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Phantom News Vol. I, Issue 23 Telling the TF Phantom story May 27, 2007 U.S., Iraqi SGMs address future Corps Story, photo by “You are the core and Staff Sgt. Jacob Boyer foundation of the establish- 28th Public Affairs Detachment ment of the Iraqi Army,” Ali told the assembled NCOs. Senior Iraqi Army and co- “We have our mission to be alition NCOs from through- like other armies. I would out the country gathered in like for all of you to put this Al Faw Palace for the Iraqi on yourselves regardless of Army Command Sergeants anything else.” Major Conference May 19-20 Moore said bringing the at Camp Victory. Iraqi sergeants major to- “The purpose of this con- gether with their coalition ference was to empower (the counterparts was not done Iraqi command sergeants to force them to shape their major),” said Iraqi Assis- corps one way or anoth- tance Group Command Sgt. er, but to share ideas and Maj. Robert Moore. “We knowledge that would help wanted to allow them to them build an strong NCO share ideas, and we allowed Corps with an Iraqi flavor. the commanding general “We want to help them fa- and the command sergeant cilitate their army and corps major of the Iraqi Ground into something that works, Forces Command to address sharing ideas from history all the senior NCO leader- and knowledge on what is ship in Iraq.” working,” he said. “The best Moore said about 98 per- armies in the world have cent of the sergeants major in strong NCO corps.” the Iraqi Army were present. Multi-National Corps- The goal of the conference Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. Neil was to empower and instill Ciotola spoke to the group, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola a tradition of leadership and emphasizing the NCO’s role addresses Iraqi sergeants major during the Iraqi Army responsibility to Iraqi NCOs in keeping his Soldiers going Command Sergeants Major Conference May 19. and define the role of the on the battlefield every day. NCO in the Iraqi Army. Sev- “We affect a great deal of campaign in the American the backbone of the Iraqi eral topics, ranging from op- what must be done by virtue Revolution. “We’re start- Army,” he said through an erations and logistics to pay of just being there,” he said. ing the NCO Corps all over interpreter. “This conference and personnel issues, were “All (soldiers) know is what again. There are still senior has strengthened the respect discussed by both IGFC and they see down their rifle. If NCOs in the Iraqi Army. between our officers and our coalition officials during the they’re having a bad day, all They need to feed, pay and NCOs. These NCOs will go conference. they see is crap. Who gives train soldiers. It will make back with information to Lt. Gen. Ali, Iraqi Ground them perspective? We do.” them a better army and take help lift the morale and edu- Forces commander, opened Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bailey, pressure off their officers cation of their soldiers.” the conference by telling IGFC Military Transition and keep them out of NCO The conference will be- his senior NCOs that it was Team NCOIC, said the event business.” come a recurring one for a chance to rebuild their was a large step in building IGFC Command Sgt. Maj. Iraq’s NCO leadership, Ka- corps to its former heights. a better Iraqi Army. Kasim said he felt the con- sim said. The Iraqi Army had a strong “I call this the Valley ference would be a turning “I wish for this to contin- NCO Corps before Saddam Forge event,” he said, refer- point for the Iraqi Army. ue,” he said. “We need to see Hussein, but it diminished ring to a crucial winter dur- “This is a historic day the fruit of what we did here during his regime. ing George Washington’s because these NCOs are this weekend.” 2 May 27, 2007 Commentary Hooray for another 90 days in the desert Spc. Laura M. Bigenho from an optimistic in my walk with Christ — something 28th Public Affairs Detachment point of view. There’s that proves to be a bit more challeng- positive in every ing when I’m in the States distracted Just as I was celebrating our almost- negative, right? by things of the world. a-quarter-of-the-way mark in this de- Now, I’m hardly Lastly, I must say that an extra ployment, I received an unwelcomed money hungry, but three months gives me just enough wake up call. Could I really be spend- I’ll admit one of the time to shed those pesky extra pounds Bigenho ing yet another birthday, Christmas first thoughts that from quality holiday DFAC dining, and New Years away from home? Will came to mind was finance-related. grow my hair a little longer, and pre- I really have spent more of my Army With the Army being my primary pare for a highly-anticipated reunion career in Iraq than I have stateside by source of income, I’ll gladly take the with family, friends and my car ... Oh the time I redeploy? The very thought extra bit of tax-free pay and any