August 27, 2008

www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 1, Issue 10 Incoming Resupply MQ-9 Reaper drops first 500 pound bomb from the Page 3 sky pgs. 8-9 Keep ’em Rolling Maintance company works hard to provide support Page 7

Stay or go? Airman considers the Photo by Sgt. Gary Hawkins Chief Warrant Officer Marica Lewis (left), Senior Airdrop Technician for the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and Sgt. 1st Class David pros and cons of Hudson, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, set up marking panels for a scheduled airdrop of supplies at Kirkush Military Training reenlistment Base Aug. 12. The airdrop tested a new type of disposable parachute rigging that will cost less and saves more time and energy than trying to retrieve the more expensive airdrop rigging supplies. Page 10 Engineers work to rebuild, improve Iraq by Spc. Michael Behlin Expeditionary Times staff support and conduct their acts of pany, 5th Engineer Battalion, from ing security from a central location. were victims to the insurgency too terrorism. The results of insurgents Fort Benning, Ga. Serving out of The JCOP will provide other units and we’re trying to eliminate that.” FORWARD OPERATING BASE fleeing to areas of a lesser presence Forward Operating Base Warhorse, passing through the area a place to And eliminate the insurgency is WARHORSE, Iraq– As Coalition has led to attacks on troops ranging near Baqubah, the engineers work stop and get a meal or to rest. exactly what the new site is aiming Forces continue to es- from IED’s, small arms and indirect to help stabilize the immediate area “This JCOP is being constructed to do in an area formerly known tablish their pres- fire attacks. of operations, as well as other areas here to insure that the routes in this for its small arms and IED attacks. ence throughout To battle this activity, Coalition throughout Diyala Province. area remain free and clear of IEDs Since construction began on the Iraq, insurgents Forces are busily building new Joint One of the new construction sites and insurgent activities,” said 1st new JCOP, the area has been much struggle to find Combat Outposts throughout some is that of JCOP Mullalah, which is Lt. Serena Seddio, 63rd CSEC. 2nd quieter and less susceptible to at- areas with of the more hostile areas of Iraq. not far from Baqubah and FOB War- Platoon Leader and JCOP Mullalah tacks with the new presence. little or no Working steadily throughout this horse. This JCOP, while small in project manager. “Not only do Co- military pres- construction effort is the 63rd Con- size, will be beneficial to Coalition alition Forces use the routes in this See REBUILD, Page 6 ence to house, struction Support Equipment Com- Forces and citizens alike by provid- area, but civilians do as well. They PAGE 2 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008 PMO Blotter: 2nd/402nd AFSB has change of command 15 Aug. – 21 Aug. Attempted Breaking-and-Entering: A fe- by Spc. Anthony Hooker male victim in H-4 (C Pod) noticed that the Expeditionary Times staff metal strip covering the locking mechanism on the door to her housing unit had been bent JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – During a backwards in an attempt to gain entry to the change of command ceremony held Aug. room. The victim has had her room broken 15, Lt. Col. Robert L. Barnes, Jr., the out- into on at least one other occasion in the last going commander of the 2nd Battalion, two months. Sexual Assault: A female airman stated 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, took a that she was cornered in the hygiene aisle at moment from his closing remarks to wipe the Eastside PX by two Ugandan SOC guards away tears, collect himself, and indulge the wearing tan uniforms. One of the Ugandan audience with a list of his unit’s accom- guards licked her on the back of the neck while plishments. the other blocked her escape. Military Police As only the third commander ever to Investigators weren’t able to find evidence of hold the position, Barnes shed the tears of a the assault on the store’s security cameras. man grateful to have borne the responsibil- Stolen Vehicle: A black Nissan 4-door ity of managing all of the Army’s theater- pick-up truck was stolen from the H-5 hous- ing area between the hours of 2100-0730. The provided equipment. pick-up was located by Provost Marshal per- As his wife and son watched via satel- sonnel roughly 24 hours after the crime was lite from Stuttgart, Germany, Barnes re- reported. linquished command to Lt. Col. Joe Louis Fire Response: An electrical fire started in Hart, Jr. With the handoff, Hart, a native of the breaker box of a housing unit in the H-3 Orangeburg, S.C., received control of one (D Pod) housing area. The victim put out the of the more unique and significant military fire with the room’s fire extinguisher. PMO commands in Iraq. Comment: Make sure your housing unit More than 92 percent of the battalion’s has a fire extinguisher and don’t remove the fire extinguisher for any reason. personnel are either Department of the Intoxicated Driver Causing a Crash: An Army civilians or government contractors. Army staff sergeant became inebriated on cans Shaking hands with many of his former co- of dust-off before getting into a Ford F150 in workers, Barnes said it was a blessing to the parking lot of the H-7 housing area near H have served with this group. Pod. The staff sergeant narrowly missed two “Many of these workers served in pre- Soldiers while driving through the parking lot vious wars like Vietnam, Desert Shield, before crashing into a wooden barrier. When (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation the two Soldiers approached the vehicle, they Enduring Freedom),” Barnes said. “They found the staff sergeant passed out behind the wheel of the vehicle. PMO responded to the know what the warfighter is going through, scene and found two cans of dust-off on the the problems they encounter. That under- front seat next to the driver; one of the cans standing makes them more capable to assist was ice-cold, indicating recent use. the warfighter.” Contact the Provost Marshal Office: Troy Bream, the theater property book NIPR- 443-8602 officer for the 2nd Bn., 402nd AFSB, served SIPR- 242-9982 as a colorguard during the change of com- Email- [email protected] mand ceremony. He said working alongside the military, in particular, Barnes, was a great and unique experience. The 2nd/402nd AFSB’s primary func- tion is to provide, install and redistribute property used specifically by units serving Photo by Spc. Anthony Hooker in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Maj. Steven Robertson, the senior noncommissioned officer of the 2nd Battalion, “We are the theater property book own- 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, leads the unit’s colorguard during a change of command ceremony Aug. 15 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. See CHANGE, Page 7

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 3d ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Mike Lally Contributing Public Affairs Offices Expeditionary Times is authorized for publication Managing Editor Expeditionary Times NCOIC d by the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for Maj. Paul Hayes, 3 ESC Staff Sgt. Tim Sander, 215th MPAD 1st Sustainment Brigade [email protected] [email protected] the Joint Base Balad community. The contents of the 3rd Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 215th MPAD Commander Photo Editor 7th Sustainment Brigade considered the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Maj. Timothy Horton, 215th MPAD Sgt. Gary Hawkins, 215th MPAD 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Government, including the Department of Defense or [email protected] [email protected] 20th Engineer Brigade Operation Iraqi Freedom. 55th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is a command information 215th MPAD NCOIC Layout and Design st 402nd Army Field Support Brigade newspaper in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1. Sgt. 1 Class David Zerbe, 215th MPAD Spc. Ryan Hohman, 215th MPAD Expeditionary Times is published weekly by the [email protected] [email protected] CJSOTF-AP 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Stars and Stripes central office, with a circulation of d 5,000 papers. 3 ESC PAO NCOIC Staff Writers Task Force 49 Sgt. 1st Class David McClain, 3d ESC Spc. Anthony Hooker, 215th MPAD The Public Affairs Office is located on New Jersey Ave. [email protected] [email protected] Distribution building 4136, DSN 318-433-2154.Expeditionary Times, Spc. Charlotte Martinez, 215th MPAD Sgt. Geno L. Gardner, 215th MPAD HHC 3d ESC, APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 3d ESC G2, Security Manager [email protected] Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: Lt. Col Dale Davis, 3d ESC Spc. Michael Behlin, 3d ESC [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Pfc. Amanda Tucker, 3d ESC [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with a primary mission of providing command information to all Servicemembers, part- ners, and Families of the 3d 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. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 3 ‘Hooah’ of the week

