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Vol. 1, No. 6 MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – BAGHDAD “steadfast and loyal” April 2, 2006

‘Rough Riders’ tackle new The doctor is in Operation Glory Light mission with Iraqi New medical center opens reaps rewards, weapons commandos doors for Camp Striker caches discovered

Page 3 Page 11 Page 13 Combined forces launch Operation Northern Lights

Photo by Maj. Robert Krenzel, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. Photo by Maj. Robert Krenzel, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. ABOVE: Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, secure weapons and ammunition seized after search- ing for, and capturing, several weapons caches. Iraqi Security Forces, in conjunction with units from the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy, kicked off Operation Northern Lights March 22 to capture suspected terrorists in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad. RIGHT: The Soldiers estimated there were around 150 mortar rounds, 60 RPG rounds, 130 grenades, 120 rockets and more than 30,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition recovered from the weapons caches. There were also several launch- ing devices for the mortars, rockets and grenades. Story by Maj. James Crawford and 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 2,200 PKC machine gun rounds, two boxes 1st BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div. moving to blocking positions by ground of gunpowder, a RPG rocket, an Iraqi police This Week BAGHDAD – before Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 22nd jacket, 18 106mm tank rounds, 400 blasting raqi army and Coalition Forces, Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat caps, 40 artillery rounds, 17 pressure plate Ask Uncle Troy ..... 22 approximately 1,400 personnel, Team, 10th Mountain Division, air assaulted initiators, 20 Motorola radio initiators, and Band Calendar ...... 17 kicked off Operation Northern onto the objective to conduct a cordon and thousands of .50 caliber machine gun Faces & Places ...... 24 Lights March 22 to disrupt anti-Iraqi search. rounds. They also detained a suspected ter- Iraqi Phrases ...... 15 forcesI and to find and destroy terrorist By late that afternoon, approximately 400 rorist near one of the caches. caches in the Abu Ghraib area west of Soldiers from the 3rd Bde., 6th Iraqi Army At another cache site, terrorists attacked MWR Calendars ... 17 Baghdad. Div., discovered five weapons caches, con- Iraqi soldiers with small-arms fire, wound- Religious Services .. 18 The joint and combined operation began taining a machinegun, a rocket-propelled ing one Iraqi policeman and an Iraqi child Sports Round Up ... 23 with 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, grenade launcher, three AK-47 assault rifles, see northern lights, pg. 8 Page 2 The Ivy Leaf April 2, 2006 NEWS FROM THE FRONT

ISF, MND-B establish joint patrol base, “Paint the Town” to eradicate graffiti in Jurf As Suhkr FOB KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi towns and communities all over the country are turning over a new leaf, kicking out unwanted terrorists and breathing new life into the communities. Jurf As Suhkr is evolving into another Iraqi success story as the former hostile town is slowly turning around its fortunes and providing a safe haven for resi- dents in which to live and work. Coalition Forces completed construction of a patrol base March 17 in the town. The base was built primarily as an integrated security effort between Coalition Forces and the Iraqi police from the Musayib police station while the Jurf As Sukhr police station is being built. The residents needed an established structure and security presence in the town to provide them a sense of safety. Photo by Sgt. Kristin Kemplin, 363rd MPAD “The patrol base is a sort of Annual pilgrimage to Karbala incentive to promote the stability NAJAF, Iraq – Thousands of Shi’a pilgrims fill the streets of Najaf March 18 on their pilgrimage north to Karbala for al-Arbaeen, a the town required in order to get ceremony held forty days after the Shiite holy day of Ashura. The forty days signifies the mourning period for Imam Hussein, the construction of the new police grandson of Prophet Mohamed, who was martyred at the battle of Karbala in 680. Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces provided station underway,” said Lt. extra security during the holiday because increased attacks had marked the two previous annual pilgrimages to Karbala. Patrick Donahoe, commander, 1- 67 AR. This project is the initial step tures within the town. This proj- wires, a 152mm round and a During a search of the car, the to another site for further ques- in securing the town so the citi- ect motivated citizens of Jurf As remote control base while they Soldiers noticed pounding and tioning. zens of Jurf As Suhkr can enjoy Suhkr to take pride in their town, were on patrol. The disposal screaming coming from the rear Elsewhere, Soldiers from the essential services most cities we hope the interest continues in team responded to the scene and of the vehicle. Upon opening the 506th Regimental Combat Team, are working to improve, added the future said Achmed. secured the round. trunk, Soldiers discovered an Iraqi 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Capt. William Kron, Company A, (Courtesy of 1st Bn., 67th (Courtesy of MND – B PAO) man who said he had been kid- Airborne Division, detained three 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Armor Reg., 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. napped. The Soldiers detained the armed, military-aged males in Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Div.) Iraqi citizen’s tip helps driver of the vehicle. northeast Baghdad. None of the Team, 4th Infantry Division. MND-B Soldiers foil The incident is under investi- males were in possession of “We hope by bringing stability MND-B Soldiers gation by Iraqi authorities. weapons identification. kidnap attempt and security to the region it will discover roadside (Courtesy of MND – B PAO) The suspects were transported also bring more projects and bomb, Iraqi EOD team BAGHDAD – Responding to to Forward Operating Base money into the area. a tip from an Iraqi citizen, a patrol Rustamiyah for further question- conducts recovery MND-B Soldiers detain A shining example of the from Multi-National Division – terrorist suspects, find ing. “new” Jurf As Suhkr was the BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 67th In another incident, Soldiers “Painting the Town” program this Explosive Ordnance Disposal Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade weapons cache from the 2nd Battalion, 22nd month. Iraqi Security Force and team helped make a route east of Combat Team, 101st Airborne BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade residents painted over business, Baghdad safer by ridding it of a Division, foiled a kidnapping Multi-National Division – Combat Team, 10th Mountain walls, and other structures littered roadside bomb found by Multi- attempt at approximately 2 p.m. Baghdad’s 8th Battalion, 10th Division, continued a cache with graffiti to help the town National Division – Baghdad March 19 in the New Baghdad Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade search west of Baghdad. begin the transformation of a bat- Soldiers on March 11. district of Baghdad. Combat Team, 4th Infantry Soldiers found 14 155mm tle-riddled town to one with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, Soldiers received a tip from an Division, detained four terrorist rounds, six 120mm rounds, five promise and hope. 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Iraqi citizen that armed men were suspects March 13 after observ- 68mm rockets, one 60mm mortar Lt. Col Achmed, Musayib Brigade Combat Team, 101st driving around in a black car. The ing the individuals digging in round, 11,000 7.62mm rounds, police chief, chipped in by paint- Airborne Division, found a hol- patrol located and pulled over the southwest Baghdad. four rifles and 25 blasting caps. ing over grafitti on several struc- lowed-out tree trunk containing vehicle. The suspects were transported (Courtesy of MND – B PAO)

Public Affairs Supervisor: The Ivy Leaf is produced by the inserts or supplements, does not consti- 363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment tute endorsement by the Department of the Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger Army, the 4th Infantry Division, or The Ivy Contributing Units Leaf of the products and services adver- Editor 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. tised. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Div. 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Multi-National Division – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Layout and Design 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div. Sgt. Kristin Kemplin 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Baghdad Public Affairs Office. Public Affairs Office 4th BCT, 101st Airborne Div. Do you have a story to share? Photo Editors Combat Aviation Bde., 4th Inf. Div. The Ivy Leaf welcomes columns, commen- Sgt. Ann Drier Fires Bde., 4th Inf. Div. taries, articles, letters and photos from Commanding General: Spc. Rodney Foliente 16th Engineer Bde. readers. Submissions should be sent to the Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication Editor at [email protected]. and Staff Writers for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of include author’s name, rank, unit and con- Staff Sgt. Christian Farrell The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official tact information. The Ivy Leaf reserves the Division Command Sergeant Major: Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling Staff Sgt. Adam Navarro views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. right to edit submissions selected for the Sgt. Brandon Bonner LeFlore Government, Department of the Army, or paper. For further information on dead- Spc. Karl Johnson the 4th Infantry Division. The Ivy Leaf has lines, questions, comments or a request to Public Affairs Officer: Spc. Jason Thompson a circulation of 10,000. The appearance of be on our distribution list, email the Editor Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington Spc. C. Terrell Turner advertising in this publication, including or call VoIP 242-4464 or DSN (318) 847-1913. April 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 3

Secretary General of Iraqi Nation Party optimistic about Iraq commends Iraqi forces for response to recent violence following bombing BAGHDAD – The Secretary General of the Iraqi Nation Party addressed the current security situation in Baghdad and the continuing success of the Iraqi Security Forces Tuesday during a press conference hosted by the 4th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Prosperity. Mithal Al Lusi commended Iraqi forces for all the hard work they have done during the recent increase in violence after the bombing of the Askri Mosque, also known as the Golden Mosque, last month, maintaining that he is opti- mistic about the current situa- tion in Iraq. “We believe in our will to manage our own business by making the right decisions benefiting the common- wealth,” he said. Iraqi Police commandos, from the Iraq Ministry of the Interior, and Soldiers from 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade “We want to get ourselves Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conduct a combined patrol in southern Baghdad March 10. out of the crisis so we can control our borders and the future of the Iraqi people.” Cavalry Scout ‘Rough Riders’ tackle Lusi said that with the con- tinuous strategic and diplo- matic relationship between Coalition Forces and the Iraqi expanded mission, conduct joint government, the terrorists will be defeated. Col. Michael Beech, com- patrols with Iraqi commandos mander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., agreed with Lusi and Story and photo by Pfc. Jason Dangel The “Rough Riders” from 8-10 Cav. have ed a joint patrol with Iraq’s elite 1st stated 2006 will be a year of 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. come a long way from their days of cavalry Battalion, 4th Brigade Police Commando transition for the Iraqi people BAGHDAD – Cavalry scouts serve as the scout Advanced Individual Training at Fort unit from the Iraq Ministry of the Interior. as security improves through- commander’s eyes and ears on the battle- Knox, Ky. It was the first joint patrol the platoon out the country. field. Aside from urban area reconnaissance, conducted with the Iraqi unit. The scouts “Terrorists are afraid of the Historically, their main responsibility has Wiley and his men conduct lethal and non- conducted a tight operation, and the presence strength of the Iraqi army, been to conduct reconnaissance operations to lethal engagements, carry out strike opera- of the 40-strong commando unit added police, the government and obtain combat information on the enemy and tions on suspected insurgent strongholds, excitement to the patrol. most of all, the citizens who the area of operations for producing combat conduct raids and act somewhat as a civil The commandos took control of the oper- again and again proclaim their intelligence; but as affairs team – ation and were greeted by jubilant Iraqi citi- right to a free and secure today’s battlefield all while main- zens, a sign of climbing public opinion of the Iraq,” Beech said. constantly “A lot of the time, we will respond to taining good Iraqi Security Forces. (Courtesy of 4th BCT PAO, evolves, so do the relationships “We have been trained very well by the 4th Inf. Div.) scouts. IEDs and other emergencies. We with the local Americans,” said Pvt. Mohammed Rashad, always remain ready for anything, no MND-B vehicle A popular populace in the who is assigned to the commando unit, dur- maxim within the matter what mission we do.” west Rasheed ing a patrol in a densely populated area of catches fire after ranks of the U.S. district in West Rasheed. “Our forces are ready for the roadside bomb Spc. Max Mielke, Army is “adapt and Cavalry scout, Troop B, 8th Squadron, southern mission 24 hours a day.” attack in Baghdad overcome,” 10th Cavalry Regiment Baghdad. “I enjoy my job,” Rashad said. “Every The Rough day, we are on the streets working to make BAGHDAD – A Multi- Troopers from 8th Riders are also this country better and keeping our families National Division – Baghdad Squadron, 10th responsible for clearing supply routes of and friends safe in Baghdad.” M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat improvised explosive devices and must be The West Rasheed area of operations has Tank caught fire March 10 at Team, 4th Infantry Division, live this adage able to remain ready to respond to any emer- seen fewer and fewer attacks each month, approximately 10 a.m. in east as they take on a wide array of missions in gency in the battalion area of operations. and Wiley said he credits the ISF, as well his central Baghdad after it was southern Baghdad. “A lot of the time, we will respond to unit, with preventing terrorist actions against hit by a roadside bomb attack. “There are a lot of things involved in our IEDs and other emergencies,” said Spc. Max the people living in the area. The tank crew was not job,” said 1st Lt. Shawn Wiley, 2nd Platoon Mielke, cavalry scout, Troop B, 8-10 Cav., a As the Rough Rider squadron continues to injured in the attack. Foam leader, Troop B, 8-10 Cav. native of Iowa Falls, Iowa. conduct the full-spectrum mission in south- trucks were dispatched to the “Our primary mission is to conduct urban “We always remain ready for anything, no west Baghdad, Wiley said he looks forward scene to put out the fire. area recon, but on any given day, we have a matter what mission we do,” he said. to continuing joint operations with ISF per- (Courtesy of MND – B responsibility to complete all kinds of mis- On a recent mission, approximately 15 sonnel to improve security conditions in PAO) sions,” Wiley said, a native of Pine Bush, N.Y. scouts from Troop B’s 2nd Platoon, conduct- West Rasheed. Page 4 The Ivy Leaf April 2, 2006 502nd Personnel Services Battalion — What have they done for you lately? Story and photos by Sgt. Ann Drier, Campbell said she is proud of the job she 363rd MPAD does, remarking “I’m in a position to CAMP LIBERTY — ensure that every Soldier is accounted for hen Soldiers think of per- properly, which results in ‘no Soldier being sonnel services, they think left behind’”. of identification cards, If you have put in for a pass or leave, a records, life insurance Soldier from the 502nd PSB not only did Wforms and just plain old ‘paperwork.’ the paperwork, they also arranged for Paperwork may not be exciting, but with- flights to get you to your destination. out it, Soldiers would have an impossible At Camp Striker, Pfc. Jason Weaver, of time keeping anything straight. Just for Bossier City, La. serves as a logistics offi- starters, every Soldier wants to get promot- cer, in charge of maintaining accountabili- ed and get that new identification card that ty of Soldiers departing on four-day passes shows they have climbed another rung on or fourteen-day environmental morale the ladder of professional success. leave. “People come in to get ready for the “I give them a briefing about what will (promotion) boards,” said Pfc. Jordan happen while they’re here, which is usual- Sewell, records noncommissioned officer- ly about eight hours. I tell them about for- in-charge at the Camp Liberty Personnel mations, where the DFAC and food court Services Battalion office which is current- are, how to find the MWR tent and infor- ly being run by the 502nd Personnel mation about bus schedules. I assign living TOP: (Clockwise from top) Chief Warrant Officer 2 Billy Fritiz, Spc. Rosa Arreguin, Services Battalion. quarters for those Soldiers coming in from Spc. Erick Torres and Sgt. Maritza DeHaro, all members of 502nd Personnel “They need to get their records straight. outlying FOBs while they’re waiting for Services Battalion Casualty Liaision office. Their mission with the 502nd PSB I enjoy doing this because I get to interact their flight,” said Weaver. requires them to gather and disseminate casualty information within the 4th with people and help them out. I can look When they leave Camp Striker, Soldiers Infantry Division area of responsibility. BELOW RIGHT: Pfc. Jason Weaver, a native at a record and see what’s wrong – do extra will check in with Pfc. Blanca “Chiqi” of Bossier City, La., is one of the liaisions for the 502nd PSB Striker at the Baghdad things for people before they go to the Chiquisinichi, from Peekskill, N.Y,. at the International Airport location. Weaver maintains an accountability log, assigns tem- board.” airport flight desk. “I check them on the porary housing and provides information for Soldiers preparing to take a four-day Records are only one aspect of the work manifest and let them know when their pass or 14-day leave. He provides a briefing with information to help Soldiers find the dining facility, internet cafe, bus schedules and contacts for travel at the behind the scenes performed by Soldiers in flight leaves,” said Chiquisinichi, and Baghdad International Airport terminal. BELOW LEFT: Chief Warrant Officer 2 the 502nd Personnel Services Battalion. always adds “enjoy yourself!” Sherrie Campbell, a native of Roberts, Ga., is the Database Operations Chief for If you have received a package, post- If one of your buddies is hurt on the bat- Deployed Theater Accountability Software at Baghdad International Airport. “I’m in card, or letter in the last two months, a tlefield, there will be a Soldier from the a position to ensure that every Soldier is accounted for properly, which results in Soldier from the 502nd PSB’s post office 502nd PSB at his or her side to collect ‘No Soldier being left behind.’” handled it, sorted it, and sent it to the right important information that must be sent up location. Spc. James Conner, from to headquarters and to the Department of Louisville, Ky., re-routes mislabeled pack- the Army to track their progress and status. ages at the Camp Liberty post office. Spc. The casualty liaison office has personnel at Brian Wolfe, of N. Richland Hills, Texas, each brigade to assist Soldiers and medical Spc Wileen Footsman, from Tallahassee, staff in reporting accurate information Fla., and Spc. Michael Carver, of Sanford, about the injuries, condition of the patient, Fla., sort and direct packages, ensuring and whether transportation is required to a they are placed in the right bin for pickup. higher facility. If you have changed your name, home “When the casualty comes in, they talk or deployed address, been married or to the Soldier,” said Chief Warrant Officer- divorced, had a family addition or set up an 2 Billy Fritiz, of the 502nd’s command allotment, a Soldier from the 502nd PSB staff. “They get all the information and handles the paperwork to make it official. medical statistics as quickly as possible. a report that is sent up to Corps and to DA. Chief Warrant Officer Sherrie They notify D-Main of who the Soldier is, All this happens in about two hours.” Campbell, from Roberta, Ga., is the data- contact the unit for specifics and document “It’s an important job,” said Sgt. base operations chief for “deployed theater the doctors’ perspective on the injury. Maritza DeHaro, of El Paso Texas, casual- acccountability software” at Camp Liberty. They gather together all the information, ty liaison at D-Main. “We have to be sure combine it that all the information is accurate. The and create Soldier has to know that their family gets

