DESERTDESERT VVOICEOICE November 16, 2005 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in Kuwait

Turn it up Page 6&7 Volume 27, Issue 17 The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorial DESERT content of this publication is the responsibility of the CONTENTS Coalition Forces Land Component Command Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, which is not affiliated with CFLCC. All copy will VOICE be edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by the Public Affairs Office. 17

Page 3 No excuse for complacency CFLCC Commanding General Command Sgt. Maj. Ashe talks about the Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb importance of not becoming complacent. CFLCC Command It could lead to accidental deaths. Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Page 4 Navy takes over law & order Ashe The Army military police finish their tour CFLCC Public Affairs Officer and hand over Area Support Group- Col. Barrett King Kuwait law enforcement responsibilities to the Navy master of arms. CFLCC Public Affairs Officer, Forward Page 5 46th Eng. Bn. deploys Lt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger The combat-heavy engineer battalion from Commander, 11th PAD Fort Polk, La., and Fort Rucker, Ala., Capt. Chevelle Thomas deploys to Iraq after overcoming a chal- lenging mission on the homefront. NCOIC, 11th PAD 4 Staff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy Pages 6&7 Drowning Pool plays Desert Voice Editor The rock/metal band Drowning Pool per- Sgt. Jonathan M. Stack formed for troops at three camps in Kuwait with Dallas afternoon disc jockey Desert Voice Assistant Jessie Jessup. Editor Spc. Robert Adams Page 8 Australians screen soldiers Desert Voice Staff Writers The Australian Force Extraction Team, a Spc. Janine Coogler medical team of doctors, came to the Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw Middle East to identify Australian sol- Spc. Michael R. Noggle diers with any diseases or illnesses. 11th PAD Broadcasters Spc. Christina Beerman Page 9 Third U.S. Army birthday Pfc. Jheridiah Anderson 5 Soldiers from Camp Arifjan celebrated the Third U.S. Army 87th birthday, Nov. 7. The event was celebrated with a cake- Editor cutting ceremony. CFLCC PAO/ Run tests mind, body Desert Voice Page 10 Camp Arifjan Lt. Col. J. Mathew Lissner completed his APO AE 09306 very first 50-mile ultra marathon. He trained for serveral months while in [email protected] Kuwait before going on leave. Find us online at www.dvidshub.net Page 11 Community Events Here are upcoming events: Aaron Tippin 6 show, tree trimming, flag football league, Turkey Trot 5K run, Thanksgiving Wheel of Fortune, volleyball tournament. On the cover Photo by Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw Back page Track & Field Lead vocalist of Drowning Pool, Ryan Spc. Robert Adams McCombs, performs with the band Audrey Korang sprints ahead of Lakicia during a tour for the troops in Kuwait.j 6-77 Cooke in the 400-meter relay at the Veteran’s Day track and field meet.

2 Desert Voice November 16, 2005 No excuse for complacency Command Sgt. Maj. present, making sure the Soldier mind as well as in the minds of Franklin G. Ashe is following the steps correctly. their troops. Another thing that happens is We should be physically com- CFLCC Command Sergeant Major we’re constantly clearing fortable in certain areas but we As Soldiers, we engage in weapons in areas where they should never be mentally com- high-risk activities every day shouldn’t be loaded anyway. fortable in terms of thinking because of the nature of our busi- Soldiers become used to clearing “nothing can happen.” ness. It is one thing to say a a weapon that doesn’t have a Complacency is like a cancer Soldier died leading his troops magazine in it, so they go and it’s killing Soldiers. It can during combat operations or he through the steps without think- be defined as a leadership failure, died while putting the lives of ing about it. because it’s up to leaders not to others in front of his own, but Safety is also part of force allow themselves or their when a Soldier is killed because protection. Anytime we keep our Soldiers to become complacent. of complacency and a lack of Soldiers from getting killed or Leaders should realize when they Command Sgt. Maj. Ashe safety it’s unacceptable. injured, we’re protecting the think they’ve talked about safety get in their head “Hey, I’m not Accidental deaths, most of the force. Force protection has two or pre-checks too much, they’ve going to get hurt, I’ve done this time, are preventable. meanings in a combat zone. One become complacent themselves. before and nothing happened.” By not wearing seatbelts in part is keeping people healthy You can’t place enough emphasis The next thing you know their tactical and