Volume 1, Issue 125 Page 1 • September 3, 2010 Operation New Dawn begins for U.S. forces in Today, Operation Iraqi Freedom Iraqi troops in targeted counterterror- have been wounded. We should use to- ends and Operation New Dawn begins. ism missions, and protect our civilians day as an opportunity to pause and re- This transition represents a significant who are moving into the lead to support member them, and to renew our com- milestone and a huge accomplishment Iraq. We will complete these missions mitment to never forget them or their for the men and women of the United with the same focus, determination, Families. States Army. Our congratulations go to and professionalism that have seen us We could not be prouder of our Army Gen. Ray Odierno, to the USF- I Team, through the last seven years. on this historic day. You remain the and to the nearly 800,000 Soldiers Our Soldiers have been the key to our Strength of this Nation. Army Strong! who served in lraq and contributed to successes in Iraq. They have adapted to this success. While we reflect on our a new form of war - accomplishing the accomplishments, it is important to re- near-impossible every day; and led the member that our mission there is not way in providing the 28 million people yet complete. of Iraq with the opportunity for a better In cooperation with the Government future. This success has come at a cost of Iraq, we will continue to advise and - more than 3,200 American Soldiers assist the Iraqi Security Forces, support have given their lives, and over 22,000 New Beginnings

Photo by Spc. Cassandra Monroe, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Forces-Iraq Commanding General, General Lloyd Austin III, places the rank of sergeant onto the chest of Sgt. John McNeely, a mail clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Support , Special Troops , 3rd Division, Sept. 3, at the Division Headquarters, Contingency Operating Base Speicher, near Tikrit, Iraq. The North Star Page 2 • September 3, 2010

Photo by Pfc. Robert England, 2nd AAB, 25th ID PAO Staff Sergeant Raymond O’stil, a Hayward, Calif., native and paralegal noncommissioned officer for HHC., 2nd AAB, 25th ID, samples sounds on a music sampling and drum machine, Aug. 30, in the studio he created in his housing unit at FOB Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq. Paralegal mixes beats, pursues passion By Pfc. Robert England, the equipment effectively, Staff Sgt. tar, and I have since high school,” Maj. 2nd AAB, 25th ID PAO O’stil said that anyone can master the Vinton said. “We decided to merge our art of producing music digitally. creative efforts and throw together a The term “recording studio” spawns The editing equipment used is of couple songs with Hawaiian-themed mental images of small, dimly lit no consequence if the producer lacks background music.” rooms. One blanketed in an eerie the creative mind to put it to good use. One of the qualities that sets Staff silence with a lone microphone in the Fortunately, Staff Sgt. O’stil does not Sgt. O’stil apart from most modern center, the other sustaining a control fall into this category. He draws from artists is the intrinsic message in his panel littered with myriad dials and his own experiences as well as the ex- music. It’s not about money or fame; sliding adjusters. Staff Sergeant Ray- pertise of his peers to move his music, his songs, inspired by his own chal- mond O’stil has configured a version striving to constantly improve as an lenges, tell stories with deeper mean- based on his environment. artist as well as a producer. ings than those that can be dismissed Staff Sergeant O’stil, a Hayward, “I’m inspired by life, but I’m influ- at face value. Calif., native and paralegal noncom- enced by other musicians,” he said. “Anyone can go out and get the missioned officer with Headquarters “It doesn’t even matter what kind of equipment, but at the end of the day, and Headquarters Company, 2nd music they play.” are you putting out a message?” he Advise and Assist , 25th Infan- “I just like to be surrounded by questioned rhetorically. “Are you say- try Division, is a music producer and talent,” Staff Sgt. O’stil said. “If the ing something to somebody or do you recording artist who brought his talent people I record with are good, it makes just want people to hear your voice?” and tools with him to Iraq. me want to be better as an artist, too.” Staff Sergeant O’stil has no specific Being deployed was not going to After he fine-tunes an audio file, audience in mind when he writes and stop Staff Sgt. O’stil from indulging his Staff Sgt. O’stil stockpiles his beats, produces his music, but he said certain creative passion. raps over them and offers them to vo- songs will strike a chord in people who “I knew I wanted to bring my studio calists who need background music. can relate to the meaning of his lyrics. because it was just sitting in my house, “I play my samples for other people “I have a song called ‘Looking and I wanted to do something creative so they can rap to them, too,” he said. For