MARCH 9, 2005

PROTECTED WATERS PAGE 6 Volume 26, Issue 30 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 content of this publication is the responsibility of the Coalition Forces Land CONTENTS 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 be edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by the Public Affairs Office. 30 Page 3 31st MEU ships home CFLCC Commanding General Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb After five months in Iraq, the 31st MEU, which had come to Kuwait in September on CFLCC Command Sergeant Major a training mission, returns to Japan. Command Sgt. Maj. Julian Kellman CFLCC Public Affairs Officer Page 4 Blood, sweat and victory Col. Michael Phillips A boxing tournament at Camp Doha March 1 Commander 14th PAD pitted American troops against one another, Maj. Thomas E. Johnson but it was all in fun, and more than a thou- NCOIC 14th PAD sand troops showed up to cheer them on. Staff Sgt. Sheryl Lawry Black history finale Desert Voice Editor Page 5 Sgt. Matt Millham Black History Month is over, but it went out with a bang during a ceremony Feb. 27. Desert Voice Staff Writers Spc. Curt Cashour Spc. Brian Trapp 4 Pages 6&7 Protected waters Spc. Aimee Felix Before 9/11, there was the bombing of the CFLCC PAO Writer USS Cole in Yemen. To make sure that Spc. Jonathan Montgomery tragedy doesn’t repeat itself, the Navy has dedicated a small fleet of patrol boats to 14th PAD Broadcasters guard American ships and assets at the sea- Sgt. Scott White Spc. Charles Spears port of debarkation. Page 8 Korean dedication The Koreans have the third most number of troops dedicated to the reconstruction of Iraq, and the country reconfirmed its support 9 for the war in a building dedication ceremo- ny in Kuwait Feb. 26. Page 9 Multi-war veteran Chief Petty Officer Larry Tentinger has fought in three American wars, and this is his second tour to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Page 10 48-star flag over Arifjan When a Marine died on Iwo Jima in 1945, there were only 48 states in the union. Feb. 27, his flag was flown over Arifjan on the 60th anniverssary of his death. 6 Page 11 Community Slasa night, Sofball signup, Basketball tour- nament, Hoseshoe tournament, Bazaar. On the Cover Navy patrol boats, acting to avoid another tragedy like the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, are a Back page Soldier submissions stifling presence at the seaport of Comics by Lt. Col. Michael Verrett and debarkation. 5 Capt. Paul Nichols. Poem by Staff Sgt. Photo by Spc. Aimee Felix Stephanie Johnson.

2 Desert Voice March 9, 2005 Out of Iraq, 31st MEU ships home Story and photos by Spc. Jonathan Montgomery

During the 30-minute boat ride from a cement pier of Kuwaiti Naval Base to the 0 USS Essex, which floated miles offshore, the Marines of the 31st Marine Expedition- ary Unit relaxed in the cool, calm breeze as they glided over the deep sea-green water of the Arabian Gulf. One Marine broke out his guitar and a pack of cigarettes; another cracked open a Diet Pepsi and turned up the volume on his CD player. The scene stood in stark con- trast to the MEU’s previous five months, which were spent in Iraq dealing with insur- gents, securing borders and securing the country for its first democratic elections since the overthrow of Sadaam Hussein. The 31st MEU, a Marine Air Ground Amphibious Assault Task Force, was responsible for a 33,000 square-mile Left: Marines and corpsmen of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit area of Iraq’s west- carry their gear onto Landing Craft Utility 1627, a small vessel used ern Al Anbar to ferry troops and equipment from ship to shore and back. Above: province. After five Marines and corpsmen aboard LCU 1627 head back to USS Essex, months of fighting which waits for them in the Arabian Gulf. in some of the war’s most pitched who fought in Stallion helicopter crashed in western Iraq battles, like the Fallujah. “We’d killing 30 Marines and a sailor. fight for Fallujah in throw a fragmen- Members of the 31st paid their respects November, the tation grenade to their fallen during a memorial service Marines and into the court- Feb. 20 at Camp Virginia. Sailors of the 2,200- yard, go into the “We fought all types of foreign fighters, member MEU boarded three ships of the house, and not know if anybody was in and we fought courageously.” said Sanders. U.S. Navy’s Essex Amphibious Ready there wanting to shoot at us. It was a rush, “We will always remember the Marines and Group Feb. 28 for a four-week voyage but I still have nightmares.” Sailors we lost.” home to Okinawa, Japan. Gunnery Sgt. James Sanders, who also “The 31st MEU is looking forward to The 31st MEU arrived in the Arabian Gulf fought in Fallujah, recalled the same intensi- returning to Okinawa,” said Parmer. “We are Sept. 9 to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. ty of the battle. “There was constant gunfire proud to have had the opportunity to Initially, members of MEU believed they and explosions … It was tough telling where demonstrate our expeditionary capabilities.” were going to Kuwait for a month-long train- anything was coming from,” he said. “Although we are preparing to head ing event. The 31st MEU, assigned to the While the battle for Fallujah was the high- home for a much deserved rest and to 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expedition- point in terms of action for the MEU, the share time missed with our loved ones, we ary Force, found itself engaged in security 31st was responsible for a wide range of must continue to be ready to serve as and stabilization operations in Iraq from late missions geared toward the long-term sta- America’s 9/11 force in the western Pacific,” September 2004 to early February 2005. bility of Iraq and toward stabilizing the coun- he said. “Five months ago, we put 31st MEU try for its landmark Jan. 30 elections. The Essex ARG, home-ported in Sasebo, ashore for what was supposed to be 30 “The umbrella of our operations has Japan, is comprised of USS Essex, USS days of training and operations,” said included such things as building hospitals, Juneau, and USS Harpers Ferry. Before Amphibious Squadron 11 Commander Capt. improving water sanitation efforts, providing arriving to pick up the 31st, the USS Essex Mark Donahue. “Now five months later, we medical care, helping Iraqis get jobs, assist- provided support and aid to the victims of are welcoming them back from extended ing Iraqis in voter education and registra- the Dec. 26 tsunami in Indonesia as part of combat operations.” tion, and building more than fifty border forts Operation Unified Assistance. While many of the missions carried out to quell the smuggling of weapons, drugs “The 31st MEU and the Essex ARG start- by the MEU were important, engaging the and people trying to enter Iraq from Syria, ed together, stayed in the U.S. Central enemy in Fallujah was an episode that test- Jordan and Saudi Arabia,” said Capt. Burrell Command’s area of responsibility, and will ed the Marine’s mettle and will likely be Parmer, MEU spokesman. finish together,” said Parmer. remembered as the unit’s single biggest The 31st MEU lost 48 Marines and two Editor’s note: This story contains contribution to OIF. Navy corpsmen during its time in Iraq, and information from a story by Navy Chief “I was scared and excited at the same 221 were wounded. The unit’s single Journalist Christina Johnson, USS Essex time,” said Jose Cervantes, an infantryman biggest loss came Jan. 26 when a Super Public Affairs.

