Gift Givers Mille M

The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 20 April 7, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Dog eat dog General visits Rawhide

Working dogs practice Soldiers, tours Ziggurat suspect takedowns St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e Page 5 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Brig. Gen. Ca- Gift givers mille M. Nichols, commanding general with Joint Contracting Command – Iraq/Afghanistan, visited Con- tingency Operating Base Ad- der, Iraq, March 27, to ensure that her unit, which is responsible for all of the contracts in theater, meets the needs of the service members who live there. “I have a regional contracting office here that just had a Soldiers deliver new leader take over, so my goal is twofold,” said Nichols, shoes, supplies to a Niagara Falls, N.Y., native. Iraqi children “One, to make sure that my office has everything they need Brig. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, commanding general with Joint Contracting Command – Iraq/Afghanistan, listens to do their contracting mis- to the tour guide March 27 during a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur near Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Nichols, a Niagara Falls, N.Y., native, visited the 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- Page 8 sion. The other part of my mis- ditionary) to discuss the support provided by JCC-I/A, as well as the 36th Sust. Bde.’s mission plans during the SEE TOUR ON PAGE 4 drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq. Safety escort

US senators visit servicet o r y a n d h o t o s b y membersbers and civilians, and address S P Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c any questions or concerns ser- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f vice members had. They then attended a command brief that JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – addressed pending issues con- Three U.S. senators cerning the drawdown from came to the Oa- Iraq in a more in-depth man- sis dining facility ner. to visit service Kaufman, a Wilmington, members and Del., native, said Iraq is the receive a brief key to the future of America about the upcoming responsi- and the mission of U.S. forces ble drawdown of forces, March is vital. 29 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “This information (from the Logistical missions build Sens. Ted Kaufman, of Del- visit) is for us on the Armed aware, Jack Reed, of Rhode Is- Services Committee,” he said. leaders, relationships Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman, a Wilmington, Del., native, shakes hands with land, and Kay Hagan, of North “We want to see the things Soldiers during a luncheon March 29 at the Oasis dining facility at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Service members met with senators from their home states and ad- Carolina, first stopped at the that are going on here, not just Page 12-13 dressed their questions and concerns about current issues. DFAC to eat with service mem- SEE VISIT ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010

Balad Blotter March 25 - April 1 Chaplain’s Corner: endure ASSAULT: A civilian contractor telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk March 28 to report an assault at the Army and Air when oil runs dry Force Exchange Service Bazaar. A patrol was briefed and dispatched. The patrol arrived on the scene and conduct- By Ca p t . Wa n d a I. Ac e v e d o asked for help. I do know she got to the point that she ed a search of the area for the subject. The victim took the 13t h ESC Ch a p l a i n could not see a future for herself or her son. company bus back to her camp to seek medical attention She was asked to endure. because no memorandum exists that allows her to go to he word endurance brings athletes When you are ready to quit, when you think you the theater hospital. The victim suffered one 2-3mm deep Tand how they train to mind. For can’t go on, when you lose faith, when you know you laceration 1mm in diameter on the top of her head above some, this may be the image of a boxer only have enough oil to prepare a last meal and die, her right eye brow, one 4mm deep, 1.5mm long by 1mm like Manny Pacquiao and his great ability you need to endure. wide behind her right ear and one 1cm long by 1cm wide to resist, or Lance Armstrong and his re- Perhaps none of us have reached that point when puncture wound on her chest. The patrol apprehended the cord of seven consecutive years winning all we have is what little we can put in our mouths, but subject and initiated a search with negative findings. The victim was transported back to the LED by a co-worker. the Tour de France. maybe we have gone through difficult times in our life’s The patrol initiated interview with victim who said, via Air For some reason, we think in terms of stamina, tough- journey. It is at these times when we need endurance, Force IMT 1168/Statement of Complainant, that her and ness or tolerance when we think of endurance. not just to resist, but to also come out victorious. the subject were dating and broke up about a month ago. However, according to Webster's New International Elijah said to the widow, "Don't be afraid. Go home The victim said the subject had been trying to talk to her Dictionary of the English Language, endurance is more and do as you have said. For this is what the Lord, the but she ignored him and told him to leave her alone. The than a physical attribute. It is the quality of withstanding God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up victim said when she attempted to walk into the bazaar, hardship or stress; perseverance; continuing under pain and the jug of oil will not run dry." the subject struck her in the chest with a pen. Then, as she or distress without being overcome. He could have told her not to be so negative, to go fell, he struck her in the head two times. The victim said Endurance is something you can carry inside your and borrow from her neighbor, or just suck it up. In- she blacked out after she was struck, and when she woke heart, even if you are not an athlete. stead, he pointed her to God. The answer would come up the subject was gone. The patrol initiated an interview But when do you need endurance? from above, not within. with the subject, who said, via Air Force IMT 1168/State- Is it before, during or after the hardship comes? Ac- When your oil and your flour seem to disappear, ment of Suspect, he told the victim to meet him at the cording to Webster, it is a quality demonstrated under when your resources seem to be totally depleted, God bazaar so he could buy her a ring. The subject said, after he bought her the ring, she refused to talk to him. The hardship, stress or pain. It is when you get to the point says to you, “Trust me. I will be your provider.” subject said after the victim pushed him, he took out a pen when you think you cannot go on that you need endur- You don’t have to carry your burdens and solve from his pocket and stabbed her. The subject was released ance. It is when all of your body and soul screams at you to your problems by yourself. There is a supernatural to his manager via Department of Defense Form 2708/ stop, but you go on because you must. power available to us. Receipt for Inmate of Detained Person. Endurance cannot be seen at the beginning of life’s “Do not be afraid. … The Lord himself goes before marathon, but it can be readily seen as we struggle to live you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY: in an uncertain world. forsake you. Do not be discouraged,” according to A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk There is a story in Christian tradition that relates very Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. March 31 and reported counterfeit U.S. currency was discov- well with this theme. The prophet Elijah was hiding from The Bible tells us the widow went away and did as ered at Army and Air Force Exchange Service Post/Base Ex- his enemies and had nothing to eat. So God told him to go Elijah told her. She took a step of faith. change east. A patrol was briefed and dispatched. The patrol to Zarephtah of Sidon were a widow would take care of And there was food every day for Elijah and for the arrived on the scene and made contact with the complain- him. At Zarephtah, he spoke to the widow. woman and her family, for the jar of flour was not used ant, confirming the currency to be counterfeit. The patrol ini- “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with tiated search with negative findings. The subject was turned have a drink ... and bring me, please, a piece of bread,” the word of God spoken by Elijah. over to his boss for further questioning. The patrol wrote a Elijah asked in 1 Kings 17:10. When he put us here, even though we suffer sepa- receipt for the counterfeit currency, via Department of the The widow replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a ration, even though we may get tired, even though we Army Form 4137/Evidence/Property Custody Document, handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gather- don’t understand the circumstances, believe that what and turned it over. This was the most recent in four incidents ing a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself appears as weakness to you in God’s hands is powerful of counterfeit currency at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. and my son, that we may eat it and die.” endurance. The oil will not run dry. Understand this woman’s situation: An unmarried “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord woman in those times had no status in society, so both her is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the NIPR: 443-8602 status and income depended on her husband. She had no earth. He gives strength to the weary … those who hope SIPR: 241-1171 Email: [email protected] one to protect her or her son and no one to provide for in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on them. wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, I don’t know what she tried or how many people she they will walk and not be faint,” says Isaiah 40:28-31. EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318) 433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 90th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 96th Sustainment Brigade by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 194th Engineer Brigade 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant For online publication visit: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac www.dvidshub.net Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: steps for Reserve Soldiers,

GuardsmenBy Lt. Co l . Ga r y Da v i s requestto Contingencyextend Operation – in-theater Ac- If your unit is redeploying orders and Commanders are directed to ensure 13t h ESC De t a i l e d In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l tive Duty for Operational Support in you do not have your CO-ADOS or- that Soldiers are returned to the con- a National Guard or Reserve unit, or der physically in-hand by the time it tinental United States in time to com- f you are a reserve even an active duty unit if it is autho- leaves, you will not be able to stay. plete the demobilization process and ISoldier and you are rized Reserve component positions. There is no exception to this, despite take accrued leave. To ensure this, nearing the end of If you decided to volunteer to stay where the packet is in the approval your leave, post deployment/mobili- your orders, your unit beyond the release from active duty or process. No one can be in country zation respite absence and 14 days for will probably ask you end date of your orders, you will have without valid orders. out-processing will be subtracted from if you would like to to sign a Department of the Army See All Army Activity message, dat- the end date you request, to come up stay in theater a little longer. Form 4187 requesting a CO-ADOS or- ed Jan. 16, titled Release of RC Sol- with your new REFRAD date. Usually, the new unit coming in der. diers from Theater, for more detail. Remember, CO-ADOS is for Re- could use some help, but you may Your packet will need to be turned If you decide to apply for CO-ADOS serve component – Army National want stay in theater in your current in at least 45 days prior to the end orders, you and your unit will have to Guard, U.S. Army Reserves and Indi- position. If you want to stay, you can date of your existing orders. compute your new REFRAD date. vidual Ready Reserve – Soldiers only.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./41st IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Maj. Jeffrey Copek - DSN 833-5915 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710

Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Al Asad (96th Sust. Bde.): DSN 440-7049 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Sgt. 1st class Alexander Arce Master Sgt. Richard Faust Taji (278th ACR): DSN 834-3079 Master Sgt. Richard Faust