non-tactical vehicles, and alive by doing things correct- on safety. mom or dad, husband or wife is not wearing helmets with the ly and safely. Even by doing Sometimes people think getting visited by a casualty chinstrap fastened, not wearing simple things like washing your because we’re in a combat zone, assistance officer and chaplain reflective gear when you’re out hands so you don’t get sick when that makes it okay for them to do and being told their loved one running and not keeping muzzle you eat or making sure weapons things they wouldn’t be doing was killed in a situation that did- awareness on weapons, Soldiers are cleared and on safe, Soldiers otherwise, and that’s not true. n’t have to happen. We’ve had are putting themselves and their have a hand in force protection. This is when it becomes more too many Soldiers killed in acci- buddies in jeopardy. There is no The other part of force protec- important to do the right thing. dents. We don’t have to just one safety issue out there that is tion, of course, is the security You need to be going through all accept the fact all these Soldiers more important than others, but measures we take to keep the your proper checklists, making are dying, but what we can do is the commonality to all of it is enemy from getting any type of sure people are prepared to exe- honor their memory by doing the complacency or leadership fail- advantage on us. Information cute the mission to the standard right thing. When you see a ures. that pertains to operational secu- and safely. When they see some- Soldier doing something unsafe, Leadership and safety are rity, whether it’s when our mis- thing isn’t quite right, leaders don’t allow it. Make sure they united and the two cannot be sep- sions are, where our missions are have the responsibility to correct understand how wrong that is arated. We don’t do safety in or how we do our operations, it. and how important safety is addition to what we do, it’s a part needs to be protected, and we One of the concerns people through some type of reinforce- of what we do. Leaders are sup- can’t take that for granted either. have is “Oh, we have to start at ment. posed to accomplish the mission Force protection also includes this time” or “Oh, we have to get Everybody is responsible for and take care of their Soldiers, making sure our host-nation sup- this done right now.” None of it safety, regardless of their rank or but sometimes they get so port personnel are wearing a is worth killing or crippling position. In fact, we’re obligated wrapped up in the mission part, badge where we can see them someone else. Even if you check to say something and the person they forget about the safety and they’re in the right places something a thousand times, who’s on the receiving end of aspect. with the right escort. We also that’s all right. The one time you that should stop and think about Leaders have to make sure have to make sure that sensitive don’t check it is when you have a this. That person cares enough to their Soldiers, as well as them- information in our work spaces breakdown. If you think you’re correct you, so don’t get angry selves, are conducting their busi- are properly secured and only losing time by stopping some- about it, fix it. ness in a safe manner. One way being accessed by the right peo- thing for a brief period of time to Sometimes we have to go out to do this is by conducting cor- ple. fix it, just think about how much of our way to stop something rect troop leading procedures. The security we have protect- time you’re going to lose when that’s wrong and fix it. I’d rather We have to be careful about ing our bases provide force pro- that piece of equipment is com- be tired of stopping people from some of our procedures, because tection also. Security forces pletely destroyed and the individ- doing the wrong thing, than be if we don’t pay attention to make sure the bases aren’t uals using it are gone for good. refreshed and full of energy sit- exactly what we’re doing, we breached by any unauthorized It doesn’t equal out. ting in the chapel at a memorial reinforce bad habits. personnel, for whatever reason, When I hear about Soldiers service because another Soldier An example of this is clearing whether it’s to attack us, to steal dying from a preventable acci- got killed in a needless and barrels. The majority of negli- stuff or to gather information. dent or because of an act of care- senseless accident. Once a gent discharges occur at clearing Safety and force protection are lessness, it makes me sick. Soldier is dead, that’s it. There is barrels. One of the reasons this things we do constantly and they We have to ensure our young no second chance. happens is because no leader is should always be in a leader’s Soldiers and young leaders don’t Be safe.—PATTON’S OWN!