bonus yes, I look forward to the day I can of being in Iraq any longer than ini- that might come with it. Oh, and for zip in and out of traffic again on I-5, tially anticipated made me practically those of you bound by creditors, you’ll en route to Mount Rainier for some nauseous. continue to save money by taking snowboarding or camping — most Surely the extension was a rumor advantage of the low APR for an extra likely the latter since spring will be in that only applied to combat arms few months. the air by redeployment time. units, I thought. They didn’t really As I continued thinking about I’m not suggesting that being here need public affairs to stay. Afterall, we why it’s good to be extended, growth longer is all that grand, but it isn’t all already knew who our replacement became a recurring word in my that bad. was and when they were coming. thoughts. I have met countless people Yeah, I may have to watch the Speculations were made, rumors over here, some of whom after a few ball drop from Baghdad hours ahead circulated, and at last the answer short months I consider friends. I of time, as I suspect I’ll be welcom- became clear. My unit, like many, was certainly don’t mind being here a few ing 2008 sans party poppers, hors no exception to the extension. As I extra months if it means developing d’oeuvres and my best friend’s infa- received confirmation of the extra 90 deeper friendships. mous margaritas, but I’ll rest assured days I’ll be spending here, I made a Also, the longer I am here, the more knowing that God has me exactly decision to think about the situation I long and am able to grow spiritually where He intended me to be … in Iraq. Chaplain’s Corner know that on May 5, 1868, Gen. John arms who gave their lives defending Memorial Day A. Logan gave his official proclama- our great country: tion as commander of the Grand Army “Although the burden of grief can Remembrance of the Republic in his General Order become easier to bear, there is always Chaplain Irvine Bryer No. 11 that both Union and Confeder- the memory of another time and the 3rd MEDCOM ate Soldiers were to be remembered at feeling of sadness over an unfinished Arlington National Cemetery. life. Yet, the completeness of a life On Monday, we will honor this President George W. Bush ad- is not measured in length only. It is nation’s fallen heroes. In May 1966, dressed the nation on Memorial Day measured in the deeds and commit- former President Lyndon B. Johnson 2004, saying, “Today, as we reflect on ments that give a life its purpose. And declared Waterloo, New York, the offi- the men and women who have died the commitment of these lives was cial birthplace of Memorial Day. It has in the defense of America, all of us clear to all: They defended our nation, been difficult to conclusively declare count it a privilege to be citizens of the they liberated the oppressed and they any one place or time. As close as can country they served.” served the cause of peace. All Ameri- be found, many towns make claim He had some choice words to say in cans who have known the loss and to the birth of Memorial Day. We do memory of our fellow countrymen in See MEMORIAL, page 6

Phantom News is an authorized electronic publication for MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno Phantom News welcomes columns, com- members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. James Hutton mentaries, articles and letters from our electronic publication are not necessarily the official views of MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric E. Parris readers. Send submissions or comments or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Hayes to [email protected]. Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the respon- Editor: Spc. Laura M. Bigenho The editorial staff reserves the right to edit sibility of the Public Affairs Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Staff: Staff Sgt. Jacob Boyer, Spc. D.A. Dickinson, Spc. Beatrice Florescu Vila-Verde, for security, accuracy, propriety, policy, Spc. Stephanie Homan, Sgt. Jess Kent, Sgt. Abel Trevino clarity and space. May 27, 2007 3 Sexual assault can happen to anyone Arm yourself with situational awareness Spc. Stephanie Homan MNC-I PAO

