June 2006  Vol. 1, Issue 8 Private 1st Class Shayne Sanderson, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, looks through a M-4 scope while providing over watch security in Tal Afar, Iraq, May 24.

photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey Inside... In every issue... DEAD: Zarqawi killed in bombing Page 6 Health & Fitness: Page 8 What’s biting you? Iraqi Security Forces: Page 10 Making a difference Inspiration: A strong finish Page 9

Behind the scenes: Page 12 Bob on the Fob Page 22 Support Soldiers vital to combat Hutch’s Top 10 Page 23 Better than 100% Page 13 Through the Lens Page 26 Toby Keith tours Iraq Page 16

Teach em’ to fish Page 18 On the cover...

New use for IBA... Flotation device Page 19 An M2 Bradley Fight- ing Vehicle roars Risking it all to serve Page 20 through the desert to its fighting position on the course. The Under “one-man” construction Page 24 Soldiers are from 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry Why do we wear these things? Page 24 Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. (For Law and Order Page 25 additional photos, see Page 26) Honoring the fallen: Page 27 photo by Memorial Day Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika Sergeant Tim White, NCOIC of the carpenter and paint shop, Head- quarters and Headquarters Compa- ny, 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, shapes a piece of wood to fit a shelf for a Soldier’s containerized housing unit on For- ward Operating Base Warhorse.

photo by Pfc. Paul Harris

photo by Spc. L.C. Campbell photo by Spc. Michael Pfaff A Soldier from 172nd Stryker Bri- Specialist Daniel Robinson, a metal gade Combat Team listens to some worker with Co. E, 426th Brigade music while taking apart an office Support Battalion, 1st BCT, 101st cubicle in preparation of handing Abn. Div., builds a piece of armor Forward Operating Base Courage for a humvee at Forward Operating over to the Iraqi Army. Base McHenry.

TF Band of Brothers PAO Band of Brothers is published month- Lt. Col. Ed Loomis ly by the Task Force Band of Brothers Public Affairs NCOIC Public Affairs Office, HHC 501st STB, Master Sgt. Terry Webster 101st Abn. Div., FOB Speicher, APO AE Editor-in-Chief 09393, DSN 318-849-2118. Sgt. Dallas Walker Band of Brothers is an authorized Copy Editor publication of the Department of De- Spc. Joshua Hutcheson fense. It is distributed free to members Contributors 1st BCT, 101st Abn. Div. PAO of TF Band of Brothers. Circulation is TF Band of Brothers Commander 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. PAO 10,000. Major Gen. Thomas Turner 101st CAB, 101st Abn. Div. PAO Contents of Band of Brothers are 3rd HBCT, 4th Inf. Div. PAO not necessarily the official views of, or 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment endorsed by the U.S. Government or the TF Band of Brothers CSM 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Department of the Army. Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe Cartoonist/Illustrator Editorial content is the responsibility Sgt. Albert Merrifield of the TF Band of Brothers PAO. Task Force Band of Brothers at war, in inscribed on the granite. It is sur- combat, it is particularly fitting that rounded by a circular wall that has on we honor those who have made the it the units that fought as part of the ultimate sacrifice and reflect on what Division during each war. Someday it means. For what did they sacrifice we will proudly add units such as 1st their lives for? and 3rd Brigades, 3rd Infantry Division; Nearly five years ago our nation was 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division; the attacked, signaling the beginning of 172nd Stryker Brigade; 1st Brigade, 1st the global war on terror, and the con- Armored Division; and many others tinuing defense of freedom everywhere. that fought the global war on terror as Today we are continuing this fight part of our task force. against terror and for freedom in Iraq. Also at this ceremony were many of The objective in here is clear: an Iraq our Soldiers who are currently patients at peace with its neighbors, an ally in in Walter Reed Medical Center; Soldiers the war on terror, with a representative with missing limbs who were predict- government that respects the human ing how fast they’d be able to run the rights of all Iraqis; an Iraq with security two-mile on their next APFT; Soldiers forces capable of providing domestic without legs that talked of being able orders and preventing safe haven for to dance by the Christmas formal; Sol- terrorists. Achievement of this objec- diers who wanted to honor their fallen tive is an important part of our nation’s comrades; Soldiers who, to a man, were strategy in waging the war on terror: anxious to return to the Division. a strategy that provides for a free and About a hundred meters from the democratic state in the Middle East, Division memorial is a hall: a hall that and the world; a strategy that offers honors the fallen; a hall in which a hope for a better way of life than this portrait of each Soldier killed in this crushing cycle of terrorism, and coun- war hangs; a hall where each Soldier ters the Middle East as the birthplace from the Division has a Division coin of radical Islam and violence. placed. We have added 106 These noble warriors portraits to that wall The following are remarks made by who have given their lives this deployment. It is Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, to achieve this goal have those Soldiers and all 101st Airborne Division and Task Force furthered our mission’s who made the ultimate Band of Brothers, during the Memorial noble objectives. We can sacrifice to preserve Day ceremony on Contingency Operat- best honor those who our freedoms that we ing Base Speicher May 29. gave their lives for our honor on Memorial Day. country and this noble On this Memorial Day ellow Screaming Eagles and cause by succeeding in the let us reaffirm our com- Soldiers of Task Force Band of mission to move this coun- mitment to them. Let FBrothers, try toward this honorable, us reflect on what we’re On this Memorial Day we pause to critical end. doing to build a free and remember our fallen comrades in arms On this day of reflection democratic Iraq. Let us who have given their lives in defense of and remembrance, the 101st honor those who gave liberty. It is a time for solemn reflection Airborne Division’s veterans their lives for this noble and appreciation; a day to honor those gathered at our memorial in Washing- cause by succeeding in achieving who have made the ultimate sacrifice ton, D.C., a beautiful memorial located this end, and ensuring that they are to preserve our way of life. These at the entrance to Arlington National never forgotten. heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to Cemetery. It consists of a large obelisk preserve the constitution of the United with a screaming eagle in flight at the States, and the ideals of freedom and top, with the wars in which the Divi- democracy. sion has served in and the numbers On Memorial Day, today with the of Soldiers who died in those conflicts

