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Vol. 3, No. 46 , Dec. 9, 2005

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway Army Staff Sgt. Justin Clark of 3rd Platoon, Company A , 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, , fires his weapon at a firing range after a joint foot patrol with Iraqi Army Soldiers to show presence in Hechel. Iraqi flag raised in a secure Husaybah

Story by Spc. Rick Rzepka ing forces, and Marine Col. Stephen W. Davis watched as the resolve of the respective ministries was apparent. Scimitar Assistant Editor Iraqi flag was raised by Iraqi Soldiers in the dusty town, “Today signifies the ability of MOI and MOD to work which was cleared of insurgents as part on an effort to stop together,” said Marine Col. Mike Pannell, 2nd Marine HUSAYBAH — Freedom is never easy. the flow of terrorists across Iraq’s borders, Operation Steel Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. “They should be This was the overarching theme in Husaybah as distin- Curtain. able to operate independently by June 2006.” guished guests from the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of “This is a historic day for Iraq,” said al-Dulaimi on the The progress in securing Iraq’s borders is a significant step Defense and Coalition Forces converged on Husaybah in the success of the border operations. “I will not forget this day. toward victory in Iraq, said Davis. River valley. The event symbolized the securing The insurgents are no longer controlling the border. Our “Presence equals security,” said Davis, the Regimental of the port-of-entry from Syria to Iraq. friends have helped us. We are now a country of freedom, of Combat Team 2 commanding officer. “This will bring stabili- Gen. George Casey, Multi-National Force - Iraq command- human rights and of peace.” ty to the region. Operation Steel Curtain has neutralized the ing general, along with Saadoun al-Dulaimi, Iraq MOD, Brig. As a platoon of MOD Iraqi Soldiers and a platoon of MOI Gen. Ahmed Ali Muhsin Al-Khafaggi, deputy MOI support- ‘Desert Wolves’ stood under one flag, the cooperation and See RAISED, Page 2 Page 2 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005 Iraqi girl's school receives needed supplies

MOSUL — The Ninewa Middle School for girls in the Al-Faisaliya neighborhood of Mosul accepted school necessities from Operation Iraqi Children. “The kids were very excited to get the sup- plies and the mission was a great success,” said Spc. Joselyn Bowen, a civil affairs educa- tion team leader. Teachers from the Ninewa Middle School received supplies from the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion to give to their students. The Department of Education and Mohammed S. HajRamathan, provincial coun- cil chairman for education, arranged for five classrooms with about 150 children to receive the school supplies. Iraqi Security Forces along with 401st Civil Affairs Battalion Soldiers provided security for the delivery of the supplies. Each child in the classroom received a kit containing pencils, an eraser, folders, rulers, and other items to help them with their stud- ies. Operation Iraqi Children gave supplies to Courtesy photo more than 2,000 children last year. An Iraqi teacher from Ninewa Middle School carries a box of school supplies for the children of the school. RAISED Big Water from Page 1 insurgent’s presence and activities in the region, while Iraqi forces have established a permanent presence throughout the Euphrates River valley. I am encouraged by the progress to date. Together we are marching forward to provide greater security, as Iraq rejoins the world of nations.” Since border operations began, Iraqi and Coalition forces have cleared and secured former enemy controlled areas. In a speech on the same day, President Bush pointed to the need for enhanced security along Iraq’s borders. “Many (of the terrorists) are foreigners who are coming to fight freedom’s progress in Iraq,” said the President. “This group includes terrorists from and Syria and Iran and Egypt and Sudan and Yemen and Libya and other countries.”

To learn more about Iraqi and Coalition successes, log on to: www.mnf-iraq.com and click on the logo to download this week’s issue.

Courtesty Photo Along the Great Zab River, the new Erbil-Ifraz water project is under construction. It is the largest water Prevention is project in Iraq, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Erbil-Ifraz water project will provide 6,000 cubic meters per hour of treated water to more than 450,000 residents of Erbil, and has the capa- bility of being expanded in the future by 40 percent to 10,000 cubic meters. It sits beside an aging treat- YOUR job. ment plant that has only 20 percent of the new facility's capacity. The project, scheduled to be finished in the spring, will be in continuous operation 24-hours-a-day for at least 40 years and will employ 78 workers plus security. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 3

PERSPECTIVES ScimitScimitarar PulsePulse Quit complaining, you chairborne pogues threes and fours, talking Marine talk and all wearing a coat of Who do you prefer, Ginger or Mary Ann? Spc. Rick Rzepka dust on their mugs which made them look ghostly. I felt out Scimitar Assistant Editor of place and thought about rolling around in the dirt to blend in. “Mary Ann, because she’s a down- s I was just about to help myself I approached them and asked where the latrine was. They home girl.” to one of the 15 desert selections laughed and pointed behind the building. There I found PVC Aoffered in the International Zone tubes sticking out of the ground. Army Staff Sgt. Wayne Parker dining facility the other night, I overheard Those fellas had their work cut out for them up there. They Company E,111th Aviation two young officers exchanging in some were battle hardened 18 year olds with a better grasp of reali- Baghdad rather interesting conversation. Spc. Rick Rzepka ty than most middle aged men back home. Honestly, it wasn’t as interesting as it On the helicopter ride back, I found my self wondering, was absurd to me. “Have I really become that soft? Am I the chairborne pogue The first one was explaining to the other how he thinks “It so many grunts despise? sucks here,” because he only gets 30 channels and there’s That night while those Marines slept in the sand, I slum- never anything good on. The second one was quick to chime bered in a bed with a bellyful of hot chow and the air condi- in with, “Yeah and what’s with the PX. They never have any- tioning on. “Mary Ann, because she’s more thing.” Later that week, I accompanied a squad of National Guard wholesome.” I skipped desert. Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Armor Recently, I visited the town of Husaybah, a mostly Sunni Brigade from Michigan on an IED hunt through the streets of Army Col. Bill Ivey, town that is now home to a few thousand Marines from Baghdad. As we patrolled the highways, the pucker factor for Task Force 134 Regimental Combat Team 2 and Iraqi Army Soldiers from the me was a full 10. While I envisioned fiery explosions coming Baghdad 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army division, who from every bit of street-side trash, my are battling insurgents and at the same hosts were calm and collected; as if they time conducting humanitarian missions “I found my self wonder- had done this a hundred times – which in an effort to stabilize the border. ing, ‘Have I really they had. I was there to cover a ceremony sym- “Being out here, doing what we do and bolizing the pacification of the area and become that soft? Am I interacting with the local nationals – I’ll the chairborne pogue so in attendance were high level officials never complain about what I’ve got again. “Both, because their interesting from both Coalition and Iraqi forces. A many grunts despise?’” It really makes you appreciate things, you characters.” nice spread was laid out for the media know,” said Staff Sgt. Tom Rozema. and dignitaries, which included local cui- “Yeah,” I said. “I know what you mean.” Spc. Rick Rzepka Garry Collins sine and plenty of soda; something I was Twice in one week I had what Britam Defense used to while living in the IZ. I was hun- Buddhists call ‘satori,’ what alcoholics Baghdad gry, so I waltzed on over and decided to refer to as a moment of clarity. help myself. A Marine sergeant approached and asked, “Is it I realized we truly are a fast-food nation that demands really fair for you to be drinking sodas and eatin’ this chow? results now. Those Marines outside haven’t eaten that good in weeks,” he I’ll have a cheeseburger, fries and a stable, democratic Iraq said. please … Oh and I’m in a hurry so snap to it. I placed the food back on the table and the ice cold soda in As warfighters, we can’t let ourselves be sucked into this the cooler. mentality. Sure it’s nice to have some of the creature comforts “Ginger was hot!” The Marine sergeant’s words definitely struck me – right in of home in the FOB or in the IZ, but when our expectations the gut. get out of control, so will our egos. John South After stepping off the helicopter I saw Marines in groups of And so will this war. Dynacorp Baghdad

