Iraqis Partner with US, Deliver School Supplies to Children Pages 12-13

The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 23 April 28, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Safety first

Force protection Sol- diers increase base safety measures Page 5

Honors earned Iraqis partner with US, deliver school supplies to children Pages 12-13

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Meghan E. Keefe Iraqi Maj. Khan, the operations officer with the Iraqi Security Forces Emergency Response Unit, hands out backpacks filled with school supplies to schoolchildren in need. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled with school Louisiana troops supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas. awarded combat patch Page 10 Vocal support Support battalions transfer mission Lt. Col. Lawrence Goss St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y mander of the 732nd CSSB out III, commander of the Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e of Tomah, Wis., and a Sparta, 110th Combat Sustain- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Wis., native, said his Soldiers ment Support Battalion, achieved transportation excel- 36th Sustainment Bri- CONTINGENCY OPERATING lence by completing 210 mis- gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- BASE ADDER, sions and driving more than 1 ary) and a Perry, Ga., Iraq – The 732nd million miles during their de- native, and Sgt. Maj. Combat Sustain- ployment in support of Opera- Edward Andrews, the ment Support tion Iraqi Freedom. senior enlisted adviser Battalion, 36th Blaha commended each unit with the 110th CSSB Sustainment and section in his command on out of Tifton, Ga., and a Brigade, 13th a job well done and introduced Martin, Ga., native, un- Sustainment Command (Expe- the 110th CSSB. case their unit’s colors ditionary) passed its mission to “We are on our way home to to symbolize the begin- ning of their mission in the 110th Combat Sustainment the great state of Wisconsin,” he Chicago’s Twista hits support of Operation Support Battalion April 19, dur- said. “But (we leave you with) … Iraqi Freedom, during a ing a transfer of authority cer- the outstanding Soldiers of the Q-West, Iraq transfer of authority ceremony at Memorial Hall at Con- 110th, the most diverse, largest, emony at Memorial Hall tingency Operating Base Adder, most capable CSSB in the Iraqi Page 16 at Contingency Operat- Iraq. theater of operations.” ing Base Adder, Iraq. Lt. Col. John L. Blaha, com- SEE CHANGE ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Where do you read your Expeditionary Times? Chaplain’s Corner: it’s how For distribution, contact the 13th ESC PAO at Joint you finish the race By Lt. Co l . Ro y T. Wa l k e r to speed up or slow down. It is equally as neces- 13t h ESC Co m m a n d Ch a p l a i n sary for us to know when to speed up and slow Base Balad, Iraq down in our lives, on our jobs and in our rela- hen I was a freshman in high tionships. Timing is important in all we do. Wschool, I tried out for the high As we come to the end of a long deployment, Joint Base Balad : school cross country team. it is easy to slow down and try to coast to the fin- Because I ran quite a bit, I figured ish line. However, all good runners know, you al- 318-483-4603 it would be a fun and an easy way ways sprint to the finish regardless of how much to earn a high school letter. I soon lead you have. learned there is a huge difference between running As we begin to see the finish line, let us re- for fun and running for time. member the words of the apostle Paul in He- COB Adder: But, more importantly, there is an even greater brews 12:1. difference in running a long distance continuously “Let us throw off everything that hinders and 318-833-1002 and stopping or walking to rest. As I ran each day, the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run I soon realized running, and doing it correctly, was with perseverance the race marked out for us.” difficult. Paul reminds us to run when we should run I also noticed that the more I ran, the easier run- and keep our minds where our bodies are in the COB Taji: ning became. As I grew in strength and stamina, race. It is important that we, too, run the race I was able to maintain my pace and increase it as that is before us and not rest on what we have 318-834-1281 needed. already accomplished, hoping it will be enough Yet, the most valuable lesson I learned was run- to reach the end. ning strategy. Our coach had two favorite sayings. Many great runners have lost the greatest rac- The first was, “Its all about timing” and secondly he es of their lives by slowing down just for a little COB Q-West: reminded us, “Keep your mind where your body is while. These runners executed a perfect strategy at in the race.” all the way toward the end and slowed down just 318-827-6101 Coach would yell, “Walker, kick it in, this is the for one moment, only to watch their lead and time to speed up not slow down,” or “Slow down a first place slip between their fingers. In a race, little drop back.” In doing so, he was teaching me not it does not matter how strong you start, its how only the strategy for running, but for life as well. you finish. So, let us run the race before us and Al Asad Air Base: It is just as important for a runner to know when let us finish with honor and stamina. 318-440-4103

COB Speicher: 318-849-2501 e-mail: [email protected]

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318) 433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 96th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing 139th MPAD Commander The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] For online publication visit: APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant www.dvidshub.net 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac keyword: Expeditionary Times Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: understand paternity leave By Lt. Co l . An d r e a Sh e a l y still 10 days. This leave can be used after returning from deployment to rized for married Soldiers on active 13t h ESC De t a i l e d In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l in conjunction with other authorized utilize the entitlement. If the 10-day duty, whose wife has given birth to leaves of absence, but must be used in entitlement is not used within the a child on or after 14 October 2008.” n Oct. 14 2008, one block. prescribed period, it is forfeited. This statement must be initialed by Othe president This leave is authorized for married Commanders, supervisors or oth- the Soldier. signed the fiscal year Soldiers on active duty, to include Ti- er leave approval authorities must A Soldier who was charged annual 2009 National Defense tle 10 and Title 32 Active Guard Re- ensure the Department of the Army leave in connection with the birth of a Authorization Act. serve duty, whose wife gives birth to Form 31, Request and Authority for child after the act’s effective date and This act authorized a child on or after Oct. 14, 2008. The Leave, is properly annotated. before March 10, 2009, may request 10 days of paternity leave to be used act excludes single Soldiers fathering The following statement must be reinstatement of 10 days of paternity for the birth of a child. The authorized a child. included in block 17, remarks, on leave through the battalion personnel absence is applicable to single preg- Paternity leave is a non-chargeable the leave form: “I am requesting pa- department. nancies, meaning that whether the administrative absence that must be ternity leave in connection with the For more information on this topic, birth results in multiple children or a used within 45 days of the birth of the birth of my child. I understand that please see all Army activity message single birth, the authorized absence is child. Deployed Soldiers have 60 days by law paternity leave is only autho- 062/2009.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./256th IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Maj. Jamar Gails - DSN 485-7246 Sgt. 1st Class Christian Lee Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Al Asad (96th Sust. Bde.): DSN 440-7049 Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Arce Taji (278th ACR): DSN 834-3079 Master Sgt. Richard Faust Legal Issues: financial support for military Family members By Ca p t . Me l v i n Ra i n e s II manders, should have a basic grasp of is a really bad person. Only a battalion or mortgage, or other essential utilities, 13t h ESC Ch i e f , Leg a l As s i s t a n ce this regulation. commander or higher can excuse this including electricity, gas, and water, but The Army regulation provides that payment, and then only on certain legal not cable or phone bills. ervice members where there is an agreement between grounds. The Air Force has no set guidance Sand their families the spouses, or a court order govern- Multiple family members involve an- on family support, but it does require encounter problems ing support, the Soldier must obey the other rule under AR 608-99. For exam- its members to provide a reasonable dealing with the legal agreement or order. The regulation is ple, if the Soldier has other family mem- amount of support to family members. obligations of financial punitive, and this is one of the few situ- bers who are legally entitled to support, Navy and Marine Corps personnel support. ations in which a commander can give a then each only receives a pro-rata share should consult with their own legal rep- Every husband or wife is legally re- lawful order to a Soldier to pay a private of that support. So, if a Soldier has two resentative for further information. quired to provide support to his or her debt. children from a prior relationship, and Family support is a troubling issue spouse and children. However, differ- Most often, however, a marital dis- then is married and has another child for service members and their com- ent states have different rules on the pute has just arisen, and there is neither with his current spouse, the Soldier has manders. Here in Iraq, the problem of- exact amount of support. an agreement nor a court order. In such four family members who are entitled ten arises because the family members Spousal support is usually not or- cases, the Soldier is required to pay an to support. In this case, the current back home complain to the inspector dered at all in state court unless the amount equal to the basic allowance for spouse and child would only get half of general or the rear detachment com- marriage has lasted more than 10 years, housing II – with. This amount is not the $699.00, for a total monthly sup- mander. or there are other compelling reasons to the same as full BAH, and is generally port of $349.50. Legal assistance is here to offer grant it, such as a disabled spouse who about 70 percent of the full BAH a typi- There are some exceptions to this speedy help on this subject. We will cannot work. cal Soldier receives. rule. There may be no support due provide a written opinion to each ser- However, child support is mandato- To find the amount in any given year, if: the Soldier’s spouse is also on ac- vice member immediately, on the spot. ry for every parent. Even if you did not do a Google search of non-locality BAH tive duty in the military; the family Clients are seen on a walk-in basis, and intend to become a parent, and even rates. You will quickly find the chart – members live in government housing clients usually get this opinion within if your partner lied to you about using it’s at the top of the Google search re- on post; the income of the supported 30 minutes of visiting our office. This birth control, you are legally obligated sults. The amount the Solider must pay spouse exceeds that of the Soldier; the written opinion is helpful in clarifying to pay child support. is listed under the “BAH RC/T – With supported family member is in jail; or the rights and obligations of all parties Service members who experience Dependents” column. For example, the Soldier has been a victim of abuse. involved in a dispute over family sup- marital difficulties, or who have become in 2010, an E-4 must pay $699.00, an There are other exceptions as well, such port. parents, should seek legal guidance on amount lower than the actual BAH with as where the spouse does not have cus- For further assistance, please feel support to their family members. received by any E-4. tody of the couple’s children. These are free to contact our office at 433-2836. The Army has a specific set of rules The Soldier must pay family support found in AR 608-99, Paragraphs 2-14 Our building number is 7235, the cas- controlling family support. These are even if the supported spouse is hav- and 2-15. tle on Pennsylvania Avenue. Our of- found in Army Regulation 608-99, ing an affair, refusing to return phone Finally, a Soldier can comply with fice hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday Chapter 2. Soldiers, especially com- calls, and even if the supported spouse AR 608-99 by directly paying the rent through Saturday.