Sexual Assault Sergeant’s Time: ‘Combat Barbie’ surprises as an inspiration in pink Response Coordinator By 1s t Sg t . Aa n g i K. Mu e ll e r Camp Blessing, watching fleas jump on rolled over and crashed and the prison- From the Joint Base Balad sexual Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s Fi r s t Se r ge a n t her distended belly, to crawling through er escaped the vehicle and grabbed two assault response coordinator team: Be the muddy passes of Korenghal Valley, rifles in the confusion. “SARC Smart,” don't assume your part- uring Women’s His- sleeping outdoors huddled in her flak Hodge wrestled the two rifles away ner will get the message without you Dtory Month, I read vest and enduring enemy attacks that from the man and restrained him in having to say what you are feeling. Tell recent interviews or arti- took the lives of others around her – to hand to hand combat. them how far you want to go, what you cles about accomplished tell her story. She earned a medal for bravery from want and don't want to do, and when women, like our recent In a time when female Soldiers are her commanding officer for her actions you want to stop. Be especially careful Secretaries of State sent home days after learning they are that day. to communicate your limits and inten- Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice, pregnant – she showed that it could be After she returned to duty in the tions clearly in such situations. Hillary Clinton, and the first female done, in one of the harshest climates, United Kingdom, a friend entered her In all relationships, you have the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, as and under fire. Bravo, ma’am. photo in a local beauty pageant, start- right to set limits, feel safe and get sup- they make changes on a global scale. Lately, I’ve been following Web posts ing her on the path to the Miss England port. You also have responsibility to In the military, we see proud firsts on CBS, MSN, and Huffington Post competition, where she was selected as trust your instincts and model respect- like Gen. Ann Dunwoody pinning on about 22-year-old Cpl. Katrina Hodge the runner-up to the throne. ful behaviors. Every person has the four stars and commanding the Army of the British Army, nicknamed Com- Her talent performance in the com- right to say no and change his or her Materiel Command, or Command Sgt. bat Barbie for reporting to training in petition? A rifle drill. mind. Call the JBB SARC at 443-7272 Maj. Teresa King being chosen as com- pink kitten heels and a pink coat, with She returned to her military duties, or contact via pager 443-9001, 159 for mand sergeant major for the U.S. Army pink luggage, blonde hair and false eye- but a few months later, the official Miss help. Army members should seek as- Drill Sergeant School. lashes. England passed on the title and crown sistance with their unit victim advo- These women’s names, trials and ac- A lesson here for anyone comfort- after getting into a fight at a bar. Hodge cate or deployed-SARC; you may also complishments will probably be written able with their heroes – I was all set to promptly petitioned the Miss England call 433-7272 or 443-9001, 122/135 for into the history books. Let me share, dismiss this young lady as the media pageant to get rid of the swimsuit por- assistance. however, articles about two women who fodder of the moment. She is attractive, tion of the competition, asking instead probably won’t make it into history, but recently elevated to the title of Miss that an athletic challenge be substitut- whose stories intrigue and challenge England, and she works part time as ed. Pageant officials agreed. our ideals about what women can ac- a lingerie model. But when I read her In an interview with DailyMail News complish. story, I looked with new insight at a Sol- Online, Hodge said, “I am enjoying the A quiet hero story comes from the dier who looks nothing like the stripped attention and profile, but my job is as an Correction December 2009 edition of Vogue maga- down version of femininity I’d come Army Soldier. I love the Army life and if In the March 31 edition of the Ex- zine. Elizabeth Rubin worked as an em- through the ranks with. this encourages more women to join up peditionary Times, the photo of the bedded reporter in Afghanistan. She was At 18, she was stationed in Iraq as then that would be brilliant.” 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment four months pregnant and chose not to one of 10 females assigned to the Royal Look around, have courage – per- patching ceremony should have said disclose her pregnancy. She spent the Anglian Regiment. haps one of you will be the next person it was taken by Staff Sgt. Russell Kli- next two months in all possible venues During a prisoner escort mission to stand your ground, effect change, and ka. The Expeditionary Times regrets of Afghanistan – from a bunkhouse at outside of Basra, the vehicle she was in be the next unexpected inspiration. this error. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 TOUR: leaders discuss progress of mission TOUR FROM PAGE 1 Brig. Gen. Camille M. Nichols, command- sion is to meet the command team of ing general with Joint Contracting Com- the tactical units that we support, to mand – Iraq/Afghanistan and a Niagara make sure that we are providing them Falls, N.Y., native, talks with Col. Sean A. with responsible, reliable service and Ryan, commander of the 36th Sustainment advice, ensuring that the things they Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- need to do their mission, which we peditionary) and a Cedar Park, Texas, na- contract for, are getting done in the tive, after their meeting March 27 during her visit to Contingency Operating Base best way possible.” Adder, Iraq. The 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- responsible drawdown of U.S. forces ditionary) is one of the units at COB from Iraq. Adder supported by the JCC-I/A. “(LOGCAP) basically is our sup- Col. Sean A. Ryan, commander of port,” he said. “Anywhere from main- the 36th Sust. Bde. and a Cedar Park, tenance on (containerized housing Texas, native, met with Nichols dur- units), to driving trucks (and) running ing her visit to COB Adder. fuel farms … We currently have (1,940) Ryan said they had a productive LOGCAP personnel that actually sup- and informative meeting, which al- port our operations within the sustain- lowed him an opportunity to discuss ment brigade. It is an important part the final phase of the unit’s mission in of what we do and how we support our Iraq. mission.” “(The meeting) went very well,” Overall, Nichols said she was pleased he said. “I mainly tried to give her an with what she saw during her visit. overview of what our mission is now “I learned that we are providing a (and) what the mission is going to be good service,” she said. “I learned that … I was able to get a lot of insight in my folks have a good, comfortable, reference to some of the garrison mis- safe place to work and operate in, and sions we are taking over and where to live, and that, in general, most of the … to contract out some of those posi- contract actions they need are being tions.” done in a very proactive partner fash- Ryan said his goal for the meeting ion. I am very, very pleased with what was to understand what changes to I found today and the partnership that expect with the Logistics Civil Aug- is going on between the tactical units mentation Program throughout the and our contract shop.” VISIT: Senators ask service members’ concerns VISIT FROM PAGE 1 nice to meet the person I voted for,” he in terms of Iraq, but things that are said. working here that we can take to Af- Suggs said they discussed health care ghanistan.” reform and what, if any, impact it would Kaufman said U.S forces have been have on their state. He said he asked if it successful in Iraq and he wanted to would have any effect on service members’ talk to service members about what Tri-Care, or active duty service members works and what does not. and retirees. “They’ve demonstrated that they’re “Sen. Hagan is on the budget committee the best in history,” he said. “I am for our state, so I found out that the fund- really impressed with everyone I’ve ing is already there,” he said. “In the long met.” term, over the next 10 years, it’s expected This is Kaufman’s third trip to Iraq to reduce the cost of health care and that is and Afghanistan, and he said the key what lots of us were interested in.” to foreign policy is the armed servic- Suggs said it was noteworthy that the es. senators took time out of their schedules “There is no substitute to being on to meet face to face with service members. the ground,” he said. “The problems “They wanted to see what our actual always look a lot simpler when you’re North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro, N.C., native, talks with service members during concerns are, and they answered our in Washington than (they do) when a luncheon March 29 at the Oasis dining facility at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Service members met questions without giving us the standard you are here.” with senators from their home states and addressed their questions and concerns about current political answer,” he said. “It was very in- issues. Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Suggs, the med- spiring and motivating to know that our ical operations noncommissioned of- a Fayetteville, N.C., native, said he appre- senator over lunch while serving in Iraq. politicians back home still care about what ficer in charge with the 13th ESC and ciated the opportunity to meet with his “I actually voted for (Hagan), so it was we do.” April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Working dogs practice suspect takedowns St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Keystone Heights, Fla., native, said Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g playing a decoy during the bite training Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f was unlike anything he had ever experienced. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE “The dog hits a lot harder than you DIAMONDBACK, Iraq think,” he said. – The 3rd Infantry Divi- Chapman said the training was bene- sion’s working dogs used ficial to those on both sides of the bite. two units’ volunteers “I imagine it’s good training for the as training chew toys dog,” he said, “but it’s also a good break March 30 at Contin- from the shop.” gency Operating Base Diamondback, Sgt. Charles Hulsman, a wheeled ve- Iraq. hicle mechanic with A Btry., RFS and a Volunteers from the 631st Main- Sevierville, Tenn., native, said he volun- tenance Support Team, 15th Special teered for the training because he has Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment always had an interest in working dogs. Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command “I’m envious of the handlers and the (Expeditionary) and A Battery, Regi- training,” he said. “I thought it was very mental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored high speed.” Cavalry Regiment, 13th ESC worked West said his team spends much of with the dogs, which are trained in spe- Sgt. Charles Hulsman, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with A Battery, Regimental Fires Squadron, its time training the Iraqi Army and cialties ranging from explosives and 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Seveir- Iraqi Police dog handlers, but it still ville, Tenn., native, runs from an Army working dog during bite training March 30 at Contingency narcotics detection to searching and Operating Base Diamondback, Iraq. needs volunteers to keep the dogs in tracking, all of which are trained to take shape. down suspects. Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., native. one by one, they attempted to outrun “We need companies to get more in- The handlers put on the protective “We just try to open their horizons,” the dogs in the fenced-in training area. volved and utilize us more,” he said. suits and play decoy for the dogs reg- he said. “Every decoy has a different The running only lasted a few seconds Hulsman said he was glad to have ularly, but it is important for the dogs style, but in the field the suspect doesn’t before the decoy’s arm or back was in volunteered for the experience. to not get too accustomed to the same always act like that.” the jaws of a working dog. “I wouldn’t mind volunteering for people, said Sgt. Michael West, a dog West and the other dog handlers put Spc. Bryan Chapman, a light wheeled this again,” he said. “I’m impressed handler with the 3rd Inf. Div. and an each volunteer in a padded jacket and, mechanic with the 631st MST and a with the program.” 49th Transportation Battalion celebrates with replacement unit St o r y a n d Ph o t o Il l u s t r a t i o n b y lief-in-place process, prior to its transfer of dinate between Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o authority ceremony, said Acquistapace. the sustainment Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “Effectively, after the end of that night brigades, avia- the 14th was driving the ship,” he said. “It tion units and JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 49th gave us a chance, the 49ers, to take a knee the Air Force. Transportation Battalion and watch, observe and guide (the 14th “It’s a com- (Movement Control), 13th Trans. Bn.).” plex, all-en- Sustainment Command Acquistapace said the 14th Trans. Bn. c o m p a s s i n g (Expeditionary) out of Soldiers were quick learners, with senior mission, but Fort Hood, Texas, spent officers and noncommissioned officers the challenge some time getting to experienced in the type of mission they is rewarding,” know its replacement unit at a battalion would be conducting in Iraq. The 14th he said. “It’s social March 28 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Trans. Bn. will take over as the movement exciting busi- The social was a bon voyage party for control battalion in support of the Iraq ness for us. It’s the 49th Trans. Bn., to which it invited the Joint Operations Area. something back command staff of the 13th ESC, its sister The 49th’s mission was no simple task in the United battalions and subordinate units, and its for the battalion and its movement control States we really The 49th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control), 13th Sustainment replacement unit, the 14th Transportation teams, said Lt. Col. Peter Haas, command- don’t get to du- Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, has reached the end of its mission at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, as Iraq’s movement control battalion. Battalion out of Vicenza, Italy, said Capt. er of the 49th Trans. Bn. Iraq is one of the plicate.” The battalion’s Soldiers and Airmen support personnel and cargo move- Leonard Acquistapace, the communica- largest and most complex transportation Haas said ment operations in the Iraq Joint Operations Area. tions officer with the 49th Trans. Bn. networks for movement and logistical op- it has been a It was a night to network, talk and re- erations in the Army today, said Haas, a great mission for the Soldiers, but they are ground, making sure cargo got to its des- lax, said Acquistapace, a Killeen, Texas, Fleetwood, Pa., native. ready to go back home to friends and Fam- tination. native. “At our peak, we had 19 movement con- ily. The 49th Trans. Bn. Family Readiness “These Airmen, these Soldiers, they’re The 49th Trans. Bn. has been deployed trol teams spread all across Iraq,” he said, Group made a tremendous effort to sup- out there on their own without their high- for roughly a year and has now reached “everywhere from the Turkish border to port those at home, making Soldiers’ time er headquarters anywhere near,” he said. the final step before its redeployment, he the Kuwaiti border, out west to the Jorda- in Iraq easier, he said. “We entrust a lot of responsibility in them said. The event fell on the same day the nian border, and everywhere in between.” Haas said he was proud of the Soldiers, and count on their competence to get it 14th transitioned to the last part of the re- Haas said it was a challenge to coor- Airmen and civilians who were on the done.” PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Wagonmasters continue drawdown efforts St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Johnston said MRT Soldiers such as St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y Sgt. Tim Slater, an MRT noncommis- 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s sioned officer and a Paris, Ill., native, and Pfc. Joshua Miller, a forklift driver CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE and a Reading, Penn., native, make it all Q-WEST, Iraq – A team possible. of roughly 20 Soldiers, Johnston explained that Slater was from units subordinate to doing the job of a Soldier two ranks the 15th Sustainment higher. Brigade, 13th Sustain- “Sgt. Slater got sent off on the MRT ment Command (Ex- thing about 6 months ago,” Johnston peditionary), opened said. an Operation Clean Sweep yard in early Slater went from base to base, helping March at Contingency Operating Base the mission of Operation Clean Sweep Q-West, Iraq. throughout northern Iraq, he said. The Wagonmasters began Operation When the team didn’t have a forklift Clean Sweep in mid-October, finding to use, Miller convinced his own com- excess equipment to place back into the pany to lend them a forklift, Johnston military supply system for reuse to con- said. tinue the drawdown of U.S. forces from “Pfc. Miller is pretty much our only Iraq. forklift driver,” he said. “Without him, “The primary focus for Operation all operations would pretty much come Clean Sweep is to take non-mission es- A forklift sets excess equipment down by a turned-in mini-bike March 23 at Contingency to a standstill.” sential equipment … serviceable equip- Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, as part of the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Miller also fixes his own forklift, Command (Expeditionary)’s ongoing effort to drawdown U.S. military forces and equipment not being used and shuffle it back ment in the unit’s area of operations – northern Iraq. Johnston said. into the Army supply system,” said 2nd Items visible in the yard include fil- Lt. Chris Johnston, the officer in charge pickup – help separate items so it’s less Only four days after receiving orders ing cabinets, tent poles, a big screen TV of the Q-West and Marez mobile redis- work when it gets to the yard,” he said. to start tracking equipment in dollar and a mini bike. Demars said he learned tribution teams and a Tacoma, Wash., The units, or an Army civilian con- amounts at the Q-West yard, $1 million a lot about how the Army progressed af- native. tractor, transport the equipment to the of serviceable equipment was turned in, ter seeing some of the older equipment Spc. Michael Demars, an MRT mem- Clean Sweep yard, where it is put into Johnston said. turned in. ber and Fremont, Calif., native, said the shipping containers and sent to Joint “(The team is) doing a stellar job,” he “The strangest thing I’ve seen turned teams coordinate with units to pick up Base Balad, Iraq, for further process- said. “The true test is whether the teams in – old (communications) equipment or receive their excess material. ing and eventual shipping to the United can control themselves – and that’s what that we haven’t used since (Operation) “We do a walkthrough before the States or Afghanistan, he said. they’re doing now.” Desert Storm,” he said. Task Force Guardian set to hit 2.1 million miles on Iraqi roads St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Each mission is, on average, about Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e three days long. The Soldiers then have a Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f recovery day, followed by a day to prepare for the next mission, Lucas said. CONTINGENCY OPERATION BASE AD- Since their arrival in country, the Sol- DER, Iraq – Soldiers with diers have escorted 88,720,000 gallons Task Force Guardian, 1st of fuel and 149,110,000 pounds of food Battalion, 186th Infantry items, covering about 2 million miles, Lu- Regiment, 41st Infantry cas said. Brigade Combat Team, “By the time we are done in April, we 13th Sustainment will have escorted 686 convoys … almost Command (Expedi- 2.1 million miles,” he said. tionary) escort convoys of trucks trans- Staff Sgt. Chris A. Baker, convoy com- porting supplies to sustain forces in Iraq. mander with D Company, Task Force Sgt. Maj. Scott M. Lucas, the operations Guardian, 1/186th IN, 41st IBCT and a sergeant major with Task Force Guard- Kelso, Wash., native, said this deployment ian, 1/186th IN, 41st IBCT out of Ashland, has been a new experience for him and his Ore., and a Portland, Ore., native, said his unit, which typically performs an infantry battalion provides security for convoys mission. Baker said he has gained a whole traveling as far as 230 miles from Contin- new appreciation for the effort that is re- gency Operating Base Adder. quired to sustain troops in deployed ar- “The Task Force Guardian mission is to eas. escort sustainment convoys that are from “I never realized how much fuel and Kuwait … to three locations in Iraq, into food bases require to keep sustaining their (Logistics Base) Seitz, which is Victory operations,” he said. Base Complex, into (COB) Taji and (Joint Baker said he believes safety and team- Base) Balad,” he said. “We do this every work are essential to mission success. day, seven days a week.” “The safety factor has always been a Staff Sgt. Timothy D. Flood, a convoy commander with B Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- Lucas said he has 20 escort teams of huge thing to me,” he said. “I just want peditionary) and a Coos Bay, Ore., native, provides a visual demonstration during his pre- 18 Soldiers each, who operate on a 5-day to make sure everybody comes back the mission briefing March 25 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. cycle, enduring up to 12-hour drive times. same as when they got here.” April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Soldiers learn explosive ordnance disposal techniques at Adder St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y The additional armor surrounding Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n the vehicle adds layers of protection 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s for the Soldiers, he said. During the training, Airmen pre- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE sented their equipment and ex- ADDER, Iraq – The Sol- plained their role in the improvised diers with the Oregon explosive device and explosively National Guard’s Task formed projectile disposal process. Force Volunteer, 2nd They have three ways to identify Battalion, 162nd In- an explosive device, said Pagano. fantry Regiment, “We have a robot system called 41st Infantry Bri- the Talon, a bomb suit and a truck- gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment mounted device,” he said. “We en- Command (Expeditionary) and their sure the site is safe, take care of the counterparts with the Louisiana Na- device, make sure no one is hurt and tional Guard’s Task Force Geronimo, clean the area.” 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regi- To help EOD succeed in its job, ment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat the Soldiers must cover any damage Team attended explosive ordnance to the vehicles, stay out of the blast disposal training March 17 at Contin- area and not pick up anything that gency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. could be related to the explosive de- The training is part of the relief- vice, said Pagano. in-place process as the 41st IBCT pre- They must also mark the area, as Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vincent Pagano, the operations sergeant with the 407th Expedi- pares to redeploy and the 256th IBCT well as note the distance from the tionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal team, explains the EOD takes over the mission. device to the marked area and what mission to Soldiers with the Oregon National Guard’s Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Bat- The Air Force’s 407th Expeditionary side of the road the device is on, he talion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Civil Engineer Squadron’s EOD techni- said. Their job is to continue secur- Command (Expeditionary) and the Louisiana National Guard’s Task Force Geronimo, cians discussed how vehicles help pro- ing the area while the EOD team 2nd Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th ESC March 17 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. The EOD team explained its duties tect the Soldiers from IED blasts. works. at the scene of an improvised explosive device and showed the Soldiers what equip- “The up-armored Cougar (Mine- “We take samples and do chemi- ment they use to identify and dispose of IEDs. Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle) cal analyses to tie the device to other with the updated armor is absolutely events that happen in the area,” he a database for future reference, said training is the most mission-essential wonderful,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. said. Pagano. during this stage in Operation Iraqi Vincent M. Pagano, EOD operations The collected information then Staff Sgt. Keith Engle, a platoon ser- Freedom. sergeant and a Westfield, N.Y., na- goes to the National Ground Intel- geant with C Company, 2/162 Inf. Bn. “IEDs are the biggest threats to keep- tive. ligence Center, which inputs it into and a Portland, Ore., native, said this ing our trucks out on the road,” he said. Providers manage traffic flow through Iraq St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y on routes for all USF-I convoys that be- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o long to the sustainment brigades, brigade Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f combat teams, route clearance teams throughout Iraq and the convoys coming JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Convoys and up from Kuwait, Bergstrom said. logistical patrols are always “If they end up being on the same route on the roads of Iraq, de- too close together, as far as time goes, then livering sustainment sup- we change their movement times to avoid plies and cargo to units Courtesy photo congestion on routes,” she said. throughout the country A convoy of Heavy Equipment Transporter systems moves Mine-Resistant Ambush-Pro- When convoys get congested, they end and in Kuwait. tected vehicles through the roads of Iraq. The Highway Traffic Division, 49th Transportation up on supply routes for hours and could The Highway Battalion (Movement Control), 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) manages the be the target of an attack, said Bergstrom. movement times of convoys to lessen the chance of traffic congestion on the roads and Traffic Division with the 49th Transporta- ensure Soldiers’ safety. “If you avoid that congestion, you keep tion Battalion (Movement Control), 13th the Soldier safe,” she said. Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) voys at central receiving points through- companies, sustainment brigades and the Their work happens largely behind the out of Fort Hood, Texas, coordinates their out Iraq. This has greatly reduced traffic 13th ESC’s support operations Soldiers. scenes, said Capt. Ryan Hulse, HTD chief routes and convoy travel times to reduce congestion and convoy delays, said Berg- The movement control teams, under with the 14th Transportation Battalion possible delays due to traffic congestion. strom, a Harker Heights, Texas, native. the 49th Trans. Bn., play an important (Movement Control) out of Vicenza, Italy. “We are tasked with managing traffic The coordination of traffic flow is im- role in the tracking of current and fu- “We want to keep all the trucks mov- throughout Iraq,” said Capt. Alison Berg- portant, to ensure cargo reaches its desti- ture convoy movements, said Bergstrom. ing and pushing their products out to the strom, HTD chief with the 49th Trans. Bn. nation in a timely manner and to mitigate MCTs receive transportation movement (Iraq Joint Operations Area),” he said. “We essentially manage all (United States possible risks associated with traveling off requests from units in their area of opera- The 14th Trans. Bn. is slated to replace Forces – Iraq) convoys.” base, she said. tion and then the HTD processes those the 49th in early April and the team is ex- In January, the HTD began to monitor There are several groups involved in requests. cited about taking on this new mission, the upload and download times of con- this process, including convoy security Every day, the HTD remedies conflicts said Hulse, a San Antonio native. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Soldiers deliver shoes, supplies to Iraqi children St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s

