www.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/ “Telling the MND- Story” Thursday, June 21, 2007 Two Dozen Abused, Malnourished Iraqi Boys Rescued from Government-funded Orphanage 2-1 Inf. Div. Public Affairs too weak to stand once released. ed to the orphanage to assist the ambulances to take the boys to Nearby in a locked room, boys. Paratroopers from the Iskan Hospital for care. BAGHDAD—U.S. and the Soldiers discovered a room Company B, 1st Battalion, In May, the boys were Iraqi Army Soldiers discovered full of food and clothing which 325th Airborne Infantry removed from the coed orphan- an orphanage housing 24 could have been used to aid the Regiment, and a 492nd Civil age located in Atafiyah because severely malnourished and children. Three women, claim- Affairs Team also arrived at the it was believed the boys and abused boys on June 10 in the ing to be the caretakers, and orphanage with medics to treat girls should not live together, Baghdad neighborhood of Fajr. two men, the orphanage direc- the malnourished boys. according to accounts from U.S. and Iraqi Army forces tor and a guard, were on site “The council members workers at the orphanage. found 24 naked and abused when the Soldiers arrived. were crying at the site of the The council members boys, ages 3 to 15 years old, in a Members of the Fajr starving boys,” stated Navy Lt. made arrangements for the darkened room without any Neighborhood Advisory James Cook, a 492nd Civil windows. Many of the children Council were notified by the Affairs Officer. were tied to their beds and were Iraqi Army soldiers and escort- The NAC arranged for three See Rescued Page 3

(Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Briglin, 4-1 Inf. Div.) Aztecs in the Mist Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Company A, “Aztecs” 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment walk through the mist during a combat reconnaissance patrol in southeast Bagdad June 17. The 2-23 Inf., based out of Fort Lewis, Wash., are attached to the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Inf. Div. out of Fort Riley, Kan. Page 2 News June 21, 2007 Tomahawk Soldiers Save a Life Baghdad in Brief 4-1 Inf. Div. Public Affairs mother said that Faisal had been sick for several days, and although he had been U.S., Iraqi Forces Team BAGHDAD – Multi-National treated at a local clinic and given medi- up to Foil Rocket Strike Division-Baghdad Soldiers treated and cine for his condition, his symptoms 2- 2 Inf. Div. Public Affairs stabilized a child who was severely dehy- worsened. As his condition deteriorated, drated in Southern Baghdad June 19. she was prompted to seek assistance from FORWARD OPERATING Faisal, a 2-year-old boy living in the Tomahawk Soldiers stationed near her BASE LOYALTY, – Soldiers the Rashid District, was unresponsive home. Their quick reaction was critical in with the 2nd Infantry Brigade with labored breathing when his mother the medical staff being able to turn things Combat Team, 2nd Infantry brought him to a temporary checkpoint around for the youngster. Division and the 1st Battalion, 4th manned by Soldiers from Company C, “Once we got fluids into him, he Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment started perking up and making a real fuss recovered a weapons cache June 20 “Tomahawks.” which is a good sign,” Theurer said. “With in eastern Baghdad. The troops immediately evacuated children that young, you’d much rather Responding to a tip, members him to Forward Operating Base Falcon, have them yelling and carrying on than of the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field where members of the 4th Brigade being floppy and unresponsive, which Artillery and the Iraqi Soldiers Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division med- was how he looked when he came in.” found five 107-milllimeter rockets, ical staff were able to treat and stabilize Theurer singled Lyons out for being three fuses, and 23 rocket stands. him for subsequent evacuation and atten- skilled at getting the IV into the boy so Some of the rockets had been tion at the US military’s Combat Support quickly and effectively, but also praised prepped for launch. The rockets Hospital in Baghdad’s International Zone. the Falcon Troop Medical Clinic’s staff were blown in place by an explosive “He was a pretty sick kid,” said Sgt. for reacting so quickly. ordnance disposal team. Tracey Lyons, the medic and New York “The team did a real good job,” he “The find highlights the joint City native who was able to quickly get said. “Everyone was concerned; to see effort between U.S. and Iraqi forces an IV into Faisal. “I thought he was someone so young in that kind of condi- to root out insurgents and clamp deathly ill. I wasn’t really sure what to tion was something that pulled us all down on sectarian violence,” said think at first.” together. It looks like he’s going to be Maj. Sean Ryan, a spokesperson for “He was lethargic, his pupils were OK.” the brigade. “The surge of U.S. fixed and he responded only to pain,” said Faisal and his mother were then forces is complete and a fresh offen- Capt. Wesley Theurer, the attending flown to a combat support hospital, where sive was launched this week.” physician from Providence, Utah. he received further treatment and is He also reported that the child’s expected to make a full recovery. Arabic Phrase Iraq of the Day 3-Day rahman Weather Today Tomorrow Saturday Defined: Report High: 113 High: 113 High: 113 compassionate Low: 81 Low: 81 Low: 83