4 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers tem and constant vigilance by combat mighty HoooAhhhh to all leaders at all levels will guarantee we maintain our sharpness. Everyone is a members of our Task Force leader in this area. Make sure you and your fellow Troopers are focused. Band of Brothers, Finally; a Soldier’s mental health is A just as important as his or her physical On the evening of June 6, 1944, Para- es held their own, destroying the enemy health, so let’s talk about Post Traumat- troopers of the 101st Airborne Division force. I am quite proud of the way you ic Stress Disorder. conducted a night combat jump into are partnering with and mentoring our We as a fighting force must under- the countryside of Normandy, France. Iraqi allies. The continued successes stand and identify with this issue. Post Against great odds, the Screaming of the Iraqi Security Forces are a direct Traumatic Stress Disorder is more than Eagles of the 101st met their objec- reflection of the personal time and effort just a personal or a combat leader issue. tives and began the final battle toward each of you put toward this mission. Everyone must understand its effects liberating the people of Europe from the I would like to say farewell to our 1st and everyone must be able to identify evils of Nazi Fascism. Brigade of the 1st Armored Division. if they, personally, or a fellow Trooper The mighty “Ready First needs help. There is no bravado for Brigade” was recently “sucking it up” when it comes to PTSD ordered to move south -- identify, treat and follow up. This is to the Ramadi area to the only way to keep our force at its join the 1-506th Soldiers finest. of the 101st Airborne Keep up the great work and I will and the Marines of see you all when I return from R&R. MNF-W. God Bless America, our Task Force I am sure the Ready Band of Brothers and God bless each First Brigade will be in- and every one of you ... HooooAhhhhh strumental in assisting ... Air Assault! the people of Ramadi to establish a safe and secure environment in which to live. Our 172nd Stryker Brigade will Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division during assume responsibility of World War II. the area left by the 1-1 AD move and keep the A mere 62 years later, the month of peace for Iraqis in our northern area of June finds our 101st Airborne Division operations. and Task Force Band of Brothers assist- Okay, summer is finally here and the ing in the liberation of the Iraqi people heat is up. This is the time of the year from terrorists, and helping them to we all have been waiting for. Ensure we establish a free and democratic nation. continue to focus on the fight more than Your continued commitment to military ever. Constant hydration and attention excellence and selfless service will en- to personal hygiene will ensure we keep sure that peace and prosperity become at a razor’s edge on our force. We cannot the mainstay of modern Iraq. let the heat take away from our fighting Our operations during the month of abilities and our continued success. May were quite successful throughout Along with hydration and hygiene, northern Iraq. The Iraqi Security Forces physical conditioning and proper diet that we train and mentor continually will keep our bodies in superb shape to Command Sergeant Major gain proficiency and professionalism. In handle the temperature extremes and one insurgent attack against Iraqi Secu- the physical/psychological aspects of Frank Grippe rity Forces in the Balad area, Iraqi Forc- combat operations. The buddy sys- Division Command Sergeant Major

Band of Brothers May 2006 -- 5

Zarqawi killed in bombing Sgt. Dallas Walker said Maj. Gen. William B. Osama Bin Laden who had the Iraqi people until terror- 101st Airborne Division Caldwell, during a press sought refuge in Iraq. ism is eradicated in Iraq.” Public Affairs Office conference. Intelligence reports indi- Caldwell noted that Zar- Zarqawi initially survived cated he was in Baghdad qawi’s death “is not going to TIKRIT, Iraq -- After years of the air strike, but died from and, according to Powell, this stop the violence here in Iraq. causing death and violence, his wounds while lying on a was a sure sign that Saddam It is an important step for- terrorist leader Abu Musab stretcher shortly thereafter, Hussein was helping al-Qa- ward, but we still have some al-Zarqawi was killed when Caldwell said. eda, which, in turn, justified tough times ahead of us.” two 500-pound bombs were Iraqi police were the first an attack on Iraq. Zarqawi’s ultimate goal dropped on the house he was people on the scene following “Although the designated was to incite a civil war in during an air strike north the air strike. After finding leader of al Qaeda in Iraq between Sunnis and Shiites of Baghdad June 7. Zarqawi alive, the police is now dead, the terrorist that would bring down the One U.S. Air Force F-16 placed him on a stretcher. organization still poses a new democratic Iraqi gov- fighter attacked the safe U.S. forces arrived moments threat as its members will ernment, Caldwell added. house near the town of later. Zarqawi mumbled a continue to try to terrorize However, “the elimination of Baqubah, killing Zarqawi, few indistinguishable words the Iraqi people and desta- Zarqawi has dealt a serious his spiritual adviser, Sheik before he died, Caldwell bilize their government as it blow to al Qaeda in Iraq.” Abdul Rahman and four other added. moves toward stability and Caldwell said Zarqawi’s people. Zarqawi was identi- “According to the person prosperity,” said Gen. George death marks “a stride in the fied by fingerprints, facial on the ground, Zarqawi at- W. Casey Jr., commander, direction of law and order recognition, and by known tempted to sort of turn away Multinational Force Iraq. in Iraq that is primed for the marks on his body. off the stretcher,” Caldwell “Iraqi forces, supported by future by a government that “I think arguably over the said. “They re-secured him the coalition, will continue to respects the rights of all Iraqi past several years, no single back onto the stretcher, but hunt terrorists that threaten citizens.” person on this planet has had he died almost immediately the blood of more innocent thereafter from the wounds men, women and children he had received from the air on his hands than Zarqawi,” strike.” said U.S. Secretary of De- Zarqawi, a Jordanian-born fense Donald Rumsfeld. “He Sunni militant with a $25 personified the dark, sadistic, million U.S. bounty on his and medieval vision of the head, is Iraq’s most nefarious future of beheadings, suicide terrorist, known to be respon- bombings and indiscriminate sible for bombings, assassi- killings.” nations and the beheading of A collection of intelligence foreign hostages. reports eventually led forces He first appeared in Iraq to Zarqawi and some of his as the leader of the Tawhid associates who were con- and Jihad insurgent group, ducting a meeting approxi- merging it in late 2004 with mately eight kilometers north Osama Bin Laden’s al-Qaeda of Baqubah. network. U.S. Army photo The successful operation In the run-up to the Iraq “was the product of pains- war in February 2003, US Army Maj. Gen. William B. Caldwell briefs reporters in Baghdad, taking intelligence-gather- Secretary of State Colin Pow- June 8, 2006, on the June 7 air strike that killed terrorist Abu Mus- ing from local sources and ell told the United Nations ab al Zarqawi. U.S. military officials released the photo to the right within Zarqawi’s network,” Zarqawi was an associate of of Caldwell of the deceased Zarqawi.