Desert Voice November 16, 2005 3 Different service, same mission Army MPs finish tour, hand over law enforcement responsibilities to Navy MAs Spc. Robert Adams Highway Patrol officers, federal Assistant Editor immigration and customs enforcement agents, drug The police car keys are being enforcement agents and federal handed from one service to and state correctional officers. another as the Navy takes over “This will allow us to draw provost marshal responsibilities from civilian experience to aug- from the Army in Kuwait Friday. ment our mission here,” said The Navy Master of Arms Master of Arms Senior Chief Law and Order Detachment will Michael Gonzalez, senior enlist- take over the Area Support ed advisor for the MA detach- Group-Kuwait provost marshal ment. office responsibilities from the The Navy MAs have learned a 430th Military Police lot from the Army MPs, and are Detachment, Law and Order, eager to take over and start using what they have learned. which replaced the Air Force in Spc. Robert Adams December 2004. “I expect to represent the The Veteran’s Day flag call, made up of Army MPs and Navy MAs, “The mission will be the same Navy Corps values: honor, fold the colors after retreat. It is traditional for military police and the only differences will be courage and commitment and around the world to conduct flag call 365 days a year. that they have a brassard that leave here with a distinction of a or altercations. future. says Navy and a shoulder sleeve job well done,” said MA Petty The unit began its mission a “Our job entails investigating that says MA,” said Maj. Norby Officer 1st Class Kelly Cruz, year ago as a unit with Soldiers all crimes and incidents in accor- Ewing, ASG-Ku deputy provost Law and Order Detachment from all around the country. dance with the Uniform Code of marshal. squad supervisor. “I expect my “A lot of Soldiers were new to Military Justice and crimes that The Army MPs are currently junior Sailors to be professional, the military police corps and American civilians commit under training the Navy MAs on the courteous and responsible and to jumped right into it,” said 1st Lt. the United States Code,” said procedures and processes of run- treat their fellow military coun- Paul Headley, 430th MP Det. Staff Sgt. Edwin Mata, 430th MP ning the ASG-K PMO, whose terparts as they would want to be commander. “The Soldiers Det. day shift patrol supervisor. jurisdiction includes all military treated under the same circum- learned to work together to com- “We are also entitled to camps as well as all places ser- stances.” plete this mission.” enforce crimes committed in vio- vicemembers travel throughout “The 430th MP Det. is leav- During its tour, the 430th MP lation of international and Kuwait. ing large shoes to fill,” said Det. decided it would be benefi- Kuwaiti law,” he added. The Navy personnel are Ewing, who will be replacing cial to split the unit in two, keep- Since the ratio of MPs to attending mandatory briefings on Flatt as the provost marshal when ing half at Arifjan and sending troops is 1-to-2,000, whereas military justice, patrol training, the 430th MP Det. leaves. half to Buehring. civilian police officers are 1-to- search and seizure and go Ewing said he wants to con- “By being closer to the north- 500, the 430th MP Det. net- through everything from basic tinue to improve the PMO during ern camps it cut down on the worked with unit commands to patrol stops and security checks the upcoming year. response time,” Flatt said. “The carry out procedures to minimize to colors detail. “As camps are growing we Soldiers took ownership of the crime. At the end of the month they will have to implement new tech- camps they were at and took “We also got to know project will have full responsibility of nology,” Ewing said. “We will interest in what happened there.” managers of contracting firms routine traffic patrols, K-9 assets eventually have vehicle registra- The MPs have responded to and personnel with the Kuwaiti and military police investigator tion on camps and emplace a everything from dumpster fires Crime Investigating Division and duties. new system to track installation and suspicious packages, to evac- the Kuwaiti Ministry of the “The biggest thing for the access and identification.” uating troops from dangerous Interior,” Mata said. Navy is to push forward and to “I also want to continue to areas to avoid casualties. “People want justice and dur- adapt to the changing installation develop the PMO and help it “The camps are always chang- ing our time here we have done environment,” said Lt. Col. Neal grow as the mission here grows,” ing so we had to be alert,” said that with 100 percent convic- Flatt, ASG-K provost marshal. he added. “The ultimate goal is Master Sgt. Robert Corniea, tions,” Corniea said. The Navy MA Det. is com- to have the safest and securest 430th MP Det. operations ser- The Navy MAs noticed how prised of Sailors from more than camp as possible.” geant. “The scenarios that you organized they were the moment 17 different states from coast to can run into here can be a mess, they started training with them. coast. Army MPs deserve great so you have to think on your “This is one of the best units I About one-third have civilian deal of gratitude feet.” have relieved anywhere,” law enforcement experience to The 430th MP Det., a Reserve The MPs went over different Gonzalez said. include detectives, narcotics traf- unit headquartered out of Red scenarios everyday so if some- He added, “The day we fic officers, New York Police Bank, N.J., is redeploying after a thing new happened everyone checked in here they had ‘Go Department and California successful year with no injuries would be prepared for it in the Navy’ all over the place.” 