Desert Voice March 9, 2005 3 Blood, sweat and victory Story and photos by Spc. Brian Trapp

Thirty-three troops stepped into the ring. Seventeen stepped out gods for the night. As the house lights flickered off and the lights over the ring came up, the crowd erupt- ed in cheers and applause to kick off the Camp Doha Morale Welfare and Recreation Boxing Competition March 2 at Camp Doha. The boxing event featured 17 bouts rang- ing from lightweight, starting at 138 pounds, to super heavy weight, topping out at 271 pounds, and one surprise women’s match- up. The night played out in front of a crowd of more than a thousand troops who cheered every match as if it were a title-fight. “When they raise your hand, it’s the best feeling in the world . . . It’s like static elec- tricity running through your body,” said 184- pound Nathaniel Reeves, 37, who was vic- torious after his three one-minute rounds in one of the light heavyweight fights. Like many of the night’s boxers, Reeves had been in only a handful of matches before Above: Bryan Stephen, in blue, is held back from Curtis Quillin by the ref- eree. Quillin won the fight, which was one of the most furious of the night. Afr left: Francisco Gonzalez gets advice between rounds. Near left: Carlos Rodriguez, in blue, puts Timothy Walker into the ropes on his way to victory March 2 at the Camp Doha gymnasium. Even though boxing rounds helped reduce injuries as well, said is rarely thought of as Dwayne Coleman, a boxing judge for the a team sport, it was on event. this night. Units came “I’m looking for scoring good, hard, clean out to support their punches,” Coleman said. “Not glancing buddies in the ring. blows or the guys that swing a lot and look “My whole regiment busy but don’t make any good contact. his fight night match-up. came,” said Reeves, who had the crowd That’s why sometimes the crowd disagrees Preparations for the event started weeks chanting his name in the last round of his with the judges.” ago when Morale Welfare and Recreation fight. “It’s very exciting to have your name Even when the shouts were questioning sent out an invitation for amateur boxers. being chanted, even people who don’t know the judges’ calls on the winner of the fight, About 70 troops from across Kuwait signed up. you chanting your name. It gives you a the crowd still seemed to enjoy the event, “Getting people together was easy,” said great feeling.” where every seat was a ring-side seat. Joe Lyon, event coordinator with MWR. “The crowd was really into the fight,” Govan This event marked the last fight night at “Whether they’re going up north or going said. “I thought they were outstanding.” Camp Doha. The ring is scheduled to be home, they wanted to get in and fight.” Lt. Col. Stan Fugate, Camp Doha com- dismantled and moved to Camp Arifjan later After going through a physical and match- mander, gave the opening remarks before this year. ing up troops for the fight, 34 competitors the first fight kicked off. Later in the night he made the final cut for their time in the ring. said Doha hosted the event for the morale There are a lot of guys into boxing, Lyon and espirit de corps building aspects of box- said, and there are a lot of boxing coaches ing. Fugate summed up his feelings about in the Army. One of those coaches was the sport when he said “Boxing is kinda like Darrell Govan, coach for the Camp Arifjan combat. That’s what I like about it.” boxing team. Fugate also stressed that the boxers Six people from Govan’s team fought; were using full protective equipment and five won. The sixth boxer lost in a split deci- had the Area Support Group-Kuwait oral sion, he added quickly. Govan attributed his surgeon and doctor on hand in case of any boxer’s wins to their conditioning, and “we injuries. The medical staff did have to take wanted it more,” he said. “This was the first care of some bloody faces and check a hurt Jaun Lands, blue, exchanges blows with Jose time they got to fight in the ring. They were shoulder, but nothing too serious. Rivera, red, during their welterweight match. crazy about it, they loved it.” Limiting the bouts to three one-minute Lands walked out of the ring victorious.