1. Power strips are free of debris and clothing. Check CHUsdays 4. Smoke detector is operational. 5. Fire extinguisher is serviceable (in the green). 2. Electrical devices not in use are unplugged. Each Tuesday check the 3. Power strips and outlets are not overloaded. foll0wing in your CHU 6. Room is neat and orderly. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 402nd Army Field Support Brigade

welcomesSt o r y a n d Ph o t o b y new commander“I’m smiling now, not just because Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t I think we’ve done a pretty good job, Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f but I’m also happy I’m turning (the command) over to a great officer,” he JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Sol- said. “The experiences that I’ve had diers, Airmen and civilians over the last 13 months in Iraq have watched as the commander been ones that have touched every fi- of the 402nd Army Field ber of my being.” Support Brigade wel- Rogers said the incoming com- comed his replacement, mander is more than capable of han- during a change of com- dling the mission. mand ceremony April 21 at Morale, Wel- “I really could not think of a better fare and Recreation east at Joint Base qualified officer to come and lead this Balad, Iraq. organization as we continue with the The 402nd AFSB out of Rock Island, responsible drawdown and resetting Ill., manages Army Materiel Command the theater,” he said. logistics to equip, sustain and protect Col. Larry Fuller, the incoming service members in support of Opera- commander with the 402nd AFSB tion Iraqi Freedom. and a Jackson, Ala., native, said he Maj. Gen. James E. Rogers, com- was grateful for the chance to lead the mander of the 1st Sustainment Com- brigade during the drawdown. mand (Theater) out of Fort Bragg, N.C., Col. Brian R. Haebig, the outgoing commander of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade out “What a tough act to follow,” he thanked the service members and civil- of Rock Island, Ill., and an Oshkosh, Wis., native, hands the flag to Maj. Gen. James E. Rogers, said. “Col. Brian Haebig has truly set ians in the audience, as well as family commander of the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) out of Fort Bragg, N.C., and a Jackson, the bar high. You have done a remark- and friends who could not attend. Ala., native, during a change of command ceremony April 21 at Morale, Welfare and Recreation able job setting this command up for “What a great day to be a Soldier,” he east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. success and I appreciate the opportu- said. “This is an important Army tradi- the 402nd and its force of roughly 8,000 a true steward of government property, nity to be your understudy for the last tion where we say farewell to one out- Soldiers, Airmen and civilians, said Rog- said Rogers. 10 days.” standing commander and welcome an ers. “(Haebig) exemplified that in this The unit will continue to be respon- equally promising new leader.” The outgoing commander reestab- command,” he said. “This outstand- sible for drawing down U.S. equip- Rogers said it is sad to see individuals lished accountability of more than 250 ing unit with its outstanding group of ment from Iraq, as the United States leave, but the mission will continue. million property book items, Roger said. leaders, like all good organizations, like military and its contractors prepare to “(Col. Brian R. Haebig) thrived in his “When you consider some of the (United States Forces – Iraq) itself … has leave the country, Fuller said. command of the 402nd,” he said. things that (Haebig) has done for the achieved success by focusing on three key “To 8,000 plus Soldiers, Airmen, With the U.S. military fully engaged readiness rates across the theater, he areas: mission, people and teamwork.” (Department of the Army) civilians in two separate wars, facilitating a re- provided management oversight of the Haebig, the outgoing commander of and contractors who make up the sponsible drawdown of forces from Iraq largest theater property book in the his- the 402nd AFSB and an Oshkosh, Wis., brigade, I am immensely impressed while setting the country up for success tory of the Army, $18 billion,” he said. native, thanked the service members and by your professionalism, discipline, would not have been possible without The nation expects the brigade to be civilians for their support of the mission. commitment and energy,” he said. CHANGE: unit heads back to Wisconsin CHANGE FROM PAGE 1 “(Command staff with the 110th Col. Sean A. Ryan, commander of CSSB), you have already demonstrated the 36th Sust. Bde. out of Temple, the will and the tenacity to succeed,” he Texas, and a Cedar Park, Texas, native, said. “Your team seems very eager, and worked with the 732nd CSSB for the very ready for the mission. I feel very past eight months. He presented both comfortable with the experience you Blaha and Master Sgt. Doug Raabe, the bring to the fight. I am proud to have acting senior enlisted adviser with the you as part of the team.” 732nd CSSB and a Tomah, Wis., native, Lt. Col. Lawrence Goss III, com- with the Bronze Star Medal for success- mander of the 110th CSSB out of Tifton, ful completion of their mission. Ga., and a Perry, Ga., native, said the “Soldiers of Task Force Badger, you 732nd carried out its mission well and have completed your tour with honor set the 110th up for success. and distinction – a job well done,” said “I want to say thank you to the 732nd Ryan. “We are honored by … your war- for a seamless transition, the best of rior, can-do spirit, and your commit- luck and a safe trip home,” said Goss. ment to excellence.” “I stand before you today knowing that Ryan also expressed enthusiasm the 110th CSSB is prepared to support about the incoming unit. victory.” April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Force protection Soldiers implement, install base safety measures St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers with the Regi- mental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sus- tainment Command ( E x p e d i t i o n a r y ) implemented and installed new safety measures at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq, April 15. Aside from the daily duties of force protection, Soldiers with the RFS face additional duties in relation to overall base security. Capt. Brian McCord, the force protection officer in charge with the RFS, Base Defense Operations Cen- ter, 278th ACR and a Seymour, Tenn., native, said their job is to provide perimeter and barrier security within the gates. “I do the coordination with various groups within the private security sec- tor, contractors and meet with the intelligence community and relay information down to all the units,” he said. McCord said they inspect entry control points, living space areas and Sgt. Robert Bernstorf, the barrier protection sergeant with the Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment sometimes meet with the local popula- Command (Expeditionary) and a Kingston, Tenn., native, and a local national worker watch as a crane moves a T-wall closer to the building to tion directly outside base. provide barrier protection, April 15 at Contingency Operating Base, Marez, Iraq. “Since the reports of the kidnappings recently, we have tightened up our se- “We had to move 16 T-walls from the flight line,” he said. “We are putting “We keep people from being attacked curity measures; but security was al- there at 13,000 pounds each,” he said. up HESCO barriers in their place because periodically,” he said. “This allows peo- ready tight,” he said. “We’ve tightened “It took about two weeks to get the as- they are just filled with sand, and nothing ple to be more at ease, so they can con- our tactical procedures and now do a sets to move this, so we are a bit behind deadly can come out of them. duct their daily mission.” 100 percent search of all non-military and we will be very busy for the next Scott said it took him three days to With more than 31 years of mili- vehicles that enter or leave the COB.” few days.” build the 20-foot-tall barriers. tary service and two deployments to In Iraq, it is better to be safe than Bernstorf said the QRF team is housed “(In one day), we have put in and filled Iraq, Hineman said a lot has changed sorry, he said in a wooden building instead of a hard- over 1,200 feet of HESCO barriers,” he for the better. He said the last time he McCord said the Soldiers are work- ened structure and, even though the said. was here, there was no running water ing on two big projects that should take chance is remote, the building could be Sgt. 1st Class Donald Hineman, the for miles and the streets of Mosul were a few days to complete. hit. They did not want to take any chanc- force protection noncommissioned of- blacked out. “We have one Soldier with a team of es. ficer in charge with the RFS, 278th ACR “Now people aren’t afraid to come local nationals moving T-walls to pro- “We took care of the T-walls, with blast and a Chatanooga, Tenn., native, said out of their houses anymore and roam tect a building where the (quick reac- mitigation for the building,” he said. they are responsible for the 18 miles of the city,” he said. tion force) team is, and another Soldier Sgt. Keith A. Scott, the perimeter ser- barriers and perimeter that encompass Hineman credits the good rapport at the flight line putting up HESCO bar- geant with the RFS, 278th ACR and a Marez and Diamondback. and friendship with the local nationals riers,” he said. Canada, Ky., native, explained improve- “We have close to 10,000 personnel to his Soldiers. Sgt. Robert Bernstorf, the barrier ments being made to safety and security that we have to keep it a safe haven for,” “It’s not me, it’s my Soldiers that force protection sergeant with the RFS, on the flight line. he said. make this job happen,” he said. “The 278th ACR and a Kingston,Tenn., na- “If they were to hit one of those T- Hineman said force protection is one cooperation between the local nation- tive, said they moved the T-walls from walls, the steel and other fragmentation of the most important aspects of secu- als, civilian employees and the Soldiers an unused shop. could possibly hurt service members on rity. make this a great and rewarding job.” ON THE http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ WEB PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Louisiana unit falls in on Iraq mission St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Command Sgt. Maj. Sud A. Robert- Sg t . Tr e s a L. All e m a n g son, the 2/156th’s senior enlisted ad- 256t h IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s viser and a New Iberia, La., native. Rivers said he and his unit are not CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Louisiana’s intimidated by the tasks ahead of 2nd Battalion, 156th In- them. fantry Regiment out of “It is a very versatile mission, but Abbeville, La., 256th I feel very confident that our Soldiers Infantry Brigade are trained, motivated and ready to Combat Team, 13th get started,” Rivers said. Sustainment Com- In the past 12 months, the Soldiers mand (Expedition- with the 1/82nd’s Task Force Stetson ary) uncased its colors and assumed set a standard, said Col. Daniel R. Ho- its mission in the Area Defense Op- kanson, commander of the 41st IBCT erations Center at Victory Base Com- and a Keizer, Ore., native. plex, Iraq, as Oregon’s 41st Infantry “Their standard was simple and ef- Brigade Combat Team cased its col- fective,” he said. “It was simply leave ors and transferred authority during it all on the table. The honor and pride an April 5 ceremony at Camp Liberty, the 1/82nd and the 1195th … put into Iraq. their missions here, now falls into the “From the time we were mobi- very capable hands of … the Soldiers lized, our troops have trained very of the 2/156th Infantry. I know in hard for this mission,” said Lt. Col. Command Sgt. Maj. Sud A. Robertson, the senior enlisted adviser with 2nd Battalion, 156th their own way, they will find room to Eric “Clay” Rivers, commander of the Infantry Regiment, out of Abbeville, La., 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sus- leave even more on the table.” 2/156th and a Zwolle, La., native. “A tainment Command (Expeditionary) and a New Iberia, La., native, and Lt. Col. Eric “Clay” Rivers said he and his Soldiers wel- lot of time and effort went into being Rivers, commander of the 2/156th and a Zwolle, La., native, uncase the battalion’s colors come the challenge. during a transfer of authority ceremony April 5, as the 2/156th assumes the mission as the prepared for this, and we came here “We look forward to working with Area Defense Operations Center at Victory Base Complex, Iraq. ready to work and implement what our Iraqi partners and other U.S. Forc- we have learned and trained so dili- companies, and its missions include corting convoys, operating the Joint es as we defend Victory Base Complex gently for.” manning entry control points with as Visitors Bureau and providing secu- from hostile threat, and continue on- The new ADOC consists of eight many as 30,000 weekly visitors, es- rity for distinguished visitors, said going security operations,” he said. Infantry unit adjusts to base support role By Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e support functions) fall under the 13th Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ESC.” Although the 3/141st is a smaller unit CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE than the 4-1 AD, Strenk said he has had ADDER, Iraq – On April no issues with a shortage of personnel, 1, 3rd Battalion, 141st thanks to support from the 36th Sust. Infantry Regiment, 36th Bde. Sustainment Brigade, Strenk said he and his unit are en- 13th Sustainment thusiastic about their new role in the Command (Expedi- drawdown. tionary) took over “We actually love it,” he said. “We mayoral duties at Contingency Operat- want to embrace it because it makes a ing Base Adder, Iraq. big difference. If we did not do the job These duties were previously tasked that we need to do, then the tenants on to the battle-space owner, 4th Brigade COB Adder could not do their jobs.” Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Lt. Col. Stanley E. Golaboff, the but were re-designated a sustainment deputy commander with the 36th Sust. duty as part of the upcoming responsi- Bde. and a Harker Heights, Texas, na- ble drawdown of forces and equipment tive, said the goal of the changeover was from Iraq. to help free up the battle-space owner, Army photo by Maj. Tim Ohlhaver Lt. Col. Joachim Strenk, commander allowing them to focus more on their of the 3/141st and an Austin, Texas, na- partnership with Iraqi units. Lt. Col. Joachim Strenk, commander of 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Sus- tive, said his unit is only in charge of the “(United States Forces – Iraq) has tainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and an Austin, Texas, native, speaks at the transfer of authority ceremony April 1, during which his unit took over sustainment functions for COB Adder. looked across the board to find … units the mayoral duties at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. “It is not a garrison command any- that can pick up either the mayoral or more because they have split the (base garrison responsibilities,” he said. ing the sexual assault response coordi- Golaboff said, “There is a synergy operating support) functions and the Golaboff said he believes the 3/141 is nator for the installation, providing a and benefit to having the folks who are base defense,” he said. “The base de- prepared for its new duties, which in- chairman for the sexual assault review trained in logistics provide basic life- fense still falls … under the maneuver clude ensuring the availability of chapel board, and ensuring all base support- support functions, which are, tradition- units, whereas the (base operating services for all denominations, provid- services contracts are fulfilled. ally, logistically based.” April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Q-West drawdown continues with equipment collection