4 Desert Voice November 16, 2005 Spc. Michael R. Noggle Staff Sgt. Leonard Phillips, HHC, 46th Eng. Bn., engages his target during a close-quarters range in preparation for his unit’s mission in Iraq. 46th Eng. Bn. can’t be stopped, ready to go Spc. Michael R. Noggle Darren Payne, 46th Eng. Bn. operations offi- The vertical team will work mainly on the CFLCC PAO/11th PAD cer. “We executed several missions out in the forwarding operating bases, constructing bil- local community providing assistance to a lets, quality offices and an efficient area of Imagine your unit is weeks away from local hospital and electrical and water assis- operation for U.S. Forces. deployment. Your attention and focus is ded- tance to a nearby nursing home.” “Our work on the FOB … will give a bet- icated to training and the mission that lies Payne also pointed out that some Soldiers ter quality of life and level of comfort to the ahead. went anywhere from five days to three weeks Soldiers working in Iraq,” he said. “We also Then disaster strikes nearby, your unit is without power or running water. want to provide the Iraqi forces with the called upon to provide aid to the victims of A number of people from the unit were bases they can operate securely from and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. taking in their relatives from New Orleans, extend their reach into other parts of the “The Soldiers gave up a lot of training Mississippi and Alabama, he said. country to have a permanent presence.” time, family time and prepping mentally “That really had an impact on our training “The tactical movement teams are our best because they were tied up with another in preparation to come over here, from a Soldiers to provide security and get supplies important mission on the homeland,” said Lt. mental standpoint,” Payne added. from point A to point B,” Anderson said. Col. Carol Anderson, 46th Engineer Battalion The unit had more than half of the equip- “It’s not far-fetched when you remind your- commander. ment loaded on to the ship at the ports, how- self engineering is the secondary mission to The unit, based out of Fort Polk, La., and ever with Katrina approaching, all loading being Infantry.” Fort Rucker, Ala., responded without hesita- operations were ceased and the ship was sent Anderson said it will be difficult losing tion as nearby communities were in need of to sea. some of her finest general construction assets help and rescue. “Despite that and all the other drama, we in support of the movement teams but “When the hurricanes hit, we had to adjust got the ship loaded and went back to focusing remains optimistic the unit will carry out the fire,” said Sgt. Corey Baker, Headquarters on the mission,” Payne said. mission it is required to do. and Headquarters Company, 46th Eng. Bn. As for the mission ahead, the unit will “I always tell my Soldiers to do the unex- “People needed our help and our focus continue helping those in need but in a hos- pected,” Anderson said. “America expects us became the homefront.” tile environment. to come over here and do our jobs. Doing Without water, electricity and communica- The battalion will conduct its horizontal the unexpected means doing that little extra tion lines, people filed into Polk anticipating and vertical construction missions and have to make your own mark in life.” those needs would be fulfilled. formed a tactical movement team to provide She posed the question, “What are you “We supplied water and some emergency convoy security, Anderson said. going to do different and how are you going power … as well as helping the post with The horizontal engineers are in charge of to make a difference?” transportation of people, ice distribution and road repair work and route reconnaissance for Some from Louisiana and Alabama setting up evacuee housing area,” said Maj. any possible threat for an oncoming convoy. already have answers. Desert Voice November 16, 2005 5 Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw afforded the luxuries that we have, this will sit at home and write this music,” he said CFLCC PAO/11th PAD be our Christmas present back,” Luce said. into the microphone before singing “We just happened to come a little bit earli- the lyrics of the next song to the The group jumped around and Soldiers er.” frenzied crowd. “You give us were lifted on shoulders and passed through The troops said they felt just as elated. the freedoms and liberties we the crowd taking photographs from their “I was really excited to see a well-known enjoy.” vantage point. alternative rock/heavy metal band,” Marcott Photos by Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw The band continued to belt out rough said. “I was surprised and happy to see them Guitarist C.J. Pierce of the energetic music with a passion embraced by come.” rock/metal band Drowning the crowd. The band joked that it felt slightly intimi- Pool gets into a song while Drowning Pool, a Dallas-based rock/metal dated playing in front of the troops, but oth- touring in Kuwait for the troops. The group played at band, visited and performed for troops at erwise it was just an everyday rock show Camps Virginia, Buehring and Camps Virginia, Buehring and Arifjan Nov. 1 without the alcohol. Arifjan. - 3. “We’re sober and they’re sober – usually The band is most famous for its single at a rock show everybody has a few drinks “Bodies” which was performed at the end of but by the end of the show it’s just like any every show as the crowd chanted its title in normal show. Everyone loosens up and has a anticipation. good time – everyone feels it and it gets their “They put on an awesome show,” said minds off what’s happening,” Pierce said. Spc. Matt Marcott, Morale Welfare and The band said it had a great time on the Recreation representative. “They had lots of tour. Luce and new lead vocalist Ryan energy. The show was just as intense on the McCombs said they liked receiving patches last night as on the first.” from the troops and they all enjoyed hearing They visited as part of a United Service the servicemembers’ stories. Organizations tour in partnership with “Ryan and I have been having a competi- Armed Forces Entertainment, accompanied tion to see who can collect the most patch- by Dallas afternoon radio station disc jockey es,” Luce said while giving McCombs a Jessie Jessup from KDGE’s “The Edge.” challenging look. “When the Soldiers first While the band performed, Jessup inter- started giving them to us we were afraid viewed servicemembers and hosted her radio they’d get in trouble.” program during the tour. They also said they saw more of the posi- Drummer Mike Luce said the band was tive aspects of the mission. fortunate to be performing for the troops “I’ve learned about the assistance the because they weren’t originally slated for the country of Kuwait has given, just little things tour. like that,” McCombs