4 Desert Voice March 9, 2005 Black History Month closes with a stomp Story and photo by Sgt. Matt Millham

During a month set aside to honor the contributions of blacks to American society, a number of speeches and statements by Americans of all colors echoed one particu- lar hope – that a day would come when months such as Black History Month would no longer be necessary. Still, the energy of celebrations during Black History Month are overwhelmingly positive, and the month-long recognition brings to light important actions, movements and people who may never before have enjoyed the limelight. Celebrations at Camp Doha Feb. 26 and Camp Arifjan Feb. 27 capped off a month of activities across Kuwait in honor of Black History Month. At Arifjan, the Zone 1 Theater exceeded capacity for nearly two hours of speeches, runway modeling, dancing and singing on the stage and in the aisles. Members of the fraternity Omega Psi Phi closed out the year’s Black History Month recognition The keynote speaker at the Arifjan event, with an energetic step show, which was part of a larger event at Camp Arifjan Feb. 27 Col. Larry C. Boyd, commander of 3rd Personnel Command (Provisional) based at U.S. military is black, and blacks occupy ple shirts without the aid of background Arifjan, weaved together a short history of his more management positions in the military music. life as dozens of people, unable to find seats than in any other sector in the United States, Stepping, originally developed in the in the crowded theater, listened from outside said Boyd. United States by black fraternities and soror- the theater’s open doors. “I was born in the After listing off the accomplishments of ities, involves performances that unite folk sticks, in the country,” said Boyd. “My parents the American military’s first black generals traditions with modern culture through only had an eighth-grade education.” and admirals and speaking of the pride he thumping body movements, singing, chanti- He described the house he lived in until felt in coming into the Army and meeting ng, speaking and drama. Even within the he was seven as a shack without running black sergeant majors and field-grade offi- fraternity, there are variations in step styles water. To get water, his family had to go to cers, Boyd said, “These accomplishments from region to region, said Capt. John an outdoor well. The family’s bathroom was make me proud as an American, but they Sensley, who led the Ques’ routine. an outhouse. also make me proud as an African Much like the military itself, “most of the It was a long way to go from his meager American.” brothers are from all over the place,” said upbringing to his graduation with honors “I’m thankful for those who paved the way Sensley. The group’s routine “was actually a from South Carolina State University, for people like me,” said Boyd. combination from the East Coast and the Orangeburg, where he earned a bachelor’s Some of the night’s biggest highlights came South.” in political science and public administration. after the keynote address. Models dressed in Mixing all the different styles took a lot of On graduating, he also received his Army casual clothes strutted the theater and posed time and practice. Sensley and the rest of commission and was designated an ROTC for cameras at the foot of the stage as the the Que steppers began preparing for this distinguished military graduate. audience jumped to take pictures. Later on, a part of the show in December, said Sensley. Though he undeni- different group of mod- The performance drew a loud response ably had the talent to “I’m thankful for those els hit the stage from the crowd, especially from other Ques, be an officer in the dressed in replica who chanted along and hollered to their U.S. Army, his accom- who paved the way for baseball jerseys from onstage brothers. plishments may not people like me.” - Col. Larry C. Boyd the Negro leagues “We’re kind of intense,” said Maj. Eugene have been possible while the audience lis- Jones, a former Que who spent most of the without the efforts of those who were the tened to a brief history of segregated baseball. performance seated on the floor in front of focus of this year’s Black History Month: The Though the Negro leagues ended only about the stage cheering on his brothers. Niagara Movement. In talking about the halfway through the last century and were, at The high intensity and turnout may, in movement, Boyd referred to a quote that their peak, among the biggest spectator part, have been due to the fact that this formed the center of the philosophy of its events in America, there isn’t a complete list of year’s event involved more servicemembers founder, W.E.B. DuBois: “We want manhood the teams from the leagues’ 70-year history, than in previous years. Rohda Caige, a CSA suffrage, and we want it now.” the audience learned. contractor who has attended Kuwait’s Black Nowhere is the evidence of black equality But while the crowd got riled up by the History Month celebrations for years, said more prevalent than in the military, Boyd jersey display, it was a step routine put on usually there are more contractors involved suggested as he mentioned statistics about by brothers of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, in the show. “This one was more 100 per- the makeup of the American armed forces. known as the “Ques,” that got them scream- cent of the Soldiers,” said Caige. “It shows, Although blacks make up about 13 percent ing. Chanting and stomping in synchronized even with all they’re going through, they can of the population, about 21 percent of the steps, five Ques filed onto the stage in pur- still come out for black history.”