DHI QAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Task Force Rawhide Soldiers with the 36th Sustain- ment Brigade, 13th Sus- tainment Command (Expeditionary) delivered shoes and school supplies to Iraqi students and teach- ers at the Al Saafy School March 18 in Dhi Qar province, Iraq. Spc. Kanakope Barber, an administration specialist with the 36th Sust. Bde. and a Killeen, Texas, native, said she was excited and nervous about visiting the school because it was her first visit off base and she did not know what to expect. “When we arrived there, I looked at the school building and noticed how poor the conditions were for the kids,” she said. “It was interesting to be there to spend time with them. I could feel their spirit. They are such happy kids and they were happy to see us.” Typically, school visits involve handing out supplies or reading to the Iraqi children. First Lt. Douglas Cummings, the 36th Special Troops Battalion chaplain and a Louisville, Lt. Col. Peter Bistransin, civil military operations officer in charge with the 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command Ky., native, said he worked with his (Expeditionary) and an Austin, Texas, native, and Spc. Kanakope Barber, an administration specialist with the 36th Sust. Bde., 13th wife early in the deployment to collect ESC and a Killeen, Texas, native, carry a box of shoes to Iraqi school children March 18 at the Al Saafy School in Dhi Qar province, shoe donations to distribute to Iraqi Iraq. children as well. “We set up a plan to collect a bunch missioned officer in charge of civil The water doesn't drain, it doesn't go nations from good Samaritans back in of shoes from various organizations military operations with the 36th anywhere. So, you get these kids walk- the states, that would not be possible, and individuals in about three or four Sust. Bde. and a New Berlin, Wis., na- ing around in shoes that have holes in he said. different states, churches and non- tive, said a lot of the children at the them and their feet will get wet and “I hope it is a gesture that (lets) the profit organizations, in the hopes of schools have shoes, but not weather- muddy. It’s nice to give them service- Iraqis know that we care for them,” trying to get shoes to help some of the suitable shoes. able shoes that they can use.” said Cummings. “(We're here) to kids in the local school area,” he said. “Their shoes will either be a sandal Potratz has visited six schools with make a better life for them, and the Cummings said they collected … or they have shoes that have holes, about 120 children each, and the way some of the people back home roughly 750 pairs of shoes to distrib- or tears and rips in them,” he said. “A CMO has given out roughly 700 to show that, they've done so with pairs ute. lot of people don't realize that it rains 800 bags of school supplies in the last of shoes. Hopefully … they can have a Spc. Benjamin Potratz, noncom- here in Iraq. It gets very muddy here. nine months, he said. Without the do- good feeling in their hearts about us.”

Sexual Assault Awareness Month EVENTS AROUND BALAD 1. Power strips are free of de- 4. Smoke detector is opera- Check tional. Friday, April 2 APRIL 2010 Friday April 9 bris and clothing. Sr. Ldr Workshop 5K Run/Walk 9am-12pm 0530 Holt Stadium MWRE Lounge 2. Electrical devices not in CHUsdays 5. Fire extinguisher is ser- Monday April 19 Every Friday use are unplugged. Luncheon Movie 1130 -1300 viceable (in the green). 7-9pm MWRE Lounge MWRE, Movie Room 3. Power strips and outlets Each Tuesday are not overloaded. 6. Room is neat and orderly. Every Sunday Friday April 23 check the Women’s Self-Defense Class Sex Signals Show 8pm-10pm 0930, 1330 & 1900 Essay, Art and Poem Contest Aerobics Room, East Gym MWR East Starts April 1 and Ends April 15 following POC: [email protected] Poem - Empowerment in your CHU Essay - Hurts One, Affects All POC: Capt Alicia Thompson @ 443-7272 or Art - Hope [email protected] SFC Johnnie Mitchell @ 433-2527 or [email protected] April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Fort Hood transportation

