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APRILANAC 25, 2007 PROUDLYNDA SERVING TIMES LSA ANACONDA Combat Cohesion It’s a makeover Soldiers work together to LSAA engineers complete the mission remodel bridge Page 10 Page 8,9 Vol. 4, Issue 16 New rules about right shoulder by J.D. Leipold What’s in your skillet? Army News Service “Our team put a lot of practice in. We just came out and WASHINGTON – The Army has changed its policy on the wear of combat patches as a result of the way did it. We didn’t want to accept anything less than that.” Soldiers and their units now deploy. Since 1945 the intent behind the wear of the combat - Spc. Thomas R. Reifinger patch, known as the “shoulder sleeve insignia-former See Page 16 wartime service,” was to recognize Soldiers’ participa- tion in combat operations. However, this only applied to Soldiers who were serving with such large echelon deployed units as separate brigades, divisions, corps, Army commands or higher. “Soldiers deploy differently now, at smaller echelon levels such as companies, battalions, combat brigade teams and as individual augmentees in support of larg- er echelon units,” said Sgt. Maj. Katrina Easley, branch chief for uniform policy at Army G-1. “At those levels they weren’t authorized to wear their unit patch as a combat patch.” Once Soldiers report to their first units, they wear their command’s patch on their left sleeves. When de- ployed to a designated combat zone, Soldiers may also wear the company-level or higher patch that they serve with on their right sleeves. In the past, confusion resulted over which combat patch should be worn by Soldiers who were cross-lev- eled, assigned, attached or serving as augmentees to deployed units. This also affected Soldiers under tem- porary duty orders in a combat zone. The new guidance states that when echelons below company level deploy, Soldiers in those units may now wear the combat patch of the lowest-echelon command they deploy with, as long as it’s at company level or higher. The new implementing instructions to Army Regu- lation 670-1 became effective March 28 and are not retroactive. As before, Soldiers who have earned multiple com- Photo by Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown bat patches may choose which patch to wear. Soldiers Spc. Marqus Reed, left, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Corps Material Management Company, and Sgt. Jason C. Dyer of Seneca, S.C., a food service may also elect not to wear a combat patch. specialist with the 324th Signal Battalion are members of the green team, who represented Dining Facility 3, prep vegetables for one of their team’s dishes during the first ever Iron Chef competition on LSA Anaconda. “I will never leave a fallen comrade.” I am Sgt. DeAnna L. Kennebeck, from Wabasha, Minn. Co. B, 1-34 BTB >> JDOC Information Systems Analyst PAGE 2 Anaconda Times APRIL 25, 2007 Col. David A. Lowe What our leaders think: 13th SC (E) Assistant Chief of Staff G9, Civil Military Operations Officer (The Anaconda Times Staff will provide the national leader of Iraqi Clans and its readers weekly interviews with Aside from the obvious dangers Tribes. With the influence that he has in experienced officers and sergeants major of combat, what are the biggest the area, we have been able to make great to explain their role within the senior challenges you face in terms of strides in the feelings that the locals have logistics headquarters in Iraq.) achieving your mission? about the CF.

Col. David A. Lowe is the Civil- It goes along with the above question. Military Operations Officer for the 13th The biggest challenge is to find avenues How would you rate the overall Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to impact the population when you morale of Soldiers in Iraq? A resident of Amarilllo, Texas, he serves don’t have any resources (money or as the command’s principal interface people) to make tangible differences. I rate Soldier morale very high. I believe with the Iraqi population around LSA most believe in the mission that is being Anaconda and advises subordinate units performed here in Iraq. in how to effectively interact with Iraqi How much coordination goes citizens. into delivering donations from U.S. citizens/groups? What is your job with the 13th Are you seeing that all the brigades The coordination involved is making are performing the same type of SC (E)? contact with the groups back in the states, CMO missions or, are there different I am the Assistant Chief of Staff G9, but also once the donations are here, the needs in the different areas under Civil Military Operations. cataloging all the items and then letting your command? the MND’s know what is available and How do you measure winning then coordinating the shipping of the I see different CMO missions depending the hearts and minds of the items to the different units. Units also on the area they are located in. For come by our location to pick up items example, the 1/34 Brigade Combat Team Iraqi people? for distribution. The largest donating has concentrated heavily in agricultural Winning the hearts and minds is measured organization right now is Operation Iraqi projects where the 164th Area Support mainly through their cooperation with Children, founded by Gary Sinise and Group performed a goodwill project by the coalition and if they want to invite At left, Col. David A Lowe, Civil Military Operations Officer for the 13th Sustainment Command Laura Hillenbrand. Gary is a movie star planting olive trees here on Anaconda, the CF to their different activities. It’s (Expeditionary) meets with a sheik to discuss future missions with the help of a translator. Lt. Dan in “Forrest Gump” and Laura is to the 45th Support Brigade working on when they see that we do care what the author of Seabiscuit. Through their water distribution to a nearby village. happens to them and that we are here to efforts, over 20,000 school kits have help them have a better life. been distributed, impacting 50,000 Iraqi Bazaar here on Anaconda has helped. Yes, since the Sustainment Command school children. Assisting local companies to get has no battle space or Commanders Now that we are in the midst of the themselves recognized so they can bid Emergency Response Program funds, we surge, have some CMO missions What CMO missions do you for contracts is another caritical mission. have to be very creative in how to make an perform that are crucial to the been scratched/added? impact where the maneuver commanders What has been your greatest Iraqi people? have CERP funds allocated along with Are CMO missions handled success while deployed? We are trying to maintain the same tempo In this area the CMO effort is to provide Civil Affairs teams and therefore they in the CMO projects, but based on the differently in the Sustainment are able to go out and do actual projects an economic impact. There is a large Command as opposed to My greatest success was developing a capability of incoming units, we have to unemployment population in and around like improve schools, rebuild medical relationship with one of the Sheiks here complete the projects and let them start LSA Anaconda. Opening the Iraqi combat divisions? clinics, provide a fresh water supply, etc. who we call the Sheik of Sheiks. He is their own based on their own capability.

Chef were ready for anything. participants. “These Soldiers dining facility was transformed Continued from page 16 “Our team put a lot of trained for this competition from a wartime military chow improvisation came in. practice in,” Reifinger said. “We while pulling guard and other hall into a five-star kitchen. “We did a lot of research,” just came out and did it. We duties, but still found time to The six winners were each said Spc. Thomas R. Reifinger didn’t want to accept anything practice.” presented with a trophy, medal, of Monroe, Conn., a food less than that.” As time ran out and the certificate, and coin. Howard service specialist with the 92nd As the cooking went on, team’s five courses were each said the equipment used for Engineer Battalion, whose team judges and onlookers circled brought before the judges, dining this competition will be saved won the competition. “We took the room to watch the cooks facility two’s entries displayed a and passed onto the unit’s what we had and tried to give it in action. Judges watched style reminiscent of a gourmet replacements, so a similar a culinary aspect.” carefully, observing sanitation restaurant. contest can be held next year. Reifinger said his team and teamwork. Artfully stacked entrees “In a combat environment, practiced in Dining Facility 2 “For the most part I’m pretty of pork charcuterie, Peruvian food service personnel don’t after work hours to prepare for impressed,” said Command potatoes, and delicately thin always get to use their skills in the competition. He said they Sgt. Maj. Earlene Lavender of crepes were among the items on this way,” Howard said. “This Photo by Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown focused on cooking a variety of the 22nd Personnel Services the winning menu. And through kind of competition encourages Cooks display their best dishes during the Iron Chef competition, April 14 at Oasis Dining Facility 1. meals in under an hour, so they Battalion, as she observed that culinary expertise, The Oasis growth.”

13th SC(E) Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Terry

ANACONDA TIMESChief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press Center Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the Maj. Jay Adams Staff Writers Spc. Kyndal Hernandez 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for the LSA [email protected] Staff Sgt. Felix Figueroa [email protected] Anaconda community. The contents of the Anaconda Times 210th MPAD Commander [email protected] Pfc. Robert H. Baumgartner are unofficial and are not to be considered the official views Maj. Kirk R. Slaughter Staff Sgt. Angela Archie [email protected] of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, including the [email protected] [email protected] Department of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Print OIC Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte Anaconda Times is a command information newspaper Capt. Perry Jarmon [email protected] Contributing Public Affairs Offices [email protected] Sgt. Joel F. Gibson in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. 332 Air Expeditionary Wing Managing Editor [email protected] Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars and 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell Sgt. Kevin McSwain 402nd Army Field Support Brigade Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000 papers. [email protected] [email protected] 411 Engineer Brigade The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. in Editor Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown 164th Corps Support Group building 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda Times, HHC Sgt. KaRonda Fleming [email protected] 657th Area Support Group 13th SC(E), APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net [email protected] Spc. Karly Cooper 1/34 Brigade Combat Team Contact SFC Mark Bell at:[email protected]. Copy Editor [email protected] 45th Sustainment Brigade 82nd Sustainment Brigade centcom.mil Spc. Amanda Solitario [email protected] 593rd Corps Support Group 15th Sustainment Brigade APRIL 25, 2007 Anaconda Times PAGE 3 On the move: MCTs merge with shipping yards to better service Soldiers by Spc. Amanda Solitario accountability, but it can be difficult Anaconda Times Staff with the high volume of cargo pushing through the base, he said. LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - From its point Because the MCTs were not located of origin to final destination, cargo is in the yards, trucks would pull in and the carefully tracked by Movement Control MCTs did not have immediate visibility, Teams as it makes its way around Iraq. Peterson said. To ease that process here, the Those who suffered were the Soldiers, MCTs are doing a little bit of merging since the equipment they were waiting which could provide big results for the for was sitting in the shipping yard. servicemember. Peterson said, to combat the problem, In order to minimize customer the MCTs were moved to where they wait time for military supplies, the could have direct contact with the 99th MCT set up a small center at the convoys, the commanders and the Joint Distribution Center. The 958th cargo. Transportation Company relocated to the “Having the MCTs at the yards Central Receiving and Shipping Point. allows them to have better visibility on This recent move is all about incoming and outgoing convoys,” he practicality, efficiency and ultimately said. better service to the troops, said Sgt. Peterson said, what he sees now

