Volume 1, Issue 104 July 5, 2010

Independence Run

Photo by Sgt. Chad Nelson, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Marne Commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, TF Marne command sergeant major lead the task force in a Worth Fighting For Independence Day Run, July 3, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. The run was held to celebrate American independence and as a chance to show camaraderie among units on Speicher.

Scholarship program allows Soldiers to live up to dreams By Sgt. Johnathon Jobson TF Marne PAO three or four years of college awards and action noncom- a new contract for the time to attain their bachelor’s de- missioned officer with the they will spend in ROTC. Each year com- gree as part of the school’s 3rd Division G-1, of When they receive their com- manders are given the op- Reserve Officers’ Training Thomasville, Ga. mission they have the option portunity to send phenom- Corps, known as ROTC, to “They have to have a high to stay in the Army Reserve enal Soldiers to college and receive their commission as score on the Army physical or return to active duty.” then back to Army forma- a upon fitness test, an A average in Sergeant DeAndre Hub- tions to be leaders by giv- graduation. school. They only take the bard, a human resource ing them the Commanding “To receive the CG’s Hip best Soldiers and NCOs to management sergeant with General’s Green to Gold Hip Pocket Green to Gold Schol- become officers. Once the the 3rd Combat Aviation Pocket Scholarship. arship, Soldiers must be the Soldier receives the Scholar- , 3rd ID, was one of This program allows cho- best at everything they do,” ship, they are released from sen Soldiers to complete two, said Sgt. Tracey Masdeu, an active duty and have to sign See ROTC, Page 3 The North Star Page 2 • July 5, 2010 Hometown heroes media plan culminates on FOX By Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs TF Marne PAO NCOIC The graphic first started out as a blank map, but weekly it started to fill up with red dots. Those dots represent- ed people throughout the learning about the lives, experiences and goals of Task Force Marne service- members and civilians. “My Marne Hometown Hero” pro- gram kicked off May 15. The goal was for the Task Force Marne Public Affairs Office to facilitate 50 interviews in 50 days. On Independence Day, the program was at day 49, and culminated with Task Force Marne being recognized on Fox and Friends for its success of tell- ing the Soldiers’ stories. “We conducted 78 interviews in