Desert Voice March 9, 2005 5 Inshore Boat Unit 22 Sailor Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Cox is one of two gunners on his patrol crew. Cox, whose Navy job title is master in arms, is a Reebok footwear engineer at home. Protected waters story and photos by Spc. Aimee Felix ships coming through Kuwait’s main seaport of debarkation – generally deal with little more Oct. 12, 2000, the USS Cole was on its than fishermen and jet skiers, these Naval way to the Arabian Gulf when it stopped for Reservists remain vigilant and ready to stop fuel in Yemen. A small inflatable boat carrying the enemy. two suicide bombers and enough explosives “No ship comes in or out of here without to rip a hole through the destroyer pulled up being shadowed by one of our patrol teams,” beside the ship and detonated. What would said Tanck. have been just a short fuel stop cost the lives During the surge, the SPOD receives up to of 17 Sailors while nearly 40 others were seri- three military ships a day carrying an average ously injured. total of 6,000 pieces of military equipment, The Navy reacted quickly to the attack on its said Maj. Alfonso Holt, port plans officer with troops by deploying its Inshore Boat Units, rap- the 143rd Transportation Command. And IBU idly deployable units that usually have six 22 and 24 are in charge of protecting it all for armed patrol boats at least two miles until the ships arrive in What would have been manned by four international waters, said Tanck. Sailors each. The Between the two, IBU 22 and IBU 24 have just a short fuel stop cost units were created in a total 12 patrol boats and more than 150 the lives of 17 Sailors 1996, but weren’t Sailors who work 12 hours on and 12 hours deployed until after the off – up from 11 hours on and 22 hours off in while nearly 40 others Cole disaster, said the lull between surges. During their shifts, Cmdr. Calvin Tanck, Sailors are restricted to their patrol boats at were seriously injured. commanding officer of sea for eight hours, requiring them to use the IBU 24, one of two onboard bathroom and even get their food such units stationed in Kuwait. Here, their main delivered to them by Sailors who aren’t on responsibility is to prevent another devastating patrol, said Tanck. terrorist attack by protecting and escorting mili- Each patrol boat has a four-man crew con- tary ships moving through theater. sisting of a boat captain, an engineer and two While the Sailors of IBU 22 and 24 – who crewmen, i.e., gunners. Aside from their are in charge of guarding U.S. and coalition responsibilities while on patrol, IBU Sailors

6 Desert Voice March 9, 2005 have other duties like giving or getting pro- know we’re here for a reason,” said Petty fessional development training, cleaning Officer 2nd Class Al Ablog, the other gunner weapons or conducting maintenance on on Douglas’ crew. their boats. These responsibilities are car- One of Douglas’ least favorite parts of the ried out during their 12 hours off. job is radioing in a trespassing boat to his While the hours are demanding, IBU 22 higher headquarters because “the folks up boat captain Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward in the tower ask a lot of Douglas said the variety in this job is a questions all at once, If a boat comes in sight, and it isn’t part refreshing change of pace from what he and they want answers does as a civilian – he’s an accountant. “I immediately.” Douglas of the Kuwaiti port authority or any don’t have to think about profit/loss shares has to answer these here,” he said. questions while at the other authorized port dweller, it’s ruled Douglas’ next Sailor in command, IBU 22 same time ensuring his a trespasser, and the patrol team is engineer Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Hann, crew members are han- is responsible for making sure the boat is dling the situation, he responsible for getting rid of it. running well, which is fitting since back said. home in Rock Island, Ill., he runs a diesel “If it takes too long to get rid of it, every- shop that works on boats, and he owns a one gets all [nervous]. That’s kind of stress- boat himself. When he’s not on his 12-hour ful,” said Douglas. patrol shift, he’ll likely be fixing one of the If a boat comes in sight, and it isn’t part of IBU 22 patrol boats. the Kuwaiti port authority or any other author- The Sailors on Douglas’ crew all get ized port dweller, it’s ruled a trespasser, and along so well that when asked what their the patrol team is responsible for getting rid

From top left: A patrol boat coasts in to the dock at the seaport of debarkation. A speeding patrol boat heads out on patrol in the Arabian Gulf. A patrol boat sits in the waters of the port to intimidate would-bbe attackers. Heading back to shore for some down time, an Inshore Boat Unit 24 patrol boat cuts a hard turn. Petty Officer 2nd Class Al Ablog, one of the gunners on his IBU 22 patrol crew, scouts the port. favorite part of the job was, all their answers of it. Although they have gone as far as firing had one thing in common: each other. warning shots to get rid of unauthorized “These guys are all great people to work boats, it rarely goes that far, said Tanck. with,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Ablog said that while he misses home, Cox, one of the gunners in Douglas’ crew. he’s happy to be playing a role in making He added that they make up a bit for his the world safer. least favorite part of the job, which is being Protecting the U.S. and coalition ships homesick. This is Cox’s first deployment, traveling through the 20th largest port in the and it happened just when the IBU deploy- world, IBU 22 has been in Kuwait since ments were extended from about six November 2004 and IBU 24, which is now months to about eight months. on its fourth deployment since its creation, “Being away from family sucks, but they has been here since August 2004.