1st Class Jeffery Peterson, the highway are the teams right in the center of Photo by Sgt. KaRonda Fleming operations sergeant for the 1034th transportation action. The MCT is taking A Soldier ground guides an M1 Main Battle Tank around the CRSP yard after being delivered by Heavy Equipment Transporters from Kuwait. Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. back the role they were designed, for The 958th will redeploy at some point much they can move by air, said 1st Lt. for this move to be successful, Peterson “The biggest goal is 100 percent simply because they moved to a better this summer, and they want to be able to Joseph Henderson, the JDC officer in said. The key units were the 1034th accurate cargo accountability and to location. hand over their operation smoothly. charge. CSSB, the 164 Corps Support Group, and minimize customer wait time,” he said. “They are going to have a much better This configuration will have other “The goal is to move as much cargo the 49th Movement Control Battalion. “The important thing is getting the war idea of what is going on,” he said. perks besides minimizing wait time for by air as possible and minimizing the “In order to maximize efficiency fighters their uniforms or vehicle repair This operation has been in the supplies. She said it is going to mean number of Soldiers on the road,” he in the transportation system, we had to parts in a short time frame.” planning phase for months, and both better command and control over the said. have that partnership,” he said. Right now, servicemembers can units moved to their new spots the first convoys. Henderson said he can’t see Peterson said, what has made this wait up to seven days or more for their week of April, said 2nd Lt. Melissa Griffith said the congestion of this as anything less than a major transition a little easier is the fact that equipment. Griffith, the officer in charge at the 958th convoy traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue improvement. everyone involved knows the business. “We would like to drop that to four or Transportation Company Movement will hopefully decrease, and now she can “This will definitely alleviate a lot “We are all transporters, and we all five days,” Peterson said. Detachment. asses the best mode of transportation for of the problems,” he said. “With us talk the same language,” he said. Normally, when a convoy rolls into “It has been a little slow going at equipment. being at the yard, we have visibility on And they all have the same goal— Anaconda, they stop at one of the yards first,” she said. “It has been difficult Instead of shipping everything by all Army cargo. The goal is to maintain getting Soldiers what they need, he said. and offload their shipments. Workers getting set up, but I am a lot closer (to ground, the MCTs can look at what accountability.” “It’s about keeping trucks full and in those facilities try to keep accurate the convoys).” they have in the yard and see how Three elements had to join together people off the roads,” Peterson said. Army VAlues Army Values posters get a makeover WASHINGTON - New Army Values posters are which include a unique service ethic expected of This is the same as do unto others as you would have going up in offices and barracks world-wide. every Soldier - to make personal sacrifices in selfless done unto you. The original Army Values posters were first service to the Nation. Selfless service. Put the welfare of the Nation, published nine years ago. “The Army Values are the baseline, core, and the Army, and subordinates before your own. “This update is important because the Army foundation of every Soldier,” said Messman, herself This means putting the welfare of the Nation and Values posters serve as a visual reminder of our a retired Army Master Sgt. “They define who they accomplishment of the mission ahead of personal Loyalty Duty culture and provide an incentive for Soldiers to live are, what they do, what they stand for, and drive their desires. Respect up to the Army Values,” said Kittie Messman, Values actions at home, work, in peace and during war.” Honor. Live up to all the Army Values. This Selfless Service project manager in the Army G-1’s office. Army Values implies always following your moral compass in Honor Integrity The posters were released March 15th. All Loyalty. Bear true faith and allegiance to the any circumstance. Personal Courage publications account holders who normally receive U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Integrity. Do what’s right-legally and morally. Department of the Army posters will receive the Soldiers. This means supporting the military and This is the thread woven through the fabric of B O O

T Values posters through normal publications supply civilian chain of command, as well as devoting the professional Army ethic. It means honesty, S ON THE

G channels. Account holders may order additional oneself to the welfare of others. uprightness, the avoidance of deception, and R OUN

D posters through their publications control officer. Duty. Fulfill your obligations. Duty is the legal steadfast adherence to standards of behavior. ARMY The intent of the posters is to reemphasize and and moral obligation to do what should be done Personal Courage. Face fear, danger, or adversity VALUES reinvigorate Army Values, according to Army G-1. without being told. (physical or moral). This means being brave under DA Poster 360-212, 1 March 2007, supersedes the 1 June 1998 version Army culture promotes certain norms of conduct Respect. Treat people as they should be treated. all circumstances (physical or moral). Value posters 16X20.indd 1 3/1/07 8:43:48 AM On the street with Sgt. KaRonda Fleming “What is the Army value that means the most to you and why?”

332 Air Expeditionary Wing uliana M. Bodea 36th Combat Aviation Brigade I 402nd Army Field Support Brigade 411 Engineer Brigade Spc. Sgt. Traci E. Thompson E. Traci Sgt. Thorne Sgt. Chauncey J. Staff 164th Corps Support Group Pfc. Quintin M. McMillan 657th Area Support Group 1/34 Brigade Combat Team “Loyalty, because you have to trust “Loyalty, because I transferred from “Loyalty, because when the Army “Loyalty, because I am here fighting 45th Sustainment Brigade the people you work with.” changed mottos from ‘Be all you can for my country to protect my family.” 82nd Sustainment Brigade civilian life to Army life, and it means 593rd Corps Support Group the most to me.” be’ to an ‘Army of One’, it helps instill 15th Sustainment Brigade pride and a sense of importance.” PAGE 4 Outside the Wire APRIL 25, 2007 Graduation Day Iraqi National Police Academy graduates newest class

by Sgt. Mike Pryor think what we’re here to do is demonstrate 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. PAO to the school and the people in charge that 1,300 apply for BAGHDAD, Iraq – In a colorful ceremony we believe in what they’re doing,” said 1st Iraqi police jobs reminiscent of a Super Bowl halftime show Lt. Josh Rowan, of College Station, Texas, - complete with marching formations, battle a platoon leader with Battery B, 2-319th BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi security re-enactments, martial artists demolishing AFAR. forces and Multi-National Division- concrete blocks with their hands and an A handful of the graduates were chosen Baghdad Soldiers processed 1,363 acoustic guitar interlude - the Iraqi National to perform in a demonstration of hand- applicants for the Iraqi police force at the Al Doura District Advisory Police Academy in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah to-hand fighting techniques during the Council Hall in east Al Rashid, district officially graduated more than 400 ceremony. Their display of martial arts April 2. new officers into its ranks, March 29. prowess brought the crowd to its feet. One of The six-day-long recruiting The graduates, who completed 60 days their biggest fans was Sgt. Nick Corbridge, event was secured and coordinated of rigorous training at the academy, will be of Headquarters Battery, 2-319th AFAR, in a joint effort by the ISF and the 23rd Military Police Company, from sent to different national police battalions who took photos of himself with the team March 28 to April 2. throughout Baghdad to supplement Iraq’s members after their performance. Applicants varied in age and growing security forces. “It was fun just rapping with them. A lot religious affiliation. Each applicant On their final day as cadets, they of them had black belts, and I have a black finished the process by being received congratulations and words of belt from doing Tae Kwan Do as a kid, so entered in a biometrics database. The recruiting event took place less encouragement from several high ranking it was cool to talk with them about that,” than four days after the attack on a Iraqi government officials, including the Corbridge said. local Al Doura police station. commander of Iraq’s police forces. The martial arts team received a special “I just think it’s pretty amazing A contingent of U.S. paratroopers from surprise at the end of the ceremony: that they could get that many people the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Battalion, Instead of being assigned to different units in so few days in light of the recent attacks around the area, and that the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment like the rest of their graduating class, the Iraqis could come together and pull was on hand to provide added security for team members were invited to stay on this off,” said Bristol, Pa., native 1st the event, as well as offer their support to at the Academy as hand-to-hand combat Lt. Jonathan Pfender, the provost the graduating class. instructors. marshal officer for the 4th Infantry

Photo by Sgt. Michael Pryor “On a simplistic level, we’re here to “We are teachers!” shouted one of the Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Baghdad’s newest national police officers march proudly in step during their graduation Division. ceremony after two months of training at the National Police Training Academy in Baghdad. provide security. But on a bigger picture, I team members. “I love everyone today!”