Soul’ where I’m mostly talking with this stuff,” Staff Sgt. O’stil said. Staff Sergeant O’stil has worked to my son who is five years old, and This studio consisted of profession- with a number of Soldiers in 2nd AAB, I guarantee you, there’s another kid al-quality recording tools that help 25th ID, providing beats and even out there who is like 13 years old in him capture, place and edit audio in a recording with them. Major Matthew California or Missouri that can relate digital format. Vinton, a Burke, Va. native and the to it,” he said. The set-up has a complex appear- officer-in-charge of the Legal Office for There is glorification in being able ance with enough buttons and dials to 2nd AAB, 25th ID, collaborated with to touch a wide audience through an intimidate novice producers, but with O’stil on a few songs. alternative form of communication, some formal training on how to utilize “It just so happens I play bass gui- Staff Sgt. O’stil said. The North Star Page 3 • September 3, 2010 Infantryman lives out childhood dreams By Capt. Heather Lee Guck TF Marne Public Affairs Sergeant First Class White, a 30-year-old Infantryman, who’s cur- rently serving with the 3rd Infantry Division in northern Iraq, grew up playing with G.I. Joes as a boy and knew he was destined to be a living, breathing G.I. Joe himself. He joined the military in 2000. Ten years later, Sgt. 1st Class White stands as a seasoned Soldier and Family man, who continues to serve his nation proudly. Sergeant First Class White has the challenging job of being a personal se- curity officer to the Commanding Gen- eral of Marne and 3rd ID, Major General Tony Cucolo, whom he commonly refers to as “the boss.” His job is to keep Maj. Gen. Cucolo safe at all times so that he may accomplish his mission statement while in Iraq. Photo by Sgt. Chad D. Nelson, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Major General Cucolo proudly said (Left) Sergeant First Class Garry White stands next to Task Force Marne Commanding Gen- eral, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, while posing with the CG’s personal flight crew. of Sgt. 1st Class White, “I’m blessed to have him as my personal security made possible due to the loving sup- Troy University, attend the six-week officer running my personal security port of his wife, Linda. They recently long Senior Leaders Course, and at- detachment … when you look at him celebrated their 10th wedding anniver- tend Ranger School for two months. in all full combat gear you just see a le- sary. There’s no doubt this Purple Heart thal human weapons system. He’s 110 Sergeant First Class White said of and Army Commendation with Valor percent Soldier …. the complete pack- his wife, “I just love her, she’s a great device recipient will do nothing less age, when you get to know him, he’s woman. I take care of my mission than impact the lives of those Sol- a regular guy, he’s just a fine human [in Iraq] and she takes care of hers - diers around him. being, a dedicated husband and father which is the house and the Family … “Sergeant First Class White is who wants to serve his country.” I don’t have to worry about anything actually one of the finest NCOs I have Sergeant First Class White loves the while I’m gone.” ever worked with. He exemplifies dynamics of his current job. He can be They have two children, a 7-year- what the modern day noncommis- in Baghdad escorting the boss to a high old son, Trajan (named after the sec- sioned officer is supposed to be and level meeting and then fly out to Diyala ond greatest Roman Emperor to ever he’s the example of technical and and see Soldiers on a check point later live) and an 11-month-old girl, Mia, tactical expertise. He’s an example in the day. who was only 2 months old when Sgt. for me,” said Capt. Rick Turner, Maj. His additional duties encompass 1st Class White deployed to Iraq. Gen. Cucolo’s personal aide-de-camp. planning, coordinating missions, route “Family time is family time … I give But when it’s all said and done recons, special projects. In his ‘free them my undivided attention when at the end of the day, Sgt. 1st Class time,’ he takes on-line college courses. I’m home. We take a lot of trips. I’m White’s most honorable duty was “It makes for some late nights and really dedicated to them,” said Sgt. 1st when he had the privilege of conduct- early mornings,” said Sgt. 1st Class Class White, with a reminiscing smile. ing eight military funerals. He was White. With his Family in mind, he contin- the firing squad noncommissioned He is on his fourth deployment. ues to forge forward without enter- officer in charge, United States flag His first deployment was to Kosovo in taining any thoughts of ‘taking a knee’ folder, and pallbearer. 