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle prepares to taxi out of a hangar here Aug. 8. A Reaper em- ployed a 500-pound GBU-12 laser-guided bomb against anti-Iraqi forces Aug. 16, marking the Reaper’s first weapons engagement since it began flying combat sorties over Iraq July 18. MQ-9 Reaper drops 1st bomb on anti-Iraqi forces by Staff Sgt. Don Branum sistent stare and persistent strike, craft.” 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing we provide a clear battlefield as- Unmanned aerial system air- sessment and quick responses to crews’ fusion of the warfighting JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- commanders when they need it.” domains of air, space and cyber- An MQ-9 Reaper dropped a 500- During an overwatch mis- space enables them uniquely to pound bomb against an anti-Iraqi sion over southeast Iraq, Reaper share critical information with Photo by Pfc. Amanda Tucker target Aug. 16, marking the Reap- operators with Balad’s 46th Ex- JTACs and other command and Sgt. 1st Class Terry Dammann, a Glenrose, Ark., native and con- er’s first weapons engagement in peditionary Reconnaissance and control elements, ensuring that struction operations sergeant for the 3d Sustainment Command Iraq since it began flying combat Attack Squadron discovered a they hit the right target, Morgan (Expeditionary), based out of Ft. Knox, Ky., is awarded a certificate sorties in support of Operation suspicious vehicle. The Airmen said. of achievement for being the 3d ESC “Hooah of the Week” by Brig. Iraqi Freedom July 18. immediately relayed the informa- “We go to great lengths to Gen. Mike Lally, the commanding general of 3d ESC. The successful airstrike, which tion to personnel in a local ground avoid unnecessary damage, and destroyed a vehicle-borne im- unit, said Lt. Col. Micah Morgan, the Reaper’s unique capabilities provised explosive device, dem- the 46th ERAS commander. After allow it to play a key role in our onstrates the persistent strike the suspicious vehicle was con- highly disciplined targeting pro- capability the 332nd Air Expedi- firmed to be a VBIED -- a variant cess,” he said. tionary Wing provides command- of the number-one killer of Amer- The 46th ERAS flies both ers on the ground, said Brig. Gen. icans on the battlefield -- a joint Reaper and MQ-1 Predator un- Brian Bishop, 332nd AEW com- terminal attack controller cleared manned aerial systems. Its air- mander. the Reaper to employ a GBU-12 crews directly control all Reaper “We are here to integrate air laser-guided weapon against the operations in Iraq and provide power into joint operations in Iraq, vehicle. launch and recovery for Preda- and ensuring we make the most “This was a great example of tor operations. During UAS mis- of our unmanned-aerial-system the Reaper’s unique capabilities,” sions, they can communicate with capabilities is just one of many Morgan said. “We searched for, critical partners worldwide using ways we do that,” Bishop said. found, fixed, targeted and de- a mix of radio, telephone and se- “With our ability to provide per- stroyed a target with just one air- cure Internet systems. Worship services PROTESTANT – TRADITIONAL ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS Sunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel (Sacrament of Reconciliation 30 min. prior to Mass) 9:30 a.m. Provider Chapel Saturday 5 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 10:30 a.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) 8 p.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) 11 a.m. Castle Heights (4155) Sunday 8:30 a.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 5:30 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 11 a.m. Provider Chapel 7:30 p.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel 11 A.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel PROTESTANT – GOSPEL Mon-Sat 11:45 a.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 11 a.m. MWR East Building Thursday 11 a.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel Noon Freedom Chapel (West Side) Mon,Wed,Fri 5p.m. Gilbert memorial 12:30 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) Friday–Holy Hour 7 p.m. Provider Chapel 7 p.m. Provider Chapel LATTER DAY SAINTS-(LDS)-(MORMON) PROTESTANT – CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP Sunday 1 p.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 9 a.m. MWR East Building 3:30p.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) 10:30 a.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 7 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 2 p.m. Castle Heights (4155) JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES 8 p.m. Eden Chapel Friday 6 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) Saturday 8 a.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) 8:30 p.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) 6 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) Wednesday 8 p.m. Gilbert Memorial (H-6) ISLAMIC SERVICE PROTESTANT – LITURGICAL Friday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 11 a.m. Lutheran-Provider Chapel PAGAN/ WICCAN FELLOWSHIP 3 p.m. Episcopal- Lutheran Gilbert Thursday, Saturday 7 p.m. Eden Chapel Chapel (H-6) BUDDHIST FELLOWSHIP PROTESTANT --MESSIANIC Tuesday 7 p.m. Eden Chapel Friday 8:30 p.m. Freedom Chapel (West Side) Protestant – Spanish Non–Denominational PROTESTANT—SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Saturday 7:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Saturday 9 a.m. Provider Chapel Sunday 4:15 p.m. Gilbert Memorial Chapel PROTESTANT—CHURCH OF CHRIST EASTERN orthodox- Devine liturgy Sunday 3:30 p.m. Castle Heights (4155) Sunday 9 A.m. Provider Chapel Annex *Please note, schedule is subject to change. PAGE 4 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008 There’s Voodoo in the air Louisiana National Guard’s Task Force Voodoo returns to Iraq by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton tion,” said Task Force Voodoo Task Force XII Command Sgt. Maj. Myron Creecy a native of LaPlace, La. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - “They were able to understand It’s technically the battalion’s sec- that they had a pretty big task ond deployment in the past five – knowing that their homes were years. The first began in Decem- under 10 feet of water, they did ber 2003 - in support of Opera- what they had to do to get their tion Iraqi Freedom II. During that Families to safety, and then went Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton stint, the unit worked just across on to perform a vital mission.” the street from their current loca- It’s an experience that, cou- A UH-60 Black Hawk, assigned to 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment, takes off for a passenger travel mission Aug. 7. The battalion, organized in Iraq as Task Force Voodoo, began flying missions tion on Joint Base Balad. pled with the previous deploy- in support of Multi-National Corps – Iraq in July. This is the unit’s second Operation Iraqi Freedom But ask any member of the ment, has created a battle-ready deployment. Louisiana National Guard’s 1st group of veteran aviators, said Battalion, 244th Aviation Regi- the battalion commander, Lt. Col. ment, and they’ll tell you this is Patrick Bossetta, a New Orleans deployment number three. native whose own home and busi- The battalion, organized in nesses were lost. The majority of Iraq as Task Force Voodoo, left the unit, about 70 percent, has re- Balad in February 2005. In Au- mained unchanged since 2003. gust, they began the fight of their “We have a group of avia- lives – brought on by Hurricane tors with a lot of experience, and Katrina. we’ve got some young guys,” he The unit was mobilized to pro- said, “but our core group has seen vide aviation support to the hur- every mission set, both doctrinal ricane victims – many of whom and un-doctrinal. They know were friends and neighbors of what ‘right’ looks like.” the Soldiers in the unit. For those The majority of TF Voodoo critical six months, 83 National hails from Louisiana. Another Spc. Eric Snider, a Guard aircraft and 40 active duty 81 are from the Florida National door gunner for Com- pany C, 1st Battalion, helicopters flew thousands of Guard. In Iraq, they come togeth- 244th Aviation Regi- missions to help a state get back er to form an aviation task force ment, cleans the dust on its feet. that performs a full spectrum of off his M240H machine “That lasted about six months utility aviation missions. gun Aug. 7. Snider, a for us,” said Slidell, La., native, At Balad, the battalion flies air native of Haughton, La., has been deployed Capt. Timothy Cleighton. “We assault and general support mis- since July as part of count Katrina as a deployment, sions, such as passenger travel Task Force Voodoo, even though it was six months and cargo transport. A separate an assault helicopter long. It was much tougher than company works from Basra, in battalion flying mis- our combat deployment.” southern Iraq, providing general sions for Multi-National Corps – Iraq. Cleighton, the commander of aviation support. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton Company B, was one of many in The pilots who’ve been here the battalion personally affected before say the mission hasn’t our eyes to a different way of fly- sion.” from the first time we were by the storm. changed much, but after only a ing.” TF Voodoo is scheduled for here until now,” said Cleighton. “I had roughly an inch of water month back in theater, it’s still “Knowing where to land and nine months in Iraq – a wel- “We’re doing what we can to help in the house; I didn’t have 10 feet important to continue learning. finding the places on the map is come change from their first 14- out every little bit we can.” like some of the guys,” he said. “You have to fight over-con- important, but you have to be month deployment. Most of those “No matter what, we’ve got to “It was pretty tough for a lot of fidence,” said Bossetta. “Some- ready for the new things,” added who’ve been in Iraq before said fly, fix and fly our aircraft safe- our guys. Probably 75 percent of times guys think they’ve been Creecy,“I think we have the right that Katrina, while sobering, did ly,” continued Bossetta. “Noth- the people I knew had damage.” there and done it, but they have personnel who understand that little to change the way they ap- ing else matters, because if we “A lot of these guys were di- to understand that things change the mission has changed and that proach the mission here. fly, fix and fly safely we’ll bring rectly affected by the devasta- in a few years. We’ve opened we have to change with that mis- “My feeling is still the same everybody home.” Angels of mercy

Army helicopters transport patients to and from the Air Force Theater Hospital here Aug. 18. Aeromedical evacuation allows wounded Servicemembers to be delivered quickly to the Air Force Theater Hospital, a key factor in the 98 percent survival rate of AFTH patients. Servicemembers, Department of De- fense civilians and contractors volun- teer to transport patients between the Photo by Airman 1st Class Jason Epley helicopters and the hospital. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 5 76th IBCT Soldiers show UAV IA, U.S. engineers work together to rebuild Iraq