Iraqi Security Forces, cavalry discover Troops help repair, secure Baghdad roadways extremist training camp by 1st Lt. Jason Conley When the company is not involved in 9th Engineer Battalion fortifying a military site, they are filling road craters with concrete in an effort ZAGANIYAH, Iraq - Iraqi security CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - While to keep improvised explosive devices forces from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, U.S. presence continues to increase off the city streets. The Soldiers of the working with coalition forces, discovered throughout Baghdad neighborhoods, Headhunter Company have repaired a terrorist training camp in Zaganiyah, one unit has taken on the added more than 15 craters on four primary Iraq, while conducting clearing operations responsibility of repairing and securing roads and emplaced nine towers and in the Diyala River Valley palm groves part of Baghdad’s road system. more than 300 concrete walls. Thursday. Capt. Matthew Davis and his This helps create safe passage for Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 5th IA and Soldiers from Headquarters Company, Iraqi civilians, government officials Company B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry 9th Engineer Battalion, spend their and coalition forces. Regiment, attached to the 3rd Brigade days conducting the tasks of repairing “The missions are difficult and a Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the task force’s fleet of vehicles, or lot of planning is required, but the discovered a fortified underground bunker providing fuel and logistical support at increased mobility and safety is worth with three exit points, four prepared various locations around Baghdad. it,” said 1st Lt. Maya Lowell. fighting positions and a training camp The “Headhunter” Company sets For the past two weeks, Lowell’s building. itself apart from other headquarters platoon has been conducting quick- While clearing the area, the Soldiers companies because of its involvement response crater repair missions, in unearthed five weapons caches consisting in the construction of Iraqi army addition to their usual nightly tower of more than 100 rocket-propelled grenade checkpoints. emplacements. rounds, more than five RPG launchers, Upon completion of its routine The Headhunters are given multiple approximately 70 mortar rounds, bomb- tasks, the company transitions from a missions throughout the day and night. making materials, homemade explosives daytime support element to a nighttime Mechanics and radio technicians and terrorist planning and training combat workforce. drop their tools and communication materials. It escorts flatbed trucks, cranes, and equipment to man heavy-caliber “The terrorists from Al Qaeda have combat security vehicles through the weapons and protect ground troops no place to hide. Their safe havens do not dangerous streets of western Baghdad from insurgent rocket-propelled exist and their training camps are being to U.S. and Iraqi Joint Security grenade and small arms fire attacks as destroyed,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, Stations. concrete is mixed, poured, and dried. 3/1 Cav. commander. “We will continue These sites, occupied by coalition “To accomplish these crater to attack these organizations and bring the forces along with Iraqi army or missions it requires a good portion of perpetrators of violence to justice in order police, serve as control centers for all the company’s Soldiers,” Davis said. to secure the population. operations in the area, and provide “The effects are long days followed “The people in Diyala are disgusted and a constant security presence in the by long nights, but the Soldiers are disillusioned by the fact the terrorists have neighborhoods. motivated, knowing that their efforts nothing to offer but destruction through At these sites, Headhunter troops are making a direct impact on the safety actions like this and they are gaining emplace concrete towers and repair of coalition troops throughout western Photo by 1st Lt. Jason Conley confidence in their ISF,” he added. damaged roads. Baghdad.” Spc. Scot Bluett keeps vigilant watch over a construction site in western Baghdad. APRIL 25, 2007 Our Neighbors PAGE 5 If you build it, they will come... story and photo by Capt. Ken Hall RED HORSE tasked for troop surge ‘bed down’ BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Little more Falcon assets moving from outside Iraq than a month ago, only dirt and desert to Balad by numerous C-17 Globemaster tumbleweeds could be found a mile and IIIs, then convoyed by tractor-trailer and a half southeast of Besmaya Range where helo’d in by CH-47 Chinooks to Besmaya Iraqi divisions trained. Now there’s a full- to build the facilities for the engineers. up U.S. Army combat brigade, the 3rd In addition, heavy equipment including Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry loaders, dozers, graders, and excavators Division, housed and fed to conduct were also transported to the site, as well as missions in Operation ENFORCING THE food, water, fuel, hand tools, and lumber LAW, known to the media as the “Fardh for tent flooring, in the continuous stream al-Qanoon,” or “Baghdad Security Plan.” of helo loads and convoys to the site. That plan began with Gen. David While they were building the Petraeus’ assumption of command at engineers’ facilities, materials for the Multinational Forces-Iraq Feb. 10 and his main camp were being moved in. These direction to deploy new combat brigades included three Army 550-person “Force in and around the Iraqi capitol. Provider” Kits (Army equivalent of So where to base 3,600 Soldiers of the a Harvest Eagle Kit) and two 1000- 3rd Brigade Combat Team? On Feb. 18, a person LSA, or Life Support Area, Kits. tasking flowed from MNF-I through the Additionally, Reverse Osmosis Water Army’s 411th Engineering Brigade and Purification Units for producing fresh finally reached Air Force RED HORSE water and numerous containers of lumber, engineers ordering a base be built at plywood, nails to produce the SWA huts, Besmaya and ready to accommodate and miles of concertina wire and pickets troops by March 26. arrived as did prefabricated guard towers As part of the Air Force’s thickly and daily shipments of bottled water, muscled construction arm, men individual Meals-Ready-to-Eat and 50- and women assigned to the 557th person Unitized Group Rations to sustain Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron, the construction force. performing the ‘in-lieu-of mission’ for the “Overall, the camp was designed to Army in Iraq, have been building the base provide the Brigade two expeditionary 30 kilometers east of Baghdad since the dining facilities, a hardened DFAC which Lead Air Force engineer for the Besmaya beddown project Maj. Steve Phillips and 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron director of operations Lt. Col. Scott Hill review tasking flew; and roughly a month later, will soon be completed, and the original plans for the Besmaya basecamp. The forward operating base was ordered to house the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga., who are Soldiers now have a place to hang their bombed-out main building was to be tasked as part of the Baghdad Security Plan. hats at night ‘inside the wire.’ refurbished into a brigade headquarters,” The RED HORSE acronym stands “A ‘beddown’ tasking is a two-step plans for the new base. What they found to beddown the 400-person engineering said Maj. Steve Phillips, 557th ERHS for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy process for the engineering force,” said was, to say the least, Spartan. An original force. They determined the force would Chief of Design and lead Air Force Operational Repair Squadron, Engineers. Lt. Col. Scott Hill, director of operations bombed-out hardened structure remained require a tailored “Harvest Falcon” kit to engineer for the project, also hailing from RED HORSE squadrons provide the at the 557th ERHS, deployed from the with only three walls intact and a roof that sustain them while they built the rest of the 203rd RHS and residing in Virginia Air Force with a highly mobile civil 203rd RED HORSE Squadron at Virginia was caving in. Other ‘buildings’ had long the base for the 3,600 ‘Sledgehammer’ Beach with his family. engineering response force to support Beach, Va. “First, you have to beddown been reduced to rubble that would need to troops of the incoming 3rd Brigade. “Each battalion was to get a contingency operations worldwide. With the engineering force itself, so they have be dozed to clear the way for new facilities. A full Harvest Falcon Kit contains a tactical operations center (TOC) and a Airmen from active, Guard and Reserve facilities to work, sleep and eat. Once Surrounding it all, a three-and-a-half-foot standardized 1,100-person ‘housekeeping maintenance building,” the major said, components, the 557th ERHS is engaged that’s complete, you can move in your ‘berm,’ traversed by goat trails, formed set’ package including tents, hard-wall “and for force protection, prefabricated in multiple engineering projects at various main engineering force and commence a protective perimeter barely substantial shelters, area lighting systems, basic guard towers were to be installed, elevated locations throughout Southwest Asia, construction on the tasked project.” enough to trip over. In short, they had water and electrical systems, latrines and fighting positions constructed, and eight and is part of the 732nd Expeditionary As part of step one, engineers from their work cut out for them. showers, a kitchen facility, environmental miles of 10-foot high perimeter berm Mission Support Group, under the 332nd the 557th ERHS and the 411th Engineer While the five-day survey was being control units, and other basic equipment. were to be reconstructed and fortified Air Expeditionary Wing headquartered at Brigade formed a survey team and conducted, RED HORSE engineers The first five days of actual construction with the equivalent of more than 37,000 Balad Air Base northwest of Baghdad. deployed to the site to work out detailed back at Balad were planning how best saw 120-pallet-spaces worth of Harvest dump truck loads of earth ... finally, MWR facilities were planned to top it all off.” Ultimately, water for the camp would come from the Tigris, which makes its way toward the camp through an old 1st FW/CC, tapped to command Iraq’s only Air canal system. To make it usable for the Brigade, engineers would have to un- dam several points on the canal to get the water to within two and a half miles of the Force wing, visits Balad AB for perspective camp. The water would then be pumped to a new six-million-gallon holding pond by Capt. Ken Hall facilities here that make up OIF’s combat airpower Group. He attended an in-brief where all the 732nd’s which would store the canal water. That 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing hub. The general is no stranger to composite wings, squadron commanders covered their Airmen’s water would be pumped to two ROWPUs being responsible for F-15s and F-22’s at Langley. taskings throughout Iraq for him and interacted with where it could be made potable and BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Although most Airmen The general received an orientation tour of the them in a question and answer period before having pumped to seven 50,000 gallon water currently deployed to Balad will never have the wing’s various missions that included visits to the lunch together. storage bladders. chance to work for the incoming commander, Brig. air traffic control tower; tactical air control facilities; “The general was very personable, very excited What this all means is the 350,000 Gen. Burton Field’s April visit allowed him an combat search and rescue; F-16, Predator and C-130 about all the wing’s missions, passionate about gallons of potable water stored in the opportunity to gauge his upcoming tour, identify ops; as well as the Air Force Theater Hospital and the job,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Bannister, 732nd bladder farm could provide 24 days of strengths and challenge areas, and begin formulating Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility. Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander. drinking water for the Brigade; and the his vision and intent for his year in command here set Lt. Col. Leonardo Profenna said General Field Deployed here for six months, Colonel Bannister will six-million-gallon pond, 100 days of to begin in July. quickly grasped the CASF and AF clinic’s mission have the opportunity to serve during the general’s non-potable water capacity could be Field is a command pilot with more than 3,200 during his tour of the facilities. “He told Colonel command of the wing. “I’m very much looking used for showers and laundry facilities. flying hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and a qualified Masterson [332nd EMDG commander] and me that forward to working for him.” In essence, each Soldier could have four F-22A Raptor pilot. He began his distinguished career, before he came, he knew the med group was doing The general was impressed by what he saw of the gallons of drinking water and 16 gallons sliding on his Academy ring in 1979, and has risen to great work, but after seeing us in action, he said he wing and its Airmen. of non-potable water a day ... enough to command the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., was ‘in awe,’” the 332nd Expeditionary Aerospace “After seeing the incredible things our Airmen are keep a Soldier hydrated, showered and and been selected to take command of the 332nd Air Medicine Squadron commander explained. “I’ll be doing, stepping up to the plate day after day, I’m not one’s clothes clean. Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen. Robin Rand in home before he takes over, but it’s clear the wing will sure who has the better job, them or me,” he said. “I’m The facility, from start to finish, will a change of command ceremony scheduled for July be in good hands after General Rand leaves.” both honored and humbled to have been selected for cost approximately $4.5 million and at Balad. Thoroughly covering all the missions of the 332nd the privilege of commanding the Tuskegee Airmen provide a deployed home for the 3rd His visit to Balad began with a stop at the U.S. AEW, the general also spent no small amount of in battle in a place that encapsulates nearly every Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry CENTCOM’s Combined Air Operation Center and time familiarizing himself with the “ILO” Tuskegee element of our Air Force’s missions in one fell swoop. Division, Ft. Stewart, Ga., to conduct culminated with his visit to Airmen and tour of the Airmen of the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support July can’t come soon enough!” operations in support of the Baghdad Security Plan. PAGE 6 Anaconda Times APRIL 25, 2007 Bandido Charlie secures Western Infantry unit pushes forward toward success by Sgt. KaRonda Fleming Anaconda Times Staff

