Multi-National Division - North www.1ad.army.mil Volume 2 Issue 15

Page 1 NOV. 07, 2008 Aviation: asset to the battlefield “We have a sentinel radar here, too, The equipment in the TOC isn’t Story and photo by that provides an airspace picture that the only responsibility Tibbitts and his Pfc. Alisha Nye actually gives me live feed tracks, small workforce have, however. 14th Public Affairs Detachment almost like you would see in any “I have enough people to run the civilian airport.” TOC, but we have (also) assumed the hen most people think of With this system, Tibbits and his sentinel radar, which is permanently Waviators, it often seems they staff in the TOC can identify where located here on FOB Warhorse, as an think of two things: 70’s style aircrafts are located and move them as additional duty,” Tibbitts said. “I have sunglasses and those guys who fly necessary in support of ground troops. a warrant officer (whose) job is not planes. What they don’t think about “We can find out where the only to maintain our systems – tactical is everything that goes into running Apaches are at even if we don’t have airspace integrator and air defense an aviation asset, especially in the voice communications and then, systems integrator – but also our military. through BFT or other means, we can sentinel.” Maj. Beau Tibbitts, brigade aviation move them so troops have contact,” Normally, this is a job performed officer and Air Defense and Airspace Tibbitts said. “We can move aircraft to Manager chief, 1st Stryker Brigade our advantage around the battlefield.” See Aviation on Page 3 Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, said there is a great deal that goes into running a military aviation asset and the responsibilities behind doing so increase exponentially in a deployed environment. “As the brigade aviation officer, I coordinate and integrate all rotary wing assets of the brigade and try to get helicopters involved in the fight,” Tibbitts said. “As the ADAM chief, we have systems set up to de- conflict, integrate and synchronize all the airspace, from unmanned aerial vehicles to Air Force fast movers and helicopters.” These two roles encompass not only a great deal of equipment, but also a great deal of organization on the part of both Tibbitts and his staff. “I have a team in the tactical operation center; (there we) have a system called the Tactical Airspace Spc. Jesse Sandhorst and Sgt. Kevin Smith, air traffic controllers working at Forward Operating Base Integration System which is tied into Warhorse, work together to help coordinate the take-off of two Blackhawk helicopters only minutes all the radar systems,” Tibbitts said. before the landing of two Apache helicopters at a passenger’s terminal at FOB Warhorse. Page 2 NOV. 07, 2008

Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling Contributing Writers: Pfc. Alisha Nye, 3d ACR PAO, Spc. Cynthia Teears Public Affairs Officer: Maj. Margaret Kageleiry Layout and Design: Spc. Karla P. Elliott, 14th PAD Public Affairs NCOIC: Master Sgt. Nancy Morrison Editor: Staff Sgt. Mark Albright, 14th Public Affairs Detachment

Contact the Iron Strong at VOIP: 242-1190, DSN: 318-849-0089 or email [email protected] The “Iron Strong” is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the “Iron Strong” are not necessarily official veiws of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the Task Force Iron. All editorial content of this publication is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Task Force Iron Public Affairs Office. Page 3 NOV. 07, 2008

Tibbitts and his staff do is far from said. “Because the one time you don’t, Aviation from Page 1 insignificant, including the unseen you can cost someone his life.” by four people but is currently the Soldiers who work in a tower Despite the amount of complicated responsibility of just one. The sentinel controlling air traffic. equipment Tibbitts and his team radar system is not the only additional “We’re basically in charge of are responsible for operating and aviation duty that has fallen on the people’s lives,” said Spc. Jesse maintaining, and the weight of the shoulders of Tibbitts and his staff. Sandhorst, an air traffic controller who extra responsibilities that fall on their “Since most movement around works under Tibbitts. “We have to shoulders, all have said they love their here is via helicopter, we have a make sure the aircraft are safe.” jobs. passenger’s terminal that falls into our Sgt. Kevin Smith, an air traffic “I love what I do,” Smith said. lane,” Tibbitts said. “So we also have controller who works alongside “To me, this is the whole point the job of running that passengers Sandhorst, agreed and stressed the of being a brigade aviation officer,” terminal as well as moving all the importance of air traffic controllers to Tibbitts said. “And being an expert in Soldiers around the battlefield.” pay attention to detail. rotary wing assets, to me, makes it that The importance of everything “You have to pay attention,” Smith much more fulfilling.” Mosul company donates supplies, time to renovate school

