009. Learning from each other and working husband stayed in Afghanistan together for “Even though they were 7,000 miles away, long hours together helps develop a sense three years. everybody felt that it was holiday dinner of camaraderie and teamwork among the In 2009, Springer redeployed to with their family. And the food was really dining facilities staff members, regardless Washington, while Hunter remained in good, too. Oh my goodness, the food was of their individual skill sets and countries of Afghanistan. “I really loved it. I love working delicious,” he said. origin. with the Afghans, teaching them how to cook The holidays in Afghanistan can be hard “Everyone wants to be part of something and teaching them a skill they will be able to for those who are deployed, Hunter said, great; everyone wants to be treated with take with them after we leave,” she said. which is why she believes it’s so necessary to respect. That’s not an American thing or an Executive assistant Lorrie Lloyd serves Hunter’s Afghan thing, it’s a human thing.” Hunter Hunter served as the district’s dining cinnamon rolls to a long line of district employees. said. “We all have a common goal.”’

26 27 should the real thing come along. I learned even Marine Staff Sgt. John Kraft, a Connecticut tasks that seem simple can become difficult when native stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., said his performed in a hurry. There is no substitute for greatest fear while conducting convoy ground hands-on experience,” Yarger said. operations is being attacked and having to leave Two Force Pro team members served as someone behind. “This is a combat zone and we range safety officers for the live-fire exercise will always be prepared for the worst,” he said. at Camp Commando and helped develop the Cotton and Clark, with assistance from Army cross-loading battle drill in response to Martin’s Staff Sgt. Christopher Houck, planned and request to conduct live-fire battle drills. prepared the live-fire training exercise in three Army Staff Sgt. Jonathon Cotton, a native of days during their off hours. Valparaiso, Ind., is a military police officer who “Overcoming issues and obstacles while was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, with his implementing phased training on the fly is family prior to deploying to support the U.S. challenging for a Force Protection team working Army Corps of Engineers in Kabul. He teamed a never-ending operations tempo,” Cotton with fellow military police officer Air Force Staff said. “This usually takes months to conduct Sgt. Nathan Clark, a native of Oklahoma City stateside.” Training day who is stationed with his family in San Antonio, The inclusion of unarmed civilians wearing Military personnel drill on cross-loading Texas, to plan the drills. bulky battle armor provided a sense of realism Story and Photo by | JD Hardesty While neither Cotton nor Clark has had to the exercises. “I really wanted U.S. Army Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Houck (left) provides fire suppression for convoy passengers transferring from to cross load passengers from one vehicle to Corps of Engineers civilians participating in a disabled vehicle during a cross-loading drill exercise at Camp Commando on Aug. 12. Army Lt. Edward another during actual convoy operations, they the training, because it enhanced the lessons Howard (center) helps passengers while Army Staff Sgt. Jonathon Cotton (rear) evaluates the exercise. have trained on it numerous times. learned for all the participants,” Cotton said. ABUL – Members of Afghanistan actions we take if a vehicle breaks down and Cotton and Clark explained that all of the During the demonstration at Qalaa House, KEngineer District-North’s Force we’re under fire, is cross load,” Martin said Force Pro staff sergeants came together to the squad conducted the drill in 27 seconds flat. Protection team sharpened their cross-loading before the demonstration. “We’re going to show focus on the cross-loading battle drill to make Rehearsing maneuvers like cross loading battle skills under live fire in at the Afghanistan you what we learned, in the event that some it better. “As noncommissioned officers, we are is vital, Martin said, because in a real world National Army’s Camp Commando weapons time you’re out there in a convoy, a patrol, charged with training the force,” Cotton said. situations, every second counts. range on Aug. 12. and this happens to you. It’s not as easy as it “When in a joint environment, there The maneuver is used when a ground convoy sounds.” are many aspects of training that comes under attack and a vehicle becomes To increase the learning curve and make the maybe one service does and others incapable continuing toward a safe destination. training more realistic, civilians participated do not, so together, as a joint service Force Pro members and passengers in the in the battle drills, both at Camp Commando Force Protection team, we came up unmovable vehicle cross load, or transfer, into and at Qalaa House. Tim Yarger, a resident with the safest way to cross load from another convoy vehicle. of Toms River, N.J., who is currently deployed one vehicle to another,” Cotton said. The drill is just one that Force Pro members from the New York District and serves as chief The Force Protection professionals have developed to keep their battle skills sharp. of the district’s Engineering and Construction explained that battle drills are Knowing the procedure is critical, said district Division, played a role during both scenarios. essential to every military member’s commander Col. Christopher Martin. “I thought Col. Martin was nuts in suggesting mission. “If something were to happen The Force Pro team demonstrated the I participate in the training, but I could not in a real world situation, a military Photo by | Joe Marek technique to the district’s workforce at the have been more wrong,” Yarger said. member must know how to react Army Col. Christopher Martin (center) discusses the cross- Qalaa House compound on Aug. 18, six days “The training raised my awareness of what without hesitation in order to save his loading technique before members of the Force Protection after the training at Camp Commando. I can expect in an emergency and I am more life and the lives of others traveling team (foreground) demonstrate it to civilian Corps of Engineers employees at the Qalaa House compound on Aug. 18. “When we take a ground convoy, one of the comfortable that I will make fewer mistakes with him,” Cotton said.