battalionSt o r y a n d Ph o t o b y heads home Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 49th Transportation Battalion, 13th Sustainment Com- mand (Expeditionary) handed its mission over to the 14th Transporta- tion Battalion (Move- ment Control), during a transfer of authority ceremony April 3 at Morale,Welfare and Recreation center east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The ceremony marked the end of a year-long deployment for the 49th Trans. Bn. out of Fort Hood, Texas, and the beginning of a year-long deployment for the 14th Trans. Bn. out of Vi- cenza, Italy. Lt. Col. Peter M. Haas, commander of the 49th Trans. Bn. and a Fleetwood, Pa., native, said his battalion coordinated the movement and cargo loads of 1.1 million trucks. “This headquarters, with the hard work of all our movement control teams, matched cargo to most of those trucks, synchronized all of that traffic and made it move on time every day,” he said. Lt. Col. James A. Rupkalvis, commander of the 14th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) out of Vicenza, Italy, and a Mitch- The 49th Trans. Bn. has had 49 sub- ell, Neb., native, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason A. Runnells, senior enlisted adviser with the 14th Trans. Bn. and a Baton Rouge, ordinate units serve under its flag in the La., native, uncase their colors during a transfer of authority ceremony April 2 at Morale, Welfare and Recreation center east at Joint last 11 months, and prepared for and Base Balad, Iraq. managed 31 separate TOAs. “We’ve lived at 17 different bases Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, command- the flexibility and agility required to to thank the 49th for the outstanding spread across the entire 167,000 square- ing general of the 13th ESC and a Mans- provide world class sustainment and TOA process it completed. mile expanse of Iraq,” said Haas. field, Ohio, native, thanked the 49th distribution to Coalition forces, where “I can confidently say that this is eas- Lt. Col. Jacqueline Baehler, the mo- Trans. Bn. for its contributions to the and when they needed it the most,” he ily the best TOA that any of us have ever bility chief with the 13th ESC and a sustainment mission and, more impor- said. seen,” he said. “That’s a testament to Great Falls, Mont., native, said the 49th tantly, for posturing the 13th ESC for In his speech to the 14th Trans. Bn., the phenomenal professionalism of the Trans. Bn.’s command proved to be very the successful execution of the respon- Wentz said he knows their team is ex- unit, from the leadership down to the knowledgeable during its operations in sible drawdown. cited and ready to get on with the mis- lowest ranking Soldier.” Iraq. “Your efforts are vital to all that we sion. Rupkalvis said they are motivated to Its guidance was vital to the missions do,” he said. “As I stand here today, I “I look forward to working with you take on their next mission. of the 13th ESC, United States Forces – have to tell you that the officers, (non- in what I’m sure will be a historic event “I can tell you without hesitation or Iraq and all of the U.S. divisions in Iraq, commissioned officers) and the Soldiers for all of us here,” he said. “This is a mis- reservation that you are trained and said Baehler. have all made us proud.” sion I know you and your Soldiers have ready to accomplish this mission,” he “You went through them if you want- Wentz said the 49th Trans. Bn. set prepared for and are ready to assume.” said. “The responsible drawdown of ed to move something in theater,” she the bar extremely high. Lt. Col. James A. Rupkalvis, com- forces in Iraq will be tough and chal- said. “They’re very good at what they “Despite attacks, weather, miles or mander of the 14th Trans. Bn. and a lenging, but I have every confidence do.” maintenance, you assured and gave us Mitchell, Neb., native, said he wanted that we will succeed.” SHOUT OUT!!! Contact the Expeditionary Times for more information. E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Tennessee Guardsmen make rounds in Iraq St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y (COB) Taji,” he said. 1s t Lt. De s i Re e L. Ni c e l y With 1/278th ACR spread through- 278t h ACR out Iraq, it is often difficult for the command staff to see each troop on CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE a regular basis, so they said they take Q-WEST, Iraq – Before full advantage of trips to southern Iraq. dawn March 17, Tennessee Lt. Col. Jimmie L. Cole, Jr., the com- Soldiers with Headquar- mander of 1/278th ACR and a Mount ters and Engineer Troop, Juliet, Tenn., native, and Butler did so 1st Squadron, 278th with the help of E Troop and the com- Armored Cavalry Regi- mander’s personal truck crew from ment, 13th Sustainment Command headquarters. (Expeditionary) performed inspections Sgt. 1st Class Jeromy S. Edwards, a on their vehicles and prepared for a TC in headquarters and an Oakfield, convoy south. Tenn., native, serves as truck com- “Our mission over the next four days mander for the squadron commander’s is really threefold,” said Command Sgt. vehicle. Maj. Michael L. Butler, the senior en- “(This) means always having the listed adviser for 1/278th ACR and a equipment and crew ready to go,” he New Johnsonville, Tenn., native. “Ini- said. “I’m trained on the duties of the tially, this trip was laid on so that the TC, gunner and driver. I also assist with commander and I could attend the 15th planning and coordination with the Sustainment Brigade’s command con- unit we are accompanying.” ference at Joint Base Balad, but it also Butler said E Troop led this mission. became a trip of opportunity to visit First Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment’s command group, Lt. Col. Jimmie “From the mission brief … to the in- our (A) Troop and (D) Troop, as well as L. Cole, Jr., the commander of 1/278th ACR and a Mount Juliet, Tenn., native, and Com- telligence information … (E) Troop did evaluate (E) Troop, who is our means mand Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Butler, a New Johnsonville, Tenn., native, make a visit to Capt. an excellent job,” he said. “The com- Patrick B. Carneal, commander of A Troop, 1/278th ACR and a Hendersonville, Tenn., na- of travel.” tive, and 1st Sgt. Jesse M. Ewer, first sergeant of A Troop and an Old Town, Maine, native, mander and I expected nothing less.” To better accomplish the 278th during their visit to Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq. Sgt. Mancel C. Fincher, a truck com- ACR’s mission in Iraq, A Troop and D mander and a Dresden, Tenn., native, Troop were attached to other squad- Tenn., native, said the Soldiers per- First Sgt. Jesse M. Ewer, senior en- said he was a gunner and a driver on rons. With A Troop at Contingency Op- formed well on missions as far north as listed adviser for A Troop and an Old his last deployment. As a TC, he now erating Base Taji and D Troop at Joint COB Speicher and as far south as COB Town, Maine, native, praised the Sol- focuses on the safety and training of his Base Balad, both are performing con- Adder. diers’ adaptability. crew. voy security missions for their newly “Our Soldiers have performed ex- “Our troopers have really adapted Staying on top of truck maintenance assigned squadrons. tremely well in difficult circumstances well and are running convoy missions is also critical because repairs may be First Lt. Patrick D. McGrail, com- and have adjusted to the requirements at a consistently high tempo since join- needed while out on the mission, he mander of D Troop and a Memphis, of night operations,” he said. ing Regimental Troops Squadron at said. Chaplain serves convoying Soldiers St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y am available to help.” Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n Spc. William Estevan, a gunner with 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s TF Volunteer and a Pueblo Acoma, N.M., native, praised the chaplain’s diligent at- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE tendance. ADDER, Iraq – An hour be- “When we are out here, he is out fore every mission, Capt. here,” said Estevan. “He is approachable Peter Pritchett, the chap- on any level, anytime.” lain with Task Force Pritchett also advises the command Volunteer, 2nd Bat- on issues such as ethics and the morale talion, 162nd Infantry of the Soldiers. He said he relays the Regiment, 41st Infan- needs and concerns of the Soldiers to the try Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustain- leadership as a neutral party. ment Command (Expeditionary), meets “I hear the issues and tell the com- with convoy escort teams as they pick up manders,” he said. “If the command- their assets and leave on missions. ers don’t know the issues, they can’t fix Pritchett, a Portland, Ore., native, said them.” he considers time with Soldiers a key Pritchett said he also helps facilitate part of his role as chaplain. He said he care for families in need. does not wait for the Soldiers to come to “I connect with the rear detachment him – they do not always have the time. chaplain to coordinate with families Capt. Peter Pritchett, the chaplain with Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Battalion 162nd Infantry Regi- Instead, he goes to where they work. back home,” he said. ment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Portland, Ore., native, says a prayer with the Soldiers of TF Volunteer before they head out on a “I like doing the convoys; sitting Sgt. Thomas Paul, a convoy com- convoy. Pritchett said he works to build relationships with the Soldiers before every mission. with the Soldiers while they are waiting mander with TF Volunteer and a Belen, around,” he said. “It can really build re- N.M., native, said Pritchett has a passion he said. “He loves Christ.” “He is always a good spiritual leader, lationships. I talk to the Soldiers, get to for Jesus. Estevan praised Pritchett’s influence very friendly and down to earth,” he know their issues and let them know I “He is the best chaplain I ever met,” on troop morale. said. April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Mobile Redistribution Team cleans up Mosul St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y metal, to small medical supplies, to M1 Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Abrams tanks, he said. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “They’re doing us a great service,” said Maj. Tommie Stevens, the executive CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE officer with the Regimental Fires Squad- MAREZ, MOSUL Iraq – ron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Members of the Mobile 13th ESC and the mayor of COB Marez. Redistribution Team at Stevens, a Sherwood, Tenn., native, Contingency Operat- said the MRT has also done a great job of ing Base Marez, Iraq, locating lost and unaccounted contain- work around the clock ers and putting them to use. to clean up unit’s supply inventory, save Before the equipment can be sent to taxpayer’s money and prepare the base units in need, it is inventoried and con- for the responsible drawdown of troops voyed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, for re- and equipment from Iraq. furbishing and redistribution, said Sgt. “Our overall mission is to save the Raymond Hermann, a team leader with government money,” said Spc. Timo- the MRT and a Lake City, Fla., native. thy Lanzoni, a member of the Mobile Two of the Soldiers’ goals with the Redistribution Team, 395th Combat MRT program are to make supply ser- Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th geants responsible for their bookkeep- Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment ing and to make as much of the supply Command (Expeditionary). as possible reusable, Hermann said. Lanzoni, a Boston native, said since “Nothing bothers me more than to Expired medical supplies are gathered by the Mobile Redistribution Team, 395th Combat the team took over the MRT mission in see Soldiers waste assets,” said Stevens. Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to be destroyed. Supplies that are still usable are sent back to the United November, it has seen a steady increase Hermann said much of the material States or to units in Afghanistan. in the amount of material moved. received is outdated. He said often times “We’ve already moved over $20 mil- units fall in on containers of old equip- out of smaller bases throughout north- Lanzoni said he volunteered for this lion,” he said. ment that will never be used and they ern Iraq. deployment, his fourth, and is proud to Lanzoni said the MRT takes any ex- just sit until the unit, or their replace- Lanzoni said units often try to drop be a part of the final stages of Operation tra equipment units have, with the ex- ments, decide to bring them to the MRT off hazardous materials or other restrict- Iraqi Freedom and saving taxpayers’ ception of hazardous materials and yard. ed items, so they constantly observe the money in a troubled economy. complete weapons, and processes it for The MRT does not limit its efforts to drop-off point while processing and “It’s history in the making,” he said. shipment back to the U.S. or to units in COB Marez. Hermann said it is broken packing equipment on the other side of “The Army never really recorded draw- Afghanistan. down into two teams that rotate travel- the yard. downs before; now they’re looking at the It has moved everything from scrap ing missions, moving excess equipment “It’s controlled chaos,” he said. numbers.” Leaders discuss drawdown at JBB logistics conference St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y all logistics personnel be- ESC have a lot of work to do. Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c cause they have to get a lot “A lot has to be done and our resourc- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f of equipment and people es are dwindling (due) to the drawdown,” out of Iraq in a relatively said Pagonis. “We have to make effective JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Key lead- short amount of time. use of what we get out of theater, such as ers from throughout Iraq “Anything that moves ammo and fuel.” came together March 31 in theater, we touch,” she Brig. Gen. Gus Perna, the USF-I joint at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, said. “We have been us- logistics officer and a New Jersey native, to discuss the respon- ing the 49th Movement said the dialogue at the logistics confer- sible drawdown of per- Control Battalion and they ence was great. sonnel and equipment have been a big asset to us “I think we can agree that, with the from April to September, and the re- for what we do.” people around this table, we are going duction of the U.S. footprint in Iraq. Keough said they have to make this happen,” said Perna. “One The 13th Sustainment Command to ensure units are fully thing is clear, the status quo is not an an- (Expeditionary) hosted the conference capable to succeed at the Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the swer. If we are not adjusting and paying at Morale, Welfare and Recreation division level, and this con- 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a attention to details, it won’t happen.” center east. ference was held to get ev- Mansfield, Ohio, native, and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Wentz said a lot is up to the brigade Lt. Col. Lisa Keough, the 13th ESC erybody on the same page D. Joseph, senior enlisted adviser for the 13th ESC and level and below to turn plans into ac- distribution management center chief from the start. a Lake Charles, La., native, look over information pre- tions. and an Aurora, Colo., native, said the “We have a lot of work sented at the 13th ESC logistics conference at Morale, “Collectively, we have to do it togeth- Welfare and Recreation center east March 31 at Joint purpose of the conference was to syn- to do, and right now we’re er to support the phase five drawdown of Base Balad, Iraq. chronize the division plans with Unit- working together to accom- forces,” he said. ed States Forces – Iraq and other U.S. plish the mission,” she said. the next folks, it will be an easy tran- Although they do not have all the forces in the Iraq Joint Operations Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, com- sition for them.” pieces in place yet, Wentz said he be- Area. manding general of the 13th ESC Participants also discussed upcoming lieves they will when the next ESC takes “All the logistic units are represent- and a Mansfield, Ohio, native, said base closures in the next 45 days. The over in July. ed, to include the Army Materiel Com- it is time to get everybody working biggest during this time period, Camp “When we are getting ready to leave mand, Defense Logistics Agency and together for one common goal, to re- Korean Village, Iraq, is scheduled to and stuff really starts flowing out of all our national partners, to make sure duce the footprint in Iraq by Septem- close May 9. here, let’s make it right for them,” he we have all the details of the respon- ber. Col. Gust Pagonis, 13th ESC support said. “Their task is going to be extremely sible drawdown synched up,” she said. “It’s all about getting it right, now,” operations officer in charge and a Pitts- hard, so let’s do what we need to do to Keough said this is a busy time for said Wentz. “So when we pass it on to burgh native, said USF-I and the 13th make it a little easier.” PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s Logistical missions work to build leaders, relationships St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers secure convoys, provide base security and build relationships with the local populace. Their primary mission, conducted by the unit’s convoy escort teams, is to guarantee that assets transported throughout Iraq arrive safely at their destina- tion. Lt. Col. William Edwards, the battalion commander and an Albany, Ore., native, said Soldiers protect and haul fuel, food and supplies from southern and central Iraq. “The convoys travel some of the most dangerous routes in Iraq,” he said. A Company conducts fixed-site security for Convoy Support Center Scania, Iraq, and acts as the quick re- action force for the area. The base, which serves as a truck stop for convoys, sees a steady flow of traffic. “We operate the Base Defense Operations Center and Tactical Operations Center, providing base defense, the quick recovery force and the immediate reactionary force for Scania,” said 1st Sgt. Geoffrey A. Miotke, with A Co., 2/162 Inf. Bn. and a Cottage Grove, Ore., native. The Oregon National Guard’s Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) rolls out on its convoy The company’s QRF supplies wreckers if military security mission March 18 from Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. or military-related vehicles traveling with the con- south road from Kuwait to Mosul. The base can see up Edwards said the Soldiers provide security in in- voys break down along Route Tampa and other supply to 24 convoys daily, with as many as 30 rigs in each stances of indirect fire, and conduct regular perimeter routes, Miotke said. Route Tampa is a major north/ convoy, he said. patrols to keep the base safe. “It’s one way we support the garrison here,” he said. “It also reinforces infantry skills and provides added security to the base with mounted and dismounted patrols at night.” Edwards said the Soldiers also partner with local Iraqis in civil military operations. “We have taken on an additional task of the CMO missions