“Ginger, because she’s a sexy vixen type.”

Stephanie Wright Palace employee Baghdad

MNF-I Commanding General Editor...... Sgt. Jeffrey M. Lowry Gen. George W. Casey Jr. [email protected] Scimitar welcomes columns, MNF-I PAO Assistant Editor...... Spc. Richard L. Rzepka commentaries, articles and letters from Col. Dewey G. Ford [email protected] readers. Send submissions to Staff...... Spc. David J. Claffey [email protected] Combined Press Information Center Director Lt. Col. Barry A. Johnson [email protected] [email protected] We reserve the right to edit The Scimitar is an authorized publication for members of the for propriety, clarity and space. Command Information Chief Department of Defense. Contents are not the official views of the Capt. Bradford E. Leighton U.S. Government or DoD. [email protected] The editorial content is the responsibility of the Public Affairs The Scimitar can also be viewed on the Office of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. Stars and Stripes news- Command Information NCOIC paper is not affiliated with MNF-I and acts only as a distributing Web at http://www.mnf-iraq.com/ Sgt. Jeffrey M. Lowry source for the Scimitar. Questions and comments should be direct- publications_theater.htm [email protected] ed to the editor at [email protected]. Page 4 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005 Fluent Soldier hurdles language Going full circle barrier, helps Soldier flies with ‘Comancheros,’ Coalition Forces same unit he flew with in forced myself on them after that. Story and photo by Sgt. Susan Redwine “One of my first rides was with the Comancheros,” he said. Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper 159th Combat Aviation Brigade 4th Brigade Combat Team “I wanted one of my last flights to be with them. I don’t plan LSA ANACONDA — Few Soldiers can claim to have a career on coming back again.” spanning 38 years, but one pilot here has those bragging rights, The unique nature of Alford’s mission also made an impres- BAGHDAD — When 1st Battalion, 76th Field and can also say he finished his career where he started it. sion on current Comancheros. Artillery Regiment began riding with the 13th Chief Warrant Officer Michael Alford began his military “To see something like this come about and materialize is Georgian Infantry Battalion on missions, language was career as a pilot in Vietnam with Company A, 4th Battalion, one of the most motivating things that I could have for my a huge barrier for both units. 101st Aviation Regiment in 1967, and recently was able to fly Soldiers and myself,” said 1st Lt. Robert Massey, a Company A “We would get two or three Georgians with us on with the same company in Iraq. platoon leader. missions, but unfortunately they wouldn’t have an Alford arrived in Iraq last year with his National Guard unit, Alford, who works fulltime for the Social Security interpreter so we wouldn’t be able to communicate the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment., of Rhode Island, Administration and lives in Framingham, Mass., said he left the properly,” said Capt. Ryan Avila, a former platoon and has been flying UH-60 Blackhawk missions. military after his tour in Vietnam, but joined the National Guard leader with 1st Battalion., 76th Field Artillery. Alford said the veterans of Company A have an active net- in 1988 because he missed flying and the camaraderie of fellow Then came Pfc. Daniel Nasereddine, who was one of work. He learned through Internet correspondence his old unit, Soldiers. Avila’s platoon members. Nasereddine emigrated from nicknamed the Comancheros, would deploy to the same base as Members of Company A are aware of the unique pride that the Ukraine and spoke Russian, enabling him to com- his National Guard unit. keeps their unit together and can trace their lineage back to municate with the Georgians. After that, it was just a matter of touching base with his for- Vietnam. “With Nasereddine, I was able to find out how long mer unit to arrange a mission and come full-circle in his mili- Chief Warrant Officer Joshua D. Havill, a Blackhawk pilot they had been in the military and what kind of training tary career. for Company A, said in his 12 years of service he never had a they had,” Avila said. “Before they even arrived in country, I had been e-mailing unit patch until he became a Comanchero. With his Soldier’s help, he found that many back and forth,” Alford said. “So I had a good idea when they The unit develops a new patch for each deployment or mis- Georgians have arrived in country and what they were going to do. I sort of sion. For Alford’s last mission, he was able to put on the combat experience Comanchero’s latest patch and gave his crew and training spe- “My decision to join souvenir patches with the design he wore in cific to Iraq. the Army was proba- Vietnam. “Once I knew “The standard for earning that patch is being this, I could focus bly the best thing I’ve fully-mission qualified,” Alford said. “But you on helping them to ever done. The main also have to be one of the guys, too. You have to learn the routes in part is I like it, and I earn it from your peers.” Baghdad,” Avila Part of the bond the unit shares comes from said. always wanted to be the Soldier lifestyle. Nasereddine was in the Army. In my “You’re away from home and 24-7 you’re exposed to many mind, it’s part of the around each other,” Massey said. “This is your different languages process of becoming family. You depend on each other. as a child because “It’s the people that make the camaraderie, he lived in many a man.” that’s where the tradition lies,” he said. “The different parts of people that have come and gone from this unit the world. Pfc. Daniel Nasereddine … people that are motivated and excited to do His father is the job make it fun.” Lebanese and his This enthusiasm is apparent in the unit’s mother is Ukrainian, so he lived in both the Ukraine Soldiers. and Lebanon. “I think I’m blessed,” said Pfc. Richard After his parents divorced, his father immigrated to Montgomery, Blackhawk crew chief for America. His son followed him years later. Company A. “There’s no other place I want to “After I finished college, I decided to move to the go. The people here are really wonderful and because the work environment is better there are rich traditions. It sounds kind of corny, there, even though I love the Ukraine.” but I like it. It’s a lot of fun, I love flying with After coming to America, he realized he needed these guys.” more self-discipline and joined the U.S. Army. Montgomery, who also flew with Alford dur- “My decision to join the Army was probably the best ing the mission, said Alford was very down-to- thing I’ve ever done,” Nasereddine said. “The main earth and answered the many questions posed to part is I like it, and I always wanted to be in the Army. him. Alford also said he was able to mentor the In my mind, it’s part of the process of becoming a Comancheros because of his experiences in both man.” Iraq and Vietnam. He said one of the reasons he joined the Army was “You have to keep in mind that you can get because he wants to work with languages in the shot at and die any day,” he said. “You can’t get National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of complacent. You have to keep it in your head all Investigation or a similar organization. the time.” Once he receives his citizenship, he intends to go to Chief Warrant Officer Michael Alford shows off the patches he's Montgomery said he was able to ask about Officer Candidate School and try for military intelli- worn in combat missions more than 38 years of service. The Alford’s experiences in Vietnam, how many gence, where he can apply his knowledge of languages. patch on his uniform is from Company A, 4th Battalion, 101st flight hours he’s logged, the types of aircraft he’s “This deployment was a really good experience,” he Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, also known flown and even his family. said. “It’s a really great life experience. The way I am as the Comancheros. The patch in his right hand is his current “Knowledge drips off the guy,” Havill said. now can’t even be compared to how I was at the begin- unit serving in Iraq and the patch in his left hand the original Alford will be redeploying to the United States ning of the deployment.” Comanchero design from Vietnam. this month. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 5