AL ASAD, Iraq - Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., known as “Bandido Charlie”, support servicemembers and civilians here by providing security during dangerous missions. “As the convoy commander, we escort several units and elements all over western Iraq and occasionally eastern Iraq to sustain combat operations,” said Staff Sgt. Carlost C. Parker, from Jackson, Miss. “The people we escort every day Above, Spc. Jacob J. Lamb, a Bradley mechanic for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., retrieves tools have a high appreciation for what needed to make repairs to a light medium tactical vehicle. Lamb is from Roberts, Idaho. Right, Lamb assesses damages in order to makes repairs to a light medium tactical vehicle. we do,” said Capt. Scott D. Wence, company commander. “They ask for us by name and want us close to them.” Wence said the units supported by the regiment include the 497th and the 1114th Transportation Companies, who all fall under the 630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Occasionally, Marines and Kellogg, Brown, and Root civilians are escorted as well. Many of the convoys are managed by the squad leaders. He said the preparation and executions, which are amazing, are done by them. Within the company, there are nine squads that go on missions. The squad leaders plan everything right down to the details of battlefield awareness Above, Staff Sgt. Carlost C. Parker, convoy commander for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th and the coordination to adjacent units Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., hands Sgt. Bryan D. Robison, truck commander, Wence said. parts that will be placed on the back of an Armored Security Vehicle. Robison is from Claremore, Okla. and Parker is from Jackson, Miss. Below, Staff Sgt. Carlost C. Parker, “I am in charge of the convoy convoy commander for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, whether it’s civilian or military,” Kan., briefs his squad on an upcoming mission by detailing the preparation and executions. Parker is a native of Jackson, Miss.

Spc. Jermaine C. Hudson, of Chicago, Ill. is a gunner for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., attaches a flag onto his Armored Security Vehicle. APRIL 25, 2007 Anaconda Times PAGE 7 Iraq Parker said. He said their unit handles all of the traffic control points and all the areas of emphasis during the convoy. “If there are any oncoming convoys or anything else on the road, we provide all the security for the situation,” Parker said. With a role as important as the Bandidos, the vehicles must have an outstanding maintenance and performance team. “Without us, the Bandido’s can’t do their mission to help support the other units throughout Iraq,” said Matthew J. Hewett, shop foremen, from Milwaukee, Wis. Each week, approximately 35 vehicles are brought in for their monthly maintenance check. The maintenance shop schedules quality control checks, to include working off deadlines and deficiencies, Photos by Sgt. KaRonda Fleming Hewett said. Spc. Jacob J. Lamb, of Roberts, Idaho, is a Bradley mechanic for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, makes repairs by loosening the bolts in order to replace a damaged air bag to a light medium tactical vehicle.

Above, Spc. Chris A. Boyll, a driver for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., secures equipment on his armored security vehicle before going out on a mission. Boyll is from the hometown of Lancaster, Calif. Below, Sgt. Bryan D. Robison, truck commander for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan. wears full battle rattle during a mission briefing as Spc. David A. Leos, an armored security vehicle gunner demonstrates each item worn. Robison is from Claremore, Okla., and Leos is from San Jose, Calif.

Sgt. Bryan D. Robison, truck commander for Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., makes repairs to an armored security vehicle. Robison is from Claremore, Okla. photos by Sgt. 1st Class James Lilly

Sgt. Robert Collins, of Palttsburgh, N.Y., cuts out bridge bolts which are used for bridge support. Pfc. Ranita Cox, left, of Bolivar, Tenn. and Pfc. Krystal Martin, of Highlind, Mich., holds steady a guirdon that will be used to replace old sections of bridge panels.

Pvt. Wayne Jackson, of Scottsville, Ky. works on the bearings of the bridge.

Above, Pfc. Donald Bostic, of Marion, S.C. crawls on top of a bridge panel inserting the panel pins for stabilization. Below, Sgt. James Winberry, of Cahokia, Ill. works with a HYEX

Sgt. Stacie Notz, of Moultire, Ga., stacks bridge materials.

Engineers assigned to the 502nd MRB Company prepare a floating bridge for annual repairs during a recent mission near Balad. PAGE 10 Anaconda Times APRIL 25, 2007

Adapting to meet demands of war Spc. Tommy Ryan, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, uses a wall as coverage while he watches an avenue approach Monday in a town near Ad Dujal.

Story and photos by Sgt. Tony White charge of seven. It’s a big responsibility. leader, Navarro, with Villela leading them adapting to each other, establishing a I am trying to pick the brains of the other and five others as their squad leader. feeling of combat cohesion. The squad 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment squad leaders, so I can bring these guys “It might be on-the-job training and realizes the importance of understanding LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - The Bradley home and not have anybody hurt. you can train all you want afterwards,” each other’s nuances because, when they Fighting Vehicle ramp door lowers with “You maneuver differently on the said Navarro, a team leader from Colorado make enemy contact, there must be a three Soldiers piling out, their hearts ground than when you are in a vehicle,” Springs, Colo. “But you are still out there feeling of trust. pumping. The squad leader positions them continued Villela, a native of San Antonio, everyday and it (isn’t ideal) missing all of “I am trying to build that with our along the sides of the road to scan the Texas. “I have been mounted the whole that training, but you still have a job to guys,” Villela. “It’s hard though, but you orchards for enemies. It is a far cry from seven years I have been in the Army. do. The only way to get better is to keep just have to get used to it. But that is just jobs they knew just a few ago weeks ago. There are just different things you have doing it. You can train all you want for the way it is sometimes. You have to get When 3rd to know. I am just Iraq, but it will never be like it really is used to how people work and try to fit in. Combined Arms “You build confidence, knowing really learning what here.” “It falls back on combat cohesion,” Battalion, 8th to do now.” “You need the good team leader, good Villela concluded. “You build confidence, Cavalry Regiment this guy knows what he is doing Through squad leader, giving you encouragement, knowing this guy knows what he is doing Soldiers, Sgt. and you know this guy has your the shuffling of telling you that you are doing it right,” and you know this guy has your back. I Eric Villela, Spc. back.” personnel in a added Ryan, a native of Yukon, Okla. “If know I was blessed with a good squad Anthony Navarro combat zone there is something you are doing wrong, that was already trained up and I know and Spc. Tommy - Sgt. Eric Villela Villela, Navarro and they tell you and you work on it.” they will do what they need to complete Ryan arrived in Iraq Ryan have become Working together the Soldiers are the mission.” their jobs did not put them directly in the entrenched in positions they are not enemies’ crosshairs. Yet six months after accustomed to filling. arrival, like many Soldiers in theater, these Villela and Navarro spent a good three infantrymen have found the key to amount of their tour as Bradley crewmen, success revolves around their ability to providing transportation and security for adapt to the demands of war. other infantrymen. Ryan came to Iraq “It’s a new job, it’s a change,” said expecting to serve his tour as a training 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment Villela, a squad leader. “I was only in room clerk. Now he’s working as a Soldiers conduct a dismounted patrol through a town charge of four guys and now I am in machine gunner, answering to his team near Ad Dujal recently.