Courtesy Story 5th Engineer Battalion

DIYALA PROVINCE, Iraq- Conducting rapid crater repair is a daily mission for the Soldiers of the 63rd Construction Support Equipment Company, 5th Engi- neer Battalion. In only three months they have filled over 100 craters throughout Salah ad-Din and Diyala Provinc- es. In early July, they had the opportunity to train and conduct a crater repair mission with Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Engineer Regi- ment. This teamwork is essential for overall suc- cess in transitioning engineer tasks to the Iraqi Army. For three days, Soldiers from first platoon, 63rd CSE; and from the 5th Iraqi Army Engineer Regiment conducted a combined operation that Photo by Pfc. Amanda Tucker included reconnaissance, training, rehearsing and Spc. Jeremy Boden, a Raven unmanned aerial vehicle operator for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Wayne, executing a rapid crater repair mission on a heav- Ind., demonstrates the proper techniques to launch a Raven to 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Soldiers Aug. 13. ily traveled route in Diyala Province, Iraq. 1st Lt. Jarrell Horsley, one of the platoon lead- ers in the 63rd, said “The Soldiers of First Pla- toon didn’t know if it would be difficult for the 5th Iraqi Army Engineers Soldiers to learn our techniques, but we were prepared for anything.” ‘Kips Bay’ air assault brings By the end of the mission they were delighted with the ease and expertise the Iraqi Army Sol- diers conducted the crater repair mission. The mission was executed in three phases- similar to the “crawl, walk, run” teaching method security to Al Betra that is used throughout the U.S. Army. During the crawl phase, the platoon leaders and noncom- by Pfc. Christopher McKenna missioned officers worked together to plan the 3d Bde, 101st Airborne mission. Also during the crawl phase, the units conducted a route reconnaissance to take critical CAMP STRIKER, Iraq - Iraqi Army measurements and pictures of the craters so they and Rakkasan Soldiers executed Op- could properly plan for material to execute the eration Kips Bay, an air mission. assault to establish a The second phase was a day of training and rehearsals. The Soldiers from 1st platoon arrived solid IA presence in at Ghalibhya, Iraqi Army Engineer base camp, Al Betra in the early and set out to ensure the Iraqi engineers knew morning hours of how to correctly establish jobsite security around Aug. 8. the craters while properly using the materials re- Al Betra is quired to repair the road. approximate - After a few hours spent around a dry erase ly 30 kilometers board and rearranging vehicles in an open lot, the southwest of Baghdad and has had only Iraqi Army Engineers mastered the security for- a small presence of Coalition and IA mations and preparation work. In order to train, forces in the area. the Iraqi Soldiers dug hand-made craters on the The 4th Company, 1st Battalion, base camp and practiced mixing and pouring the concrete. By the end of the day, the two units were 23rd Brigade, 17th Iraqi Army Divi- thinking and moving alike and were ready for the sion and Company A, 3rd Battalion, mission that would test the Iraqi Army Soldiers’ 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade skills and the training abilities of First Platoon. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division “The expressions on their faces were price- (Air Assault) conducted the combined less; you could tell they were ready to get the job mission. Photo by Pfc. Christopher McKenna done,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Camplejohn. Teams of Soldiers searched houses During the final phase of the mission, the ex- Soldiers with Co. A, 3-187th Inf., 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) prepare to for any evidence of caches and insur- go to the pickup zone during Operation Kips Bay, a combined air assault in Al ecution phase, both units reached the assigned gent activity, and assessed the area for Betra, about 30 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, Aug.8. route and began filling craters. terrorist threats during the sweep. After all craters were filled, each team walked “This mission was good for the ing with the local sheikhs and leaders, Coalition Forces are functioning in away with a sense of accomplishment and pride for a job well done. For the Iraqi Army Soldiers, Iraqi Army; it shows that we are con- gaining information on what to expect,” primarily a support role on missions they received the training and skills needed to cerned about the area and here for the said 2nd Lt. Jerry Wolfe, Headquarters like Kips Bay to prepare the IA for successfully conduct rapid crater repair missions people,” said 2nd Lt. Thaw Al Fkar, 4th Platoon, 3-187th Inf. Regt. their transition to the lead security el- on the roads in their area of operations. The Sol- Co. “The area we went into has been “We are making sure the IA stays ement in the area currently under 3rd diers of 1st platoon finished the day knowing that known for terrorist activity, and go- focused in the area. They (play) more BCT, control. the three days they spent working side by side ing in showed that the terrorists cannot of a dominant role in the region, and “(Kips Bay) helps with transition,” with their Iraqi counterparts was time well spent have this area.” the people see them and interact with Fkar said. “The Soldiers involved were and truly moved the team closer to being able to “Prior to even coming into the area, them,” Wolfe said. “The main thing is well prepared, and there was good work transition essential engineer functions directly to we spent five days (surveying), speak- to keep the IA in the lead.” between the Coalition and IA.” their fellow engineers in the Iraqi Army. PAGE 6 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008 Formerly deaf signal Soldier reenlists in Iraq by Sgt. Keith M. Anderson ment Brigade, reenlisted in front of bri- 16th Sustainment Brigade gade headquarters at COB Q-West Aug. 15, his second reenlistment in “the desert,” CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE and another hurdle overcome for the resil- Q-WEST, Iraq — When he was 3 years ient Soldier. old, Walter Ashcraft got “Life is a like riding a bicycle,” Ash- tonsillitis. The infection craft said, paraphrasing Albert Einstein. spread to his ears, and “In order to stay up, you have to keep ate holes into his ear- moving forward.” drums, causing him to Although Ashcraft had a high grade- lose his hearing. point average in high school, enlisting in In the following the Army proved to be difficult because of years, Ashcraft had his significant hearing loss. to undergo eight sur- The friendly, six-foot seven-inch Sol- geries, along with speech dier faced another obstacle when his first therapy classes, to learn to speak. Ashcraft marriage failed during his first deploy- was deaf until he was 8 years old. ment. Much like his bicycle analogy, Photo by Sgt. Keith M. Anderson Now a 22-year-old Army sergeant from however, he kept moving forward. He Sgt. Walter Ashcraft, a network systems operator and maintainer, Bravo Company, Tucumcari, N.M., Ashcraft said teachers remarried, and now has an 8-month-old 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, reenlists in front of bri- thought he was behind growing up be- daughter, Jade. gade headquarters at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Aug. 15. cause he couldn’t hear very well, or speak Ashcraft said his wife, Lindsay Buffa- without a lisp. lohead-Ashcraft, a Navaho, supports his Ashcraft is grateful for his time in the is an opportunity to progress, to get out in “It got to the point they thought I was decision to reenlist. service, and said the Army is a good career the world and experience it.” mentally retarded,” Ashcraft said. “She said that if that’s what I wanted to choice. Ashcraft’s reenlistment was part of the Ashcraft, a network systems opera- do, she’d support it,” Ashcraft said. “If she “I think people should join because it first reenlistment ceremony for the sus- tor and maintainer, Bravo Company, 16th had her choice, though, I’d be at home all brings character,” Ashcraft said. “It lets tainment brigade from Bamberg, Germa- Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustain- the time.” people know who they really are, and it ny, since arriving in Iraq, July 26.