the right information.” The 502nd PSB has its fingers in a lot of ‘pies’ around the 4th Infantry Division. It has post offices at almost every location in the 4th Inf. Div. area of operation. Most of the PSB operations currently in Iraq were set up by the 502nd in 2003, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Divina Bobb. “It was taken over by 151st Postal when we left. It’s ironic to come back and continue our same mission from OIF-1,” said Bobb. “Mail used to be trucked out to the out- lying FOB’s in what we call rodeos. Now, we use helicopters and send it out at night,” said Bobb, adding that “we never go out as Spc. Eric Elliott, 152nd Maintenance Company, from a company, usually as a platoon.” Pfc. Blanca Chiquisinchi, Peekskill, N.Y., checking the flight manifest Perry, Iowa, sends a package home from the postal “The only thing we’re doing the same as for Soldiers at the Baghdad International Airport terminal. A member office at Camp Liberty with the help of Spc. Sharlanda in the states is the PSS mission, except for of the 502nd Personnel Services Battalion, Chiquisinchi is the out- Banks of Lawton, Okla., and Spc. Tuere Hughes, of bound liaison for Soldiers going on pass or leave. Tallahassee, Fla. see Liaisons, pg. 11 April 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 5 New recreation, dining facilities improve downtime for Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah

Story and photo by their concentration when they’re out improvements as miraculous, stating Spc. Jason Thompson fighting.” “when we got here, we had almost 4th Inf. Div. PAO Since arriving in Iraq, Soldiers at nothing. We had only a couple work- FOB ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq – Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah ing showers that we shared between ar-zone deployments have seen a tremendous amount of the entire camp, and now we have are often both physi- improvements in their living condi- numerous showers to use. It feels cally and mentally tions, to include a new dining facility, good to not have to walk half a mile strenuous for Soldiers a recreational facility, new living tents away just to wash my face.” Was they are often required to working and a new gym. Soldiers also stated they felt the long hours in stressful situations. The new Morale, Welfare and new dining facility was a vast However, the leadership of Multi- Recreation facility offers Soldiers an improvement over the one it replaced. National Division – Baghdad is work- opportunity to sit back and enjoy The old dining facility was a tent ing hard to provide the Soldiers of 1st some of the luxuries they enjoyed that had been weathered badly over Battalion, 67th before deploying time, said Master Sgt. Robert Todd, Armor, 2nd into theater, said operations noncommissioned officer, Brigade Combat “These Soldiers are the divi- Pfc. Brian 1-67 Armor. “Morale among the Team, 4th sion’s most valuable asset -- Robeck, bridge Soldiers went up immensely after the Infantry and the division is doing crewmember, 1- new dining facility was opened,” 67. Todd continued. “Soldiers now have Division, an everything we can to make opportunity to “The MWR is a place that they can enjoy their meals relax and relieve their jobs easier.” great because we without having to worry about getting their stress dur- Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling can go in there rained on – that’s definitely a plus.” ing their down- 4th InfantryDivision and watch Also added to the compound were time. command sergeant major movies, play additional cement barriers, which help “We want to video games, protect Soldiers against terrorist keep the morale board games or attacks. high among the troops down here whatever else comes our way,” he “We are constantly working to pro- fighting the war,” said Command Sgt. said. “In short, it’s a great place to vide new structures to the smaller Maj. Ronald Riling, 4th Inf. Div. relax and hang out with our buddies.” FOBs to help with security, safety and “These Soldiers are the ones going More showers were added to the morale of the Soldiers out here,” said out on the streets every day fighting complex as well to help cut down on Riling. Spc. Nathan Strowmat, combat engineer attached the war on terrorism, and it’s our waiting times for Soldiers to perform “These Soldiers are the division’s to 1st Battalion, 67th Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat responsibility as senior leaders of the personal hygiene. most valuable asset – and the division Team, 4th Infantry Division, works out on a cardio division to provide these Soldiers an Pfc. Mohamed Diop, a supply spe- is doing everything we can to make machine in a newly erected gym here Feb. 15. opportunity to relax so they can keep cialist with 1-67 Armor, described the there jobs easier.” Promotion board tests capabilities of brigade’s future leaders By Spc. Allison Churchill promotion board as a group with their weeks prior that he found helpful in tai- cialty and warrior skills. Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. sponsors. After the introduction of the loring his areas of concentration. He was The ability to face a promotion board BAGHDAD – Ambitious junior enlist- board, the Soldiers, Cpl. Christopher advised to change his study focus from with professionalism is far from being the ed Soldiers from Fires Brigade, 4th Fernandez, personal security detachment, escalation of force issues to leadership sole determining factor as to whether Infantry Division, faced four of their top Fires Bde.; Spc. Dan Zupan, radar repair, and counseling knowledge, he said. Soldiers will become good NCOs, but it is enlisted leaders March 7 at brigade head- Battery A, 26th Field Artillery; and Spc. Gray, who is currently assigned to the a “rite of passage” and helps leaders see quarters in a bid to join the noncommis- Tiffany Gray, transportation coordinator 4th Infantry Division’s rear operations how a Soldier will appear to his or her sioned officer corps. with 18th Transportation Detachment out center, said facing a board of unfamiliar subordinates, said Canuela. Appearing before the board in full of Hawaii, faced the board individually. faces was stressful. She did not depend on He advised Soldiers to pay close atten- “battle rattle,” the Iron Gunners answered The Soldiers said they spent more than standard study guides, she said, since the tion to detail when appearing before the a wide range of questions — from the his- a month preparing for the board but preparatory information from the board board. Some examples, he noted include tory of the brigade to demonstrating the admitted to being nervous when their encouraged her to place more emphasis failing to stand at parade rest while proper functions check on their M-16A2 turns finally came. on having a thorough knowledge of basic addressing the board or having a uniform rifles. “I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep in the Soldier skills. that is not completely up to standard. “You’re going to be setting the stan- past 36 hours,” said Zupan, who noted Both leadership and Soldier skills are These details are noticed and immediately dard now,” Command Sgt. Maj. Gilbert that he had the added complication of important, said Canuela, adding that units corrected by the board, which leaves a Canuela, Fires Bde., told the three per- equipment difficulties, which interfered need to focus on building a strong NCO lasting impression for the members that spective NCOs standing before him. with his plans for a “final cram.” Corps and ensuring troops are equally the Soldier may not be ready to assume The Soldiers first appeared before the Zupan said he faced a “pre-board” two efficient in their military occupation spe- see promotion, pg. 9 6th Iraqi Army Division battalion assumes responsibility for Forward Operating Base Hope Story by Pfc. Paul David Ondik the commander of 3rd Bn., 67th AR, as he thanked coalition forces for their partner- out the region. 506th Inf. Regt. PAO, 101st Abn. Div. passed on the responsibility to Col. ship. The ceremony included the playing of FOB LOYALTY – The Iraqi army’s 3rd Hussain, the commander of 3rd Bn., 2nd “We work side-by-side with the dedicat- the Iraqi National Anthem, the uncasing of Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, Bde., 6th IAD. ed soldiers of the ISF every day,” said Col. the 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div.’s colors, and assumed control of Forward Operating “It is our honor to accept responsibility Thomas Vail, commander of 506th Inf. remarks by both the outgoing and incom- Base Hope during a Transfer of Authority and take over the sovereignty of Sadr Regt., 101st Abn. Div. “The 2-6 IA is ing commanders. Also included in the cer- ceremony March 9. City,” said Hussain. already patrolling and manning control emony was a display of the Iraqi army’s Relinquishing control of the base during FOB Hope is located in the northwest points on a daily basis.” new motorized equipment, including the ceremony was Multi-National Division corner of the Thawra district in Baghdad “To my brother and friend, Col. humvees, and a martial-arts exhibition. – Baghdad’s 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored and previously housed units of Saddam Hussain, I’d like to say that your soldiers “The turnover of FOB Hope demon- Regiment, 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Hussein’s regime prior to Operation Iraqi look magnificent today,” said Bertolini, a strates the increased capabilities of the Airborne Division. Freedom. native of Long Island, NY. ‘Tiger’ Brigade, and thus the Iraqi army,” “We stand in the company of those Hussain stated that his main objective The ceremony reflects the increasing said Bertolini. “The 2nd Brigade has ready to accept the challenge of securing for 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div., is building a uni- responsibility for the Iraqis as their army earned the reputation of a tough, well led Iraq’s future,” said Lt. Col. Mark Bertolini, fied, strong and independent Iraq. He gains control of more battle space through- and well trained unit.” Page 6 The Ivy Leaf April 2, 2006