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y appears on a computer system, she said. St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y Equipment not assigned to a unit, such 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s as that which is turned in to a redistribution team, is also recorded on that system. CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- When a piece of equipment is available in TION Q-WEST, Iraq – two different places, supply specialists can Soldiers with the 15th see and order the one that is closer, reduc- Sustainment Brigade, ing time and money costs, said Coffee. 13th Sustainment Com- Capt. Marion Sewell, the 15th Sust. mand (Expeditionary) Bde.’s supply deputy officer and a Ches- assisted a mobile re- ter, Pa., native, said the mobile redistribu- distribution property tion team was very helpful with turning in accountability team in collecting an esti- equipment. Unlike a stationary redistribu- mated $30 million in equipment no lon- tion property accountability team, which ger needed at Contingency Operating Base can only accept 100 pieces of equipment Q-West, Iraq, April 12 through April 17 as daily, the mobile version could accept 300 part of the Army’s upcoming responsible to 400, he said. drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment Sewell said it was easier and faster to fix in the Iraq Joint Operations Area. any unforeseen problems that could occur The turned-in equipment, known as during the process. theater-provided equipment, was that “It keeps hundreds of Soldiers off the which units received in Iraq for use only road,” he said. “It benefits everybody.” while deployed and until now, has passed For the Soldiers at Q-West, turning the from one deployed unit to the next. equipment in has a special meaning, said Sgt. Tamicka Coffee, the redistribu- 1st Lt. Brandon Reichlin, the executive of- tion team’s leader and a Miami native, ficer with the 733rd Transportation Com- said much of the equipment will go back pany, 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th to the 15th Sust. Bde.’s home station at Sust. Bde. and a Middletown, Del., native. Fort Hood, Texas, and the rest will go to It’s a morale booster for the guys be- Joint Base Balad, Iraq, for further sorting cause they know they are going home,” he and shipping to Afghanistan, the United said. Sgt. Colin Pilch, a truck driver with the 733rd Transportation Company, 15th Special States, or wherever it is needed. The 733rd turned in $6 million worth Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- Coffee likened the process to that of a of trucks, communications equipment, ary) and a Lynchburg, Va., native, places medical kits into a palletized box for turn in to clothing store. When the store runs out of tow bars, first aid gear, computers, etc., a mobile redistribution property accountability team April 14 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. a shirt, it has to determine which supplier said 1st Lt. Karen Hassler, the 733rd com- can best fulfill the need, she said. mander and a Philadelphia native. said was a lot of paperwork and time. Al- turned in, he said no one complained. Likewise, when an Army unit needs a “It’s a lot of moving parts,” she said. though he and the Soldiers with his unit “It’s the end of our mission,” Hassler piece of equipment, it places an order that The process required what Reichlin put in extra hours to get the equipment said. “(We’re) ready to go home.” Wagonmaster Soldiers walk to raise sexual assault awareness By St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y Texas, native, read her award-win- tively, she talked about what might Ijams said sexual assault could 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s ning sexual assault essay, followed happen if the private notified her have strong lasting effects on vic- by comments from Capt. Victoria leadership, who would then respond tims, including depression and post- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Ijams, a social worker with the 501st appropriately. traumatic stress disorder conditions, Q-WEST, Iraq – Sol- Area Support Medical Company, 61st Moffatt’s essay encouraged vic- that could grow worse without help. diers with the 15th Sus- Multifunctional Medical Detach- tims of sexual assault to come for- “Everything is dis-regulated (sic) tainment Brigade, 13th ment, 1st Medical Brigade and a Sag- ward and seek help. She also encour- from sleep to their appetite,” she Sustainment Com- inaw, Mich., native. aged leaders to be aware of changes said. mand (Expedition- Moffatt’s essay, “Hurts One Affects in a Soldier’s performance, because It’s very important to listen to vic- ary) walked a 5K to All,” won a Q-West sexual assault the reason may not be readily ob- tims, Ijams said. raise awareness of awareness essay contest. Through servable. “Don’t judge them in your mind as sexual assault and give speakers an her essay, Moffatt told the story of Ijams said sexual assault is more they tell you their story,” she said. opportunity to educate participants, a young female Army private who is prevalent that some might realize. Ijams encouraged victims to seek April 16 at Contingency Operating sexually assaulted shortly after join- She said one out of six women is the help from their leadership, chaplains Base Q-West, Iraq. ing the Army. victim of sexual assault, as is one in or unit victim advocates. Before the walk, Pvt. Megan Mof- She discussed possible outcomes, 33 men. Most of the assaults are not “When one of us is assaulted, we fatt, mayor cell help desk clerk with such as the private’s personal situa- by strangers either, she said. Instead, are all assaulted,” Moffatt said, read- the 15th Special Troops Battalion, tion worsening as a result of not re- 73 percent of victims are assaulted ing her essay. “For the hurting of 15th Sust. Bde. and a College Station, questing or receiving help. Alterna- by an acquaintance. one, affects all.” PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Wranglers remember Holocaust horrors St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “I like to think they escaped, like my St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y great-great grandparents to the United 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s States,” he said. “In reality, this probably didn’t happen.” CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q- In addition to killing Jews, Bare said WEST, Iraq – Soldiers with some were subject to medical testing like the 15th Special Troops that done by the Nazi Dr. Joseph Man- Battalion, 15th Sustain- gele. Bare read an account by a Jewish ment Brigade, 13th Sus- Auschwitz inmate, Vera Alexander, about tainment Command tests done on a pair of young Romani (Expeditionary) Wran- twins. glers hosted a Holo- “One day, Mengele took them away,” caust Days of Remembrance observation Bare read. “When they returned, they April 16, at the Morale Welfare and Rec- were in a terrible state – they had been reation tent at Contingency Operating sewn together, back to back, like Sia- Base Q-West, Iraq. mese twins. Their wounds were infected The event included a reading of the and oozing pus. They screamed day and history of the Holocaust, a slideshow and night. Then their parents – I remember words from Jewish guest speaker Sgt. Sgt. Randy Bare, a squad leader with the 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment the mother’s name was Stella – managed Randy Bare, squad leader with the 15th Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Biloxi, Miss., native, speaks to get some morphine and they killed the Sust. Bde.’s Personal Security Detach- about his Jewish heritage to Soldiers at a Holocaust Days of Remembrance observation children in order to end their suffering.” April 17 at the Morale Welfare and Recreation center at Contingency Operating Base Q- ment and a Biloxi, Miss., native. Bare described other events which il- West, Iraq. Sgt. Elizabeth Gaytan, the 15th STB lustrated the suffering endured by the personnel clerk and a Los Angeles native, Gaytan explained how Jews who were he personally dealt with others’ prejudice Jews during the Holocaust, which many spoke about the Nazi party coming to unable to flee were taken from their over time. Jews refer to as Shoah, a Hebrew word power in Germany in 1933 and later per- homes and brought to concentration Bare said it made him uncomfortable meaning calamity. secuting those they considered inferior, camps or remote locations, to be shot, as a young boy to be teased about not cel- Although Jews were the main focus including Jews, Gypsies, Poles, Russians, gassed or burned alive. A small portion ebrating Christmas or Easter, and as an of Nazi persecution and killing, other Communists, Socialists, Jehovah’s Wit- survived as slaves to the Nazis, she said. infantryman in the Marines, he once had groups were also victimized. In fact, Bare nesses, the disabled and homosexuals. The persecution and genocide continued a swastika drawn on his door. said, between 11 and 17 million people Jews were the regime’s primary target until May 7, 1945, when Nazi Germany “When I think I’ve had it hard – I don’t were killed in the genocide, including 6 for Hitler’s “Final Solution,” said Gaytan. unconditionally surrendered to Allied even compare to what happened to my million Jews. “Holocaust is a word of Greek origin, forces. great-grandparents,” he said. Bare said it is important to remember meaning ‘sacrifice by fire,’” she said. “By Bare, whose great-great grandparents Bare’s great aunt and her family were the Holocaust because, as time goes on, 1945, the (Nazis) and their collaborators fled to the United States during this time, captured by Nazis after multiple attempts there are fewer survivors left to tell their killed nearly two out of every three Euro- elaborated on the hardships Jews en- to flee and disappeared into a ghetto in stories; he hoped the message did not fall pean Jews.” dured during that part of history and how Poland. on deaf ears. Service members, civilians stand together against sexual assault St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “It’s a lifelong label given to men tims, said Har- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o and women who survive the only vey, a Clarks- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f crime that tends to point the finger at ville, Tenn., the victim more than the accused,” she native. The JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The said. DSARC works 332nd Air Expedition- Service members have settled into above all of the ary Wing sponsored a a military that has placed limitations UVAs with the luncheon for Army and on the ethos of “never leave a comrade 13th ESC, she Air Force sexual as- behind,” and allowed “it’s not my prob- said. sault prevention and lem” to undermine their core values, “We’re right response personnel said Ferguson, a Cincinnati native. there by their Service members and civilians gather for the Sexual Assault Aware- April 19 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “Thankfully, every day we take the side, to let them ness Month Luncheon, hosted by the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Service members with the 13th Sus- appropriate steps toward changing know they’re April 19 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. All major commands attended the tainment Command (Expeditionary), that attitude,” she said. “‘Hurt one – not alone,” she luncheon as a show of support for the military’s zero tolerance policy Task Force 38 and 1st Medical Brigade affects all’ is the mindset I’ve consis- said. against sexual assault. also attended the event, in a joint ef- tently relied on for motivation in my The 13th fort against sexual harassment and as- efforts to reduce the number of sexual ESC attended the event in support and a UVA with the 13th ESC. sault in the military. assault in the (military).” of the 332nd AEW’s identical stance “It tears at the very fabric of the or- Being a rape or sexual assault sur- The luncheon was held to recognize of zero tolerance for sexual assault ganization,” said Robinson, an Okla- vivor is a label few service members April as Sexual Assault Awareness crimes, said Harvey. Both commands homa City native. “We need to weed would like to admit to, but one they Month and highlight the efforts of unit have made sexual assault prevention these predators out so we can have a may be forced to live with, said Air victim advocates and deployed sexual a high priority, to stop the crime and better (military) for Soldiers and Air- Force Staff Sgt. Timika Ferguson, assault response coordinators in Iraq, reinforce mission readiness, she said. men.” a force protection escort and a unit said Master Sgt. Charolette Harvey, The military as a whole has made The event showed the solidarity of victim advocate with the 332nd Ex- the 13th ESC’s career counselor and efforts to eliminate sexual assault the military’s stance on sexual assault, peditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, acting DSARC. among its ranks, said Staff Sgt. Kim- she said. 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support The UVA is responsible for the care berly Robinson, the noncommissioned “It doesn’t affect one of us; it affects Group, 332nd AEW. and assistance of sexual assault vic- officer in charge of medical logistics all of us,” said Robinson. April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Recovery mission to northern Mosul a quick success St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y West said it is typical to go on a re- KBR employees safe when they are re- Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c covery mission with four military and covering the vehicles. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f two KBR vehicles. “We give them a green area and make “The mission went very smoothly sure nothing happens,” he said. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE and we got there in about a half hour,” After the vehicle was recovered, a MAREZ, MOSUL, Iraq – he said. group of military police joined their Soldiers with A Battery, West said it usually takes about 30 convoy and helped them push through Regimental Fires Squad- to 45 minutes to get off base once they the city, Hayes said. ron, 278th Armored reach the Movement Control Team “Some of these vehicles are big, so Cavalry Regiment, yard, which is the starting point for the when we came to a bridge, some Sol- 13th Sustainment convoys. diers dismounted to make sure they Command (Expedi- “We have to link up with KBR and had clearance,” he said. tionary) executed a recovery mission get their manifest of personnel and Sometimes they do not go out on April 14 just north of Mosul, Iraq. combine it with ours, which is what many missions during the week, but Recovery missions, or retrieving im- takes most of the time,” he said. when they do, Hayes said he enjoys go- mobile vehicles, come at a moment’s Missions usually average three hours ing out into the city. notice, so Soldiers are on call 24 hours from start to finish, and West said all “I usually roll through at night, and a day to perform them. six of the missions he has been on went this was my first mission during the Pfc. Bradley Bournes, a driver with A Battery, Sgt. James West, a truck commander smoothly. day,” he said. Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored with A Battery, RFS, 278th ACR and a Spc. William Hayes, a gunner with A Hayes said it is quiet at night, with Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Com- Trenton, Ga., native, said the April 14 Battery, RFS, 278th ACR and a Pigeon little traffic on the streets, but during mand (Expeditionary) and a Livingston, Tenn., mission was to retrieve a Mine-Resis- Forge, Tenn., native, said the team al- the day it is busy, with a lot of civilian native, and Spc. William Hayes, a gunner tant Ambush-Protected vehicle with a ways reacts quickly during these mis- traffic and pedestrians. with A Battery, RFS, 278th ACR and a Pigeon broken transmission. sions and makes good time. “We have to really be on our toes Forge, Tenn., native, perform preventive main- “We went out, set up 360 degree se- “From the time we got the call … we during the day time and not get com- tenance checks and services, as well as weap- curity, dismounted for (KBR, Inc.) and made it to the pickup point in an hour placent,” he said. “We know that some- ons checks in preparation for a recovery mis- they recovered the vehicle rather quick- and ten minutes,” he said. thing can happen at any time out there, sion April 15 at Contingency Operating Base ly without any problems,” he said. Hayes said it is important to keep the and we will be ready and safe.” Marez, Iraq. Louisiana Troops awarded combat patch St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y erations Center leaders – Lt. Col. Marc Sg t . Tr e s a L. All e m a n g Kelly, the garrison deputy commander 256t h IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s and a Deville, La., native, Command Sgt. Maj. William Migues, the garri- CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Soldiers with son senior enlisted adviser and a New the 256th Infantry Brigade Iberia, La., native, Lt. Col. Stuart Bur- Combat Team’s Head- russ, the BDOC commander and a Car- quarters, 199th Brigade ville, La., native, and Command Sgt. Support Battalion out Maj. Patrick Sandel, the BDOC senior of Alexandria, La., and enlisted adviser and a Deridder, La., the brigade’s Special native – marking the moment that all Troops Battalion out of Plaquemine, Soldiers with the unit could wear the La., were awarded a combat patch 256th IBCT patch. honoring their wartime service during “I am glad that I came,” said Eu- a ceremony April 16 at Camp Victory, banks. “This is what I am trained for Iraq. and I am proud to do my part in serv- Although much of the unit had coming my country.” bat patches from previous deployments, Waskom reminded his troops that including the 256th IBCT, 13th Sus- their uniform may have changed, but tainment Command (Expeditionary)’s their mission remains the same. 2004 Operation Iraqi Freedom deploy- “You’ve earned the right to wear a ment, there were still some for whom Lt. Col. Marc Kelly, deputy commander with the 199th Garrison Command and a Deville, combat patch, but this doesn’t make the experience is unique. La., native, places combat patches on his Soldiers during a ceremony April 16 at Camp you bulletproof,” he said. “You are still Pvt. Adam J. Eubanks, a radio trans- Victory, Iraq. The ceremony marked the Army’s recognition of the Soldiers’ wartime ser- in a combat zone.” mission and command post operator vice with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- The 256th IBCT mobilized Jan. 5 to ditionary). Mobilized Jan. 5, the 256th deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to for the Base Defense Operations Cen- conduct convoy escort and force protection missions during the responsible drawdown conduct convoy escort and force pro- ter and Lafayette, La., native, filled of U.S. Forces from Iraq. tection missions during the responsi- the empty space on his right shoulder ble drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq. with a combat patch for the first time and advanced individual training in part of the deployment.” The roughly 3,400 troops with the Ti- at the ceremony. November. “I literally stepped off of Col. James B. Waskom, garrison ger Brigade trained for two months at “It is an experience that came soon- the airplane and walked over to my commander and an Abbeville, La., Camp Shelby, Miss., to prepare for the er than I expected,” said Eubanks, unit, located right next to the airport, native, placed patches on the garri- deployment, and are scheduled to re- who completed basic combat training and they informed me that I would be son command and Base Defense Op- turn home around the end of this year. April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Support operations Soldiers direct Liberty traffic By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Lomax said this is his second deploy- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ment to Iraq and it has been a major learning experience. CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The support op- “I learned a lot about the (inner work- erations transportation Sol- ings) of the SPO,” he said. diers with the 260th Combat Lomax said he spent his last deploy- Sustainment Support Bat- ment driving and has enjoyed the chal- talion, 15th Sustainment lenge of managing the convoys from the Brigade, 13th Sustain- outside. ment Command (Expe- “Driving is the easy part,” he said. ditionary) have worked around the clock The 260th CSSB is training its replace- since August to manage all transportation ment, the 373rd CSSB, 15th Sust., Bde., into and out of Camp Liberty, Iraq. which was scheduled to take over the SPO “Anything that needs to be moved, we mission April 20. move it,” said Capt. Robert McGuire, SPO “Their (operations) are going smooth transportation officer in charge with the … we’re going to drive on with that,” said 260th CSSB and a Canton, Mich., native. Spc. John Teague, the TMR manager and Courtesy photo McGuire said his team manage all of coordinator with the 373rd CSSB and a the transportation movement requests The support operations transportation office with the 260th Combat Sustainment Sup- Beaumont, Texas, native. for all convoys in the area and has set a port Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Teague said his team is learning as manages all convoys coming through Camp Liberty, Iraq. To date, its convoys have trav- high standard for the rest of the 15th Sust. much as it can from the 260th before it eled more than 1.7 million miles. Bde. redeploys. “We’ve driven around 1.7 million with the 260th CSSB and a Donalds, S.C., work for the SPO transportation office “They really set the standard, so we’re miles,” he said, “and we have the best on- native. as it moves excess containerized housing just trying to keep that up,” he said. time rate in the brigade.” “We have over 450 Army assets and units and equipment south to Kuwait. Teague said he and his team are ex- The transportation office works hand over 300 KBR (Inc.) assets,” he said. “We’re trying to clean up the area cited to take on their mission during this in hand with military and civilian trans- As the Army prepares for the draw- around here,” said Lomax. “We take historical drawdown. portation companies to keep the coun- down, more civilian convoys move than (equipment) from the (Central Receiving “We understand we’ve got a big re- try’s supplies moving, said Staff Sgt. Wil- Army convoys, Lomax said and Shipping Point) and designate where sponsibility,” he said. “It will be some- liam Lomax, a transportation sergeant The drawdown has provided more it needs to go.” thing to remember.” Task Force Bayou assumes authority at Al Asad St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment Sg t . Na t h a n i e l Or p h e y from Iraq. 256t h IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Before assuming its mission, TF Bayou trained on convoy and counter-improvised AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – The Louisiana explosive device operations for roughly Army National Guard’s 3rd two months at Camp Shelby, Miss. Battalion, 156th Infantry The Soldiers with 3rd Bn. spent two Regiment, 256th Infantry weeks training with TF Atlas before as- Brigade Combat Team, suming the mission. During this time, Sol- 13th Sustainment Com- diers from both units shared techniques mand (Expeditionary) on how to best address the issues that out of Lake Charles, could arise during the unit’s time in Iraq, La., formally assumed command from said Capt. John Waller, personnel officer the Oregon National Guard’s 141st Bri- with the 3/156th and a Lake Charles, La., gade Support Battalion during a transfer native. of authority ceremony April 7 at Al Asad “This has been one of the easiest TOAs Air Base, Iraq. I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “The 141st The ceremony took place at the White Soldiers really made it easy for us to come Elephant Morale Welfare and Recreation in and get our job done.” tent and included the uncasing of the in- Lt. Col. David Gooch, Task Force Bay- coming battalion’s colors, to symbolize the ou’s commander and a Houston native, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Hickman, the senior enlisted adviser with the Louisiana assumption of command for Louisiana’s also expressed his appreciation for the TF Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Task Force Bayou in support of Operation Atlas Soldiers. Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Lake Charles, La., Iraqi Freedom. “I want to thank the Soldiers of the 141st and a Deridder, La., native, and Lt. Col. David Gooch, 3rd Bn. commander and a Houston native, uncase the unit’s colors during a transfer of authority ceremony April 7 at Al Asad The unit’s primary mission consists of for making this an easy transition for us,” Air Base, Iraq. Task Force Bayou is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to providing convoy escort teams to conduct he said. “We have trained hard and I know conduct convoy escort and force protection missions throughout Iraq to assist with the security during the upcoming responsible we are ready for the task ahead.” upcoming responsible drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment. TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM e-mail: [email protected] PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s Iraqis partner with US, deliver school supplies to children St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Ca p t . Me g h a n E. Ke e f e 37t h En g i n ee r Bn. SALAH AD DIN, Iraq – The 6th Battalion Iraqi Emergency Response Unit and U.S. forces visited two local schools to deliver backpacks and school supplies April 7 in Du- jayl, Iraq. A Company, 37th Engineer Battal- ion – Joint Task Force Eagle out of Fort Bragg, N.C., and B Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Riley, Kan., partnered with the 6th Bn. ERU to make two trips to deliver backpacks donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit. The backpacks were filled with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas. The delivery would not have been possible without the efforts of stateside families and Iraqi Maj. Khan, the 6th Bn. ERU operations officer, and his team, said Capt. Tim Behnke, the JTF Eagle chaplain and a Fayetteville, N.C., native. “Everything fell into place perfectly,” said Behnke. “Tennessee donated the backpacks, Texas donated the school supplies and our Iraqi partners wanted to help their community.” First Lt. Cody Fields, the 1st Platoon leader with B Co., 1/28 Inf. Bn. and a Roseville, Calif., native, said the relationship between his platoon and the 6th Bn. ERU helps ideas to support local communities become a reality. “Half of my patrols are conducted in partnership with the ERU,” he said. “They are very open to joint patrolling, have an excellent rapport with the community and are well known throughout the area. Their community-first approach to conflict resolu- tion is a great learning opportunity for my Soldiers. “This was our first time conducting a mission like Soldiers with A Company, 37th Engineer Battalion – Joint Task Force Eagle unload boxes of backpacks upon arriving at a girl’s this with the ERU and it was a lot of fun.” school in Dujayl, Iraq. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled For this backpack delivery, the engineers and in- with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas. fantrymen were escorted by the 6th Bn. ERU into as a team, handed out backpacks to quiet classrooms said 1st Lt. Josh Morris, JTF Eagle intelligence of- Dujayl, where their first stop was an all-girl primary full of children. ficer and a Winchester, Tenn., native. “I have spent school. Soldiers unloaded boxes with the ERU and, “It was a great and very interesting experience,” the past 10 months working with Iraqi adults, so spending time with these kids was really enjoyable.” Morris’s sister-in-law, Erin Jones, the third grade teacher at Joe Hubenak El- ementary School responsible for collecting the supplies and a Richmond, Texas, native, said the donation was a community effort that provided 120 children with school supplies for their new backpacks. “In honor of our ‘Freedom Week,’ we decided to do something to support the troops,” said Jones. “After talking to Josh, we decided to mail school supplies. We asked the kids to collect donations at home and with their friends, families and neigh- bors. The kids brought the school supplies into my classroom where we sorted and organized them.”

Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas poses for a picture. The class collected and donated school supplies to 120 Iraqi children. Courtesy photo Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Iraqis partner with US, deliver school supplies to children (Right) Iraqi Maj. Khan, the operations officer with the Iraqi Security Forces Emergency Response Unit, hands out backpacks filled with school supplies to schoolchildren in need. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Rich- mond, Texas.

(Left) An Iraqi 6th Battalion Emergency Response unit Soldier hands out backpacks filled with school supplies to schoolchildren in need. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Bri- gade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Rich- mond, Texas.

Soldiers with A Company, 37th Engineer Battalion – Joint Task Force Eagle unload boxes of backpacks upon arriving at a girl’s school in Dujayl, Iraq. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas.

Iraqi schoolchildren thank Iraqi Maj. Khan, the operations officer with the 6th Battalion Emergency Response Unit, for providing them with backpacks and school supplies. The backpacks were donated by the 194th Engineer Brigade, a Tennessee National Guard unit, and were filled with school supplies donated by teacher Erin Jones’ third grade class at Joe Hubenak Elementary School in Richmond, Texas. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Six Soldiers inducted into Sergeant Audie Murphy Club St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Inductee Staff Sgt. Miriam Espinoza- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o Torres, the command group secretary Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f with the 15th Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sust. Bde., 13th ESC and a Rock JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Six non- Island, Wash., native, said the last five commissioned officers were months were filled with hard work and inducted into the Sergeant studying for the SAMC board. The in- Audie Murphy Club during duction into the club is the culmination a ceremony sponsored of an NCO’s career and hard work, said by the 13th Sustainment Espinoza-Torres. Command (Expedition- “I worked hard for it, it’s a very pres- ary) April 16 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. tigious club … not everybody can get Soldiers and Airmen attended the into,” she said. “You have to study hard, ceremony as NCOs from units through- you have to really prepare yourself, and out Iraq were inducted. most of all, know your job and your Sol- NCOs inducted into the SAMC set the diers.” example for fellow Soldiers to follow, The board judged the NCOs on their said Sgt. 1st Class Fredrick Thompson, Army knowledge and how they support the noncommissioned officer in charge their Soldiers in their mission, said Es- of operations with the 159th Seaport pinoza-Torres. Operations Company, 80th Ordnance For the younger generation of NCOs Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, to earn induction into the club, they Sgt. 1st Class Fredrick Thompson, the noncommissioned officer in charge of operations 13th ESC out of Fort Hood, Texas. must show dedication to the generation with the 159th Seaport Operations Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Youngstown, Ohio, native, “The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club of Soldiers they will influence, Thomp- swears six inductees into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony April 16 at is an elite organization of noncommis- son said. Joint Base Balad, Iraq. sioned officers who … know how to take “They are our future leaders and care of Soldiers and know how to give they will be held accountable not only noncommissioned officer in charge of Staff Sgt. Mario Curtis Jr., the radio back to the community, don’t mind a as a noncommissioned officer, but now movement control with the 260th Com- communications supervisor with the 1st hard day’s work … and always lead from even more so as a Sergeant Audie Mur- bat Sustainment Support Battalion out Maintenance Company out of Fort Ri- the front,” he said. phy award recipient,” he said. of Fort Stewart, Ga., 15th Sustainment ley, Kan., 260th Combat Sustainment The event signifies their dedication The other NCOs inducted into the Brigade, 13th ESC and a Moore Haven, Support Battalion, 15th Sust. Bde., 13th to the Army, their mission and their Sol- SAMC were: Fla., native. ESC and a Victorville, Calif., native. diers, said Thompson, a Youngstown, Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Colson, a brigade Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Phillips, a pla- Sgt. Scott Todd, a supply sergeant at Ohio, native. assistant operations sergeant with 42nd toon sergeant with C Company, 2nd the Pacesetter Retrograde Yard with the The role of the NCO is to teach, train Military Transition Team out of Fort Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 3666th Support Maintenance Company and mentor Soldiers to achieve their Riley, Kan., and a Norristown, Pa., na- 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team out out of Phoenix, 541 CSSB, 15th Sust. personal mission objectives as well as tive. of Portland, Ore., 13th ESC and a Port- Bde., 13th ESC and a Florence, Ariz., the Army’s, said Thompson. Sgt. 1st Class Atkinson Walker, the land, Ore., native. native. Cavalry Soldiers patched during ceremony By St a f f Sg t . Th o m a s Gr e e n e reading the history of the combat patch, 278t h ACR Pu b l i c Af f a i r s dating back to America’s Continental Army, while Miller and RTS Command CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Sgt. Maj. Joseph Agee, a Cookville, TAJI, Iraq – Thirty-seven Tenn., native, moved through the ranks new Veterans with the Reg- attaching the 278th patch to the right imental Troops Squadron, shoulder of each Soldier. 278th Armored Cavalry “The unit patch can be traced back Regiment, 13th Sus- to Gen. George Washington and the tainment Command Continental Army,” said Powell. “The (Expeditionary) received their combat combat patch worn on the right shoul- patches, during a ceremony at the Base der was introduced during (World War Defense Operations Center April 11 at II).” Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq. The ceremony concluded after Capt. The ceremony for the Tennessee James Saunders, RTS chaplain and Army National Guard unit opened when a Sparta, Tenn., native, asked God’s the troops were brought to attention by blessing on the squadron. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shannon R. Gregory Signal Company 1st Sgt. Edward Pri- First Lt. Callee Trevathan, a person- demore, a Greenville, Tenn., native. Col. Jeffery H. Holmes, regimental commander with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment nel officer with the RTS and a Gleason, With the Tennessee state flag and out of Knoxville, Tenn., 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Murfreesboro, Tenn., native, said being awarded a Tenn., native, talks to Soldiers with the Regimental Troops Squadron, 278th ACR, at their RTS colors flying over the BDOC, Maj. combat patch ceremony April 11 at Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq. combat patch meant a lot to him. Jody Miller, the RTS commander and Spc. Jeremiah Barrajo, a radio trans- a Rockville, Tenn., native, spoke to the have done it seamlessly and performed all population, saying the realization of mitter operator at the BDOC and a squadron about its togetherness and as one team.” now being a Veteran may strike some Murfreesboro, Tenn., native, agreed. professionalism. Col. Jeffrey H. Holmes, the 278th individuals at a later date. “It means, to me, that I’ve actually “I am proud of RTS,” he said. “This commander and a Murfreesboro, Tenn., Maj. Travis Powell, the RTS opera- fulfilled my obligation to the Army and squadron was made up of four totally native, spoke about American Veterans tions officer and a Nunnelly, Tenn., my country,” he said. different units to form one RTS ... You as a small fraction of the nation’s over- native, fulfilled the adjutant’s role in April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Force protection uniform postures