Iraqi Army medical and dental REBUILD, from Page 1 While this is a great accomplishment so far, it didn’t come easily. The construction of JCOP Mullalah has taken an area which clinic keeps Soldiers smiling was mostly farmland and transformed it into a small outpost to be used by all services. by Staff Sgt. James E. Brown, Jr. Doing so took chasing out one of the biggest 1st Sustainment Brigade problems in the area. “Right out here, in one of the houses that CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The doors opened early at the Iraqi still remain standing, lived one of the big- Army Troop Medical and Dental Clinic, but not until the clinic gest insurgents in the area,” said Seddio. “He workers finished the daily task of cleaning the facility and con- was responsible for much of the activity in ducting their daily vehicle maintenance. the area, but now that he’s gone, (it has) been By then, Iraqi Army Soldiers stationed much different.” on Taji begin to trickle in - sick call slips in Constructing the new JCOP has not only hand - to be examined by one of the mili- meant chasing out insurgents, but having to tary nurses. relocate civilian land owners as well. While “On average, they see 60 to 70 pa- area citizens will be housed in safer areas tients a day,” said 1st Sgt. Timothy while the construction process takes place, Baker, a native of Liberty, Ind., and a they are encouraged to return after the JCOP logistics training advisory team member of is completed. “We want to definitely bring 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Sustainment Bri- civilians back to the area because with them gade. “They have a very nice facility here and they do very here, insurgents have less places to hide,” said good work.” Seddio. “The main things that our teams are focusing on is help- Now that the citizens have been relocated, ing the Iraqi Army with their logistics piece, supply requisi- Photo by Staff Sgt. James E. Brown Jr. the engineers are hard at work. Whether it be tion, obtaining equipment, vehicle maintenance, those kinds of Iraqi Army Soldiers arrive early for sick call operations at the operating a D7 Dozer to clear land, moving things,” said Baker, “but I also get to participate with training Iraqi Army Troop Medical and Dental Clinic, Aug 14. On aver- t-barriers with a crane, or using bucket loaders on medical classes.” age, 60 to 70 patients are processed each day at the facility. to fill Hercules Engineering Solutions Con- Like any medical treatment facility in the military, Iraqi Sol- “I am very proud to serve in the Iraqi Army,” said 1st Lt. Ba- sortium bastions, the 63rd has been getting the haa, one of the few dentists in the Iraqi Army. diers enter, check in, and take a seat in the waiting room. One job done. by one, they are called into the office to get their vital signs Even though construction isn’t quite fin- checked and have their names input into the medical database. various emergency cases. “I am very proud to serve in the ished on the JCOP, the engineers have noticed Then, they are either treated on the spot or referred to the emer- Iraqi Army,” said Bahaa. the difference of the area since their arrival. gency department on the other side of the building. Another part of the clinic, the Mortuary Affairs Department, The unit’s presence has brought about many When entering the emergency department, one can see the just moved into a newly built facility where they can serve the new opportunities for some of the younger Iraqi Army nurses treating fellow Iraqi Soldiers with every- Iraqi Army’s needs. What makes this so significant is that this Soldiers. thing from an intravenous injection, to reading an electrocar- specific department is the first one to be built in Iraq and serves “(It has) been nice to see the younger Sol- diogram, or administering an X-ray. the entire region. The Soldiers of mortuary affairs also operate diers get out and be able to do their actual These Soldiers within the facility possess very critical and a “Wounded Warriors” program that cares for Iraqi Soldiers jobs,” said Seddio. “It sometimes doesn’t hap- much needed skills that the Iraqi Army is in short supply of. wounded or injured in combat. pen that way in our field but it’s been nice to For example, 1st Lt. Bahaa is the second dentist in the Iraqi These Iraqi Army Soldiers of the Troop Medical and Dental watch them grow and become experienced on Army, and sees approximately 10 to 15 patients a day. Their Clinic prove on a daily basis that they are committed and ready the machinery.” needs range from fillings, tooth reconstruction, cleaning, and for the challenges that lie ahead. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 7 536th Maintenance Company keeps vehicles rolling by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc The unit isn’t limited to repairing vehi- 1st Sustainment Brigade cles however, thanks to Sgt. Jamie Cadman, a native of Gallup, N.M, and an armorer CAMP TAJI, Iraq - If it rolls, the mechan- with the 536th. ics of the 536th Maintenance “We can repair any small arms in the Company can probably Army’s arsenal, and we even repair some fix it. The Schofield weapons for the Iraqi Army on the other Barracks, Hawaii, unit side of the base, such as their .50 caliber plays an important machine guns,” she explained. role within the 165th The 536th has completed thousands of Combat Sustain- jobs since they arrived in Iraq last year. ment Support Bat- “The maintenance shops have averaged talion, 1st Sustain- about 635 jobs a month since their arrival ment Brigade, and is vital to in December 2007,” said Sgt. 1st Class the overall mission of the Soldiers stationed Dennis Calvert, the noncommissioned of- at Camp Taji. ficer in charge of the 536th’s shop. “That’s “I have a good team of professionals over 4,400 jobs, at least in the last seven Photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc here,” said East St. Louis native Sgt. 1st months. Some jobs are definitely more time Spc. Travis Kinsey of Provo Utah (left) and Spc. Tim Fure of Little Falls Minnesota Class Phillip Foster, the noncommissioned consuming than others, but in the end, ev- (right) finalize the replacement of a support beam on the rear-end of an M-1088, or medium tactical vehicle tractor truck, at the 536th’s Automotive Base. The 536th officer in charge of the 536th’s Automotive ery job has to be completed with the least Maintenance Company, out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii is currently assigned to Base, a maintenance bay which represents downtime possible,” he said. the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade. a good chunk of the heavy-lift capacity of Calvert explained that the shops of the the company. 536th “provide direct support, as well as ing maintenance repairs passing through the pair, and the electronic warfare kits that Foster’s maintenance bay has complet- organizational support to 14 units within greater Baghdad area.” they install save lives, and they take pride ed 204 major jobs since December, all of the 1st Sustainment Brigade and the 165th The 536th excels in all areas of their op- in that,” said Foster of his crew at the au- which have been labeled as high priority. CSSB; and 33 external units, from vari- eration and the Soldiers who make it happen tomotive base. “I can’t tell you how many “We handle mainly big-ticket items ous military transportation teams to special take pride in the importance of their job. Soldiers have come back to us from off the here, like engine replacement, and com- forces. We also provide 24-hour support to “My Soldiers understand that the armor road and told us about how something we plete overhauls,” explained Foster. the convoy support center for any unit need- that they upgrade, the trucks that they re- did helped them to come home safe.”

CHANGE, from Page 2 team. 2nd/402nd AFSB, said the turnaround “We have to forecast movement of equipment depends on how fast the ers in Iraq,” said Hart, who recently so we can effectively support the war paperwork is done. served in OIF from November 2006 to fighter,” said Hart. “Units need to have “We get eyes on the equipment and February 2008 as the III Corps Mate- a seamless transition into and out of make sure it’s clean,” said Robertson. rial Readiness Chief. “We are also re- theater, we cannot afford to affect the “An inspection can be completed with- sponsible for accounting, maintaining mission in a negative manner.” in a day.” and getting equipment back to an oper- In addition to working with a unit’s Although turnaround of equipment able status.” operations section, the 2nd/402nd is usually within 72 hours, some peo- The 2nd/402nd AFSB is one of AFSB created Redistribution Property ple believe it’s as simple as walking in seven field support brigades in the Accountability Teams. These RPATs and putting in a request for an item. world. Assigned to the United States eliminate units’ excess equipment in Robertson said his group can’t arbi- Army Sustainment Command, AFSBs theater prior to transfers of authority trarily give away equipment. provide ASCs with a single command or reduction in forces. The RPATs can “We serve (Multi-National Corps structure in strategic locations around also assist in transferring excess equip- – Iraq) so we can’t assume ownership the world-including Iraq, Kuwait, Ko- ment to other units. of equipment,” Robertson said. “You rea and Europe. The 2nd/402nd AFSB has six RPAT would still go through your regular The 2nd/402nd, which is close to teams throughout Iraq; they have a to- supply system first, which means go- entering its third year of existence, tal of 14 management sites, including ing through a contractor. We come into provides synchronization and sup- one in Kuwait. Mobile fly-away teams play in reference to accountability.” port to the fielding of new equipment. were created last year to speed item That means that all of 2nd/402nd The unit is also responsible for help- turnover. AFSB’s personnel must keep an open ing U.S. Central Command provide “Units usually build plans, which dialogue with one another. Demetra repair services and supporting any the reset fly-away teams can handle in Hayes, the unit’s communication of- actions involving the Counter Rocket theater,” said Barnes. “Previously this ficer, is in charge of providing voice Artillery and Mortar, or CRAM, which was done after units had moved into and data command to over 18 forward bases use to counterattack incoming Kuwait, forcing units to spend more operating bases in Iraq. Hayes, a DA mortar rounds. This year the unit has time- up to two months –redeploy- civilian, said people can’t let their af- processed $1.7 billion dollars in equip- ing.” filiations get in the way of the job. ment; last year the amount was $3.4 Closer to the fight, the 2nd/402nd “In order to succeed, we must be billion. AFSB employs units under the 3rd able to talk to one another,” Hayes “We are strategically aligned with Sustainment Command (Expedition- said. “At a moment’s notice, we can operational forces,” said Hart. “Lo- ary) to help field equipment. Whether have a request come to us or an ac- gistic planners work alongside combat it is sending troops out with the new countability issue that requires a quick planners to make sure we don’t lose improvised outer tactical vest or us- response.” any combat power when we’re engag- ing mechanics to validate the humvees Barnes said whether they’re a Ser- ing the enemy.” scheduled for transfer to Iraqi Security vicemember or a civilian, the 2nd/ Hart said the goal of the battalion Forces, various means are taken by 402nd AFSB can be counted on to is to help incoming and outgoing units the unit to get theater material in and help get equipment out to those who get the equipment they need to ac- out of the hands of Servicemembers need it. complish the mission. The 2nd/402nd quickly. “Our folks know the inner workings AFSB makes that happen by putting Sgt. Maj. Steven Robertson, the se- of the business and the people they are the right commodities with the right nior noncommissioned officer for the working for,” he said. PAGE 8 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008

Look out b Sgt. 1st Class David Photos and story by Sgt. Gary Hawkins e Hudson, a member of Expeditionary Times staff l the 824th Quartermas- o ter Company, sets the FORWARD OPERATING BASE CALDWELL, Iraq – “Ten Seconds,” marker panels accord- “five seconds,” “GREENLIGHT!” These are the verbal warnings given by the w ing to the heading the navigator-and with a push of a button from the loadmaster-up to 16 Container aircraft will use for a Delivery System bundles are released into the air stream and sent gliding down test airdrop of supplies. to awaiting troops somewhere in the Iraqi desert. Within five seconds, CDS bundles fly from the back of a C-130 Hercules w and begin dropping to the ground, where military personnel are waiting to re- cover them. These supplies allow Coalition Forces to continue their mission with food, water and ammunition. The 824th Quartermaster Company (Air Delivery), recently used a new type w of CDS airdrop system at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, about 100 miles east of Joint Base Balad, to drop water and Meals Ready to Eat. The rigging used was a new disposable type of parachute and rigging system that cost much w less than that of standard high strength rigging. The new chutes are cheaper to manufacture and can do the job without the hassle of trying to recover the equipment. w “The new rigging is called a hi-velocity style rig that falls at more than 80 feet per second,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jack Wilson, a member of the 824th Quar- termaster Company, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C. “The standard, more expen- w sive rig is a low-velocity system that is designed for more delicate loads such as whole blood or breakable supplies and falls at just a little more than 30 feet w per second.” Resupplying a unit is a very important mission, but recovering the expensive chutes and valuable rigging, which cost more than $4,500 dollars for each CDS bundle, becomes difficult in the vast deserts of Iraq. “Units recovering supplies have to pack and carry the parachutes and rigging, which can take up a lot of room, then try to deliver it back to us by convoy or other means so it could be used again,” said Wilson. Methods used to deliver supplies to troops on the ground continue to evolve and the 824th QM is actively using more efficient ways to quickly, safely, and economically deliver supplies using the CDS system. Even in this modern era of hi-tech capabilities, sometimes simpler is better. “This drop was a practice drop of a new type of disposable parachute and rigging that cut the cost down, plus it tested the survivability of the supplies dropped with the new chutes,” said Wilson. “This drop had about 80 percent sur- vival of the supplies, which is more than we expected. Now the units can save time and space by not having to recovery the rigging to get it back to us.” The success of this drop decreased the amount of energy, money and time spent and allowed the receiving unit to carry on with the mission more effec- tively without having to pack and store rigging until it can be reused.