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 7 H E A L T H & F I T N E S S

Capt. Lewis S. Long, Ph.D., Entomologist 223rd Medical Detachment, Preventative Medicine

hile on deployment, it is during wartime are from non-battle expected for you to come injuries. Soldiers are trained to prevent, across things that are not as and if necessary treat, things like heat common back home. There injuries and cold related casualties. are several critters in Iraq Safety is preached to Soldiers thatW can get you with a bite or a sting and constantly to avoid accidents. And Soldiers are dangerous in their own right -- like get more vaccinations than they can count spiders and scorpions -- but the military before deploying to help is mainly concerned with those that are prevent disease. But, associated with disease -- sand flies and there are some diseases mosquitoes. that are transmitted by insects that shots Historically, three-quarters of deaths won’t protect you from. Lions and mosquitoes and sand Flies... Oh My!

Mosquitoes have always feed on blood and are active from been a problem with the military and dusk and dawn. this operation is no exception. Beyond They are capable of transmitting a being a nuisance, female mosquitoes serious disease called leishmaniasis, are capable of transmitting diseases or more commonly known among like malaria, West Nile virus, and Soldiers as “Baghdad Boil.” This many more unpleasant illnesses. disease is caused by a parasite that Malaria, which causes over one either causes the cutaneous (skin) million deaths per form, or the more serious year, is one of the visceral (internal) form. diseases of concern Cutaneous leishmaniasis A hand infected with a form of leishmaniasis here in Iraq. appears as open sores -- a disease spread by sand flies that causes With the that develop anywhere open sores to develop on the body. combination of from a week to several the presence of months after a bite the mosquito that from an infected female spreads malaria, sand fly. While not life PREVENTING BITES a local infected threatening, the lesions DOD Insect Repellent System human population, can lead to permanent and a susceptible population (i.e., scarring. Visceral leishmaniasis is unprotected), this disease could more serious, affecting the liver, easily become a major problem among spleen and bone marrow, and is deployed Soldiers and civilians alike. potentially fatal. + + = MAX Anti-malarial drugs, which are Since January 2003, there have currently not required because of the been almost 1,000 confirmed cases low incidence, can be used to protect of leishmaniasis among Coalition Permethrin on uniform + us if needed. Forces. Currently, there are no DEET on exposed skin + vaccines to protect us against either Properly worn uniform = Sand Flies are much form of leishmaniasis. However, Maximum protection smaller than mosquitoes, but just as researchers are finding increasingly troublesome. Like mosquitoes, they effective treatment.

8 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers To DEET, OR Inspiration NOT TO DEET... Soldiers can do their part to protect themselves A strong finish by using the DoD Pest Repellent System, which offers greater than 90% protection against biting ichael Jordan insects. This will reduce the chances of becoming is known as infected with insect-borne diseases. The system M“Mr. Clutch.” consists of treating the uniform with permethrin, He had 25 game-win- use of the insect repellent DEET on exposed ning shots during his skin, and wearing the uniform correctly, with top career with the Chi- worn while outside during the evening and early cago Bulls. morning and trousers bloused into the boot. Randolph Junah was Uniforms can be treated with either a World War I hero and the permethrin spray can, which lasts for a golfer who had lost approximately 6 washes, or with IDA kits, lasting his swing. You may for about 50 washes -- the combat life of the Army remember him from Combat Uniform. The main chemical in the spray the Legend of Bag- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ronald Thomas or IDA is the safest and most environmentally ger Vance. He made friendly in use and offers the greatest protection a comeback in what own journey, would say, “I have when used correctly. Always follow the directions was billed as the greatest game fought the good fight, I have for use to ensure proper application and safe use. ever. finished the race, I have kept The use of DEET in concentrations of 30% or During the match, he found the faith.” greater on exposed skin will protect the areas himself at a decision point. He The first twenty miles of a not covered by your uniform. DEET-brand lotion was ahead, but in attempting to marathon only gets you to the lasts for approximately twelve hours while the clear debris around his ball, it race. I am told that the hard- commercially available versions only last a moved. The rules state he must est part of a marathon is the portion of that time and repeated applications are take a penalty stroke. He did not last ten kilometers. I wouldn’t necessary. It is strongly recommended for those hesitate and reported this to the know. Anything past four miles outside anytime from dusk till dawn to use DEET officials. is a marathon to me. to protect against bites. Whether it is real-life or Holly- One would think the hardest Finally, by removing rubble, unused berms and wood, we all admire the person part would be getting started, other resting sites, sand flies will be forced to go who finishes strong. Most of us knowing how you’re going elsewhere. Eliminating standing water reduces are entering our ninth month in to feel those last few miles. mosquito populations since it is a requirement for this deployment. It’s okay to be Although finishing strong is their development. tired, but it’s not okay to falter vital to winning, everyone who For additional information on this topic or any in doing our best. crosses the finish line receives other related to Soldier health and readiness, just I would like to believe that ev- their own reward. contact your local Preventive Medicine Detachment ery member in Task Force Band Michael Jordan missed more or the Division Preventive Medicine team leader.  of Brothers has on their heart than 9,000 shots in his career the desire to do their very best and missed a game-winning all the time. shot 26 times. Regardless, his Pastorally speaking, I would record and place in sports his- JUST HAND OVER THE BOTTLE OF B+ tory are secured because he did ROY! YOU HAVEN’T BEEN GOING TO like each member to realize that his best every game. YOUR MEETINGS HAVE YOU? what matters most is that God has us here and expects us to Randolph Junah was remem- do our best. We may not fully bered most for taking a penalty realize the purpose now, but I stroke. His integrity was more can say with certainty that we important than winning. will not realize that purpose if Before something can become we quit or just do enough to get a habit, it must first be prac- by. Our best is what is required. ticed as a discipline. One of the Biblical heroes, the Military discipline is founded Apostle Paul, gave the following upon self-discipline, respect charge to a young man in First for others, respect for proper Timothy: to fight the good fight authority, and embracing the by pursuing with endurance Army values. Let’s practice win- Drunk Mosquitoes that which is right, faithful, and ning and discipline ourselves to godly. Paul, near the end of his always giving our best. 