U4 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Auburn University donates flag on a mission St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ant would take it back to Iraq to hang St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n in the dining facility if he did. 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s By the time Bryant returned from leave, he said the flag had collected 12 CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE signatures, including those of the Ala- Q-WEST, Iraq – Flags bama governor and both U.S. senators hanging from the ceil- from Alabama. ings of dining facilities Phelps, a Greenville, Ala., native, across Iraq are a com- accepted the flag from Bryant, saying mon scene, but the he was not surprised by the support Auburn University from his alma mater. flag added to Con- “Auburn is about family,” he said. tingency Operating The flag serves as a symbol of the Base Q-West, Iraq’s Wagonmaster support the people at Auburn give to Inn dining facility April 13 is one of Soldiers, Phelps said. a kind. During the ceremony, Phelps told The flag, which has been signed by Bryant to thank the Auburn faculty Auburn faculty members, local politi- Members of the 40th Transportation Company, Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment for their efforts, express how proud he cians, U.S. senators and the governor Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) pose with an Auburn University flag, was to be an alumnus and give a bit of of Alabama, was presented to Col. signed by Auburn faculty members, local politicians, U.S. senators and the governor of Ala- advice to the football team: bama, during its presentation ceremony April 13 at the Wagonmaster Inn at Contingency Larry Phelps, the commander of the “Beat Alabama,” he said. Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- After Bryant returns from the de- tainment Command (Expeditionary) was Sgt. Benjamin Bryant, a truck native, and his father-in-law. ployment, he will take the flag back to and an Auburn alumnus, during a cer- driver with the 40th Transportation While Bryant was home on leave, Auburn where he will present it to the emony April 13 at Q-West. Company, Special Troops Battalion, he said his father-in-law offered to head of the college’s Reserve Officer The force behind obtaining the flag 15th Sust. Bde. and a Brookings, S.D., get the flag signed, and asked if Bry- Training Corps program, he said. Chicago’s Twista hits Q-West, Iraq St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y the troops. He said he St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y believes performing 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s for them helps. “It gets everybody CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE up for the next day Q-WEST, Iraq – Twista, and ready for their a rapper from Chicago, job,” he said. “I feel performed for service if you’re blessed at members during a con- something that makes cert at Contingency you beyond average, Operating Base Q- you should give back West, Iraq’s outdoor in some way.” stage April 14, on the second of a five- B-Hype said seeing stop tour through Iraq and Kuwait. the Soldiers was the Fellow rapper B-Hype accompanied best part of the tours, Twista as the pair performed songs but he also enjoyed from Twista’s seven albums to a crowd perks such as shooting of screaming service members. a .50 caliber machine The tour was the second for the pair. gun. Their first was in 2008, and they said Sgt. Tramayne Gra- they could tell how much the troops ap- ham, supply sergeant Twista, a rapper and Chicago native, performs for service members at the outdoor theater at Contingency Oper- ating Base Q-West, Iraq, on the second stop of a five-stop tour April 14 of Iraq and Kuwait. preciated their performances. with the 501st Area “We took it to heart; that’s what Support Medical Company, 61st Multi- fairs specialist with 631st Maintenance likely to go see an artist after returning made us come out here the second functional Medical Battalion, 1st Medi- Company, 15th Special Troops Battal- home if she had also seen that artist on time,” Twista said. “We just come out cal Brigade and an Orlando, Fla., na- ion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th tour in Iraq. to …” tive, said he is a long-time fan of Twista Sustainment Command (Expedition- Twista and B-Hype said many rap- “… make them feel at home,” B-Hype and loved the show. ary), said she agreed. She said it helped pers do not want to come to Iraq be- finished. “(I) got a little taste, like you were at to have the artists show the troops that cause they consider it dangerous. “Bring a little piece of the crib,” home again,” he said. “They show the America supports them. “It feels like we got it on lock down Twista said. Soldiers that even though they’re celeb- “We all know that they have the good here, so I feel good,” Twista said. “All Twista said he enjoyed making the rities, they can still come out and show life, but they pay attention to us,” she the other rappers are scared.” Soldiers happy and believed that it was their support.” said. B-Hype said he agreed. his responsibility to do something for Spc. Tiffany Martinez, a public af- Martinez also said that she was more “We (are) not scared,” he said. Do you have a story idea? Contact us at: [email protected] April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Tennessee Guardsmen prep Zac Brown Band concert for 1,500 plus fans St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers with the Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) vol- unteered to set up the stage for the Zac Brown Band’s concert, April 16 at the amphitheater at Contin- gency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. The Soldiers also provided force protection and acted as a personal security detail for the band as it toured the base during the day and performed later that night. Sgt. Steven Miller, an armor sergeant with B Battery, RFS, 278th ACR and a Covington, Tenn., native, said he was asked to help with the band’s Marez stop during its weeklong United Service Orga- nizations tour. “There is a lot more equipment than I expected and it was a lot of work,” he said. Miller said the hard work was worth it and he was glad to see a great band perform. “I’ve seen them on (Country Music Zac Brown, with the Zac Brown Band, performs a song during his encore performance April 16 at the amphitheater at Contingency Op- Television) but never live,” he said. erating Base Marez, Iraq. The band opted to perform in Iraq for its United Service Organizations sponsored tour instead of attending the Service members need the down time American Country Music awards show, where they are nominated for two awards. for events such as these, because it is great for morale, said Miller. Chris Fryar, the drummer with the “It means more for us to be here ple traveling on and off of the base. Spc. William Duignan, a gunner with A Zac Brown Band and a Birmingham, than at the ACMs,” he said. “(Service “Everyone is so organized around Battery, RFS, 278th ACR and a Seymour, Ala., native, said he was honored to members) are making a much bigger here, it is amazing,” he said. Tenn., native, said he is a big fan of the Zac perform in Iraq and hopes to bring a sacrifice over here having to spend Fryar said he believes his band is a Brown Band, and was excited to set up for little taste of home to the Soldiers. time away from family, and I person- team, just like the military, and is glad them and see a great concert in the front The American Country Music ally believe that it is important to give it could come here. He said the expe- row. awards show will air live in the United back.” rience, especially the time spent with “We set up all their speakers, delivered States April 18, and the band has been This is the band’s first time in Iraq. service members, humbled him. their personal bags for them,” he said. nominated for two awards. However, Fryar said he was surprised by the size “I feel closer to the men and women “This is definitely the best band I’ve seen they chose to be in Iraq instead of at of the installation, and how busy it is here than ever before,” said Fryar. “It here.” the award ceremony, said Fryar. with sustainment operations and peo- was an honor to be here.”

Telling the Providers Story from all across Iraq Tune In To

Now airing on the Pentagon Channel Or log on to every Thursday at 0830 IZ www.dvidshub.net every Saturday at 1430 IZ keyword: Balad and Beyond PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Deployed couple says ‘I do’ – again St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Hutton. “I didn’t know they would run St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n with it.” 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s The couple said they took it seriously after the initial joking. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE After checking with the battalion Q-WEST, Iraq – A couple chaplain, they set the ceremony date – said, “I do” April 13 at April 13, the couple’s anniversary. Liberty Chapel at Contin- The renewal ceremony was a first for gency Operating Base Capt. Brent Crosswhite, the battalion’s Q-West, Iraq, but in- chaplain. He said he had done renewal stead of a white gown ceremonies before, but never while de- and a tuxedo, the ployed. couple wore Army Combat Uniforms. “It’s a good way to help a marriage Instead of a band or an organist, an become stronger,” said Crosswhite, a iPod provided the music. Blanchard, Okla., native. And the couple was already married. The Jones’ wanted to do something Sgt. Christopher Jones, a food service on their first deployment together – specialist, and Spc. Elyse Jones, a logis- something to remember their first an- tics specialist, both with Headquarters niversary, Christopher Jones said. and Headquarters Company, Special “We didn’t want anything all big and Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment extravagant,” he said. “Just something Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command that was very significant to us. We re- Sgt. Christopher Jones, a food service specialist with the 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th (Expeditionary), renewed their vows to ally didn’t know if we were going to get Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Camden N.J., native, renews his vows to his each other during the ceremony. wife during a ceremony April 13 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. a chance like this again.” The renewal came exactly one year Elyse Jones said renewing their vows after they were married, said Christo- married in a courthouse in Killeen, Tex- ficer in charge and a Honolulu native, was important to her. pher Jones, a Camden, N.J., native. as, April 13, 2008, he said. said Elyse Jones mentioned renewing “We didn’t have our own vows the The couple met in 2008, while sta- Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hutton, the bat- their vows when they returned home. first time,” she said. “It was a treat to tioned in Daegu, South Korea, and got talion’s supply noncommissioned of- “I told her, ‘Why not do it here?’ said actually speak what we felt.” Heavy Medal Tour Olympians rock JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y willing to come over Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e here, regardless of Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f the threat,” he said. “(They are) taking JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The U.S. the time out of their Nordic Combined Ski schedule to come see Team visited service us. It shows that they members at Joint Base care about what we Balad, Iraq, April 13, are doing, that it is not as part of the Armed meaningless.” Forces Entertain- Lodwick, a Steam- ment Heavy Medal boat Springs, Colo., Tour. native, said he and The team, which won a total of seven each of his team mem- medals, including one gold and six sil- bers gave up vacation ver, at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic time to do the tour be- Games, is the first U.S. team to win an cause they believed it Olympic medal in a Nordic combined would be an important event. experience for them. Members of the team, Billy Demong, Lodwick said he Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and understands how dif- Brett Camerota, visited the Air Force ficult it can be to be Theater Hospital and Morale, Welfare away from loved ones and Recreation center east during their for an extended pe- visit to JBB. riod of time, which Capt. Michael B. Mendoza, an intel- motivated him to visit ligence officer with 3rd Battalion, 156th service members serv- Members of the U.S. Nordic Combined Ski Team, Brett Camerota, Todd Lodwick, Johnny Spillane and Billy De- Infantry Regiment –Taskforce Bandit, ing away from their mong, pose for a picture with their Olympic silver medals, during their April 13 visit to Joint Base Balad, Iraq as 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- families. part of the Armed Forces Entertainment Heavy Medal Tour. tainment Command (Expeditionary) “We also miss our and a New Orleans native, met the team families,” he said. “We travel throughout with professional athletes, said Lod- have) those similarities in common with during its visit. the season, from November to March, wick. the armed forces. We do not put our Mendoza said the visit was good for gone almost five months a year. It gets “We do not get paid a lot of money,” life on the line like (they) do, but we do the morale of the troops and he hopes to hard being away from home.” he said. “The travel, living out of a bag, know what it takes to become the best see more events like this one. Time away from home is not the only and basically following a regimen of and the dedication it takes to achieve “It is good to see that people are difficult similarity that Soldiers have training to be the best in the world. (We greatness.” April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What was The Rolling Stones’ second album called? column, each row and 2. Which year in the 1990s did “Candle in the Wind” each of the nine 3×3 reach number one? boxes contains the dig- 3. Apart from The Beatles, which British group has its from 1 to 9 only one had most top 10 singles in total? time each. 4. How many people made up the group Tears For Last week’s answers Fears?

5. What is Paul McCartney’s real first name? 1. “The Rolling Stones No 2” 2. 1997 3. The Rolling Stones 4. Two 5. James 5. Two 4. Stones Rolling The 3. 1997 2. 2” No Stones Rolling “The 1.

JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

:30 Monday 05/03/10 2010 NBA Playoffs: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 3:30 a.m. Upcoming sports AFN/ sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Live 5 p.m. AFN/sports on AFN 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Live Thursday 04/29/10 Saturday 05/01/10 7:30 p.m. AFN/sports Oakland Athletics @ Tampa Bay Rays, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Milwaukee Brewers @ San Diego Padres, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/ sports AFN/ sports Tuesday 05/04/10 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 4 Monday Night Baseball: Los Angeles Angels @ Boston Red 6:30 a.m. AFN/sports a.m. AFN/sports Sox, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/ sports Atlanta Braves @ St. Louis Cardinals, Live 10:30 a.m. AFN/ The Kentucky Derby, Live 8 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, sports 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 7 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 4 p.m. AFN/ Live 9:30 a.m. AFN/prime Atlantic 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Live sports 5 p.m. AFN/sports Friday 04/30/10 Sunday 05/02/10 Wednesday 05/05/10 Cincinnati Reds @ Houston Astros, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Crown Royal “Your Name Here” 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Tape sports 400, Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/ xtra Delayed 4:30 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed HBO World Boxing: Floyd Mayweather vs Shane Mosley, Tape Detroit Tigers @ Minnesota Twins, Live 10 a.m. AFN/ sports 6:30 a.m. AFN/sports Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Arizona Diamondbacks @ Chicago Cubs, Live 11 a.m. AFN/ FOX Saturday Baseball: Atlanta Braves @ Houston Astros, Tape Tape Delayed 5 p.m. AFN/sports sports Delayed 5:30 a.m. AFN/xtra 2010 NBA Playoffs-Conference Semifinals: Teams TBD, Live NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 (Richmond Intl. Raceway, Los Angeles Angels @ Detroit Tigers, Live 10 a.m. AFN/xtra 7:30 p.m. AFN/sports Richmond, VA), Live 4:30 p.m. AFN/xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010

MGMT goes in like lion, out like lamb with ‘Congratulations’ By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g after its 2008 release “Oracular Spec- a good song that I forgot about, and The trouble for me starts with track Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tacular.” Even if you don’t think you that’s the problem. As solid as it is, it’s six, “Siberian Breaks.” Even the title know the band, I can almost guaran- still pretty forgettable. sounds boring. This 12-minute snooze ’ve heard them tee you’ve heard “Time to Pretend,” Another problem I have with this al- fest really ruins the album for me. It’s Icalled MGMT and “Kids” or “Electric Feel,” either on TV bum, and with countless others, is that slow and uninteresting and puts me Management and I’m or video game soundtracks. it starts out with four or five catchy, to sleep so much that I rarely hear never really sure how What was so great about those energetic tracks and then puts me to the rest of the songs. This is a shame to say it, but I’ll go songs is that they felt larger than life. sleep with the last few. because the next track, “Brian Eno” with MGMT for now. They were anthems for nerdy kids with My favorite tracks are the first would actually work if it had a proper The band was originally called The synthesizers, and even without be- three. “It’s Working” is lively and one opener. Management but changed its name being able to understand the words, the of the few MGMT tracks that suggests If you enjoyed “Oracular Spectacu- fore its first release when band mem- songs got stuck in my head for weeks they put on a great live show. “Song for lar,” you might enjoy this follow up, bers discovered another band with the on end. They were played to death on Dan Treacy” sounds like Architecture but don’t expect anything nearly as same name. MGMT it is. satellite radio and in advertising, but In Helsinki, an eclectic art band with catchy. Fans of Architecture in Hel- “Congratulations” is the second they were still solid songs after 1,000 some of the catchiest, weirdest songs I sinki and The Flaming Lips will enjoy major label release from MGMT, and listens. have ever heard. “Someone’s Missing” the first half of the album at least. The one that carried with it great expecta- These anthems are missing from sounds a bit more like “Oracular Spec- best advice I can give is to skip “Sibe- tions, which it upheld, at least for the “Congratulations.” There are some tacular” with its falsetto vocals and rian Breaks” and judge the album by first few tracks. very fun songs here but nothing epic. calming ambience building up to 30 the remaining tracks, which are most- MGMT came to fame rather quickly Every time I listen to the album, I hear seconds of ‘70s style roller disco fun. ly enjoyable. Mediocre story saved by stars in ‘Date Night’ By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho f f m a n They wake up, get the kids ready, go ally brought some laughs were James hysterical. Anyone familiar with his Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f to work, get home, eat dinner and Franco (“Pineapple Express”) and work as Leon Black on “Curb Your En- head for bed. Then when a couple of J.B. Smoov (“Curb Your Enthusi- thusiasm” can probably imagine how ate Night” their friends decide to get divorced asm”). this scene went down. “Dshould have because of the lack of excitement in Franco, who even in bad movies is Fey and Carell offer hilarious im- been hilarious, but their lives, the Fosters decide to spice always good, was hands down the fun- provised banter with each another that Steve Carell (“The Of- up their life. Phil takes Claire to a niest part of the movie. His portrayal of carried this film above its script, but fice”) and Tina Fey fancy restaurant in downtown Man- Taste, a small-time criminal alongside these two are much funnier on their (“30 Rock”) only just hattan and things start to get excit- his girlfriend Whippit (Mila Kunis), respective television shows than they saved it from mediocrity. ing. At the restaurant, they take a was hilarious. He spouts out great one- were in this movie. This movie suf- This adventurous rom-com is reservation for a couple of no-shows, liners while having an awkward fight fered from a very weak script. worth watching for a few hilarious and through a case of mistaken iden- with Whippit in front of the Fosters. Married couples and parents will moments, but overall it’s a miss. tity, they end up at the bad end of a Smoov, who has really only been a probably find the jokes in “Date Night” Phil Foster (Carell) and Claire Fos- hand gun. bit player, made what could have been much more relatable than single peo- ter (Fey) are a successful couple with “Date Night” had an amazing cast, a really bad action/comedy scene hi- ple, but the movie is still just OK. It has two kids. Their lives have turned into but most of the actors had small un- larious. As a cab driver, his reactions moments, but I would definitely wait a redundant suburban nightmare. eventful roles. The cameos that re- during the movie’s car chase scene are to rent this one.

Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, April 28 Sunday, May 2 5 p.m. Green Zone 2 p.m. The Losers 8 p.m. Brooklyn’s Finest 5 p.m. Remember Me 8 p.m. Our Family Wedding

Thursday, April 29 Monday, May 3 5 p.m. Brooklyn’s Finest 5 p.m. She’s Out Of My League 8 p.m. Death At A Funeral 8 p.m. Remember Me Friday, April 30 Tuesday, May 4 2 p.m. She’s Out Of My League 5 p.m. Our Family Wedding 5 p.m. Our Family Wedding 8 p.m. The Losers 8:30 p.m. The Losers Saturday, May 1 Wednesday, May 5 2 p.m. Remember Me 5 p.m. The Losers 5 p.m The Losers 8 p.m. She’s Out Of My League 8 p.m. She’s Out Of My League April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d r a q Sgt. PedroI Lopez, a team leader with 3rd Platoon, B Bat- tery, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Matthew D. Leistikow Combat Team,1st Armor Division out of El Paso, Texas, waits by a military vehicle as other members of his unit prepare to head out after a patrol April 5 in Debbzni, Iraq. U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Police patrolled villages to talk to the locals about the election results. U. S. Navy photo by MC1 Eileen Kelly Fors Iraqi Army Soldiers raise the Iraqi national flag over the newly acquired Iraqi Army Kirkush Military Training Base April 2 in Diyala province, Iraq. The U.S. Army turned over owner- ship of the land, which is 90 km northeast of Baghdad and 20 km from the Iranian border, to the Iraqi Army. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Manhea Kim

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon (Above) Pfc. Seth Green, a Soldier with C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Divi- sion, patrols April 1 through the town of Al Dirnaj, Iraq. Al Dirnaj is part of the unit’s new area of operations and they are gathering information about the town.