Container delivery system bundles land during a test of a new disposable type of parachute rigging Aug. 12. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 9

Look out bel ow

Sgt. John Johnson, a member of w the 13th Combat Sustainment Sup- port Battalion, inspects a supply bundle after a test drop using a new disposable parachute rigging w system Aug. 12 at Kirkush Military Training Base. With more than 80 percent survival of the supplies, w the drop was considered a suc- cessful test of the new rigging.

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w PAGE 10 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008 Boots on the ground Should I stay or should I go? by Master Sgt. Brian Davidson 447th Air Expeditionary Group SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq -- One Airman’s decision about her future has weighed heavily on her mind, and it reflects a dilemma that many first-term Airmen face as they reach the end of their first en- listments. What keeps Senior Air- man Erin Morit awake at night isn’t the noise of the many aircraft that fly in and out of nearby Baghdad International Air- port, it’s the decision to either commit to a sec-

Photo by Pfc. Amanda Tucker ond enlistment or take her chances in the civilian job market. Left to Right: Sgt. Joseph Kloak, a gunner for the 1-19-5 Military Integration Transi- tion Team and Fossil, Ore., native, looks through a care package while Staff Sgt. Men and women join the Air Force for many James Williams, a scout sniper for the 1-19-5 MITT and New Orleans native, sorts reasons, whether those reasons are based on pa- through a pack of Slim Jims on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Aug. 8. The boxes were do- triotism or a desire for education and self-im- nated by the Swimmers Supporting Soldiers program of Roswell, Ga. provement. Morit’s twin brother, Jesse, is con- Senior Airman Erin Morit sidering an Air Force career of his own back home in Frackville, Pa. However, for Airmen nearing the end of their first enlistment, the decision to either reen- Airman joins Soldiers in list or separate can be tougher than the original decision to join. Morit originally planned to reenlist Aug. 8 on the wing of a C-17 Globemaster III, but only hours before she was to renew her oath of enlistment, she got cold feet. real-life ‘CSI: Iraq’ “I’ve loved being in the Air Force, and there are lots of reasons to stay, but I just don’t by Sgt. Philip Klein know if staying will get me where I want to go in life,” said Morit, who is deployed to the 4th Infantry Division 447th Air Expeditionary Group from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. “Another problem is that I don’t quite know for sure where I want to go in life yet.” FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR EAGLE, Iraq -- The fight to bring security to That’s the dilemma Morit and many other Airmen wrestle with. the people of Iraq requires all branches of the military to work together, bringing Airmen and Air Force recruiters use something called the MATTRESS of benefits to explain the ad- Soldiers side by side. vantage of an Air Force Career to potential recruits. The acronym stands for money, ad- Senior Airman Kathleen Gasque is one of many Airmen who fight alongside other Ser- vancement, travel, training, recreation, education, service and security -- but for Morit, those vicemembers for the freedom of both the United States and Iraq. As a part benefits are also a double-edged sword. of the weapons intelligence team, Gasque works with explosive ordinance “Working in the command post, I have a career field that is an important part of the mis- disposal teams for Multi-National Division - Baghdad to fight the threat of sion at all bases,” she said. “The command post is like the nerve center of each base. It’s improvised explosive devices. critical in both daily operations and ... during an emergency.” “We do crime scene investigations on bomb sites, conducting post- Career security and a steady paycheck on are important considerations, but education is blast analysis to help us combat future attacks and track the IED cells an area of concern, Morit said. where the deadly weapons originate,” Gasque said. “We work rotating shifts, and the command post remains open and fully operational 365 Gasque, a network analyst, is a native of Marion, S.C., and is de- days a year,” she said. “It’s very difficult to balance personal and professional responsibili- ployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. She admitted to a little culture ties, and it’s even harder to pursue education goals other than on-line classes.” shock as she began working with the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Morit’s concern with remaining on active duty is that she wants to attend college in a Division, but the Soldiers have made her welcome and a part of the MND-B team. traditional classroom setting, something not easy to do in her career field. Every Airman has “It was a little different coming into this environment dominated by Soldiers, but we are all differing responsibilities based on their Air Force specialty and pay grade, making traditional here for the same reason -- to serve our country,” she said. college easy for some but difficult for others. Gasque volunteered for a one-year joint source solution deployment. She said she doesn’t Chief Master Sgt. Ron Gallucci, the Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team regret any of it. chief, is responsible for helping all enlisted members, like Morit, with their career decisions. “I do a lot of analytical work with the Army intelligence guys and really enjoy the things I Deployed to the 447th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron from the Air Force Personnel get to do here -- plus I get to do something for my fellow Servicemembers,” she said. Center at Randolph AFB, Texas, Gallucci has helped Airmen with such decisions since he Army Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Stolp, the Brigade Intelligence Section noncommissioned first became a supervisor more than 22 years ago. officer in charge and a Denver native, said he is proud to have Gasque as a member of the “The first question Airmen have to ask themselves before making the decision to stay or team. go is, ‘Have I set myself up to be successful when I get out of the Air Force?’” he said. “Each “There is no real difference between an Airman and a Soldier -- we are all professionals Airman has to make an informed decision based on fact, not emotion. Once he makes his and take our work seriously,” Stolp said decision, he has to commit 110 percent to reaching his goals.” Gallucci worked with Airman Morit to help her learn about her options and make an informed decision. “Her job is critical to the Air Force right now, and she may not have the choice to retrain into a different specialty,” he said. “She’s served with honor, and there is nothing wrong with deciding to move on to something else.” Airmen can also continue their careers in the Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard. “Airman Morit is facing a decision all Airmen eventually face, and it’s not easy,” Gal- lucci said. “She’s part of the Air Force family, and will remain part of that family regardless of her decision. She can be proud of her service, whether she serves four years or 30.” After talking with Gallucci and with only 27 days left in her initial enlistment, Morit re- enlisted for another four years. She said she intends to apply to the New York Film Academy when she completes her Air Force career and that she looks forward to taking advantage of the benefits of the post-Sept. 11 G.I. Bill and the Air Force Tuition Assistance program to pay her tuition and school expenses. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 11

Photo by Sgt. RJ Gilbert Trucks convoy from Camp Cedar II to Scania Convoy Support Center carrying much needed fuel under the escort of up-armored humvees Aug. 7.

Photo by Sgt. Keith M. Anderson Not just another convoy Staff Sgt. Terrence Bright, petroleum noncommissioned officer in by Sgt. RJ Gilbert charge and squad leader, 574th Quartermaster Co., 16th Sustainment commander with F Company. “You are going to Brigade, puts the combat patch on Spc. Nathan Sender, 24, during 7th Sustainment Brigade have things go wrong with air conditioners, tires a combat patch ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, and other stuff, but overall, (the mission) went Iraq, Aug. 16. Bright, 36, Demopolis, Ala., said he was “honored and CAMP CEDAR II, Iraq – Foxtrot Company, 39th pretty decently.” proud” to place the patch on Sender. Brigade Support Battalion, ran a Though the overt objective of F Company was to two-day mission guarding fuel guard fuel trucks to Scania Convoy Support Center Right shoulder no longer trucks traveling from Camp Ce- from Camp Cedar II, the greater mission was sus- dar II to Scania Convoy Sup- taining the war fighter in his and her efforts. port Center and back Aug. 7 “Ultimately, the convoys that we escort are get- bare for support and 8. ting needed supplies to troops in the North,” said a bond that you may not realize yet The mission consisted Schmidt. “We are helping to keep things running by Sfc. Adam V. Shaw — but you will one day — when you of up-armored vehicles so everything functions. With the transport of this 16th Sustainment Brigade see someone you haven’t seen in a from F Company, 39th Brigade fuel, the generators work so “joes” can have light CONTINGENCY OPERATING few years wearing the same patch,” Support Battalion; and 142nd Combat Sustainment and dining facilities can operate.” BASE Q-WEST, Iraq — During said Lt. Col. Rodney D. Fogg, com- Support Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, pro- These examples are only a few of the many that the Revolution- mander, 17th CSSB, during the cer- viding mobile security for the convoy of fuel tank- Soldiers like those in F Company escort over the ary War, George emony. “It will be a story that you ers and its day-long journey. roads of Iraq daily. Washington de- tell your grandchildren about.” “It was my first mission for this tour and it went Though it is unfortunate that the efforts of con- vised badges Three units received combat real smooth. We were successful in transporting voys and their security teams are not more widely so that rank patches during the ceremony. The the fuel tankers without incident,” said Spc. Arthur recognized, the reduction of talk about convoys might be 51st Transportation Co., Manheim, L. Bernhoft, mechanic with F Company. could well be a sign that the Soldiers and civilian r e a d i l y Germany, and the 574th Quarter- Others upon the mission shared the sentiments contractors, like many heroes, are performing their identified. master Co., Grafenwoehr, Germany, of Bernhoft to a point. duties effectively and seamlessly. Since that time, each earned the 16th Sustainment “It was unusual having the two blown tires on Nonetheless, this was not just another convoy, military insignia has evolved ac- Brigade patch; the 266th Ordnance the same vehicle, but other than that it was rou- it was one step in the marathon effort of Operation cording to the needs of each branch Det., Puerto Rico, earned the 1st tine,” said Staff Sgt. Gregory A. Schmidt, convoy Iraqi Freedom. of service. Mission Support Command patch. Soldiers from the 17th Combat “It’s pretty cool because you Sustainment Support Battalion, get a little more respect,” said Spc. 16th Sustainment Brigade, contin- Frank Dix, heavy vehicle operator, ued a combat patch ceremony tra- 51st Trans. Co. Guiding dition in the Morale, Welfare and Dix, 22, from Augusta, Ga., is Recreation building, COB Q-West, on his first deployment and under- Iraq, Aug. 16. stands the significance of the com- After World War II, wearing a bat patch. lights unit patch on the right shoulder was “It puts a little more pride in approved to denote service in com- your heart because when you look bat with that unit. The patch is rec- down you see the flag and the (unit) ognized as a means of building mo- patch on the same side,” he said. “It rale, camaraderie, and solidarity. shows that you are fighting for your “The combat patch symbolizes country.”