Above, Sgt, Eric Villela, a squad leader from 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, communicates with his squad while pulling security at a checkpoint near the Ad Dujal. Left, Sgt, Eric Villela, a squad leader from 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, communicates with his squad while pulling security near the Ad Dujal Police Station . APRIL 25, 2007 Anaconda Times PAGE 11 Combat Stress Experiences in Vietnam enhance unit’s tactics by Staff Sgt. Felix Figueroa to mine,” Groom said. “For the most “Don’t get me wrong, these kids are a lot Control 82nd SB Public Affairs Office part, I feel that going out on convoys smarter than I am or will ever be, but they is what I need to do, to show them how rely heavily on electronics and should 113th Medical Company (CSC) CAMP ADDER, Iraq – Memories of the it’s done and maybe pick up a thing or pay attention to life all around them. The Vietnam War have a personal meaning for two,”. things that I teach and know came from the members of Company A, 182nd Field Fortunately for the Soldiers, Groom is life.” Artillery Regiment. not the only field-tested veteran at their Those hard life lessons acquired in The company first sergeant and pla- disposal. Another Vietnam veteran, Sgt. Vietnam not only belong to Americans 829-1402 toon sergeant are Vietnam veterans and 1st Class Kerry Bentivolio, brings his like Groom and Bentivolio, but also the one of its gunners is a native of the coun- infantry skills and Special Weapons and South Vietnamese, who learned those les- individual counseling by try. Tactics to the table in the fight against in- sons long before and after the U.S. “These veterans bring lessons learned surgency. “My father was a South Vietnamese appointment or walk-in from a very distant past that most in my “I feel that I have a lot of experience soldier, and he spoke highly about the unit only read in books and watched in to pass on to these young Soldiers--like American GI’s,” said Pvt. Thuy Vu, a command referrals movies,” said Capt. Damean McDowell, how to clear a room and react to con- gunner who was born in South Vietnam. the company commander. tact when dismounted,” Bentivolio said. Vu and his family escaped Vietnam in services for combat and Thirty-five years ago, 1st Sgt. Edgar “They could definitely benefit from it,” hopes of a better life shortly after the U.S

Groom served in Vietnam conducting re- Sgt. Felix Figuerora Photo by Staff In addition to training these young left. Unfortunately, pirates intercepted operationally stressed supply convoy escorts and perimeter se- 1st Sgt. Edgar Groom, Company A, 182nd Field Artillery men in his spare time on SWAT, Bentivo- their boat, stealing the gold they brought soldiers curity along the border of Cambodia. His was impacted by the Vietnam War. lio is also a high school history teacher along to pay for their freedom. The pi- current unit conducts the same convoy riences are very useful. back home. rates escorted the Vu’s along with others logistics security missions in Southern “He’s always telling us stories about “They are living proof that our TTP’s to a political prison in Malaysia. ‘Nam which is helpful to our mission Relaxation Techniques Iraq. (tactics, techniques and procedures) “My grandmother managed to stash “The military today is not really all here, and he’s always mentoring us by evolved and are still evolving,” McDow- some of the gold away and later pay for Monday to Saturday that different from the Army I grew up showing us techniques about convoy se- ell said. “Those who forget the past are my trip to America,” Vu said. 3:30 to 4 p.m. in,” Groom said. “What we call things to- curity and talking about guerilla enemy doomed to repeat it.” Now, 35 years later, much like his fa- day, like a FOB (forward operating base) tactics,” Callaway said. One lesson Groom hopes to impart is ther, Vu is fighting alongside American Stress Management for example, are basically the same things Groom wishes his duties allowed him that Soldiers should not rely too much on troops. to go out on convoys to show the younger monday and Thursday we had in ‘Nam. It’s just they were called modern technology. “Guys like first sergeant and Bentivo- different, (names) and there’s a lot more Soldiers first hand. “In my opinion, we’ve been coddled lio treat me like an American-with re- 10 to 11 a.m. high--tech gadgets around.” “I have spent time talking to Soldiers by society too much over the last few spect, Vu said. “Some day I’ll get to pass Sgt. Roderick Callaway, convoy com- who go out and bring their experiences decades, and as a result, the ability to on what I learned here and maybe to an Home Front Issues mander with the unit said Groom’s expe- back and then they try to compare them be a self-starter is lacking,” Groom said. Iraqi in our Army.” monday and Thursday 5 to 6 p.m. ‘Stagecoach’ troops provide center of gravity for support Conflict Resolution by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Conner (out of Camp Taji to the north) Wednesday and saturday 15th Sustainment Brigade PAO the 541st Combat Sustainment 11 a.m. to noon VICTORY BASE, Iraq – In a dusty Support Battalion, on Victory corner of Seitz Annex here, near Base Camp and the addition of Anger Management Baghdad, Soldiers of the 68th Combat civilian contracted trucks, ensures tuesday and friday Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th transparent logistical support. 11 a.m. to noon Sustainment Brigade, work to provide We work in a joint environment, what is needed to maintain security said Dipiazza, to support coalition operations for the Multi-National troops. It can become a hurdle Anxiety Awareness Division-Baghdad area. trying to find the happy medium wednesday As one of the Iraqi theater’s central between getting material out and 3 to 3:30 p.m. receiving and shipping points, convoys working with an outside unit’s Saturday from Iraq and Kuwait pass through operations timetable, he said. here, bringing and taking containers The goal is to move material 10:30 to 11 a.m. and pallets of all shapes and sizes. and supplies out as quickly and “The Victory CRSP is one of the efficiently as possible. Sleep Hygiene smallest and busiest yards we have. It “The longer it sits in our yard is Monday and Thursday really is the center hub of activity for all the longer somebody out there goes 6 to 6:30 p.m. cargo in and out of country,” said Maj. without it,” he said. “We’re trying Aaron Hardy, transportation integration to take care of the large picture.” officer in charge for the 15th SB. Inside the CRSP operations Goal Setting The goal of the yard, he said, is to cell, the phones ring constantly. Monday and Thursday keep the flow of goods and supplies Soldiers from the 169th Cargo 11 a.m. to noon moving. Transfer Company, 867th Corps It allows convoys one stop to Support Battalion, from Fort Eustis, transfer cargo, rather than delivering to Va., perform an intricate dance of Depression Awareness units spread all over Baghdad. inventory tracking and control, wednesday The challenge for troops and civilian customer relations and oversight 2 to 3 p.m. contractors is to maintain that steady of equipment movement. saturday flow of supplies out of the cramped The arrival of troops from the 10 to 10:30 a.m. yard, while continually receiving new 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) shipments every night. has kept Staff Sgt. Phillip Smith, “It’s pretty much an up and down CRSP operations NCO, very busy. Communication Skills thing,” said Sgt. Kevin Dipiazza, a In addition to the hectic pace of tuesday and friday transportation movement NCO for the providing sustainment to current 10 to 11 a.m. 68th CSSB. “It’s a constant rotation. coalition units, he and his Soldiers [My job] is to make sure the yard runs said they remain confident they

smooth and fluid.” photo Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Conner can move the extra M1A1 tanks, relationship Skills For Dipiazza, a normal day can Spc. Scott Monfils, yard attendant with the 192nd QM, 68th CSSB, 15th SB, checks the tracking Bradley fighting vehicles and other wednesday mean seeing 200 shipping containers information on pallets moving in and out of the Seitz Annex CRSP yard. The reservist from heavy equipment. Fond Du Lac, Wis. helps to keep the smallest and busiest cargo yard in theater running 9 to 11 a.m. leave the CRSP yard, only to have smoothly. “As long as we have the truck another 150 come in later that night. assets, we’ll be able to handle it,” for more information, The influx of additional combat effect to the logistics train. Ample space is a short-lived luxury he said. email: units to support security operations “What we have done is to get all of at the CRSP yard. Every piece of cargo Capt. Ryan Speed, transportation forces CRSP yard operators to focus an our assets together and prioritize on a and equipment that comes into theater support officer for the 68th CSSB, said [email protected] obsessive eye on details. Coordination daily basis,” said Sgt. 1st Class Lainnie passes through the 68th CSSB’s hands. his battalion is working with officials of trucks, transportation movement Daley, 68th CSSB support operations Without transportation assets of their on VBC to find additional space for requests, and supplies to units scattered NCO. By conducting daily meetings own, “Stagecoach” troops maintain CRSP operations. around Baghdad and outlaying forward with her crew and civilian contractors, close ties with sister battalions and “This is a never empty yard,” he operating bases means the smallest she helps determine what must go and customer units. said. “We always have something in 829-1402 delay or shortage can cause a domino- what can stay. Coordination with the 867th CSB the CRSP.” PAGE 12 Anaconda Times APRIL 25, 2007