U.S Army photo by Sgt. David Bill Sixteenth Corps Support Group commander, Col.Victor Maccagnan,left, Al Gazi tribal Chieftain, Sheik Ali Al Manshad, and the 56th Brigade Combat Team com- mander, Col. James Brown cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the International Market at Camp Adder, Tallil. Iraqi citizens, U.S. Soldiers boost economy Georgians, Texans, Iraqis open local international market outside Camp Adder

independence,” he said. “Sheik Ali and family members have exchange,” said Staff Sgt. Fran Ellison, a Story by Spc. Tracy J. Smith Last minute storefront adjustments, and actually fought alongside the coalition to food service supply noncommissioned offi- 48th Brigade Combat Team reassessing inventory, were an indication of overthrow Saddam … and have been cer for the 48th and Rex, Ga. native. She the anxiousness local entrepreneurs felt as wounded in battle,” Brown reminded the took advantage of the afternoon to share tea CAMP ADDER — Soldiers of Georgia’s they prepared for their new customers. The small gathering. “Throughout our time here and a smile with her friend, Sheik Saad Al- 48th Brigade Combat Team and of Texas’ bustle of preparation was the Al Gazi family has Manshad. 56th Brigade Combat Team created a legacy underplayed by the solid “I am confident that this supported us. God has “When people shop here they can have that reflected their southern hospitality. reaffirmation of friendship given us a beautiful day something tangible to show back home, like The National Guard Soldiers and the peo- just outside the protective will be a continuation of to open, and I believe I am enjoying this tea with my friend. They ple of the Al Gazi Tribe opened an interna- barriers. the cooperation experi- this is a sign the market can see that and be able to share that,” she tional market outside Camp Adder – Talil Col. Victor Maccagnan, enced by the Iraqi peo- will be successful, en- said. that is the first independent market to open 16th Corps Support Group shala.” En shala is an Engineers from the 220th Corps Support in the area since the fall of Saddam, said Al commander, officiated the ple of this region and Arabic phrase meaning Engineer Company, 648th Engineer Gazi tribal chieftain, Sheik Ali Al Manshad. market opening with the the American Forces.” God willing. Battalion, 48th Brigade Combat Team cele- “I am confident that this will be a contin- 56th BCT commander, A snip of the ribbon brated the opening day by taking advantage uation of the cooperation experienced by Col. James Brown. Sheik Ali Al Manshad by the command digni- of a few bargains. the Iraqi people of this region and the Brown expanded on the taries and Sheik Ali “I think (the Ur International Market) will American Forces,” he said. relationships Soldiers brought a flood of help reinforce community ties a great deal,” “It will be convenient for Soldiers to get shared in rebuilding the former dictator- appreciative consumers and continued a tra- said 1st Sgt. Karry Friedmeyer, the 220th’s the things they need for themselves and ship’s air defense stronghold and was visi- dition of camaraderie for the military and top enlisted Soldier. their families at home, without having to bly prideful in the joint efforts of the engi- the people of this economically-stressed “It will help the economy here and help venture far from the base. It will also be neers of the respective brigades and the Al region. our Soldiers by giving them a bit more vari- positive economically toward our financial Gazi citizens. “I really do think it’s a nice cultural ety,” he said. Page 6 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005 Air Force engineers ‘can do’ Story by Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore 332nd Air Expedtionary Wing