ALI BASE, Iraq -- Senior Airman George Carameta assembles a har- nesses before climbing a 150-foot tower here to replace aircraft obstruc- tion lights Aug. 2. The aircraft obstruc- tion lighting keeps multi-million dollar aircraft from colliding into towers at night or during low-visibility condi- tions. Carameta, a network technician with the 407th Expeditionary Commu- nications Squadron here, is deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin PAGE 12 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008 News around Iraq able to take care of my son and also help ensure he has a Resident tips IA on cache safe future here.” location in Sadr City 5th IA Div. delivers food,

BAGHDAD – Soldiers with the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Battal- supplies to Iraqi citizens ion, 42nd Brigade, 11th Division, discovered DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 5th IA Division, a significant cache in the Sadr City district of 18th and 21st Brigades, delivered food and other Baghdad Aug. 14. supplies to the villages of Wahid, Soqaha, Mola- A concerned resident’s tip led the IA Soldiers Ead, Bani-Sayd and Arab Jabar in South Balad Ruz to an abandoned building where the cache was found hid- and Buritz Aug. 11-17. den behind a false wall. More than 310 bags of rice, flower, sugar, oil, lentils, vita- The cache consisted of 22 foam-encased explo- mins and baby formula were distributed. sively formed projectiles, 30 packets of one- The 5th IA Div. is currently planning more drops in the area quarter-inch steel ball bearings, 35 boxes of “The Iraqi Security Forces and the Government of Iraq are commercial one-quarter-inch steel ball bear- committed to providing Humanitarian Assistance to the local ings, three 12-inch plastic cylinders, two 5-inch populace to ensure their well-being,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, a plastic cylinders, six car alarms, 92 12-volt re- 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spokesman. chargeable batteries, 26 one-quarter C-4 demoli- tion charges, 51 4-inch copper disks, 44 5-inch copper Iraqi forces take over disks, 61 12-inch lengths of angle iron, 13 electrical blast- Hasam ing caps, two spools of electrical wire and various electrical said. “De- Georgians’ missions and bomb-making components. tention of this FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – “To find a large cache with a big amount of EFPs like individual has Iraqi Security Forces will partner with this, we are saving a lot of lives,” said Maj. Gen. Muzir, limited special group the 41st Fires Brigade and occupy several commanding general of the 11th Iraqi Army Division. “We members’ access to the checkpoints and patrol bases previously are saving the IA; we are saving the civilians. We are sav- munitions from a weapons manned by the 1st Georgian Brigade. ing our ISF, and we are saving our friends, the Coalition cache that was controlled by him “We want to train and work with the U.S. Army,” said Forces.” and prevents future attacks that potentially result in the Sgt. Namel Watak, 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade. deaths of civilians.” Namel is with a contingent of Soldiers from the 32nd IA ISF find weapons caches Bde., who are working together with Soldiers from the 2nd Bat- Kirkuk Police Academy talion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment at checkpoints in Wasit to in Rashid trains females keep the province stable and secure. FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq “We like our job here of running the traffic control point and – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers KIRKUK, Iraq – Thirty-seven females attended the first providing security at the entrance of the patrol base,” he said. reported the discovery of two weapons cache day of a four-week course at the Kirkuk Police The plan is to have a complete partnership with the Iraqi finds by Iraqi Security Forces in the Rashid dis- Academy outside of Kirkuk city, Iraq, Aug. 16. Soldiers, said 2nd Lt Charles Hines, a members of the 2-20 FA trict of southern Baghdad Aug. 16. It’s been a year since the academy has seen Regt., and the IA liaison at the patrol base. At approximately 2 p.m. in the Saydiyah any Iraqi females in blue and never a class of “Right now, the Iraqi Soldiers have taken over the responsi- community, Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor this size. bility of the traffic control point, but we are going to train them Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th “We need these females badly,” said Lt. Col. Muid, a to be able to take over the entire patrol base, go and do presence Infantry Division, reported Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, cadre at the academy. “It is our religious custom not to touch patrols and set-up temporary traffic control points in our area,” 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered a 60 our women, so we cannot search females. Our female Iraqi he said. mm mortar round. The 4th Bn., 64th Armor Regt., also reported the 3rd Police will be extremely important to use at checkpoints The 41st Fires Bde. established a very good working rela- Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division and government buildings throughout the province.” tionship with both the Iraqi Police and the IA, said Col. Richard discovered 28 82mm mortar rounds, five 60mm mortar The cadre also pointed out they would bring a different M. Francey, Jr., 41st Fires Bde commander. rounds, four rocket propelled grenades and an anti-armor perspective to policing. “We are integrating with the ISF to make us a better fighting RPG round while conducting a canal cleanup operation in “Women think differently than men,” Muid said. “They force,” he said. “They have stepped up to the plate, and their the Risalah neighborhood at approximately 5:45 p.m. will bring fresh ideas to how we conduct business.” partnership is why we are able to take over the mission that the “The ISF are responsible for a significant amount of The 37 females are split into squad-like elements. Each Georgians had to leave behind, with no change in the security cache finds in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad,” squad will have a 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain female mili- and safety of the Iraqi people.” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman, for the 1st BCT “Their tary police Soldier assist them. For Namel, working with the Americans is a chance to get actions, with the support of the 1st Brigade, continue to “This is going to be a big challenge,” said Spc. Jennifer better training, and learn as much from the U.S. Soldiers as he provide a safe and secure environment for the 1.5 million Swierk, one of the assistants, referring to the cultural differ- can. residents of southern Baghdad.” ences, “but I’m proud to be a part of this page in Kirkuk’s, “I want to fight fiercely alongside the U.S. Army,” he said. if not Iraq’s history.” By working with the Americans, “I get more training to be able Suspected terrorist leader For Nowal, 30, the experience so far has her realizing to do the job.” she has a lot of work ahead of her. detained in al Hillah “I am very tired,” said Nowal of the first day of training. NP, local resident help take FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Nowal’s brother is a member of the Kirkuk police force. Security Forces detained a suspected terrorist In lieu of the recent increase in female suicide bombers, weapons off streets cell leader during an early-morning raid in al these women are undaunted by the dangers of the field they BAGHDAD – National Police seized a weapons cache, and Hillah Aug. 13. have chosen. When asked what they would do if they were a local resident turned in another in the greater The operation resulted from intelligence de- to spot one at a checkpoint, as a group they did not hesitate Baghdad area Aug. 20. veloped by al Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics Team to answer “Man or woman, if you come through our check- At approximately 8 a.m., police with the 1st and Coalition Forces, and was carried out with assistance point, we will stop you.” Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Divi- from the local Iraqi Police. “Terrorists are not welcome in the province of Kirkuk,” sion, seized 13 small rockets, two artillery shells, three mortar The suspected terrorist is believed to be a supplier of said Intesar, 29. She elaborated further regarding female rounds and an assortment of ordnance in the New Baghdad weapons to special groups. With his capture, ISF aimed to suicide bombers. “They are not Iraqis. They are not Mus- area of Baghdad. disrupt the flow of weapons to special groups in the area. lim. It is not our way.” Later, at approximately 8 p.m., a local resident turned in This was the first time the Hillah SWAT conducted a mis- The police force is also providing some women with three 120 mm mortars and two propellant grenade rounds to sion in cooperation with the IP, according to Capt. Hasam, much needed jobs. Soldiers with Company C, 1st Infantry Battalion, 27th Infan- the assistant battalion commander for Hillah SWAT. “I have a 5-year-old son I have to feed,” said Jinan, try Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infan- “We planned and conducted a successful operation,” whose husband was killed by criminal elements. “I will be try Division, at a Coalition Forces base west of Baghdad. August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 13 MESSAGES FROM HOME CPT Brian Costa Hope this message finds you safe and well. We love and miss you a TON and can’t wait for you to get home soon! Love, June, Dylan and Keven

“To Brian-David and all of our “sons and daughters” of the 164th MP Co there in Balad - We love you all and are keeping you constantly in our prayers. We are so proud of you!!! See you soon!!! -The Bellamys”

To Daddy ( SSG Dustin Gothrup) Daddy i wanted to tell you i really love kindergarden and Just wanted to say hello to CPT Kemp (Daddy)! We love i love you too! I fall asleep on the bus eveyday! Me and you and are so proud of you! Addy and mommy took a walk tonight and i fell and hurt To Spc.Hernandez We miss you so much, and can’t wait to see you soon!! my leg, but i didn’t cry! I miss you so much and i can’t I Love YOU and Miss You So Much!!! Love you, wait to fight you when you come home! I am really looking forward to seeing you soon. Stacey, Gracey, and Addison Stacey Quinn-Kemp I Love you 20 sixy 5 nine (Cayden Gothrup age 5) Hugs and Kisses!!! Your Wife Brenda Shout Out from home Show your Soldier how much you miss them by sending messages, pictures, or poems in the Expeditionary Times newspaper.