Desert Voice March 9, 2005 7 Koreans reconfirm their OIF role Story and photos by Spc. Aimee Felix

Korea’s presence in Iraq is the third largest in the coalition, after the United States and Great Britain. Their contributions to the reconstruction of Iraq have come in the form of a mobile clinic and base hospital for locals in northern Iraq, an advanced training program for Kurdish doctors and nurses, and a vocational school that offers classes in computers, electronics and auto repair. Now on its fourth rotation, Korea’s 3,800- soldier contribution in Iraq is supported by a much smaller group of Korean soldiers in Kuwait, and with the help of their American friends, the support group is setting trends for other coalition forces to follow while they brighten the days of the U.S. troops they work with at Camp Virginia. “These guys are great to work with,” said Left: A Korean Buddhist priest chants a prayer during the dedica- Capt. Scott Cranford, tion ceremony for the Korean support group compound Feb. 26. Virginia’s officer in Above: The seven-ttrailer compound at Camp Virginia will serve as charge of coalition oper- the support operations center for the Korean Army’s troops serv- ations, sharing what ing to bring democracy and stability to Iraq. seems to be a common sentiment among the and the other lowed a tour of the compound. American troops who two are living “That’s the usual,” said Cranford explain- have worked or interacted quarters available ing that while the Koreans have one of the with the Koreans. to any distinguished visitor traveling in the- most professional armies he’s seen, they The Korean support group, roughly 20 ater, including the distinguished visitors of still know how to have a good time. “They’re soldiers who run the show for Korean sol- other coalition partners. Those same living pranksters too,” said Cranford who has diers traveling to and from Iraq, has taken a quarters will also be available for Korean been a victim of a few of their jokes. step toward independently supporting its troops to relax in on their four-day rest and Soldiers from the Korean support group own troops with a new seven-trailer com- recuperation pass from Iraq, which is taken invited Cranford to a ceremonious dinner pound from which to conduct logistics and at Camp Virginia. that is held once a year. At this dinner, the deployment/redeployment operations. The The command staff at Virginia helped get Koreans drink a foul-tasting soup. Knowing Korean Air Force has a similar support the trailers up and running, setting up DSN how gross the soup is, the Koreans only operations setup in Ali Al Salem Air Base. lines and generators as soon as they take a spoonful of it and throw the rest The Korean support group commander, arrived, said Navy Lt. Commander away. However, they “failed” to mention this Lt. Col. Yong Kim, came up with the idea Hyungkuk Lee about his friends in the to Cranford. and put in a request for the compound in camp’s command cell. “We have a good Being the diplomatic American he was December 2004, seeking approval from relationship with the Americans. They’ve taught to be in all those pre-deployment Area Support Group-Kuwait to have the been great friends and a great help,” added briefings, Cranford took several gulps of the trailers in Camp Virginia. Two weeks later, Lee, officer in charge of sea operations in ghastly soup as he held back from gagging. the Korean support group got their the Korean support group. The Koreans couldn’t hold back, and they approval, and the last of the trailers, all built For Cranford, the feeling is mutual. He busted out laughing, said Cranford who in Korea, was brought over Feb. 12. A rib- highlighted the Korean’s hospitality, a char- couldn’t hold back from laughing himself. bon cutting ceremony officially marked the acteristic that was in full effect during the The Korean troops at Camp Virginia opening of the compound Feb. 26. ribbon cutting ceremony for the compund. make an effort to integrate with the rest of Other coalition countries are on board to Kim and Lee invited leaders from the U.S. the troops there by participating in all of do the same. Japan will have theirs in July and other coalition troops in theater. They Virginia’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation and other countries like Poland are expect- briefed their guests on the purpose and events, and they often play sports with other ed to follow, said Cranford. function of the compound, offered a glimpse coalition troops, said Cranford. Since they are one of the larger contribu- of Korean culture with a prayer chanted by While their ground-breaking step toward tors to operations in Iraq, the bigger work one of their Buddhist priests and invited a more stable support group is a step space in the new compound will make their guests to participate in the actual rib- toward self-sufficiency for their army, the things easier for the Koreans than they bon cutting. Following the ceremony, the U.S. liaison officers involved in helping the were when they worked out of tents, said Koreans offered rice cakes and other Koreans carry out their support operations Kim. Five of the trailers are for office space, Korean treats in a small reception that fol- enjoy helping these good-spirited soldiers.