Soldiers with the Dela- ware National Guard’s 262nd Ordnance De- tachment, with Task Force Volunteer, 41st Infantry Brigade Com- bat Team, 13th Sus- tainment Command (Expeditionary) patrol the area outside the Al Amal School for the Deaf, in the Ar Rumai- ytha district of Muth- anna province, Iraq, as hearing aids and school supplies are delivered. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Logistical missions work to build leaders, relationships

The Oregon National Guard’s Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) rolls out on its convoy security mission March 18 from Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. with the local areas around Adder and Scania,” he said. “It is more than just a ‘feel good’ kind of thing. We are really trying to affect the climate of those communities adjacent to the main supply routes, so we (Above) Soldiers with A Company, can achieve our convoy 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regi- mission with less diffi- ment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat culty.” Team, 13th Sustainment Command Therefore, Edwards (Expeditionary) hand out school sup- said, Scania employs plies to students Jan. 27 in a village local Iraqis at the base. near Convoy Support Center Scania, “We want to make Iraq. The Soldiers delivered more sure that relationship than 400 bags of school supplies to stays strong,” he said. the students. To supprt during the drawdown of U.S. over here and do our job professionally,” forces from Iraq and he said. “When we redeploy, I want the provide better protec- Soldiers to feel they made a contribution tion for the Soldiers, to Iraq, the battalion and the brigade, TF Volunteer Soldiers and (know) that they had a sense of ac- turned in unnecessary complishment.” equipment and up- As the Soldiers prepare to come home, graded their vehicles, they will take new skills and abilities said Edwards. with them. The level of decision making, “In addition to our authority, autonomy and responsibility mission, we’ve turned of the noncommissioned officers will be in more than $50 mil- a benefit to their units back home, said lion worth of excess Staff Sgt. Eric McGinnis, an infantryman with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infan- Edwards. equipment, allowing try Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Springfield, Ore., native, hands “Our leaders will come back with a this unit to take on out school supplies to children Jan. 27, in a village near Convoy Support Center Scania, Iraq. The Soldiers higher level of proficiency of leadership- more protective equip- delivered more than 400 bags of school supplies to the students. type skills,” he said. “The proficiency ment,” he said. “It will our sergeants and staff sergeants have also be good for the Soldiers who take over our mis- myriad missions, obtained new skills, facilitated in- gained with troop-leading procedures (and) pre-com- sion. We want to make this place better for the next ter-cultural relationships and supported the Army bat checks and inspections is awesome. They have a guy.” with efficiency and proficiency, said Edwards. (huge) responsibility and they are doing a great job The Soldiers of 2/162 Inf. Bn. accomplished their “The overall goal I had for my Soldiers was to come managing that.” PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Soldiers keep eye on Mosul St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y erator for the BDOC and a Woodbury, Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Tenn., native. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Pillow said he mans the radio and keeps track of every convoy that leaves CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE the COB, while simultaneously logging MAREZ, Iraq – The Base any significant events on the convoy Defense Operations Center and on the base. at Contingency Operating Pfc. Josh Shows, a radio telephone Base Marez, Iraq, acts as operator with the BDOC and a Hatties- the eyes and ears of the burg, Miss., native, said the radio logs base and surrounding assist the intelligence officers and con- areas to ensure the safety of everyone voy commanders with making changes within its walls. to operations in order to stay safe. “Anything that happens on this “It’s really important that all the in- (COB), we deal with,” said Spc. Mat- formation we get is logged,” he said. thew Emmert, a BDOC battle desk Sol- Shows said he has been in Mosul dier with the Regimental Fires Squad- at the BDOC for eight months and ex- ron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, tended his deployment to assist the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- RFS Soldiers. tionary) and a Knoxville, Tenn., native. “I think our BDOC is one of our Emmert said his team provides over- strongest assets,” said Maj. Tommie sight of all entry control points on the Pfc. Josh Shows, a radio telephone operator with the Base Defense Operations Center, Stevens, the executive officer with the base, as well as the guard towers. It uses Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Com- Regimental Fires Squadron and the cameras to watch the areas and con- mand (Expeditionary) and a Hattiesburg, Miss., native, communicates with a convoy com- mayor of COB Marez. stantly scan the base for anything out of mander March 31 at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Stevens, a Sherwood, Tenn., native, the ordinary, he said. said the team is essentially running The teams work in shifts to provide The RFS Soldiers arrived in Mosul base and dispatching force protection a tactical operations center and the 24-hour security, and even take their in early March, just in time for the elec- measures, the BDOC Soldiers track all BDOC at the same time, and its skills meals at their desks so they are always tions. convoys in the area and manage re- are helping make the base safer every ready, said Emmert. “It was a big deal and everyone was quests for air support. day. “It’s good when it’s a slow day be- on edge, but nothing really happened,” “We’re all multi-trained, so we can “We’ve built a solid team based on cause that means nothing’s wrong,” he said Emmert. step in if someone is gone,” said Spc. skill sets,” he said. “I have to brag about said. In addition to watching over the Clayton Pillow, a radio telephone op- these guys; they’re doing a super job.” Transportation Soldiers assist outlying bases St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y tional Specialty)," he said. Pf c . Br y n n St o ll First Lt. Frank E. Wheatley IV, 396th 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Trans. Co.’s executive officer and a Win- chester, Mass., native, said the 396th had CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE to inventory its palletized loading system ADDER, Iraq – The 2nd fleet and ensure its mission readiness. Platoon, 396th Transpor- Wheatley said the company is working tation Company Ghost to assume the Heavy Equipment Trans- Riders left Contingency porter system mission in United States Operating Base Ad- Division – South, and is scheduled to der, Iraq, March 28 take over completely in mid-April. to support the central As a result, some of the company’s pal- receiving and shipping point at Contin- letized loading systems are being turned gency Operating Location Kalsu, Iraq. in, he said. The 396th Trans. Co., 732nd Com- The Kalsu CRSP mission is unlike bat Sustainment Support Battalion, any of the company’s previous tasks and 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- has required the platoon to develop new tainment Command (Expeditionary) skills, said Wheatley. Spc. John Carwile, a heavy wheeled vehicle operator with 2nd Platoon, 396th Transporta- began full-time support to the 40th “The Ghost Riders have invested a tion Company, 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, Quartermaster Company’s CRSP at significant amount of time training on 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and an Athens, Ala., native, conducts forklift maneuvers with a pallet of water bottles March 14 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Kalsu March 30. Sgt. 1st Class David forklifts, HET (systems), Mine-Resistant Iraq. Oliver, the platoon sergeant and a Cot- Ambush-Protected vehicles and other tondale, Fla., native, said the mission equipment they will be required to oper- censed noncommissioned officers. pany command post. will make his Soldiers well rounded. ate at Kalsu,” he said. Capt. David Harlan, the 396th Trans. “Working 200 miles from your imme- "The two-month long mission will First Lt. Christopher Brunner, platoon Co.’s commander and a Crawfordsville, diate supervisor provides a great opportu- give the Ghost Riders a chance to see leader and a Charleston, S.C., native, Ind., native, said the Kalsu mission will nity for leader development at the squad a new region of Iraq and experience said 16 Ghost Riders qualified on forklift challenge Soldiers and leaders as they and platoon level,” he said. “I know that a new facet of their (Military Occupa- equipment under the supervision of li- work independently, far from the com- platoon will do great things in Kalsu.” ON http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ THE WEB April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15