April 25 Pilates 7 p.m., West Fitness Center Green Bean Karaoke ANACONDA ACTIVITIES 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Your one-stop connection to activities around LSA Anaconda Martial Arts to add your activity to the event calendar, email [email protected] 9 p.m., West Fitness Center 8-Ball Tourney 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Aikido Tae Kwon Do Bingo Night Swim Technique 5:15 a.m., East Fitness Center 9-Ball Tourney 7 p.m., East Fitness Center 8:30 p.m., H6 MWR Recreation 8 and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation Indoor Pool Tae Kwon Do Combative Training Wrestling 7 p.m., East Fitness Center Music Producing Class 8:30 p.m., East Fitness Center 9 p.m., West Fitness Center 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation April 30 Combative Training Spin Center Aerobics 8:30 p.m., East Fitness Center Spades & Ping Pong 6 a.m., H6 Fitness Center 7 p.m.West Fitness Center Poetry Jam 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Spin Class H6 MWR Recreation Korean Martial Arts Boxing 3:30 and 8:30 p.m., H6 Fitness 4:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 3 to 4:30 p.m., West Fitness Center 9-Ball Tourney Center Dance Aerobics 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 5:30 a.m., East Fitness Center Pilates Korean Martial Arts April 27 7 p.m., West Fitness Center Karaokee 4:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center Aikido 8 p.m., East MWR Recreation 5 p.m., East Fitness Center Scrabble Tourney Aikido Kung Fu 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 5 a.m., East Fitness Center Texas Hold’em 7 p.m., H6 Fitness Center Step Aerobics 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. 5:30 p.m., East Fitness Center Chess Tourney Tae Kwon Do H6 MWR Recreation 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 7 p.m., East Fitness Center May 2 Open Volleyball Aerobics 6 to 8 p.m., MWR Circuit Gym Hip Hop Dance Class 7 p.m., West Fitness Center Green Bean Karaoke 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation April 29 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Floor Hockey Martial Arts 8 to 10 p.m., MWR Circuit Gym R&B Music Night Magic, The Gathering 9 p.m., West Fitness Center 8-Ball Tourney 9:30 p.m., H6 MWR Recreation 11 a.m., West MWR Recreation 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Dance Aerobics Spin Class Open Volleyball Green Bean Karaoke 5:30 a.m., East Fitness Center 9-Ball Tourney 3:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center West Fitness Center 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation Tae Kwon Do Cardio Funk Self Defense Class Spades, Dominoes & R&B 8 to 9:30 a.m., East Fitness Center Music Producing Class 8 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 7:30 p.m., West Fitness Center 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation Step Aerobics 50m Backstroke Step Aerobics Poker 5:30 p.m., East Fitness Center Spades & Ping Pong 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m., East Fitness Center 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Indoor Pool Boxing H6 MWR Recreation Boxing Poetry Night 7:30 to 9 p.m., East Fitness Center Psycho Swimming 7:30 to 9 p.m., East Fitness Center 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation Dance Aerobics 5:30 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. Floor Hockey 5:30 a.m., East Fitness Center Indoor Pool Dance Aerobics Salsa Dance Class 8 p.m., MWR Circuit Gym 5:30 a.m., East Fitness Center 8:30 p.m., H6 Recreation Aikido Spin Class 5 p.m., East Fitness Center April 26 Friday Night Spikes Gaston’s Self Defense 3:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 7 p.m., East Fitness Center 7:30 p.m., West Fitness Center Step Aerobics Console Game Tourney Cardio Funk 5:30 p.m., East Fitness Center 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation Spin Class Boxing 8 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 3:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 3 to 4:30 p.m., West Fitness Center Open Volleyball Country/Western Dance Classs 50m Backstroke 6 to 8 p.m., MWR Circuit Gym 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation Psycho Swimming Aikido 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to noon, East Fitness Center Indoor Pool Floor Hockey 9-Ball Tourney Indoor Pool 8 to 10 p.m., MWR Circuit Gym 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Capoiera Psycho Swimming H6 MWR Recreation noon to 2 p.m., East Fitness Center 5:30 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. Spin Class April 28 Indoor Pool 3:30 p.m., H6 Fitness Center Karaoke Night Swing Dance 8:30 p.m., H6 MWR Recreation Country/Western Dance Class 7:30 p.m., East Fitness Center Cardio Funk 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation May 1 8 p.m., H6 Fitness Center Pilates 7 p.m., West Fitness Center Texas Hold’em Spin Class Foosball/Ping Pong 50m Backstroke 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 1:30 a.m., H6 Fitness Center 8 p.m., West MWR Recreation 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Open Court Basketball Indoor Pool West Fitness Center Salsa Dance Class Abs Salute 8-Ball Tourney 7 p.m., East MWR Recreation 8 p.m., H6 Fitness Center 8:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Psycho Swimming Aikido H6 MWR Recreation 5:30 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. 5:15 a.m., East Fitness Center Indoor Pool

for more information, contact Capt. Janaia Nash at 829-1015 or email at [email protected] Share your unit’s story Contact [email protected] APRIL 25, 2007 Anaconda Times PAGE 13