Contact the 3d ESC Public Affairs Office to print your message. E-mail [email protected] Out for a spin

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- A dust devil more than ten stories tall spins across the flightline here Aug. 15. A dust devil forms when hot air near the surface rises quickly through a small pocket of cooler, low-pressure air above it. Photo by Tech Sgt Erik Gudmundson PAGE 14 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008

urday- 8 p.m. Aerobics: Monday, Wednes- Friday nights in Balad: day, Friday- 7 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Body by Midgett Toning JB BALAD ACTIVITIES Foosball: Tuesday- 1 p.m. Class: Tuesday, Thursday - INDOOR POOL Soo Bahk Do: 6 p.m. Dominoes: Friday- 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. 7 p.m. Aqua Training: Tuesday Step Aerobics: Monday, Karaoke: Monday- 8 p.m. Green Bean karaoke: Dodge ball Game: Tuesday- and Thursday- 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Friday – Model building: Sunday- Wednesday and Sunday- 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m. Furman’s Martial Arts: EAST FITNESS CENTER Wrestling & physical fitness Poetry/ open mic: Sunday- Ice Ball Tourney: Thursday- Monday, Wednesday, Sun- Basketball League: Mon- class: Tuesday- 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 4 p.m. day- 1 p.m. day-Friday – 7 p.m. Saturday- 7 p.m. Poker tourney: Sunday- Ping pong tourney: Tues- Gaston’s Self-Defense Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Mon- Swing dance: Sunday- 6 p.m. day- 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Class: Friday, Saturday- day, Wednesday, Friday – 8 7:30 p.m. Salsa dance class: Saturday- Salsa dance class: Thurs- 7 p.m. p.m. Abs-Aerobics:Tuesday and 8:30 p.m. day- 8:30 p.m. Open court basketball: Kyu Kyu Kempo: Sunday- Thursday- 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Swing dance: Tuesday- Spades, Chess and Domi- Thursday- 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7p.m. noes: Friday – 1 p.m. Open court soccer: Monday, Edged weapons and stick EAST RECREATION Ping pong tourney: Tues- Texas hold ‘em: Saturday- Wednesday - 7 p.m. fighting combatives train- CENTER day- 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Zingano Brazilian Jui ing:Tuesdays, Thursdays 8-ball tourney: Monday- Game Counsel Tourney: Jitsu: Tuesday, Thursday- and Saturdays 8 p.m. 8 p.m WEST RECREATION Thursday- 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Open court volleyball: Sun- 9-ball tournament: Wednes- CENTER day- 6 p.m. day- 8 p.m. 8-ball tourney: Wednesday- WEST FITNESS CENTER CIRCUIT GYM Shotokan Karate Do: Mon- Game Console Tourney: 1 p.m. and 8 p.m 3-on-3 basketball tourney: Floor hockey: Monday, day, Wednesday and Friday- Thursday- 8 p.m. 9-ball tournament: Mon- Saturday- 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Friday – 8 p.m 6 p.m. Country Dance Class: day- 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. 6-on-6 volleyball tourney: Thursday- 7 p.m. Dungeons & Dragons: Sat- Friday- 7 p.m.

Sustainer Reel Time Theater Movie Times New Movies Wednesday, August 27 The House Bunny Hellboy 2 5 p.m. The Incredible Hulk When Playboy play- For centuries, an an- 8 p.m. Iron Man mate Shelley (Anna cient truce has kept the Thursday, August 28 Faris) is unceremoni- naïve citizens of the hu- ously evicted from Hugh man race safe from the 5 p.m. Wanted Hefner’s lavish mansion horrors of the invisible in order to make room 8 p.m. The Incredible Hulk realm -- but that’s all for some younger beau- about to change, and Friday, August 29 ties, her quest for em- fast. A ruthless leader 2 p.m. The House Bunny ployment finds her serv- ing as den mother to an has emerged in the invis- 5 p.m. Hellboy 2 unpopular L.A. sorority ible realm, a tyrant just 8 p.m. Hellboy 2 in this Happy Madison as comfortable walking production directed by the surface realm as he Saturday, August 30 Fred Wolf. is living in the land of 2 p.m. Journey to the fantasy. When this power-mad ruler defies his Journey to the bloodline to assemble an unstoppable army of Center of the Earth fantastical creatures that he will use to wage a 5 p.m. Hellboy 2 Center of the Earth supernatural war on humanity, it begins to ap- pear that humankind’s days are numbered. But 8 p.m. The House Bunny Eric Brevig makes Hellboy (Perlman) isn’t about to stand idly by as Sunday, August 31 his feature directorial debut with this adapta- the planet is purged by a demonic despot, and 2 p.m. Hellboy 2 tion of the classic Jules with a little help from his team at the Bureau Verne fantasy starring for Paranormal Research and Defense, he may 5 p.m. The House Bunny Brendan Fraser. When just be able to send our otherworldly over- 8 p.m. Journey to the an ambitious science lords packing. Of course, Hellboy’s pyrokinetic Center of the Earth professor (Fraser) de- girlfriend, Liz (Selma Blair), is always willing velops a decidedly un- to conjure up an inferno or two when things Monday, September 1 conventional hypothesis, get desperate, aquatic Abe (Doug Jones) is 5 p.m. Wall-E the mere mention of his prepared to dive headlong into any battle, and name is enough to elicit protoplasmic mystic Johann (voice of Thomas laughter within the aca- 8 p.m. Clone Wars Kretschmann) proves an invaluable companion demic community. However, during a subsequent Tuesday, September 2 in times of inter-dimensional conflict. Now, as excursion to Iceland, the professor and his 5 p.m. Hancock nephew make a major scientific discovery that the creatures who inhabit the spiritual realm sends them miles beneath the surface of the gear up for an all-out attack on the human 8 p.m. Iron Man Earth, where they discover not only strange new plane, the only one capable of saving the Earth (Schedule is subject to change) worlds, but also encounter creatures so alien is a tough-talking hellspawn rejected by both they appear to be from another world entirely. worlds August 27, 2008 Expeditionary Times PAGE 15 STUPID STATE LAWS Sudoku Ever wonder just how dumb things can be? Does your state have dumb laws? Read on and find out. In Level: Hard the upcoming weeks, the Expeditionary Times will have a series of dumb and stupid laws for each state. Many of the laws have been verified, but many have been taken from sources which do not include 9 6 law citations. The laws cited below have been taken from news groups, web sites and city governments. Remember, something had to have happened to get these laws passed. Some laws have been repealed, but The objective is to 6 4 3 9 not all; some are still on the books. fill the 9×9 grid so New York 1 9 7 8 • You may not smoke within 100 feet of the entrance to a public building. that each column, • Citizens may not greet each other by “putting one’s thumb to the nose and each row, and each 6 3 wiggling the fingers.” of the nine 3×3 • It is against the law to throw a ball at someone’s head for fun. 3 8 • New Yorkers cannot dissolve a marriage for irreconcilable differences, unless boxes contains the they both agree to it. digits from 1 to 9 6 4 North Carolina • The mere possession of a lottery ticket is illegal in North Carolina and may only one time each. 9 3 4 8 result in a $2,000 fine. • No one may be a professional fortune-teller, and if one wishes to pursue the 1 8 9 5 practice as an amateur, it must be practiced in a school or church. • Elephants may not be used to plow cotton fields. 7 2 • A marriage can be declared void if either of the two persons is physically impotent. PVT. MURPHY’S LAW

Upcoming sports on AFN Wednesday 8/27/08 Alabama @ Clemson, live 3 a.m. AFN/prime atlantic Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s and Women’s Opening College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Illinois @ Missouri, live 3:30 a.m. AFN/sports Flushing Meadows, NY), live 2 a.m. AFN/sports College Football: ESPN Pac-10 Football: Washington @ MLB: Milwaukee Brewers @ St. Louis Cardinals, live 1 Oregon, live 5 a.m. AFN/sports p.m. AFN/sports College Football: Villanova @ West Virginia, tape delay Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Opening Rounds and 10 a.m. AFN/xtra Women’s Second Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Third Rounds and National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), live 6 Women’s Second Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King p.m. AFN/sports National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), tape delay 10 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday 8/28/08 College Football: ESPN Pac-10 Football: Oklahoma Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Opening Rounds and State @ Washington State, tape delay 1 p.m. AFN/xtra Women’s Second Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King College Football: ABC College Football Primetime: National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), live 2 Michigan State @ California, tape delayed 1 p.m. a.m. AFN/sports AFN/sports MLB: ESPN’s Wednesday Night Baseball: Boston Red NASCAR: NASCAR Nationwide Series: Camping Sox @ New York Yankees, tape delay 1 p.m. AFN/ World 300 (California Speedway, Fontana, CA), tape sports delayed 4:30 p.m. AFN/xtra Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s and Women’s Second MLB: New York Mets @ Florida Marlins, live 8 p.m. Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, AFN/prime atlantic Flushing Meadows, NY), live 6 p.m. AFN/sports MLB: Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox, live 8:30 p.m. AFN/xtra Friday 8/29/08 College Football: ESPN College Football: Kentucky @ Tennis 2008 US Open: Men’s and Women’s Second Louisville, live 10:30 p.m. AFN/sports Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, PGA TOUR: PGA Tour 2008 Deutsche Bank Flushing Meadows, NY), live 2 a.m. AFN/sports Championship (TPC Boston, Norton, MA) (JIP), live 11 Iraq according to Opet MLB: Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels, live 6 a.m. p.m. AFN/prime atlantic AFN/xtra NFL: NFL Preseason Week 4: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Monday 9/1/08 Washington Redskins, tape delay 10 a.m. AFN/sports MLB: Minnesota Twins @ Oakland Athletics (JIP), live College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: 1:30 a.m. AFN/xtra Oregon State @ Stanford, tape delay 2 p.m. AFN/sports College Football: Big 12 Football: Colorado State @ Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Second Rounds and Colorado, live 2:30 a.m. AFN/sports Women’s Third Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King MLB: ESPN Sunday Night Baseball: Los Angeles National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), live 6 Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks, live 3 a.m. AFN/ p.m. AFN/sports prime atlantic NASCAR: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: CAS Sprint Saturday 8/30/08 Cup 500 (California Speedway, Fontana, CA), live 3 Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Third Rounds and a.m. AFN/xtra Women’s Second Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King IndyCar: IndyCar Racing Series: Firestone IndyCar National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), live 2 Grand Prix at Detroit (The Raceway at Belle Isle, a.m. AFN/sports Detroit, MI), tape delay 7:30 a.m. AFN/xtra College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: MLB: Philadelphia Phillies @ Chicago Cubs, tape SMU @ Rice, live 3 p.m. AFN/sports delayed 10 a.m. AFN/xtra MLB: Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels, live 5 a.m. Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Third and Women’s AFN/prime pacific Fourth Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis MLB: Minnesota Twins @ Oakland Athletics, live 6 Center, Flushing Meadows, NY) (JIP), tape delayed 11 a.m. AFN/xtra a.m. AFN/sports College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: College Football: 2008 MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Temple @ Army, tape delay 12 p.m. AFN/sports Jackson State vs Hampton (Florida Citrus Bowl, College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: Orlando FL), tape delayed 5 p.m. Virginia Tech @ East Carolina, live 7 p.m. AFN/sports Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s and Women’s Fourth College Football: Youngstown State @ Ohio State, live Rounds (USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, 7 p.m. AFN/xtra Flushing Meadows, NY), live 6 p.m. AFN/sports College Football: Hawaii @ Florida, live 7:30 p.m. AFN/prime pacific Tuesday 9/2/08 College Football: ABC College Football: USC @ College Football: ESPN College Football: Fresno State Virginia, live 10:30 p.m. AFN/prime pacific @ Rutgers (JIP), live 12 a.m. College Football: ABC’s Afternoon College Football: College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: Utah @ Michigan, live 10:30 p.m. AFN/xtra Tennessee @ UCLA, live 3 a.m. AFN/sports MLB: St. Louis Cardinals @ Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday 8/31/08 tape delayed 10 a.m. AFN/sports College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: College Football: ESPN College Football Primetime: Appalachian State @ LSU, live 12 p.m. AFN/sports Tennessee @ UCLA, tape delayed 2 p.m. AFN/sports College Football: ESPN2 College Football Primetime: Tennis: 2008 US Open: Men’s Fourth Rounds and Do you have a story idea? Mississippi State @ Louisiana Tech, live 1:45 a.m. Women’s Quarterfinal (USTA Billie Jean King National AFN/xtra Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY), live 6 p.m. Contact the Anaconda Times College Football: ABC College Football Primetime: AFN/sports [email protected] PAGE 16 Expeditionary Times August 27, 2008

Photo by Michael Macor/The Chronicle American Vincent Hancock set a world record in skeet shooting in 2007, 150 out of 150, later equaled by Norway’s Tore Brovold. 2008 Olympics: Army instructor holds off co-record holder in sudden death by Peter Fimrite Olympians who are in the military. They in- The San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer clude three-time Olympian Glenn Eller, who (used with permission) won a gold medal in double trap shooting last week, connecting on an Olympic record You don’t shoot at flying disks in a fire- 190 of 200 targets. fight, but the skills of Olympic skeet shoot- More important than the medals - at ing champion Vincent Hancock are being least in terms of long-term benefit - is the used every day by Soldiers in Iraq and Af- fact that these men are the experts who train ghanistan. America’s troops, Muggeo said. More than The 19-year-old Army specialist won the 3,000 Soldiers who trained at Fort Benning gold medal Saturday at the Beijing Shoot- last year have been deployed in Iraq and Af- ing Range in the event, in which competitors ghanistan, he said. shoot down little orange Frisbee-like disks Skeet shooting was developed in the with a shotgun. United States in 1915 as a training tool Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images The competition came down to a thrilling for shotgun-toting hunters of waterfowl. It shoot-off between Hancock and his Norwe- would seem at first that duck-hunting skills TOP: Vincent Hancock of the United States competes gian rival and co-world-record holder Tore would be of little use in combat. But Mug- in the men’s skeet shoot- Brovold, who had the added pressure of geo said a good skeet shooter has developed ing event at the Beijing performing in front of the king and queen fundamentals that apply in all situations. Shooting Range Hall on of Norway. “I’ve been in the Special Forces for 21 Day 8 of the Beijing 2008 “I was just trying to wait till I saw the years and I thought I knew how to shoot, but Olympic Games on August 16, 2008 in Beijing, China. targets because I wasn’t seeing the targets in 20 minutes with these guys they taught Hancock went on to win really well,” Hancock said after missing me how to shoot better,” said Muggeo, 43, the gold medal. only four out of 104 disks in the preliminary whose unit has provided marksmanship LEFT: Hancock, 19, is one and final rounds and then the sudden-death training with rifles, service pistols and com- of seven Olympians sta- shoot-off. “On the last couple of pairs, I was bat weaponry for 52 years. “If you look at tioned at the Army Marks- manship Unit. really focusing and really determined, and it the position these guys take when they are paid off for me.” shooting, it has a direct correlation to the po- Hancock is a phenomenon in the shooting sitions you take in combat.” world, having won the world championship Spc. Hancock works as an instructor for at the age of 16, but he is merely the latest in noncommissioned officers and squad lead- a slew of military marksmen to make their ers in urban warfare skills, including the mark on the Olympics. point-and-shoot techniques used by skeet He is one of seven Olympic shooters sta- shooters. tioned at the Army Marksmanship Unit at “We train the sergeants and NCOs of the Fort Benning, Ga., where U.S. Soldiers are Army (so they can) help better prepare the trained before heading off to war. Lt. Col. younger Soldiers and themselves for going Frank Muggeo, the unit commander, said overseas,” Hancock said. “With the shotgun this is where the best and fastest guns in the unit we do close-quarter combat, which is Photo by Michael Macor/The Chronicle West can be found. clearing houses and various stuff that has to distractions by running sprinklers and letting thew, who has had two tours of duty in Iraq. “The Army marksmanship unit is com- do with shotguns.” the dogs bark during training sessions. “He “I wouldn’t be surprised if he asked to go, prised of the best shooters in the armed Hancock had a knack for the sport from trained every day and on weekends. You give but we don’t send individuals to combat. We forces,” Muggeo said. “It has 23 Olympic the time he was a boy growing up in Ben- him a challenge and he will not quit until he send units to combat,” Muggeo said. “Ev- medals. That’s more shooting medals in just nington, Ga., said his father. can beat it. He does everything like that.” erybody in my unit is a trainer. If he went one unit of the Army than any other country “When he was 12 years old, he told me he Nearly half the men in Hancock’s marks- over there, he would be the best shot in the except China.” wanted to go to the Olympics, so I built him manship unit have seen combat, but don’t squad, but he wouldn’t be training the thou- The shooters in the marksmanship unit a skeet range in the backyard,” said Craig expect to see the gold medalist dodging bul- sands of other Soldiers who need to learn make up more than half of the 13 American Hancock, who taught his son to block out lets in the Middle East like his brother Mat- these skills.”