8 Desert Voice March 9, 2005 Veteran of (many) foreign wars Story by Spc. Brian Trapp units as their combat medics, known as corpsman. His choice to serve with the At birth, he weighed in at a mere two Marines in the FMF was influenced by his pounds. It wasn’t an auspicious beginning. father’s service in the Marines during World Now, more than five decades later, Chief War II, said Tentinger, whose age only Petty Officer Larry Tentinger stands 5 feet 6 shows through in laugh lines and light hair. inches, weighs 180 pounds and can bench His path to the FMF also led him into Iraq more than twice as much. While this is and back into the fray. remarkable in its own right, it’s only a small In the beginning of OIF, he was with the part of what makes up the life story of this Marines of the 2/23rd as they pushed veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm who toward Baghdad on the way to has volunteered to return to the desert for a toppling Saddam Hussein. He second tour in Operation Iraq Freedom. took care of men he “would “When I was in school my nickname was deploy with again in a heart- ‘Little Larry,’” said Tentinger, chief of trans- beat.” But to Tentinger, being portation and facilities with Expeditionary a corpsman meant more than Medical Facility-Dallas. “They don’t call me just keeping Marines healthy. that anymore.” He needed to keep their spir- Now people call him professor, 2004 its up. He did so in a way that Reserve Force Sailor of the Year and a man seems to fit in with his with invaluable experience. intense energy, which you “[Tentinger’s combat experience] gives us feel beaming from his hard, all confidence,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class piercing eyes. Chief Petty Officer Larry Cesar Rodriguez, who works with Tentinger When he would notice Tentinger poses in Vietnam, at EMF-Dallas. “We look to him for guid- Marines’ morale wavering left, and in Iraq in the first ance because of his experience. Hopefully during the wait to invade Iraq, rotation of Operation Iraqi we can grow from that and be a better unit he would walk up and tell Freedom, above. for it.” them to hold out their hand. Then his tenure packet to the university. EMF-Dallas isn’t the only place his expe- he would touch his father’s ring to theirs, “I volunteered to come here, even after I rience has helped a unit. During the start of and tell them, “This is my father’s ring that just got back,” he said. “To me, service for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tentinger served he wore into combat in World War II, and my country outweighs dealing with the poli- as a combat medic with the 2nd Battalion, that power is now with you now,” he said. cies of where I work. It’s a higher calling. I 23rd Marine Regiment in the push toward “After I would do that, they would stand a lit- know in my heart it was the right thing to Baghdad, where his experience was a fac- tle bit taller. They were going into battle with do. That’s why I’m not going to sweat pro- tor separating life from death. the heritage of the leathernecks of World motion and tenure.” Tentinger knew the Marines needed War II.” Tentinger isn’t the only one who sees his someone who had been in battle before, Even with an experience in combat and situation between his university and his someone with combat experience. He has an intimidating build that recently helped country that way either. that to offer to the younger troops, he said, him earn third place in a Camp Arifjan “I think his true career is the military,” and so he did. bench-press competition, he is a friendly, said Dr. James Hesson, physical education When he was drafted into the Army in positive man who radiates energy. professor, fellow Vietnam veteran and for- 1969 to serve as a medic for the 1st “He’s firm, fair and friendly,” said mer colleague of Tentinger’s. “University Cavlary Division in Vietnam, Tentinger had Elizabeth Simmons, one of Tentinger’s grad- teaching is what he has to do between con- an old first sergeant who had seen combat uate students at USD. “He is a man of great flicts. His heart belongs to the military and during the Korean War. “He was there, and conscience, but also a man with a great to the United States of America. He is an helped us move forward under fire. I was sense of responsibility. To me, he is a excellent teacher, and he is a patriot. I was there for the Marines, and I helped them model of what it means to be an American, a Ranger in Vietnam, and I would have move forward like he did for me.” Sailor or Soldier.” deployed with him in a minute.” Tentinger left the Army after Vietnam and The decision to come back to OIF was The night before he left for OIF, the 10 didn’t join the Naval Reserve until 1989. He easy for Tentinger, he said. o’clock news showed a protest an anti-war was mobilized Aug. 25, 1990, and found “I felt it was unfinished business. After protest at the USD campus, his campus. himself on an airplane two days later on his the initial push, going up Highway 7, I saw “It made me so mad, my wife had to way to Operation Desert Storm where he the Iraqi people dancing in the streets with physically stop me from getting in the car served as a medic at a field hospital in tears in their eyes. After Saddam was taken and going down there,” said Tentinger, Saudi Arabia. After Desert Storm, Tentinger from power and the statue came down, I whose “peace through strength” views decided to make a change in both of his saw a ray of hope in those people’s eyes. aren’t necessarily the most popular on cam- careers. He started his climb into higher Then the insurgents came in . . . We need pus. “Because of my upbringing, when I’m academia and became an assistant profes- to stay the course.” defending our country, I feel like this is sor at the University of South Dakota Both times Tentinger has deployed to OIF where I belong,” he said. “In the world of School of Education. he’s put his career at USD on hold. When higher education, I feel like I’m in an ivory He also switched to the Fleet Marine he mobilized to deploy to Kuwait with EMF- tower. It’s OK, because I’m their diversity Force, where Navy medics attach to Marine Dallas, he was in the process of submitting factor in higher education.”