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 9 IRAQI SECURITY FORCES

Spc. Anna-Marie Hizer can lead themselves … and leave the darkness of the old regime.” IRKUK, Iraq -- Soldiers and lead- Coordination and training be- Kers celebrated the hand over of tween the two units will continue, Kirkuk’s maneuver space from 2nd despite the hand over, making Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, for even stronger bonds between 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Air- American and Iraqi forces, said Lt. borne Division, to 2nd Bn., 2nd Bde., Col. James Johnson, 2nd Bn. com- 4th Iraqi Army Div., May 2, mark- mander. ing a big step in Iraq’s progression “The American Soldiers of [2nd] toward a free nation. battalion have been proud to work “Since the fall of the old regime, alongside the Iraqi Soldiers of the we have been looking forward to this Eagle battalion,” he said. “The spirit of day,” said Col. Malik, commander cooperation has allowed unprecedent- 2-2-4th IA Div. “This is the day Iraqis ed partnership between our units.” 

Spc. Cassandra Groce

IKRIT, Iraq -- The steady hands of a medic Tfocusing all his energy on the protection of an- other life is a vital part of life on a battlefield. Now Iraqi Army Soldiers are bringing their own medics to the fight, which is one less dependency on coali- tion forces. During the recent Operation Iron Triangle, medics from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Divi- sion were a prevalent active force among detainees. “My duty is to help anyone who is sick or a Spc. Cassandra Groce casualty,” said 1st Sgt. Zaed Sudan, an Iraqi Army medic. IKRIT, Iraq -- In the streets once known as Saddam Hus- The medics spent the Tsein’s “Red Light” district, Iraqi Army Soldiers of the 1st days during the operation Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division are shedding checking on detainees and their dependency on Coalition Forces, becoming the forerun- helping treat any injuries ner on patrols and self-planned missions. that arose. “Right now we are leading in our area of operation,” said The increasing assertive- Capt. Ismael Salih Abdullah, commander of Company B, 1st ness of the Iraqi Army med- Battalion. “I am sure that we are better than before because ics is a testament to their of the cooperation between the Coalition Forces and my training. men.” The Iraqi Army medics Each Iraqi Army company in the battalion has been paired maximized the capabilities with a Coalition Forces counterpart from the 3rd Bn., 320th of both forces during the Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st operation, and the practical Airborne Division, for evaluation purposes. The commanders experience taught them the from both sides meet weekly to evaluate the IA Battalion’s responsibilities of caring for performance and to exchange ideas on how to make the Bat- Iraqi Army Soldiers. talion better. “This isn’t our first “My company is lucky because we work with a good leader rodeo,” said 1st Lt. Roland that has one purpose -- to accomplish things for the Iraqi ben- Breden, a medical platoon efit,” Abdullah said, referring to his counterpart, Company B leader in the 3-320th Field commander, Capt. John J. Montgomery. Artillery. “We’ve worked Local civilians who may have been wary of the newly- together before and seen formed Iraqi Army in the past, are now trusting them more. traumatic injuries together. “The picture that the Iraqi people have of us is being With a few words of encour- changed,” said Lt. Col. Musab Josif, executive officer, 1st Bat- agement, they take on the talion. “They now cooperate with us and give us the informa- challenges. They’re pretty tion we need to catch the bad guys.” good.”  Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski

AQUBAH, Iraq -- Sending the Iraqi Army forth to take Bcare of security operations is the key to the overall safety of the Iraqi people and the groundwork for the establish- ment of a free government. Iraqi Army Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are independently conducting opera- tions in their area of Diyala Province, performing tasks such as gathering their own intelligence, patrolling the streets, and hunting suspected anti-Iraqi forces. The unit has been conducting operations on their own under their young brigade commander, Gen. Saman Al Talabani. “Talabani refers to himself as a modern general,” said Maj. Jeff Arrington, Military Transition Team, Multi-National Corp – Iraq. “Under the old regime, a general would not ask someone for their advice on how to do something. Talabani inquires how to do things better.”  Staff Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski

USAYN FAYSI, Iraq -- Two companies from the 2nd Bat- Htalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division traveled to a remote location of Diyala Province, not far from the Iranian border, to distribute humanitarian supplies and build rela- tions with the impoverished people in the village of Husayn Faysi, near Baqubah May 3. Maj. Hasim Shamin, 2-1-5 IA commander, approached the sheik to greet and ask if it would be okay to distribute some toys and clothes to his people. The sheik agreed. Boxes of toys and clothes were unloaded from the back of the Iraqi Army humvees. “A lot of times in these smaller villages even clear drink- ing water is not available,” said Master Sgt. Carl Waddle, 2-1-5 IA Military Transition Team NCOIC, who oversees the training and missions that the IA take part in. “The IA goes out on these types of missions to help build the relationship between the Iraqi Army and the general population out here.” Goodwill missions such as this one lead by the 2nd Bat- talion, 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, are a great step in developing the confidence and camaraderie between the people of Iraq and the Soldiers that protect them.  Spc. Lee Elder

EFAV SHA, Iraq -- Iraqi Army medical personnel took the lead on Na humanitarian mission to provide medical treatment for people in the Iraqi village of Nefav Sha, near Baqubah, May 3. Ambulances from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Division, were escorted by U.S. Soldiers from Company A, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion and the 1st Brigade Military Training Team, to the vil- lage located the southeast corner of the Tahwilla area. Two Iraqi Army doctors and medics from both the U.S. and Iraqi Armies were on hand for the mission. “It was really well received,” said Sgt. Michael Moon, 445th CA. “They treated everything from bloody noses and dysentery, to more serious medical problems.” Moon said Nefav Sha is a largely Shi’a village with about 800 residents. Although it has been a “hot spot” for insurgent activity in the past, residents of the village responded well to the Iraqi Army’s humanitarian aid. “It was really important for the Iraqi Army to be seen in a positive light there,” Moon said. “For a lot of people in the village, it was one of their first exposures to the Iraqi Army. The people were really very receptive.” In addition to medical treatment and prescriptions, Iraqi Soldiers gave out donated clothing, medical supplies and toys to the village children. 