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Joseph F. Fil, Jr. Contact the Daily Charge at VOIP 242-4093, DSN 318-847-2855 or e- Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl mail [email protected]. Command Information Supervisor: Master Sgt. Dave Larsen The Daily Charge is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of NCOIC, Print Production: Sgt. Michael Garrett the Daily Charge are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Editor: Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 1st Cavalry Division. Staff Writers: Sgt. Nicole Kojetin, Spc. L.B. Edgar, Spc. Shea Butler, All editorial content of the Daily Charge is prepared, edited, provided and approved by1st Pfc. Ben Gable and Pfc. William Hatton Cavalry Division Public Affairs Office. Contributing Writers:. Sgt. Robert Yde and Spc. Alexis Harrison Page 3 Empathy June 21, 2007 Future of Iraq Stands Tall

An Iraqi soldier with 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, pulls security while conducting a cordon and knock operation in Baghdad’s District June 18.

(Photo by Sgt. Mike Pryor, 2-82 Abn. Div. Public Affairs.) Soldiers Reveal Compassion in Combat, Save Mistreated Boys

overcoming deplorable negli- Rescued gence,” said Brig. Gen. Vincent From Page 1 Brooks, Multi-National Division –Baghdad deputy children to temporarily stay at commanding general. the orphanage in Atafiyah, hir- “The role of the Iraqi ing ten additional workers to Soldiers and the community care for the boys. The council was a key to this action Neighborhood Advisory being taken to save these young Council vowed to take action boys,” Brooks said. “We’re and ensure the boys were prop- very fortunate to have the kind erly cared for. of Soldiers we have who are “We’re very grateful that willing to take action, even at this story unfolded the way that personal risk to save the lives it did, that none of these 24 of others. These Soldiers in a boys lost their lives. This is a literal and figurative sense are story of partnership, coura- the best chance for Iraq, just as geous action and compassion they were for these boys.”

Safety Message of the Day Planning + Practicing = (Photo by Navy Lieutenant James Cook, 492nd Civil Affairs) Preparedness Staff Sgt. Kyle Richey, of State College, Pa., cares for Preparedness one of the 24 starving boys in the back of an Iraqi Army ambulance. Civic leaders escorted the boys to the Iskan Hospital for medical treatment. Page 4 Combat June 21, 2007 Troops Use More than Body Armor to Keep Safe