Iraqi army engineers in training react to sniper fire during a joint officer and enlisted capstone exercise at the end of engineer Enlisted Phase II and Officer Basic cours- es. The capstone exercise encompassed virtually everything learned in a given course of study and allowed Iraqi engineer soldiers to test their leadership as well as skills learned in the areas of route clearance, reacting to contact and security of a forward operating base. Iraqi army engineers first to graduate from Iraqi army officer basic course 103 fully-qualified noncommissioned officers, enlisted soldiers also join Iraqi army ranks Story and photos by “My team and I, and all Coalition Forces in Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Ballog Iraq, find it an honor to train and work with you. 16th Eng. Bde. PAO We wish you well as you go forward and are proud CAMP TAJI, Iraq – to serve with you,” Maj. Carey Bond, senior IA n another visible demonstration of the great engineer adviser, U.S. Army Reserve’s 80th strides being made daily by the Iraqi army, 126 Division, said talking to the NCO graduating class- fully-qualified Iraqi army engineer officers, es. noncommissioned officers and enlisted soldiers The U.S. military’s eight-member training Igraduated March 9 from the Engineer Officer Basic team was made up of Marine and Army engineer Course and Engineer Enlisted Phase II training, officers and NCOs who served as instructors and held simultaneously here. advisers for the IA engineer students. All were The officers also had the distinction of being attached to the school from U.S. engineer units cur- the first engineers in the Iraqi army to participate rently deployed to Iraq. The Taji-based school is and graduate from an officer basic course, which one of two IA engineer schools currently opera- helps prepare them to support their country’s dem- tional in Iraq, with the other being conducted by Capt. Matt Keith (walking toward camera), a U.S. Army engineer officer for the 5th Engineer Battalion who serves as an advisor to British army engineers in Basra. ocratic progression. the Iraqi army Engineer School, supervises IA engineer soldiers “You are the first officers to graduate, and we “Our team first reviewed the IA engineers’ during their joint exercise here. The intensive 84-hour capstone expect hard work from you and for you to use your future mission plans, then identified the course- exercise encompassed everything learned and afforded the IA knowledge to develop your units,” said Staff Col. work and skills the officers and enlisted would engineer officers and enlisted soldiers an opportunity to test the Alaa Hadi, commander, Iraqi army engineer need to succeed with a future eye on where their skills they learned during six weeks of training in the Engineer school, to the 23 newly-graduated officers. The engineers could make the most effective contribu- Enlisted Phase II and Officer Basic courses here in February and officers were mostly from the 5th and 9th IA divi- tion,” said Capt. Matt Keith, a U.S. Army engineer March. sions, with a handful from other units. officer attached to the Taji team from the 5th “As you go forward to lead troops and build Engineer Battalion, 16th Eng. Bde. Iraq, you will be setting the standard for all Iraqi The IA engineer training was based on the U.S. army officers to come,” Radhi emphasized. Army’s engineer Advanced Individual Training and Brig. Gen. Robin Timmons, commander, 16th OBC and included classes in troop leading proce- Engineer Brigade, also attended the graduation cer- dures, route clearance, combat lifesaving, construc- emony and presented certificates to the top three tion, equipment and infantry operations. officer graduates. Additional training emphasized the roles of offi- “It’s quite an honor for you to be the first cers, NCOs and enlisted soldiers – a new concept OBC graduates, and through your efforts, educa- for the IA. The former Iraqi army consisted of tion, leadership and dedication, you will be able to officer and enlisted positions but none of the enlist- take the Iraqi army engineers to a higher level of ed soldiers were considered to be in an NCO lead- expertise,” he said. ership role. An Iraqi army engineer soldier works on concertina wire at a for- The NCOs and enlisted soldiers graduated in The goal for each course was to prepare IA sol- ward operating base “taken over” during a recent officer and a separate ceremony March 8. see officers, pg. 16 enlisted capstone exercise held in February and March. April 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 7 MND-B Soldiers take to farmlands quences if a resolution cannot be found Zaino. along with the Iraqi Security Forces, are Leaders visit Obeid soon,” said Griffith. Several families talked about kidnap- here to provide for their security,” said “We are currently working with the Al pings and murders that had occurred in Zaino. region residents Lutifiyah city government to address the the past involving family members that “We hope as our relationship with the Story and photo by issue.” resulted in little to no action from the cur- local farmers grows, so too will their con- Maj. Anna Friederich “The state of security in the Diyarah rent security forces. fidence in the security provided by the 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. farmland area is also a concern,” added “We wanted to let them know we, ISF and CF,” said Zaino. FOB KALSU, Iraq — lements of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th EInfantry Division, paid a visit to residents in the farmlands of the Obeid region near Diyarah March 8. Co. A Soldiers conducted combat patrols through an area that has seen very little Coalition or Iraqi Security Force presence since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. “Our goal was to talk to residents in areas surrounding Obeid to find out what their concerns were and how we could address them,” said Capt. Dave Zaino, commander, Co. A, 2nd Bn. A key area of concern raised by resi- dents in the area, is the poor supply of water for the region. The water system is currently closed off, resulting in poor water conditions threatening the health of their families and livestock. “Most of the residents we talked to were very concerned about the water sys- tem coming from Al Lutyifyiah,” said Staff Sgt. Logan Griffith, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “They have to conserve every drop of Capt. David Zaino, commander, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry water, which could have dire conse- Division, meets with local farmers March 8 and listens to their concerns near the city of Diyarah in the Babil Province. Excess equipment in Iraq, Kuwait to return to Army supply system Story and photo by As part of the Army’s new Strategic There are several steps in the process Shipping Point on the Camp Victory com- Sgt. Brandon Bonner LeFlore Mobility Program, the AMC has struc- for reducing excess vehicles in theater. plex for a scheduled turn-in date. When 363rd MPAD tured a 16-ship preposition fleet, contain- First, brigades and their subordinate units the excess equipment arrives at the CRSP, CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The 4th ing vehicles and equipment, to deliver must identify which theater-provided vehi- said Sudman, it is lined up for serial num- Infantry Division has begun retrograding heavy forces early in a crisis. Through a cles are no longer required to complete ber and paperwork verification and put on unnecessary and excess equipment from lateral transfer, units in Kuwait can use their missions, he said. A list of those trucks for initial shipment to Kuwait. forward operating bases in Iraq to the equipment and vehicles from the vehicles is sent to the division logistics Although it may seem like a long and Kuwait. proposition fleet to either train with, or section for review. arduous process, once CRSP receives the The retrograde operations will elimi- conduct missions, as needed. After review, the 4th Infantry Division vehicles, it is only a matter of days before nate waste by identifying, and then redis- As a result of retrograde operations, the logistics section publishes a turn-in sched- the excess equipment is shipped out. The tributing, excess equipment back into the Army will spend less money on the main- ule for those vehicles identified for redis- initiative accomplishes a great deal of Army supply system. tenance and upkeep of vehicles left behind tribution. Each brigade supply officer good because “it gets equipment not need- Examples of the equipment being in Iraq when units return to their stateside then coordinates the movement of unused ed here in theater back into the Army sys- moved under the program would be level- bases, said Sudman. vehicles to the Centralized Receiving and tem,” said Sudman. two and level-three up-armored humvees Retrograde operations helps the Army and certain types of track vehicles. out, said Sgt. Roy Lewis, a gunner with The number of vehicles in Iraq that Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry will become excess as the Army reduces Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th its numbers in theater offers an opportuni- Inf. Div. “We can get rid of a lot of vehi- ty to increase its implementation theater- cles that either we can’t use or can’t take wide. It will also reduce the demand for off the forward operating base,” Lewis repair parts and maintenance on these said. vehicles. Redistribution of vehicles is Additionally, reducing the amount of only the first step in what is hoped to be a excess vehicles kept in theatre reduces the process that eventually includes other overall presence of U.S. forces in Iraq. Army equipment. “It’s an indicator that things are on “As Iraqis take on more and more bat- track,” said Sudman. tle space, and we reduce our footprint Thus far, Multi-National Division – here, it’s important for us to move our Baghdad and CRSP have processed more unused equipment back to the states or to than 1,000 total vehicles, including the preposition fleet,” said Lt. Col. humvees, 5-ton trucks and trailers for Gregory Sudman, logistics operations transport to Kuwait and anticipate ship- officer for the 4th Infantry Division. ping nearly 1,800 vehicles by the time the Those vehicles sent back to the United Sgt. Justin Peterson (in hatch) and Spc. Blake Sinclair (inside vehicle, driving) initiative approaches completion at the end States can then be reassembled, or even move an M113A armored personnel carrier so the vehicle’s serial number and of March. completely rebuilt if needed, and given to paperwork can be checked before loading it for shipment to Kuwait. Both Peterson To find out more information about Soldiers as a more practical and useful and Sinclair are from Company B, 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st reducing your unit’s unused vehicle stores, training aid than strictly classroom study. Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. contact your brigade supply officer. Page 8 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 Two aircraft mechanics in aviation support battalion, answer the most-asked question about themselves ... Is that your wife or your sister? Story and photo by happening?” Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers He said despite the fact that Combat Aviation Brigade PAO, she was at Fort Hood, he was 4th Inf. Div. even more surprised that she CAMP TAJI, Iraq – came to his exact unit. he thought of having “It was very exciting, know- one’s brother or sister ing that I was going to get to serve alongside you work with my brother at my first while performing your duty station,” Jennifer said. dutiesT as a Soldier can be According to Eric, it was described with just one word – somewhat awkward, but he could Cool. see the happiness in his sister’s That word is an exact descrip- face. tion of brother and sister tandem “It was weird,” he said, with for Staff Sgt. Eric and Pfc. laughter in his voice. “She had Jennifer Cool, both of whom are this big ole smile on her face and assigned to the Combat Aviation was like, ‘hi brother.’ So I took Brigade’s Company B, 404th her to the unit and back down to Aviation Support Battalion. the first sergeant and told him, The Cools are both aircraft ‘look at this, it’s my sister.’ He mechanics and, at one point, couldn’t believe it. Everybody Combat Aviation Brigade siblings, Staff Sgt. Eric and Pfc. Jennifer Cool, are both assigned to the were working within the same always asks me, ‘is that your sis- Brigade’s Company B, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, where they serve as aircraft mechanics in platoon. But here in Iraq, older ter or your wife?’…‘No, defi- the battalion’s maintenance section. brother Eric now works in nitely not my wife.’” can turn to me at any time. It’s he hasn’t had any problems out “I think it’s good,” said Sgt. Quality Control, while Jennifer, Eric said although they are just nice having a family mem- of his sister – yet. He also said Nathan White, who also works in who is five years younger, con- both combat Soldiers, he contin- ber here.” they worked closely together the Quality Control shop with tinues to work in the mainte- ues to be the protective big Jennifer echoed her brother’s back at Fort Hood, although Eric. nance section. brother in some cases. The Cools comments, saying she also Jennifer was in a different squad. “I think they’ll have a chance Last fall, Jennifer arrived at actually have one other sibling. enjoys having someone whom Even though they don’t work to stick together. They are both Fort Hood and was immediately Their younger brother, Josh, she can talk to after a rough day. directly together here in Iraq, professional; there’s never an greeted by her older brother, who lives in their native Emporium, “It’s been pretty cool actual- they are only yards away from issue on the work side.” said he had no idea she was even Pa., which is near Punxsutawney, ly,” she said. “We’re both here each other. White said that once they coming to Fort Hood or that she Pa., a town famous for its rela- for each other and provide sup- She said she’s also happy that found out about the siblings would be assigned to his unit. tion to Ground Hog’s Day. port for each other.” they are able to serve together serving together, they teased Eric “I found out the day she He said it has been a pleasure The Cools agreed that their here in Iraq. It provides some quite a bit. showed up,” he said. “Last I serving with his sister. They con- parents were excited that both of comfort to their family members “We teased him a little,” knew, she was supposed to go to tinue to be professional Soldiers their children were serving so back in the States. White said. “We called them Korea – and then she ended up but also maintain close family closely together. “The rest of the family is Cool & Cool, or Cool and the coming to Fort Hood. I picked ties. “Mom and Dad, they liked it,” doing pretty well, knowing that Gang, stuff like that. It was all in her up at the airport and dropped “It’s nice to have a shoulder explained Eric, who along with we’re both over here, supporting fun.” her off at the Soldier Center. you can lean on in the sense of his fiancée, is expecting a daugh- each other,” said 20-year-old Serving in the CAB as an air- Then later on that day, I was being away from home,” he said. ter later in the year. “Mom really Jennifer. craft mechanic is arguably one of told, ‘hey, you got a new “But we’re here together, so we liked it. She doesn’t like the fact “There’s a lot of support for the best jobs an aviation Soldier Soldier.’ I went down to the per- bring that family togetherness. that we’re over here, but she us back home.” could have. But when you’re sonnel department and sure When I’m having a bad day, I feels more comfortable that I’m Other Soldiers in the battal- performing that job alongside enough, it was her.” can go talk to her. It’s someone I here and can look after ion’s maintenance section said family members and friends, Eric said he thought to him- know I can turn to. If she’s hav- (Jennifer).” they’re also happy that the Cools there’s only one way to describe self, “What are the odds of that ing a problem, she knows she He jokingly pointed out that are able to serve together. it – Cool. northern lights, Continued from pg. 1 caught in the crossfire. Iraqi soldiers returned fire, wounding and capturing a terrorist. All of the wounded were treated by Coalition Forces personnel. Another cache found consisted of seven RPG launchers, 12 RPG rounds, 14 82mm mortar rounds, two 120mm mortar rounds, ten 155mm rounds, a mortar bipod and 2,000 small-arms rounds, some of which were armor-piercing rounds. A suspected terrorist was detained at the site. The combined forces continue to search for terrorists and bomb-making materials. So far through the operations, Iraqi and Coalition Forces have detained two per- sons of high-value interest and 16 suspect- ed terrorists. The operation is based on intelligence, Spc. Tanya-Jo Street, 363rd MPAD including tips from local Iraqis, that ter- Lt Col. Craig Osborne, commander, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, met with more than two dozen Al Dulaimy tribal sheiks in southern Baghdad the first week of March. The rorists are operating in the area and are meetings are held regularly to further trust and cooperation between the U.S. and Iraqi residents in the 1-22 area of stockpiling roadside bomb and truck operation. The leaders discuss matters of mutual interest including security concerns, identifying and eliminating bomb- making materials to prepare for insurgents and re-building infrastructure. future attacks in Baghdad. APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 9 Currahee mechanics at Forward Operating Base Loyalty keep vehicles rolling

Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class form maintenance on his vehicle. days a week so their Soldiers can have days. Since there are almost 60 humvees, Mary Mott The drivers can identify “noises they Sundays off, he said. plus the other larger vehicles that must be 363rd MPAD heard and tell us other stuff that we would The 20 mechanics on FOB Loyalty serviced weekly, this makes the operation FOB LOYALTY, Iraq – not know about,” said Spc. Mario Alzate, service humvees, cargo and fuel trucks. more efficient, said Mobley. n the motor pool at Forward a mechanic from 4th Bn., 320th FA Rgmt. Approximately 15 additional mechanics Although the workload can be stress- Operating Base Loyalty, driver Pfc. “The from the unit ful, “for most of the mechanics, (especial- Lewis Khari, originally from mechanics are out with ly the) first timers in Iraq, they have Manhattan, N.Y., gazes upon his work six days “The first sergeant said ‘find a way to military tran- matured more in the two months we have IM1114 up-armored humvee with what can a week, nine sition and been here than they would have in a year put some more protection on those only be described as love. hours a day but quick reaction at Fort Campbell. They are handling the “Her (the humvee’s) name is Paris are on call 24- doors,’ so we did.” force teams in stress exceptionally well,” said Mobley. Hilton, because she came to me rich and 7 and stay here Spc. Jason Lynch even more The goal of the mechanics at Currahee with lots of good stuff,” he joked. “I did every day till 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, remote loca- base is to “make sure our patrols and QRF have Keesha, but she had issues; now I the job is 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division tions so that teams are able to perform their missions, got Paris, and she can do ‘bad’ all by her- done,” said they can take and they need those vehicles to do that. self.” Sgt. 1st Class care of the We are able to meet the challenges of get- Khari, a Currahee Soldier from the 4th Anthony Mobley, from Hollywood, Fla., vehicles without having them brought ting the vehicles out there,” said Wilson. Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, who serves as both motor sergeant and back to base camp. The mechanics are also encouraged to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne platoon sergeant for 4th Bn., 320th FA Alzate, from East Stroudsberg, Pa., is be innovative if they see something that Division, like all of the humvee drivers at Rgmt. Mobley and other senior noncom- one of the mechanics who performs regu- would help add to the safety of the the FOB, is on hand when mechanics per- missioned officers in the unit work seven lar quality assurance quality checks, humvees. QAQC or “quack” for short, checking for When Sgt. Michael Gillette, of fluid levels, breaks, loose belts, bolts and Hopkinsville Ky., noticed some humvees other indications that the vehicle may not coming in from other FOBs with addition- be completely safe. al protective glass around the top gunner “These vehicles get real banged up turrets, “we decided we needed to do that sometimes when they are out on a mission too,” he said. They obtained supplies so we do whatever we can to make sure through channels and not only installed they are safe,” said Alzate. “The drivers tempered glass around turrets but also had are proud of their vehicles, and they Spc. Jason Lynch, of Fort Worth, Texas, should be – they can save their lives.” and Pfc. Terry Witzel, of Richmond, Ky., Naming their vehicles is another indi- design additional protection for the doors. cator that the drivers care about the vehi- “The first sergeant said ‘find a way to cle and try to keep them in good shape, he put some more protection on those doors,’ said. so we did,” said Lynch. “We had it fig- The mechanics also are responsible for ured out by the next day,” added Gillette. towing in vehicles when they break down, For drivers and crew members, the and “midnight emergency calls” do hap- mechanics back at Currahee are their pri- pen, said Mobley. mary safety check. “When the mechanic “The weight of the up-armoring does is working on my truck, I’m here,” said stress some parts,” observed Master Sgt. Sgt. Marley Brunache, of Columbia, Md., Staff Sgt. Justin Cramer, left, mechanic, works on an M1114 up-armored humvee at Bruce Wilson, from Chester, S.C., battal- a cannon crew member. “We (he and Forward Operating Base Loyalty, Iraq. Assisting him is the vehicle’s driver, Sgt. ion maintenance supervisor. mechanic, Staff Sgt. Justin Cramer, from Marley Brunache. Both Soldiers are with the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery The teams operating out of FOB Columbus Grove, Ohio) work on it so Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Loyalty bring their vehicles in on separate everything is right. It has to be,” he said.

Water storage tank project supports fresh water for Iraqis promotion, Continued from pg. 5 sponsored Fernandez. He said he did not recall Story by Maj. David Olson services designed to improve their pact water treatment unit purifies the as much having been asked of himself and the 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. quality of life. water. Generators provide electricity other Soldiers who went before the promotion TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National “We are happy,” said Sheik Modar to run the pump and the CWTU. The board during the 4th Infantry Division’s first Division – Baghdad Soldiers tested Thamir, the leader in one of the com- new tanks store the purified water and deployment to Iraq in 2003. water storage munities. “Now we have faucets on the outside to allow Turner said he spent about six weeks helping tanks March 13 in have fresh drinking the local population to fill household prepare Fernandez for the board. He said he four communities “[The previous unit] water.” containers and bring the fresh water believed their shared experiences on the personal north of Baghdad, put in the compact “This is the first home with them. security detachment helped enforce Fernandez’ signaling the suc- water treatment units, project we’ve started The communities serviced by the tactical knowledge. cessful completion and completed,” water storage tanks are Al Raood, Mentoring relationships, such as the one of the vital project but they couldn’t be explained Maj. Herb Banat Al Hasan, Tarbulia and Uhm between Turner and Fernandez, are good for to supply the local used because they Joliat, civil military Najim. Soldiers and help build a strong future NCO citizens with fresh weren’t connected to operations officer for “This (project) is something we Corps, said Canuela. drinking water. anything.” 1st Brigade Combat gave them,” added Joliat. “Some day, one of those Soldiers will be a first Soldiers from Team. “The immediate In the 1st BCT area of Iraq, rela- sergeant, command sergeant major or even ser- Maj. Herb Joliat 7th Squadron, 10th impact was the storage tionships are being built daily geant major of the Army,” said Canuela. “That’s a civil military operations tanks. (The previous between the citizens and the Coalition reward in itself, to be part of training a future sen- Cavalry Regiment officer, 1st Brigade Combat and Company A, Team, 4th Inf. Div. unit) put in the compact Forces. The Iraqi Security Forces, ior NCO.” 490th Civil Affairs water treatment units, supported by the Coalition Forces, are In addition to Canuela, other members of the Battalion, are but they couldn’t be helping the people of these villages board were 1st Sgt. Brian Bruce, Battery A, 26th building relationships with the Iraqi used because they weren’t connected by providing infrastructure and essen- Field Artillery; 1st Sgt. Kenneth Carmickle, citizens of local communities by to anything.” tial services in addition to providing a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery; and 1st assisting them with infrastructure The water pump takes the water safe and secure environment to set the Sgt. Allen Braswell, 324th Network Support improvements and providing essential from the canal network, and the com- stage for a prosperous future. Company. Page 10 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 Corps of Engineers Update