said. “I’ve been hear- “There was another band set up to do it – ing more of a reality that you don’t necessar- whether they couldn’t make it or didn’t want ily get on the news. All my knowledge came to I’m not sure, but it worked out in our from what I’ve seen on TV, coming into favor,” Luce shrugged. Kuwait I found out it wasn’t such a bad “About the time we made the radio place.” announcement of Ryan joining the band was “The media likes to play up the train when the other band said they couldn’t do it. wrecks so you can’t look away,” Luce added. We were like, ‘Yeah, we’re on,’” he gushed “You won’t hear about the good things or the as excitement spread through his face. positive efforts made through all of this.” The band members said they were thrilled The band said it would like to tour for the when D.J. Jessie asked them to join her. troops every six months to a year. They said “We were hoping to do something like the USO really made its stay a success. this so we kind of put the word out that we “The USO made things a lot easier. We support the troops,” Guitarist C.J. Pierce thought we’d have more problems – the said. “We’re too old and out of shape to flight, the hotel, the travel to the bases – join, so we decided to play music for them.” everything has been so breezy,” Pierce The group said the timing was a little off said. “I expected it to be more of a has- but they were excited to come. sle.” “The first time we heard about it, it was At all three shows McCombs told supposed to be around Christmas so we said, the troops this was the band’s ‘Okay.’ For all the times we get to sit around best tour. in America and make up music and are “It’s because of you all that we can

6 Desert Voice November 16, 2005 Drowning Pool lead vocalist Ryan McCombs belts out lyrics of a song during a show on the band’s tour for troops in Kuwait.

(Above) Bassist Stevie Benton signs a shirt for a servicemember at Camp Arifjan during Drowning Pool’s tour for the troops in Kuwait. The band signed autographs for troops at three camps until 2 a.m. after each of its three shows. (Left) Drummer Mike Luce beats his drums dur- ing the show at Camp Arifjan. The band was fortunate to tour for the troops because anoth- er band had been slated. The group toured Camps Virginia, Buehring and Arifjan with Dallas radio station disc jockey Jessie Jessup. Jessup interviewed the group and service- members for her show.

DJ Jessie interviews the members of Drowning Pool.

Desert Voice November 16, 2005 7 Force Extraction Team help in outgoing process Australian doctors screen soldiers Spc. Janine Coogler During the screening all soldiers are given “This way it lessens the chance of soldiers CFLCC PAO/11th PAD a post-deployment Middle East information turning up with problems months after they medical-awareness card. The cards help return home,” he said. Operations in the Middle East are main- physicians in Australia become aware of the The Australian military is quite small tained by the effective force of troops diseases soldiers may have been exposed to when compared to the U.S. military. To throughout theater. No matter the job, all and are not commonly found in Australia. maintain its small force, Australian military U.S. and The medical takes preventative steps like the U.S. military Coalition “They don’t have to wait around in Australia for screening is to maintain healthy soldiers, Jones said.“An Forces per- based on ques- ounce of prevention is better than a ton of form a specif- check-ups. They can quickly go on leave and see tions to soldiers cure.” ic function their families.” about their Jones said the soldiers came here healthy that con- Australian Capt. Gavin Jones deployment to and they need to return in the same condi- tributes to the stabilization and rehabilitation pinpoint what disease or hazards to which tion. of Iraq. they were readily exposed. Did you know …? As part of an Australian Force Extraction In addition to the screening the doctors Team, a medical team of three, came to the conduct a routine physical. Š Australia is the sixth largest nation Middle East to identify Australian soldiers “This helps the soldiers when they go after Russia, Canada, China, the with any diseases or illnesses and diagnose home,” Jones said. “They don’t have to wait United States of America and Brazil. and tag for further treatment, said Australian around in Australia for check-ups. They can Š Australia has a population of more Maj. Mark Slatyer, senior medical officer. quickly go on leave and see their families.” than 20 million. Although the medical team conducts To expedite the redeployment process, the Š Australia is the only nation to govern screening of Australian soldiers headed home Force Extraction Team came to the Middle an entire continent and its outlying from deployment, it relies on assistance from East, instead of having the soldiers complete islands. U.S. troop medical clinics. the process in Australia. Š Australia’s mainland is the largest In order to maintain a strong force, the Soldiers go through the process of turning island and the smallest, flattest conti- welfare and health of troops must be up to in equipment, seeing a psychiatrist, going nent on Earth. It lies between 10° and standard, said Australian Capt. Gavin Jones, through customs, medical screening and the 39° South latitude. general duty medical officer. long-awaited home-going briefing. Š Immigration is an important feature “If we identify someone that needs treat- The key to the screening is catching sol- of Australian society. Since 1945, over ment, we send them to the local TMC, but if diers with problems and providing them with six million people from 200 countries the person’s condition is more serious then treatment in addition to making them aware have come to Australia as new settlers. they are taken through the American medical to what they might have been exposed to, support channels.” Slatyer said. Fact from www.about-australia.com Japanese 7th Support Group heads home Spc. Janine Coogler In a home-going ceremony at the APOD, the Japanese Defense Attaché Col. Keisuke Kawae, Japanese Assistant Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Takahiro Shimizu and the Japanese support group salute soldiers from the 7th Support Group Nov. 5 as they board their flight home.