48 states,” said the Task Force Marne Photo by Sgt. Johnathon Jobson, TF Marne PAO Commander, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, (Right) Task Force Marne Commander Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse An- during the interview. “The whole pur- drews, TF Marne command sergeant major, along with 13 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines pose was to hit the local media with sto- and civilians conduct an interview with Fox and Friends, July 4, at COB Speicher. ries of their hometown heroes because town newspaper. The focus was mainly Skype interviews. we want to tell the story at the local about her experiences in and what Corporal Virginia Ryan, a Jenna, level, where we know it will be received she misses about home. La., native was interviewed by a Task in a great way.” Staff Sergeant Magel said she felt Force Marne broadcaster. The video Major General Cucolo and Com- proud to say that she is part of the mis- footage was then downloaded and run mand Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, the task sion to improve life for Iraqis. “We’re by an Alexandria, La., TV station. force command sergeant major spoke here to support the Iraqis the best way “I’m the only Marine with the task to Fox’s audience of a potential one we can, and the paper did a good job force, and it was an honor to represent million viewers at the Contingency Op- explaining that,” she added. the Marine Corps during this program,” erating Base Speicher Soccer Stadium. This venture proved to Staff Sgt. Cpl. Ryan said. Standing behind them during the seg- Magel that she can handle talking to “I’ve learned that I have more con- ment was 13 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, the media, and she said it was fun be- fidence from this experience and from Marines and civilians who participated ing on TV during the Fox and Friends being here, and it’s because my section in the program. interview. and the Army encourages me to do a There were TV, newspaper and ra- In addition to the Public Affairs Of- good job.” dio interviews conducted during that fice coordinating the interviews, the By close of business, July 5, the pro- 50-day period. Staff Sergeant Amber staff also submitted photos of the Sol- gram will end with a New Jersey resi- Magel, an administrative law noncom- diers to newspapers, facilitated the dent’s story being told. In the end 80 missioned officer in charge, was high- video link up with TV news stations, Task Force Marne Heroes stories were lighted in her Winchester, Va., home- and through new technology, set up the told in 49 states. You are invited Vertical Horizon Tops in Blue Ja Rule Sergeant Audie Where: FOB Marez Where: FOB Marez Where: FOB Warrior Murphy Club When: July 5 When: July 8 When: July 19 Induction Ceremony Where: FOB Warrior Where: FOB Warrior Where: COB Speicher Where: North MWR, COB When: July 6 When: July 9 When: July 20 Speicher Where: July 7, Where: COB Speicher When: July 22, 11:30 a.m. South Speicher, When: July 10 When: July 7 The North Star Page 3 • July 5, 2010 Soldiers reflect on freedom, Independence Day By Sgt. Shantelle Campbell said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. 4IBCT, 1st Inf. Div. PAO McCoy, the top noncommissioned offi- cer of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Freedom. A liberty that is so Team, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort deeply reflected and described in the Riley, Kan. Bill of Rights of our U.S. Constitution “That’s what we do in the military. is the root of what grew to become the We sacrifice a lot of our own freedoms Declaration of Independence, some to provide [and protect] the freedom of 234 years ago. others and [our country].” Like love, freedom is both tangible While many look forward to the and intangible, and at times, very Fourth of July for the numerous fire- measured. work displays and extended weekends, It can be taken away as well as it Capt. Simon Welte, the commander of can be given but - all the more reason Battery B, 2nd , 32nd Field Americans’ independence will always Artillery Regiment, said that it’s also be worth fighting for. important to remember the basis of the Since the American Revolutionary holiday – commemorating America’s War, men and women have fought to freedom. attain and preserve what President “I think that the Fourth of July is Thomas Jefferson described in the one of the greatest holidays that the Declaration of Independence as our United States of America has,” said the Courtesy Photo “unalienable rights … life, liberty and Augusta, Ky., native. What’s worth fighting for? the pursuit of happiness.” “It’s not only a time [for celebra- Katie Allen, the wife of “History shows that [many] sac- tion], but it’s also a time to be thankful Maj. Jeff Allen says: rificed their lives and some of their for the ones who have given their lives Family is worth fighting for. freedoms for other people’s freedoms,” for the freedoms that we have.” Continued from ROTC, Page 1 five Soldiers from the divi- as a student, but also be an education,” Sgt. Hubbard store for me,” explained Sgt. sion to receive a scholarship invaluable contributor to the said. Hubbard. “One of my goals through the CG’s Green to ROTC program; bringing “I finished fifteen semes- as an adolescent was to be Gold Hip Pocket scholarship priceless ‘real-world’ active ter hours of college course the first of my siblings to program. duty experience to the stu- work, to include working out graduate from college with a Sergeant Hubbard, a Del- dent body. in the gym, and developing bachelor’s degree. The CG’s hi, La., native, looks forward “With that said, upon my junior Soldiers to be- Green to Gold Hip Pocket to attending Columbia Col- graduating I would love to come future leaders.” Scholarship has given me lege in Missouri this fall and come back and serve with Even though he is work- that opportunity to accom- is honored to receive such a my Dog Face Soldiers.” ing towards a degree in plish that dream. My future life changing award. Currently deployed to Ba- criminal justice, Sgt. Hub- goal is to become an Officer “First and foremost, gram, , with the bard plans to be an officer in in the having the chance to serve 3rd CAB in support of Op- the infantry branch upon re- and continue to serve the within the Marne Division eration Enduring Freedom, ceiving his commission say- people of the United States is just an honor,” said Sgt. Sgt. Hubbard has also been ing, it will assist him with his of America.” Hubbard. “However, being deployed once to Kuwait in leadership skills, which will The 3rd Infantry Division selected by the CG for this support of Operation Iraqi follow him to any branch Commanding General Maj. magnificent opportunity Freedom since he enlisted in that he may to transfer to in Gen. Tony Cucolo awarded such as the Green to Gold November 2005. the future. the fiscal year 2010 scholar- Scholarship Program is just Sergeant Hubbard’s ac- For Sgt. Hubbard, receiv- ships to: a dream come true. ceptance in the Green to ing the scholarship is a way Sergeant 1st Class Casey “It has already impacted Gold Program is not the be- to fulfill both childhood and Gregg, Division Special my career in many aspects. I ginning of his college career. future goals and live up to Troops Battalion; Sgt DeAn- will continue to give the ut- Continuing his education what his grandfather told dre Hubbard, 3rd CAB; Sgt. most professionalism, matu- has been one of the ways he him as a child. Jeffrey Bush, 2nd Heavy Bri- rity, tenacity and aptitude to has passed the time while in “As a child, my grandfa- gade Combat Team; Spc. Eric truly excel in every capacity. Afghanistan. ther always told me, I was a Talavera, 3rd CAB; and Spc. I’m not only confident that I “During this deployment, “special” kid in his eyes and Shane Mummert, 1st Heavy will perform above reproach I’ve continued to further my God had something great in Brigade Combat Team. The North Star Page 4 • July 5, 2010 Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Specialist Gretchen Rofkar, of Port Clinton, Ohio, is with the 18th Human Resources , 3rd Sustainment Brigade. She works as a Personnel Accountability Team specialist for the Joint Base Balad passenger terminal. She provides accountability for transient personnel at JBB, including reception, replacement, return-to-duty, rest and recuperation leave, and redeployment. Specialist Rofkar exemplifies selfless service and has shown great motivation throughout her tour. She always takes the initiative to ensure that all R&R personnel entering and departing JBB are properly briefed and manifested for their flights. Specialist Rofkar constantly coordinates with the Air Force and K.B.R. to ensure all passengers are accommodated during the frequent weather de- lays or in the case of maintenance cancellations. During the month of May, she helped process more than 31,605 passengers and her willing attitude makes her an outstanding choice for today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carl Smith, of New Orleans, is with 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. His skill and continued hard work with the video feed systems for the CAB Hunter directly increased the overall success of the unmanned aerial surveillance mission in Task Force Marne. Specifically, CW2 Smith’s coordination and employment of the Hunter unmanned aerial vehicle, allowed for rapid surveillance of troops recently involved in a vehicle borne improvised explosive device attack. His efforts have led directly to effective employment, intelligence for follow-on missions, and evidence against captured enemy personnel. Additionally, he flew the CAB Hunter and managed the UAS Troop’s computer/automation program. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Smith’s dedication and commitment to excellence set the example for his peers and Soldiers to emulate and make him an obvious choice as today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

On this day, July 5, in history ... www.history.com 1775 - Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition, which appealed directly to King George III to attempt reconcilia- tion with Great Britain.