BALAD AIR BASE — RED HORSE, short for Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers, can do just about anything and get there to do it quickly. “Our specialty is conducting heavy construction throughout the world in a rapid manner,” said Capt. Steve Thomas, project engineer with the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE. Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia from Balad to Kandahar Air Field in are working on proj- ects ranging from expanding flight lines to building pavilions. In addition, they also help local civil engineers with additional projects. “Once we are at a base, if we can assist them in any- way outside of the realm we are deployed to work in, we Combined En route Radar Approach controllers from the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron do,” said Capt. Michael E. Crosse. He is the 1st monitor air traffic. Expeditionary RED HORSE Group, Balad officer in charge. CERAP controllers assist pilots “We go where the work is,” Thomas said. “When our jobs at one base are done, we leave there and head to our ing through central Iraq. next assignment. During an average RED HORSE Story and photos by Senior Airman Bryan Franks To perform the task, enlisted Airmen spend two hours at a time deployment, personnel often move locations several 332nd Air Expedtionary Wing watching a radar scope, which tells them the altitude, direction times while working on several different construction and the separation from other aircraft. These Airmen conduct projects.” BALAD AIR BASE — In a cold, dark box, about the size of a more than 500 operations a day. The RED HORSE Airmen are proud of being able to small bedroom, sit the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Support “This is the best job you can have in the Air Force,” said Senior work at Balad. Squadron Combined En route Radar Approach controllers. Airman David Hyman, 332nd EOSS radar controller. “It gets “We are not only here to achieve the mission, we are a The CERAP controllers maintain the airspace in central Iraq busy in here, and I like it busy.” part of history ensuring the future of Balad Air Base and and handle air traffic for aircraft flowing in and out of Balad and The six-member crews handle 10 to 30 operations at a time. Iraq,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Darden, 1st ERHG Baghdad International Airport, said 1st Lt. Erin Decker, 332nd There is one radar final controller who works each shift. Their operations superintendent. EOSS airfield flight operations officer. responsibility is to assist pilots during approaches and landings While at Balad, RED HORSE is working steadily to “They work hard to provide a smooth and efficient operation during inclement weather or poor visibility, Decker said. complete nine projects. around the tactical airspace,” said Tech. Sgt. Rich Lopez, 332nd One of the most difficult jobs is coordinating air traffic around Among the larger of these include building 50, 000 EOSS radar controller. the tactical battle airspace, which can pop up quickly. square feet of office and storage space for the 332nd The controllers provide two main services for aircraft entering “This is the most complex operation I have ever seen,” said Expedtionary Civil Engineering Squadron. their airspace — approach and en route. Staff Sgt. Brandon Oyen, a 332nd radar air traffic controller. The unit already completed a $800,000 airfield ramp Approach service helps aircraft arriving or leaving an airfield The CERAP, with tower controllers, control civil air traffic in widening project. Eleven Airmen had to remove 1,300 or airport. Anything between five and 50 miles falls into that theater. square yards of concrete and lay 6,000 tons of ashphalt category, Decker said. En route service is responsible for han- “We follow the same rules and regulations as a normal airport to finish the ramp widening said Navy Lt. Michael dling the superhighways of the skies. They keep air traffic flow- would back in the states for air traffic management,” Decker said. Popovich, exchange program officer. Air Force fighters destroy terrorist hideout using JDAMS BALAD AIR BASE — United States Air Force F-16s strikes against insurgent staging areas, buildings where from Balad Air Base successfully bombed a booby- anti-coalition forces are hiding, motor-firing sites, trapped house near Al Mahmudiyah. improvised explosive device locations and weapons Anti-Iraqi forces had attacked Iraqi Army Soldiers caches. with an improvised explosive device. Coalition ground The F-16s involved in this air strike are deployed forces then secured and searched the area, discovering here from the 457th Fighter Squadron, Naval Air the booby-trapped house, also used as a terrorist hide- Station/ Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth- Carswell Field, out. Texas. After an explosive ordnance disposal team investigat- The precision-guided bombs used to help ensure the ed the house and the surrounding area was cleared of safety of ground troops, better known as GBU-38s, civilians, 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16s were Joint Direct Attack Munitions. dropped 500-pound precision-guided bombs and The JDAMS are especially designed to reduce collat- destroyed the target. eral damage, limit unintended casualties and take the "We are here to support the guys on the ground and fight up close and personal to enemy terrorists. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Vicky Murdock do what ever we can to help them out," said Capt. Clay More than 15,000 air strike missions have been flown Tech. Sgt. Nate Robin, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Johnson, 332nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot. in 2005 providing close-air support for coalition ground Maintenance Squadron, marshals a 332nd Expeditionary Since January there have been more than 480 air forces involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fighter Squadron F-16. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 7 RED HORSE Airmen improve Army outpost Qayyarah-West

Story, and photos by U.S. Army Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp Mulit-National Corps – Iraq

FORWARD OPERATING BASE QAYYARAH-WEST – The sounds of hammers smashing nails, mixed with the whizzing of saws cutting wood, resonate through the forward Army outpost known as Q-West. The 200-plus civil engineering Airmen of the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE are nowhere near an airfield, or any of their Air Force brothers and sisters-in-arms. “It’s just us flying solo,” said Senior Airman Jesse N. Gent, a Senior Airman Thomas J. Miller, a carpenter attached to the structural journeyman with the RED 557th Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron Iraq, cuts a stabi- HORSE. “We’re kind of like a con- lizing block. tractor, and we support the Army wherever they need us.” “We’ve had a pretty good jelling with the Army,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Leonard, a structural craft team leader. “If they need something built, we’ll go build it.” On a six-month deployment, the unit is right at home when it comes to building structures from the ground up. The engineers are building places to sleep and a Morale, Welfare and Recreation building for the troops to use, said Leonard The squadron is comprised of Airmen from all over the Unitied States and Europe, and the unit is a mix of electricians, plumbers, car- penters and engineers. Although there aren’t any runways at Q-west, airfield workers are being used as heavy equipment operators here as well. Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Leonard, structural craft team Leonard, from Vandenberg Air leader, 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE, drops in stabilizing Force Base, Calif., and Gent, who is blocks on a new project. a base maintainer and member of the honor guard at Cannon AFB, N. are prepared to handle themselves learn from them as well. M., don’t always have opportunities on the battlefield. “When the Army came out and to do hands-on structural work at Before deploying, the troops con- worked with us, it was a lot of fun,” their home duty stations. That’s why ducted a month of practical training Gent said. “There were a lot of deploying with the RED HORSE is with the Army at Fort McCoy, Wis., guardsmen, and for them to come a great opportunity to get experi- which has come to good use since help us out was an awesome experi- ence, said Gent. they run convoys throughout Iraq. ence. A lot them didn’t even know “This is where we really learn,” “We trained on various weapons carpentry, but the Army just threw Gent said. “It just gets thrown at systems, convoy operations, tactical us a bunch of different people in you, and there is a wealth of experi- movements and close-quarter whatever career fields just to give us Senior Airman Jesse N. Gent, a structural journeyman with enced guys in the unit who help us marksmanship,” Leonard said. “We a hand and learn how to build the the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE, uses his hammer to out. We really get hands on with came prepared for just about every- sleeping quarters.” move a stud. what we do and that’s what the thing.” This dual-service relationship is RED HORSE is known for. I’m Not only have the Airmen trained nothing new. The Airmen go to welding and sheet metal layout at ers come out and say ‘Hey, that’s an pretty excited to be out here and be with Soldiers, the two recently had technical school in Gulfport, Miss., technical school, said the reward is awesome job,’” Gent said. a part of the unit.” the chance to work together. The the same place the Army sends their the thanks they get when a job is “We take a lot of pride in our Not only are the Airmen capable Army sent over some of its Soldiers troopers to learn engineering. complete. work and a job well done,” of constructing most anything, they to help assist the Airmen and to Gent, who studied carpentry, “It’s great when Army command- Leonard added Page 8 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005 On the hunt with Elite Iraqi border force proves to be a