If you would like to support the 13th ESC Memorial Pavilion with the purchase of an engraved brick for the walkway you have until April 15. PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 JBB kicks off Sexual Assault Awareness Month with leaders’ workshop St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y sexual harass- important to use the most current re- Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c ment to sexual porting channels, including the chain of Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f assault. command, according to the regulation. “That skit Upon notification of a reported sex- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The Army depicted what ual assault, the SARC assigns a victim and Air Force came togeth- can go wrong, advocate. Details regarding the incident er to host a sexual assault and the trends will be limited to only those personnel awareness leaders’ work- show that those who have a legitimate need to know, ac- shop at Morale, Welfare exact situations cording to the regulation. and Recreation center are happen- Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, the com- east, April 2 at Joint ing not only on manding general of the 13th ESC and a Base Balad, Iraq. JBB, but the- Mansfield, Ohio, native, said he was con- Commanders, first sergeants and se- ater wide,” she cerned with improving the situation. nior noncommissioned officers from all said. “As leaders, we need to know how services attended the workshop to dis- Mitchell said to look at these problems and get them cuss sexual assault awareness, as well as the amount of eliminated,” he said. direct questions to a panel designated c o m m a n d e r s Wentz said an environment needs to to address possible legal ramifications and senior en- Senior Airman Patricia Radasa, a command and support staff specialist be created for Soldiers to feel comfort- when dealing with a victim and per- listed advisers with the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, 332nd Ex- able when coming forward. petrator of sexual assault. This served that came to peditionary Operations Support Group, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Wentz said it was a good time to col- as the kick-off event of Sexual Assault the event and and a Port Orchard, Wash., native, and Staff Sgt. Jessica Torres, a bat- lectively look at all the ideas presented Awareness Month. voiced their talion logistics noncommissioned officer with the 118th Multifunctional in the forum. Sgt. 1st Class Johnnie Mitchell, the concerns about Medical Battalion, 1st Medical Brigade and an East Hartford, Conn., na- “This is not just a military problem, equal opportunity adviser and the de- sexual harass- tive, present a skit for sexual assault awareness month, April 2 at Mo- it is a problem in society,” he said. “We rale, Welfare and Recreation center east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. ployed sexual assault response coordi- ment in the have to spend time today as leaders to nator with the 13th Sustainment Com- workplace were work this out, because this is impor- mand (Expeditionary), said the purpose evidence of the importance of the issue. how each one affects the victim. tant.” of the workshop was to ensure com- According to statistics provided by According to Army Regulation 600- Mitchell said this workshop seemed mands at every level understood sexual United States Forces – Iraq, in March 20, restricted reporting is the option to have a great impact on the command- assault, proper reporting procedures alone there were 24 reported cases of recommended for victims of sexual as- ers. and how to deal with victims and per- sexual assault; 75 percent were perpe- sault who wish to confidentially disclose “They had a lot of unanswered ques- petrators. trated by acquaintances of the victim. the crime to specifically identified indi- tions (before the meeting),” she said. “As the unit DSARC and (unit victim In 2009, there were a total of 152 cas- viduals and receive medical treatment “They got the clarity they needed and a advocate), it is our responsibility to take es of sexual assault. So far in fiscal year and counseling without initiating an of- better understanding of the program.” care of the victim, ensuring they un- 2010, there are 61 cases of sexual assault ficial investigation. Mitchell also said the question and derstand their reporting options,” said theater wide. Unrestricted reporting is the recom- answer sections were productive be- Mitchell, a Sylvania, Ga., native. Service members asked about the dif- mended option for victims who desire cause of high levels of participation. The council also presented a skit, to ference between an unrestricted and re- medical treatment, counseling and an “We need to ensure that this gets show how easily an incident can go from stricted reporting of sexual assault, and official investigation of the crime. It is down to the lowest level,” she said. Soldiers learn to teach anti-explosive techniques By Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t preparation for their mission. 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment out and to give (our Soldiers) the train- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “We train the Army units that (re- of Newport, Tenn.. ing that we are receiving.” lief in place) into country,” said Wood, “We set them up and then ran them Sgt. Tilson C. Hargrove, a truck driver CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE a Greensborough, N.C., native. “We’re through in groups of two,” he said. with the 2101st Transportation Company SPEICHER, Iraq – Im- also training a lot of the Iraqi forces, One group set up the lanes while out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st Combat Sus- provised explosive de- Iraqi police, federal police (and) bor- the other went through and tried tainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustain- vices are the main threat der patrol on counter-IED training, to to identify the IEDs, said Mader, a ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- throughout the Iraq improve their abilities while they’re Jonesborough, Tenn., native. They mand (Expeditionary), said the course was Joint Operations outside the wire so they have a better then discussed why the IEDs were very detailed in regards to the positioning Area, and Soldiers chance of defeating the attacks.” placed in certain spots, and how Sol- of the IEDs, their location, how to set them were trained to lo- Wood said the level three class certi- diers could identify them more eas- off and what to expect on travel routes. cate them at Contingency Operating fies the students to train their units. ily. “I got information on what to expect Base Speicher, Iraq, March 31. “I believe it’s a very good asset to “I think it was good training,” he while I’m out there on the road,” said Har- Soldiers participated in a train-the- have out here and it’s a good thing that said. grove, a Boydton, Va., native. “I can take trainer level three course, in order for the Army units and the Iraqi units get Mader said the level three course this stuff back to my troops, to give them them to be instructors and train their this training, because it opens their covered what Soldiers had learned in more (intelligence) on what to look for, fellow Soldiers. eyes a little more and gives them a good prior levels and built upon it. what to expect.” Electronics War Technician Petty refresher,” he said. “Also, we’re being exposed to new Hargrove said it is crucial his Soldiers Officer 1st Class Kyle Wood, a coun- During the training, students set up (tactics, techniques and procedures) stay informed. ter-improvised explosive device team mounted and dismounted lanes for Sol- that the enemies are using in our “We are a transportation company and trainer with the navy intelligence diers to go through and look for IEDs, (area of operation),” he said. “This we’re constantly going to be on the road,” center in Greensborough, N.C., said said Sgt. Bau F. Mader, a truck com- training will help us out because it al- he said. “We need to know what is out they train Soldiers throughout Iraq in mander with K Troop, 3rd Squadron, lows us to come and set up this range there.” April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 JBB celebrates Women’s History Month St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “My mom (and) my grandmother are Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t who inspired me,” she said. “That is the Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f reason why I think about them every time it’s Women’s History Month. I don’t think JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers about the big people, they already have and Airmen came together the recognition.” to recognize Women’s His- Staff Sgt. Chevella S. Stokes, a logistics tory Month, March 29 at noncommissioned officer in charge with Morale, Welfare and Rec- the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade reation east at Joint Base out of Rock Island, Ill., said the event was Balad, Iraq. part of their equal opportunity program Service members attended the event to celebrate each observance month. She to celebrate and recognize the significant said her role model was her grandmoth- contributions by women in history. er. Capt. Katerina Carbuccia, deputy lo- “We have contributed a lot throughout gistics officer with the 13th Sustainment history and it’s nice to be acknowledged Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort for what we have done and what we are Hood, Texas, said women came and continuing to do,” she said. “(The event) showed their support regardless of rank, went pretty well.” a memory they could all take home with Stokes, a Savannah, Ga., native, said them. women are not limited by their gender. “I think it went very well,” she said. “If we set our goals and strive for “Sometimes we need to be recognized and them we can achieve anything,” she said. Col. Cherri S. Wheeler, the wing chaplain for the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and a San Antonio native, was the guest speaker for the Women’s History Month observance March Women’s History Month is a moment to “Nothing is impossible. Women before us 29 at Morale, Welfare and Recreation east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. say, ‘Hello, we are here and we can do the have shown that we can accomplish any- same job as men.’” thing.” the cradle that they can accomplish any- “I long for the day that all positions are Carbuccia, a Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, Col. Cherri S. Wheeler, the wing chap- thing.” open to those who are qualified for it and native, said the event was well organized lain for the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wheeler said she hopes parents and desire to pursue it,” she said. “I long for the and kept the crowd entertained using Wing and a San Antonio native, was the mentors of women encourage them to fol- day when we no longer distinguish firsts speakers and performances. She said she guest speaker for the event. low their dreams, no matter the dream. by gender, but rather knowing that every participated because of encouragement “I long for the day when the only limi- She also said she feels jobs and positions person, no matter the gender, had an equal by fellow Soldiers, but also to show her tation a little girl faces is her own lack of should be determined by the most quali- opportunity to prepare and accomplish it. support for the women who influenced imagination,” she said. “I hope the next fied, and not because a quota of women is I long for the day when history is no longer her throughout her life. generation of little girls is taught from required. ‘his story,’ but ‘her story’ too.” Construction on Iraqi Army Camp Ur complete are very excited about that next step St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y forward, and we are excited as the Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e LMAT team to have been a part of Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f this journey for the last 12 months.” CAMP UR, Iraq – A ribbon-cutting Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. ceremony March 28 at Hoover, the officer in charge of the Iraqi Army Camp Ur, Ur Logistics and Technical Advisory Iraq, commemorated Team with the 36th Sustainment Bri- the completion of a gade, 13th Sustainment Command $27 million project (Expeditionary) and a Gatesville, funded by United Texas, native, worked with the Iraqi States forces for the Soldiers in the Ur Iraqi Army Region- Iraqi Army. al Maintenance Center from August Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Ramsay, through November, to improve their the senior adviser with the Tallil Lo- skills in maintenance and supply. gistics Military Advisory Team and Hoover attended the ceremony a Fitzgerald, Ga., native, said the March 28 and said he was pleased LMAT has worked with IA Soldiers that the IA Soldiers finally have the at Camp Ur for 12 of the 15 months it proper equipment and facilities to took to complete the project. succeed in their mission, and sup- The new buildings will give Camp Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Ramsay, the senior adviser with the Tallil Logistics Military Advisory port the competent mechanics al- Ur the capability to support and Team and a Fitzgerald, Ga., native, signs Camp Ur over to the Iraqi Army March 28 during a ready present. ribbon-cutting ceremony for Iraqi Army Camp Ur, Iraq. house 9,000 Soldiers, said Ramsay. “If the facilities are used the way “It is new warehouse capability, Ramsay said he believes the new make them a stronger, more secure they are supposed to be, the (IA Sol- office capability, new barracks, new facilities will help the Iraqi Army military, so they can take the final diers) will have a very good working latrines for both the location com- stand on its own after the responsi- step as we transition out in 2011, for environment learning environment, mand and the training center, in- ble drawdown of forces from Iraq. the final security here in the Dhi Qar and that is what is needed,” he said. cluding a very large (dining facility) “(This) is the U.S. forces giving province,” he said. “The Iraqi Army, “They have got a good place, to be for troops that are here for training,” the Iraqis the necessary facilities to here specifically, they are very ex- housed and to train. If they have he said. continue their security journey, to cited about the new buildings. They that, they have no problems.” PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Deployed West Point alumni honor school’s history By 2n d Lt. An g e l a K. Fr y support of Operation Iraqi Freedom long traditions of West Point were “The (Cadet) Corps has continued 41s t IBCT with the 41st Infantry Brigade Com- still honored, said Carey, the brigade to produce leaders for our nation bat Team, 13th Sustainment Com- plans chief who led his fellow gradu- when the nation needed it the most,” CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE mand (Expeditionary), but still par- ates in the Cadet’s Prayer. said Brooks, an Alexandria, Va., na- ADDER, Iraq – Two ticipated in the West Point Society of “This is the second Founders Day I tive. “It has given you the opportuni- United States Mili- COB Adder Founder’s Day dinner. have celebrated in the Middle East,” ty of a lifetime; a chance to give back tary Academy at West “We are pleased to be able to get said Carey, a 1994 USMA graduate what was given to you in those four Point alumni from together and to hear comments from and a Minneapolis native. “It means years. Don’t hide from it and don’t the Oregon Nation- both old and new graduates,” said that much more to participate in a waste it.” al Guard attended Parrish, the brigade’s operations of- forward deployed area, where the The 41st IBCT, out of Tigard, Ore., the celebration of ficer. “This opportunity makes you symbols of why we are here are so ap- is coming to the end of a 12-month their alma mater’s 208th anniversary realize how important this institution parent.” deployment as part of the largest mo- March 19 at Memorial Hall at Contin- is and how it has shaped our lives.” The guest speaker for the event bilization of troops from the Oregon gency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. More than 30 Army officers at- was Maj. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, National Guard since World War II. Lt. Col. Mark Parrish, a West Linn, tended the event. commander of the 1st Infantry Divi- The more than 3,000 Oregon Na- Ore., native, and Maj. Brian Carey, a Although the traditionally formal sion and a 1980 graduate of the in- tional Guard troops are scheduled to Minneapolis native, are deployed in meal was served in a tent, the age- stitution. return home by mid-April. Captain runs 30 miles on 30th birthday St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y 1s t Lt. De s i Re e L. Ni c e l y 278t h ACR

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – At 16, Americans can legally drive; at 18, they can vote and, theoreti- cally, make adult de- cisions; at 21, they can legally consume alcohol. At 30, Capt. Joshua Southworth, an operations officer with the 15th Sus- tainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), marked the day he said he lost his “cool” factor, with a 30 mile run March 28. Southworth, an Erie, Pa., native, has Capt. Joshua Southworth, an operations officer with the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and an not always been a runner. Erie, Pa., native, begins the last 10 miles of a 30-mile run on his 30th birthday, March 28 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. “I was never into running,” he said. He began to appreciate running as a Southworth started reading Chris- ran 10 miles three times.” Parris, a Melbourne, Fla., native, U.S. Military Academy cadet, when he topher McDougall’s “Born to Run: A Starting at 2 a.m., in the rain, South- also gave Southworth suggestions on realized he needed to improve his two- Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the worth ran the first 10 miles in about an the run. mile time to succeed in the Army. He Greatest Race the World Has Never hour and a half. His pace slowed for “I told him it’d be a great accom- signed up and trained for a marathon, Seen,” and said he was inspired to run the next 10 miles, and the last 10 miles plishment,” he said. which he finished with a time around 30 miles on his 30th birthday, a feat were even slower. Southworth said he may add a mile four and a half hours. mentioned in the book. “I felt fine for the first five of the last on his next birthday to make it 31, or During his first deployment in 2004 Beginning in mid-February, South- 10, but when I hit the turn-around, my he may sign up to run another mara- to 2005, Southworth injured his back worth began to add miles to his normal pace slowed way down,” Southworth thon in an attempt to beat his previous and was unable to run for a while. He runs. He said he went from running six said. time. said it was during his most recent de- miles, to 20 miles on March 21. Although Southworth trained alone, Running 30 miles is not for Parris. ployment that he began really running Southworth said the key is not to Capt. Thorin Parris, an operations of- “I like to run, but I’m not a mara- again. think of it as running 30 miles. ficer with the 15th Sust. Bde., helped thoner” he said. “(Southworth) obvi- “I realized that I missed it,” he said. “I didn’t run 30 miles,” he said. “I him plan his route. ously is, and I applaud him for it.” TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM E-mail: [email protected] April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What was the codename of the first atomic bomb column, each row and dropped on Hiroshima? each of the nine 3×3 2. Edward Salk developed a vaccine against what? boxes contains the dig- 3. What type of camera did Edwin Land develop? its from 1 to 9 only one 4. Who led the team which invented transistors in the time each. 1940s? Last week’s answers 5. What was the name of the first home computer to

be manufactured? 1. Little Boy 2. Polio 3. Polaroid 4. William Shockley 5. Altair 5. Shockley William 4. Polaroid 3. Polio 2. Boy Little 1.