By Spc. Alexis Harrison the 1st Cavalry Division where 2-1 Cav. Div. Public Affairs he knew he'd once again have to lead Soldiers in a combat BAGHDAD – For many environment. of the Soldiers in the 2nd Through several trips to a Brigade Combat Team, 1st combat zone, Robinson devel- Cavalry Division, the current oped his own techniques of 15-month tour in Iraq isn't their leadership. He borrowed a little first. For the rest of the Soldiers from his past NCOs, a little in the Black Jack Brigade, hav- from his experiences and a lit- ing well-seasoned leaders can tle from himself to become the make all the difference. leader he is today. While out on the streets Sgt. Patrick Trujillo also every day, Soldiers from Troop has his share of combat experi- B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry ence. He served in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment Regiment, rely on much more (Photos by Spc. Alexis Harrison, 2-1 Cav. Div. Public Affairs) than just the individual body out of Fort Polk, La., during its Chicago native Staff Sgt. Michael Jenkins, 4th trip to Iraq a few years ago. The armor systems they wear. They Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Copperas Cove native is now depend on each other to make it Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hands out cards with num- through daily situations and an NCO with 2nd Platoon, bers to call in case of an emergency or to give tips on even the entire deployment. Troop B "Night Stalkers." suspicious activity to Iraqi men waiting outside a post Staff Sgt. Angus Robinson His leadership techniques office in Baghdad’s District June 7. from Copperas Cove, Texas, is are similar to those of on his third tour in Iraq. In Robinsons in the sense that he's Trujillo remarked on how it might seem to the untrained 2004, he was with the 4th taken a lot from his past leaders quickly the businesses, traffic eye, every step of the process Infantry Division during the and he tries to give his Soldiers and people came back to the every day helps mold young initial invasion. Six months as much respect as he can. area after a few months of Soldiers into leaders and lead- later he was reassigned to the He believes the more you being not much more than a ers into better leaders. 1st Infantry Division to com- show your Soldiers what it ghost town where bodies were "In order to see [Soldiers] plete his second combat tour. takes to be respected the more being found almost daily. grow as individuals and lead- Although he was a truck they'll respect him. He doesn't One more thing the two ers, you have to give them a gunner for the majority of his do it through punishments or NCOs agreed upon was the satis- sense of ownership. You have first two tours, he was still a lucrative awards. faction of seeing their Soldiers to allow them to take responsi- noncommissioned officer who "Lead by example," he thrive and find success in combat. bility to the next level." had to look out for what mat- said. "I always learned more "When I see my 'Joes' grow Robinson remarked that tered most to him in a time of from leaders who didn't mind into larger roles, it gives me a several of his Soldiers are itching war: his Soldiers. getting their hands dirty." satisfied feeling," Robinson said. for action. "Before, we had to fight More recently, Robinson With a rather large grin on One such Soldier is Spc. through many places, not nec- was again reassigned. This his face, Trujillo spouts: "It's a Ashley Hall. The Ardmore, essarily on a daily basis, but it time he didn't have to go as far warm, fuzzy feeling." Ala., native says that many of was a regular thing," he said. as last time. He moved from Robinson said with leader- the challenges they face boil "It was an eye-opening experi- one platoon to another within ship comes a lot more than giving down to something much more ence. It showed me the levels the "Black Hawk" Troop. orders. Besides patrolling a small simple than expected. of responsibility you take on Not skipping a beat, area north of the International He said that being out in for your Soldiers are much dif- Robinson was out on the streets Zone, many responsibilities lie sector isn't necessarily the ferent in combat than in a garri- with his team. The area where right on the base. toughest part of the job. The true son environment." they patrol in Karkh used to be Keeping up with vehicle and challenge lies in what's expect- For Robinson, the trips to one of the worst in Baghdad. weapon maintenance, personal ed of him on a daily basis. Baquba and Adiliyah were his Robinson credits the hard work and personnel issues and training Trujillo feels the same way. first experience in combat . He by leaders and his fellow are just some of the things "It's a big challenge having would soon after find himself Bradley tank crews for clean- Robinson and Trujillo have to guys' lives in your hands," he getting promoted to staff ser- ing up the neighborhood. keep their Soldiers up to date on. said. "It's kind of scary but kind geant and getting assigned to Both Robinson and