“It’s all about situational awareness,” said Lt. Col. Richard Cote, Vic- tory Base Complex provost marshal. “Avoid isolated places, be alert, have a buddy and trust your instincts.” The Army’s Equal Opportunity program defines sexual assault as intentional sexual contact, character- ized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, said Cote. “There are 50,000 people on VBC,” he said. “We have had only 11 re- ported incidents in the eight months we have been deployed here.” Even though there have not been a very high number of reports on VBC, units should never stop promoting awareness and prevention to troops and civilians, he said. “We provide all incoming units with information on sexual assault,” Cote said. “Any unit can request information for educational purposes at any time.” The provost marshal is just one of the programs that offer education and support to Soldiers regarding sexual assault. Promotion of awareness is something that everyone needs to keep in mind, said Sgt. 1st Class Alicia Rivera, Multi-National Corps-Iraq Hu- Photo illustration by Spc. Stephanie Homan man Relations and Equal Opportunity Sexual assualt can happen to anyone and it affects the Army as a whole. The key senior advisor. to prevention is situational awareness. Information on sexual assault can be “All leaders need to be aware of the obtained through the Provost Marshal’s Office and the Equal Opportunity Office. Sexual Assault Prevention and Re- The 24-hour sexual assault line is 0790-110-2360 (Iraqna). sponse Program and make sure their response counselors are involved in “Most people (who) are assaulted Soldiers are aware of the program,” this type of reporting. You get the help are assaulted by someone they know,” she said. “There is support out there you need without an investigation. Rivera said. “A majority — 60 to 80 for all victims of sexual assault.” “Unrestricted includes those four percent — of the cases are acquain- Soldiers have options. There are support groups, along with military tance-based.” two types of reporting to choose from, police and the chain of command,” Complacency also plays a role in Rivera said. They are restricted and Rivera said. “Because it is a criminal the occurrences of sexual assault and unrestricted. offense, MPs and chain of command should be avoided, said Rivera. “Restricted reporting is confiden- are obligated to start an investigation.” “We try to remind people to not tial and doesn’t initially include an Situational awareness and the get too comfortable,” she said. “When investigation,” she said. “Medical buddy system are two key ways to someone is sexually assaulted not only (personnel), chaplains, unit victim ad- prevent a sexual assault, said Cote and is the victim affected, but the Soldiers, vocates and deployable sexual assault Rivera. the unit, and the Army as a whole.” 4 May 27, 2007

Award-winning country music star Toby Keith is welcomed on the Camp Victory stage An audience of troops and civilians cheer and chant for Toby Keith as they wait by a crowd of screaming fans May 22. Keith, who is in his fifth year of touring the Middle for the concert to begin. Fans packed the Sports Oasis parking lot at Camp Vic- East, said he sets aside 17 days every spring to perform for troops serving overseas. tory May 22 where Keith went on to play several of his hit songs. Brought to you courtesy of the Red, White and Blue Toby Keith performs concert at VBC with a little less talk and a lot more action

An audience of troops and civilians cheer and chant for Toby Keith as they wait for the concert to begin. Fans packed the Sports Oasis parking lot at Camp Vic- tory May 22 where Keith went on to play several of his hit songs. Brought to you courtesy of the Red, White and Blue Toby Keith performs concert at VBC with a little less talk and a lot more action

Story, photos by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho “Get Drunk and Be Somebody.” He performed several affiliates himself with political parties as much as he 28th Public Affairs Detachment others including, “How Do You Like Me Now,” “I associates himself with being American. Ever since Love This Bar,” “High Maintenance Woman,” and “As events of Sept. 11, 2001, Keith decided it wasn’t about The atmosphere outside the Sports Oasis Dining Good As I Once Was,” which he jokingly dedicated to politics. Facility resembled that of a sold-out concert venue senior officers. “I’m here to support America and I’m here to sup- May 22 as troops and civilians packed the parking lot. For Spc. Joseph Crabtree, light-wheel vehicle me- port the Armed Forces,” Keith said. “Politically, I’m Triple-digit temperatures and threats of indirect fire chanic, 318th Psychological Operation Battalion, this not educated enough on the issues to know why we didn’t keep hundreds of country music fans and curi- was his first time seeing Keith live. came here (to Iraq), but it doesn’t matter to me. I go ous spectators from venturing out to see one of coun- “His concert was great. I love all his music,” Crab- wherever American military families and troops are to try music’s biggest stars. tree said. “I wanted to see him back in the States, but I try and give something back to them.” Award-winning country music artist Toby Keith missed his concert back home.” Keith showed utmost support for the troops when made his way to Camp Victory, courtesy of the USO Longtime fan Spc. Dawn Kertz saw Keith perform at he sang “American Soldier” to an audience that and MWR. Keith is no stranger to Iraq. He and his Camp Victory in 2005. The product approval specialist quickly went from being loud and enthusiastic to calm band set aside 17 days every spring to