Special report by Soldiers of 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 11 Support Soldiers vital to

BEHIND THE SCENES combat readiness Sgt. Waine D. Hailey 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

TIKRIT, Iraq -- Combat arms to operations in Iraq. This Soldiers may get most of the is evident by the 97 percent media’s attention, but it’s the readiness rate the team is support personnel who keep maintaining. their equipment moving and “They do what they do, keep them in the fight. because they know it’s an Soldiers from Headquarters important job and they like and Headquarters Company, being a mechanic,” said 3rd Special Troops Battal- Chief Warrant Officer Robert ion, 101st Airborne Division, Lakes, battalion maintenance maintain a wide range of technician for 3rd STB. machinery, from the genera- “We came over here and tors at Division Main to the have done a whole lot with- M1114 Humvees that roll out out a whole lot,” Lakes said. photo by Chief Warrant Officer Robert Lakes the gate every day. “We are still having some is- (Above) Private 1st Class Shannon Tadela, maintenance team The 30-plus Soldiers at the sues with the transformation generator mechanic works on a generator at Contingency Op- 3rd STB motor pool realize to a Special Troops Battalion. erating Base Speicher. (Below) Specialist Zachary Boudreau their job is mission essen- The main issue is getting all (left), and Pfc. Joshua Tidyman (far right), take instructions tial. They might not be on the tools we need, but my from Chief Warrant Officer Robert Lakes, battalion mainte- the front lines, but they feel guys find a way of getting nance technician. their job is just as important the job done.” The Special Troops Bat- talion is a new concept that came along with Army trans- formation. It allows each Brigade Combat Team to have its own support person- nel, eliminating the need for a brigade to pull assets from other parts of the division. The 101st Airborne Divi- sion is the first division that deployed with a fully inte- grated STB. Lakes is on his third rota- tion to Iraq with the expe- rience of Operation Iraqi Freedom I, III, and now IV under his belt. He feels the STB concept is best. “I think it works better this way -- the streamlining has helped in many different ways,” Lakes said. “There isn’t division in the shop... photo by Sgt. Waine D. Hailey we’re all on one team.” 

12 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers Better than 100% Work orders come, Work orders go...

Sgt. Ryan Matson Always on time 101st Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office

TIKRIT, Iraq -- The Soldiers ate a tremendous workload of Company B, 96th Aviation for Company B. Support Battalion Mainte- “The Soldiers of B Com- nance Company are respon- pany jumped right into sible for repairs on all four triple the amount of work of the airframes flown by they had at Fort Campbell, the 101st Combat Aviation supporting every phase Brigade -- Kiowa Warrior, in the brigade, with no Chinook, Blackhawk and civilian contractor sup- Apache helicopters. port, and exceeded every The company is con- maintenance performance sistently exceeding 100 measure. I couldn’t be more percent on its production impressed,” said Lt. Col. index, meaning that every Joseph Jellison, the 96th shop in the company has Aviation Support Battalion not only completed their commander. work orders in the allotted Since December, the amount of time given by company has kept its pro- Army standards, but ahead duction index above 100 of time. percent. The company takes on “Ninety percent is the more than the usual work- Army standard,” noted 1st photos by Sgt. Ryan Matson load of an aviation main- Sgt. Vernon Brown, Com- (Above) Soldiers from Company B, 96th Aviation Support Bat- tenance unit while still pany B first sergeant. talion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, lift off the rotorheads eliminating any backlog So how did Company B on a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 5th Battalion during a tasks awaiting special parts get above 100 percent on its 360-hour maintenance phase reset on the aircraft. (Below) Ser- or procedures. work orders? geant Jeremiah Roman, an airframe mechanic with Company B, “I’ve never been in a unit Crocitto said perhaps the works on the aft pylon of a CH-47D Chinook helicopter to repair that’s been over 100 percent biggest reason his company cracks in the airframe. on all their work orders, and is able to achieve such high this is the fifth month in a production levels is due ny,” Crocitto said. row this company has done to the creation of the spe- According to Command it,” said Staff Sgt. Steve cialized Aviation Support Sgt. Maj. Mark Herndon, Dickson, a quality control Equipment and Downed the 96th Aviation Support noncommissioned officer Aircraft Recovery Team Battalion command ser- who signs off on the me- (ASE/DART) platoon called geant major, “B Company chanics work. the Aces. does genuine, multi-func- The feat is especially This platoon handles all tional missions, including impressive considering the the duties which would nor- providing over 50 Soldiers high number of flight hours mally fall on the Soldiers in to guard the entry control the brigade has flown over a three-platoon company as point each day, and bat- the course of the deploy- additional duties, causing talion and brigade material ment, said Maj. Joseph unnecessary distractions. handling missions. When Crocitto, Company B com- “They are the backbone you add in over 30 addi- mander. of the company, allowing all tional Soldiers on leave on As of May 1, the Brigade the other platoons to focus any given day, their avia- had already logged over on their specific mission, tion maintenance efficiency 65,000 flight hours. These which increases the produc- and production is even massive flight hours gener- tivity of the entire compa- more exceptional.”

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 13 Specialis t David Johnson, gunner, and Sgt. Jus tin Javar, assis t ant gunner, from Headquar ter s and Headquar ter s Company, 1s t Batt alion, 17th Infantr y Regiment, 172nd Str yker Brigade Combat Team, fire 1 20mm illumination round over the city of Mosul, Iraq, June 1, from a Str yker vehicle. The illumination rounds are being fired to brighten the sky. photo by Tech Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock TOURS IRAQ (Left) Toby Keith signs a guitar for a Soldier after performing an hour-long con- cert at Forward Operating Base Warhorse May 27. (Above) Keith jams on his guitar during a performance at Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. (Opposite) Service members and civilians stationed at COB Speicher with- photo by Sgt. Zach Mott stand the heat to watch Keith perform an acoustic show with Scotty Emerick.