Corps of Engineers complete last major demolition in Iraq, prepare for new mission in overseeing depot operations ARLINGTON DEPOT, Iraq – After almost three years of hard and dangerous work, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers celebrated the last major demoli- tion under the Coalition Munitions Clearance Program in Iraq on March 16. Col. John Rivenburgh, commander of the Huntsville Engineering and Support Center, Dr. John Potter, chief of the Ordnance and Explosives Directorate, and Bill Sargent, program manager of the Coalition Munitions Clearance Program, traveled to Iraq to witness the last major demolition and initi- ate the next phase of the ordnance destruction work. “The last demo consisted of over 248 tons of stockpiled ammunition,” Potter said. “Even though this was the last big one, there will still be some minor demolitions.” The demolition of stockpiled munitions took place Photo courtesy of U.S. Corps of Engineers Project Manager at the Arlington Depot Feb. 14. Newly employed local nationals use shovels to dig up the trash that has built up around the city of That depot was controlled by Saddam Hussein’s Mahmudiyah, Iraq, in February. army before the war and is located 170 miles north of Baghdad. “When the U.S. Army started taking over control of the Iraqi depots, they experienced many chal- Construction continues in Iraq: lenges,” Sargent added. “The Iraqis had no storage or compatibility proce- Current progress report from Corps of Engineers indicates many dures. High explosive items were stored with detona- key essential services restoration projects nearing completion tors, which could cause a big explosion. The Corps organized the depots and folded six depots into two.” Information courtesy of Gulf the first two of 30 primary healthcare and construction of a new single-story The destruction of ordnance items was taking Region Division and Project and center projects in the Baghdad school with 12 classrooms. Of the 16 place almost every day. This demolition contained Contracting Office, U.S. Army Governorate to be turned over to the school projects planned for the items that either the new Iraqi Army did not need or Corps of Engineers Ministry of Health. Karbala Province, 14 are completed, or 88 percent. the insurgents could use during attacks, including Iraqi workers, engineers Water treatment project rocket propelled grenades, hand grenades, landmines work to complete road $2 million project to and other large ammunition. complete; 3,500 to receive The completion of the last demolition signifies a improvement in Tarmiya potable water daily provide water to 200,000 change in mission, Sarget said. Instead of a clean-up Construction is now complete on a Rehabilitation is complete on a in Al Anbar Province mission, the Corps will now oversee a depot opera- $421,000 road improvement project in water compact unit project in Construction started on a water tion mission. Tarmiya, Baghdad Governorate. Baghdad Province. The $26,000 project that will produce, treat and “One Corps employee per depot will handle qual- The project employed an average Fanooz Aziz Water Compact Unit provide water to approximately ity assurance, contract surveillance and oversee the of 12 Iraqi workers daily for 1.5 project required rehabilitation of two 200,000 residents of Fallujah, Al depot operations,” Sargent said. months. The workers cleared 4 kilo- water compact units in Mada’in that Anbar Province. The Corps hired a new contractor, Explosive meters of road of surface trash and will produce potable water for The statement of work for this proj- Ordnance Disposal Technologies, Inc., to operate the debris, graded the foundation, lay approximately 3,500 Iraqi residents. ect requires construction of a 9,600 depots and train the Iraqis to take over running them. gravel and wet the expedient material At full capacity the two units will cubic meters per day water production “The Iraqis will learn how to maintain, pack and and compact. produce 720 cubic meters per day of and treatment plant, including intake store ammunition, along with securing a depot,” These road improvements benefit potable water daily. Currently, 16 of cribs, generators, filtration and chlori- Potter said. “When they’re ready, we will leave.” potentially 100,000 local people of 35 water treatment projects pro- nation systems, pumps, piping and Tarmiya by providing easier flow of grammed for the Baghdad Province perimeter security walls. A storage traffic and less congestion. In the total are completed, or 46 percent. reservoir and approximately 6.2 km of Engineers refurbish Imam Ali reconstruction program, there are 106 transmission piping to the Askari sec- School in Karbala Province village road projects with 85 complet- 40,000 to benefit from tor of the city will also be installed. improved sanitary sewer Construction is complete on the Imam Ali School, ed, or 80 percent. The $2 million project is funded by in Karbala, Karbala Province. The scope of work services in Mansour the Commander’s Emergency Engineers complete 1st 2 Response Program. required refurbishment of an existing school includ- healthcare center projects Rehabilitation will be completed ing new floor tiles, doors, roof, windows, and a secu- on a sewer lift station project that will The CERP are grass roots funds rity fence. for Baghdad Governorate improve the sanitary sewer services coordinated between community lead- This school will provide a better educational envi- Construction is complete on two for more than 40,000 residents in ers and their maneuver unit command- ronment for approximately 960 students. In the primary healthcare centers in the Mansour, Baghdad Province. The ers for more immediate relief of local Karbala Province there are 15 school projects Baghdad Governorate. The $613,000 $188,000 CERP-funded project’s community needs. planned, with 13 completed, or 86 percent. Kamiyah Clinic has the capacity to scope of work entails installing five Construction began in February on service 150 patients daily, while the pumps of various sizes, rehabilitating a water pump station project in Karbala receives two new fire $653,000 Istiqlal Clinic is open to a five-ton and a seven-ton crane, Fallujah, Al Anbar Province, that will be completed this month and will stations, two more on the way accommodate the approximate 15,000 installing a 750 kVA generator; and families in the surrounding communi- performing associated civil, mechani- pump storm water from the southern Construction is completed on two fire station proj- ty. Both facilities are essential to cal and electrical work. area of Fallujah (which is prone to ects in the Karbala Governorate. Both fire stations relieving the over-burdened outpatient flooding during the rainy season) to were refurbished to include new doors, windows, care at existing hospitals. Both clinics Students receive new the Euphrates River. The $354,000 electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air- con- are two-story, 1,155-square-meter single-story girls school project is funded through the CERP. ditioning systems, flooring, wall repairs and painting. facilities with space and capability for Construction is complete on a Numerous water, power genera- The stations cost $110,000 each and are two of four both medical and dental examination, school project for the 480 students of tion, electric, point of entry, road, fire station projects programmed for the Karbala treatment and x-ray, as well as space a school for girls in Khairat, Karbala school, police and rehabilitation cen- Province that are finished, for a 50 percent comple- for immunizations, laboratory, phar- Province. The $153,000 project ter construction projects are also tion rate. macy and public education. These are included demolition of the old school underway in the provinces of Iraq. APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 11 New ‘Strike’ Memorial Troops Medical Clinic opens sturdy doors, not tent flaps, to Soldiers Story and photo five months into the deployment, by Spc. Kelly K. McDowell morale skyrocketed.” 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. Each Soldier of Company C, BAGHDAD — 526th BSB, spent countless or five months, the hours working on the new build- wounded and sick ing. Some Soldiers built shelving Soldiers at Camp Striker units for the medical supplies, have been treated in some set up the offices and oth- Folder, deteriorating tents. ers even helped with the con- A sick Soldier from 2nd struction just to offer the proper Brigade Combat Team would care to their patients. have to walk through the mud “It’s been hard work,” she and gravel only to sit in the said. “This has given them a entrance of a dark, hot tent and huge sense of purpose and a wait on wooden benches to be sense of pride.” seen, but on March 17, this all The medics also have the changed when a ribbon-cutting ability to work hand in hand with ceremony was held for the new all providers now, before it was “Strike” Memorial Troops very limited but actually all of Medical Clinic. the brigade providers work out Before 2nd BCT deployed to of the “Strike” Memorial TMC Baghdad, the commander, Col. so there is actually a better inter- Todd Ebel, had a plan to provide action with doctors and the proper medical care for his Medical supplies are neatly aligned for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the "Strike" Memorial Troops Soldiers, she said. Soldiers in a sturdy, well-built Medical Center March 17. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were invited into the new clinic Ultimately, the new medical and clean facility that could offer to receive a tour of the facility and meet the medical staff. facility offers more than an the right care in the right envi- tion of medical care. There are essary. to treat certain wounds and ill- immediate solution to proper ronment. offices and rooms for examina- “We also have a seven bed nesses was extremely limited and medical care for the Soldiers at “Frankly, I was discouraged tion, physical therapy, pharmacy patient hold ward which can hold the medics had to send Soldiers Camp Striker. upon my arrival to Camp Striker. and dentistry. up to 15 [patients], our old facili- away from Camp Striker for “This TMC isn’t just for the I was looking deep as my role as “The old location was two ty could only hold up to six,” treatment. 2nd Brigade,101st Airborne a commander of a brigade com- tents, our dentist was actually Rowe said. “This is important “This facility, with in the last Division” Rowe said. “It is for bat team, which I knew would go working in a very crowded cor- because we can hold soldiers three weeks we have been here, who ever follows us on [Camp into the most lethal of all areas ner,” said Capt. Shannon Rowe, who have been wounded in com- our patient numbers have gone Striker].” in Iraq,” said Ebel. “I was dis- Company C commander. bat for up to 72 hours, keep them up 50 percent,” said Rowe. “We Editor’s Note: “Hammertime” couraged in that a facility, that “Now he actually has an here with the BCT and allow the are actually holding more Soldiers from Company A, 62nd we will now enjoy and can bene- entire room dedicated to dental leadership to take part in the patients here and we are able to Engineer Battalion, 16th fit from, was not even in the care where he can do dental x- healing, so that has been do a lot more on site care. We Engineer Brigade, 4th Infantry forecast for my Soldiers nor for rays which was very limited in extremely beneficial.” could do some limited care in the Division, were responsible for the soldiers that transit through the old facility.” In addition to more room for old tents, but right now we are construction in of the 526th Camp Striker.” Through inpatient actually evacuating less people Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd The plan came full circle for a set of care, the and keeping them here closer to Brigade Combat Team, Strike Ebel and the medics of Company double “The old location was two new TMC the fight.” Memorial Troop Medical Clinic C, 526th Brigade Support wide doors, tents, our dentist was actually also now This facility is not only a on Camp Striker, Iraq. Battalion, when the construction easily working in a very crowded has dedicat- blessing to the Soldiers who may This is the second Soldier of the new medical facility was accessible ed rooms need care in the future, but it will improvement facility project completed and the lights turned from the corner.” for the lab benefit the medics who are serv- taken on by the 62nd Eng. Batt., on. road, is the Capt. Shannon Rowe as well as x- ing on Camp Striker now and in but only the first project for “The medical facility is the large trau- Commander, Company C, ray. “The the future. Company A. Hammertime’s first thing I asked to be built, it ma center. 526th Brigade Support Battalion providers “[The new TMC] actually has Company B has been engaged in seems like it should never even In this spa- have their been a huge motivational jump building a new dental clinic have been requested,” said Ebel. cious area, own sepa- for [the Soldiers], it was kind of facility on Camp Liberty which “It should have been understood centered in the TMC, patients rate area which helps the medics disheartening to be one of the will be completed in March. that we would always take care requiring trauma care can receive with patient privacy,” Rowe said. few medical units here that was- The 62nd Eng. Batt. is the of our soldiers on Camp Striker.” x-rays and be stabilized before Space is not the only chal- n’t in a fixed facility,” Rowe only construction battalion in The new TMC offers more being moved smoothly out the lenge the medics were faced with said. Multi-National Division- than adequate space for each sec- back door to be evacuated if nec- in the old facility, the capability “When we moved over here Baghdad.

Liaisons, Continued from pg. 4 Administration, we’re limited on verifi- cation.” Reserve and National guard,” said Bobb. With indigenous troops, as well as Hamada's Helpful Phrases “When they mobilize we assist their those cross-leveled from across the coun- installation and the units with soldier try, the 502nd PSB is spread across the By Spc. Mohamed “Hamada" Karika readiness packets and such.” whole of the 4th Inf. Div. AOR. Troops 4th Inf. Div. PAO “The beauty of our personnel opera- are located on Liberty, South Victory, English Arabic (phonetic) tions is that we have pretty enthusiastic Baghdad International Airport, Balad, How old are you? Esh gad omrak. Soldiers, eager to learn new jobs. So Rustamiyh, the International Zone, What is wrong with you? Sh-beek. long as we have electricity, we can do the Falcon and Arifan handling newspapers, Where are you going? El wayne rayeh. job whether at peace or at war,” said mail, promotions, leave and records. Can you help me? Ta-kder-tsaiddni. Bobb. “Without electricity, we can’t ver- “We think of them as a force multipli- How much did you pay Besh eshtrata. ify eligibility for IDs or CAT cards, but er,” said Lt. Col. Todd Garlick, com- for that? we can still do manual IDs; we can’t mander of the 502nd. “I believe that if update promotion packets because it’s an you take care of soldiers morally, ethical- Is there an arabic phrase you would like to see in the paper? Contact us at internet-based system, and without the ly and legally, and treat every action like [email protected] means to transmit to the Veteran’s it is your own, you can’t go wrong.” Page 12 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Sgt. Kenneth Rogers, an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Inf. Reg., pulls a fellow Soldier from a canal south of Baghdad dur- ing Operation Glory Light. Wading across obstacles was just one of the challenges facing the Soldiers while they searched for terrorists in the area. ABOVE: Spc. Brandon Griffis, Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division scans through the scope of his M-14 rifle to scan for enemy activity March 7 during Operation Glory Light. Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces conducted combined oper- ations to clear known terrorists from the west Mahmudiyah Qada and north Babil areas. RIGHT: 2nd Lt. Mark Ivey, Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Inf. Reg., stays in contact with command while on a patrol south of Baghdad during operation Glory Light. BELOW: Spc. Paul De Concini, a medic with Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment scans the area while on a foot patrol south of Baghdad during Operation Glory Light. Operation Glory Light Photo page by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 13 Coalition Forces, Iraqi army soldiers secure terrorist stronghold in Sadr-Yusifiyah area Story by Maj. J. Frank Garcia and a large amount of 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. materiel normally asso- BAGHDAD — ciated with the making oldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat of roadside bombs. Team, 101st Airborne Division, “The mission was a combined with soldiers of the 6th success. Whenever you and 9th Iraqi army divisions, con- find these types of Sducted operations in the city of Sadr- munitions and IEDs, Yusufiyah, near the Euphrates River, to you have saved lives.” secure a terrorist stronghold earlier this said Ebel. month. “We were prepared The operation began March 2 with the to use force to secure air insertion of 1st Battalion, 502nd the area. Fortunately, we Infantry Regiment to an area south of were able to accomplish Sadr-Yusufiyah, followed by the air inser- our task without a sig- tion of 2nd Bn., 502nd Inf. Regt. and ele- nificant fight from the ments of 4th Brigade, 6th IA Div., to an enemy.” area north of Sadr-Yusufiyah. The entry The Soldiers of 1st into the city was met with minimal resist- Bn. secured an area Photo by Photographers mate Second Class Samuel Peterson ance. south of Sadr-Yusufiyah Soldiers of the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division prepare to enter and clear a house in Sadr- “This combined operation was con- to allow freedom of Yusufiyah, Iraq near the Euphrates River March 3. ducted based on overwhelming credible maneuver for 2nd Bn. Soldiers. The 1st “We know Arabic culture and are able responsible for gathering the information evidence and probable cause that terrorists Bn. Soldiers were the first to be inserted to pick up on body language and other from locals about the whereabouts of the were using this area as a haven to build and expected a fight. They experienced indicators that assist us in establishing a terrorists and caches,” said Haycock. roadside bombs and to stage attacks some small-arms fire; however, it did not good relationship with the locals.” “These Iraqi soldiers found a complex, against Coalition Forces and the Iraqi prevent them from accomplishing their Fox said he is a true believer in a posi- vehicle-borne improvised-explosive people.” said mission. tive future for Iraq and is happy to play a device that was rigged and ready for Col. Todd “Glory role in its future. His brother also serves movement to its target. Thanks to their Ebel, com- Light allowed as an interpreter for the U.S. Army.“As an bravery and discipline, this VBIED will mander, 2nd “I am very proud of the Soldiers who us to take the English speaking Iraqi, I feel it is impor- not hit its target.” BCT, 101st participated in this operation. They fight to the tant to work with the U.S. Army and learn Iraqi soldiers and 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Abn. Div. continue to make a difference in this insurgents and what we can. The Iraqi army gets Div., Soldiers continue to patrol the Sadr- Despite not difficult environment. They are kick them out stronger everyday. It is our country, we Yusufiyah area in search of terrorists and encountering of areas they must be responsible for its security,” he those that harbor them. significant heroes.” have been said. “I am very proud of the Soldiers who enemy contact, Col. Todd Ebel operating out The commander of 2nd Bn., 502nd Inf. participated in this operation. They con- signs of a ter- Commander, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, of freely,” said Regt. said he was very happy with the tinue to make a difference in this difficult rorist presence 101st Airborne Division Lt. Col. way the operation unfolded. “This environment,” Ebel said. were found. Thomas Kunk, operation was vital to our battalion and “They are heroes. Most importantly, While clearing commander, the local Iraqis living under fear of ter- the Iraqi soldiers are heroes to their coun- an objective, Soldiers of 1st Bn., 9th IA 1st Bn., 502nd Inf. Regt. ror,” said Lt. Col. Robert Haycock, com- try. This operation shows that Iraqi sol- Div. uncovered the first of 17 caches near The primary effort was in the north, mander, 2nd Bn. 502nd Inf. diers are on their way to protect their Sadr-Yusufiyah. Throughout the course of where Soldiers from 2nd Bn., and soldiers “We cleared anti-Iraqi forces and for- country from terror..” the ensuing nine days, the following items from the 6th and 9th IA divisions, estab- eign fighters from Sadr- were found: 13 122mm rockets, 54 lished a security presence in Sadr- Yusufiyah and established a 120mm rounds, 10 82mm rounds, 67 Yusufiyah. presence in the town to keep 60mm rounds, nine 50mm mortar rounds, The Iraqi army played a key role in the the terrorists from returning two boxes of 60mm mortar primers, four operation, arriving at night in helicopters into the area.” rockets, one rocket-propelled grenade alongside their U.S. comrades. Haycock said he was very launcher with nine RPG rounds, nine RPG “The Iraqi army is able to communi- impressed by the Iraqi army boosters, eight machine guns, two vehi- cate well with the locals,” said an inter- participation. “The 4/6 Iraqi cles rigged with explosives, 300 lbs. of preter for the Iraqi army who goes by the army were the ones who led the dynamite, several rolls of detonation cord name Fox. cache searches and are mostly

Photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD 2nd Lt. Mark Ivey, a platoon leader for Company A, Photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, sets up a Pvt. Danny Perry, Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, provides security while his team completes road block south of Baghdad during Operation Glory a mission to collect information from area residents south of Baghdad during Operation Glory Light. Light. Page 14 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 Remodeling complete in Al Buhaira School All-girls elementary school is gift to children, Soldiers Story and photos by “The building was horrible,” Spc. Karl Johnson he reiterated, “but the students 363rd MPAD still had a desire to study and FOB MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – learn. They pushed us to get this mongst the smiles and project done.” shouts of excited chil- The completion of the project dren, U.S. and Iraqi marks one more success in the military officials came continuing effort by Iraqi forces Atogether March 13 to celebrate to show support for the commu- the completion of the Al Buhaira nities in which they operate. Elementary School remodeling Iraqi army units throughout the project in Mahmudiyah. country have begun what Mahdi During an emotional ceremo- referred to as a “dual strategy for ny held inside the all-girls fighting the terrorists.” school, eager students greeted “Projects like these are a pow- their guests with cheers and erful weapon against the terror- applause. Proud young Iraqi stu- ists because it allows us to fight dents sang while escorting 4th them in two ways,” said the Iraqi Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division commander. Eager students line the hallways of Al Buhaira Elementary School as they await visiting members of Soldiers through the school in “We will continue to squeeze the U.S. and Iraqi Armies. A two-month reconstuction of the school was just completed as part of the order to view first-hand, the the terrorists and hunt them Iraqi army's continued effort to support the local communities. progress made during the two- down wherever they are, but we new relationships will spawn the Army Division. “This community has always month project. will also continue to improve our trust and cooperation necessary “When the project started, he been proud of its students,” said “When we first visited the relationships within the commu- to build a positive future for all not only sent his own soldiers to Conrad. school, it was horrible,” recalled nity by completing these proj- Iraqis. help with the reconstruction, but “Now they can be just as Brig. Gen. Mahdi Chark Zier ects.” “Only when we are all work- also contributed with monetary proud of their school.” Kadim. Mahdi said he predicts these ing together will we be able to assistance.” Mahdi reminded on-lookers defeat the terrorists,” he said. Struck by the school’s amaz- that, “This is not the end of our The hard-luck school, which ing transformation, an emotional work. We will continue to sup- nevertheless boasts some of the Conrad said the building’s condi- port our communities and to hunt highest test scores in the country, tion just two months ago remind- down the terrorists who threaten first came to the attention of U.S. ed him of the “bleakness” he had them. Our relationships with the and Iraqi military forces when it witnessed as a young boy visit- people of this area will last for was used as a polling location in ing East Berlin. many years.” December’s elections. Littered “The first time we went in the “We didn’t fire a single shot with broken glass, dilapidated school, the children were cry- today, but based on what we did ceilings and crumbling walls, it ing,” said Conrad. “This time, in that school today, there is no was hand-selected as a candidate because of the children cheering doubt that we got rid of some for reconstruction. and singing, it was the Soldiers terrorists,” said Conrad. “General Mahdi chose this who had a tear in their eye.” In a nation marked by many school because it was in the Also swept up by the emotion years of conflict and struggle, it worst condition of any school in of the event was the school’s is hoped that the efforts of those Mahmudiyah,” said Lt. Col. Eric staff. Overwhelmed by the chil- who want to build a better future Conrad, commander of the dren’s cheers, several tearful for Iraq don’t go unnoticed, and Brig. Gen. Mahti Kadim, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army commander, Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd school officials expressed their the cheers and tears of joy greets a student at Al Buhaira Elementary School. The Iraqi BCT, 101st Abn. Div., and serv- inability to adequately thank the brought on by the success at the leader's visit was part of a ceromony celebrating the completion of ing as Military Transition Team soldiers who had made the proj- Al Buhaira Elementary School a two-month long reconstruction project at the school. chief for 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi ect possible. will prove to be contagious. 425th Civil Affairs Battalion helps Iraqis recover from rocket attack, distributes blankets and hygiene items to Karkh residents Story and photo by clothing, food and water. They did not Alrobeaee, chairman, Karkh District District Council. Spc. James Hunter have enough materials to distribute to the Council, as he helped distribute the neces- “People come to them with a need,” he 49th Public Affairs Det. (Airborne), entire area – so the Soldiers returned to sities to his people. said. “So if we can assist (the council) and MNCI-PAO continue the mission. The chairman said supply them, then their people are going BAGHDAD – When the he hopes that one to have more respect for their govern- oldiers from Company A, 425th Soldiers arrived, day a national gov- ment.” Civil Affairs Battalion, part of the Karkh District “It’s not about us. It’s about ernment will be unit- A civil affairs Soldier’s job is to win 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Council members helping the Iraqi people and ed into one family. the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people, SInfantry Division, distributed requested the getting their government “The key is want- said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Wyatt, team approximately 100 blankets, 50 hygiene Soldiers place the involved.” ing to do everything sergeant, Co. A, 425th CA Bn. kits and a box of soccer balls to Iraqi fam- items in a certain we can for the The council participated in the process Capt. Scott Ginsburg ilies Saturday during a humanitarian assis- location. The troops Iraqis,” said Capt. of distribution, showing the residents their Team leader, Company A, tance mission in Karkh. took a step back, 425th Civil Affairs Battalion Scott Ginsburg, team government cares about what happens Nearly three months ago, a rocket was pulled security and leader, Co. A, 425th within their neighborhoods, explained fired at a building within the International watched while the CA Bn. “It’s not Wyatt, and the local leaders are being Zone in central Baghdad. The rocket mis- council handed the about us. It’s about proactive in resolving the issues many fired however and hit the residential area, humanitarian aid to their fellow Iraqis. helping the Iraqi people and getting their Iraqis face. destroying many homes. “The area is very poor, and the people government involved.” “As long as you give them the chance, Initially, Coalition Forces went into the need these supplies to get by in their Ginsburg said the mission is important they will play a greater role in the mis- area following the attack and distributed everyday life,” said Abdul Satar because it helps legitimize the Karkh sion,” Ginsburg said. APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 15

more than one room where the five daily prayers are performed. Most mosques in Iraq Culture Experts and the rest of the world are basic buildings, or parts of buildings, and do not uniformly display any specific architectural features. About mosques Mosques may be no more than a section of a residential building or a school, hospital, etc. that has been dedicated to prayer. This is and Husayniyahs similar to the chapel found in a hospital or in some schools in the U.S. any of you may not In many Middle Eastern countries including Iraq, it is not know that not all uncommon for the owner of a building to dedicate most of mosques look like the ground-level floor as a mosque. It is also not uncommon By Jake Lester, mosques, and that for the mosque to temporarily take up additional space out- thereM is more than one kind of side the “normal” space, such as during Friday prayers when Senior Cultural mosque. attendance is much higher than usual. and Political The simplest definition of a In these cases, mosque personnel will lay down mats on Advisor, MND-B mosque is that it is a Muslim the sidewalks, and even on the road itself, to accommodate place of worship. A mosque may the overflow. As long as these mats are still on the ground, be a building, or a part of a building, dedicated to Islamic and especially when Muslims are in prayer on these mats, prayers. Often, mosques are also community centers where any area covered by the mats is deemed to be a part of the social functions, such as wedding ceremonies and funeral mosque and should be treated as such. observances, are performed. To a Westerner, it may be difficult to tell whether a build- In Iraq and other countries where Shiite Muslims live, ing is, or contains, a mosque or not – especially since a great there is a certain type of unique mosque called a many of them have little to distinguish them from other Husayniyyah. The Husayniyah is a mosque in which the buildings by way of either architectural features or decora- Shiite ceremonies of mourning the Shiite Imams in general, tion. However, there are always a few indicators: and Husayn in particular, are performed – in addition to ful- There is always some form of sign indicating the name of filling the regular functions of a mosque. the mosque; The sole distinction between a Husayniyah and a regular There are always loudspeakers hanging on the building mosque is that the husayniyah has the added function of somewhere for the call to prayer; being the place where Shiites congregate to perform the ritu- The floors will be completely covered in carpeting or al ceremonies of mourning. This type of mosque is espe- mats; cially used during the days of the Muharram period of The persons inside will either be all male, or will be mourning, from Ashura’ to Arba`iniyyah. A husayniyah is strictly segregated into a main male-only area, and there will always Shiite, but not all Shiite mosques are husayniyahs. be a female prayer annex, to which entry by males is prohib- Although some of the more notable mosques display ited; and A mihrab, or prayer niche in a mosque. Image courtesy of Wikipedia. Permission is granted to impressive architecture and are adorned with exquisite orna- All mosques contain a mihrab. A mihrab is a niche, or an copy, distribute and/or modify this document under mentation, mosques are not always elaborate structures with image of a niche, painted on the wall and indicating the the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, minarets, courtyards, columns and domes. A mosque may be direction of Mecca, to which Muslims are expected to face Version 1.2 or any later version published by the a simple building, or part of a building consisting of no during prayer. Free Software Foundation. Fifth in series: Lawrence of Arabia the Arab approach to warfare, which are placed gift is often most effective in win- sible in uniform. important in framing our perspective on ning over a suspicious sheikh. Never It is, however, dangerous and difficult. what we can expect from the police and receive a present without giving a liberal They make no special allowances for you ICDC we train and recruit. return, but you may delay this return when you dress like them. Editor’s Note: As promised in the last (while letting its ultimate certainty be Breaches of etiquette not charged edition, The Ivy Leaf will feature several known) if you require a particular service against a foreigner are not condoned to of Lawrence’s 27 Articles every issue. from the giver. Do not let them ask you you in Arab clothes. You will be like an Lawrence’s own forward will be repeated for things, since their greed will then actor in a foreign theatre, playing a part each time to put his observations in con- make them look upon you only as a cow day and night for months, without rest, text. to milk. and for an anxious stake. “The following notes have been 17. Wear an Arab headcloth when with Complete success, which is when the expressed in commandment form for a tribe. Arabs forget your strangeness and speak greater clarity and to save words. They Bedu have a malignant prejudice naturally before you, counting you as one are, however, only my personal conclu- against the hat, and believe that our per- of themselves, is perhaps only attainable sions, arrived at gradually while I worked sistence in wearing it (due probably to in character: while half-success (all that in the Hejaz and now put on paper as British obsti- most of us stalking horses for beginners in the Arab nacy of dicta- will strive for; armies. They are meant to apply only to tion) is found- “All men dream, but not equally. the other costs Bedu; townspeople or Syrians require ed on some Those who dream by night in the too much) is totally different treatment. They are of immoral or easier to win T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) dusty recesses of their minds wake in British Soldier and Author course not suitable to any other person’s irreligious in British 1888 - 1935 need, or applicable unchanged in any par- principle. A the day to find that it was vanity: but things, and By Maj. Derrill Guidry ticular situation. thick head- the dreamers of the day are danger- you yourself OPSEC Mgr., IO, 4th Inf. Div. Handling Hejaz Arabs is an art, not a cloth forms a ous men, for they may act their dream will last science, with exceptions and no obvious good protec- with open eyes, to make it possible.” longer, physi- The 27 Articles Published by T.E. rules. tion against cally and men- Lawrence, from The Arab Bulletin, Aug. At the same time we have a great the sun, and if T.E. Lawrence, tally, in the 20, 1917, are essentially the operating chance there; the Sherif trusts us, and has you wear a hat from “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” comfort that concept of T.E. Lawrence who led the given us the position (towards his your best Arab they mean. Arab revolt in 1917-1918. Government) which the Germans wanted friends will be Also then the His insights regarding the tribes, clans to win in Turkey. If we are tactful, we can ashamed of you in public. Turks will not hang you, when you are and sheiks that are more important with at once retain his goodwill and carry out 18. Disguise is not advisable. Except in caught. the Sunni than was the case with the south our job, but to succeed we have got to put special areas, let it be clearly known that 19. If you wear Arab things, wear the with the Shia, where imams and mosques into it all the interest and skill we pos- you are a British officer and a Christian. best. Clothes are significant among the dominated the community more so than sess.” At the same time, if you can wear Arab tribes, and you must wear the appropriate, did the sheiks, are valuable us even now. 16. If you can, without being too lav- kit when with the tribes, you will acquire and appear at ease in them. Dress like a Lawrence understood the tactics and ish, forestall presents to yourself. A well- their trust and intimacy to a degree impos- Sherif, if they agree to it. Page 16 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 GUIDANCE Environmental Morale Leave Health consideration to ponder before going on that long-awaited vacation from war zone oon after arriving in clot there called a Deep Venous Thrombosis that will If one of your main goals just before flying over here to Iraq, most of us start break off and become a Venous Thromboembolism. This this deployment was to get drunk to the point of insensi- thinking about when can lead to a Cerebrovascular Accident, Myocardial bility, or if you obsess about drinking alcohol at an air- and where and what Infarction, or a Pulmonary Embolus. The way to avoid port at the first available opportunity, there’s a good we’llS do on our two weeks these problems is to stay hydrated, exercise leg muscles chance that you may be an alcoholic. People under the of Environmental Morale while sitting, and stand up and walk around every hour influence of alcohol tend to do stupid things (see Leave. Here are 12 consid- or two during the flight. Consideration #8) that could ruin their military careers. erations to help you stay EML Health Consideration # 5: Jet Lag. Drink in moderation, and only when and where it is healthy and safe while away Many of your bodily functions, such as appetite and appropriate. on leave. sleep-rest cycles, are affected by circadian rhythms. Don’t be one of those guys who survive a hard one By Maj. Mitch EML Health Traveling quickly through multiple time zones can signif- year tour in Iraq, only to die a week later from a drunk Consideration # 1: icantly alter these cycles. driving injury in a motor vehicle. Meyers, Preventive Packing List. The rule of thumb is that if you try to get adequate EML Health Consideration # 10: Drugs. medicine officer, In addition to the usual rest, you can reset your internal clock by about one hour Military careers have been destroyed as a result of 4th Inf. Div. grooming items in your per day. Therefore it would take about a week to accli- Soldiers on leave taking medications that were not pre- shaving or toiletry kit, consider carrying a small first aid mate back to Texas time from here. scribed for them. If you get a headache or other ache or kit with bandages, antibiotic cream, disinfectant, etc. Ear Fortunately, jet lag is usually milder going in the pain while on leave, do not take a prescription medica- plugs, a sleeping mask, inflatable pillow and poncho liner direction of the sun from east to west. Try to get to sleep tion from a spouse or friend – it could cause you to fail or thin blanket can help you get some quality sleep on at a set time like 10:00 p.m. in the new time zone and the urine drug test that is administered after returning the plane. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an expose yourself to bright sunlight or artificial light first from leave. extra pair and a copy of your eyewear prescription. thing in the morning to help you fully wake up. If you Do not ever, under any circumstances, take a prescrip- Consider bringing a pair of sunglasses for protection anticipate problems with jetlag and insomnia, talk to your tion drug that was not prescribed specifically for you (see from sun and dust. physician about taking prescription sleeping pills such as Consideration #8). You have TRICARE health benefits – If vacationing overseas, it is a good idea to bring a Ambien™ or Sonata™, or over the counter medications use them if you get sick. copy of your shot records. You can download your DD like Benadryl or Nyquil™. EML Health Consideration # 11: Party Hats. Form 2766C Vaccine Administration Record from the EML Health Consideration # 6: Exercise. A problem with trying to cram 12 months of fun into AKO Medical Readiness portal. Don’t cheat your body! Going on leave is not an two sleep-deprived weeks is the tendency to take person- EML Health Consideration # 2: Medications. excuse for letting yourself go physically. You are a al risks we usually would not take. Remember that vene- Take a one-month supply of any medications you use Soldier regardless of where you are in the world, and you real disease is nothing to clap about and condoms should on a regular basis and carry them on your person just in need to remain fit to fight on a moments notice. Your be worn (see Consideration #8). case your luggage gets lost. Put a copy of your prescrip- body thrives on regularity, so continue with your usual EML Health Consideration # 12: Culture tions in a wallet or purse, especially if you are taking a fitness regimen to avoid deconditioning. Shock. controlled substance like a narcotic pain medication. This EML Health Consideration # 7: TRICARE Remember the old adage – nothing stays the same. could help avoid problems with Security or Customs at Health Benefits. During this tour you have changed, as have your family the airport. Traveling with TRICARE can be tricky, especially if and friends. Sometimes, during absence and hardship, People prone to air sickness may want to get a scopo- you are vacationing overseas or in a different TRICARE your bonds with those you love may grow stronger. lamine patch or some meclizine pills. Tobacco users region than you are enrolled. In a life threatening emer- Sometimes, people grow apart or relationships may have should consider bringing some Nicorette™ gum or nico- gency, don’t wait for TRICARE approval, just call 911 gotten strained. While on EML you need to take care of tine patches to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Afrin nasal and go to the nearest emergency room for care. your social, psychological and spiritual health just as spray™ is a good medicine to carry on your person dur- For non-emergency care, you still need to contact your much as your physical health. ing air travel. It can rapidly clear congested sinuses that Primary Care Manager for approval and instructions on If you feel severely stressed, anxious, or depressed, lead to ear pain on descent. getting medical care. Active Duty soldiers stationed at think about Consideration #8 and don’t be afraid to seek EML Health Consideration # 3: Germs. Fort Hood are already enrolled in TRICARE Prime for counseling. Remember, your Army family and friends About the last thing you want to happen is to get sick TRICARE Region South. Be sure to carry their toll free care about you and will always be here for you. on leave. Airplanes and airports are teaming with germs phone number – 1-800-444-5445 – in your wallet or Take care of yourself and have a great trip! from all over the world. Clean hands are happy hands. purse while traveling. Non-Fort Hood-based soldiers can Be careful of what you touch, and wash your hands fre- go on line at: http://www.tricare.osd.mil/, for your Tricare Prime regional quently with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer region’s toll free number and additional information on toll-free numbers like Purell™. Only rub your eyes with your elbows. what Tricare offers. Stay hydrated. EML Health Consideration # 8: Stupid is still Tricare Region South The air that gets recirculated on airplanes is usually of stupid! 1-800-444-5445 low humidity and can rapidly dry out your nasal passages A problem with trying to cram 12 months of fun into Tricare Region North and mucous airways. This makes it much easier for two sleep-deprived weeks is the tendency to do things we 1-877-874-2273 germs to get past your bodies defenses and cause infec- usually wouldn’t otherwise do, like falling asleep at the Tricare Region West tions like colds and flu. wheel, or saying things we later regret because we are EML Health Consideration # 4: Economy tired and irritable. Think before you talk. Think before 1-888-874-9378 Class Syndrome. you act. Tricare Overseas Sitting for extended periods of time can lead to pool- EML Health Consideration # 9: Alcohol. 1-888-777-8343 ing of blood in the leg veins. This can become a blood About 15 percent of adults in the U.S. are alcoholics.