entertain troops with Task Force 10 said she loves that he supports the and tearful. serving in the Middle East. troops. Keith said he wrote the song for troops, and like For Keith, performing for deployed troops has be- “He’s very patriotic, and that’s what I love,” Kertz many troops, the song had special meaning to Crab- come a tradition. said. “He stands behind us even when (others do not).” tree. “Every plane we get on, we buckle a box down in Keith said he got his patriotic roots from his father, “‘American Soldier’” was something (Keith) had the middle and we play spades while keeping score who lost his right eye while serving in the Army dur- to think about and put forth a lot of effort. He made it on a tour book, then we keep the books as souvenirs,” ing the 1950s. His father flew the American flag 365 very personal,” Crabtree said. Keith said. “We have kind of a brotherhood thing go- days a year, and although he seldom let anyone else in Immediately after closing out the concert with ing. We’re setting some traditions that we really look their house, he always invited people who were solicit- “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” Keith repeat- forward to each year.” ing on behalf of organizations that supported veterans. edly saluted the troops. More than that, Keith said performing is one way of “Everybody who wears the uniform is a warrior “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every thanking the troops. for me,” Keith said. “My family gets to lay their head one of you for my freedom and for putting your life on “My way of serving my country is for me to come down every night and sleep in Disneyland because of the line for me,” Keith said. “American troops should over here and support the troops.” what you do.” never have to think for one second America as a whole Toby Keith performs “As Good As I Once Was” during a concert at the Camp Vic- tory stage May 22. Keith said he has been patriotic due to his father’s upbringing, Keith gave back as he took the stage with his hit, Once a die-hard Democrat, Keith said he no longer is not behind them.” but he grew even more passionate about America since the events of 9-11. 6 May 27, 2007 Service honors Asian-American culture Story, photos by Spc. D. A. Dickinson Asian-Pacific region have enriched 28th Public Affairs Detachment America,” Bush said. “The entrepre- neurship and innovation of Asian-Pa- Camp Victory residents gathered cific Americans have strengthened our at Al Faw Palace to celebrate Asian- economy. Asian-Pacific Americans en- American culture and contributions rich our Nation with their strong val- May 18. ues of love of family and community. The festival was sponsored by Multi- Many Asian-Pacific Americans are National Corps-Iraq and the 504th Mil- serving the cause of freedom and peace itary Intelligence Brigade. throughout the world, and our Nation The evening featured Polynesian is grateful for their service. These good dancing, martial arts demonstrations men and women defend our safety and and speeches by keynote speakers. contribute to the character and great- The celebration was followed by an ness of America.” Asian-style dinner. While the celebration focused on May was officially declared Asian- Asian-American contributions, guest Pacific Heritage Month in a proclama- speaker Lt. Cmdr. John Lo, Multi-Na- tion authorized by President George tional Forces-Iraq treasury budget ana- W. Bush April 26. lyst and resource management liaison “The millions of Americans who to the office of the treasury attaché, em- trace their origins to nations in the phasized diversity of all kinds as being the cornerstone of America’s strength. “We, as Americans, are a constant source of amazement to the rest of the world because of our diversity,” Lo said. Lo said that amazement is not only Spc. Starlet Bowlin, an orderly and due to our ability to get along in spite training NCO with Company C, 86th of our differences, but to thrive because Signal Battalion, performs a kata during a martial arts demonstraion. of them. “We not only co-exist, but we excel,” every major war America has fought,” he said. he said. Brig. Gen. Joseph Anderson, MNC-I Diversity was a theme that echoed chief of staff, said military leaders must in the presentations of groups that per- surround themselves with diversity. formed at the ceremony. “As leaders, we must surround our- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lalia selves with people of various ethnici- Gonzalez, a personnel specialist with ties,” Anderson said. the Navy Detachment Center of MNC- Anderson also highlighted the ex- I, participated in Polynesian dancing. Tech Sgt. Alisha Rowland, a budget NCO with Headquarters Squadron, emplary military service of Asian- “This has a lot more people,” Gon- Multi-National Corps-Iraq, performs a Americans. zalez said. “They’re from different na- Polynesian dance. “Asian-Americans have fought in tions, not just the United States.”