Story by Spc. Rick Rzepka Scimitar Assistant Editor

HUSAYBAH – Along the thirsty, Western border of Iraq, hundreds of Desert Wolves lurk in the pale moonlight, stalking their prey. These predators aggressively roam the desert north of Husaybah all the way to Saudi Arabia, guarding their territory from their nemesis – the desert weasels, aka terrorists. The Desert Wolves, 2nd Brigade, 2nd region, Department of Border Enforcement, have been active in the Al Anbar province since December 2004. Since then, they have been instrumental in securing and holding areas vital to the protection of Iraq’s borders. Eighteen months ago the border area in the al-Anbar province was in complete disarray, said Army Col. Gene Kamena, Training and Doctrine Command. Kamena, who was funda- mental in the creation and training of the Desert Wolves, said, “The biggest challenge was finding good men, enough weapons, uni- forms and money to start operations.” The Wolves, who are made up of former Iraqi Army officers and special forces, are the brainchild of former Iraqi Minister of the Interior Falah Nakib. The goal was to rapidly develop an elite border force that could deploy U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael A. Blaha quickly to border hot spots. An Iraqi border patrol officer is standing post looking for terrorist activities. Along with four other Americans, Kamena took more than 600 recruits to Jordan for six weeks of training and then deployed directly to the Syrian border crossing of Waleed, where they rebuilt forts along the border. “The general plan was to work our way to Husaybah and control that area which was always a problem due to the crimi- nal, terrorist and tribal activity there,” said Kamena. “We got into some fights and always had to fight for money, food, vehi- cles, water and weapons.” Over the following months, the Wolves were able to expand Iraq’s border protection north, and in January 2005, they provid- ed the only protection for the polling stations in the far west portion of the al-Anbar province. “Once the Iraqis knew that we would live and fight with them, they accepted us,” said Kamena. “It all came down to personal relationships and trust. This unit was my biggest suc- cess, because I was there to guide them and ensure they had what they needed. It is critical to understand their culture and what motivates them. This takes months to get right.” The Desert Wolves brigade is made up of both Sunni and Shi’ites said Marine Col. Mike Pannell, 2nd Marine division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. “They have come together to protect their country. They are very brave and patriotic.” Over the past two years the Desert Wolves have come a long way. There are some true American heroes who deserve recognition in this effort, said Kamena. Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, Lt. Col. Brent Jones, Majors Kevin Reiswitz and Rich Heugh, along with Ryan Stiles, lived, fought and led the Iraqis to success. “The hard work and risks have paid off. This may be the U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rick Rzepka W most important thing we did during our military careers,” said Deputy Minister of the Interior, Supporting Forces Brig. Gen. Ali Muhsin Al-Khafaggi, gives the Wolves a pep Kamena. talk in Husaybah. “The borders of Iraq are now safer thanks to (the Desert Wolves,)” he said. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 9 h Desert Wolves a success in pacifying Syrian border

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rick Rzepka The Desert Wolves gather after a ceremony, Nov. 30, at the youth cen- ter in Husaybah, which symbolized the pacification of the town and the securing of the Syrian border. The Wolves along with elements of the Iraqi Army were instrumental in the effort.

Courtesy photo The Desert Wolves celebrate the capture of a terrorist in the Al Anbar U.S. Marine Corps photo by Michael A. Blaha province. Members of the Desert Wolves stand post outside Border Fort 12 looking for terrorist activities. Border Fort 12 is directly by the Syrian border in western Iraq. Along with U.S. Marines, the Wolves are conducting counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize Anti-Iraqi Forces. Page 10 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005