28 29 ABUL – Selfless service. Duty. Honor. brothers. We are first cousins. Where’ve you KRespect. been?” Chris responded. Those Army values form the marrow Since that pool game, whether living from which Pennsylvania cousins share the in Pennsylvania or serving in Iraq or brotherhood of combat. Afghanistan, they have been nearly Pennsylvania National Guard Staff Sgts. inseparable. The more time they spent Chris Houck, 37, and Jeremy Houck, 33, together in discourse, the more commonality of Lebanon City, have grown close serving bridged them to become best friends. together in Afghanistan. “Jeremy is the closest thing I have ever Both staff sergeants provide force protection had to a brother,” Chris said. and security services for the Afghanistan Chris is a former Marine who took a Engineer District-North. hardship discharge in 1994 to help his The cousins perform similar tasks mother Rose care for his father Tracy, who – protecting the district’s workforce, was diagnosed with brain cancer. “The loss responding to area emergencies, and serving of my father sent me on a difficult road,” as drivers and gunners. Chris said. Chris serves at the His renewed district’s Qalaa House It is one thing to relationship with Jeremy compound headquarters helped him move on. in Kabul; Jeremy at the be called to duty. It’s “Jeremy had already district’s Shank Area another to volunteer for served six years in Office south of Kabul. the Pennsylvania That wasn’t always the duty in a combat zone. National Guard and case. our discussions revived With their families many feelings regarding having problems during their youth, the service to my country and made me question Houcks saw little of each other from middle if I still had something to offer the military,” school through their early 20s. The cousins Chris said. “Jeremy provided valuable reunited one night over billiards and beer. guidance and mentorship on my path to Jeremy explained that he went with a rejoining the military service I had missed different cousin to shoot pool after work one for so long, so I enlisted in the Guard in May night a decade ago in their hometown. That 2007.” cousin said his buddy Chris might join them. After a 13-year break in service, newly After playing pool with Chris for an hour, enlisted Guardsman Chris Houck, 37, was Jeremy asked, “What’s Chris’ last name? He training to deploy to Iraq in support of looks really familiar.” Operation Iraqi Freedom in September of They confirmed that their last names 2008. matched, then a quick discussion followed as “It was a difficult time for me when I Cousins share brotherhood of combat to where each fit in the Houck family tree. returned home from Iraq,” the older of the Photo by | Corps of Engineers Story by | J.D. Hardesty “Oh, your dad’s name is Randy,” Chris said. two said. “Not many people can understand “Yep,” Jeremy retorted. unless they have been there, but I joined the Chris Houck (right) was part of the detail that picked up his cousin Jeremy Houck at Kabul International Airport. “Oh, cool. My dad and your dad are Guard knowing full well I would be deploying