1861 - The first major battle between the North and the South occurred at Carthage, Missouri. Both sides declared victory after the outnumbered north withdrew.

1865 - William and Catherine Booth established what would eventually become the Salvation Army, in London.

1921 - The Chicago White sox went on trial, accused of throwing the 1919 World Series.

1940 - Congress passed the Export Control Act, forbidding the exporting of aircraft parts, chemicals and other goods without a license, as a response to Japan’s occupation of the Indo-Chinese coast.

1959 - American visitors to the Soviet National Exhibition in City expressed very strong anti-Soviet views in the guestbooks to the exhibition. The comments went against the exhibition’s purpose of bringing more cultural understanding between the two nations.

1975 - Arthur Ashe became the first African-American man to win Wimbledon, the most coveted tennis championship. The North Star Page 5 • July 5, 2010 Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s

Window installer stuck on top TV helicopter showed a firefighter despite their increasing obsolescence of Atlanta tower descending from the building’s roof in the face of the Internet and other Atlanta Journal-Constitution down to the basket, attaching himself easy-to-access directories. to the men and hoisting them up, one City Councilman Mike O’Brien Atlanta - Two window installers at a time. The firefighter was Justin wants to stop the distribution of who dangled at the top of Atlanta’s Hodges of company 14, Bundrige said. unwanted phone books. tallest building until their rescue June The operation temporarily closed “Residents pick up a stack of phone 28 afternoon didn’t think it was a big Peachtree Street at the intersection books and immediately drop it in the deal. with North Avenue and captured the garbage or recycling, and we have One of them, William Miller, attention of nearby residents. to pay to dispose of that,” O’Brien later recalled how he reacted when Tracy Morgan, who lives in a says. “We estimate the costs at about a firefighter referred to him as a building on Piedmont Avenue, $200,000 a year.” “victim” after he was plucked from a spied the action through a pair of O’Brien may push for a measure basket hanging outside the 47th floor binoculars. She saw a man who requiring phone book publishers to of the Bank of America tower. seemed to be casually talking on his pay for the disposal costs, or provide a “Whoa, whoa,” Miller interjected. “I’m cellphone and waving to people below. better opt-out system. not a victim.” People in those jobs are probably The Yellow Pages Association says Miller and Paul Barker had comfortable with heights, Morgan it does have a website where you can installed a window on the 23rd floor said. opt out for free, but the complaint has of the 55-story tower and were raising “If you’re panicking,” she said, “it’s been it doesn’t really work. their platform to the top when the probably not the job for you.” You have to enter your zip code motor malfunctioned, Capt. Jolyon and then contact by phone or another Bundrige of the Atlanta Department of Washington residents start website each of the companies sending Fire and Rescue told the AJC. phone book rebellion you yellow pages. That was just before 1 p.m. During O’Brien says he went through the Seattlepi.com the nearly two hours until their opt-out process two months ago, but rescue, the Atlanta Contract Glazing SEATTLE -David Abad spent part “[June 26], I was sitting in my window employees said in an interview of his Monday afternoon dropping off and here comes the Dex guy and afterward, they passed the time a load of phone books at Seattle City dropped off a bag of phone books for chatting on cellphones, taking pictures Hall to make a point. me.” and enjoying the view. Miller, who “I think it’s a waste,” he said. “I The city has received a bid from e-mailed photos of his predicament to haven’t used a phone book since the CatalogChoice, a nonprofit group his girlfriend, said it was all part of a ‘80s, honestly.” that lets users opt out of various day’s work and no big deal. He says no one who lives in his 45- direct mail services and phone book But Atlanta firefighters took unit building in Capitol Hill wanted deliveries. Executive Director Chuck it seriously. Bundrige said his the phone books. They never asked for Teller says the bid was $10,000 each department dispatched 58 rescuers them, and they don’t want them again, year for three years. and 13 vehicles to ensure their safety. he said. The company would build a website The extraction began after 2 But the pile of phone books has for Seattle residents and track the p.m. Video footage from a WSB- been an annual rite of summer, “opt-out” requests for use by the city.

THE TASK FORCE MARNE Commanding General - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo North Star Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. The North Star is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff Army. Contents of The North Star are not TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Defense, Department of the Army or the TF Marne Writer- Sgt. Johnathon Jobson 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content of The North Star is prepared, edited, Editorial Staff provided and approved by the Task Force Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Marne Public Affairs Office. Editor- Spc. Michael Adams Assistant Editor - Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence Trowbridge 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division 2nd Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 135th Mobile Public 3rd Infantry Division 1st Armored Division Affairs Detachment