8 Desert Voice November 16, 2005 Third U.S. Army celebrates heritage Capt. Chevelle Thomas lions of humanitarian food rations into CFLCC PAO/11th PAD Commander Afghanistan and Iraq. “It is to the greater good of building up The Third U.S. Army celebrated its 87th the countries here. We have always done birthday Nov. 7 with a cake-cutting ceremony that. We helped to free the Iraq, Afghanistan on the command operations information cen- and Kuwaiti people, through different libera- ter floor. tion campaigns,” said Lt. Col. Stacie “Lee” The Soldiers of Third U.S. Army continue Trueheart, Gulf Region division liaison to the proud tradition and distinguished heritage CFLCC C-7. “The U.S. has always gone set by its predecessors. Third Army stands back and helped to rebuild nations after a watch to deter hostile and contentious gov- conflict.” ernments which would disrupt peace and sta- She added, “Third U.S. Army has one of Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw bility, assuring Coalition Partners of its Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third U.S. the greatest responsibilities in the restoration national resolve to end conflict whenever Army commanding general cuts a cake in of these countries and that is one of the great- called upon to do so. celebration of the units birthday. est feelings, to know that you were a part of Many of the servicemembers had great sacrifices of our Soldiers and today, our team that cause and the team that made it happen.” sentiments during this time of celebration is rounded out by Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Many troops even relate the birthday to about their mission within the organization Coast Guardsmen, our Soldiers in Slacks and overall career aspects in the Army. and their role in the War on Terror. our Coalition allies…You men and women of “I think what we have done here has had a “I feel that without the Third U.S Army today carry on the traditions of those Third huge impact on Army Reserve Soldiers as far mission for logistics there would not be for- Army troopers who came before us…You as promotions, ability to transfer from the ward bases of operations, because we support serve well and, by doing so, you ensure our Individaul Ready Reserve to troop program the fight. I schedule all the video teleconfer- nation’s freedom,” said Lt. Gen. R. Steven units, which also ties into a Soldiers ability to ences, which is one component of communi- Whitcomb, Third U.S. Army/U.S. Army reenlist for bonuses. I also feel that our mis- cation assets for Third U.S. Army. This Forces Central Command/Coalition Forces sion has had a great impact from the adminis- enables them to coordinate many of the war Land Component commanding general. trative perspective,” said Sgt. 1st Class efforts for this theater,” said Sgt. 1st Class When Third U.S. Army responded to the Patrick J. Anderson, U.S. Army Reserve G-1 Gilbert Alviso, Coalition Forces Land Sept. 11 attacks, it was with great commit- LNO for the Army Reserve Affairs. Component Command VTC chief for C-6. ment and resolve to root out and punish ter- “The Third Army history ... it will remind Third U.S. Army has a proud and long- rorists and those who harbor, facilitate and you that ours is hard work, sometimes nasty, standing history stemming from Gen. George finance them. sometimes dangerous, often lonely, but S. Patton’s accomplishments during World With the support and command and con- always a noble calling because through your War II. It is the same Army that orchestrated trol of Third U.S. Army and CFLCC, military efforts, your sacrifices, your dedication to the largest modern land battle in history, servicemembers have driven insurgents from duty, you are ensuring freedom for America defeating the Iraqi forces during Operation power, captured hundreds of detainees, creat- and providing opportunities for freedom for Desert Storm. ed conditions that allowed schools and hospi- others — Happy Birthday troops,” Whitcomb “Our history is replete with the selfless tals to reopen and facilitate airdrops for mil- said. Happy Birthday Corps Marines celebrate 230 years of history Spc. Michael R. Noggle Forces Central fellow Marines. Marines on their birthday, Gen. CFLCC PAO/11th PAD Command/Coalition Forces Land “It was something nice to Michael W. Hagee, commandant Component deputy commanding have and give recognition to the of the Marine Corps, had this to The saying “Once a Marine, general. Marine birthday.” say: always a Marine” was apparent The cake was cut with the Ka- “These are things Marines “This past year has been one as present and former Marines on Bar, the Marine Corps’ fighting don’t forget,” said Dewayne of the most continuous combat Camp Arifjan joined together to knife, to signify a band of war- Coleman, a Marine veteran since operations overseas and distin- celebrate the Marine Corps’ riors committed to carrying arms 1992. guished service here at home, a 230th birthday Nov. 10. so that the nation may live in Coleman was one of a hand- year of challenges that have The senior Marine present for peace. ful of civilians who once spent brought out the very best in our the traditional cake-cutting cere- As part of the honored tradi- time in the corps. Corps.” mony was Col. Edward Smith, tion, the youngest and eldest “Once you’re a Marine, Hagee wrote, “In commemo- Marine Forces Command Central Marine from the camp, Lance you’re a Marine for life,” he said. rating our anniversary, let us Kuwait, accompanied by guest of Cpl. Venancio Rodriquez and Lt. “You always know that you’re strengthen our ties to the past by honor, Maj. Gen. James Kelly, Col. Martin W. Holdeman, were part of the family,” he added. paying homage to those who Third U.S. Army/U.S. Army acknowledged in front of their In a letter addressing to all have gone before us.