An Iraqi Army battalion commander hands a student a backpack during a Coalition humanitarian aid mission led by the Iraqi Army March 31 at Nasir Wa Salam, Iraq. The humanitarian aid effort is aimed at improving U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon the relationship between local nationals and Sgt. David Kratzer, a noncommissioned officer with C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, the Iraqi Army. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, scans a local’s finger prints April 3 at Badoush, Iraq. Kratzer and his team are gathering information about the local populace. PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q ordination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability US transfers of Iraq. Phoenix Base to Iraqi Security Iraqi government Forces arrest two BAGHDAD – Officials from United States Forces – Iraq transferred Phoenix Base to the government of Iraq in an official ceremony suspected terrorists April 15 in Baghdad. This transfer is another milestone of BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested two the spirit of partnership with Iraq as it demon- suspected associates of an al-Qaeda in strates the growth of Iraqi Institutions. Iraq leader for eastern Mosul during a Phoenix Base was the location of the Multi-Na- joint security operation April 8 in north- tional Security Transition Command headquarters ern Iraq. from 2004 until the unit deactivated Dec. 31, 2009, The security operation was conducted pursu- and became a subordinate unit of USF-I. The GoI ant to a warrant issued by Iraqi judges. plans to use the former U.S. base as the new home of In western Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisers the Iraq National Defence University. searched buildings for the suspected AQI “The National Defence University is charged with leader believed to have played a key role in ac- educating and training the future leaders of the Min- quiring vehicles and weapons used to carry out istry of Defence,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, Training Mission – Iraq deputy commander, encour- assassinations in the northern-Iraqi city. deputy commanding general for advising and train- aged the graduates to take the experience and knowl- After conducting preliminary questioning and ing. edge they gained from the courses and use their new an initial examination of the evidence during the Base returns are one part of the larger USF-I ef- skills to enrich their future units. operation, ISF identified and arrested two suspect- fort toward empowering the Iraqi people and rep- "I am also impressed by the continuous improve- ed criminal associates of the wanted AQI leader. resent important steps in achieving Iraqi security, ments in the curriculum that the staff has instituted Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations self reliance and U.S. compliance with the Security since the college reopened in 2005,” said Spinelli. in accordance with the Security Agreement and in Agreement. “That process continues today. The NATO adviser coordination with the Iraqi government to target Sameer Al-Haddad, secretariat of the Committee teams very much enjoy working alongside our Iraqi terrorists seeking to disrupt the security and sta- for Receiving Real Properties and Camps Office of partners. I wish to assure you of the future support bility of Iraq. the Prime Minister, accepted the key from Barbero, of the NATO Training Mission as you prepare for the which symbolized the initiation of the official base next courses." transfer to the government of Iraq. Sameer finalized The next courses are scheduled to begin in June. the transfer after presenting the key to Iraqi Army Iraqi Security Staff Lt. Gen. Hussein Dohi, deputy chief of staff for training. Hussein expressed his gratitude for the base Iraqi Security Forces Forces kill transfer. “I want to thank the U.S. Army for the support suspected al- they provide to the Iraqi Army and its training insti- arrest four al-Qaeda tutions,” said Dohi. “We hope this level of cooperation and coordination will continue to increase as we suspects Qaeda leader achieve our common interests.” BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested four BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces killed a suspected suspected terrorists during two joint se- al-Qaeda in Iraq leader during a joint secu- Iraqi officers curity operations in and around Baghdad rity operation April 15 in eastern Mosul. April 11. In a separate joint security operation, In western Baghdad, ISF and U.S. ad- Iraqi Security Forces arrested a suspected graduate command visers arrested the suspected associate of an al- Jaysh al-Mahdi leader and four suspected criminal leged member of al-Qaeda in Iraq, suspected to be associates April 16 north of Baghdad. involved in financing and implementing vehicle- ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings for a sus- course borne improvised explosive device attacks. pected AQI leader allegedly linked to oil extortion in ISF searched a building in the capital city for the the northern Iraqi city. In the process of executing the BAGHDAD – More than a dozen Iraqi officers gradu- warranted individual, who was not present. Based arrest, the security forces discovered the suspect was ated from Brigade Command Course One on preliminary questioning and an initial examina- armed. and Battalion Command Course One at Ar- tion of the evidence at the scene, ISF arrested an Perceiving an immediate threat to their safety, Rustamiyah Joint Staff and Command Col- individual suspected to be a criminal associate of members of the security team shot and killed the gun- lege April 11 in Baghdad. the warranted individual. man, who was later identified as the warranted indi- The six-month courses, designed for officers who During another operation roughly 12 km west of vidual. have been selected to take up appointments as brigade Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisers searched a building During another operation, 50 km north of Baghdad, or battalion commanders, are becoming milestones in for an alleged AQI Baghdad leader who is suspected ISF and U.S. advisers searched a residential building the process of Iraqi professional military education. of facilitating VBID attacks against civilians and se- for a wanted Jaysh al-Mahdi leader who is allegedly Distinguished guests in attendance included Staff curity forces in the capital city. responsible for transporting weapons into the Qway- Lt. Gen. Hussein, the deputy chief of staff for training, Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF ar- lis area and suspected of being an active participant in Staff Maj. Gen. Jassim, commandant of the National rested three suspected criminal associates of the attacks on Coalition forces. Defence University and Staff Brig. Gen. Jawhar, com- wanted individual. Information and evidence gathered at the scene mandant of the Joint Staff and Command College. Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in led Iraqi Police to identify and arrest the wanted JAM In his speech Maj. Gen. Giuseppe Spinelli, NATO accordance with the Security Agreement and in co- leader and four suspected criminal associates. April 28, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in the past six months by conducting partnership training, The BRPTC’s staff of 71 teaches, mentors and provides accordance with the Security Agreement and in coor- patrols and humanitarian assistance missions. a continuous stream of qualified members of the Bagh- dination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists "It is clear that 2/14 had a great partnership with the dad River Police. The staff has trained more than 300 seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq. FP brigade here," said Col. Mark Calvert, the chief of river police officers. staff for U.S. Division – Center. “They have gotten to the As Iraq moves toward national unity, courses with both point where they don't need U.S. presence anymore.” Arab and Kurd students are becoming more prevalent. Col. Samir Shati Aziz, commander of 3rd Battalion, Iraqi Security Forces 8th Brigade, 2nd FP Division, praised teh partnership. "The U.S. gave us all the support, all the time,” said US engineers complete kill three suspected Aziz. “We will always remember and appreciate every drop of blood they spilled. These casualties made Iraq what it is now. We are now more confident; we can stand correctional facility al-Qaeda associates, on our feet and can do everything on our own." U.S. forces remain prepared to assist the ISF in ac- NASIRIYAH, Iraq – A formal ribbon cutting com- arrest two cordance with the Security Agreement and will continue memorating the opening of the new correc- to work hand in hand with their Iraqi partners. tional facility in Nasiriyah April 15 marks a new era for correctional custody in Iraq. BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces killed three sus- The Nasiriyah Correctional Complex took pected al-Qaeda in Iraq members and ar- a 21st century approach to the treatment and rehabili- rested two others during a joint security US gives joint tation of inmates, said Abbas Nassir Shamkhi, the fa- operation April 10 in northern Iraq. cility’s director. In a rural area roughly 68 km northeast Shamkhi said the correctional complex is more of Tikrit, ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings security station to than just a place to house inmates. for a suspected AQI leader and illegal weapons fa- “I believe in the rehabilitation of inmates and our cilitator who may have ties to other senior weapons Iraqis goal here is to help inmates learn skills and become dealers in the region. productive citizens not just for their communities but During the operation, associates of the warranted YUSIFIYAH, Iraq – U.S. forces transferred a base pre- for their families as well,” Shamkhi said. “Our inmates AQI leader fired directly at ISF who engaged the as- viously used by the U.S. military to Iraqi au- have the opportunity to further their education in our sailants, killing three. Based on evidence gathered at thorities April 10. schools and develop skills in carpentry, sewing and the scene, ISF also arrested two suspected criminal Joint Security Station Yusifiyah, south- practice the arts in our workshops.” associates of the wanted individual. west of Baghdad, was officially signed over to The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in the Government of Iraq from U.S. control. Capt. Dustin District, Adder Resident Office served as the construc- accordance with the Security Agreement and in co- Knaus, commander of C Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th tion management partner for the correctional facility ordination with the Iraqi government to target ter- Infantry, and Sameer Al Haddad, a representative of project. The three-phase project, built with strict ad- rorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability the GoI, exchanged signatures on a record of return herence to international codes, provides a correction- of Iraq. that exchanges and returns control of JSS Yusifiyah al facility capable of housing more than 1,600 inmates from American to Iraqi control. including a segregated female housing unit. The base was previously inhabited by the infantry By dividing the project into three independent Suspected terrorist unit while advising and assisting a brigade from the phases, the correctional facility was able to house in- 17th Iraqi Army Division. mates during construction of the final phase. The site U.S. forces remain prepared to assist the ISF in ac- has a future expansion area that could increase the in- cell leader detained cordance with the Security Agreement and will contin- mate capacity to more than 4,000. ue to work hand in hand with their Iraqi partners. Air Force Maj. Justin Tyree, officer in charge of the CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- Adder Resident Office, told guests at the ribbon cut- RIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi Security ting that the project has had a positive ripple effect on Forces with the Abassi Iraqi Police Station, the local community. near Hawijah, Iraq, with assistance from 1st River police force “This phase of the contract has employed over 120 Battalion, 37th Armor, 1st Brigade Combat Iraqi workers daily for the past two years and has Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, stimulated the economic development for the local detained a high-value target April 11 at a checkpoint expands with latest vendors near the facility,” Tyree said. “We at the Army outside of Abassi. Corps of Engineers hope that this facility will remind The alleged terrorist, a suspected leader of an im- graduation you of what can be accomplished when we work to- provised explosive device cell in Hawijah, is suspected gether ... but more importantly we are proud of the of involvement with murders and bombings against BAGHDAD – Two dozen Arab and Kurdish Iraqi police American and Iraqi partnership that continues to ex- Iraqi citizens and Iraqi and U.S. forces. officers graduated from the Outboard Mainte- pand.” After the Abassi police received intelligence of the nance and Water Bourne Operations courses Each phase of the correctional facility included the suspect being in the area, they set up a checkpoint April 20 in Baghdad. construction of five segregated housing units, voca- outside the village and detained the suspect that Eleven Kurdish officers and 13 Arab officers tional training building, staff housing and a gymnasi- morning. completed the courses that challenged them both men- um and soccer field. The facility also includes a medical Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in tally and physically. building, prayer room, laundry building and inmate accordance with the Security Agreement and in coor- Senior Iraqi and U.S. officers congratulated the gradu- visitation building. The infrastructure construction dination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists ates and praised the teamwork these officers displayed as of the correctional facility includes an administration seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq. the courses progressed. building, a water treatment facility, wastewater col- Iraqi Brig. Gen. Bilal Hussain, representing Iraqi Maj. lection and treatment facility, and standby electrical Gen. Ali Al Esawi, director of the Baghdad River Police power generation plant. Security measures at the fa- Joint security station Training Center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Smith, cility include secure access interior walkways, control director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission – Police, entry points and exterior security perimeter walls, attended the ceremony. fencing, guard towers and security lighting. transferred to Iraqi In his opening speech, Hussain thanked the Iraqi in- The Baghdad-based Al-Bare’a Engineering Compa- structors and their U.S. counterparts for their valuable ny served as the general contractor for the correctional Security Forces work and expressed his hope that the BRPTC would con- facility project. Funding for the project was provided tinue to graduate river police heroes. through the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. BAGHDAD – Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry “These graduates have achieved a great success in The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has com- Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th completing these courses,” he said. pleted thousands of reconstruction projects in part- Mountain Division transferred responsibility Fifty new boats have arrived in Basra and the Govern- nership with the Government of Iraq. Since 2004, of Joint Security Station Shawra Wa Umjidir ment of Iraq will distribute them throughout the provinc- USACE has completed 5,257 projects throughout Iraq to 8th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Federal Police Divi- es of Iraq for these police officers, said Smith. valued at more than $9.1 billion, and has more than sion during a ceremony April 15 at the JSS. “River police have a significant role in Iraq’s security,” 250 projects ongoing. The overall reconstruction ef- The U.S. unit has worked with the federal police in he said. fort in Iraq provides jobs for more than 20,000 Iraqis PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 28, 2010 Phantom Support (Left) Lt. Col. Jimmie L. Cole Jr., commander of 1st Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Henderson, Tenn., and a Mount Juliet, Tenn., native, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Butler, a New Johnsonville, Tenn., native, present a C Squadron coin to Doctor Mo- hammad, the shaykh of Jedellah So- fla, Iraq, during a visit with the 15th U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. DesiRee L. Nicely U.S. Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustain- ment Command (Expeditionary), to bring school supplies and toys to the local children April 12.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nayara Torres Spc. Denika Warren, a communications specialist with the 445th Transportation Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Kansas City, Mo., native, tests a single channel ground and airborne radio system before a mission at Camp Liberty, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Fernando Lopez (Above) Air Force Senior Airman Chana Lawlor, a radio transmitter operator with the 56th Movement Control Team, 14th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control), 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- ditionary) and Brattleboro, Vt. native, is re-enlisted for additional four years in the Air Force by Army Lt. Col. James Rupkalvis, commander of the 14th Trans. Bn. (MC) out of Vicenza, Italy, and a Mitchell, Neb., native, in a ceremony outside of the battalion headquarters April 14 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

(Above) Gen. Raymond Odierno, the commander of United States Forces – Iraq, performs the oath of enlistment with Sgt. 1st Class Maria Buggey, an air operations noncommissioned officer with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) during a ceremony April 21 at the 13th ESC Joint Operations Center at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

A Soldier with the Virginia National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment out of Lynchburg, Va., looks down across a valley from the Ziggurat of Ur near Tallil Air Base in Iraq. The 1/116th is deployed with the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustain- ment Command (Expeditionary) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Angela K. Fry