MEMORIAL, from page 2 burial grounds on foreign soil. Presently there are 124,913 U.S. war dead interred at these cemeteries, 30,921 of World sadness of war, whether recently or long ago, can know War I, 93,242 of World War II and 750 of the Mexican War. this: The person they love and missed is honored and re- Additionally, 6,149 American veterans and others are in- membered by the United States of America.” terred in the Mexico City and Corozal American Cemeter- This Memorial Day we will again plant flags at grave ies, (Panama City, Panama).” sites around the world, recognizing American service From the Revolutionary War to the present Global War members who made the ultimate sacrifice. To those lost at on Terrorism, we will give honor and remembrance to our sea and those who are still missing in action, we remember fallen heroes. you also. To their families, we can only say thank you and we The American Battlement Monuments Commission “ad- shall never forget their sacrifice and service. ministers, operates, and maintains 24 permanent American God bless the United States of America. Community May 27, 2007 7

Announcements Operating Hours Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. ATA Baghdad Spiritual growth Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner 5 - 8 p.m. The American Tae Kwon Do Association If you are new to the family of God, join Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. class has new hours. Classes are at Victory others in taking first steps toward spiritual Sports Oasis Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Gym on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur- growth. Classes are held every Friday at 7 Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner 5 - 9 p.m. days from 5-6 p.m. Beginners are welcome. p.m. in the Mini-Chapel. Contact Sgt. 1st Education Center Class Patrick Purifoy at 822-4882 or patrick. Open 24 Hours Camp Liberty Post Exchange AF Memorial Day gathering [email protected] for more details. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fitness Center The Air Force is hosting a Memorial Day Open 24 Hours gathering and celebration at the AF house Qatar restrictions MNC-I STB Mailroom 9 a.m. - noon Monday from 7-9 p.m. Bring flags to be When traveling to Qatar for R&R or pass, 4 - 6 p.m. Golby Troop Medical Clinic flown atop the AF House. Certificates will service members cannot have any knife or Sick Call be provided. Call Master Sgt. Dennis Nich- blade exceeding two inches. Travelers who Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon ols at 446-2362 for more information. have them must sign them into the Arms Dental Sick Call Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Room. The device will be returned to the Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. OCS/OTS Grads service member upon return to theater. Mental Health Clinic Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There will be an OCS/OTS reunion for Saturday 9 a.m. - noon Mandatory briefing Post-Deployment Health Briefings graduates from all branches July 7 at 7 p.m. Monday, Wdenesday and Friday 1 p.m. at Al Faw Palace. Cost is $15. Volunteers are All VBC tenants going on R&R must at- Pharmacy Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; needed to help with preparations. Those in- tend an R&R Reunion and Suicide briefing 1 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon terested should e-mail Capt. Ahmad Perry prior to leaving. Briefings are held at Victory Personnel Service Support Centers at [email protected]. Chapel, Mondays at 3 p.m., Wednesdays at Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. ID Cards Sharepoint training Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sharepoint TIER Level Two hands-on Chirunning training occurs every Sunday from 1:30— Chirunning, a revolutionary approach to Worship Hours 5:30 p.m. in Building 88A, T-1 Trailer. Be running, will be taught Tuesdays at 4 p.m. sure to submit your letter of appointment to in the Mayor’s Cell conference room. Visit Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31) Sunday David Archer prior to arriving at class. www.chirunning.com for more details. 7 a.m...... Collective Protestant 8:45 a.m...... Collective Protestant 10 a.m...... Catholic Confession 10:30 a.m...... Catholic Mass noon...... Gospel Protestant REWARD 2 p.m...... Latter Day Saints 4 p.m...... Episcopal/Lutheran The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command is offering a $15,000 reward for in- 6:30 p.m...... Contemporary Protestant Saturday formation leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of the individual 11 a.m...... Seventh Day Adventist responsible for the rape of a U.S. Soldier, which took place in a female latrine on Camp 8 p.m...... Catholic Mass Striker. The incident occured at approximately 3:10 a.m. on April 17. Efforts are underway Mini Chapel (Bldg. 24F) Sunday to locate, identify and apprehend the male responsible for the assault. Information con- 9:30 a.m...... Breaking of Bread 3 p.m...... Church of Christ cerning this incident may be provided to the Camp Slayer CID at 318-835-1452/1453. 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints 8 p.m...... Knights of Columbus (1st & 3rd Sundays) Monday-Friday Bible Studies on Victory 11:30 p.m...... Daily Mass Friday Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 6:30 p.m...... Jewish Service Warrior Chapel (Camp Liberty) Friday Women’s Smoke & Joe Prayer Spanish Women’s Seventh-Day Men of the 6:30 p.m...... Wiccan/Pagan “Breaking Bible Study Breakfast Bible Study Fellowship Adventist Bible Study Free” 12 p.m. 6 a.m. 7 p.m. 8 p.m. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Victory NBA Room, Mini Chapel Mini Chapel Victory MLB Room, AFN Mini Chapel Chapel Porch Oasis DFAC Chapel Oasis DFAC Freedom Radio