Desert Voice November 16, 2005 9 Mountain Masochist Trail Run... Tests Soldier’s mind, body, spirit Capt. Chevelle Thomas Lissner said he felt he was prepared for what The race was more than just a competition CFLCC PAO/11th PAD Commander lay before him. to Lissner. It was not about rivalry between When he arrived at the starting point of him and the other participants. It was not inishing in 11:03, one Soldier’s goal the race, he found himself in the midst of a about winning. of completing his very first 50-mile crowd of approximately 300 people. In the end it was about self-determination Fultra marathon was completed Oct. He felt himself and will power. It was 15. getting pushed along“To see that store and the finish line from mind over matter or, in Unlike most Soldiers who use their rest in the pack as every-a half a mile away, that was an emotional this case, mind over and relaxation time to take a break from the one began to sprint charge ...” pain. rigors of work, Lt. Col. J. Matthew Lissner, from the start point. Lt. Col. J. Mathew Lissner As he ran the ultra Coalition Forces Land Component As the sun started he continuously asked Command, Army Reserve Affairs deputy to rise, the paved road slowly began to turn himself, “Who am I going to disappoint? assistant chief of staff, chose to push his into a smaller trail and that turned into an What am I going to tell my kids?” body to the limits along the Blue Ridge even smaller trail that eventually put the pack He would tell himself, “It will quit hurting Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., at the 23rd of runners into one long snake-like ranger as soon as I get to the finish.” Annual Mountain Masochist Trail Run. file, said the Newport News, Va., native. With that in mind Lissner said when he After several months of training in Kuwait There were aid stations along the way at did get cramps he would not push himself so on the treadmill and in the hot desert sun, about every third mile. Each aid station was hard to where he acquired an injury. Little running an average of 60 miles a week, named after one of the many terrain features old ladies and old guys would pass him, but that surrounded the race, like Cashaw Creek, he was not trying to compete with anybody. Appalachian Trail, Mount Pleasant and He looked at the watch and didn’t want to get Porter’s Ridge. hurt, which would cause him to get pulled Some had fruits, cookies, chocolate, pota- from the course. toes, ham and cheese sandwiches, peanut but- It was basically Lissner, nature and the ter and jelly sandwiches and some even had watch. His physical and mental stamina to music like Chariots of Fire, Lissner said. He continue the race, his ability to adapt to the went on to say that if it was a big intersection weather and his drive to meet the 12-hour then you might even find yourself being time requirements were the challenges that he cheered on by 30 to 40 people. had accepted for himself and determined to Lissner took advantage of every aid sta- meet. tion, stopping for two to three minutes to re- As the last aid station was passed, heading hydrate, take in a snack for energy or just for the finish, Lissner told himself, “I’m show the volunteers that he appreciated what close.” they were doing for him and the other run- He said as he got closer to the finish line ners during the race. the thought of relaxing and having a beer Lissner found himself facing severe chal- crossed his mind. He could see the country lenges mid-way through the race due to the store on one side of the road and the finish difficult terrain that he had to maneuver and line on the other side, and he said that was a the severity of the cramps he was experienc- really great sight. ing. “To see that store and the finish line from Between the 30- and 40-mile markers, he a half a mile away, that was an emotional said he realized that this was one of the most charge, but it wasn’t like this great big adren- mentally challenging things he had ever aline rush where I started sprinting for the done. finish either,” he said. He said he thought about his Ranger train- “I just kept on trucking along, nice and ing and how people would get delirious and easy,” he said. compared that to the challenges he faced in After finishing, Lissner said if he had it to the marathon. do over again the only thing he would do dif- However, he knew he had to keep going. ferent is run with an Ipod because he felt that “There were times where … I’m like, would have moved some of the miles away a ‘Why am I doing this?’” the 48-year-old said. little easier. As he continued to talk about his race However, in the end he did not need an experience at the MMTR, which is a part of Ipod. All he needed was the self-discipline Capt. Chevelle Thomas Lt. Col. J. Matthew Lissner runs on a tread- the Lynchburg Ultra Series and also is con- to keep going. mill training for a 50-mile ultra marathon. sidered the Montrail Ultra Cup Even today some troops ask Lissner why He ran this marathon while he was on R&R Championship race, he knew that the race he did the race and his reply is, “It seemed in Virginia. was a gut-check. like a pretty good idea at the time.” 10 Desert Voice November 16, 2005 Community happenings for Nov. 16 through Nov. 23