Sgt. Ryan Matson Keith performed a free concert for performed before Keith took the stage. 101st Combat Aviation Brigade the Soldiers, including such hits as I Keith said it was his 64th USO show for Public Affairs Love This Bar, Who’s Your Daddy?, The troops stationed overseas. Taliban Song, Shoulda Been a Cowboy, Fellow recording artist Scotty Emer- IKRIT, Iraq -- He may claim to be Beer For My Horses, and a new song ick performed with Keith during the not be as good as he once was, from his latest CD called Runnin’ Block. hour-long acoustic set. Tbut for the hundreds of fans from He played a couple of his patriotic It was their second show of a two- the 101st Airborne Division and Task songs, too – American Soldier and day, eight-stop tour. He also played for Force Band of Brothers, who gathered Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue. Soldiers at Forward Operating Base to cheer Toby Keith May 27 at Con- The last number Keith performed Warrior in Kirkuk, FOB Warhorse in tingency Operating Base Speicher in was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic Sweet Baqubah, and Logistical Support Area Tikrit, Iraq, Toby Keith seemed like he Home Alabama, which he sang with Anaconda in Balad. was just fine. the 101st Airborne Division Band, who At the end of the show Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, 101st Air- borne Division and Task Force Band of Brothers, greeted Keith. Soldiers from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, presented Keith with some tokens of appreciation from the division. Before departing, Keith participated in a new tradition for the 101st by signing a piece of flooring from the original Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, which is less than an hour drive from Fort Campbell, Ky., the division’s home station. Keith’s autograph joins many other celebrities that have entertained 101st Soldiers during their deployment. “From the beginning, no one has sup- photos by Sgt. Ryan Matson ported us more than the artists of coun- Keith signs a piece of the original Grand Ole Opry’s floor following his performance at try music,” Turner said. “And of those COB Speicher, as Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, commander, 101st Airborne Division and artists, no one has been more support- Task Force Band of Brothers looks on. ive of our troops than Toby Keith.”

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 17 Teach em’ to fish...

story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Paul Schultz Major Victor Vasquez, civil affairs officer for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Air- 1st Brigade Combat Team borne Division, talks with (from left to right) Jotyar Nori Abdula, deputy governor of 101st Airborne Division Sulaymaniyah Province; Hirsh Mohammed Sabir, director of municipalities in Arbot; and Kamal Ashraf Qaramani, mayor of Arbot, Iraq. The three are working together to IRKUK, Iraq -- There’s an adage develop systems capable of handling infrastructure issues in the small northern vil- often repeated by various mem- lage. (Left) Meat hangs in the butcher shop in Arbot as the local butcher watches local K bers of the 1st Brigade Combat leaders and U.S. Soldiers tour the city center. Team, 101st Airborne Division that says “Give a man a fish and you feed him for in the window of the corner butcher ing all ethnic lines. It continued with a day; teach a man how to fish and you shop. During a fact-finding visit to the the deputy governor asking the Soldiers feed him for a lifetime.” village, the brigade’s civil affairs team to help the mayor provide electricity to This idea is brought to life as had the opportunity to meet the local the city as well as a requesting equip- Bastogne Soldiers work with local and mayor and learn how he and his depart- ment and material to build a sewage provincial leaders to improve the quality ment heads interact with their provin- system that would keep the streets of life for Iraqis in the region. cial counterparts. drained and sanitary during the wet “The typical reaction is to give the “We wanted to make the linkage winter months. people immediate results; build some- between the deputy governor and Vasquez responds that he and his thing that shows a physi- team are not there to fix the cal result. This usually just problems, nor have they come creates a system of depen- The typical reaction is to give to promise money. The goal dency,” said Maj. Victor of the CA team is to help the Vasquez, civil affairs officer the people immediate results... leaders of Arbot establish sys- for the 1st Brigade Combat This usually just creates a tems that will help the Iraqis Team, following a visit to system of dependency. fix the problems themselves Arbot, Iraq. “Giving someone and prepare them to handle an electric transformer seems -Maj. Victor Vasquez any issues that arise in the like it solves problems, but it future. usually creates more problems than it his directorate generals and the local After a quick tour of the city center, solves. What happens when it breaks?” mayor and his directorate generals, so Vasquez and his team leave, confident Arbot is a Kurdish community in the that they can start working together,” that their days work is a giant step for- mountains of northern Iraq’s Sulaymani- Vasquez said. “We need them to go out ward for the proud people of Arbot. yah Province. It is part of the Kurdistan and govern. We need them to start com- “It’s about them taking care of them- Regional Government, and sits at the municating with each other so that they selves,” he said. “Under Saddam, and “T” intersection of two roads that lead can address each others’ problems.” under a lot of Middle East regimes, the to several smaller, and even more re- The meeting started in typical Kurd- people are often like sheep -- they’re mote villages. ish fashion: greetings to all in atten- shepherded, they’re herded, and they The city streets are clean, trees and dance, and a round of hot Chai – the really have no say in their destiny. We’re flowers grow in the planters that line extremely sweet tea that is a favorite of empowering the people and giving the main road, and half of a lamb hangs every citizen in the country, transcend- them a say in their own future.” 

18 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers New use found for IBA...

Pfc. Paul J. Harris put together a training exercise they the Soldiers can build their confidence 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, could teach Soldiers. The exercise has by doing the training, getting to the 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office Soldiers in full Army Combat Uniform surface of the water and using their wearing armored vests without ammo energy to get to the side of the pool, BALAD, Iraq -- In Iraq the insur- pouches. said Keveles. The instructor would give a Soldier a 1st Lt. Sean Craig, platoon leader, gents have begun using the canals kick in the back to simulate the sur- Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA, felt no ini- and waterways of the Tigris River as a prise of falling into the water. After the tial discomfort after hitting the water. means to move weapons caches while Soldier fell in the water he would have “I am a pretty strong swimmer so avoiding Coalition Forces patrolling the to swim 15 meters before coming out of it felt fine, felt like I normally swim,” streets. With the battle being taken to the pool. Craig said. “It felt like a life jacket, a the rivers of Iraq, the command group We don’t have a way to simulate secure feeling because as soon as you of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, river current in the training but at least get in it pops you back up.” 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers, developed training to help Soldiers survive in full combat gear if they fall in water. With river boat patrols increasing, Sgt. Maj. Dean Keveles, command sergeant major, 3rd Bn., 29th FA, 3rd HBCT and a team of his senior NCOs decided to test the buoyancy of the interceptor body armor system at the outdoor swimming pool at Logistical Support Area Anaconda A Soldier going out on patrol wears about 40 to 50 pounds of gear. With the weight of the gear there was concern the Soldier would sink to the bottom of a canal. It turns out the Kevlar inside of the photo by Spc. Paul J. Harris IBAs will float and support the weight of the Soldier. It is like having a bullet- First Lt. Sean Craig, platoon leader, Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd proof life vest. Keveles said. Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, swims a 15-meter distance in his From what they learned at the pool, interceptor body armor system during a drown-proofing class at the pool on Logistical Keveles and his NCOs were able to Support Area Anaconda near Balad, Iraq.