Desert Voice March 9, 2005 9 Arifjan flies 48-star flag of fallen Marine

Story and photo by Sgt. Matt Millham Moretti, drove to Moretti’s home in North The flag symbolizes more than just the Carolina to pick up the flag. Marines’ sacrifices at Iwo Jima, Moretti By Feb. 27, 1945, tens of thousands of After reuniting with the relic of World War insisted. “It’s a symbol really of the ultimate U.S. Marines had already been pounding II, Moretti got permission from the com- sacrifice,” he said, mentioning the 1,500 the beaches and sparse, volcanic terrain of mander of Area Support Group-Kuwait, Col. American troops who have died in Iwo Jima for days in an amphibious assault Brick T. Miller, to fly the flag at Camp Arifjan. Operation Iraqi Freedom made the same that is widely considered the archetype of Sixty years to the day after his death, sacrifice that was made at Iwo Jima. amphibious assaults. For every football-field A’Hearn’s flag flew on a flagpole in Kuwait, As Moretti watched, the flag was taken size piece of the island, one Marine was thousands of miles from both Japan and the down the evening of Feb. 27 by some of his killed and five were wounded. United States, decades removed from the best friends in Kuwait, including Nelson, One of those killed that day was Pfc. second “war to end all wars,” at a camp that Maj. Joel Harbaugh, Capt. Rene Ybarra, Joseph J. A’Hearn of Fox Company, 2nd is a base of operations for an entirely differ- Maj. Robert Brogan and Maj. J.J. Thomas. Battalion, 25th Regiment of the 4th Marine ent kind of war. The flag’s flight over Kuwait is rife with Division. symbolism and reminiscent of the historic Like thousands of his comrades who died image of Marines hoisting an American flag during the 36-day battle for Iwo Jima, over Iwo Jima just four days into the battle A’Hearn was buried on the island. Years for the island. A photograph of that event later, his remains were unearthed and remains one of the most gripping images of returned to the United States. World War II, and was a rallying point for With those remains came a 48-star the United States in its war against Japan. American flag, representing the 48 states in Moretti says he intends to see his grand- the union at the time. Delivered to A’Hearn’s father’s flag flown every Feb. 27 as long as widow, the flag was flown once within a it’s in his possession. While the flag is in the year of its arrival then boxed up and left Central Command Theater of Operations, almost forgotten until December 2003. Moretti is working to have it flown in Iraq That’s when Maj. Christopher Moretti, and Afghanistan as well, he said. A’Hearn’s grandson, came across the flag while on leave. Untouched for nearly six decades, the FREE STUFF! flag was in perfect condition. Moretti, want- ing to memorialize his grandfather’s death, MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION got permission to fly the flag at Fort FirstSwing and The Sporting News have Leavenworth, Ka., on Feb. 27, 2004. After teamed up to provide fully-paid, one-year arriving in Kuwait, he decided he wanted to subscriptions of The Sporting News to the do something similar at Camp Arifjan, but first 50,000 servicemembers who register. he’d left the flag at home. Fortunatley, he To register, you need only send your name has friends. and full home address information to While on temporary duty in South [email protected]. The magazine Carolina, Maj. Erica Nelson, a friend of will begin coming to you in about six to eight weeks. Commanders may submit the name The 48-sstar flag of Pfc. Joseph J A’Hearn, of their organization, in place of an individ- killed in combat at Iwo Jima in 1945, is low- ual’s name, so that their unit may receive ered at Camp Arifjan Feb. 27. the magazine.

Oh no you’re not. I don’t know who I‘m gonna need to see some ID Wash hands Are you questioning whether or you are until you show me some ID. before you can get into the DFAC. before not I’m a real American Soldier? entering Oh, it’s OK. I had to Well in that case, I’m going I‘m going to go out on a show my ID to the guy at DFAC to need you to verify that limb and guess you don’t the gate already, and I’m you have the proper have a lot of experience in uniform. I’m secure. authority to check my ID. with irony.