Arifjan Wednesday For more information call Tree trimming, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Wednesday Center 844-1137 Pool tournament, 8-ball, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Thanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket- Spearhead/SPOD Community Center ball tournament, through Nov. 27 Flag football league preseason, Zone 1 soccer For information call 825-1302 Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis Victory field courts Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courts Boxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center Wednesday Boxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage Bricklayer’s free-throw contest, 3 p.m., Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage MWR courts Step and abs, 8 a.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center For more information call Three-point contest, 4 p.m., MWR courts Thursday 430-1205/1302 Thursday Flag football league preseason, Zone 1 soc- Buehring Aerobics, 5 a.m., MWR cer field Thursday Guns of steel chin-up contest, 3 p.m., gym Ballroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1 Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1 Movie night, 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Community Center Friday Friday Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Talent Show, 7 p.m., MWR stage Furious flag football tournament, 3 p.m., Community Center Hip-Hop Night, 9 p.m., Tent 1 MWR fields Tai Chi, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness Center Saturday Saturday Friday Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1 Aerobics, 5 a.m., MWR Flag football league preseason, Zone 1 soccer Hip-Hop Night, 9 p.m., MWR tent 1 Furious flag football tournament, 3 p.m., field Sunday MWR fields Boxing class, 8 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center Salsa dance, 9 p.m. Sunday Total Praise Concert, 7 p.m., Zone 6 PCB Monday Furious flag football tournament, 3 p.m., 1251 Turkey Trot 5K run, registration 5 a.m., start MWR fields Saturday 6 a.m. Monday Flag football league, through Dec. 24, Zone 1 Tuesday Coolhand Luke Texas Hold’em tournament, 6 soccer field Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1 p.m., MWR dayroom Salsa lessons, beginner, 6 p.m., intermediate, For more information call Tuesday 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center room 102 Aerobics, 5 a.m., MWR Boxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center 828-1340 Desert Bingo Night, 6 p.m., MFT Salsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 food court Kuwait Naval Base Wednesday Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage Wednesday Whose Your Baghdaddy Arm Wrestling Hip Hop step, 1 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center Checkers, 7 p.m., Aerobics room championship, 3 p.m., MWR dayroom Tai Chi advanced, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1 Friday For more information call Fitness Center Bingo, 7 p.m., Fitness Center bench area The Ride, 6 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness Center Saturday 823-1033 Sunday Foosball, 1 p.m., game room Virginia NFL games, 6 p.m., Zone 1 and 6 Wednesday Wednesday Community Centers Chess, 7 p.m., Aerobics room Volleyball tournament, 10 vs. 10, 5 p.m., Salsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage For more information call Field S of MWR tent Step and abs, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 1 Thursday Fitness Center 839-1063 Volleyball tournament, 10 vs. 10, 5 p.m., Abs, 8 a.m., Zone 1 Fitness Center Navistar Field S of MWR tent Monday Wednesday Friday Karaoke Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Push-up, sit-up competition, 4 p.m., gym Center Thursday Saturday Thanksgiving Wheel of Fortune, 7 p.m., Zone Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Hip-Hop Night, 8 p.m., Dusty Room 6 Community Center Friday Monday Salsa lessons, beginner, 6 p.m., intermediate, Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Basketball tournament, 5 vs. 5, 6 p.m., bas- 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center room 102 Saturday ketball courts Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courts Fun run, 6 a.m., MWR tent Tuesday Tuesday Monday Bingo, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Pool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tent Wednesday Center Tuesday Chess tournament, 7 p.m., MWR tent Aaron Tippin Show, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage Pool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tent For more information call Ballroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1 Wednesday 832-1045 Community Center Pool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tent

Desert Voice November 16, 2005 11 The sprint to victory For the Veteran’s Day track and field story see the Nov. 23 edition of the Desert Voice.