Capt. Cole Calloway, a general support team chief for the 451st Civil Affairs Company, hands out pens and stuffed animals to Iraqi children near a downtown chil- dren's hospital in Kirkuk. U.S. troops teach civil affairs to Iraqi Soldiers toward the Iraqi Army in their neighbor- kind of like the guy behind the scenes.” Story and photos by hood.” Major Junade Zyad, the Cobra Army Spc. Michael Pfaff Garnering that friendship with the Brigade civil military officer, ran the 133rd Mobile Public public has been a long operation. Affairs Detachment road for the Iraqi “The Iraqi Army is Army, Kim said, but now improving their KIRKUK — As infantrymen train the they are quickly mov- “A lot of opera- public image,” Kim Iraqi Army for the transfer of security in ing toward a good civil tions are conduct- said. “Especially, Maj. Kirkuk, another group of Soldiers is presence. ed with children, Zyad, who acts as our showing the Iraqi troops another side to On a recent goodwill counterpart in the Iraqi being a guardian of the citizens. mission, Soldiers from and now they are Army.” The 451st Civil Affairs Company has the 451st visited a beginning to feel At the school, Zyad been working with Iraq’s Cobra Brigade neighborhood school gave toys to Christian the for the last few months showing the with the Iraqi Army. friendly toward and Muslim children Soldiers how to perform civil opera- Stuffed animals and the Iraqi Army in alike. Zyad said that tions. toys were supplied by their neighbor- the Iraqi Army made “Initially, they did not feel comfort- 451st Soldiers while the children happy able working with the public,” said Maj. the Iraqi Army Soldiers hood.” with the gifts. Harry Kim, general support team chief, gave them to the chil- “He is very good at 451st Civil Affairs. “But, after a few dren. Maj. Harry Kim dealing with the chil- joint operations, the Iraqi Army now “We want to be out dren and he works feels comfortable conducting operations of the picture,” said well with the media,” within the public.” Sgt. Joseph Perez, team leader, 451st Kim said. “He’s been such a great “A lot of operations are conducted Civil Affairs. “We want to teach these help in accomplishing our mission, Maj. Junade Zyad, an Iraqi Army Cobra Battalion civil mili- with children,” Kim said. “And, now people how to interact with the public, which is to get the Iraqi Army to tary officer, holds a child after delivering stuffed animals they are beginning to feel friendly so we let them do the interaction. We’re stand on their own.” and toys to her school. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 11 Hawaiians bring ‘Aloha Spirit’ to Al-Faw Guard unit’s good attitude, work ethic infectious at Camp Victory Quinories said. “Sometimes you have your Story and photo by days, but it’s all right.” Staff Sgt. Julie Nicolov, Some of the leadership even joined in on Multi-National Corps – Iraq the jokes and lightheartedness. “One sergeant major is always playing CAMP VICTORY — New troops often do jokes,” Quinories said. “At first when we a double-take when they enter the Al-Faw started to joke with him we used to get the Palace. stink eye, but now he’s always cranking on Instead of encountering quiet, stone- us.” faced guards who methodically check secu- The Ambassador of Aloha is glad his rity badges, troops assigned to Camp troops have followed his example. Victory are greeted with big smiles and “The boys at the gate are so positive, robust welcomes from the troops of Mortar too,” Haina said. “They’re always greeting Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters and smiling.” Company, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry Even when the day isn’t going as Regiment, Hawaii Army National Guard. planned, Haina’s energy prevails. The welcome wagon is headed up by “Sometimes things don’t go right. Haina Staff Sgt. Clinton Haina, assistant platoon looks at the positive. You look at him and sergeant, affectionately known as the think, ‘It can’t be that bad,’” said Sgt. 1st “Ambassador of Aloha.” Staff Sgt. Clinton Haina, assistant platoon sergeant, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry Class Aaron Okinaga, a platoon sergeant. “People call me the Wal-Mart greeter,” Regiment, Hawaii National Guard, also known as "the Amabassador of Aloha" The old saying, “Smile and people will Haina said with a laugh. greets troops as they enter the Al Faw Palace at Camp Victory, for another day's wonder what you’re up to,” certainly holds Haina, who hails from Pepeekeo, stands work. true in the guard shacks surrounding Al- next to the guard desk near the palace Faw. entrance wearing his protective vest, hel- does in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom the best of their new assignment. Keeping a positive attitude has helped met and weapon as he greets each person has good results. “We do things with a smile; that’s the the troops battle homesickness during what who walks through the revolving doors “Everyday when I greet officers, enlisted way we were brought up,” said Sgt. is for many of them their first extended with their full rank, a big smile and a wish and civilians, they come up to me and say, Quintin “Chunky” Quinories, a mortar ser- period away from home. “Everyone is so for a good day. ‘Thank you, staff sergeant, you make our geant. close, like a family,” Quinories said. “You When he isn’t deployed, Haina works as morning,’” Haina said. In the beginning of their tour, however, have a family back home, but you have a a nurse at North Hawaii Community Though Haina and his men were initially not everyone responded well to the spirit family here too.” Hospital, and said he learned to have a slotted to provide light infantry support in of Aloha. “Some people questioned, but by The men of mortar platoon will return to positive attitude during his medical train- the Tikrit area and spent months learning watching us, they found that we do know their homes and families in January. ing. how to clear buildings, conduct security our jobs,” Quinories said. “The people who work in the palace are “My boss told me that your first impres- patrols and set up road blocks. They real- The people who work at Al-Faw Palace always asking, ‘Why are you so happy? sion when you walk into a patient’s room ized plans had changed once they arrived warmed to the Hawaiian way, and learned What’s the deal?’ We call it the ‘Aloha will make your day go easier,” Haina said. in country that it’s a great morale booster. Spirit.’ We bring the Spirit to the palace, to Applying that philosophy to the work he The men of mortar platoon have made “There’s no sense in being all uptight,” wherever we go,” Okinaga said. Former social worker helps Iraqi village of Soyra Story and photo by Sgt. Ashly N. Rice those times. 101st Sustainment Brigade “They have had a school for 13 years, but no one elping others is second nature to Capt. Lorene has ever attended it Rodan. A former social worker, Rodan joined because they have not had Hthe Army four years ago and serves as the com- a teacher,” said Rodan. “It pany commander of 627th Movement Control Team, 27th would be hard for a Movement Control Battalion. teacher to try and get to Now deployed to Habur Gate, Rodan helps villages the school during a rainy near the Turkish and Syrian border. day when the road is deep “People in the village asked for buckets and toys for in mud.” various ages, including baby dolls and puzzles,” said Another mission is to get Rodan. “I picked up some paint and plaster for the gravel for the road so the schoolhouse walls. Some of the older girls wanted to Soyra residents can travel color their hair, so I got hair dye too.” more easily, and then to Boxes of donated school supplies, clothes, and shoes try and find a teacher for are packed away to hand to the families. Candy and ice- the village, Rodan said. cream accompanied the donations as added treats. She received word from The village of Soyra has 18 families, three more fami- the local education depart- lies than were there on Rodan’s last visit. Houses are con- ment, that if the school stantly under construction in this small village and are was motivated, they would Capt. Lorene Rodan plays a game with local girls on a humanitarian mission to warmed by a generator that is connected throughout the assist in finding a teacher. the Kurdish village of Soyra. houses. Right now, workers are Electricity for the village is one of Rodan’s top priori- clearing the school building of debris and painting and Other items on the agenda in the future for the Soyra ties, as well as ordering parts and continuing to provide plastering the walls. Desks and chairs are under construc- village include obtaining the right documents needed for maintenance on the generator. tion and should arrive in the weeks ahead to place inside families to receive kerosene to warm their homes, and for Soyra is two miles off the closest paved road, where the school, Rodan said. medical teams to visit and give classes on hygiene and vehicles park in order not to get stuck in the mud during Rodan said that there are other villages that need just as infection prevention. the rainy and cold seasons. This makes it difficult for much help, but says her philosophy is to “get one village Rodan divides her time to help the area: “Go to a vil- emergency vehicles or anyone to travel to Soyra during self-sustained and work on from there.” lage during the day, work and sleep at night.” Page 12 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005