30 31 just 60 miles apart. They spoke while so many others continue to fight?” and further solidifies our family bond,” Chris once in a while, but were never Jeremy didn’t struggle with a family said. able to arrange a meeting, quandary, since he is single and has no Serving side by side also has fueled a Chris said. children. “Chris has enough for both of us,” unique brand of military brotherhood. When they returned from he said. “I am still waiting for that perfect Jeremy said, “We joke around to each other Iraq, their esprit de corps never girl that everyone keeps telling me about.” that the Army would never put us at the stopped kneading their call to Yet Jeremy shares his cousin’s sentiment same location at the same time, because we duty. Both staff sergeants still about service. would end the war too quickly.” wanted to serve side by side “I still felt obligated to deploy,” he said. When asked who the best staff sergeant is, to share the unique honor of “There was still a war going on and I knew I Chris replied, “Anyone with the last name military brotherhood, he said. could help more overseas than at my cushy Houck.” Jeremy said, “After being aviation supply job with the Eastern Army Chris headed home at the end of September. home from my Iraq deployment National Guard Aviation Training Site He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for for about six months, I still felt (located in Annville, Pa.).” his force protection work. He’s considering obligated to deploy. There was Sitting at the kitchen table one evening, another tour in Afghanistan. still a war going on and I knew they decided to deploy overseas again. “I volunteered to deploy because it is a I could help more overseas Chris found a position as part of a team great honor to be part of the 1 percent who Photo by | J.D. Hardesty than in my cushy job at the that operates military vehicles called Mine serves in America’s armed forces. I serve and Col. Christopher W. Martin awards the Bronze Star to Chris Houck aviation schoolhouse working Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or continue to volunteer in honor of all those at the Qalaa House compound in Kabul on Sept. 11. supply.” MRAPs for short. who have served before me in our nation’s to Iraq.” For both Houcks, service is something Jeremy followed Chris’ lead and submitted conflicts and especially for those who have Jeremy finished a deployment with the revered, something honored, something born his paperwork a week later for a similar made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chris said. U.S. Border Patrol in Yuma, Ariz., then in combat. “It is the actions we take in the position. headed overseas as the Pennsylvania face of adversity that ultimately defines who Chris was called to duty in National Guard sent two brigades from the we are and what we are made of,” Chris said. Afghanistan in October 2010 for 28th Division to Iraq. A Houck deployed He said family understanding is important. a one-year assignment. Jeremy with each brigade. He said his wife was supportive, but he was selected at the end of Jeremy joined the 2nd Combat Aviation sensed hesitation in her voice when they February. Brigade, a heavy aviation unit with AH-64D discussed another tour. “Even though I deployed first, I Apaches, UH-60 Blackhawks and CH-47 “It is one thing to be called to duty. It’s knew Jeremy would arrive soon,” Chinooks headquartered in Indiantown Gap, another to volunteer for duty in a combat Chris said. “There would be no Pa. The unit deployed to Camp Adder, near zone,” he said. wavering or second thoughts Baghdad International Airport, to provide “Many may ask, ‘Who would leave their between us.” aviation support to Multi-National Division- family and their loved ones?’” said Chris, Once in Afghanistan, Chris was South. a father of five, as if he was pondering the moved from the MRAP team to Chris conducted operations in the northern question himself. “It’s a calling, a calling to the Qalaa House Force Protection Baghdad from January to September 2009 serve.” team. One of his missions was to with the 56th Stryker Brigade team based at Like many Soldiers who wrestle with pick up his cousin at the Kabul Camp Taji, the only Stryker Brigade in the returning home while their brothers in International Airport. Photo by | Bob King military reserve. arms are serving in harm’s way, Chris was “Having the opportunity to They were stationed on the other side of no exception. He said he repeated asked serve side by side with my cousin Jeremy Houck stands guard as civilian engineers inspect an Afghanistan National Police site in Pol-e Alam on May 22. the world from their home in Pennsylvania, himself, “Why do I deserve to sit on my sofa only enhances the experience

32 33 Parting shot Photo by | U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sandra Welch

MISTEGAY, Afghanistan – Al VanGuilder, of Duluth, Minn., an engineer attached to Provincial Reconstruction Team Khost, explains to Afghan laborers how to properly place mortar to build a boundary wall for a school on Sept. 22. Work on the 8-classroom building began in July 2011 and is scheduled to be complete in July 2012. More than 800 students are expected to use the school, which is in the village of Mistegay, in , in the eastern portion of the country.