2002, and he hasn’t slowed down yet. anytime soon. “Being able to provide that op- His next two deployments were in Af- Sergeant First Class White’s near portunity, and pay your respects to ghanistan from 2003 to 2004 and then term plans might be what many would the Soldiers and their Families is again from 2006 to 2007. Now he is consider being lifetime goals. Upon outstanding. It’s sad that I had to serving in Iraq from 2009 to 2010. redeployment back to his home, Sgt. conduct eight military funerals, but He agrees that his successful career 1st Class White plans to complete his it had to be done,” said Sgt. 1st Class and many accomplishments have been Bachelor of Science in Business at White. The North Star Page 4 • September 3 , 2010 Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Sergeant First Class Bengo and Staff Sgt. Jodi Stone, a Ft. Lewis, Wash., native with Headquarters Headquarters Operations Company, Division Special Troops Battal- ion, 3rd Infantry Division, are selected for their outstanding performance as a kennel master and patrol explosive detector dog team. Sergeant First Class Bengo and Staff Sgt. Stone were responsible for establishing the Iraqi Police Service Dog partnership program at the Warhorse Kennels. Due to their success, Sgt. 1st Class Bengo and Staff Sgt. Stone are now at Contingency Operating Base Speicher serving as the Kennel Master for Salah Ad-din province. Sergeant First Class Bengo and Staff Sgt.Stone have earned the confidence and respect of all units they have supported through their tacti- cal proficiency, competence, and ability to perform in any environment. When not on mission, Sgt. 1st Class Bengo enjoys curling up at Staff Sgt. Stone’s feet and getting lots of affection. In order to recognize these accomplishments they have been selected as the Task Force Marne “Dog Face” Heroes of the North.

Sergeant Andrew Krueger, a Storm Lake, Iowa, native with Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, is one of four Unmanned Aerial Vehicle instructor/operators in his unit. His technical expertise was critical on the morning of Aug. 3, during a UAV’s post-launch climb to mission altitude. Sergeant Krueger performed a thorough 360-degree inspection of the flight gears with the onboard camera. During his inspection, he noticed that the parachute cover had vibrated loose and realized the urgency to recover the UAV as soon as possible. He informed both the UAV operator and the mission commander of the situation, ensuring the UAV was quickly approved for an emergency recovery. Sergeant Krueger’s alertness and attention to detail was the key factor in preventing the potential loss of a limited asset. The unit added additional steps to their preflight and flight checklists by capitalizing on his dedication and professionalism, qualities for which he is a most deserving selection as a Task Fore Marne Hero of the North. Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Fitr after Ramadan -is the Arabic word for and led by a person referred to as the heat add rice, sugar and cardamom and stir con (ديع) Eid is the Khateeb. stantly till milk turns thick. Now add almonds (رطفلا ديع) feast. Eid ul-Fitr holiday celebrating the end of Rama- “Eid Mubarak” is the common and put in serving bowl and chill. Garnish with dan, a time which is marked by fasting greeting during Eid al-Fitr which silver or gold foil paper (varak) and serve. from sunrise to sunset. Though absti- means, “Happy/Merry Eid!” Eid al- nence from food and drink during the Fitr celebrations, which can extend Ma’mounia (Wheat Pud- day are prominent features of Rama- three days, are marked not only by ding) dan there are special dishes and food prayer and ceremony but by the ex- Ingredients traditions associated with this period, change of gifts and well wishes. There 3 cups water as we noted in this column at the start are of course special meals that are 2 cups sugar of Ramadan. This year Ramadan will associated with this time, just as the 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ cup butter, unsalted end around mid-September and now turkey is linked with Thanksgiving in 1 cup wheat flour that we are approaching the end of Ra- the United States. Whipped cream madan, lets look at the festivities that Cinnamon mark the closing of the holy month. Ingredients: Seviyan Combine water and sugar in a large saucepan. Eid al-Fitr Ingredients Over low heat, stir constantly until sugar dis- Once the crescent moon is sighted, 2 Cups of milk solves. 2 tbsp. of Rice Increase heat slowly to bring mixture to a boil the month of Ramadan comes to a 3 tbsp. of Sugar (mixture will look like syrup). Add lemon juice. close and is marked with celebration. 1/4th cup of blanched almonds (sliced) Reduce heat and simmer until syrup thickens, Eid-Ul-Fitr means to “break the fast”. 1 tsp. of Green cardamom (crushed) about 10 minutes. Set aside. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous time, a time 1/2 tsp of Kewra essence In another saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Silver or gold foil paper (varak) Stir until lightly browned. meant to spread good will and love. If Add the syrup from the other pan. Simmer mix- possible, Muslims participating in Eid Preparation: ture about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. al-Fitr may wear new clothes and at- Soak rice in water for few hours, after removing Remove from heat and let cool 20 minutes. tend special prayer ceremonies such as water, grind rice into a smooth paste. In a non- Spoon ma’mounia into bowls and top with stick saucepan bring milk. Over a moderate low whipped cream and cinnamon. the Khutba which is held out of doors The North Star Page 5 • September 3, 2010 Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s Vacationer sees home robbed already been spooked by the home’s to withstand a river known for on iPhone alarm system. commercial transport. The fish flew “You know, it was surreal. It really as Pennington was trying to return to www.myfoxaustin.com was. The first thing I couldn’t believe shore to repair his kayak, assisted by a A Texas man watched a burglary is that we could do this on our cell competing three-man team. occur at his own home while he was phone. Really? A cell phone?” Hunter Pennington said he had to on vacation in Connecticut 1,500 miles said. withdraw just hours into the 340-mile away, using a simple iPhone app, ABC Hunter said police were reviewing race because of a “pounding, pounding News reported Wednesday,Aug. 25. the footage captured by his iPhone headache that kept getting worse.” Vince Hunter said the $4.99 iPhone in an attempt to catch the attempted A nurse suggested further medical app, called iCam, notified him and his burglars, who are suspected of robbing treatment, but he declined. wife via text message that the motion his neighbor’s home moments earlier. “It’s definitely a risk of being out detectors had been activated in his on the river,” said Tracy Hill, a project house. Flying fish knocks leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Then, using his cell phone, he was Houstonian out of race Service’s local fisheries office. “It’s able to watch a live feed from the extremely serious. Those things can webcams he had installed around his www.chron.com kill you.” home after a previous break-in. COLUMBIA, Mo. — A fish out of Hill spent Wednesday volunteering “I check the footage, and see in real water sent a Texas kayaker onto dry at the race’s Huntsdale checkpoint time guys in this area, and they’re land instead of the finish line at an near Columbia. One day earlier, while kind of hunched over. They’d just annual Missouri River endurance race. conducting tests on the river, he was broken the glass. I said ‘holy cow, I Houston resident Brad Pennington hit several times by flying carp. gotta call 911,’” he said. was considered one of the favorites Hill and his colleagues already wear Hunter’s wife also notified the among men’s solo racers in the construction hard hats while on the security company. Missouri River 340, a canoe and job. He suggested — with a straight “I go back to the footage, sure kayak race that began the morning of face — that an upgrade to hockey enough, they’re in the backyard Tuesday, Aug. 24 morning in Kansas helmets and protective netting might checking things out. They’re throwing City, Kan. At least until a 30-pound be in order. bricks ... at the tempered glass and Asian silver carp jumped from the Asian carp can eat up to 40 percent they can’t break it three times,” he water and hit him in the head. The of their weight a day in plankton said. fish are known to panic and jump in and were imported in the 1970s as a “Finally, it appears they wind up response to passing vessels. way to control algae and plankton in and kind of go back in that area, and “It felt like a brick hit me,” fish ponds. But the fish made their they just hurl this brick through the Pennington said Wednesday. way into the wild and have infested glass and ... this brick ends up in our The 43-year-old lawyer already waterways including parts of the living room.” was having trouble steering his boat, Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Police arrived a few minutes later, a streamlined model built for speed rivers. Work continues to prevent the with guns drawn, but the bandits had but not necessarily sturdy enough voracious fish from slipping into the Time is ticking to train up for Task Force Marne’s Top of Iraq 10K, Sept. 24!

THE TASK FORCE MARNE Commanding General - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo North Star Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. The North Star is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff Army. Contents of The North Star are not TF Marne PAO – Lt. Col. Jeff Allen necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Defense, Department of the Army or the TF Marne Writer - Sgt. Johnathon Jobson 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content of The North Star is prepared, edited, Editorial Staff provided and approved by the Task Force Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Marne Public Affairs Office. Editor - Spc. Cassandra Monroe 2nd Advise and 2nd Advise and 1st Advise and 135th Mobile Public Assist Brigade, Assist Brigade, Assist Task Force, Affairs Detachment 3rd Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division 1st Armored Division