Al Asad...... 107.3 Kirkush...... 107.3 Ali Base...... 107.3 Mosul...... 105.1 Ar Ramadi.. 107.3 Q-West...... 93.3 Do you have an announcement about an event of interest to the Camp Victory Baghdad..... 107.3 Taji...... 107.3 community? Contact Spc. Laura M. Bigenho at [email protected] with Balad...... 107.3 Tal Afar...... 107.3 the information. Information for community announcements needs to submitted at Fallujah...... 105.1 Taqqadum... 107.3 Kirkuk...... 107.3 Tikrit...... 100.1 least two weeks prior to the event to allow for timely publication. All stations are FM 8 May 27, 2007 Sports & Fitness US, Iraqis show off soccer skills Tied 4-4, both sides had bragging rights at end of game Story, photo by Spc. Kimberly Millett 89th Military Police Brigade

On one side of the court, Soldiers in mismatched PT uniforms stretched out and discussed game strategy. On the other, Iraqi policemen in bright green jerseys from the Central Maintenance Facility warmed up. Both groups eyed each other curiously. Under blazing triple-digit temperatures, Soldiers from Victory Base faced off against IPs May 20 at noon at the soccer court outside the Camp Victory PX in a soccer game for fun and bragging rights that were not to be, as the teams tied 4-4. The idea for the competition origi- nated during a visit to the Central Midfielder Christopher Christian steals the ball away from an Iraqi policeman Maintenance Facility by Col. Mike during the soccer match between U.S. troops and Iraqi police on May 20. Galloucis, 89th Military Police Brigade commander, said Col. Abbas Psil Su- a goal and continued to extend their made blind passes just because they sain, CMF commander. While Gallou- lead to 3-1 with aggressive offensive knew where their teammate was going cis was in his office, he saw the National playing and elaborate footwork. The to be.” Reconciliation Tournament first-place Iraqis seemed to be running circles “They were quick and played well trophy the CMF team had won. Gal- around the Americans. together as a team,” Richards said. loucis suggested the two teams play on However, partway into the second “They brought the game and we had to Victory and they accepted his invita- half, John DeAlmeida went back in on match their style. I think we did, espe- tion, Susain said. offense after being red-carded out and cially in the second half of the game.” “Sports bring out the best in peo- gave the team new energy taking sev- The tied game helped participants ple,” Galloucis said as he addressed eral serious shots at the goal. appreciate the significance of the the players before the game. “Today Sharil Richards, 15th Finance Battal- event. we compete head to head against each ion, scored two goals to tie the game. “Nobody got bragging rights be- other. After this is over, we fight as one Timothy Snyder, goalie, 144 Infantry cause we tied,” said Rose. “It was about team against terrorists.” Police Transition Team, blocked a pen- sportsmanship.” The game started off with a light- alty kick within the box, one of many “The closer you can get to another hearted atmosphere. Soldiers perched saves. group of people the better you are,” atop humvees, bleachers and folding DeAlmeida, 57th Military Police said Galloucis. “What we’re trying to chairs just outside the fence to watch Company, 92nd Military Police Bat- do here is forge teamwork. We work the game. One U.S. player stumbled talion, scored from the right side to re- with these people every day, but at the into the opposing team’s bench, land- claim the lead. same time we probably don’t have a ing on their laps during a play, causing Just before the final whistle, the Iraqi full appreciation for their culture and a chuckle throughout the crowd. team scored to tie the game 4-4. conversely the same is true.” About 15 minutes into the game, at- “It was a tough game,” DeAlmeida “Soccer is a way of bringing us to- tacking midfielder Christopher Chris- said. “It was a good challenge for both gether so we can see more of the com- tian, Headquarters and Headquarters teams.” monalities we share than the differenc- Company, 89th MP Bde., tapped the “You could tell they had more time es,” Galloucis added. ball in off a corner kick for the first to play together compared to us,” said A rematch could be in the future. Su- goal. Not to be outdone, the Iraqi team Neville Rose, left midfielder, Special sain asked Galloucis to bring his team upped the pace of the game, dominat- Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Divi- to play on Susain’s field at the Police ing the rest of the first half. They scored sion. “They had more cohesion. They Sport Club.