JB BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: TRADITIONAL - Sunday MASS - Sunday Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, 0200 Air Force Hospital Chapel 0830 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. 1030 Freedom Chapel (West side) 1100 Provider Chapel 1230 Air Force Hospital Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 1400 Air Force Hospital Chapel Thursday 1100 Air Force Hospital 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: 2000 Air Force Hospital Chapel Wed., Fri. 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL - Sunday *Saturday 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball 1100 MWR East Building 1200 Freedom Chapel (West Side) 1600-1645 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Confessions or by appointment p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 1230 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES- Friday EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. 1900 Provider Chapel 1800 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: CONTEMPORARY- Sunday Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., 1030 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) PAGAN/WICCAN FELLOWSHIP - Thursday Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- 1100 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) 1900 Provider Annex Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: 1900 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Saturday 1900 The Bat Cave Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. Wedneday 2000 Gilbert Memorial Chapel 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court LITURGICAL (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian) - Sunday GREEK ORTHODOX - Sunday Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 1700 Provider Chapel 0900 Provider Annex a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Saturday GENERAL - Sunday Plastic Models p.m. Open court Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: 1000 Provider Chapel 0900 Provider Chapel 0900 Freedom Chapel Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST - Sunday FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano 1530 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)- Sunday Gilbert Chapel: 443-7703 Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 1300 Provider Chapel 1530 Freedom Chapel (West side) Provider Chapel: 483-4107 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball 1900 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Freedom Chapel: 443-6303 Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Monday 04/12/10 UFC 112: Invincible (Ferrari World; Abu Dhabi, UAE), Tape Upcoming sports Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/xtra Boston Red Sox @ Minnesota Twins, Live 1 a.m. AFN/ sports on AFN Cincinnati Reds @ Florida Marlins, Live 4 p.m. AFN/sports Thursday 04/08/10 Saturday 04/10/10 Pittsburgh Pirates @ San Francisco Giants, Live 7 p.m. Opening Week on AFN: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Pittsburgh Opening Week on AFN: Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati Reds, Tape AFN/ xtra Pirates, Live 9:30 a.m. AFN/ sports Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports Tuesday 04/13/10 74th Masters Tournament: First Round (Agusta National Golf Opening Week on AFN: Washington Nationals @ New York New York Mets @ Colorado Rockies, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Club, Agusta, GA), Live 1 p.m. AFN/sports Mets, Live 10 a.m. AFN/prime Atlantic AFN/sports NBA on TNT: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls, Live 5 p.m. UFC 112: Invincible (Ferrari World; Abu Dhabi, UAE), Live 10 Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers, Live 10 a.m. AFN/ AFN/sports a.m. AFN/xtra sports NBA on TNT: Los Angeles Lakers @ Denver Nuggets, Live 7:30 74th Masters Tournament: Third Round (Agusta National Golf NBA on TNT: Boston Celtics @ Chicago Bulls, Live 5 p.m. p.m. AFN/sports Club, Agusta, GA), Live 12:30 p.m. AFN/sports AFN/sports Friday 04/09/10 Sunday 04/11/10 Wednesday 04/14/10 2010 Frozen Four-Semifinal Game 1: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed Opening Week on AFN: Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers, Tape 12 a.m. AFN/sports Orioles, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/xtra Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 Frozen Four-Semifinal Game 2: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed Tampa Bay Lightning @ Florida Panthers, Tape Delayed 3 a.m. Los Angeles Angels @ New York Yankees, Live 10 a.m. 5:30 a.m. AFN/sports AFN/xtra AFN/sports Opening Week on AFN: Cleveland Indians @ Detroit Tigers, HBO World Championship Boxing: Andre Berto vs Carlos 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 5 Live 10 a.m. AFN/sports Quintana, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports p.m. AFN/sports 74th Masters Tournament: Second Round (Agusta National Golf NBA Showcase: Orlando Magic @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Live NBA Wednesday: Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz, Live 7:30 Club, Agusta, GA), Live 1 p.m. AFN/ sports 10 a.m. AFN/xtra p.m. AFN/sports PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010

Enter ‘Green Zone’: a riveting thriller By Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h War, Academy Award winner Matt Da- when the CPA’s representative in Bagh- infamous “Mission Accomplished” an- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f mon plays Chief Warrant Officer 2 Roy dad announces CPA Administrator L. nouncement aboard the USS Abraham Miller, a Special Forces officer who leads Paul Bremer’s order to dissolve the Iraqi Lincoln. rom the director of a Mobile Exploitation Team in the search Army, bans Ba’athist politicians from Former New York Times reporter Ju- F“The Bourne Su- for ever-elusive weapons of mass destruc- holding any political office, and institutes dith Miller, who was involved in the leak premacy” and “The tion. When his team continually comes a new regime led by the fictional Ahmed of the identity of CIA Agent Valerie Plume, Bourne Ultimatum,” up empty handed, despite risking its lives, Zubadi, a character probably based on is reflected in the character Lawrie Dayne comes “Green Zone,” an Miller begins to question the intelligence Ahmed Chalabi, an Iraqi expatriate who (Amy Ryan). action-packed thriller inspired, at least in they receive from a secret source. was brought in by former President Perhaps one of the biggest and most part, by Washington Post journalist Rajiv Echoing the Bourne series, Miller George W. Bush administration to put an obvious plot devices based in history is Chandrasekaran’s 2006 book “Imperial suddenly finds himself amidst an inter- Iraqi face on a government run by U.S. the portrayal of Baghdad’s actual “Green Life in the Emerald City.” agency turf war between the CIA and the interests. Zone” as a place where ignorant American The latest in contemporary war films, Coalition Provisional Authority. With his The ensuing gun battle, foot pursuit politicians, contractors and other govern- “Green Zone” addresses the political is- superiors ordering him to stand down and and climax, are some of the best I’ve ever ment or non-government employee’s play sues that were at play during the early fall in, and the CIA’s top dog in Baghdad seen. by the pool while a war rages just over the days of the Iraq War, but the story telling asking him to help uncover a conspiracy, What sets the “Green Zone” apart from fence. is so fluid that the filmmakers still accu- Miller is presented with a Soldier’s ulti- other war films is the political commen- I give “Green Zone” a solid 9 out of 10, rately portray the chaos and contradic- mate dilemma: should he follow orders or tary seamlessly interwoven in the plot. and if the “Hurt Locker” is any indication, tions of war. do what is right? References are made to real life issues I foresee Academy Awards in the near fu- Set during the opening days of the Iraq The culmination of the film begins and events that took place, such as the ture. She and Him finds its voice By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g tress turned singer. There is a certain dence now, but her harmonies are also mains beautifully strong throughout. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f novelty to her sound, but there is also a better than ever. Backing vocals sound She and Him is a band best heard in whole lot of talent. bigger and more polished in a classic the background of your life. It goes well ooey Deschanel Ward provides much of the instru- doo-wop way. with homework or dinner, but might be Zand M. Ward have mentation and is a real treat to hear. I Ward’s voice might not be for every- a bit too anemic to listen to actively. hit their stride with really enjoy his polished, muted guitars one, but it sits so well with Deschanel’s I don’t think Deschanel will ever be She and Him’s “Vol- drenched in reverb. that I feel a bit ripped off here. His as captivating to me as Jenny Lewis, ume Two,” but that’s If you aren’t aware of Ward, he is an voice is absent from most of the songs but she certainly deserves respect as a not to say everyone accomplished artist with many solo al- and it’s really a shame. Often times the singer and musician. should run out and buy the album. bums under his built. What started as Him of She and Him is too far in the If you are looking for something Like “Volume One,” this is a very a very gritty lo-fi sound has developed background. beautiful, yet dark, like Lewis or Rilo soft, cute, easygoing album. If you like into something extremely clean. The two tracks that standout the Kiley, look elsewhere, but if you are slow dances, sock hops and ‘50s diners, If you liked Ward’s latest album, most for me are “Ridin’ In My Car” and down with a 1950s throwback, check you will enjoy this. “Hold Time,” you will probably enjoy “Lingering Still,” mainly because we out She and Him. Deschanel wrote most of the songs She and Him. get to hear Ward sing a bit. “Linger- If you are a fan of “Volume One” at and is the main singer on “Volume “Volume Two” is a safe follow up ing Still” has a beautiful guitar solo as all, I think you’ll be impressed, because Two.” Her voice definitely sounds to its predecessor, but there are a few well. “Volume Two” is all that and more. This stronger this time around and demands changes to the sound. As I said earlier, Deschanel’s voice is at its best in is a fine sophomore effort, but might be respect more than the traditional ac- Deschanel’s voice is filled with confi- “Thieves,” the album’s opener, but re- too cute for some. Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, April 7 Sunday, April 11 5 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon 2 p.m. Clash Of The Titans 8 p.m. Valentine’s Day 5 p.m. Cop Out 8 p.m. Percy Jackson and the

Thursday, April 8 Olympians 5 p.m. The Book of Eli 8 p.m. Dear John Monday, April 12 5 p.m. Percy Jackson and the Friday, April 9 Olympians 2 p.m. Cop Out 8 p.m. Clash Of The Titans 5 p.m. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Tuesday, April 13 8:30 p.m. Clash Of The Titans 5 p.m. Clash Of The Titans Saturday, April 10 8 p.m. Cop Out 2 p.m. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Wednesday, April 14 5 p.m Clash Of The Titans 5 p.m. Percy Jackson and the 8 p.m. Cop Out Olympians 12 a. m. Clash Of The Titans 8 p.m. Clash Of The Titans April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Ir a q

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon (Above) An Iraqi Soldier hammers a target to a wooden board at Border Fort 12 March 16 near Region Kabed, Iraq. The targets will be set up on a range for weapons qualification and training.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jesse Gross (Above) A Soldier with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th In- fantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division provides security during a humanitarian aid mission to check on water pumps March 21 near Joint Security Site Shaura Um Jidr, Iraq. The pumps were given out as a humanitarian effort between the U.S. Army, the Iraqi Army and the lo- (Right) Staff Sgt. Ronny Romero, the noncommissioned officer in charge cal government. of the 17th Fires Brigade Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Operations Hazardous Material team and an Arlington, Va., native, enters a scrap metal yard March 23 in the Abu Al Kaseeb area of Basra, Iraq. Rome- ro and other members of his CBRN team conducted an assessment of the radiation levels in the area.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon U.S.

(Left) Soldiers with 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment,1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Di- vision walk on a new site where they may relocate their headquarters March 15 near Rabiyah City, Iraq.