NEWS IN BRIEF CHAPLAIN’S TALK

Iraq, U.S. forces capture 33 terror suspects BAGHDAD – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers teamed up with Iraqi Security Santa Can’t Do It! Forces to conduct Operation Thunder Blitz in southern Baghdad Nov. 29, resulting in the capture of 33 terror suspects. was that you have to ask Santa friends to keep them entertained. for something he can give. They think that happiness can be Moving rapidly into the area, hundreds of U.S. Soldiers from 3rd By Chaplain (Maj.) Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi forces from the 1st Weather control is not one of found if they have more money, a Robert Whitlock Battalion, 2nd Commando Brigade (Wolf Battalion) took the enemy by Santa’s gifts. I newer car, bigger surprise by securing seven objectives along the Tigris River. 3rd Infantry Division explained that only stereo, prettier wife, Operation Thunder Blitz was focused on removing weapons and terror- God could control better husband, or big- ists from the streets prior to the Dec. 15 elections. It was the first week in the weather and that ger house. They are December and I was a little down Santa was not God, asking their loved ones Iraq Police graduate 248 from basic training because I only had one more but one of His ser- and friends to do the MOSUL – The Iraq Police Service graduated 248 police officers on week before I would have to vants. impossible. Only God Dec. 1, from the basic police training course at the Mosul Police leave my family and deploy to My daughter has the ability to make Academy. . made the same mis- us truly happy. We set The 10-week basic police training program is designed to provide I was not looking forward to take that many of Chaplain Whitlock ourselves and our fundamental policing skills based on international human rights stan- missing Christmas with my fami- us make on a regu- loved ones up for fail- dards to the students in preparation for assuming police officer ly, and I was not looking forward lar basis. Briana asked Santa for ure when we seek God’s gifts responsibilities. The program consists of academic study of general to explaining to something that from any source other than God policing topics combined with an emphasis on tactical operational my daughter was impossible himself. policing skills. that Santa If you're looking for for him to As a chaplain, I know this great The basic police training curriculum was recently modified to Claus could not contentment, happi- grant. (I know truth. The scary thing is that increase combat survival and police skills training, while building make it snow. some of you sometimes I find myself doing teamwork and cohesion. New classes were added which provide for You see, she ness, peace, and don’t believe in the exact same thing; looking for more hands-on and practical training, specifically addressing survival had written a unconditional love Santa Claus and God’s gifts without looking to letter to Santa I don’t hold that God. skills needed by today’s Iraqi Police Service. you must look To date, more than 51,600 Iraqi Police have completed the basic asking for a against you.) If you are like me, then pay training course. An additional 37,000 police officers have completed a special gift. towards God. Those Everyday I close attention to what I am about three-week Transitional Integration Program developed for police offi- She wanted it things can't be work with to say. The bottom line is, you cers serving, with little or no basic training. TIP provides these offi- to snow on young men and have to ask Santa for something cers with a condensed version of the 10-week course. Christmas Day. found anywhere women who do he can give. If you’re looking for I sat my else. the same thing contentment, happiness, peace, three girls Briana did. and unconditional love, you must Operation Rams kicks off in Chaplain Whitlock down and care- They ask look towards God. Those things CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI — Approximately 100 fully explained their husband can’t be found anywhere else. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi the limitations or wife to make May God truly bless you and Division and 400 Soldiers from the 2/28 Brigade Combat Team, of Santa Claus. The bottom line them happy. They ask their yours! launched Operation Rams (Tallie) in Ramadi on Dec. 4. Operation Rams is the sixth in a series of disruption operations conducted by the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces to neutralize the insurgency and set the conditions for a successful Dec.15 election in Entire electric network to be upgraded Ar Ramadi. Story by Norris Jones the city is operational, but there are large areas in the As a result of the recent operations, insurgent attacks against Iraqi southern half where extensive work is needed. civilians and both Iraqi and U.S. Forces in the Ramadi area have Gulf Region Central U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fallujah’s Electric Department, in conjunction with the decreased. The operations targeted areas where al Qaida in Iraq insur- Ministry of Electricity, has hired additional workers gent cells operate. FALLUJAH – This city’s electric network is undergo- and is steadily making progress getting more of the The operations have resulted in the detention of dozens of insur- ing a huge upgrade. city connected. gents and the discovery and destruction of multiple weapons caches. Michael Doty, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Rebuilding Fallujah’s electricity network involves Unlike recent combat operations in the formerly-held terrorist strong- Region Central (GRC) project engineer, said he decid- the Project and Contracting Office, the Joint holds of western Al Anbar, Iraqi and U.S. Forces have met with limit- ed to return to Fallujah for a second year to finish the Contracting Command-Iraq, GRC, the Ministry of ed and uncoordinated resistance in Ramadi. work here. Electricity and local contractors. Lt. Col. Stephen I believe in 12 months, people will be saying the Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps, PCO’s Distribution Coalition and Iraqi forces continue to set city really turned things around here. That’s why I Program Manager for the Electricity Sector, said the the stage for safe and secure election came back. I knew my mission wasn’t complete until assessment provided a clear picture of Fallujah’s BAGHDAD – Coalition and Iraqi security forces continued to disrupt we finished. The city’s totally renovated electrical dis- requirements. al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists during more than 450 company-level com- tribution system is going to have a very positive Wilson also said that they had allocated $7.86 mil- bined operations throughout the country from Nov. 26 through Dec 2. impact,” he said. lion to build two substations in Fallujah, doubling the “Fifty percent of the combat operations conducted this past week In November, experts completed a $620,000 assess- number of substations there. These new additions will throughout the Iraqi theatre of operation were combined Coalition and ment identifying every home and business, as well as greatly reduce the load being placed on the existing Iraqi security force operations, while another 21 percent were inde- determining load distribution, necessary repairs, substations and will allow a larger portion of the city’s pendent Iraqi security force operations,” said Maj. Brandon Robbins, upgrades, and new work required to rehabilitate the residents to receive more reliable power for longer operations officer, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. network in all 17 sectors of Fallujah, a community of periods,” Wilson said. “The ability of the Iraqi Army forces to conduct these combined 200,000 residents. In addition, contracts will authorize up to $6 million and independent operations is significant,” said Robbins. “We now know how many street lights we need, for utility poles, $3 million for cable, $1 million for Coalition and Iraqi Security forces located and cleared more than how many utility poles, what transformers are good, streetlights, and an estimated $2.8 million for a new 95 caches during the week, including one of the largest caches to date and how many need to be replaced throughout the Fallujah Electrical Department maintenance and stor- in which Iraqi and Coalition forces unearthed nearly two tons of city,” said Doty. age building. explosives near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk. Four truck loads of In all, about $30 million has been earmarked. The Corps of Engineers is overseeing 59 recon- munitions, 4, 222 mortar rounds and more than 950 fuses, were ren- “Our goal is to establish a dependable electrical net- struction projects in Fallujah valued at $87 million. dered safe as a result. work for 40,000 businesses and residences,” said Doty. Doty will finish his second tour in November, and Additionally, combined forces cleared 160 improvised explosive About 70 percent to 80 percent of the city now has is confident that the team consisting of PCO, JCC-I, devices, bringing the number of IEDs found and cleared during the access to functioning utility lines with about 12 hours GRC, the Ministry of Electricity, and Fallujah’s month of November to more than 650. Combined forces also detained of power available daily. Electricity Department will have the upgrade com- more than 440 terrorists, captured or killed 31 foreign fighters and Most of the electric network in the northern half of plete. “We’re definitely making a difference,” he said. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 13 SScciimmiittaarr SSllaappssttiicckk

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Across Down 1. A dead poet 1. ______Blue Ribbon 2. Australian rock stars 7. ___ Box 3. System of measuring heat 14. Reggie Jackson, aka 4. Special Forces command Mr.______5. We’ll let you know ... 15. Ms. Krabappel’s profession 6. Moral obligation 11. The ______Strikes Back 7. Opposite of amateur 16. An alien spacecraft 8. Tall grass 17. Saddam’s weapon of choice 9. Delicious Honey _____ 18. Four ____ Blondes 10. Grohl’s ____ Fighters 19. Chicago slugger Sammy 11. Oodles of time 20. Your online Army resource 12. Blackwater dudes 13. Big green bag Page 14 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005