officers, learned in a given training arena. challenging, especially for those may include partnerships with “Even though we had a lan- The capstone allowed both the with little former military experi- U.S. engineer units and possibly guage barrier and other chal- Continued from pg. 6 officer and enlisted students an ence, they concurred it was the a route clearance course, but that lenges, the general focus for our diers to conduct missions in con- opportunity to demonstrate their best training they’d had to date. the primary challenge faced by team and the IA engineers we junction with their U.S. counter- newly acquired skills and roles While the future of IA engi- IA engineers is a lack of equip- advised is that of sharing a com- parts and also broaden their by conducting platoon attacks, neer training continues to transi- ment for them to use in training mon goal: to make them better understanding of U.S. military route clearance, urban operations, tion as the soldiers are integrated and actual missions. engineers. Overall, we each feel doctrine and practice. constructing and hardening an into the whole of the Iraqi army’s “These officers and soldiers we accomplished our mission The culmination was a jointly- entry control point and perform- on-going mission, the goal of the have definitely proven they can very successfully,” said Gunnery held intensive 84-hour exercise, ing a cordon and search mission U.S. military advisory team is to get the job done, and once they Sgt. Ken Thomas, the U.S. mili- commonly referred to by the U.S. as a unit. While the students train and prepare them to train overcome those challenges, they tary team’s senior enlisted advi- military as a “capstone,” which commented that the training was their own soldiers, said Keith. will be a very effective force in sor from Marine Wing Support encompassed virtually everything both mentally and physically He noted that future training the Iraqi army,” Keith added. Squadron 171. APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 17 IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Brass band tuba player Staff Sgt. Jeff Smith Story by Sgt. Kristin Kemplin find a way to pay off $56,000 in my only job,” said Smith. So 363rd MPAD student loans.” Smith simultaneously transi- At six feet two inches tall, “That’s what led me to the tioned from his line unit to work Staff Sgt. Jeff Smith and his pol- Army.” range control – a staff sergeant ished, gold tuba stand out in a Smith’s parents, Ron and Fran slot. crowd. Literally. The tuba play- Smith of Satellite, Fla., were “I pulled them both down,” er has become a welcome and supportive of Smith’s decision. said Smith. “It was one of my familiar sight as he weaves his “My dad was ecstatic,” Smith proudest moments.” way slowly through diners at the recalled. Smith said he felt that “Then 9-11 happened,” said “Oasis” division dining facility, in a small way he was following Smith. He returned to Company pumping the beat of a tune in the footsteps of his father, who A and was put in charge of his familiar to 4th Infantry retired as a master sergeant from own tank and crew. As the unit Division’s brass band perform- the Air Force after serving for 22 prepared to deploy in April 2003 ances. Many in the audience years. to Tuz Khurmato, an airfield one may not know the name of the “I have been doing jobs way hour south of Kirkuk, Smith was song is “Taking it to the streets.” above my head for a long time,” again pulled, this time to be a Rather, they simply remember it said Smith, referring to the many truck driver, and transferred into as “the song where the tuba play- military occupational specialties Support Platoon, 1-68 Armor. er follows people around.” And he has served in since he joined The unexpected job change ulti- that is just what Smith, a native the military in 1998. mately gave Smith the opportu- of Little Rock, Ark., does. In addition to being an Army nity to audition for the 4th “It started out as a joke,” bandsman, Smith has been a Infantry Division Band. It was Smith recalled. He would play tanker, truck driver, range control the slot his recruiter had original- the tuba as he walked toward the noncommissioned officer and ly been unable to give him. The DFAC to “grab something and band director during his eight- 4th Infantry Division’s rock band bring it back to the band.” year career. And Smith is just put on a concert at the airfield People would react with laughter getting started. and “I got hooked again,” said when Smith collected food or Smith, a devoted tuba player the tuba player. drinks, all the while rocking his since he started playing in mid- “I was thinking to myself ‘I tuba to the beat and never miss- dle school, originally wanted to can’t believe I have gone this ing a note. be an Army bandsman when he long without music,’” said

“In that particular piece, I walked into a recruiter’s office in Smith. About a week later “I Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD have a real easy part,” Smith Tallahassee, Fla. The recruiter was up on a stage in Tikrit audi- Staff Sgt. Jeff Smith, tuba player for the 4th Infantry Division Band, explained. “It’s basically four could not get him a slot in the tioning for them,” he said. is well-known for his comical antics at brass-band performances. measures repeated the entire Army band but offered him a Two years later, he is prepar- Smith, a former tanker, has been playing with the band since audi- song.” combat arms job as a tanker ing to realize yet another dream. tioning in Tikrit during his first deployment to Iraq in 2003. The traveling tuba routine instead. He is currently preparing his of Killeen, Texas, have three has expanded his routine to caught on and has now become a His first assignment sent him warrant officer packet, as well as children: Giovanna, 10; Tristen, include following unsuspecting staple in brass band performanc- to Fort Carson, Colo., to his flight packet, in a bid to 8; and Gerald, 3. Heather has Soldiers, imitating audience es. Company A, 1st Battalion, 68th become a Blackhawk helicopter been instrumental in helping members and sitting down next Smith, who was promoted to Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, pilot. Smith said he hopes to get Smith prepare the paperwork for to diners at the dining facilities. staff sergeant April 1, did not 4th Infantry Division. While sta- picked up for warrant officer his advancement, Smith said. And Smith does not reserve his originally plan to join the mili- tioned there as a tanker, Smith school “basically when I get out She motivated him to “get my humorous escapades to lower tary. began playing for the post choir, of here.” head in the game.” Putting the enlisted Soldiers. He also enjoys “I swore up and down I he said. But Smith added, “My love of packet in “is something I have stepping out into the crowd and wouldn’t join the military,” said When the band director left, music will always be at the top; been wanting to do for a long targeting “the uppers.” Smith. But “college happened.” Smith, a specialist, was request- that’s what keeps me going.” time,” he said. “I’m impartial,” said Smith. After attending Florida State ed by the band to fill the slot “I’ll be able to pass that on to But until he leaves Iraq and “I’ll pick on anybody.” University for five years and normally filled by a sergeant first my kids, and they will be able to “moves on,” Smith will continue If he sees a sergeant major or graduating with a bachelor of class. His unit agreed to the appreciate music too.” to entertain diners and fans alike lieutenant colonel walk through arts in music, Smith “needed to transfer, but felt “that couldn’t be Smith and his wife, Heather, with his musical antics. Smith the door, “I’m going for them.”

Upcoming SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT Band Events: Division 1 April 7 MWR Reggae Night Woodwind Quintet: Cafe De AApprriill @ 8:30 p.m. Fleury DFAC @ 11 a.m. Calendar April Fool’s Day Movie Night 2 3 4 @ 8 p.m. Salsa Night April 11 5 6 7 8 4 on 4 Volleyball @ 8:30 p.m. Brass Band: Blizzard DFAC @ 11 Closest to the Pin Texas Hold’em Tourney @ 8:30 p.m. Karoake Night 5 on 5 Basketball R&B Night 5 on 5 Basketball a.m. (TBA) @ 8 p.m. 8-ball Tourney @ 8 p.m. Captain’s Mtg. @ 8:30 p.m. Tourney (TBA) @ 8:30 p.m. @ 6 p.m. April 12 Jazz/Old Movie Night Soccer Tourney Brass Band: FOB Prosperity DFAC 9 School Cards 10 11 @ 8 p.m. 12 13 14 15 (TBA) @ 11 a.m. Night @ 8:30 p.m. Chess Tourney & Ping Pong Tourney Soccer Team Spades and Reggae Night Country Band: Concert at FOB Closest to the Pin Texas Hold’em @ 8 p.m. Karaoke Night Captain’s Mtg. Dominoes Tourney @ 8:30 p.m. Prosperity @ 8 p.m. (TBA) Poker Tourney Volleyball “pickup” @ 8 p.m. @ 6 p.m. @ 8:30 p.m. 5K Bunny Hop Palm Sunday @ 8 p.m. play @ 7 p.m. Passover Begins Good Friday @ 6:30 a.m. Movie Night April 14 16 17 18 @ 8 p.m. 19 20Salsa Night 21 22 Woodwind Quintet: Camp 4 on 4 Volleyball @ 8:30 p.m. Victory 1.2 DFAC @ 11 a.m. Closest to the Pin Texas Hold’em Tourney @ 8:30 p.m. Karaoke Night Flag Football Team R&B @ 8:30 p.m. Flag Football Rock Band: Scorpion MWR (TBA) @ 8 p.m. 8-ball Tourney @ 8 p.m. Captain’s Mtg. Tourney (TBA) @ 7:30 p.m. Easter @ 8:30 p.m. @ 6 p.m. Bench Press Comp. Movie Night April 15 23@ 6:30 p.m. 24 25 @ 8 p.m. 26 27 Softball 28 29 Woodwind Quintet: Camp Jazz/Old School Chess Tourney & Ping Pong Tourney Team Captain’s Spades and Softball Tourney Cards Night Texas Hold’em @ 8 p.m. Mtg. @ 6 p.m. Dominoes Tourney (TBA) Liberty “Oasis” Division DFAC Karaoke Night @ 8:30 p.m. @ 8 p.m. Volleyball “pickup” @ 8 p.m. Country Western @ 8:30 p.m. Reggae Night @ @ 11 a.m. Closest to the Pin play @ 7 p.m. Night @ 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Page 18 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 GUIDANCE Navigating Reserve Component transfer process Active-duty Soldiers can manage military service obligations if choosing not to reenlist The Reserve Army Reserve Soldiers. The MGIB Kicker is a program must be physically fit, less than 40 years of age, display Component transfer that offers up to an additional $350 per month for college good military bearing, have demonstrated leadership process is one that is often for Military Occupational Specialty-qualified Soldiers in capabilities, no record of court martial convictions, must overlooked and misunder- critical skills. Soldiers must enlist for six years and be have three years time in service, and must be an Spc. or stood by many Soldiers. eligible to receive the GI Bill benefits. above. All Soldiers leaving Student Loan Repayment Program: The Army Retraining: Qualified Soldiers are able to retrain in a active duty with a remain- National Guard offers the Student Loan Repayment new MOS if there is a vacancy. These qualifications ing military service obliga- Program for Soldiers who have the student loans. The include, but are not limited to: ASVAB scores, physical tion are required to transfer National Guard will pay back 15 percent or $500 – screening, moral requirements in accordance with to the Reserve Component. whichever is greater – for each year served in the Department of the Army Pamphlet 611-21 and other Soldiers who enlisted after Sgt. Maj. Arlene National Guard, not to exceed $20,000. The Army applicable guidance. June 1, 1984, automatical- Horne, Retention Reserve Student Loan Repayment Program offers up to Stabilization: Soldiers affiliating with any units in the ly incurred an eight-year $10,000 in repayment of current or future student loans. Army National Guard, who were deployed for Operation obligation. Sergeant Major, The Army Reserve will also pay the loan(s) back at 15 Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom within the For example, a Soldier 4th Inf. Div. percent or $500 – whichever is greater – not to exceed last six months prior to joining, will be exempt from completes four years of his $10,000. Federal Mobilization for their first 12 months in the unit. eight-year military commitment on active duty and SPECIAL PROGRAMS/OPTIONS. This applies even if the Soldier’s unit of assignment is decides not to reenlist: the remaining four years must be Military Intelligence Augmentation Detachment and mobilized during this stabilization period. If Soldiers completed in one of the reserve components. The RC Military Intelligence Readiness Improvement Program wish to deploy with their units, they must waive their sta- consists of the Army Reserve, the National Guard and the Augmentation Management Platform: Military bilization in writing. Individual Ready Reserve. Soldiers will not be allowed Intelligence Soldiers with select MOSs who join the Many of the state National Guard units offer their own to out-process without receiving a mandatory interview Army Reserve may qualify for the Military Intelligence stabilization policies, which differ from 12-24 months by the reserve component career counselor. The 4th Augmentation Detachment. This program allows the depending on the state, and some states do not require Infantry Division has two RCCCs in theater to perform Soldiers to transition if there are no positions in their the OIF/OEF participation. The list of states offering initial interviews on all Soldiers not reenlisting. These MOSs within 50 miles of their residence. The Soldiers their own stabilizations continues to grow. Soldiers need interviews will begin approximately 180 days before a affiliates with a unit outside the 50-mile radius, but to check with the RC Counselor to see which states offer Soldier is scheduled for expiration of term of service or attends their weekend drills at a local Army Reserve unit stabilization. redeployment. During the briefing, the RCCC will dis- with occasional temporary duty trips to the units of All Soldiers who have deployed for OEF/OIF within cuss basic benefits available to the Soldier, current assignment. their last 12 months prior to transferring into the Army options and determine eligibility for bonuses and special The Military Intelligence Readiness Improvement Reserve will be authorized a 24-month “Mobilization programs. Program Augmentation Management Platform is Deferment” from the date of assignment to the unit. If It is very important that all Soldiers receive their ini- designed for MI Soldiers with select MOSs who join the the Soldiers deployed for OEF/OIF between 12-24 tial interview while in theater; this will prevent delays in Army National Guard. This allows the Soldiers to affili- months prior to transferring into a reserve unit they will the out-processing procedures upon redeployment. The ate with a National Guard MI position in their MOSs receive a 12 month “Mobilization Deferment.” RC offers a variety of incentives and programs to those when there is no vacancy within 150 miles from their MSO Reduction: Soldiers leaving Active Duty (offi- who qualify. Soldiers must see their RCCCs to deter- residence. Soldiers attend monthly training at a local unit cers and enlisted) will have an opportunity to reduce mine eligibility. Below is a list of current incentives and and quarterly training with their units of assignment, with their MSO by joining a unit in the Selected Reserve, programs available in the RC. These incentives are the unit providing funding for the quarterly training, trav- either National Guard or Army Reserve, by the amount updated semi-annually each fiscal year. el and per diem. of time they join the unit, not to exceed 24 months. The SELECTED RESERVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM. Active Guard and Reserve Program: The AGR Soldier must be able to serve a minimum of 12 months in Affiliation Bonus: Soldiers with a remaining MSO Program is designed to support the readiness of the Army the unit and must be MOS qualified, unless being who join a unit of the Selected Reserve may qualify for National Guard and Army Reserve. Soldiers must com- assigned to a drill sergeant duty position. Example: the SRIP affiliation bonus. For every month left on their plete an application process and accept the assignments Soldiers agree to serve in the National Guard or Army MSOs, the Soldiers receive $200, to a maximum before being put on active-duty orders. The pay and ben- Reserve for 24 months, reducing their MSOs from eight $10,000. efits are identical to Active Army. Retraining or addi- to six years. The MSO Conversion Chart below illus- Enlisted Affiliation Bonus: The Army National Guard tional-skill training are sometimes available as well. trates the reduction based on how much time the Soldiers is currently offering a bonus for a three-year or six-year Officer Candidate School Enlistment Option: The have remaining on their MSO upon transitioning into the enlistment in the National Guard. The Soldier receives a Army National Guard State Officer Candidate School SELRES Unit, the length of time in months the Soldiers $10,000 bonus for a three-year, and $20,000 for a six- Option is available to qualified Soldiers that desire to affiliate with the unit, and then how much their MSOs year, enlistment. become a Commissioned Officer. are reduced. Soldiers may qualify for the “Stabilization Prior Service Enlistment Bonus: Soldiers can join the “Try one:” The “Try One” and “Try a Year” programs Policy” and any applicable bonuses in conjunction with Army Reserve and receive a bonus of $15,000 for a six- allow transitioning Soldiers in skill levels one and two to the MSO Reduction. Officers must affiliate for a mini- year enlistment or $7,500 for a three-year enlistment. enlist or transfer into the Army National Guard or Army mum of three years in order to receive the affiliation Montgomery GI Bill: Soldiers enlisting in the Army Reserve for the remainder of their MSO; however, they bonus. National Guard or the Army Reserve for a minimum of are only obligated to serve with their SELRES Unit for For detailed information on the above incentives and six years may qualify to receive the Selected Reserve one year. programs, contact your RC Counselors, Master Sgt. Montgomery GI Bill. In addition, the Federal Tuition Drill Sergeant: Soldiers transitioning into the Army Donna Bass and Sgt. 1st Class David Porter. They can Assistance Program pays up to 100 percent of tuition up Reserve have the opportunity to join a drill sergeant be reached via e-mail at [email protected]; to a maximum amount of $4,500 annually. (Additional Skill Identifier “X”) unit. To qualify, a [email protected]; or telephone DSN 847-2352 This program can be used for National Guard or Soldier must have a General Test Score of 100 or better, or VOIP 242-4115.

Military service obligation conversion chart Time in months Remaining military service 48-72 46-47 44-45 42-43 40-41 38-39 36-37 34-35 32-33 30-31 28-29 26-27 obligation at Transition Selected Reserve obligation 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 Military service 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 obligation reduction APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 19 GUIDANCE G1 Word: Update your personnel records Time goes by, and before you sit down periodically and review tal/default.aspx. by the security personnel at know it, you receive a message your personnel records. It is not Your personnel section and AHRC headquarters. that it’s time for the promotion enough to just update your emer- the personnel services detach- Other items are automatic board. Oops! Your records aren’t gency documents prior to ment can assist you in ensuring entries and cannot be changed by updated! deploying. your information is updated. you are: current duty assignment Your career manager is You need to keep up with Some data on your ORB/ERB location, evaluation end date and scratching his head trying to your official record brief, or can only be changed by your physical date. All changes need determine what is good for your enlisted record brief, and your career manager, including skill to be verified with supporting career, but the problem is that official military personnel file. qualification identifiers addition- documents. your officer record brief or Both records can be viewed al skill identifiers, and military If you have documents that Chief Warrant Officer 2 enlisted record brief does not through your Army Knowledge education level codes. need to be added to your OMPF, Christopher Immomino, reflect your current job or train- Online account or by visiting the You will have to contact your you can submit them to the PSD, ing. Yes, we are deployed and Army Human Resources battalion intelligence section for or officers can e-mail them to: Chief of officer mission comes first – but it is Command, My Record Portal, at: assistance with security clearance [email protected] for management, G1 still important to take the time to https://www.hrc.army.mil/por- data – it is automatically updated submission. From the Victory Base Complex Military Police Desk Traffic Accidents WILL alter your life! Since Nov. 1, there have been 64 traffic accidents on Victory Base Complex and 106 in the prior 10-month period. During this 14 month span, VBC has witnessed a fatality, two near-death acci- dents, two injured By Lt. Col. Congressmen, and Jack Miller, numerous other acci- Provost Marshal, dents. What they all Victory Base have in common is the Complex life-altering after effects to these accidents. For example: One young Iraqi soldier in a hurry to get home after graduating from training rolled his car down West BIAP Road for 160 feet. He was air-evacuated to a hospital with severe injuries from head to foot. He was not wearing a seat belt. In another acci- dent, a young Soldier was returning from Sather Air Force Base, bringing three fellow soldiers back to Camp Victory, when a large truck crossed over into his lane. The three passengers suffered numerous injuries, and the driver is still in a coma almost a year later. In yet another accident, a Soldier was so intoxicated, he drove the M988 he was driving right into the rear end of a moving M1114 gun truck. Yes, traffic accidents do alter lives – and sometimes forever. Whether the accidents are big or small they all leave their own kind of physical, emotional and mental scars on those involved. Many of these accidents are caused from reck- less driving, speeding, inattentive driving, inabili- Take a good look ty to control the vehicle, reduced vision/muddy at the robot now... windows and driving under the influence. At least 50 percent of these accidents are listed as “$1,000 or greater” in damages. Most occur from lack of ... so you can attention or over-confidence by the driver. watch outside the Remember an important fact: Victory Base cordon later. Complex is a large city (59 square kilometers) of 32,000 occupants, with large, heavy vehicles driving on narrow roads that were never intended to carry such traffic. These roads are traveled in all kinds of weather, sand storms and in the dark. Accidents ARE avoidable by simply slowing down, paying attention to what is going on around you and obeying the traffic and speed STAY ALIVE limit signs. Please Drive defensively! Drive safely! Go home alive! 0012 IEDs KILL Page 20 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 GUIDANCE

Religious services, AA meetings, and mandatory R&R briefings Chaplain’s Corner VICTORY CHAPEL SER- DIVISION CHAPEL Discover, explore and VICES, BLDG 31 Sunday Sunday 9 a.m. Contemp. Protestant Worship 7 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass live out your faith Traditional Protestant Worship 1 p.m. Episcopal Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass 3 p.m. Gospel Worship t has been said that war may be, and I would like to noon Gospel Protestant Service 8 p.m. Collective Protestant Worship consists of a few short share with you from the Judeo- 2 p.m. Mormon Worship Monday moments of intense anxiety Christian faith tradition regard- By Chaplain (Maj.) 4 p.m. Episcopal/Lutheran 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing and excitement, surrounded ing these three key points. Michael Allen, Brigade Worship 7 p.m. Bible Study Iby long periods of boredom. Moses was in the remotest Chaplain, 4th Fires 6 p.m. Contemporary Protestant Tuesday During your deployment to part of the desert when he dis- Service 7 p.m. Bible Study Iraq, how are you spending covered a burning bush; proba- Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. Monday Wednesday your time? Many of us have bly the last thing that he expect- out their faith. God had placed 10 a.m. SGM’s Meeting 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Brief 1:30 p.m. Protestant Gospel 7 p.m. Bible Study much more time on our hands ed to happen right then was for them at a strategic location Prayer Meeting 8 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous than we had imagined we God to start speaking to him. where three continents converge 3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and Thursday would on a deployment over- Like Moses, some of you may – Europe, Africa and Asia. Suicide Intervention Briefs 6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Women) seas. There not be expecting They were to live out their faith 7 p.m. Gospel Protestant Bible 7:30 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal are occasions God to speak to so that other nations would Study Friday when we “You may not be you while you know that there was a God of Tuesday 12 p.m. Islamic Prayer “cocoon” our- expecting God to are stationed Israel. The Old Testament of 7 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing selves into speak to you while here in Iraq. But the Bible documents their hero- Wednesday 7 p.m. Bible Study our rooms and remember, you ic struggles to be recognized as 9:30 a.m. R&R -- Reunion and Saturday you are stationed the people of God. Suicide Intervention Briefs 7 p.m. Bible Study (Men) link up to the here in Iraq. But are in the land latest televi- that Abraham left I encourage you to discover 7 p.m. Korean Bible Study 8 p.m. Contemporary Protestant remember, you are in 8:30 p.m. Protestant Music Praise Band Rehearsal sion show or to find Canaan your faith while you are here in Rehearsal Website, or the land that … the land Iraq. I became a Christian Thursday CAMP VICTORY CHAPEL, make phone Abraham left to find where the Jewish when my father was stationed 6 p.m. Roman Catholic Music BLDG 2 calls back Canaan ... ” people were car- in Libya. Our family attended Rehearsal Sunday home. ried off into cap- an Easter sunrise service and 9 a.m. Orthodox Liturgy 6:45 p.m. Men’s ‘Purity’ Bible There are tivity from Israel God made Himself real to me, Study Monday also plenty of opportunities for … where Jonah finally spoke to there on a beach next to the Friday 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 1 p.m. Jumu’ah (Islamic Prayer) 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous “bull sessions” with our fellow the people of Ninevah after a Mediterranean Sea. There will 5 p.m. Prayer Gathering Service Tuesday Soldiers. You know those times “whale of a story!” This is the be an Easter Sunrise service at 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mas – when you and a couple of bat- land where the Garden of Eden Camp Liberty – perhaps that is Music Rehearsal Wednesday tle buddies solve not only the was believed to have been! It is where you will discover your 8:30 p.m. Protestant Music 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass problems in your company or hard to ignore the historic and faith, and I hope to see you Rehearsal 7 p.m. Men’s Gospel Fellowship platoon, but the problems of religious significance of our there. Saturday Thursday world hunger, peace in the current area of operations. And If you have already discov- 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 9 a.m. Seventh-Day Adventist Middle East, what makes first so, I encourage you to discover ered your faith: I encourage you Music Practice 7 p.m. Spanish Bible Study sergeants act the way that they your faith, here in Iraq. to explore your faith. There are 11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist Friday 3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass do … and maybe even come up The nation of Israel roamed numerous Bible study groups Suicide Intervention Briefs 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service with a cure for the common around in the desert for forty and discipleship groups con- 4 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal 8 p.m. Women’s Gospel Bible Study cold! I am convinced that dur- years, exploring their faith and ducted by unit chaplains 7 p.m. Roman Catholic Music Saturday ing those “bull-sessions,” there what it meant to be a part of the throughout the Multi-National Rehearsal 5 p.m. Orthodox Vespers are also discussions about faith chosen people of God. It was Division – Baghdad area of 8 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist and religion. in the desert that they received operations in Iraq. If you are of ENGINEER CHAPEL Paul wrote these words to the Ten Commandments. the Christian faith, we have Sunday CAMP STRIKER CHAPEL the church at Phillipi, “ . . . con- Manna (bread) in the morning numerous copies available of 8 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass Sunday tinue to work out your faith and quail in the evening, along the “Purpose Driven Life” to 10 a.m. Traditional Protestant 9 a.m. Catholic Mass with fear and trembling.” with water, were provided while aid you in your exploration. 11:30 a.m. Lutheran Worship 10 a.m. Contemporary Protestant As a chaplain, I would like they remained in the desert. Just stop by any chapel and 10:30 a.m. Protestant (Pad 6, Tent 1 p.m. Latter Day Saints to hear the results of those God provided a pillar of pick one up. 7 p.m. Traditional Protestant 410) 11:15 a.m. Traditional Protestant “faith and religion is the topic” cloud by day and a pillar of fire Finally, if you have discov- Tuesday bull sessions. Each one of us by night so that the Jewish peo- ered and explored your faith, 7 p.m. Bible Study 4:30 p.m. Protestant then I encourage you to live out Wednesday 6 p.m. LDS needs to be about the business ple would know that He was 7 p.m. LDS Bible Study 7 p.m. Praise Service (Gospel) of working out our faith. My with them. Once they entered your faith. Many of our Thursday 7:30 p.m. Praise and Testimony (Pad job as a chaplain basically falls the Promised Land, the pillar of deployed service members vol- 7 p.m. Bible Study 6, Tent 410) into three categories: helping cloud and fire disappeared, as unteer to be Scripture readers, Friday Monday people Discover their faith; did the food and water, since lay leaders, music leaders and 9 p.m. Prayer & Praise 9 a.m. Catholic Mass Explore their faith; and Live they no longer had need of it. some lead Bible studies and Wednesday Saturday Out their faith. As the nation of Israel then preach as well. As Paul said, “ 10 a.m. Reunion & Suicide Brief 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 6 p.m. LDS Bible Study I would like to hear about occupied the Promised Land, … continue to work out your WARRIOR CHAPEL 7 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study your faith journey, whatever it God was calling them to live faith with fear and trembling.” Sunday 7:30 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study (Pad 6, 9:15 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass Tent 410) 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Thursday These well known words Protestant 5 p.m. Purpose Driven Life No Soldier from the Warrior Ethos ring 12:30 p.m. Gospel Protestant 7 p.m. Praise Choir Practice true for Sgt. Matt Maupin. 5 p.m. Latter Day Saints Friday left behind Maupin is an Army Reserve 7 p.m. Non Denominational 9 a.m. Catholic Mass Soldier from 724th Christian 11:15 a.m. Catholic Mass (TOC Sgt. Matthew Maupin Transportation Company Wednesday Conference room) “I will never who was captured April 9, 7 p.m. Gospel Prayer Saturday 2004 during Operation Iraqi Thursday 6:45 p.m. Catholic Mass (Pad 6, leave a fallen Freedom 2. Sgt. Maupin – we 7 p.m. General Protestant Tent 410) Friday Daily 6:30 a.m. TOC Prayer Service comrade.” are still looking for you, and 6:30 p.m. Wicca Circle Meeting (TOC Conference room) we will find you. You have not been forgotten. APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 21 GUIDANCE

Criminal Justice Statistics $ Pay Attention $ 230th Finance Battalion On 15 March 2006, a military judge, con- 2/3 pay per victed a Sergeant First Class in 1st Brigade month for 12 “Always There and Ready” Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in months, and a By Sgt. 1st Class Austin McLaughlin, 230th Finance accordance with his plea, of two specifications Bad Conduct Battalion, internal control noncommissioned officer of Dereliction of Duty, two specifications of Discharge. Coming this summer – Service members deployed to certain Wrongful Use of a Controlled Substance, three On 16 locations in Iraq (at this time those are identified as Liberty specifications of Larceny of government prop- March 2006, a Complex, Life Support Area Anaconda and Camp Speicher) will erty valued at less than $500, and one specifica- military panel convicted a Sergeant in 2nd soon have a new way of managing their cash – The EagleCash tion of Wrongful Appropriation of government Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Stored Value Card! The EagleCash card is very similar to a debit property valued at less than $500. (Air Assault), contrary to his pleas, of one spec- card. The cardholder places value of the card and then, as each The military judge sentenced him to the ification of indecent assault. transaction takes place, the value on the card is reduced. maximum authorized punishment at a Bad The panel sentenced him to reduction to E-2, Adding value to the card is easy. Service members can go to Conduct discharge Court-Martial, a reduction to six months confinement, and a Bad Conduct the local finance office and receive casual pay, write a check, or E1, twelve months confinement, forfeiture of Discharge. exchange cash, and instead of receiving dollars, the value will be immediately added to their EagleCash card. The embedded microchip technology, much like the new military identification card, allows the funds added to the card to be immediately avail- able to the customer. Iraqi Court Convictions Once the service member has stored value on the EagleCash card, it can be used at the post exchange, the post office and at most local vendors located throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Central Criminal Court of Iraq. The detainee was sentenced to 15 years in Afghanistan. There are no fees or interest incurred for using this The Central Criminal Court of Iraq hears Iraqi prison. card. Another important benefit of the EagleCash card is the cases involving Iraqis or foreign nationals who 3. An MND-B unit captured a detainee after ability to recover funds that are stolen or lost. If a service mem- are accused of committing crimes against the finding weapons stored in his residence. The ber loses cash, it is gone forever. With the EagleCash card, the Iraqi people or Coalition Forces. Most of the detainee was an insurgent connected with service member simply goes to the finance office as soon as the convictions are based on the testimony and attacks and weapons trafficking. He was loss is noticed and has the card turned off. The remaining information Soldiers provide at the point of charged with, and convicted of, possession of money on the card will then be placed on a new card. At the end capture. The results of some CCCI cases for illegal weapons consisting of a sniper rifle, an of tour, the service member may also receive a cash refund for the month of December 2005 are summarized RPG, C-4 explosives and TNT. any value remaining on the card. below: The detainee was sentenced to six years in Another convenient aspect of the EagleCash card is the kiosk. 1. An MND-B unit captured a detainee after Iraqi prison. The kiosk is an automated-teller-like machine that allows a serv- finding weapons stored in his residence. The 4. An MND-B unit captured a detainee, who ice member the ability to perform transactions on their card 24- detainee was charged with, and convicted of, admitted to illegally entering Iraq with the hours-a-day, 7-days a week, without having to visit the finance possession of illegal weapons, consisting of two assistance of known insurgent groups. The office and wait in line. Using the kiosk will allow the service tons of weapons parts stored in factory crates. detainee also participated in the torture of an member to transfer value directly from the bank account of Propaganda flyers were also found. Iraqi national, who later died, and the detainee choice onto the card – no checks or casual payments required! The detainee was sentenced to three years in helped dispose of the body. The detainee was Funds can be loaded to the card, or unloaded from the card, into Iraqi prison. charged with, and convicted of, illegal border the service member’s bank account. Funds can also be trans- 2. An MND-B unit captured a detainee after crossing and crimes against the state. ferred between two cards and the kiosk can also be used to check finding weapons stored in his residence. The The detainee received a life sentence, which the balance remaining on the card. Service members need not detainee was charged with, and convicted of, is the equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi prison. worry about the security of their EagleCash card because the illegal possession and transportation of special 5. An MND-B unit captured three detainees service member will have the ability to select his or her own category weapons, being RPGs, an RPK after discovering they planned vehicle-borne Personal Identification Number, which is then entered into the machinegun, AK-47, improvised explosive improvised-explosive devices. The detainees kiosk to process a transaction, and can be changed at any time by device materials, gas masks and a stolen Iraqi were charged with, and convicted of, illegal the service member at a kiosk. police motorcycle. Counterfeit license plates, border crossing and crimes against the state. The EagleCash card and the kiosk will be a convenient, sim- passports, identification cards and $2,200 U.S. Each detainee received a life sentence, which is ple and fast way for service members to manage their money were also found. the equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi prison. without the need to carry large sums of cash and without having to wait in long lines at the finance office. Finance Office Hours and Locations. Liberty Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Stryker Finance Office: Mon.—Wed., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Abu Ghraib Finance Office: Bi-Monthly Thur.—Fri., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Victory Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. Seitz Finance Office: Bi-Monthly Friday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Justice Finance Office: Bi-Monthly Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rustamiyah Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. Taqaddum Finance Office: Mon.—Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.—Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Falcon Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 p.m. to noon. Diwaniyah Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Scania Finance Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. Kalsu Finance Office: Mon.—Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prosperity Finance Office: Mon.—Thur. & Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Order of Catholic Liturgies for Holy Week at Victory Chapel. Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Palm Sunday: 8:00 p.m., Saturday April 8, and 10:30 a.m. Sunday CPA-US Embassy Finance Office: Mon.—Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 9 Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holy Thursday: 7:30 p.m., April 13 Joint Finance Office: Mon.—Thur. & Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Good Friday: 4:00 p.m., April 14 Victory Contracting Office: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. IIGF Disbursing Section: Mon., Wed., Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (by appointment) Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, 8:00 p.m., April 15 CERP Disbursing Section: Mon.—Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon. Easter Sunday, 10:30 a.m., April 16. (by appointment) Page 22 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT

Ask Uncle Troy “Ask me a question. I dare you.” TO THE EDITOR As someone who was once EOD in Vietnam it gives me great Roommate takes credit for others’ ideas pleasure in knowing that we are making progress against IEDs in Dear Uncle Troy First alternative: So what if your “friend” Iraq. Tell any EOD troops that you come across that I tip my hat I have a friend who is deployed here gets the credit for your ideas? So what if peo- to them and everyone else over there fighting terrorism. with me in Iraq. In fact, we are in the same ple think he is smarter than you? So what if Karl Bossi unit and we are roommates. We have he gets an award? And, so what if your so- Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) always gotten along good and we share a lot called friend has totally taken advantage of Gondola Press of the same interests, etc. But lately, he has your friendship? There are plenty of other Venice, Fla. been taking credit for stuff that I do and things you should be more concerned with in a ideas that I have. war zone, right? We work in the same office and the You said that you two guys are friends.You NCO, who is our boss, keeps have common interests, and telling me how smart my you don’t want to ruin your friend is – and it usually friendship. So, the alternative ends up that he mentions is to eat your frustration and something that my friend jealousy, drive on, and try to “thought of” that was actual- keep your big mouth shut from ly MY idea. I am really get- now on. It’s unfortunate that ting irritated about this, but you have to monitor what you I don’t know how to say, but life, as you know, is approach him. We talk about never fair. work when we are eating Or … second alternative: dinner, etc., and if I have an You should have noticed what idea of how to make things was going on with your better, I just tell him. But Uncle Troy “friend” the first time it hap- Photo by Spc. Ernesto Mora, Company B, 5th Eng. Bn. then the next day, he goes in 363rd MPAD pened. You probably did, but Baghdad, Iraq – 1st Lt. Michael Shaughnessy, 3rd Platoon, Company and acts like he thought of it. you continued to let it happen. B, 5th Engineer Battalion, coordinates with 6th Iraqi Army Division I think maybe he is even How come you didn’t step up soldiers, after his platoon discovered an unexploded mortar round going to get some kind of award for one of and put your buddy in his place from the get- near a major intersection’s off-ramp in western Baghdad Feb. 26. The the ideas that I came up with that he has go? The world is full of all different kinds of platoon secured the site until IA Explosive Ordnance Disposal responded and successfully removed the threat. According to 5th taken credit for. people – some nice, some not so nice. But Eng. Bn soldiers at the site, partnering with the IA soldiers was ben- I don’t want to end the friendship, and I one thing is a constant no matter where you eficial as they were extremely responsive and ensured local Iraqis don’t want to try to watch every word I say. go: if you let people walk all over you, they remained out of harm’s way until the mortar round was rendered safe. If I go to our NCO and say “hey, I thought will! of all this stuff, not my friend,” then the If you like being a human doormat, then NCO will probably just think I am a jerk. fine … but, if you want your just desserts and What should I do? the recognition you feel you deserve, then – Confused in Camp Liberty stick up for yourself and start confronting your Help Wanted Dear Confused in Camp Liberty, friend about his tendencies to “borrow” your The Camp Liberty Division Main Morale, Welfare and You’re a jerk if you do … and a jerk if you ideas. Demand that he starts telling the truth don’t. There is only one person to blame here and let him know that you’re tired of his Recreation Center is looking for DJs and fitness – You! “sugar-honey-ice-tea” routine. Sure, some instructors. Apply in person at the MWR or contact Have you ever heard the phrase “loose lips people may still think you’re a jerk, but at Timeka at Iraqna 0790-191-0483 or Lawrence “Linc” at sink ships?” Helloooooooo “OPSEC!” There least they will know you’re a jerk who sticks Iraqna 0790-191-0496. are two ways to think about your situation. up for himself. Cartoon Corner APRIL 2, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 23 SPORTS

college town or out in East the pro and college games, then Nowhere, where professional I’ll take: March Madness Sports Roundup sports were akin to having a (Texas-West Virginia and famous movie star drop by for UConn-Washington … need I with Staff Sgt. Christian Farrell tea, then for you nothing can say more, UCLA-Gonzaga), compare to being shoulder-to- Major League Baseball (college 363rd MPAD shoulder in a stadium with teams still use aluminum bats), 100,000 other fans just like you, the National Hockey League What kind of sports fan are you? From high singing a fight song and cheering (great playoffs and fighting is on the local college team. within the rules) and, my tough- school to the pros, there is room for ALL of us! The casual fan though – my est choice, college versus pro third category, in case you didn’t football – The Michigan o … what’s YOUR pref- the tournament, knocking off # 1 LEGE kids perform those same notice – I think gravitates more Wolverines winning the Rose erence in the upcoming seed Connecticut in overtime to feats? In the fall, is Saturday or toward the pro games. Why? Bowl trumps Tiki leading the Final Four contest? earn its ticket to college hoops Sunday afternoon a “can’t miss Because they can identify New York Giants to the Super SChose from the heaven. football TV day” for you? True with the players by name – they Bowl. University of California at Los The madness of March was sports fans are probably split on know who Kobe, A-Rod and Thus, I choose the college Angeles, better known to one and alive and well this spring. But this. Peyton are, and because of that kids … but only by the length of all as UCLA, Louisiana State, when you think about it, isn’t it One big factor in this case dis- they’ll watch a “big” game from a football. Florida, and #11 seed George always? The tourney never lets cussion is where you grew up. If time-to-time. Sports Writer’s Note: Only Mason. George who? George you down. How come March is you grew up in and around a big My Mom, who raised five four Soldiers in last edition’s Ivy Mason, that’s who! Not Perry or always “maddening,” but the city that is home to multiple pro- boys in a home where Sports Leaf March Madness Anthony Mason, but the Patriots Super Bowl isn’t always a super fessional sports teams, then you was King, where “pass the Tournament correctly picked a of George Mason University. game nor is the Fall Classic may be inclined to root harder bread” at the dinner table meant, team that reached the Final Four. These are your entries in this always something to truly for teams like the Yankees, be ready for a piece of Italian They were: Spc. Cal Turner year’s men’s college basketball remember – although to be fair, Lakers, Steelers and Canadians. bread coming in your direction from the Media Operations Final Four. in my opinion the “entire” You will pay a ridiculous amount via a “no-look” or “behind the Center – UCLA; Chief Warrant You say you’ve never heard of National Football League of money to watch the big-name back,” pass, would only watch Officer-3 Richard Francois, George Mason? The Fairfax, Playoffs are always mint quality! teams, but you are spending your football games if John Elway Division Troops Company – Virginia school, named after the That thought however, leads me money to see the best athletes in was playing. Elway was my Florida; Lt. Col. Jonathan founding father who withheld his to the question – do Soldiers pre- the world compete. Mom’s “man,” besides my Dad, Withington. 4th Inf. Div. PAO - name from the U.S. Constitution fer watching PRO athletes block There are some sports fans of course. I, on the other hand, UCLA and Staff Sgt. Christian because it did not abolish the and tackle, dunk and drive, hit that care almost nothing at all love ‘em all – and that includes Farrell – George Mason … just slave trade, pulled off one of the homeruns and score goals, or do about how “State U” did last HIGH SCHOOL sports. kidding. I did get one out of biggest upsets in the history of they prefer to watch the COL- week. But, if you grew up in a If I have to choose between four – the Florida Gators. Soldiers share their thoughts What was your childhood fear?

“Clowns! My uncle had me watch the movie ‘It’ when I was three of four, and when I was eight, I got kicked out of a birth- day party for assaulting a clown,” said Spc. Tom Juneau, heavy construc- tion mechanic, Company B, 62nd Engineer Battalion.

“I was afraid to drown in the water. When I was a kid, I got pushed into a pool by my cousins,” said Sgt. Richard Jones, supply, 16th Engineer Brigade.

“The movie ‘Jaws’ gave me a fear of the ocean. Even today, I can’t go above my knees (into the water),” said Spc. Sean Martin, infantryman, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Brigade, Georgia National Guard. Page 24 The Ivy Leaf APRIL 2, 2006 FACES AND PLACES

Photo by Spc. Jason Jordan, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. IBRAHIM EIN ALI, Iraq – A Soldier with the Company C, 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry Regiment, pulls security as an Iraqi family bakes bread for them. A combined effort mission termed “Operation: Northern Lights,” comprised of the Iraqi army and Coalition Forces, was conducted in the Baghdad area to disrupt terrorist activities and destroy weapons and explosives caches.

LEFT: CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Chasity Jackson, native of Houston, Texas, and civilian adminis- tration specialist for Kellogg, Brown and Root, performs a poem she wrote titled “Justice” at the Camp Liberty Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center’s “Gong Show” competition March 17. Jackson said she wrote the poem about four years ago while in high school. BELOW: CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Panelists at the 4th Infantry Division Women's History Month Observance listen to poem presentations March 25, from left to right: Command Sgt. Maj. Michelle Jones, 230th Finance Battalion, 4th Inf. Div; Sgt. Maj. Arlene Horne, 4th Inf. Div. Retention; Sgt. Maj. Angela Rodriguez, G6, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.; and Command Sgt. Maj. Divina Bobb, 502nd Personnel Services Battalion, 4th Inf. Div. The observance was held at the Iron Horse Conference Center on Camp Liberty, Iraq. The four senior noncommissioned officers fielded questions from the audience, ranging from how their career choices had effected their marriages and family life to whether all military occupational specialties, including combat arms, should be open to female Soldiers. Photo by Sgt. Brandon Bonner LeFlore, 363rd MPAD

Photo by Spc. Jason Jordan, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. IBRAHIM EIN ALI, Iraq – A Soldier with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, watches for activity as he pulls security during Operation Northern Lights March 22. The operation began with 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, and 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, moving to blocking positions by ground before Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, Multi- National Division – Baghdad air assaulted onto the objective to conduct a cordon and search. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott, 363rd MPAD