AEGIS Security Corp. escort vehicles maneuver around simulat- ed bomb attacks on their convoy carrying U.S. Army Corp of En- gineers clients during counter- improvised explosives device training provided by U.S. Navy Sailors with Task Force Troy and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 March 21 at Con- tingency Operating Base Spe- icher, Iraq. U.S. Navy photo by MCC Michael D. Heckman PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Iraqi Security Iraqi forces, Forces graduate US air cavalry newest combat brigade conduct photographers joint air assault

Editors Note: The Iraqi combat camera class re- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE TAJI, Iraq – The ceived minimal support from U.S. advisers in the Iraqi Air Force conducted a joint air assault form of three cameras and a U.S. combat photog- mission with the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade to rapher that acted as an adviser, but the course’s find and destroy weapons caches March 14. planning, design and facilitation were all handled During this joint air assault operation, by the Soldiers of ISOF and its Media Effects Cell. 1st ACB, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – Cen- ter, partnered with the Iraqi Air Force’s 4th Squad- BAGHDAD – As Iraqis take more and more of their ron to provide aerial support to Soldiers with A security into their own hands, a certain re- Company, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, sponsibility is also changing hands: the tell- 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry ing of the Iraqi Soldier’s story. Division and the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Whether by photography or videogra- Division to perform a weapons cache-clearing mis- phy, the documentation of operations and training sion. by combat photographers is a vital part of telling that The instructor, a combat photographer of six years, The mission consisted of flying UH-60 Black Hawk story, as well as a valuable information asset to Iraqi also taught beyond the components, techniques and helicopters carrying U.S. and IA Soldiers for an air Security Forces as they progress in their training. theories. As the first week wound down, he empha- insertion into islands to be searched – maintaining Leading the effort to train and enable Iraqi com- sized the “why” behind COMCAM. flexibility to move the Soldiers from island to island bat photographers is the 1st Brigade, Iraqi Special “As evidence, documentation protects our Sol- whenever necessary. Operations Forces’ Media Effects Cell, which gradu- diers,” he said. “If someone makes a claim against us, An attack weapons team of two AH-64D Apache at- ated ISOF’s newest combat photographers from its saying that our Soldiers behaved poorly or hurt some- tack helicopters, from 1st ACB, provided screening of Basic Combat Camera Course Feb. 28 in Baghdad. one on an operation, we can show the video and have the objectives and the surrounding riverbanks in an During the 14-day course, 12 Iraqi students stud- proof to protect us from this false information. And effort to minimize the possibility of a counter attack. ied digital camera and video recording techniques in one day, when the next generation is ready to take The Iraqi aviators supported the IA Soldiers and a hands-on, intimate learning environment. With ev- our place, they’ll know all that we did for them.” gained trust between the ground and aviation assets, erything from the basic operation of the equipment The first week established a comfort zone of pre- a goal the 1st ACB has worked toward since arriving to advanced composition techniques, the course de- dictable action and controllable subjects while the in theater. manded a complex combination of tactical, technical students got a handle on the basics. It was a comfort As the 1st ACB prepares to depart, the relationship and creative thinking from its students. zone their instructor said he was glad to shatter in between the Iraqi AF and its ground brethren is a sure The primary instructor and senior-enlisted Iraqi the next week of training. sign that the mission was successful, said Capt. Jimmy combat photographer said his students’ enthusiasm Soon, they documented live-fire ranges and Dailey, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, commander of made the difference in their performance. Neither he stacked up behind ISOF’s 1st Battalion commandos B Company, 3rd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, nor his students can be named due to security rea- during close-quarter combat training at Baghdad’s 1st ACB and a Pawnee, Okla., native. sons. Iraqi Special Warfare Center and School. They no The unit spent nearly a year working with the Iraqi “They are so willing to learn that it’s easy for longer had the comfort of carefully selecting their AF on air-ground integration, conducting joint opera- them,” the instructor said. “You could tell early on shots or asking their subject to turn to “adjust for the tions during the course of its partnership. they were proud to be photographers, and that’s picture.” “It is good to see (the Iraqi Air Force) taking the where it starts.” Their instructor pushed for the combination of steps to conduct missions on their own, the next step The course was divided into two segments. The technical and tactical thinking, especially while per- after this will be for them to lead an air assault – plan- first week focused on camera components and tech- forming operations where their subjects are amped ning it and briefing it as well,” said Dailey. niques, digital photo development and proper ar- up on both adrenaline and the urgency demanded by The mission was his fifth joint air assault operation chiving of documentation. The students tackled life-or-death, close-quarters combat. that he has taken part in during his deployment, he these subjects in teams of four, practicing one tech- A U.S. Special Forces medical and communica- said. nique at a time before taking their cameras back to tions sergeant who trained prospective commandos the classroom to face their teacher’s critiques and allowed the class to document a rifle range during suggestions. the course’s second week and said he noticed their Two suspected Some students had no familiarity with technolo- primary instructor was an Iraqi. The sergeant and gies many of their U.S. counterparts’ take for grant- a few other U.S. Special Forces operators facilitated, such as laptop computers and portable storage ing the range used Iraqi Soldiers as trainers, a sign weapon facilitators devices. Some students had gone their whole lives that the sergeant said was promising. He likened the without touching a computer’s mouse or typing on a class’ instructor to his own hand-selected cadre of keyboard. Their instructor soon found himself giving Iraqi Soldiers, using a popular Army phrase, “train- detained a basic computer class. ing the trainer.” “If they don’t know something, I don’t judge them. “Training the trainer involves training an Iraqi TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces, with U.S. I teach them,” he said. “So I taught some to start cadre and staff so they can train other Iraqi Soldiers,” advisers, detained two suspected Islamic from the very basics. For some, that meant turning he said. “The cadre and staff can then train other State of Iraq weapons facilitators March on a computer and using Windows.” Iraqi Soldiers in their native language, speeding up 15 in the village of Sharqat, Salah ad-Din With that obstacle hurdled, the class rolled on as training time and ensuring the Iraqi military is be- province. its students took in their lessons. coming more involved in training its own Soldiers.” ISF arrested the suspects for allegedly manu- “It’s a very good class,” a student said. “Our in- With the graduation of ISOF’s newest COMCAM facturing and distributing improvised explosive structor is serious about the work and I’m proud to Soldiers, their instructor said he is confident the sto- devices and weapons in Salah ad-Din and Ninawa be learning it. We all want to know more.” ry of Iraq and its Soldiers is in capable hands. provinces. April 7, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

The two suspects are believed responsible for “By coming to the gate and letting us know there transporting IEDs and weapons into Mosul from was a problem, he probably prevented someone a shop in Sharqat and a location in Bayji. One of Iraqi Police pursue from getting injured,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael the individuals is suspected of repairing damaged Slaughter with the Brigade Special Troops Battal- weapons prior to their sale. ion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infan- Sharqat is located north of Bayji. al-Qaeda in Diyala try Division. “His quick thinking and willingness An Iraqi court issued a warrant for the suspect’s to come forward with helpful information helped arrest. province, arrest make everyone safer. I’m glad we could reward In accordance with the Security Agreement and him.” in coordination with the Iraqi government, Iraqi The citizen stated he had no idea what he would and U.S. forces conducted joint operations to target two suspects do with the money. terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stabil- “I will save it,” he said. “It is more important ity of Iraq. BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police arrested two suspected that no one was hurt.” terrorists March 20 during a joint security operation conducted in northern Iraq to capture a suspected member of the al- Iraqi police capture Fallujah unit arrests Qaeda in Iraq terrorist group operating in Diyala Province. suspected weapons Acting in accordance with the Security Agree- suspected Baghdad ment and in coordination with the Iraqi government, the 3rd Emergency Response Unit and U.S. facilitator advisors searched several buildings for the suspect- al-Qaeda attack- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE RAMADI, Iraq ed AQI member who had a warrant for his arrest – A suspected Al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons issued by an Iraqi judge. cell member facilitator was arrested March 24 by the Preliminary questioning results and evidence Fallujah Special Weapons and Tactics unit collected during the operation led Iraqi Police to BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police captured a suspected during a joint security operation, with U.S. arrest two suspected criminal associates of the war- member of an al-Qaeda in Iraq attack cell advisers, in Fallujah. ranted individual. during a joint security operation March The suspect is believed to be linked to the smug- 28 in western Baghdad. gling of weapons and improvised explosive device- Iraqi Police and U.S. advisers searched making materials in support of AQI operations. Iraqi Emergency buildings for the suspected AQI member believed to He was named a possible planner in the vehicle- be part of an AQI cell responsible for assassinations born improvised explosive device attacks in Baghdad and bank robberies in the region. that killed 147 and wounded more than 700 people in Response Brigade Preliminary questioning results and evidence October 2009. The attacks, the deadliest in two years, collected during the operation led Iraqi police to targeted and destroyed three government buildings in identify and arrest the wanted individual. central Baghdad: the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry arrests suspected Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in of Public Works and the Baghdad governor’s office. accordance with the Security Agreement and in co- Fallujah SWAT confiscated weapons and ammuni- al-Qaeda cell leader ordination with the Iraqi government to target ter- tion including armor-piercing bullets as well as pass- rorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability ports, satellite receivers, license plates, electronic cir- BAGHDAD – An element of the Iraqi Emergency of Iraq. cuits, a battery tester, a camera, documents and one Response Brigade, along with U.S. forces Iraqi Army uniform. advisers, arrested the suspected leader In accordance with the Security Agreement and of an al-Qaeda cell March 12 in Al Fadil, in coordination with the Iraqi government, Iraqi and Baghdad. US forces transfer U.S. forces conduct joint operations to target terror- The elite police force was operating under the ists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of authority of a warrant issued by the Central Inves- Iraq. tigative Court of Al Karkh. training base, airstrip Intelligence reports indicate the suspect com- mands an al Qaeda cell operating in Baghdad. “Once again, the Emergency Response Brigade in Maysan Iraqi Security Forces highlights their personal commitment to providing safety, security and stability to the people of MAYSAN, Iraq – Leadership with the 10th Iraqi Army capture suspected Abu Iraq,” said Maj. Catina Barnes, a Combined Joint Division and the Iraqi Receivership Secre- Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula tariat accepted the complete return of Contin- spokesperson. gency Operating Site Hunter from U.S. forces Ghraib al-Qaeda leader In accordance with the Security Agreement and March 26 in the southern Maysan province. in coordination with the Iraqi government, Iraqi During a ceremony marking the event, the Record BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces captured a sus- and U.S. forces conduct joint operations to target of Return was signed and the Government of Iraq took pected al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stabil- control of the facility and adjacent airplane landing Abu Ghraib region during a joint secu- ity of Iraq. strip. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all U.S. Sol- rity operation March 26 in Abu Ghraib, diers departed the base. roughly 22 km west of Baghdad. More than $1 million of property and equipment Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. advisers searched was transferred to the Iraqis. Some of the items in- a residential building for the suspected AQI lead- Citizen helps ensure clude tents, base security structures, dining facilities er. and power generation equipment. The wanted individual is believed to have been U.S. forces from 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division involved in planning coordinated vehicle-borne Kalsu’s safety used the base to advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces improvised explosive device attacks against the near the city of Qalit Salih and the Hwayzah marshes. Iraqi government, several of which have taken CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION KALSU, The 10th Iraqi Army Division will use the base as a place in the capital city. Iraq – Acting on information provided to training facility. Evidence and information collected during the them by a local citizen, the Iraqi Police “Returning Contingency Operating Site Hunter to security operation led ISF to identify and arrest disarmed and removed an explosive de- the Iraqi Army is another sign of normalcy,” said Maj. the wanted AQI leader. vice March 4 near Contingency Operating Vida Burrell, the operations officer with 2nd Squad- Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations Location Kalsu, Iraq. ron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, who lived on COS Hunter. in accordance with the Security Agreement and in The citizen received a 350,000 dinar reward “They demonstrated their proficiency with elections coordination with the Iraqi government to target from U.S. Forces for his actions. security, and this base provides them (with) weapons terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and sta- The Soldiers in charge of the COL’s security are ranges, housing and a secure helicopter landing zone bility of Iraq. grateful for the man’s help. to continue training.” PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 7, 2010 Phantom Support U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael V. Camacho Brig. Gen. Paul Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, and a Mans- field, Ohio, native, serves himself buffalo chicken wings during a command social March 31 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The social followed a day of briefings where key leaders discussed operations in Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Ralph D. Dempsey (Above) Lt Col. Steven Lo- gan, with the 45th Military History Detachment, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- peditionary) examines an Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery display at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Logan conducted a military history collection for U.S. Army photo by Pfc Lisa A. Cope the 36th Sustainment Brigade, (Above) Service members explore along the top of a reconstructed 13th ESC. building, said to be the home of the prophet Abraham, during a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur March 27, near Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen (Above) Soldiers of Task Force Vol- unteer, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Com- bat Team, with the Oregon and New Mexico Army National Guard, take the oath of re-enlistment March 12 on the steps of the Ziggurat of Ur near Camp Adder, Iraq.

Soldiers with A Company, 2nd Bat- talion 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- ary) distribute school supplies to students at the Al Booternan School Feb. 25 near Scania, Iraq. Medical supplies were delivered to the Iraqi Army which escorted the Soldiers to the school. The supplies were requested by the shaykhs and local employees for their children. The supplies were donated by the Corvallis Clinic in Corvallis, Ore. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen