Service Members Remember 9/11 St O R Y a N D Ph O T O B Y Metal Worker and Sg T

September 16, 2009

www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 2 Issue 37 Drawdown in progress Service members remember 9/11 St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y metal worker and Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t fabricator with the Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f 514th, and a Shel- byville, Ind. native, JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – On who ran the half Sept. 11, 2001, Presi- marathon earlier dent George W. Bush that morning, was said, “Freedom it- in high school when self was attacked the attacks occurred. this morning by a Watching the events faceless coward— of that day and 80th reaches out to help Freedom will be defended.” knowing the number Even after eight years, most of lives affected, and units with amnesty day service members say they can re- ended, motivated member exactly where they were him to join the Army, Page 4 and what they were doing when he said. the attacks happened. Hodges said when “I was in history class watch- not deployed, he and ing a movie on the TV,” said Spc. his family spend time Thomas A. Richards, a machin- together on Sept. 11. ist and metal fabricator, with the Richards said his 514th Maintenance Company family barbeques out of Fort Drum, N.Y. “I was and spends time to- Border support shocked because I thought I was gether as well. watching a movie and then found “Everybody needs out it was CNN.” to remember the Service members observed a people who lost their moment of silence at 8 a.m. at lives,” said Richards. Holt Stadium, many of whom participated in the Air Force Half Spc. Thomas A. Rich- Marathon earlier that morning. ards and Chief War- Richards, a Dutton, Ala. na- rant Officer 2 Troy L. tive, was one of these. He said the Feuston, both with the events of 9/11 were one reason he 514th Maintenance Mississippi Guardsmen joined the military. Company out of Fort Drum, N.Y., bow their The run was a meaningful and make the Harbur Gate run heads during a mo- fun way to remember 9/11, he ment of silence Sept. Page 12-13 said. 11 here on Joint Base Spc. Craig W. Hodges, also a Balad, Iraq. AF Half Marathon keeps memory running

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e A day at the pool Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Roughly 600 runners participated in the Air Force Half Marathon Sept. 11, at Holt Sta- dium on Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Staff Sgt. Peter F. Galan, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the reception, replacement, return to duty, rest and recuperation, and redeployment/casualty operations in the finance operations cell for the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Staff Sgt. Travis Donmoyer, a technical engineering NCO for the 13th ESC, trained together for two months Warfighters compete to prepare for the half marathon. Galan, a Wittier, Calif. native, and Donmoyer, an Annville, Pa. native, completed the 13-mile run in 1 hour 49 minutes. in Labor Day raft race Runners take off from the starting line at 5 a.m. Sept. 11, during the Galan said they have a similar running pace and push each Air Force Half Marathon at Holt Stadium on Joint Base Balad, Iraq. other to be better. Page 16 “We said we were going to finish together and we finished to- They began with smaller distances of 2 to 3 miles and gradually gether,” said Galan. worked their way up to the full distance, said Donmoyer. Galan and Donmoyer started running together in January, “A good way to motivate each other is talking smack,” said mostly 5Ks, and started training for the half marathon in July. SEE RACE ON PAGE 2 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Balad Blotter Chaplain’s corner... September 3 - September 8 By Ma j . Pe t e r St r o n g time they are standing out in broad daylight for all to Br i g a d e Ch a p l a i n see. Breathe in, breathe out. You are blessed. Stand MAJOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT: 304t h Su s t a i n m e n t Br i g a d e up. Go for a walk. You are blessed. Sleep in peace at A complainant telephoned the law enforcement desk and reported a vehicle accident at a loca- night. You are blessed. Enjoy the privilege of living in tion. A patrol arrived on scene and determined hat I am looking for is a freedom. You are blessed. the accident to be a major vehicle accident. The “Wblessing not in disguise.” I once knew a person who when asked, “How are operator stated that while driving on Victory -Jerome K. Jerome you?” always responded with the words, “I’m blessed!” Loop heading North, the steering column failed That was irritating to hear. It sounded kind of preachy to operate and forced the vehicle into Bldg Some people wouldn’t recognize or holier-than-thou. It was a little too chirpy for my 3930/DRMO Fence line. The damage to the ve- a blessing if it came up and hit ‘em taste. But it was true. hicle consisted of the windshield cracking in 20 over the head with a 2”-by-4”. If blessings appear to Right now you may not be feeling very blessed. You places, the front bumper being severely dented, be disguised, it is only because we are not able to see are having problems with your health or your financ- the undercarriage leaking fluid and the vehicle was not operational. The damage to the prop- them for what they are. Blessings are simple acts of es. A relationship may be on the rocks. You feel down- erty consisted of 30 feet of fence line and five God intended to bring joy and delight to the receiver. hearted and discouraged. Do not despair. Take a mo- steel posts. The beauty of a flower, the song of a bird, the warmth ment to think of the many blessings you do have. You of the sun – these are all gifts that remind us we are may be surprised to discover the list is much longer LARCENY OF UNSECURED PRIVATE PROPERTY: loved and cared for. than you think. Remember, you may not feel blessed A complainant entered law enforcement desk Why do you think blessings are so hard to see? but that does not change the fact that you are blessed. and reported a larceny had occurred at a loca- Are they dressed in camouflage? Do they hide behind How are you? “I’m blessed!” Yes, you are. We all tion. The complainant stated he left the location trees and under bushes? Of course not. Most of the are. at 8 a.m. and was not sure if he locked his room door. The complainant returned to the location at 5 p.m. and noticed that it was unsecure. The complainant opened the door and noticed that MARATHON: A property was missing with no signs of forced entry. race with a little ASSAULT: A victim entered the law enforcement desk and reported that an assault occurred at a location. extra meaning for The victim stated that he entered the location and the subject began to verbally abuse him. The subject grabbed the victim’s left wrist and service members shirt and pushed him. RACE FROM PAGE 1 HELPING HAND: Galan. “It’s all in good fun and it keeps us go- A complainant called the Defender Control and ing.” reported having one white male, in a tan flight At 8 a.m., while some participants were still suit, detained for not having a restricted area badge. The patrol advised the subject of his running, a Sept. 11, 2001 remembrance ceremo- Article 31 rights. The subject acknowledged his ny, including prayer and a moment of silence, was rights and agreed to make a written statement. held at Holt Stadium. The subject said he was unaware of the restrict- Galan said he was already serving when the ed area badge procedures and was unaware he Pentagon and World Trade Center were at- was supposed to be brandishing his RAB on his tacked. person while within the restricted area. “I was on my way to Kuwait for a rotation when the towers got hit,” said Galan. Donmoyer said the attacks contributed to his NIPR: 443-8602 SIPR: 241-1171 decision to join the military. “I enlisted in the Army exactly a week after Email: [email protected] 9/11,” said Donmoyer. “I don’t think anyone out here can say it doesn’t mean something to them.”

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Spc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command Lt. Col. Angelo Williams, 13th ESC Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be Spc. Michael V. Camacho considered the official views of, or endorsed 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman [email protected] [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contributing Public Affairs Offices Expeditionary Times is a command informa- 13th ESC PA NCOIC 139th MPAD Photo Editor tion newspaper in accordance with Army Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 10th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] [email protected] 16th Sustainment Brigade for security purposes. 90th Sustainment Brigade 13th ESC Staff Writer Expeditionary Times is published weekly by 139th MPAD Copy Editor 287th Sustainment Brigade the Stars and Stripes central office, with a cir- Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC Spc. Brandy Oxford 304th Sustainment Brigade culation of 5,000 papers. [email protected] [email protected] The Public Affairs Office is located on New 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. 139th MPAD Staff Writers 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team Capt. Brad Sinkler Sgt. Ryan Twist 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, APO [email protected] [email protected] AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 555th Engineer Brigade 139th MPAD First Sergeant Spc. John Stimac 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller For online publication visit: Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] www.dvidshub.net [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times

Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard Corrections In last week’s (Volume 2, Issue 36) article, “Chaplain, unit cope with loss,” Chaplain Yates Shoulder sleeve insignia-former is from the 1-82nd Cavalry, not the 41st Special wartime service or combat patch Troops Battalion. By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Da n i l o Eg u d i n elon deployed unit – company or higher – in their new 155t h HBCT deployed chain of command as their SSI-FWTS. 13t h ESC As s i s t a n t In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l When there is no intermediate unit – company or higher – in the deployed chain of command, deployed ately, the Inspector General’s of- Soldiers will wear the SSI of the senior Army command Lfice has addressed a few issues in the theater as their SSI-FWTS. regarding the wear of the shoulder To order a Soldier to wear a specific combat patch is sleeve insignia - former wartime ser- a violation of the Army Regulations. vice or combat patch. Since 1945, the References: AR 670-1, MNF-I Memo 11-1, dated intent of the wear of the combat patch July 2009 and ALARACT message 055/2007. has been to denote Soldier’s participa- tion in combat operations with large echelon deployed Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 units, as directed by the Secretary of the Army. LTC Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Commanders are reminded the selection of which MAJ Scott Peters (Deputy) combat patch to wear is strictly the decision of the Sol- MSG Roy Thacker (NCOIC) dier. There will be no mandatory wearing of a particu- SFC Danilo Egudin lar unit’s combat patch. Soldiers are authorized to wear SFC Javier Cruz the combat patch they have earned through previous deployments or they can elect not to wear one at all. Q-West (16th SB): DSN 827-6115 A deployed unit – company or higher – will wear LTC Kyle Peterson their unit’s SSI as the SSI-FWTS. This is true regard- Taji (10th SB/ 155 BCT):DSN 834-3079 less of whether the headquarters element deploys and LTC Timothy Norton/ LTC Paul Bird regardless of the number of changes to the unit’s align- Adder/Tallil (287th SB/ 41 BCT): ment or operational control during the period of de- DSN 833-1710 ployment. LTC Melanie Meier/ MAJ Jeffrey Copek Al Asad (321st SB): DSN 440-7049 When echelons below company-level deploy, mem- SFC Tamera Wynn bers of these units will wear the SSI of the lowest ech- Legal Matters: Supporting family members

By Ma j . Br i a n No m i The Army has a specific set of rules phone calls and even if the supported AR 608-99 by directly paying the rent Ch i e f , Le g a l As s i s t a n ce controlling family support. These are spouse is a really bad person. Only a or mortgage, or other essential utili- 13t h ESC Ju d g e Ad v o c a t e Ge n e r a l found in Army Regulation 608-99, battalion commander or higher can ties (electricity, gas, and water, but chapter 2. Soldiers and especially excuse this payment, and then only not cable or phone bills). any deployed commanders should have a basic under certain legal grounds. The Air Force has no set guidance Mservice mem- grasp of this regulation. Multiple family members involve on family support, but it does require bers or their families According to the regulation, where another rule under AR 608-99. For its members to provide a reasonable encounter problems there is an agreement between the example, if the Soldier has other fam- amount of support to family members. dealing with the legal spouses, or a court order governing ily members that are legally entitled Navy and Marine Corps personnel obligations of finan- support, the Soldier must obey the to support, then each only receives a should consult with their own Judge cial support. This ar- agreement or order. The regulation prorated share of that support. So if a Advocate General representative for ticle outlines some of the rules gov- is punitive, and this is one of the few Soldier has two children from a prior further information. erning this subject. situations in which a commander can relationship, and then is married and Family support is a troubling issue Every husband or wife is legally give a lawful order to a Soldier to pay has another child with his current for service members and their com- required to provide support to his or a private debt. spouse, the Soldier has four family manders. Here in Iraq, the problem of- her spouse and children. Different Most often, however, a marital dis- members who are entitled to support. ten arises because the family members states have different rules on the ex- pute has just arisen, and there is nei- In this case, the current spouse and back home complain to the Inspector act amount of support. ther an agreement nor a court order. child would only get one-half of the General or the rear detachment com- Spousal support is usually not or- In such cases, the Soldier is required $681.90, for a total monthly support mander. Legal Assistance is here to dered at all in state court unless the to pay an amount equal to the basic al- of $340.95. offer speedy help on this subject. We marriage has lasted more than 10 lowance for housing II – WITH. This There are some exceptions to this will provide a written opinion to each years, or there are other compelling amount is not the same as full BAH, rule. There may be no support due if: service member immediately, on the reasons to grant it, such as a disabled and is generally roughly 70 percent of (1) the Soldier’s spouse is also on spot. Clients are seen on a walk-in ba- spouse who cannot work. But child the full BAH a typical Soldier receives. active duty in the military; sis and usually get the opinion within support is mandatory for every parent. To find the amount in any given year, (2) the family members live in gov- 30 minutes of visiting our office. This Even if you did not intend to become do a Google search of “2009 Non- ernment housing on post; written opinion is helpful in clarifying a parent, and even if your partner lied Locality BAH Rates.” You will quickly (3) the income of the supported the rights and obligations of all par- to you about using birth control, you find the chart – it is at the top of the spouse exceeds that of the Soldier; ties involved in a dispute about family are legally obligated to pay child sup- Google search results. The amount (4) the supported family member is support. port. As a very general rule, my expe- the Soldier must pay is listed under in jail; Legal Assistance can help. Be sure rience is that lower-ranking enlisted the “BAH RC/T – With Dependents” (5) the Soldier has been a victim of to bring in all relevant documents for will pay roughly $300-$400 per column. For example, in 2009, an E-4 abuse. your appointment. For further assis- month per child, under state law. must pay $681.90 – an amount lower There are other exceptions as well, tance, please feel free to contact our Service members who experience than the actual BAH WITH received such as where the spouse does not office at DSN 318.433.2836. Building marital difficulties, or who have be- by any E-4. have custody of the couples’ children. number is 7235 (the castle on Penn- come parents – knowingly or not – The Soldier must pay family sup- These are found in AR 608-99, para- sylvania Avenue). Office hours are 9 should seek legal guidance on support port even if the supported spouse is graphs 2-14 and 2-15. a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sat- to their family members. having an affair, refusing to return Finally, a Soldier can comply with urday. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Shakin’ with the shaykh Oregon National Guard joins in pre-Ramadan feast

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s tractor in Scania, invited the command the 167th Combat Sustainment Support b y Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n staff of A Co., including Capt. Charles Battalion public affairs officer, who also 41s t IBCT, Ellis and Lt. Mark Major, to a feast pre- attended the feast. Pu b l i c Af f a i r s pared by his family. The relationship between Scania and “There was a lot of food, a lot of vari- Ali is a complimentary one. Each pro- SCANIA, Iraq – Members of A Company, ety,” Ellis said. “It was definitely harvest vides the other with a service it needs. 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry time with all the fresh fruit there. It was Ali’s contracting company built the Regiment, with the Oregon very nice.” firing range, a trash removal system National Guard, went out- The guests tasted meat and rice and burn pit, and guard towers. The side the wire to participate wrapped in grape leaves, soups, pickled contractors take care of maintenance, in a pre-Ramadan feast vegetables, flat bread, dates, fresh fruits repair the barriers and clean and service hosted by a local resident and vegetables. the motor pool areas. Ali and his work- Aug. 19. “(Ali) tries to do this with every new ers also built the local marketplace. Ali Jadaan, a local shaykh and con- command,” said Maj. Dale Coparanis, Ali’s relationship with the military is beneficial to the company’s mission, El- lis said. “Ali provides an Iraqi insight for us,” said Ellis. “He is able to locate parts and materials on the Iraqi economy that we could not otherwise find. He does on- the-spot details.” A Co. provides quick reaction to the surrounding area for rocket and mortar attacks. They respond to incidents outside the base, often collaborating with Iraqi Army and Police, protecting the villages from possible attacks and providing security and safety to people in the area. The means are different but the goal is the same: improving Iraq. Ali Jadaan, a local contractor in Scania, “I was impressed. They are very ea- welcomed members of A Company, 2nd ger to help us,” Ellis said. “They want Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st to help get their nation built and on the Infantry Brigade Combat Team, with the Oregon National Guard, into his home for a Soldiers of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Bri- right track. I think in a few years you pre-Ramadan feast. The feast was also an gade Combat Team, with the Oregon National Guard, provide security during a pre- aren’t even going to recognize Iraq any- invitation for the new command of A Co. to Ramadan feast hosted by Ali Jadaan, a local contractor, in Scania, Iraq. more. It will improve that much.” sit and socialize. VTC helps troubled couples By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o reach a point in their relationship where issues get course of a year, couples can fight instead of grow- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f in the way of their deep feelings for their spouse, he ing in their relationship, he said. said. Doing the marriage counseling via VTC allows CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q- Boulware said communication works on three couples a present-time conversation, visually as well WEST, Iraq – As video teleconferencing levels: body language is a strong indicator of the as verbally, said Capt. Gregory Jackson, chaplain of programs such as Skype grow in popu- speaker’s feelings and thoughts; tone shows signs of the 16th Sust. Bde. rear detachment, and a Crystal larity, military marriage counselors are emotional state; words convey a message but have Spring, Miss. native. implementing them as a means of the least depth in the overall process. When all three The VTC allows couples to address issues at the connecting and counseling separated levels are present, communication operates more point when both couples are ready to seek immedi- couples. effectively. ate counseling, said Jackson. For one half of couples serving in The VTC counseling involves both partners, and Marital issues can negatively affect service mem- Q-West, Maj. James Boulware, 16th Sustainment a chaplain on either side. In this way, the chaplains bers’ jobs and emotional states, but there are always Brigade chaplain, a Radcliff, Ky. native, said he can act as mediators and advisers while observing ways to help them through their difficult times and helps them bridge the distance and manage deploy- each partner. keep them strong, said Boulware. ment stress with VTC. “We do marriage counseling in the rear and hold “It now becomes: we deploy, we work with the “The strength of the VTC is that you’re bringing a Strong Bonds Seminar which addresses some is- Soldier and then it’s a smooth transition into the the couples together and it’s a big difference,” said sues, but sometimes the damage has already been redeployment stage where you can work with that Boulware. “It brings a reality to the counseling.” done,” said Boulware. couple,” said Boulware. “This allows us to start the Couples with a deployed component sometimes Without the proper tools to communicate in the process earlier.” September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 287th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers teach Iraqi officer candidates at Camp Ur

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Ma j . Ti m Oh l h a v e r “This partnership is important,” said Divish, “be- 287t h Su s t . Bd e ., cause it gives us one more avenue of supporting the Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Iraqi Army. I am pleased and honored that my unit was asked to participate in educating Iraq’s future CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION ADDER, military leaders. I see this mission as an investment Iraq – Through a new informal part- in people that will pay dividends forever.” nership between the 287th Sustain- Randall said the informal partnership between ment Brigade and the Iraqi Military the 287th and Iraqi forces was formed with long- Academy Nasariyah-Camp Ur, Iraq, term goals in mind. two officers and their team taught First Lt. Matthew Gilpin, the 287th Sust. Bde. as- Iraqi officer candidates battlefield sistant operations officer, and a native of Cherryvale, skills Aug. 22. Kan., delivered the first lesson to the IMAN cadets, Lt. Col. Tony Divish, com- which was instruction in level I counter-improvised mander of the 287th Special Troops Battalion, and explosive device operations. Gilpin said the class Lt. Col. Tony Randall, executive officer of the 287th focuses on recognizing emplaced IEDs, as well as Iraqi officer candidates arrive at their Camp Ur, Iraq, Sust. Bde., worked with Staff Maj. Gen. Ahmed classroom to receive instruction on level I counter- types and triggering methods used in Iraq. Abadi Chilab, commander of the IMAN, to train the improvised explosive device operations Aug. 22. “I believe the class went well,” he said. “Any time cadets. we can share information with the Iraqi Security “I want my cadets to be trained to U.S. stan- Davish, a native of Wamego, Kan., said he sees Forces, it’s a good thing. If we want Iraq to have full dards,” Chilab said. “Part of the way this can be ac- the support he is providing as an important contri- control over their national sovereignty, they need to complished is for American Soldiers to participate bution to the Iraqi people, and the security forces understand today’s topic due to the present security in giving quality instruction to my cadets.” who protect them. climate here in Iraq.” 80th reaches out to help units with amnesty day

By Sp c . Jo h n St i m a c tion to unwanted Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Meals Ready to Eat. Water and JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 80th Ordnance bulk fuel were Battalion sponsored a base-wide amnesty not accepted, day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. at the according to the turn-in yard at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. release. Amnesty day was a jump start to Simons said Operation Clean Sweep, assisted by the items could a team, which coordinates with all not be on the units on JBB to assist in removing units’ property unwanted inventory from Iraq. books. Capt. Daniel A. Simons, the support operations “These items plans officer in charge of the 80th, said the amnesty will be logged day was the brainchild of the unit’s commander, properly into the Lt. Col. Christopher Mohan, and Maj. Michelle K. supply system Donahue, the unit’s support operations officer, who and if anyone is looked to the future and recognized a need for such in need of them, an event. the items will “We want to reach out to all the units and say that go to that unit,” ‘we want to help you out,’” said Simons, a Missoula, said Simons. “If Mont., native. “Some companies didn’t even want to they are junk, wait till Sept. 12. They wanted to start sending their they will go to U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandy M. Oxford unwanted inventory items now.” the defense re- Vehicles line up to turn in unused supply items – excluding water, personal items and bulk According to a release by the 80th Ord. Bn., am- utilization and fuel – at a base-wide amnesty day hosted by the 80th Ordnance Battalion Sept. 12 at the nesty day offered all personnel on JBB an opportu- management of- turn-in yard at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. nity to turn in any supply item – excluding personal fice to get dumped. The object is to make sure it gets “In the next few days we will hit the crawl/walk demand and medical items – ranging from ammuni- turned in the right way in order to save the taxpay- phase,” said Southard, a Nedford, Ore., native. “Af- ers money.” ter the first operation, we will be able to tell how The 80th Ord. Bn. tasked Soldiers to soon the team will hit the running phase. With the carry on this new mission and ensure good NCOs I have seen in this group, I have lots of it is functional on all sides by Sep.12. confidence this is going to be a success.” Sgt. 1st Class Diana Southard, the Simons said the group conducted a dry run prior 23rd Ordnance Company Headquar- to the 12th as part of their training. ters platoon sergeant, and noncommis- Amnesty day was a direct response to the call for sioned officer in charge of the amnesty the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces and equip- day operation, said the coming days ment in Iraq by Multi-National Corps-Iraq. South- hold a lot of training on basic supply ard said the mission is one of the most proactive functions for the Soldiers tasked with operations of the drawdown. this mission. “It not only supports the winning of hearts and minds of the Iraqi people to see that they are gaining A forklift moves excess supply items – control of their nation and we are not leaving a mess including bedding, generators, reams for them to clean up,” said Southard, “but we are of recyclables – at a base-wide amnesty day hosted by the 80th Ordnance Battal- also showing our family and friends back home that ion Sept. 12 at the turn-in yard at Joint we are, in fact, withdrawing troops and equipment U.S. Army photo by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah Base Balad, Iraq. in the most responsible way.” PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Maintenance Soldiers take on stress By Sp c . Ph i l a n t h i a Re l f like many deployed Soldiers, tive with the 158th, helps Sol- agement courses of action, but with stress spiritually. 395t h CSSB have had to find ways to deal diers deal with daily issues and other Soldiers in the mainte- “I attend church and pray with combat stress. stress by taking time to talk nance company have their own daily,” said Cross. “I try to do CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Combat stress is the men- and give advice to the ones who ways of coping. the right thing. I read the Bible, ING LOCATION tal, emotional or physical ten- ask for help. “I handle stress by listening which has helped me cope with Q-WEST, Iraq sion, strain or distress result- “I tell them to get a routine to music, playing basketball, stress for the past 10 months of – Soldiers from ing from exposure to combat exercise program going, and communicating with family this deployment.” the 158th Sup- and combat-related condi- eat well-balanced meals along and friends, and surrounding Stress and deployments go port Mainte- tions. When Soldiers face too with seven to eight hours of myself with positive people,” hand in hand. If stress be- nance Com- much pressure and too many sleep,” said Hill. “Also, stay in said Spc. Elise Minor, with the comes a problem, however, pany, 395th demands, their stress may el- touch with family members 158th’s recovery team. Soldiers are encouraged to seek C o m b a t evate to dangerous levels. and loved ones.” Other Soldiers, like Staff help through their chain of Sustainment Support Battal- Staff Sgt. Johnny Hill, the Hill’s advice is in line with Sgt. Richard Cross, also with command, chaplain, or health ion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, equal opportunity representa- many professional stress-man- the 158th’s recovery team, deal advisers. Knights step up to 1161st receives combat patch NCO challenge t o r y a n d h o t o b y S P By Sg t . Ru b e n Ca r p e n t e r t a f f g t s h a w n a a c k e t t S S . O T UPAR, 10t h Su s t . Bd e . 10t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The wide-spread TION HAMMER, Iraq – assortment of Soldiers with The “Knights” of A De- the 1161st Transportation tachment, 9th Financial Company, from Ephrata, Management Company Wash., came together out of Fort Lewis, to receive their com- Wash., have demon- bat patch Aug. 29 at strated their pledge Camp Taji, Iraq. to setting the standard, working together The Soldiers, who and leading from the front. fall under the 419th Combat Sustain- During this, the year of the noncom- ment Support Battalion, 10th Sustain- missioned officer, NCOs worldwide are ment Brigade, received the 10th Sust. urged to rededicate themselves to the Bde.’s patch to wear on their right bedrock principles of the NCO, and the shoulder as a symbol of their service to 9th FM Co. is no exception. the mission—the transportation of ma- Soldiers’ illnesses and leave depleted terials and personnel around Iraq. the unit’s manpower, pushing the Knights Spc. Michelle Kickland, a transpor- to quickly transition personnel in order tation specialist for the 1161st and a to continue providing financial manage- Richland, Wash. native, said earning a ment services. combat patch was a long-standing goal Sgt. 1st Class Amy Smith, of Dupont, for her. Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, battalion commander for the 419th Combat Sustainment Sup- Wash., served as disbursing agent and “I was in a non-deployable unit port Battalion and an Irvine, Calif. native, places a 10th Sustainment Brigade combat detachment sergeant at Contingency Op- before,” Kickland said. “I joined the insignia patch on the sleeve of 1st Sgt. David Luther, the first sergeant for the 1161st erating Location Hammer, while Staff 1161st so that I would be able to deploy Transportation Company, and a West Richland, Wash. native, during the 1161st Trans. Sgt. Nicole Loritts, of Murfreesboro, and have the honor of wearing a com- Co.’s patching ceremony, as Capt. Leslie Jines Jr., commander of the 1161st, looks Tenn., journeyed to Joint Security Station bat patch. I am really excited to have on. Loyalty to perform duties as a disbursing the 10th Sustainment Brigade’s on my agent as well. right shoulder.” “I want the entire unit – the 1161st Maj. Allen G. Fritzsching, from Hous- The arrival of 1st Lt. Travis Martin, a The company is composed not only and the 1041st combined – to be able to ton. Rentham, Mass. native, stationed at JSS of Soldiers from the 1161st, but also the wear the same combat patch when we “Through the combat patch, you are Loyalty, Sgt. Ruben Carpenter, a Chesa- 1041st Transportation Company out of go home,” said Jines. “It will aid in unit now bonded as a band of brothers and peake, Va. native, and Pfc. Reginald Gar- Spokane, Wash., and a number of Inac- cohesiveness. We want to have a part in sisters,” Fritzsching said. “You are now ner, a Mobile, Ala. native, and stationed tive Ready Reserve Soldiers. the lineage and history of the 10th SB.” written into the history of the 10th Sus- at Victory Base Complex, immediately The unit arrived in Iraq in May and The ceremony began with the sing- tainment Brigade. I am very proud of provided assistance with the detach- immediately sent first platoon to sup- ing of the national anthem. Then, as what it stands for.” ment’s transition. port the logistics mission at Victory Hericks walked through the formation Soldiers from the 1161st are proud to Sgt. Alex Morrison, a Houston native, Base Complex. and placed the patch on each Soldier’s wear the 10th’s patch. and Spc. Willie Smith, an Atlanta native, The 419th CSSB Commander, Lt. sleeve, a brief history of the 10th Sust. “I feel there is a lot of history and will soon assist the team at JSS Loyalty as Col. Kristan Hericks, from Irvine, Ca- Bde. was recited. prestige in the 10th Sustainment Bri- they close finance operations there. lif., requested the 1161st CSSB receive After all Soldiers received their com- gade,” said Sgt. Mathew Lathrop, an Capt. LaTonya James, commander the 10th Sust. Bde. combat patch. The bat patch, Hericks spoke about the operations sergeant for the 1161st and of A Det., and a Biloxi, Miss. native, said 1161st commander, Capt. Leslie Jines, meaning behind the brigade’s patch. a Bellingham, Wash., native. “I am go- cross-training the unit’s various depart- from Selah, Wash., also pushed for The ceremony ended with a few ing to wear the patch with pride and ments allowed for easier transitions in this. words from brigade Command Sgt. honor.” the past two months. “Faced with adversity from the onset of this deployment we have banded together to accomplish all tasks,” James said. “The training program implemented in the Do you have a story idea? past has enabled the Soldiers to seamless- ly transition between various military pay Contact us at: and disbursing positions. This is a direct reflection on the training and direction [email protected] provided by the NCOs, and our Soldiers’ eagerness to excel.” September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Rapid Equipping Force improves capabilities

By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – When commanders see a shortcoming in their unit’s capabilities during a time of war, time is of the essence. “It’s better to have the 70 percent solution quickly, than to have the perfect solution when it is too late to matter,” is the motto of the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force, said Lt. Col. Donald Phillips, the team chief of REF Forward Iraq, at Victory Base Complex in Baghdad. Phillips said the REF, out of Fort Belvoir, Va., works to fill capability gaps for units on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing them with commercial and government off-the-shelf products to enhance survivability, improve force protection and increase lethality. “Our mission is to rapidly provide capabilities to Army forces through current and emerging technology, in order to improve operational effectiveness,” said Phillips, a Kalamazoo, Mich., native. Phillips said the REF began in 2003 at the direction of the vice chief of staff for the Army. The initial effort was to provide a robot that could investigate the caves of Afghanistan. After the success of the mission, the REF expanded to provide battalion and company-level solutions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2003, the REF has answered the call of Sol- diers on the ground, providing necessities including enhanced optical and imaging equipment, and medical equipment. Perhaps the most recognizable piece of equipment the REF has created is the Rhino, a counter-improvised explosive device measure found on almost every Army tactical vehicle. “All these ideas come from Soldiers,” said Glenn Clark, senior logistics analyst for the REF, out of Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “We just try to make them a reality.” Not to be confused with the rapid fielding initia- tive, Phillips said, the REF deals with units at the brigade, battalion and company level, and fabricates and distributes equipment only in limited quanti- ties. Roughly two weeks ago, REF provided a unit in the 16th Sustainment Brigade with a video and power management system for the PAS-13 thermal imaging sights of the crew-served weapons in their convoy vehicles. Phillips said the original PAS-13 system required Soldiers to keep their faces near the scope of the weapon in order to scan their sectors and the Sol- diers were looking for a better option. That’s when the REF team fabricated a system that put a monitor Courtesy photo inside the turret, so gunners could more easily utilize A Soldier tests out a PAS-13 thermal imaging monitor, developed by the Army Rapid Equipping Force. the optics. “Once it’s developed, the hard part is done,” said “The best person to test it is that private who actu- “If you need us, we are here,” said Clark. Clark, a native of Port Antonio, Jamaica, and retired ally has to put it into operation,” he said. Clark said the REF comprises experts in engineer- Army chief warrant officer four. Phillips said units with a request for the REF need ing, logistics and informational technology, but it is After the REF provides Soldiers with a limited to fill out a 10-liner – a request and authorization only one part of the solution to enabling the Warf- supply of test units, they look for feedback so they form similar to the Operational Needs Statement. He ighter. can make improvements and deal with any short- said commanders can get the information they need “The next big idea is going to come from the guy comings, Clark said. from the REF’s Web site, http://www.ref.army.mil. working in the motorpool,” he said.

1. Power strips are free of 4. Smoke detector is debris and clothing. Check CHUsdays operational. 2. Electrical devices not in use 5. Fire extinguisher is are unplugged. Each Tuesday Check The serviceable (in the green) Following 3. Power strips and outlets are in Your CHU 6. Room is neat and orderly not overloaded. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Water is more precious than fuel St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n 41s t IBCT, Pu b l i c Af f a i r s SCANIA, Iraq – Lt. Col. Gavin Heater, commander of the 167th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and two Soldiers specializ- ing in pumps, filters and filter separa- tion, visited a water treatment plant Aug. 19 just outside Scania Base, Iraq. “We wanted to find the local resourc- es outside the base,” Heater said. “We are going to at least try to understand their process. We want to find out how they produce water and how they can produce water more efficiently.” Two facility workers, trained by the Hilla Water District, showed Heater the equipment they had and how they cleaned and filtered the water with it. They also explained the cleaning and filtration process they use. “They showed us equipment that was more modern than they used to have and some equipment that needed some work,” said Heater. The facility, built by Coalition forces in 2004, has three holding tanks for Lt. Col. Gavin Heater, commander of the 287th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and Sgt. 1st Class Marty Way- water and two smaller tanks for chlo- bright, a water purification specialist with the 287th CSSB, discuss with one of the facility workers ways to make the wa- rine dilution. ter treatment facility outside Scania Base, Iraq, more effective and efficient Aug. 19. The facility, built by Coalition forces The water filtration process begins in 2004, uses a chlorine dilution process to purify the water pumped in from the Hilla and Euphrates Rivers. with water from the Hilla and Euphra- tes Rivers. It is then pumped into tanks With a greater need for water in the They also mentioned reverse osmosis, verse osmosis works.” and treated with diluted chlorine. summer, the workers struggle to do the a process used on Scania Base. A barrier around the facility to re- After the water settles, it is filtered maintenance as needed, Heater said. “We don’t want to change their produce dust collection on the filters and through a gravel and clay media and “We imagine they are pushing wa- cess,” Heater said. “We need to make in the pumps was also discussed as pumped out to the six villages the fa- ter that isn’t quite clean when they are sure that what we teach them is some- a short-term solution to producing cility supports. in a bigger production mode,” Heater thing they can sustain, something that cleaner water more effectively. Workers said the power running said. is a reasonable cost for them. We’d like “Water is such a critical resource the motors is unpredictable. It is on Heater’s three-man team discussed to teach them a cleaner way to handle around here,” Heater said. “It’s really a two-hours-on-two-hours-off sched- different ways to clean the water, in- water production, we just don’t know almost more important than gasoline. ule. When the town needs more water cluding a coagulant to bind the impu- how long that can be supported. We They need it for their farming; they pressure or water production, workers rities, which allows filters to extract would like to bring the two gentlemen need it for their livelihood. These guys turn on a generator. more solid particles from the water. onto this base to show them how re- have a critical job.”

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Now airing on the Or log on to Pentagon Channel www.dvidshub.net every Thursday at 0830 IZ keyword: Balad and Beyond every Saturday at 1430 IZ September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Refueling unit offers helicopter oasis

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y talion and a London, Ohio, na- not compare them to a racecar St a f f Sg t . Je f f Lo w r y tive. pit crew. Tas k Fo r c e 38, "A FARP expands the com- "Our times savings aren't in Pu b l i c Af f a i r s bat power of an aviation task seconds; our time savings are in force," said Berg. "It gives the minutes," he said. BAGHDAD –The Soldiers who commander the flexibility in his In Army aviation language, refuel vehicles in mission assignments. It buys the risky process of refueling Baghdad do not him time." helicopters with the engines on climb over walls Like pit crew members, ev- and the blades still turning is like a racecar pit ery refueling Soldier has a spe- known as a "hot fuel.” crew, but they cific job –refuel the helicopter, "I consider this the second do maneuver man the fire extinguishers, and most dangerous job in aviation; around six-foot run the fuel trucks that pump the first is flying those birds," cement T-walls protecting the the petroleum. Berg said. forward arming and refueling Berg praised his Soldiers for The risks of hot fueling are points here. their efficiency. mitigated by Soldiers maintain- The FARPs serve Army avia- "Fortunately, with the crew ing situational awareness, said tion units throughout Iraq, I’ve got, they know what their Spc. Thomas Masters, an air- giving commanders time to jobs are," said Berg. "You don't craft refueler with E Co. and a complete their mission assign- have to direct them and tell Galloway, Ohio, native. ments, said Sgt. 1st Class Chip them what to do. They know "Just pay attention to ev- Berg, the riflestock FARP non- where to go, and they know erything, and what's going on commissioned officer in charge what to do." around you," Masters said. "As with E Company, 1st Battalion, Though Berg refers to his long as there are no sparks and 137th Assault Helicopter Bat- Soldiers as his crew, he does the aircraft doesn't catch on fire, then we're good to go." In addition to safety concerns for the aircraft, its crew and the refuelers, passengers present a different set of safety concerns. "What I worry more about are the passengers," said Sgt. Robin Sayler, Oregon National Guard Sgt. Robin Sayler, an aircraft refueler an aircraft refu- with E Company, 1st Battalion, 137th Assault Helicopter Bat- eler attached to the talion, an Ohio National Guard unit, and a Eugene, Ore. native, company and a Eu- replaces a hose after refueling a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter gene, Ore., native. on Aug. 24 in Baghdad. Passengers leave the aircraft and way to Iraq soon. She said her Berg reiterated the impor- head to a safe area maternal instincts take control tance of safety in his unit’s mis- behind T-walls be- when looking after passengers sion. Oregon National Guard Sgt. Robin Saylor, an aircraft refueler with E fore the refueling during the refueling process. "As long as we're efficient Company, 1st Battalion, 137th Assault Helicopter Battalion, an Ohio begins. "My son could be on that and safe, we're going to get the National Guard unit, and a Eugene, Ore. native, finishes fueling a UH-60 Sayler’s son is bird," she said. “My brother is a job done and they're going fly Black Hawk helicopter Aug. 24 in Baghdad. a Soldier on his contractor, so he could be too.” away," he said. EMT-Basic course opens doors By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Te ss i e Ra n d l e As a civilian, he works for a company in Millcreek, did not pass the registry on their first try, they will have UPAR, 910t h QM Co. Okla., where he helps with the production and distribu- the opportunity to take it again. tion of material for concrete and asphalt companies. The 910th QM Co. commander, Maj. Darrin T. Hus- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Hard work and dedication “I took the class to help with my promotion points, mann, an Edmond, Okla. native, commended the four paid off for four Soldiers from the 910th but I realized that I have a possibility to change careers Soldiers on a great accomplishment. Quartermaster Company, out of Ardmore, once I get home because of this class,” Kirk said. “I just “We are very proud of these Soldiers and what Okla., who completed the Emergency Med- know that I have some options now.” they have accomplished,” he said. “My hat goes off to ical Technician-Basic Course at the Ja- The EMT course is especially rigorous, with a typical them.” mison Combat Medical Training Center attrition rate of roughly 50 percent. The class started Aug. 31 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. with 24 students, and 14 graduated—Kirk was one of The Soldiers who successfully completed the 110- these. hour course, condensed into 28 days, included: Sgt. The course prepares students to perform cardiopul- Interested in a movie? James Kirk, of Roff, Okla.; Staff Sgt. Steven Souther- monary resuscitation techniques, use the automated land, of Moore, Okla.; Sgt. 1st Class James Calvert, of external defibrillator, treat medical emergencies, give Houston, Miss.; and Sgt. 1st Class Tessie Randle, of oxygen and transport patients. Check the movie schedule Hamilton, Miss. Those who graduated received a certificate and a Completion of this course was the first step in open- personal stethoscope. on page 20 ing doors to advancement, said Kirk. He works at the At the end of the course, Soldiers were required to forward redistribution point on JBB as the shift non- take the National Registry for Emergency Medical Tech- commissioned officer in charge. nicians certification exam. While some of the graduates PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Combined arms battalion convoys throughout Iraq

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y mindful of the potential for danger. Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t “I just make sure I find the bombs Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f before they find us,” said Smith. Slaybaugh, who deployed with JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A the 81st Brigade Combat Team out Soldier stands in the of Washington, but extended his de- gunner’s seat of a ployment an additional six months Mine-Resistant Am- to work with the 155th CAB, said he bush-Protected ve- keeps focused on the mission, study- hicle and scans the ing it every day. He said he reviews area in search of the mission with his troops every time enemies or impro- they go outside the wire. vised explosive devices. “These guys all have similar prob- He is one of many stationed at lems back home but you have to keep Joint Base Balad with B Compa- focused,” said Smith. “You got to re- ny, 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, mind yourself complacency kills, and out of Poplarville, Miss., conduct- every time you go outside the wire you ing convoy security for vehicles have to remind yourself that just be- and supplies moving throughout cause you were safe last time doesn’t Iraq. mean you are safe this time. Every “The overall mission is to pro- mission is different; every street is vide combat logistics patrols go- different; every turn is different; you ing to and from different bases try to keep that in your head.” around Iraq,” said Spc. Steven C. Slaybaugh, who has been in Iraq Smith, a gunner with the unit and Spc. Randy J. Ladner, a gunner with B Company, 1st Battalion,155th Combat for 11 months, said combat readi- a Jackson, Miss., native. “Basi- Action Brigade, out of Poplarville, Miss., puts on his harness in preparation for ness ensures successful missions. To cally, it’s a convoy escort, making a convoy mission Sept. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The unit performs convoy ensure this readiness, Soldiers check sure trucks and supplies get where security missions throughout Iraq. all equipment, weapons, vehicles and they’re going and back safely.” gear before they leave. Staff Sgt. Michael W. Slay- and pre-combat inspections and make himself for success. Slaybaugh said these Soldiers have baugh, assistant convoy commander sure our vehicle is ready all the time,” “I prepare for a mission by keeping adapted to their mission, a mission for third platoon, and a Walla Walla, said Slaybaugh. my truck cleaned,” said Smith. “I like they take great pride in. Wash. native, said the unit is there to Smith said he keeps his truck main- everything organized. I talk to people “You always want to do your best,” protect Kellogg, Brown and Root, Inc. tained, makes sure his fellow Soldiers back home and just sit down and clear said Smith. “The better we do things, employees and keep supplies moving. have everything they need and stays my head to get my mind right.” hopefully it will make it easier on the “We conduct pre-combat checks fit and mentally strong to prepare He said on convoys he tries to be unit coming behind us.” 49th Trans hosts ladies’ night for spiritual needs

By Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e Capt. Regina O. Samuel, chaplain for the 332nd Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Air Expeditionary Wing, speaks to the women of Joint Base Balad during a ladies’ prayer din- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 49th Transporta- ner Sept. 6 in the Oasis Dining Facility. tion Battalion hosted a ladies’ prayer dinner Sept. 6, in the Audie Murphy room of Bible in which Jesus heals an ill woman, and the the Oasis Dining Facility, to give Christian only passage in the Bible in which Jesus refers to females at JBB a chance to gather and anyone as his daughter: focus on their spiritual needs. “And he said unto her, ‘Daughter, thy faith has The event featured a performance made thee well. Go in peace and be whole of thy by Christian dance group Holy Hands, a performance plague,’” quoted Samuel. of the song “You’re My All In All,” a viewing of the The video presentation “The Touch” was a dra- video presentation “The Touch” and guest speaker matization of Mark 5:21-43 and added a visual aid Air Force Capt. Regina O. Samuel, chaplain for the to Samuel’s speech. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, and a Florence, S.C., Capt. Carlos Molina, chaplain for the 49th native. Transportation Battalion, coordinated the event. Samuel has a Master of Divinity degree in homilet- Molina’s wife, Alba Santana, is a women’s minis- ics and worship from Turner Theological Seminary tries leader at their church in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico similar faith and share fellowship. and is enrolled in the Doctor of Education program in “(My wife) taught me that I need to do these things “Throughout Christ’s ministry on Earth, (God) organizational leadership, with a focus in diversity, at for my Soldiers,” said Molina. “So I’m honoring my constantly exalted women to their rightful place in Argosy University in Denver. wife in doing this event for (the women of JBB).” society,” said Molina. “One of the foundational mes- Samuel spoke about dealing with issues and fo- The ladies’ prayer dinner also gave the Christian sages of the Bible is the restoration of the relation- cused her sermon on Mark 5:21-43 – a passage of the women of JBB the opportunity to meet women of ship between men and women.”

On the Web 16th Sustainment Brigade “Knights” at COB Q-West http://www.16sustainment.army.mil/ September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Mississippi Guardsmen make the Habur Gate run St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s entrance, the CSC used to be a shopping mall serv- er. The squads are competitive in a good way because 2n d Ba t t a l i o n , 198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s ing the heavy traffic crossing the border, said 1st Lt. everyone tries hard to be the best at convoy security.” Nathan J. Lewis, executive officer of Logistical Task The growing tactical and technical competence CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Force A, a 16th Sustainment Brigade command and results from rehearsal and repetition, said 1st Lt. Na- Iraq — Mississippi Army National Guard control node overseeing Habur Gate support opera- than W. Hughes, 1st Platoon leader and a Batesville, members conducted a convoy security tions. Thousands of civilian vehicles pass through the Miss., native. mission Aug. 24 from Contingency Oper- customs facility daily, said Lewis, a Burke, Va., na- “We run the same missions regularly, and we’re ating Location Q-West, Iraq, to Habur tive. getting pretty good at it,” said Hughes. “The amount Gate, a crossing point on the Turkish “Our mission is to support the convoys that come of planning is not too heavy. But when we take over a border. through,” said Lewis. “We oversee basic life-support, new mission, the planning takes a lot of time and ef- Soldiers with B Company, 2nd Bat- such as billeting, food, communications and medical fort. We might spend three or more days, depending talion, 198th Combined Arms, out of Greenwood, support.” on how much time we have, planning a new mission.” Miss., have escorted civilian supply trucks across The Habur Gate CSC, which some visiting Soldiers Even with meticulous planning and methodical northern Iraq since the battalion arrived in July, but call the Habur Gate Hotel, offers a number of services. preparation, these missions pose inherent risks, such the Habur Gate run is their favorite mission, they In addition to housing LTF A’s headquarters section, as severe weather, breakdowns, accidents and the said. the building contains a kitchen with a dining area, a chance of hostile contact. “Habur Gate is a great change of scenery,” said Pfc. medical aid station, a post office, a full-size gym, a B Co. mitigates these risks with thorough equip- Quentin L. Wright, a turret gunner with 1st Platoon, B shoppette, an Iraqi-owned and operated gift store, a ment checks and maintenance procedures. Soldiers Company and a Kosciusko, Miss., native. “It is some phone and Internet center, a military communications conduct battle drills to prepare for all possible enemy of the prettiest country I’ve ever seen. The mountains, facility and spacious balconies with views of the sur- situations. trees and grass are a lot nicer than the flat desert south rounding mountains. Moreover, a plentiful water sup- They also benefit from having equipment designed of here. It’s more like a little vacation spot.” ply allows leisurely showers to road-grimed Soldiers for the mission, such as the Mine-Resistant Ambush- This was the consensus in B Company. accustomed to 3-minute combat showers at Q-West. Protected vehicle. Habur Gate is a crossing point on the Turkish bor- “Doing convoy security is a good mission,” said First Platoon experienced hostile contact three der of Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous federal entity Staff Sgt. Jimmy L. Gibbs, a squad leader and truck times in August, once by small-arms fire and twice in northern Iraq populated mainly by Kurds. The site commander with 1st Platoon, B Co. “We get away by improvised explosive devices. However, the Sol- offers a commanding view of a bridge over the Habur from base, see the country. We’re out there, we’re on diers said they remain confident in their training and River, which flows through the Iraqi town of Zakhu our own and we can deal with that.” equipment. and empties into the Tigris River where the borders A typical convoy security unit like first platoon con- “We’ve had good training, and we have some of of Turkey, Iraq and Syria meet. On the Iraqi side, ducts two types of convoy security missions: a “turn- the safest equipment available. We are well-prepared Bekheir Mountain overlooks the border check point. and-burn,” in which the security shuttles a convoy to for this mission,” said Spc. Robert E. Bowen, the 1st Across a fertile valley on the Turkish side, rolling foot- a destination and returns the same day, and a “RON,” Platoon medic and a Grenada, Miss., native. “For in- hills break against the Taurus Mountain Range. in which the Soldiers remain all night. stance, the second time we had enemy contact, the Coalition forces maintain a convoy support center “The company has changed a lot since we deployed,” IED wounded an Iraqi civilian driver. We all handled and vehicle staging area here. A four-story, marble- said Gibbs, a Drew, Miss., native. “The squads have the medical evacuation without issues. For me, it was sided building with an atrium just beyond the main gotten tighter because they work on their own togeth- a muscle memory thing. My hands did their business,

Gun trucks with 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, Mississippi Army National Guard, out of Greenwood, Miss., near Habur Gate, a crossing point on the Turkish border. The Mis- sissippi Guard members conducted a convoy security mission Aug. 24 from Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq, to Habur Gate. September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Mississippi Guardsmen make the Habur Gate run and I didn’t think about it as I was applying battle dressings to his wounds.” Rolling out The mission began early in the evening when 1st Pla- toon reported to the company briefing room. To verify the convoy roster and conduct a sensitive items check, the assistant convoy commander, Staff Sgt. Larry Nix of Grenada, Miss., called Soldiers’ names alphabetical- ly, who in turn held up their identification cards and tags while reciting their weapons’ serial numbers. Roll call finished, the Sol- Convoy security gun trucks of 1st Platoon, B diers gathered their equip- Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, Mississippi Army National Guard, out of Green- ment and headed to the com- The helmets and improved outer tactical vests of Soldiers in 1st Pla- wood, Miss., refuel during a long mission. The pany motor pool, where they toon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, Mississippi Mississippi Guard members conducted a convoy made final preparations for Army National Guard, out of Greenwood, Miss., sit staged beside security mission Aug. 24 from Contingency Op- the mission. Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles. While the convoy com- erating Location Q-West, Iraq, to Habur Gate, a mander, Hughes, reviewed crossing point on the Turkish border. the latest intelligence reports with his truck commanders, everyone else conducted combat checks and inspections on their vehicles, Sol- of the CRC, passing through the snack room. In here, preventive maintenance checks and services on all diers and equipment. the 1174th Soldiers keep shelves stocked with snack equipment and vehicles. Finished with these tasks, the Soldiers lined up foods and refrigerators full of drinks. The 1st Platoon Machine gunners performed function checks on their gun trucks by the motor pool gate in the order of Soldiers walked back to their vehicles with arms full of their weapons, and drivers started their engines to movement they would maintain during the mission. snacks and drinks for the mission. warm the vehicles, also checking their vehicle radios From there, they went to the firing range, where Final communications and sensitive items checks by establishing communications with battalion head- the gunners test-fired their turret-mounted machine finished, the convoy motored to the civilian CSC, quarters and adjacent units. guns, after which the trucks proceeded to the CSC. where they linked up with semi-trailer trucks, also Meanwhile, the truck commanders conducted pre- The Q-West CSC provides a range of services to known as “white” trucks, as opposed to “green” mili- incoming and outgoing convoy security units. Also tary trucks. known as the Convoy Logistics Patrol Yard, the CSC Roughly five hours elapsed from the pre-mission has a maintenance facility, a billeting area, a dining roll-call to when the taillights of the last vehicle shone facility, showers and latrines, a Morale, Welfare and briefly on the Q-West guard who closed the main gate Recreation Center, and a laundry facility, to support behind the convoy. Every light of every vehicle shined incoming and outgoing CLPs from throughout Iraq, – creating a long, glowing snake across the desert. said Sgt. Crystal Capps, the day-shift team leader, with “This mission allows us to see the country, keeps us the 1174th Transportation Company, with the Tennes- busy, and makes the time go by quicker,” said Staff see Army National Guard, based in Memphis. Sgt. Jonathan A. Parks, a truck commander. Toward one end of the CSC yard stands a tall, tin- Mission Complete sided frame building, the Convoy Readiness Center. Parks and fellow members lounged on the wide, A spacious hall for convoy briefs, the CRC contains dining-area balcony of the Habur Gate CSC. They had bleachers arranged around a battle drill table and a arrived roughly an hour earlier. projection screen. After servicing their vehicles, they came to the CSC, Here, the convoy com- stowed their gear on bunks in the communal sleeping mander presented the mis- quarters and walked to the dining area for breakfast. sion brief to his Soldiers. Stomachs full, they made small talk, gazing at the After a prayer with the rugged Turkish mountains casting long, morning battalion chaplain, the pla- shadows along the Habur River valley. toon filed out the back door Parks, of Grenada, Miss., who deployed to Afghani- stan in 2006, served in a force protection company that provided security for Camp Eggers, Kabul. In the early morning, a “This is a better mission than I had during my last Turkish trucker sleeps in deployment,” said Parks. front of his truck at Habur Sgt. David J. Peterson, a native of Pleasanton, Ca- Gate, a crossing point on lif., is one of numerous Soldiers who extended their the Turkish border. Mis- deployments to serve with the 2/198th CAB. Peter- sissippi Army National son’s first Iraq deployment was in 2005. Guard members with 1st “This mission is a lot safer than it used to be, that’s Platoon, B Company, 2nd for sure,” said Peterson. “Where before we didn’t trust Battalion, 198th Combined the Iraqis, now we treat them as partners in protecting Arms, out of Greenwood, their own country. We don’t see them as enemies, and Miss., conducted a convoy this has improved the way local Iraqis treat us. For the security mission Aug. 24 most part, they understand that we’re not here to take from Contingency Operat- over their country, that we want to leave the country ing Location Q-West, Iraq, better than when we came. There are growing pains, Gun trucks with 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, Mississippi Army National Guard, out of Greenwood, Miss., near Habur Gate, a crossing point on the Turkish border. The Mis- to Habur Gate. sissippi Guard members conducted a convoy security mission Aug. 24 from Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq, to Habur Gate. yes, but we want to set them up for success.” PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 New businesses spark local economy, support Soldiers St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq – A new Iraqi Based Industrial Zone supply shop is scheduled to open Sept. 17 at Contingency Operating Location Q- West, Iraq. The shop is an IBIZ and Army, Air Force Exchange Service supported vendor that will sell office supplies, furniture and other related items. Capt. Allen Legere, the IBIZ and retail officer in charge, with the 16th Sustainment Brigade, and a Gulfport, Miss. native, said military units with field ordering officer money and Department of Defense contractors will be the main customers. “For some of these items it is easier to spend cash and get the product right away instead of going through the supply chain,” said Legere. Legere said the program is geared toward assist- ing Iraqi-based companies to jump-start the local economy. To open a store, potential owners present a business plan to IBIZ, Legere said. The proposal then goes to the base planning board for approval. If the board approves the proposal, a memorandum of understanding and a one-year land- use agreement must be signed by the business owner, said Legere. Pfc. Carla Clark and Spc. Antonio Johnson, both Clarkesdale, Miss. natives, with the 2nd Battalion, 198th Com- Saban Kuc, owner of the supply shop named Yagiz, bined Arms, out of Senatobia, Miss., browse the new supply shop for supplies. and the Superior Shopping Center at Q-West, said it took him roughly three months to get the shop built prices, so I decided to open up Yagiz.” “I like to take care of the Soldiers,” said Kuc. “Do- and running. Legere said the store has already received an order ing business is all about trust and being honest with Kuc, also known as C.J. to his patrons at Q-West, from the mental health facility here, which included the Soldiers.” said the plan for the supply store was approved in everything from monitors to couches and chairs. He also said he wants to expand to other bases, in- only one month by the IBIZ team. Although the shop is not officially open, Kuc said cluding those in Afghanistan. “I have been here for five years and opened the customers are welcome to shop now. “I want to help the Americans have some of the Superior Shopping Center in 2007,” said Kuc. “Lots Kuc said he plans to open a bowling alley at Q-West same services and businesses that are offered on Q- of customers were wanting supplies and they like my in the near future. West,” said Kuc. JBB Knights of Columbus practice charity By Lt. Co l . Re n e e A. Ro u s e The JBB Knights of Colum- mitsburg, Md. native, pur- local nationals in need of med- grandfather’s footsteps. 304t h Su s t . Bd e ., bus Round Table was mod- chased the medical equipment ical equipment. Fourth degree is the highest Pu b l i c Af f a i r s eled off the stateside Catholic the Knights donated to the “It was their intention to degree of the order, he said. men’s fraternity, The Knights hospital. Mort works for the ensure that local nationals uti- The Knight’s primary pur- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq of Columbus, which is based USAF 332nd Expeditionary lized the assisted walking de- pose is to foster a spirit of pa- – The Knights of on pillars of charity, unity, fra- Combat Support as a backhoe vices because medical equip- triotism and to encourage ac- Columbus Round ternity and patriotism. driver. ment is always available to tive Catholic citizenship, said Table donated a The organization at JBB Sgt. 1st Class David Wenner, Soldiers,” he said. Wenner. wheelchair and was founded in 2008 and is with the 304th Sustainment Wenner said he has been The Knights meet on the walker Sept. 3 sponsored by the Saint John Brigade, the Round Table co- a fourth-degree Knight for 18 second and fourth Tuesday of to the Air Force Bosco Council 11762, out of ordinator for the Knights, and years and became a Knight every month at 6 p.m., in the Theater Hospital at Joint Base Lakewood, Wash. a Riverside Calif. native, said of Columbus when he was Gilbert Memorial Chapel at Balad, Iraq. Member Phil Mort, an Em- the group’s goal was to assist 18-years-old, following in his the H-6 housing area.

Are you ready for some football? 10 2 0 3 0 4 0 50 Looking for 20 second Football shout outs - and a singer to perform the National Anthem. Think you have what it takes? Run this hot route idea through your chain of command and have them contact 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller.

10 2 POC:0 1SG Aangi Mueller Email: [email protected] 0 Phone: 483-46014 0 50 September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Army, Air Force engineers drop hammers to teach By Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- HORSE, Iraq – Soldiers and Airmen from the Fort Bragg-based 37th Engineers Bat- talion are helping the Iraqi Army take a big step toward self-sustainment by teaching them new engineering techniques during a project at Galibiyah scheduled to end Sept. 21. Galibiyah is home to the Iraqi Army’s 5th Field En- gineer Regiment. The Vertical Construction Platoon, 37th Eng. Bn., helped the Iraqis build their tactical operations center there. “Working in partnership with the 5th FER, we taught them to build a Southwest Asian hut, which is basically just a wood-frame build,” said 1st Lt. Cour- tenay W. Cullen, the Vertical Construction Platoon leader, with the 37th Eng. Bn. The electricians, plumbers and carpenters of the platoon could have finished the construction in roughly a week, but they constantly pause to teach and train their Iraqi counterparts, said Cullen, a Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., native. “Not only do they learn how to build with our tools, but they are learning how to lead a construction site,” she said. “They learn our leadership style, the way we manage a project, and that we rely on the noncommissioned officer corps in order to (supervise the proj-

ect).” U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth Sherburne The Army and Air Force engineers teamed up, Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Jaganathan, a structural journeyman assigned to the Air Force’s 732nd Expedi- bringing different sets of knowledge and expertise to tionary Civil Engineers Squadron, attached to the 37th Engineers Battalion, reviews the floor plans to the the project. Tactical Operations Center with Iraqi Army Lt. Kusave through his interpreter, Adhay, during a Joint/Coalition “Everyone brings their own expertise and it’s great,” operation. Soldiers and Airmen from the Fort Bragg-based 37th Eng. Bn. are helping the Iraqi Army take a step said Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Jaganathan, a struc- toward self-sustainment by teaching them new engineering techniques scheduled to end Sept. 21 during a tural journeyman assigned to the Air Force’s 732nd project at Galibiyah, Iraq. Expeditionary Civil Engineers Squadron, ordinarily attached to the 37th. 1st Lt. Chad M. Livingston, military transition team a big role in getting the Iraqi Security Forces on their “We’re just trying to teach them a way to do it, not leader, 37th Eng. Bn. own two feet, a fact highlighted by Brig. Gen. Robert the way to do it,” said Jaganathan, a Washington na- “Building relationships of trust, of genuine partner- A. Harris, commanding general, 194th Engineer Bri- tive. ship, will go a long way to helping each other in the gade. Joint partnerships help build the capacity for the future,” said Livingston, a Lee’s Summit, Mo., native. Harris said, “Even though the faces come and go, the Iraqi Army to execute operations in support of the As the U.S. moves ever closer to the complete with- processes and standards stay the same. So by teaching Iraqi Security Forces and the government of Iraq, said drawal of forces from Iraq, projects such as these play them now, they will benefit far into the future.”

10 2 POC:0 1SG Aangi Mueller Email: [email protected] 0 Phone: 483-46014 0 50 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Warfighters compete in Labor Day raft race By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g duct tape, 550 parachute cord and one Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f broom stick to build rafts for the day’s events. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service The race challenged teams of four in a members gathered to show 100-meter race from one end of the pool off their creativity, ingenuity to the other and back. Soldiers, Sailors, and athleticism at the Labor Airmen and Marines made up the 17 Day raft race Sept. 7 at teams that competed in the race. Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The race consisted of three qualifica- “It was a good excuse tion heats with the fastest teams moving to get out of the office for a bit on Labor on. Day,” said Capt. Sarah Bobell, command- Teams with elaborate raft creations er of Headquarters and Headquarters were not able to get the same speed from Company, 402nd Army Field Support their vessels as teams with more simple, Brigade, who sponsored the event. aerodynamic boats. Competitors could use water bottles, “We got last, but it was still fun,” said Senior Airman

Jason Venable, U.S. Army photo by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah an aircraft egress Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan Miller and 2nd Lt. Tiffany VanDenBroeke of the Expeditionary technician with the Civil Engineers Squadron, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing speed to the finish Sept. 7 at 332nd Expedition- the Joint Base Balad Labor Day Raft Race. The team of engineers took first place in ary Maintenance the race, but was later disqualified for illegal play during flag handoff procedures. Squadron and a Denver native, for teams who used more than the au- best design and the raft that could hold whose team built thorized supplies and whose team mem- the most passengers were tallied and the a large raft resem- bers outside the pool touched their raft, a winners were given T-shirts. bling a manta ray winner was chosen. Another group of engineers from the spearing a goat. “You don’t follow the rules, you don’t 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer The top six win,” said Spc. John Ferguson, a techni- Squadron won for best theme with their teams from the ini- cal engineer with the 37th and Jasper, pirate ship. tial heats moved on Ala. native, whose team of engineers A team of Sailors, all chief petty officer to the finals where were declared the raft race champions. selectees, won for best raft design. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Keith S. VanKlompenberg the action grew in “I don’t feel bad about taking the win be- The prize for the raft that held the Air Force Staff Sgt. Noah McKenzie, an emergency management intensity. cause of a disqualification. We played by most passengers was given to the “Dixie craftsman with the Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron, After multiple the rules and ended up on top.” Storm Docs” of the 1-155th Infantry Bat- 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, pulls his raft through the pool at the Labor Day Raft Race Sept. 7 at Joint Base Balad. disqualifications After the race, the votes for best theme, talion aid station here. September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Eagle Tactical Athlete Program brought to Iraq

By Ca p t . Ch a r l e s Al l e n among service members, police officers and firefighters, is highly adjustable to ensure a unique variety of chal- 102n d QM Co. groups whose lives potentially depend upon their func- lenging and effective workouts. Functional fitness ses- tional level of fitness. sions can be integrated with the required Army Physical uring pre-deployment training in The UPITT study and implementation of ETAP at Fort Fitness Training events and can help Soldiers overcome Dsupport of Operation Iraqi Free- Campbell also placed heavy emphasis on injury preven- plateaus. dom 09-11, several officers, noncom- tion. They incorporated active and/or dynamic stretch- ETAP workout sessions are also great team-building missioned officers, and Soldiers of the ing techniques, recovery through balanced exercise appli- tools. Group workouts allow Soldiers to compete against 102nd Quartermaster Company, out cations and proper nutrition practices. Each Soldier who themselves and team members. They are able to time of Fort Campbell, Ky., were selected to attended the course received a trainer’s certification. and rate exercise turnover and always elicit group sup- participate in a University of Pittsburgh Each exercise or combination of exercises incorporates port and encouragement. fitness study. large, multiple body-part movements. Each movement Ingenuity and improvisation are also key ingredients The study was part of the development of a program engages core muscle groups and often requires a signifi- in the effectiveness of each workout session. ETAP is de- called the Eagle Tactical Athlete Program and is based on cant application of balance, focus, accuracy and explo- signed so common items found around the unit area or the principals of functional fitness. siveness. motor pool can be used as exercise equipment. Objects The program focuses on teaching unit leaders how to When these exercises are applied within the rotation such as tough boxes, tires, sledge hammers, sandbags, develop fitness programs that will condition and prepare of a circuit, aerobic endurance becomes a lead factor in duffle bags and ropes can, and should be incorporated tactical Soldiers for the rigors of a high-tempo combat en- the successfulness of completing each round. These de- into each workout. vironment. veloped and combined fitness qualities are required by Armed with ETAP fitness concepts, 102nd QM Sol- Crossfit and P90X are popular offshoots of this con- every tactical athlete. diers reap the benefits of increased APFT scores, enjoying cept. These fitness systems have gained great credibility ETAP can be integrated into unit fitness programs and a new challenge and a variety of workouts. Command shares suicide prevention experience, answers questions of the ordi- St o r y a n d Ph o t o By nary, don’t be Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e afraid to ques- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tion them. The JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Three more you talk senior leaders shared their about it, the experiences with suicide less likely it is prevention and answered to occur.” questions from ser- Chief War- vice members during rant Officer 2 an open-forum suicide Bryan L. Hud- prevention meeting at the east Mo- son, the offi- rale, Welfare and Recreation Center cer in charge Sept. 10 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. of supply and Col. Thomas L. Anderson, the of- services for ficer in charge of the 55th Medical the 13th ESC Company Combat Stress Control, Col. and a Los An- Knowles Atchison, the deputy com- geles native, manding officer for the 13th Sustain- said he attend- ment Command (Expeditionary), and ed the meeting Maj. Saul E. Cardona, the chaplain for to learn more the 13th ESC, shared their thoughts about suicide on the topic. prevention and Individuals who have suicidal or how to help his harmful thoughts, usually exhibit be- Soldiers cope havior that signals the feelings they with depres- are experiencing, said Anderson. Giv- sion. ing away treasured or personal pos- He said the Col. Knowles Atchison, deputy commanding officer of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), sessions and loss of interest in nor- o p e n - f o r u m and Maj. Saul E. Cardona, chaplain for the 13th ESC, listen to Col. Thomas L. Anderson, the officer in charge of the 55th Medical Company Combat Stress Control, as he shares his professional experience mal activities can be signs a person style was ef- with suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and depression. is experiencing depression or having fective, as it suicidal or harmful thoughts, he said. allowed people to open up, ask ques- “I learned that above all, we are background you are, we all have the “Pay attention to people’s behav- tions and express their opinions with- all human beings,” said Hudson. “No same issues and we are just trying to ior,” said Anderson. “If they seem out out regard to rank. matter what race, creed, color (or) get through life.”

View your photos on Provider Common:

- Click the start menu and go to RUN

- Type in:

\\Balafsv1izn03\provider_common

- Click the PAO folder

-Click 13th ESC Photos folder

-Photos are organized by the date of

the event PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Gamers raise awareness of suicide prevention By Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s Maj. John B. Herd, the MWR direc- ters Company, 16th Sust. Bde., out of this game with networked computers, 2n d Ba t t a l i o n , tor, with the 2nd Battalion 198th Com- Bamberg, Germany. we could all be in our own room, talking 198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s bined Arms, 16th Sustainment Brigade, The main-event winners were Spc. to each other through the head set,” said served as the master-of-ceremonies for Daktaryaie D. Fox, a Kusciusko, Miss. Shaw. “It basically turned into people CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- the event. native, and Spc. Kelby Cheney, a Van- talking smack every day, even at work. TION Q-WEST, Iraq — “We believe that such group activities couver, Wash. native, day and night It was just so much fun to talk about.” Soldiers brought aware- reduce the conditions that lead to sui- radio operator for the Base Defense Op- The event was the brainchild of Com- ness to suicide and cide by bringing Soldiers together,” said erations Center, respectively, 2-198th mand Sgt. Maj. Perry Campbell, 2-198th suicide prevention by Herd, a Florence, Miss., native. CAB, out of Senatobia, Miss. CAB, Mississippi National Guard and a participating in an Four two-person teams, two for an The contestants unanimously agreed Senatobia, Miss., native. evening video game undercard and two for a main event, such games improve morale. “Recently, I was listening to some competition Sept. 4 battled against the computer in the “Video games relieve stress, and Soldiers bragging about how good they at the outdoor theater at Contingency Xbox 360’s “Gears of War 2,” a popular they’re a great way to spend free time were at this game, so I got with the Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. third-person shooting game. with friends,” said Fox. MWR director and urged him to have a Sponsored by the Q-West Morale, The winners of the undercard team Shaw, nearing the end of a 15-month competition,” said Campbell. “We need Welfare, and Recreation directorate, were Sgt. 1st Class Adam V. Shaw, the deployment, said he enjoys the social to encourage any uplifting activity that the event brought together four teams public affairs chief and a Garden Grove, aspect of video gaming on a network. brings Soldiers together for good fel- of two. The winning team received a $25 Calif. native, and Spc. Kammal J. Peter- “Before this deployment, I really lowship, whether it’s a video game, or gift certificate donated by the Army and son, the brigade personnel specialist, didn’t play video games that much, but sports competition or some other group Air Force Exchange Service. both of Headquarters and Headquar- when my friends and I started playing activity.” US, Spanish forces aid 13 Baghdad bomb victims By Se n i o r Ai r m a n and then transported to the An d r i a J. Al l m o n d nearby U.S. military-operated 332n d Ai r Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ibn Sina Hospital. Wi n g Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Those victims who moved on to AFTH were examined JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq by Maj. (Dr.) Kurt Andreason, — Doctors at the an ophthalmologist with the Air Force Theater 332nd Expeditionary Medical Hospital here as- Operations Squadron, who de- sessed and treat- termined which patients needed 13 Iraqis who ed continued care in Spain. suffered eye- "Unfortunately, this is the sight-threat- kind of thing we have learned ening injuries from the Aug. to expect in this environment -- 19 bombing in Baghdad's Red (improvised explosive devices) Zone. and fragment wounds," said The hospital staff also ar- Andreason. "We are a trauma ranged aeromedical evacuation facility that treats individuals for 10 of the patients to Torre- and then moves them on to the jon Military Base, Spain, where next echelon of care." they were transferred to Hos- According to U.S. military pital Militar to receive more policy, Iraqi civilians are treat- intensive, prolonged care. ed at American facilities if their "Our role in this was to be a wounds may result in the loss supporting factor by getting the of life, limb or eyesight. For patients from point A to point some of the victims, though, B," said Maj. (Dr.) David Car- the medical care meant much nahan, 332nd Expeditionary more. Medical Group chief of medi- "After having this experi- cal staff. "In the meantime, we ence at the (AFTH), I believe were assessing the needs of our the relations between Iraq and patients. We performed sur- the United States are going to geries that needed to be done move upward," said Ahmed immediately in order to main- Thamer Sabe, one of the pa- tain vision, as well as treated tients who was treated here. "It non-eye injuries that needed is going to be a great success in attention." the future too." The bombing was one of "This helps in building the the deadliest since U.S. com- relations between the Iraqi bat troops began withdraw- government and the United ing from Iraqi cities June 30. States government for sure," U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicole Enos Those injured in the blast were said Hamza Rdah Moshin, Maj. (Dr.) Kurt Andreason, the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron ophthalmic surgeon, treated at nine Iraqi medical another bomb victim who re- examines an Iraqi patient’s eye Aug. 31 at Joint Base Balad. Andreason was the sole ophthalmologist facilities near the Red Zone, ceived care at the AFTH. providing care for 13 wounded Iraqis who suffered injuries from an Aug. 19 bombing in Baghdad.

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E-mail: [email protected] September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, 1 8 1. What problem did Leonardo da Vinci, Winston and each of the nine 3 6 5 Churchill, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Gen- 3×3 boxes contains the eral George Patton have in common? digits from 1 to 9 only 8 3 5 1 2. For what magazine did Hugh Hefner serve as cir- culation manager while he was raising money to one time each. 5 9 8 3 Last week’s answers launch Playboy? 1 7 6 4 8 9 3 2 5 6 7 2 9 4 3. What was the first living creature ever ejected from 5 8 9 7 2 3 1 4 6 a supersonic aircraft? 4 2 3 6 5 1 8 9 7 3 7 4 2 4. What trade was Greek philosopher Socrates trained 3 9 2 8 4 7 5 6 1 for? 8 1 4 5 3 6 2 7 9 2 4 8 3 6 5 7 9 1 2 4 8 3 5. To whom did Mahatma Gandhi write for advice on 9 4 5 3 6 8 7 1 2 1 6 4 diet and exercise? 7 3 1 2 9 4 6 5 8

2 6 8 1 7 5 9 3 4 4 2 Atlas Charles 5. Stonecutting 4. 1962 in bear, A 3. magazin. Activities Children’s 2. dyslexic. were 1.All JOINT BASE BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: TRADITIONAL - Sunday MASS - Saturday Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, 0200 Air Force Hospital Chapel 0930 Provider Chapel 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. 1030 Freedom Chapel (West side) 1100 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) 2000 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 1400 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1730 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Sunday 0830 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: 2000 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1100 Provider Chapel 1100 Air Force Hospital AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL - Sunday Thursday 1100 Air Force Hospital 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball 1100 MWR East Building 1200 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Mon., Wed., Fri. 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 1230 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Monday-Friday 1130 555th Engineer Bde. (Bldg. 7200) EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. 1900 Provider Chapel JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES- Friday NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: CONTEMPORARY- Sunday 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., 0900 Chapel- Next Iraq/MWR East Saturday 0930 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- 1030 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: 1400 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) 1900 Freedom Chapel (West Side) ISLAMIC PRAYER - Friday Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. Wedneday 2000 Gilbert Memorial Chapel 1230 Provider Chapel 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court LITURGICAL (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian) - Sunday PAGAN/WICCAN FELLOWSHIP - Thursday Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 1500 Gilbert Chapel (H-6) 1900 The Shack a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Saturday Saturday 1900 The Shack Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: 1000 Provider Chapel GREEK ORTHODOX - Sunday Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST - Sunday 0900 Provider Annex Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano 1530 Castle Heights (Bldg. 4155) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)- Sunday Gilbert Chapel: 443-7703 Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 1300 Provider Chapel 1530 Freedom Chapel (West side) Provider Chapel: 433-2430 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball 1900 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Freedom Chapel: 443-6303 Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Sunday 9/20/09 Mayweather/Marquez (Episode 1), Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/sports Upcoming sports Mayweather/Marquez (Episode 2), Tape Delayed 2:30 a.m. AFN/ sports Mayweather/Marquez (Episode 3) , Tape Delayed 3 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 (Episode 4) , Tape Delayed 3:30 a.m. Wednesday 9/16/09 Friday 9/18/09 AFN/sports Colorado Rockies @ San Francisco Giants, Live 5 a.m. AFN/ ESPN College Football Primetime: Georgia Tech @ Miami, UFC 103: Franklin vs Belfort, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra xtra Live 2:30 a.m. AFN/sports Los Angeles Angels @ Boston Red Sox, Live 10 a.m. AFN/ Cleveland Indians @ Oakland Athletics, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra Monday 9/21/09 sports Thursday Night Baseball: Los Angeles Angels @ Boston Red Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Buffalo Bills (JIP), Live 12:30 Cleveland Indians @ Minnesota Twins , Live 8 p.m. AFN/ Sox, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. AFN/sports a.m. AFN/xtra xtra Sunday Night Baseball: Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals, Thursday 9/17/09 Saturday 9/19/09 Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra Wednesday Night Baseball: Los Angeles Angels @ Boston Red Detroit Tigers @ Minnesota Twins, Live 3 a.m. AFN/prime Sunday Night Football: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys, Sox Live 2 a.m. AFN/sports pacific Live 3:15 a.m. AFN/sports UFC Fight Night Live: Diaz vs Guillard (Cox Convention ESPN College Football Primetime: Boise State @ Fresno State, Center; Oklahoma City, OK), Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra Live 4 a.m. AFN/sports Wednesday Night Baseball: Colorado Rockies @ San ESPN College Football Primetime: Boise State @ Fresno Tuesday 9/22/09 Francisco Giants, Live 5 a.m. AFN/sports State, Tape Delayed 2 p.m. AFN/xtra NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: NHRA Nationals Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers, Live 8p.m. AFN/ (Concord, NC), Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/xtra sports Monday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins, Live 3:30 a.m. AFN/sports New York Yankees @ Los Angeles Angels, Live 5 p.m. AFN/ xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009

Your ‘Final Destination’ should be anywhere this movie isn’t playing By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho f f m a n plan. They believe that if they stop the next person Bruce Campbell—but this was worse than cheese. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f in line from dying, they will survive their brush with It was just boring. Death. Although this film was made for 3D viewing, Iraq he fourth installment of the “Fi- Acting was definitely not the strong point in this has a few limitations in its theaters. However, 3D Tnal Destination” series makes movie. Not that anyone was under any impression effects would not have saved this movie. In 2D, the a better sleeping pill than it does a that it would be, but this movie has acting that is effects were bad, and everyone in the theater could thriller. It’s just like the others in laugh-out-loud terrible. Shantel VanSanten, who see exactly where the jump-out-of-your-seat 3D was the series, but with worse acting and portrays Lori, is the worst. She never, at any point, supposed to be; it was simply predictable. A bunch of worse special effects. appears as though she is showing emotion. She just useless shots to make people fly out of their seat, in The film starts with a group of 20-somethings at seems to be reading her lines. the likeness of “My Bloody Valentine” (2009). a race car event, and Nick O’Bannon (Bobby Campo) Nick Zano, who plays Hunt, the arrogant, rich kid, Overall, this movie is like watching a half-hearted has a premonition of the death of everyone in the is just annoying. He’s like Steve Stifler (“American remake of the original. Not that the original was a stadium. He freaks out and drags his three friends Pie”), but not funny. O’Bannon and Haley Webb, masterpiece, but it had actual entertainment value. and a few random stragglers out of the stadium. who plays Janet, were mediocre at best, but stand- If you like uninteresting horror sequels with terrible They survive the horrific accident that follows, only outs in this gore-tastic bust. acting, this is a film for you, but you’d be better off to discover they are now on the run from Death’s Everyone likes a little cheese in their horrors—a la with the original. ‘Ghost Wars’: Not light, enlightening

By Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h For those unfamiliar with the his- understanding of its inner workings is the World Trade Center and the Pen- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tory of the region, he provides startling imperative to winning the hearts and tagon. insight on the inner workings of the re- minds of a people scarred by decades Coll provides every detail imagin- s the War in Af- gion’s governments and the relation- of civil strife, which was fueled by a able, giving the reader the feeling of Aghanistan gains ships they built with the U.S., often half dozen foreign entities, including being a fly on the wall in some of the prominence, more and through Central Intelligence Agency the U.S. most secret meetings to take place in more questions arise. intermediaries. “Ghost Wars” begins with the riots the last 30 years. Why are we there? Even for those who may have an in November 1979 at the U.S. Embassy Ghost Wars’ intricacies may some- How did Osama bin Laden get there? understanding of the recent history of in Pakistan and ends with the assas- times leave the reader feeling lost, with When did this war really start? Afghanistan, the book is full of gems sination of the leader of Afghanistan’s detail so great, it can become mundane In the 2004, Pulitzer Prize-winning, of wisdom. Coll shows time and again Northern Alliance, Ahmed Shah Mas- and almost tedious to read. Nonethe- non-fiction saga, “Ghost Wars: The se- how some of the biggest events in the soud, Sept. 10, 2001. In between, Coll less, for the patient reader who pos- cret history of the CIA, Afghanistan, struggle between terror and the secret addresses the CIA’s often awkward sesses a penchant for knowledge, Coll and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Inva- Soldiers fighting it were behind closed alliance with Saudi Arabian and Paki- provides a rich story full of disaster, sion to September 10, 2001,” Steve doors, far from the public eye. stani intelligence agencies during the intrigue and murder. Coll answers all these questions with Coll’s book is not simple, but nei- Soviet incursion into Afghanistan, the The best part: it’s nonfiction and the the depth and knowledge of a veteran ther is Afghanistan. For the Soldiers rise of the Taliban, and the events that consequences of every action are ap- reporter. and leaders who will fight this war, an led up to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on parent today. Pvt. Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Sunday, Sept. 20 5 p.m. All About Steve 2 p.m. Whiteout 8 p.m. The Ugly Truth 5 p.m. Funny People 8 p.m. The Hurt Locker Thursday, Sept. 17 Monday, Sept. 21 5 p.m. The Ugly Truth 5 p.m. Aliens In The Attic 8 p.m. Orphan 8 p.m. Whiteout

Friday, Sept. 18 Tuesday, Sept. 22 2 p.m. Aliens In The Attic 5 p.m. Funny People 5 p.m. Whiteout 7 p.m. The Hurt Locker 8:30 p.m. Whiteout

Saturday, Sept. 19 Wednesday, Sept. 23 2 p.m. The Hurt Locker 5 p.m. The Hurt Locker 5p.m. Whiteout 8 p.m. Aliens In The Attic 8 p.m. Funny People September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Steven DeWeese of the 1-150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Bluefield, W.Va., out of Joint Se- curity Station Yusifiyah, shakes hands with a local man during a humanitarian-aid mission in the village of Yusifiyah, Iraq, Aug. 28. Ir a q U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Edwin L. Wriston

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe Iraqi police officers patrol the streets while U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Combat Division, follow up on micro grants issued throughout the city of Dibbis, Iraq, Aug. 28.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Bland, an explosive ordi- nance disposal technician from EOD Company 61, points out ways to acquire fingerprints from a phone used in an improvised explosive device, to Iraqi EOD Policemen at Contingency Operating Location Warhorse, outside of Baqouba, Iraq, Aug. 27. The Sailors teach counter IED investigative techniques including evidence gathering and evidence photography.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Lesperance, from Fort Hood, Texas, Battalion Commander for 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, pres- ents a validation plaque at the validation ceremony for the Iraqi Police station, in Hawija, Iraq, Sept. 3. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe U.S. Army 1st Lt. Carl Yeaney, assigned to the 218th Military Police Company, out of Fort Campbell, Ky., instructs Iraqi Police officers on how to properly fire from the kneeling position, during AK-47 range training, in Mammah, Iraq, Aug. 30. PAGE 22 September 16, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q The attendees visited and snacked on dates, a tradi- tion traced back to Muhammad. This was followed Clothing and by an evening prayer for the Islamic worshippers and, finally, a meal of rice, lamb, flatbread and oth- toys collected for er traditional Iraqi dishes. Yaseen Aziz, an MRC special adviser and a native of Sulaymania in Iraq’s Kurdish region, who immi- children of female grated to Greenville, S.C., in 1997, said fasting during Ramadan is similar to fasting in Christian and Jewish religions. prisoners “The only difference,” Aziz said, “is Ramadan is BAGHDAD – Hundreds of children in Iraq’s prison more than fasting from food. It is fasting from drink system received new clothes, shoes and and activities.” toys Sept. 3 thanks to the efforts of some Aziz said the celebration dinner was a chance to caring U.S. military personnel, citizens trade information and help the Iraqis and Ameri- and organizations in the United States. cans learn from each other. U.S. Navy Master at Arms Chief Hector Villanue- “It is essential to understand each other’s cul- va, the lead adviser for Tribal Affairs with Multi-Na- tures, how they pray, how they fast. It shows a tional Security Transition Command-Iraq, and U.S. type of care and love for each other, a key point in Army Chief Warrant Officer Anita Francis, with Law building relationships,” he said. and Order Task Force, collected clothing, shoes and Attendees included Iraqi municipality, public toys to distribute to these children who stay with their works and engineer reconstruction leaders, as mothers in Iraq’s prisons. well as Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, deputy com- “Many times, when you have a woman convicted of manding general of support, Multi-National a crime and put into prison, there are young children Division-North, 25th Infantry Division, and Lt. who must be taken care of,” said Villanueva. “The Training on this system is vital, as it will permit the Col. Fabian E. Mendoza, Jr., 130th Engineer Bri- fathers [often] don’t have the ability to take care of Iraqis to better protect their borders. gade commander. them, so the Iraqi prison system allows the children Iraqi Air Force Lt. Hameed, ISR officer and engi- Lt. Col. Chad R. Walker, MRC officer in charge, to stay with their moms in prison.” neer working at King Air Squadron 87, said the equip- 130th Eng. Bde., said his team wanted to honor the These children are in need of clothes and other ba- ment the Iraqis use assists in providing security where Iraqi culture and heritage and pay their respects to sic necessities and this is where the collection efforts there previously was none, and he is grateful for the the Iraqi reconstruction leaders and engineers his come in to help. Many individuals and organizations Air Force’s assistance. team has worked so closely with since the 130th’s in the United States have helped by collecting clothes, “Sergeant Valenzuela is a good adviser – he has al- arrival in country. shoes and toys and sending them to Iraq to be dis- ways given us the support we needed to help us get “Being part of this celebration is very significant,” tributed to these children. The Major Stuart Adam where we are now,” Hameed said. “I feel like I am Walker said. “We are bridging the gap between reli- Wolfer Institute out of New York, along with the Hy- helping my country to improve ourselves -- support- gions, cultures and nations.” lant Group from Dublin, Ohio and the Credit Suisse ing our country to stand on its own. I am proud to Walker’s team plays a critical role in aiding the Group, PJ Arthurs, out of Chicago were the largest serve in the Iraqi Air Force. I think we have a great reconstruction efforts in Mosul and Ninawa prov- donors of the supplies. future.” ince. Working directly with Iraqi government of- Efforts like this build a continued trust and bond By training the trainers, the instruction U.S. air- ficials, the MRC helps develop, coordinate and ex- with the Iraqi people, Villanueva said. men, such as Valenzuela, conduct here will continue ecute a wide variety of projects to rebuild essential “This is not an Army program or a government pro- helping Iraqis secure their borders against hostile in- services and improve health and welfare for local gram,” Villaneuva said. “This is the work of individual truders long after he is gone. citizens. soldiers and sailors who care about the Iraqi people Master Sgt. Wade E. Christensen, MRC non- and wanted to make a personal difference.” commissioned officer in charge, 130th Eng. Bde., has worked with local officials to provide garbage Mosul reconstruction trucks and dumpsters for a large scale clean-up of Mosul. He said hosting the Ramadan dinner was a Iraqi Airmen learn to great way to show the Iraqi people the U.S. forces cell hosts Ramadan embrace the Iraqi culture and respect the way they put ‘Eyes in the Skies’ conduct business. dinner “This event allowed the major players in recon- for security observation struction to break bread together, talk about issues MOSUL, Iraq—To promote an understanding of and build relationships,” Christensen said. AL KUT, Iraq – A U.S. Airman devoted time the week Islamic faith and Muslim culture, and in MRC leaders said they hope the Ramadan din- of Aug. 30 to ensure Iraqi military officers celebration of Ramadan, the Mosul Re- ner helped facilitate greater awareness and respect understood how to observe suspicious activ- construction Cell hosted a dinner for MRC between two very different cultures as their part- ity from the sky using ground-based equip- staff and Mosul city reconstruction lead- nership in reconstruction continues to improve the ment. ers Sept. 2. quality of life for residents of Mosul and Ninawa Tech Sgt. Paul Valenzuela, an enlisted adviser from For Muslims across the world, Ramadan is the province. Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air Force, trains holiest of all months on the Islamic calendar. Ra- Iraqi airmen in the art of intelligence, surveillance madan is the month the Prophet Muhammad re- and reconnaissance. ceived his revelations from Allah through the angel Valenzuela said the training is important because Gabriel, which he later wrote down as the Quran. It the security of the Iraqi people relies more and more is a time of self-reflection, fasting, prayer and char- Detainees released on the Iraqi military being able to watch from above ity. Spiritual growth comes from refraining, not what terrorists may be doing on the ground. only from food as Muslims fast from sunrise until “The biggest thing that they’re learning to do is just sunset during the holy month, but from any sinful from US custody providing protection for their borders,” Valenzuela thoughts, words or deeds. said. “Iraq’s kind of a big country and they don’t have Each evening of Ramadan, after sunset, Muslim’s AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Marines from Multi Na- that many people to spread out for border patrols. ISR break their fast. The opportunity for U.S. forces to tional Force - West facilitated the release of is able to look at a wide area and give them real live- celebrate this with their Iraqi counterparts gave the 19 detainees from U.S. custody and trans- time coverage (observation) of that area.” American attendees a unique cultural experience. ferred one detainee to Iraqi Police custody September 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

Sept. 6, in Ramadi, Iraq. With a new school year about to begin, the impor- will work at the new facility when it’s open by end of MNF-W followed a detailed release process to en- tance of these computers was obvious to Noorali, he this year,” Hasson added. “That number is expected sure the security of the people of Anbar, and the safety said. The students and others like them are the future to grow once it’s fully operational.” of the detainees, were not in jeopardy following the leaders of this country; they are getting their education The school construction project is 15 percent com- release. and they are going to go out, find jobs and make a dif- plete and expected to be completed in December Marines from MNF-W coordinated with the Iraqi ference, he said. 2009. Police to transfer the detainee who was wanted pursu- “Helping students out…I love it,” he said. ant to a warrant; other detainees were released near In addition to bringing the new computers, a repre- their place of residence. Prior to release, detainees sentative from the brigade, Lt. Cmdr. Paul Krumholz, participated in a public release ceremony where an the civil affairs economics officer for the brigade, also River Police Protect oath of good citizenship and renouncement of vio- delivered a memorandum of agreement from the Uni- lence was administered. Individuals were then wel- versity of Arizona, showing the university was interest- Iraq’s Waterways comed by their family and friends. ed in forming a partnership with the Kirkuk College of In accordance with the Security Agreement, U.S. Science. and Iraqi authorities coordinate to ensure the safe This partnership will allow both schools to share BAGHDAD – Iraqi River Police conducted operations and orderly release of detainees held in U.S. custody ideas, their curriculum and recent publications, said on the Tigris River Sept. 1 in Baghdad to or the transfer of detainees who are wanted pursuant Krumholz. In the future, it might even allow for the ex- practice their skills in keeping Iraq’s water- to a valid warrant. change of faculty and students. ways safe from terrorists. Krumholz said the new computers will provide the The mission of the river police is to pro- students at the Kirkuk College of Science better access vide search and rescue, safety patrol and counter- to the Internet, allowing for the two schools to share smuggling operations along the waterways of Iraq. US Army donates ideas more efficiently. Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq Schools in the area are scheduled to open, following advisers, mentors and trainers help the river police computers to Kirkuk summer vacation, between the beginning of September accomplish this mission. and the beginning of October. There are two advisers at the River Patrol. One is responsible for teaching waterborne operations, how College of Science to pilot the boats, and how to use the boats to conduct School project inspires the operations found in the mission statement. The CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- second adviser is a highly skilled and qualified dive RIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – For the last seven hope in Iraqi children instructor and he is responsible for the dive training. years, the same computers at the Kirkuk Col- These advisers have teaching certifications required lege of Science have endured countless classes to conduct operations in search and rescue, safety pa- of students pounding away at their keys, alter- QADISIYAH, Iraq — For the Iraqi people who grew trols and counter smuggling in a river environment. ing their software and smudging their screens. This is up in Qadisiyah, Iraq, without an educa- Iraqis here received train-the-trainer instruction to more than a lifetime for a computer, and their age has tion, the opportunity to prevent that future give them the expertise they need to visit each Iraqi begun to show. for their children is just around the corner. province to disseminate river-boat patrol techniques But teachers this year won’t have to worry about try- “Most of the people in this area missed to their own units. ing to install new software on the outdated systems, or the opportunity to go to school and learn as children. There are 22 boats in the Baghdad Training Center. think about whether their compact disk drives will last We want our children to have a better-educated fu- There are four different designs of boats used in this through the semester, because Aug. 26, the 2nd Brigade ture,” said Ali Jalab Hasson, Al Hamza district mayor training. They are used for regular operations and also Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, donated 50 new and civil engineer with the Qadisiyah Education De- have different designs and capabilities. These boats computers to the college. partment. can be used to respond to missing person reports as “Our department really depends on computers,” That dream of a better education is just months well as engage in the recovery of drowning victims. said Akmed Chalak, a computer networking teacher at away, as the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps The biggest success the U.S. advisers have seen the school. “We have been using very old computers, of Engineers in Iraq helps with the construction of the with the Iraqis is their ability to grasp these complex because we didn’t have any choice, but with these new Al Hasan Al Basri school. The $1.1 million project is river patrol techniques and apply them to their own computers, the students will able to work with modern being managed by the Division’s Gulf Region South curriculum. equipment.” district and constructed using funds from the Emer- Despite some maintenance issues, which are per- The school has been working with a limited budget gency Support Fund. vasive across Iraq, the Iraqis do a good job of keeping and, because of the high cost of new computers, they “The Al Hasan Al Basri modern two-story facility these boats afloat and running, said one U.S. Army have not been able to purchase but a few new comput- will be the source of pride for Al Hamza residents,” adviser. ers each year. Hasson said. “All the people here wish to provide a There will be more train-the-trainer courses con- “Each year we bought a couple [computers] from the good education for their children and that is what this ducted by U.S. advisers and attended by the Iraqi local market,” said the vice-president of the college, Dr. school is going to do.” river patrol trainers. This cooperation is a large part Najdat K. Moosa. “But, with these new computers, we The school project in Qadisiyah province would of the success of the Security Agreement between the will be able to replace nearly all of the old ones in our improve the quality of education for more than 800 two countries and sets the stage for future training. lab.” students. Roughly two months ago, representatives from 2nd “Most of the schools here are old and in need of BCT visited the college and school administrators there windows, doors and bathroom repairs,” said Hasson. Combat team returns brought them to the computer labs and explained how “When completed, this school will be the first modern difficult it was to conduct classes and provide labs with facility since 2003 in the area that meets international largest US base in eastern the outdated systems. health and safety standards.” “One of the issues was that the old computers Amjad Khnteel, the GRS project engineer, said the Anbar to Iraq couldn’t install new software,” said Cpt. Aziz Noorali, a new school will feature many amenities. representative from Forward Operating Location War- “The project will include 12 classrooms, an admin- AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq – Regimental Combat rior’s Human Terrain Team. istrative area, library, potable water system, commu- Team 6 returned Camp Baharia and nearby By using funds from 2nd BCT’s Commander’s Emer- nication system with Internet capabilities and a fire Combat Outpost Castillo to Iraqi control gency Relief Program, the brigade was able to purchase alarm system,” said Khnteel. Sept. 2. the computers for the school. Khnteel also said the project will benefit the local Camp Baharia, near the once restive city of “We wanted to make sure to get them there before community. Fallujah, was the largest remaining U.S. base in Anbar, classes started,” said Noorali. “About 25 Iraqis are currently working on this proj- east of Camp Ramadi. “The students are going to be very excited when they ect, which helps create much-needed opportunities “It has been an honor for my Marines and other Co- come into class and see these new computers,” said Na- for employment of the local populace and enhance alition forces to have supported the Iraqi Security Forc- jdat. the economic situation of Al Hamza district and sur- es. This transfer of authority is a major example of the As the computers were being brought into the new rounding communities,” Khnteel said. Iraqi Security Forces’ progress,” said Col. Matthew A. computer lab, Akmed and his fellow computer teachers The school will also provide permanent jobs for Lopez, commanding officer of RCT-6. took the time to set one up and test it out. Iraqis when it is completed. Iraqi officials will discuss whether to maintain a mili- “Yep, these are best computers you can get,” said “Approximately 20 local Iraqis, including head- tary presence on the base or to demilitarize the area and Akmed, with a smile as he watched the system turn on. master, teachers, administrative assistants and guards return it to its pre-war function as a tourism site. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s September 16, 2009 Phantom Support

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Edward J. Monell U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael Syner Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 10th Sustainment Brigade Troops Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade’s Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sean Pullease from Fort Pierce, Fla., uses his expertise to install a very small aperture terminal satellite system on the 419th Combat Service Support Battalion Supply Support Activity infrastructure. Pullease is the officer in charge for the Combat Service Support Automation Management Office. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rex Tran Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Ayala, a native of Lake Forest, Calif., from Headquar- ters and Headquarters Co., 419th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, reenlists into the U.S. Army Reserve. Staff Sgt. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jamie Nova Spc. Brandon Ayala, who is currently stationed at Camp Taji, Iraq, chose to reenlist at Vic- Hubbard, from Mo- tory Base Complex, in Baghdad, Iraq. ses Lake, Wash., with 1st Platoon of Sgt. 1st Class 1161st Transporta- Donald Smith, a tion Company, is native of Jones- one of three main- ville, S.C., HHC, tenance Soldiers 751st Combat assigned to 1st Sustainment Sup- Platoon where he port Battalion, helps maintain 20 10th Sustainment M915 trucks, 35 Brigade, prepares M872 trailers, two to inspect a Sol- M923 5 Tons, and diers weapon to the M984 Wrecker. ensure it is clear. Smith served as the small arms fire officer in charge during the training event.

The 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- ary) held a memorial ceremony Sept. 2 at the unit’s Joint Operations Center here at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The ceremony honored Oregon National Guardsmen, Sgt. Mark D. Werner and Pfc. Taylor D. Marks, with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who died Aug. 28 after a roadside bomb struck their convoy. U.S. Army photo by Capt. William A. Thompson U.S. Army photo by Maj. Raul Marquez