Eddie Kautz Hey Eddie, Just wanted to say and that we miss Fred Thurmond you!! Horry up and get your butt back here! Hi Daddy! I miss you very much and love you Chels, James and Carelen Shout outs from home this much.....Be safe and come home soon.... Ian Grant all nuts here! Hugs and kisses, James Nangauta Daddy, We miss you and want you to come love - neil, jess, logan and hannah. Edward Greber JOHN TERNUS Giena, Derek and Blake I’m so proud of you for quitting smoking! Keep home and play with us! Love, James and The kids and I love and miss you! We are I LOVE U AND MISS U TONS! CAN’T WAIT up the good work! We miss you so much and Carelen Susie Bradshaw thinking of you everyday and can’t wait to have TO SEE YOU ON YOUR LEAVE! HUGS AND Thomas (Tommy) Hughes can’t wait for you to be back home. Please give Hey Susie! I hope you are doing well and trying you back home again!! We’re proud of you! KISSES! YOUR WIFE we love you... a warm “HELLO” to all the other Guamanians Peter Boyle to stay positive. We miss you so much! We can Love, out there and let them know that they are in our We love&miss you!JH is good. I’m ok, don’t not wait until you come home. Susan, Alissa and Sean Clayton Yielding James Harkey thoughts and prayers worry Giz is keeping your bed warm! Be safe We are countin’ down the days ‘til the BIG To my wonderful husband and a great soldier. & God is watching over you 24/7! Love You & Dan Collier Andrew Briggs PARTY! Rod will have the grill hot, and I’ll have We can’t wait for you to come home. We love Shaun Jones GO ARMY! Nick and Grace and Cassie and mom say hi Hello my son, It was great having you home a cooler full of ice. Get home SOON!!! We miss you! Shelley, Shayla, Shana, James & Melea The two rascals can’t wait for you to come and we love you!! for the 2 weeks! Counting down the days until ya’! home! Love, Shaun T. and Kiely! Mike Meradith August now. Michael Fosness Hey Mike, Thank you so much for what you are Chris Tetrault Love, Ma Edward Raati Just wanted to let you know I am always Charles Lang doing over there! We miss you! Chelsie, James Hey Tick! Not much longer now. Hang in there Hi there from the bitter cold of Cook, MN. The thinking of you. I love you lots Son! Love Dad Love you and miss you so very much! Cory and Carelen and see you soon! We love you! Matthew Bishara lakes still have a lot of ice. (Ice fishing is good.) and I can’t wait to see you again and have you We love you Daddy and are counting down the Looking forward (not really) to the coming Stuart Akers home! Matthew Talafuse Thomas Schultz days until you return home to us! snowstorm. Even though I am looking forward Dear Dad, Pooky, Hey Thomas, we miss you and we are praying Love, Mary & Abby to summer, I hope it flys by so you all get home I love your letters. Please send more. Jacob Villarreal Keep up the hard work and know that the Lord for you. This is also for John Michael...May God sooner! (Then it can slow down again so we Please come home safely. Love, Claire Hi Baby, Just wanted to tell you that we love you is with you! I love you more than anything and I Bless you both and keep you both safe and for Christine Kmiecik all can enjoy some BBQ’s, boating and beach and miss you very very much! I love you baby! can’t wait for you to come home! Stay safe and a quick return home to your family. Missed you at the annual Easter Egg Hunt. 2 time.) Love you, Ed!!!!! - Mandy Fred Thurmond You are the best husband in the world and I am know that I am so proud of you and that I love are still missing. Who knows maybe you’ll find Hey baby - Just want you to know I think about soo lucky to have met a nice handsome caring you with all my heart! Albert Ericson them this July, unless Pat finds them first. Love Carlos Melgar you night and day. I love you and miss you very person like you. ITS ALMOST OVER BABE. I Hey babe!!!! you. Mom Hi Schatz, much. CANT WAIT! The kids send their love. Be safe, Christopher Tetrault Cant wait for you to get home, love you with all Your boys and I are so proud of you. We all talk to you later my love. MMUUAAHH! we are PROUD of you - we MISS you and my heart. I’m always here for you.. Derek Abbott love you and are counting down the days until Charles Shores Your ONe and ONlY, Faith LOVE YOU. you are always in our thoughts, Hey Uncle Derek. We miss you at home. Take you are home again. WE LOVE AND NEED C, you’ll be home soon and I’m soooo excited!! in our prayers and always and forever in our Tova Faust care, and see you soon! YOU. Safe travels sweetie! Everett Watkins hearts. We love you ct! Tova - it’s been great communicating with you Tammy-Sue, Robby, Nicky and Kris We love you and miss you!!! Can’t wait for your this year... Stay safe, let me know if you need Dear K.C., Gabriel Morgan return. Derek Taussig anything and see you at the BBQ on your I just wanted to tell you we are very proud of Robert Yim We all love you soldier!!! As a family we could Everyone missed you at Easter. Looking return!! you and we cannot wait until you come home. Hi Daddy. not be more proud of you! You are an amazing Love - Michelle, D & Sissy forward to seeing you soon in June. Please be safe!! I miss you. Please come home soo man and we miss you so much! rebecca mockelman Love ya,Dad Ryan Harris Love, Christina and Tyke. Chanda and the kids hi becky, walkie talkie We love and miss you! Can’t wait til your Vincent Dvorak love harrison Jeremy Peichel home!!! BE SAFE!!! Shane Zezulka Hello from Iowa! This is just a quick little “shout Albert Ericson Hello, Jer. This shout out goes to a marvelous Hey Babe, only 80 days or so left until midtour! out” to let you know that I am proud of you for Send us some freakin warm weather would rebecca mockelman soldier, man and most of all..son. We are Andrew Leino WOOHOO! Keep up the great work and we will all you’re doing for myself and our country. We ya? It’s 15 here at night and 35 in the day with hi aunt bee, we miss playing and chatting with always here for you and you are in our hearts, Hi Daddy see you soon. All Our Love,Your Wife and Son all love and miss you so much! You’re in our 4 inches of snow coming tonight{4/10}. Keep you , love tyler and maggie thoughts and prayers. We are all so proud of hearts and prayers, take care Vince...And we your gourd down and your peeps open, Be you. We love you and miss you greatly. LOVE Amber Vince Dvorak can’t wait to see you back soon! CAREFUL and I’m thinking of ya...... rebecca mockelman MOM, DAD & VINCE (Ashes & Apollo, too!) Just wantint to let you know I’m thinking of you. Be Safe! Know that you are thought of and Love, Ashley hi becky, thanks for the b-day present, you are Granma there are so many people back home who are Thomas Calzado the greatest. love you mom christopher tetrault so proud of you and all of the other soldiers Robert (Bobby) Shadoan I love and miss you very much daddy. missing you and your silly smile. keep up this Nathan Malmborg there with you! Take Care! We Love You & Miss You Tons! Shaun Duncan important work -- keep your head down and Hey Kuya Nate! Just wanted to say HI and I Chuck Cunningham Hey Lilbrave, you gonna come visit when you your skivies dry -- especially keep your skivies LOVE YOU! Can’t wait for you to come home... Ray Lambeth Jerry Parish Chuck, I Love You and Miss You Very Much, I get home? We got a few vehicles you can jump dry! You are the best brother I could ever ask for Hey Baby!! We love you and miss you We can’t wait for your safe return. We love you will be so glad to have you home with me again. out of too!! Especially my four wheeler...lol... -come see us soon in san francisco -- we’re not and I am so proud of you. Love ya, Malissa bunches! and miss you very much. You are the Love Of My Life. Love, Patti be safe!

Jenny, the Military Spouse (Schedule is subject to change)

Wednesday, April 25 5 p.m Perfect Stranger (R) 8 p.m. Letters from Iwo Jima (R)

Thursday, April 26 5 p.m. Vacancy (R) heater 8 p.m. Hannibal Rising (R) T Friday, April 27 2 p.m. Hannibal Rising (R) http://jennyspouse.com ime 5 p.m. Vacancy (R) Pvt. Murphy’s Law 8:30 p.m. Breach (PG-13) T Saturday, April 28 2 p.m. Norbit (PG-13)

eel 5 p.m. Letters from Iwo Jima (R) 8 p.m. Daddy’s Little Girls (PG-13)

R Sunday, April 29 2 p.m. Breach (PG-13) 5 p.m. Vacancy (R) http://www.pvtmurphy.com 8 p.m. Hannibal Rising (R) Back of the Formation Monday, April 30

tainer 5 p.m. Daddy’s Little Girls (PG-13) 8 p.m. Letters from Iwo Jima (R)

u s Tuesday, May 1 5 p.m. Breach (PG-13) S 8 p.m. Vacancy (R) PAGE 14 Anaconda Times APRIL 25, 2007 Coincidence keeps servicemembers connected in Iraq

Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown Anaconda Times Staff LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - More than a decade ago, a fourth grader in Hawaii was influenced by the chaplain of the church her family attended. The chaplain made such an impression on her, that years later when she was planning her wedding, the Air Force Academy alumna knew exactly who to call. “When it came time for me to get married, it was a no-brainer who to ask to perform the ceremony,” said Air Force 2nd Lt. Rachael Taylor of Coos Bay, Ore., deputy chief of protocol with the 332 Air Expeditionary Wing here. “He was the only chaplain to every truly make an impact on me.” The chaplain is Army Col. Jim Crews of Ding Dong, Texas, currently serving as the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) command chaplain. After they both moved from Hawaii, their families kept in touch, Submitted Photo which made it easy for Taylor to 2nd Lt. Rachael Taylor and her husband, John, cut the contact Crews to ask him to assist with wedding cake during their 2005 wedding. her special day. Crews said he was in Texas when he Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown Photo by Sgt. congregation members is a blessing. Chaplain (Col.) Jim Crews of Ding Dong, Texas, the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) command chaplain, and Air Force 2nd Lt. Rachael Taylor of Coos Bay, got an email from the then third-year Ore., the deputy chief of protocol with the 332 Air Expeditionary Wing have known each other since Taylor was in fourth grade. Crews and Taylor were unexpectedly “One of the reasons I’m here is to Air Force academy student, asking him stationed together at Logistical Support Area Anaconda after Crews performed Taylor’s wedding ceremony in 2005. spend my last year on active duty with to perform her wedding ceremony. Soldiers who are in harms way,” said “She told me I was her favorite my husband and I, was a true testament office as soon as he learned she had Crews said it was good to see Crews, who has more than 30 years in chaplain growing up,” Crews said. “It to his dedication as a Chaplain.” landed at Anaconda. someone he knew from the States, and service. “This is just icing on the cake was a unique bond.” The connection doesn’t stop there. “It was my first real day here at that just being here together helps them for me.” Crews accepted, and married the While Crews deployed to Iraq in 2006, Balad and I hadn’t slept for 36 hours both feel connected to home. From a fourth grader in Hawaii, to Air Force couple in 2005 in a military Taylor was into her first year as an Air just because I was so lonely missing “It was great,” he said of seeing an Air Force lieutenant in Iraq, Taylor ceremony where four branches of the Force officer. In early 2007, Taylor everyone from home,” Taylor said. Taylor in Iraq for the first time. “There seems to have found a constant comfort military were represented. learned that she would be deploying “While at work, getting inundated with is an emotional and spiritual support in Crews. While some might call this “It was so meaningful to have him to Iraq as well—to the same base as the turnover, he pops out of nowhere to that we are able to give each other.” coincidence, Crews describes it as a as the pastor at my wedding,” she said. the man who had married her a year say hello. It was the best feeling, seeing Crews’ responsibility here is to look blessing. “The fact that he flew all the way out to earlier. a friendly face. I knew everything after Soldiers’ spiritual lives, and he said “In a time of war, we still have time Oregon for no other reason than to marry Crews said he visited Taylor at her would be okay then.” being able to cater to one of his former to celebrate life,” he said. Visit us on the web Show me the Money at www. LSA Anaconda Tax Center Open Through Consolidated Legal Center (Bldg 9103) May 15 dvidshub. Hours of Operation Mondays Wednesdays Fridays net 9 a.m. to noon Noon to 8 p.m. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. read all your stories, Please be sure to bring any related documents (W2s, interest statements, spouse and/or childrens’ SSNs, etc.) We will assist with preparation of Forms 1040a or 1040EZ. The Form 1040 and any kind of business ownership are outside the scope of our program browse thousands of and we will not be able to assist customers with these issues. If you have any questions, contact Sgt. Bethany Becker at 829-1838 or email her at: images and videos [email protected].