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 19 Risking “ Pfc. Paul J. Harris 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Even though my family and friends supported 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs the war, I felt that nobody really understood ALAD, Iraq -- Imagine you were living the American dream what people sacrificed to come over here. B-- you had the right degree, the right job, a wife, a car, and a condo -Spc. Joshua Stern in San Diego minutes away from the beach. Would you, in your early thir- ties, give all of that up to enlist in the mentally prepared for basic training mechanized platoon means being on Army as an infantryman and serve as I should have been,” Stern said. call 24 hours-a-day and ready to go at your country for the next three years? “[It took time] getting used to having a moment’s notice. Specialist Joshua Stern, dismount someone tell me what to do every mo- They go out on patrol at varying squad automatic weapon gunner, 2nd ment of the day. I did not really care times of the day as to not set a pat- Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, “8th for basic training too much.” tern. When out on patrol, his squad, Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade He deployed to Iraq in late Febru- nicknamed the Violators, looks for Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, ary 2006, and joined his platoon on insurgents planting improvised explo- wanted to contribute to the Global Forward Operating sive devices. War on Terrorism and decided to Base Paliwoda. Other times it provides security pause his life in the fast lane to Their primary area around some of the reconstruction come to Iraq to serve his of responsibility is efforts like the new water purifica- country. the city of Balad. tion systems in the eastern region Stern took a military leave Being an infantry of Balad, said Sgt. 1st Class John of absence with the bank Soldier in a Guidry, Stern’s platoon sergeant. where he worked as a fi- The experience of patrolling the nancial analyst and en- streets and riverbanks of Iraq has not listed July 2005. He been exactly what the San Diego na- went through basic tive expected. combat training “I expected the worst when I came at Fort Benning, out here, expecting to get into fire Ga., where he fights every day,” Stern said. “You quickly adjusted don’t know who the enemy is, some- to his new life. times you feel like a target just wait- “I was not as ing to make contact.”

photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris

20 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers it all to serve in

photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris IRAQ e feels more like a cop time Stern likes to read or watch a out on patrol, where the DVD with one of his roommates -- Hmere sight of his platoon Sgt. James Craig, 3rd Squad team is a deterrence to the insurgents. leader. Stern’s older brother is retired Craig has been pleased with the Army Lt. Col. Jack Stern. The elder way Stern has come into the pla- Stern never pressured his brother toon and been able to fit right in. to join the Army. In fact, Stern did “He is 30 years old, he has not tell his older brother he enlist- already had a career, so he knows ed until he signed the paperwork. the whole business of profession- The only help Stern received alism,” Craig said. “He is serious from his older brother was infor- about life, he is married and his mation on what units would be maturity level is up a lot higher deploying to Iraq soon and that is than some of the other privates how Stern found his way to Fort that we get straight from basic. Carson, Colo. He has done really well, better His wife Lorenda wasn’t thrilled than most.” at the idea of Stern wanting to go to war, but it was something he felt compelled to do, even at the risk of their marriage. “Even though my family and friends supported the war, I felt that nobody really understood what people sacrificed to come over here,” Stern said. There a six phones available to Soldiers on FOB Paliwoda but Stern tends to communicate back home mostly through e-mail. He never tells his wife what happens outside of the wire and tries to be as generic as possible in describ- ing his day. “It helps that she is in law school, which keeps her busy and does not give her a lot of time to worry,” Stern said. With the remainder of his free

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 21 Got a phrase for BOB on the FOB? Email it to [email protected], and if your suggestion is used, you’ll receive credit in the strip!

22 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers Commander goes on Tikrit Radio Show

photos by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika

Lieutenant Col. Louis Lartigue, commander, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, and Lt. Col. Richard Root, commander, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, both of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, listen to a caller at a live radio call-in show in Tikrit, Iraq. The two officers wanted to inform listeners of their concerns about the increase in hostile activities in the area and encourage locals to report insurgent activities.

Top 10 Things you’ll miss Eagle Cash kiosks Soldiers now have a new way of managing their cash -- the about the Dining Facility EagleCash Stored Value Card! The EagleCash card is very similar to a pre-paid debit card or gift card. Once you have stored value on by Spc. Joshua Hutcheson your EagleCash card, you can use it at the PX, the post office, and at most local AAFES vendors located throughout Iraq. There are no 10. The approximately 8 mil- thought to put pimentos in fees or interest incurred for using the EagleCash card. The systems will be installed throughout the summer months on lion different names given to jell-o. the following bases in Iraq: COB Speicher; Baghdad Area - BIAP, that one meal they do with 5. The sense of security and Liberty, Stryker, Slayer, and Victory; and LSA Anaconda; as well as beef cubes. The only notice- protection you feel, knowing many bases in Kuwait. The system is already installed in Qatar at Ali able difference each day that there are guards roast- Asalyeah, and at selected camps in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi seems to be the addition of ing in full battle-rattle at the Arabia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Honduras. barbecue sauce and whether entrance, making sure every- For more information, call or stop by your local finance office. or not noodles are involved. body has an I.D. card. Now you can check your SDP balance on myPay! 9. People cutting in front of 4. All the exercise your jaw you because they just want muscles got from trying to Log on to myPay.com and select Savings Deposit Program state- ment. The account history shows all deposits made by allotment or one item at the end of the chew those steaks. cash collection voucher and the date the transaction credited to your serving line and don’t feel 3. The large amount of SDP account. If you made a deposit more than 10 weeks ago and it like going through the whole seafood that is served re- does not appear in your account balance, scan and e-mail a copy of thing. gardless of the curious fact your voucher to [email protected]. Deposit(s) will be posted to your 8. Being able to tell what that Iraq is almost entirely account along with any back interest due. day of the week it is by land-locked. what’s on the menu. 2. Ethnic Meal #47: fried SGLI premiums to increase 7. Ice-cold ketchup pack- chicken, collard greens and On July 1, the Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) ets and room-temperature corn bread. Ethnic Meal #52: premiums will increase from $.065 to $.070 per $1,000 of coverage. bottles of Gatorade. egg rolls, stir-fry and fried If you have elected the maximum coverage of $400,000, this will be 6. The fun of finding spices rice. And lastly, Ethnic Meal an increase of $2.00 per month on your premium. This will affect all members who have SGLI for Active Duty and Reserve Component, and ingredients in dishes #23: beef fajitas, enchiladas however it does not affect Family Service Members Group Life Insur- where you don’t expect and Spanish rice. Delicious! ance (FSGLI). them. I would have never 1. The fact that it’s all free!