Robinson said as trivial as of satisfying in the same sense." Page 5 Music June 21, 2007 Fourth of July Concert ‘Haifa Street Project’ Set to Rock, Rattle, Roll By Sgt. Robert Yde services, but it’s a little different flavor 2-1 Cav. Div. Public Affairs now – a little different music. It’s very loud, and I’m kind of an older guy, so if FORWARD OPERATING BASE I lose my hearing, then, oh well, it’s for PROSPERITY, Iraq – When most Soldiers a good purpose.” with the 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Since forming about a month ago, the Team, 1st Cavalry Division hear the name, Haifa Street Project tries to practice about “Haifa Street Project,” the first thing that 10 hours a week. probably comes to mind is the brigade’s “We’re very passionate toward what ongoing work to restore the former battle- we’re doing because it’s very time con- ground in Baghdad’s city center. However, suming,” Miller said. “We work on top of within the brigade there is another Haifa this, too. So it’s hard to find the time to Street Project that has recently begun and come here to the chapel at a reasonable is hoping to make a name for itself. hour and not wake people up. You’ve real- “We were just sitting around and some- ly got to want to do it.” body said, ‘Haifa Street Project,’ and it was Although it can be difficult for all five just like, that’s perfect,” Capt. Jason Lewis, Soldiers to find the time, Lewis said that the brigade’s civil affairs officer said. the time he is able to spend playing music Lewis and four other Soldiers have is worth it. recently formed a band and adopted the “You just blow off steam,” Lewis said. civic project’s name as their own. “All we do is work and focus on military “We have an ongoing Haifa Street activities and operations and missions. Project in the Karkh District right now That’s our primary job over here, but if I that’s a really big deal,” the Santa Barbara, (Photo by Sgt. Robert Yde, 2-1 Cav. Div. Public Affairs) can get an hour to blow off some steam and Calif. native explained. “We just felt like Guitarist, 2nd Lt. J.P. Hare from play with the guys then I love doing that.” that’s a project, and we’re a project; they’re Oakland, Calif., and bassist, Spc. The band hopes to help other Soldiers Stephanie Gould from Naples, Fla., growing, we’re growing, and so we named blow off some steam on the 4th of July both members of the ‘Haifa Street the band that. when the Haifa Street Project makes their Project,’ practice at the FOB debut with an outdoor concert at Prosperity. “Plus we get duel publicity,” he added. Prosperity Chapel June 8. “Our own and every time somebody men- “It’s going to rock,” Gould said of tions Haifa Street, you don’t know if Jack Brigade’s attached units, 1st Battalion, their upcoming concert. they’re talking about the band or the street 14th Cavalry Regiment. In March, they The music is primarily mainstream project in Karkh.” relocated to the International Zone, and alternative, which all the band members, The original idea to form a band while Hare and Miller were able to pick up with with the exception of Lewis, said is what in Baghdad started back at Fort Hood, their original plan of forming a band. they listen to. Texas with guitarist, 2nd Lt. J.P. Hare who “We ended up coming here to “That’s all them,” Lewis said. “If I had is with Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, Prosperity, and we were all able to come my choice we’d be playing all Led 9th Cavalry Regiment and lead singer, back together with Capt. Miller and Capt. Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, but I couldn’t Capt. Patrick Miller who is with the 5-6th Lewis, and now we’re ready to rock the even get the Bee Gees in there. I’ve got to Military Transition Team. At the time, both IZ,” Naples, Fla., native Gould said. go with the band, though.” Soldiers were with the 15th Brigade “J.P.’s been in numerous bands in Along with practicing several times a Support Battalion. California, and I’ve been in a few bands,” week for their upcoming concert, the band “At the last second I got thrown onto Miller said. “The last time I was deployed has been busy advertising their concert by the MiTT at Prosperity while [Hare] was at to Iraq I was in a band, and we toured printing and posting up flyers all over the Falcon,” explained Miller, a Buffalo, N.Y., around the . It’s just something International Zone. native. “So, it never really came to fruition.” we love doing.” “There’s a lot of time, money and While at FOB Falcon, Hare started For Lewis, however, this is his first effort going into it, and we’ve got a lot of playing with two other Soldiers: bassist, stint in a band, and he said that he’s people supporting it,” Miller said. “I have Spc. Stephanie Gould who was also with enjoyed the experience. no idea what to expect, but whether it’s 700 the 15th BSB, and drummer, Spc. Zak “It’s awesome. I love music,” he people or it’s 30 people, we’re going to play Deckard, who was with one of the Black said. “I did play in one of the church the same. It’s going to be a good show.”