10 Desert Voice March 9, 2005 Community happenings for March 9 through 16 Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR tent MWR Rec tent Sunday Checkers Tournament signup with MWR rep, NLT Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., behind PX area 1 p.m. Feb. 18 Arifjan Monday Karate Class, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., basketball court Aerobics, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., MWR tent 4 Wednesday Wednesday Tuesday Poker Tournament Practice, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., Country Western Night, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR tent 1 MWR Rec tent tent Wednesday Checkers Tournament signup with MWR rep, NLT Combat Kick Boxing 5:30 a.m., Power Stretching Aerobics, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., MWR tent 4 1 p.m. Feb. 18 8 a.m., Bench/Step Workout 10 a.m., Body Pump Female Self Defense class, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Workout 1 p.m., Zone 1 gym tent For more information call 828-1340 basketball court Aerobics, 6 p.m., Zone 6 gym tent Doha Aerobics Class, 6 p.m., Game tent Aerobics, 7 p.m., Zone 2 gym tent Thursday Wednesday For more information call 844-1137 Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Community Center Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Frosty’s Spearhead/SPOD Spinning Class, 5:30 p.m., Zone 2 gym tent Friday Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR area Karaoke Night, 7 p.m., Frosty’s For more information call 825-1302 Karate Class, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR area Tuesday Basketball signups begin, Zone 1 gym Scrabble Tournament, 7 p.m., Frosty’s Victory Wednesday Friday Monday St. Patrick’s Bongo and Game Night, 7 p.m., Salsa Night, 7 p.m., Community Center Movie Night, 5 - 8 p.m., MWR tent Frosty’s Indoor theater, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR area Tuesday Lap swimming, 5 to 7 a.m., pool For more information call 438-5637 Bingo Night, 8 p.m., MWR tent Aerobics, 6 p.m., Zone 6 MWR tent Kuwaiti Naval Base Wednesday Aerobics, 7 p.m., Zone 2 gym tent Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., behind PX Saturday For more information call 839-1063 Hip Hop Night, 8 p.m., MWR tent Women’s History 5K run, 6 a.m., Fitness Center For more information call 823-1033 Jazz Night, 7 p.m., Community Center Navistar R&B Night, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR tent Wednesday Virginia Combat Kick Boxing 5:30 a.m., Power Stretching Softball Tournament signup, NLT 1 p.m., with Wednesday 8 a.m., Bench/Step Workout 10 a.m., Body Pump MWR rep Ping Pong Tournament, 6 p.m., MWR tent Workout 1 p.m., Combat Kick Boxing 3 p.m., Cribbage Tournament Practice, 8 a.m., Rec tent Country Western Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Zone 1 gym tent Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., bas- Thursday Lap swimming, 5 to 7 a.m., pool ketball court Horseshoe Tournament, 3 p.m., Dusty Room Sunday Female Self Defense class, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Karaoke Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Lap swimming, 5 to 7 a.m., pool basketball court Friday Bench/Step Workout 5:30 a.m., Super Abs 8 a.m., Aerobics Class, 6 p.m., Game tent Spa Day, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR tent Power Stretching 10 a.m., Body Pump Workout 1 Thursday Salsa Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room p.m., Bench/Step Workout 3 p.m., Zone 1 gym Softball Tournament signup, NLT 1 p.m., with Saturday tent MWR rep Billiards-Singles Tournament, 5 p.m. MWR tent Monday Cribbage Tournament Practice, 8 a.m., Rec tent Hip Hop and R&B Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Country Western Night, 7:30 p.m., Zone 2 stage Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., bas- Sunday Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Community Center ketball court Billiards 2-on-2 Tournament, 6 p.m., MWR tent Lap swimming, 5 to 7 a.m., pool Karate Class, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., basketball court Old School Jams, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Combat Kick Boxing 5:30 a.m., Power Stretching Friday Monday 8 a.m., Bench/Step Workout 10 a.m., Body Pump Bazaar, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., MWR basketball court Unit Fued, 6 p.m., MWR tent Workout 1 p.m., Combat Kick Boxing 3 p.m., Softball Tournament signup, NLT 1 p.m., with Movie Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Zone 1 gym tent MWR rep Tuesday Aerobics, 6 p.m., Zone 6 gym tent Cribbage Tournament Practice, 8 a.m., Rec tent Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Dusty Room Tuesday Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., bas- Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Old Chapel Lap swimming, 5 to 7 a.m., pool ketball court Wednesday Bench/Step Workout 5:30 a.m., Super Abs 8 Aerobics Class, 6 p.m., Game tent Chess Tournament, 3 p.m., MWR tent a.m., Power Stretching 10 a.m., Body Pump Saturday Country Western Night, 7 p.m., Dusty Room Workout 1 p.m., Bench/Step Workout 3 p.m., Cribbage Tournament, 8 - 10 a.m. and 6 - 10 Zone 1 gym tent p.m., MWR Rec tent For more information call 832-1045 Wednesday Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., bas- Table Tennis Tournament, 7 p.m., Community ketball court Doha/Arifjan Shuttle Schedule Center Sunday Country Western Night, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 MWR Cribbage Tournament, 8 - 10 a.m. and 6 - 10 Combat Kick Boxing 5:30 a.m., Power Stretching p.m., MWR Rec tent 8 a.m., Bench/Step Workout 10 a.m., Body Pump Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., bas- DepartsStop Doha 1*ArrivesStop Doha 2* DepartsStop Doha 2* ArrivesArifjan DepartsArifjan ArrivesDoha Workout 1 p.m., Zone 1 gym tent ketball court 0545 For more information call 430-1202 Monday 0700 0715 0830 0845 1000 Poker Tournament Practice, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., 1015 1025 1040 1200 1300 1430 Buehring MWR Rec tent 1445 1450 1505 1615 1630 1745 Wednesday Checkers Tournament signup with MWR rep, NLT 1900 1910 1925 2045 Aerobics, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Tent 4 1 p.m. Feb. 18 * Stop 1 is behind the Building 6 PAX Tent Stop 2 is between Buildings 28 and 31 Thursday Female Self Defense class, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Karaoke, 9 p.m., Bunker basketball court Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR tent Aerobics Class, 6 p.m., Game tent Send your community events to the Desert Voice Saturday Tuesday editor at [email protected] Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., behind PX area Poker Tournament Practice, 8 a.m.- 10 p.m.,

Desert Voice March 9, 2005 11 A mother’s letter Bo knows Kuwait By Staff Sgt. Stephanie Johnson 1158th Transportation Company

What will come in the next few weeks? What will come in the next few years? I wish I knew so I could tell you So we could prepare So we could plan But I can’t tell you because I don’t know I can only go day to day Watching and waiting Thinking of how I will say goodbye If I have too Just know that every day I am away from you I am with you We will be under the same sky, and you will be in my heart, soul, and mind Every moment I am away I will close my eyes and hug you and pray for you Until I can hold you and pray with you again Photo by Spc. Aimee Felix Sgt. Charlene Haux, a member of the 1106th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot, gets an autograph from former National Football League and Major League Baseball star Bo Jackson By Lt. Col. Michael Verrett, March 1. “You guys are doing a great thing. This is the least I can do CFLCC C4 to give back,” said Jackson, who was in Kuwait on his second Southwest Asia tour. ARMY LIFE

By Capt. Paul Nichols, 377th Theater Support Command

NATURE CALLS

Editor CFLCC PAO/Desert Voice Camp Arifjan APO AE 09306 [email protected]