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 23 Under construction story and photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Duga 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Irbil, Iraq -- One Soldier is go- ule to work on it. ing above and beyond the call “It has taken me a long time of duty in the name of training. to build it because it is hard Private 1st Class Aaron Post- to coordinate getting the tools ma, IP trainer, 549th Military I need, and any extra materi- Police Company, has taken on als,” he said. a one-man crusade of build- At first glance, the shoot- ing a bigger and better “shoot house looks like a yard shed house” to train the Iraqi police under construction. When it of Irbil, Iraq. is finished, it will have mul- “When I got here, I noticed tiple doors, long hallways, and that the existing shoot house several rooms. It will serve as was falling apart, because it is a training site where the IPs only made of reinforced sand can learn basic techniques on barriers,” Postma said. “So I entering a building and clear- had some lumber shipped to ing a room. the range and then started “I have no doubt that the building a new range.” new shoot house will improve The new shoot house will the level of training that the sit between two firing lanes, IPs receive,” Postma said. “I in the middle of the range that am making it my personal goal Private 1st Class Aaron Postma, 549th Military Police was just completely rebuilt to make sure that the shoot Company, stands among the building supplies he is us- by Postma and his team. The house is completed, and being ing to build a new shoot house for Iraqi police training hardest part for Postma is used before I leave at the end in Irbil, Iraq. finding time in his busy sched- of my deployment.” Why do we wear these things? Sgt. 1st Class Steve Petibone 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

OSUL, Iraq -- Sol- on their convoy. The blast diers count on a kicked Aguilar back into his M lot of gear for their vehicle, and fragments from protection, and every day in the bomb scattered, one a combat zone, that gear is knocking his eye protection taking a beating and prov- off his face. ing its value. “When I picked the glass- For 1st Lt. Anthony Agui- es up and put them back on, lar, platoon leader, Company I could feel the heat from the B, Task Force 2-1, 172nd fragment near my eye.” Stryker Brigade Combat The fragment hit the lens Team, one of the smallest and melted to the plastic, pieces of equipment issued less than inch below Agui- to Soldiers was the most lar’s eyeball. important thing he put on The blast caused consid- while on a routine combat erable damage to a nearby Courtesy photo patrol in February 2006. house and cars parked along As his company was the street. Aguilar’s unit “As our company cordoned “Whenever someone asks me moving through Mosul, an cordoned off the area and off the area, I kept the glasses what I was wearing, I am sure unusually large Improvised immediately did an exten- on and continued with the to tell them I was wearing a Explosive Device detonated sive search before leaving. mission,” Aguilar said. great tactical product.” 

24 -- June 2006 Band of Brothers (Above) Senior Airman Sebastian Cruz, security forces member, makes his way down a row of trucks belong- ing to third country nationals, searching them for po- tential contraband items. Cruz and his team members often make random, spot inspections of vehicles, both civilian and military.

(Left) Sergeant Moe Hare- tuku, security forces mem- ber, Detachment 1, 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, part of an Air National Guard unit out of Utah, uses his radar gun to clock the speed of ve- hicles on Contingency Op- erating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq. When a speed- er is discovered, tickets are handed out -- one copy to the speeder and one to the their unit commander. (Above) Cruz searches incoming and outgoing trucks for contraband, such as cell phones and al- cohol. The airmen of 732nd handle all law and order missions on Speicher.

photos and layout by Spc. Joshua Hutcheson

Band of Brothers June 2006 -- 25 Through the Lens photos by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Top: Soldiers salute the American flag while Amazing Grace plays during a Memorial Day ceremony for the Soldiers from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, who have died during this latest deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (photo by Sgt. Zach Mott) Above: Soldiers pause in a moment of silent remembrance for those who have lost their lives from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, dur- ing a Memorial Day ceremony at Forward Op- erating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq. (photo by Sgt. 1st Class Paul Schultz) Left: Coali- tion forces on Contingency Operating Base Speicher in Tikrit, Iraq, render a salute dur- ing a Memorial Day ceremony at the Task Force Band of Brothers headquarters build- ing. (photo by Spc. Joshua Hutcheson) T A S K F O R C E B A N D of B R O T H E R S I N M E M O R I A M Once firmly grounded upon this earth, these Screaming Eagles now soar in brighter skies.

Jan. 13 May 29 CW3 Mitchell K. Carver, Jr., 31 Cpl. Jeremy M. Loveless, 25 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Charlotte, N.C. Estacada, Ore. CW2 Kyle E. Jackson, 28 May 31 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, Sgt. Benjamin E. Mejia, 25 10th Mountain Division 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, Sarasota, Fla. 172nd Stryker Brigade Jan. 20 Salam, Mass. Spc. Matthew C. Frantz, 23 Cpl. Brock L. Bucklin, 28 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Lafayette, Ind. Grand Rapids, Mich. (The above names were left out of previous editions) June 7 May 15 2nd Lt. John S. Vaughn, 23 Staff Sgt. Marion Flint Jr, 29 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Edwards, Co. Baltimore, Md. June 8 Spc. Grant A. Dampier, 25 Spc. Luis D. Santos, 20 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Merrill, Wis. Rialto, Calif. (These are the names that have been released as of June 13)