HE’S COMING IN MAY FOR ONE AMAZING SHOW TOBY KEITH APRIL 25, 2007 Anaconda Times PAGE 15 Coincidence keeps servicemembers connected in Iraq Truck driver, squad’s quick

actions saves lives by Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wood

later, insurgents in both of the sandbag reinforced trucks attacked Olson. CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Being using his M203 and a 50-caliber the outpost. In addition to small arms “It was pretty intense,” said arms fire. He checked on his Soldiers a truck driver back in Minnesota machine gun. fire, the insurgents threw estimated Hammac, who served with the 1st in every tower and engaged the enemy assisted a Minnesota Guardsman in “Both times running out to the 40 grenades over the barriers. Infantry Division during Operation from two of the outpost’s towers with saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers towers, you could hear rounds “Feragen immediately engaged Iraqi Freedom II. “My adrenaline a variety of weapons. At the height and the possibility of a forward pinging off,” he said. “You had to the individuals and trucks, slowing was pumping!” of the battle, he called in a mortar combat outpost south of the camp defend what you were out there to them down,” said Staff Sgt. David The actions of these Soldiers will strike that broke the enemy’s attack. being overrun by insurgents. defend.” Hammac of Lino Lakes, Minn., the go down in 1/34 BCT history. They And, after defeating the enemy, he It was the early evening of Aug. 12, Besides assisting with the outpost’s noncommissioned officer defended an outpost that provides coordinated an evacuation mission to 2006. Two dump trucks pulled up on wounded, Knetter also grabbed a in charge. “Putting bullet holes left water to Camp Fallujah from an transport the wounded, carrying one the only road in or out of the outpost M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and right in that thing.” estimated 30 insurgents. of them to the ambulance. named Flanders. But when one of and charged to tower two. Just as By the time the battle was over During the attack, Feragen said Klimek’s bravery was demonstrated the trucks suddenly accelerated, Spc. he was about to reach the tower, he an hour later, 20 insurgents were he had to duck incoming fire but still at tower one by throwing grenades Billy Feragen, manning an M-2 50 was engaged by enemy fire from killed, a Marine and a Guardsman fired his machine gun until it ran and firing his 50-caliber machine caliber machine gun in one of the two different locations. He made were injured, and Hammac and four out of ammunition. He then left his gun and M-16 rifle. Once the attack outpost’s towers, knew something it up the ladder in time to lay down members of his squad had earned tower, falling back to another fighting started, he immediately ran towards was amiss. And this member of overwhelming fire on the enemy Bronze Star Medals with Valor, the position. There, he grabbed his M-16 tower one to gain a better firing Crookston-Minn.-based Company B, in the gravel trucks in front of his nation’s fourth highest award for rifle and successfully engaged an position. Maneuvering past grenades, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th tower. bravery. The other recipients were insurgent standing up in one of the he climbed the ladder while under Infantry, was right. David Olson’s heroics included Sgt. David Olson and Spcs. Jasen trucks. fire. Once on top, Klimek leaned An insurgent jumped up from providing ammunition to tower Klimek, Charles Knetter and John Spc. Joseph Melhorn of St. Paul, his weapon over the sand bags, in the truck and started firing his AK- one and two. Upon learning that Minn., was in a tower manning the direct sight of the enemy, to destroy 47 machine gun at Feragen. Seconds the Soldiers in tower two needed radio. He witnessed Feragen “unleash an exposed enemy position. When ammunition, he ran back to the hell” in a battle that often had enemy he was firing the 50-caliber, he also ammunition room. While he was fire coming from the east and west. was only protected by a sheet of there, he was told to take cover Hammac’s actions were bulletproof glass. because of imminent mortar fire that impressive and a testament to his John Olson, an elementary was going to be within 50 meters of dedication to his soldiers and the education major from Moorhead their outpost. Ignoring the warning, mission. He maneuvered outside the State University, Moorhead, Minn., Olson delivered the ammunition to perimeter walls twice to engage the and Knetter performed admirably tower two and informed the Soldiers enemy while under withering small in the early minutes of the attack. When the firing began, Olson had there and in two other towers of the no sooner opened the door of his “incoming mortars.” sleeping quarters when an injured “It was really scary at first Spc. Jared Moe was being assisted because as I was running down by Knetter into the room as it was there, there were rounds ricocheting being peppered by enemy fire. Olson off the walls next to me,” he said. immediately applied a field dressing “My biggest concern was my guy’s to the shrapnel wounds on Moe’s legs conditions.” and side. The Soldiers also were concerned As Olson was treating Moe, with the “incoming” mortars. The Knetter laid down covering fire to rounds were to be fired by their allow Spcs. Justin Dunn and Domingo fellow Mortarmen stationed nearby Augilar to “join the fight.” at Camp Fallujah. As Olson finished attending “Soon as I knew we needed to Moe, the squad’s medic, Spc. mortars, we were pretty rattled,” said Matthew Generux, opened the room’s Melhorn. Everybody was nervous door to repel the attack. He, Knetter, because our Forward Observers and Feragen immediately caught a told us they weren’t zeroed in very wounded Marine about to fall into the well.” room. Once the Marine was moved “As soon I heard those mortars to safety and receiving first aid for pop out from the south gate, I was a gunshot wound to his side, they like ‘Here they come everybody!’” rejoined the fight. said Melhorn, “everyone got down Olson wasn’t done with his immediately.” heroics. He delivered ammunition He said once the rounds hit, he while under fire to tower one where felt dirt hitting the towers “all over he also accurately engaged the enemy the place.” with his M203 grenade launcher. The mortars did their job and Olson then ran to tower three where, broke the attack, though. while climbing its ladder, he was “They had them on like you again engaged by the enemy. From wouldn’t believe,” Melhorn said. his tower, he suppressed the enemy And these brave Soldiers “defeated the enemy” thanks to a truck driver’s hunch.

Staff Sgt. David Hammac of Lino Lakes, Minn., the noncommissioned officer in charge for outpost Flanders, directed his Soldiers during a recent attack on the base. His actions, along with several members of his squad, earned them Bronze Star Medals with Valor, the nation’s fourth TOBY KEITH highest award for bravery. Below, Spc. Thomas R. Reifinger of Monroe, Conn., a food service specialist with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, stacks layers to create his team’s main course dish during the first ever Iron chef competition on LSA Anaconda. Reifinger’s team, representing dining facility two, took the first place award for the contest which took place April 14. Right, The red team embraced after being named the winners of the 2007 Iron chef competition. The six-member team all received trophies, medals, and certificates for their performance. Photos by Sgt. Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown Photos by Sgt.

Ironby Sgt. AlexandraChef Hemmerly-Brown food service sergeant major, included2007 four enough supplies to participate. Anaconda Times Staff teams of six Soldiers (one team for each dining “This has all been brainstormed to create a facility). Each team had one hour to prepare competition environment,” Howard said. LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - As the timer wound a five-course meal with ingredients provided A unique environment that is, as all of the down to the final few minutes, cooks, all dressed in the competition. Each plate was judged on equipment the Soldiers used was field and in white chef’s hats and aprons, raced to place appearance, texture, seasoning, and taste. battle-expedient, as opposed to regular indoor final entrees, sauces, and garnishes on their “My intent was to take their knowledge to kitchen gear. plates. another level,” Howard said of the cooks. Soldiers had a general idea of what ingredients Shouts of encouragement from both team Howard said he had the idea of an Iron chef they would be able to use in the contest, as they members and on-lookers spurred the cooks on competition in Iraq, from watching the cooking are familiar with the foods available in Iraq. as in a flurry of hands, they adorned each plate contests on TV. They did not, however, know what kind of meat to mirror its neighbor, and scrambled to take “I’m the type of person that loves to cook, and they would be using, which is where a little their places. I love my job,” Howard said. “I used to watch See Chef, Page 3 One at a time the teams brought their meals the cooking competitions before a panel of four judges to be tasted, on TV and wanted to do smelled, and ultimately decided which team something like that here.” would be given the title of “Iron Chef” for LSA The Jacksonville, Fla., Anaconda. native said he had the idea Held April 14, Anaconda’s first-ever Iron at the end of January, and Chef competition was an ultimate cook-off it took about a month of displaying the talents of the food service planning to get the contest specialists on base. on its feet. Cooking The competition, initiated and organized supplies were retrieved by Master Sgt. Christopher A. Howard, the from other bases in Iraq Staff Sgt. Cristina Arrisola of Corpus Christi, Texas, with the 449th Air Support Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, uses the grill to fry 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s for the competitors to have up an entrée for her team’s entry.

Above, 1st Sgt. Lynette Howard of the 4th Corps Material Management Command tastes one of the team’s entries as she judges. Right, Spc. Benita Y. Barnes of Americus, Ga., a food service specialist with the 368th Cargo Members of the blue team, representing dining facility one, work on their Transfer Company, chops up some veggies for her team’s entry April 14. main dish in the heat of competition.