Soldiers with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Group, 3rd Infantry Division pose in their new college football jerseys College teams donate jerseys to Soldier’s memorial fund

Story and photo by Sgt. Andrew Miller Engineer Battalion Soldier who was murdered in Savannah, Ga. The jerseys represent only the latest example of support from Task Force Baghdad on May 29, 2004. The murder remains unsolved and is under the fund, which was established just prior to the engineers’ investigation. deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since the deploy- CAMP LIBERTY – Football jerseys from around the United Capt. Cleveland Dargan, 92nd Engineer Battalion plans officer, ment, the Corwin family has hosted and sponsored several States were sent to Army engineers here recently — just in time said the universities responded to requests from Greg Corwin, events for deployed 92nd Engineer Soldiers’ family members in for the bowl games. Scott’s father and the fund manager, in his attempt to help boost the Savannah area. More than 40 Division 1-A schools sent their jerseys to the the spirits of Soldiers deployed to Iraq. “This was a big boost in morale right here,” said Sgt. 1st Capt. Scott Corwin Memorial Fund, which uses all donations to “This is a good way of keeping the spirit of Scott alive,” said Class Ricky Nails, noncommissioned officer in charge of secu- benefit Soldiers of the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Capt. John Dills, the officer in charge of the 92nd Engineer rity and intelligence for the battalion. “(The Corwin Family) Group, 3rd Infantry Division. Battalion administration and logistics operations center. “The has continued to do things for our unit. You just don’t see stuff The fund was established in memory of Corwin, a 92nd two things you know he loved were the military and sports.” like this.” Soldier’s from 48th BCT, play sandlot Soccer

Story by Staff Sgt. Britt Smith and soccer cleats and performed as a rolled up a total of six nets. resident of Eastman, Ga. group that obviously played together more Both the Americans and Italians played Luca Pace of the Italian Army conveyed 48th Brigade Combat Team than once. well, as both teams traded kicks and pass- his admiration for the American Soldier’s CAMP ADDER — Pick up or pro? The As the teams met on es up and down the field ball handling skills as well as the opportu- question is what happens when a soccer the field of sand, the for more than an hour. nity to play others from another country. game breaks out between Coalition language barrier was “It’s a great experience The final score not “It’s good to play other Soldiers, and we Forces. Soldiers from the 48th Brigade overcome with the uni- withstanding, the best want to do it again,” he said. Combat Team and the Italian Army lined versal language of to play another country, part of the day was the As the sun set over the dust bowl, up on either side of a soccer ball and “football.” and they are very good chance to meet and play Dawson, Ga. resident Spc. Justin Smith engaged in a real game of “sandlot” ball. The 48th players at playing soccer. I defi- against people from from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 121st The grass was definitely in short supply rotated goalies as their nitely want to do this other countries. Infantry Regiment, 48th BCT echoed the at Camp Adder’s soccer field but not the number one keeper, Pfc. “It’s amazing, I’ve sentiment of his Italian counterpart. enthusiasm level, as the two teams went at Brian Palen, 2nd again.” never had a chance to “It’s a great experience to play another it amid the dust clouds and sand. Battalion, 121st Infantry do this. It really is two country, and they are very good at playing The level of play was surprisingly good Regiment, 48th BCT of Spc. Justin Smith countries coming soccer. I definitely want to do this again.” for a bunch of Soldiers who only days Dublin, Ga. was out together.” said Spc. The loss on the field is only temporary, before had been on patrol in the Baghdad with a minor leg injury. Christopher Monk, a but the opportunity to make friends with area. They held their own and managed to Soldier from Company B, 2nd Battalion, other Coalition Forces is an experience The enemy now before them wore shorts score two goals against the Italians, who 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th BCT and that will last a lifetime. Dec. 9, 2005 Scimitar Page 15 Iraqi Freedom Images

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael D. Cole Navy plane captains stand by for the next launch cycle of flight operations to begin onboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. The Roosevelt is conducting maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. James H. Christopher Army Pfc. Nelson Raymond, a medic assigned to Troop A, 4th Battalion, 14th Cavalry, 172nd Stryker Brigade, monitors a Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below System inside his Stryker vehicle in Mosul.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by LanceCpl. Matthew Hutchison Iraqi Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Division, patrol the street to the next home that is to be searched for weapons and signs U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles W. Gill Army Pfc. Janelle Zalkovsky hands out humanitarian aid items to local citizens in of insurgency during an operation in Kharma. Thyad. Zalkovsky is attached to the civil affairs unit of the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Page 16 Scimitar Dec. 9, 2005 No winners on this island

SoldiersSoldiers findfind weaponweapon caches,caches, terroriststerrorists

U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Fisher A smoke cloud rises at dusk after an explosive ordnance disposal team destroys weapons and munitions found on an island in the Euphrates River.

Story by Pfc. Kelly K. McDowell 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division BAGHDAD — Task Force Baghdad Soldiers found multiple weapon caches on a Euphrates River island recently. Military officials monitored suspi- cious activity near the river southwest of Baghdad for two weeks. When conditions were right, Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division sprang into action. “The timing was right to attack the target,” said Col. Todd Ebel, the com- bat team’s commander. Soldiers from the division’s 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, secured the objective and discovered three weapons caches. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Fisher Soldiers also searched surrounding Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment walk down a homes and facilities, detaining two pathway during a cordon-and-search mission. The Soldiers cleared an area suspected terrorists. believed to be a storage facility for insurgent ordnance In total, the Soldiers uncovered 11 500-pound bomb shells, C4 explo- sives, welding equipment, mortar rounds, miscellaneous bomb-mak- ing material, 57mm rockets, 40 bags of fertilizer, 12 directional charges, five 155mm rounds, 100 feet of det- onation cord, three rocket-propelled U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Fisher Capt. Albert Vigilante, Company C commander, grenades, eight bags of 20millimeter walks with Pfc. Brock Price as the unit search- rounds and other munitions and es for weapon caches. explosives. An explosive ordnance disposal team detonated the caches. “It is likely this material was used for improvised explosive devices and possibly vehicle-borne IEDs that threaten Iraqi citizens and Coalition Forces,” Ebel said. “I U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Paul Fisher could not be more proud of these Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division provide 2/101st Soldiers.” security along a perimeter as other Soldiers from the unit search the island