Story by 3d Armored Division Multi-National Division - N PAO

local contractor in Mosul recently donated all the Aequipment, supplies and manpower to renovate the Al Abier Kindergarten in Mosul. The project, which was originally going to be funded by the Iraqi government, was recently completed by the contractor at no charge. Improvements were made to both the interior and exterior of the facility. “This project not only benefits the children and faculty, but is a great sign when local businesses can contribute and help the community move forward,” said Maj. Jonathan Courtesy Photo A local contractor recently renovated the Al Abier Kindergarten in Mosul, Simmons, civil affairs officer for the 3d Armored Cavalry Iraq. The project was originally going to be funded by the Iraqi government, Regiment. but the contractor completed the project at no charge. Iraqi Army brings school supplies to Mosul youth

Story and photo by Spc. Cynthia Teears 11th Public Affairs Detachment

oldiers from the 7th Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army, visited students at Sthe Al Sahabh School in Mosul to hand out supplies and book bags. “We need to protect the future of Iraq,” said Col. Salah Adeziz, executive officer, 7th Bde., 2nd Div., Iraqi Army. “This is a very important thing that I wanted to do now with the Coalition Forces. For our students, we hold nothing back to support them with supplies, food, anything that we can do. They see the IA and the Coalition Forces working together, it will make a good future for the children to see that.” This visit was the fourth trip the Soldiers made to the school as the Iraqi Col. Salah Adeziz, executive officer, 7th Security Forces continue to visit with area residents and local schools to build Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, talks with stronger relationships in the communities where they work. During this trip, students while he gives them school supplies on a good-neighbor mission at Al Sahabh they handed out the supplies and bags to 400 students at the boys and girls School in Mosul, Iraq. primary school. Page 4 Homefront News NOV. 07, 2008

two years,” said Democratic as president-elect, keeping to strategist Joe Trippi. breakfast with his family and Matt Bennett of the a thank-you visit to campaign center-left group Third Way workers. said that Obama is for centrist All that said, he’s got ideas such as middle-class tax plenty of things in his favor. cuts and seems likely to wait First and foremost, he on contentious goals such as was elected exactly the way he overhauling the U.S. health wanted to be — in an electoral care system. landslide. He took not only “We do believe him traditionally Democratic states, when he says he’s a moderate,” but once-solid Republican Bennett said. “We think that’s territory too. That allows him how he’s going to govern.” to claim, credibly, a broad Even after nearly two mandate for his ideas. years in the spotlight, little So the Democrats is understood about the 47- who run Capitol Hill, for all (AP) Over and over, Barack making, but it will shape his year-old first-term senator’s their savvy in the ways of Obama told voters if they presidency before he lifts one approach to leadership. His Washington and potential stuck with him “we will change finger. resume: community organizer, disagreements with their this country and change the The worst financial crisis eight years as state legislator, president, might think twice world.” They did, and now since the Great Depression. and less than four as U.S. about clashing too aggressively their expectations for him to Two wars in unstable, hostile senator. with him. On a more practical deliver are firmly planted on his lands. Other foreign hot spots As a lawmaker, he level, they will not want to risk shoulders. Many supporters such as Pakistan and Congo, has displayed a knack for missing out during the midterm greeted his victory with nuclear standoffs with North working with Republicans on election cycle two years from euphoria. Korea and Iran. A warming a handful of favorite issues. now on Obama’s eye-popping Impatient for a new planet. But he has devoted most fundraising skills. American era and overcome Then there are high of his time in the Senate to Further, the much- by a black man’s historic health care and energy costs, running for president. Unlike vaunted technological side of ascension to the White House, sunken home values, wiped- the past seven presidents, he Obama’s campaign means he they took his achievement out retirement and investment was never a governor or vice could appeal directly to voters for their own — weeping, accounts. A federal deficit president. And unlike John F. around recalcitrant lawmakers, dancing in the streets, blaring that is exploding as the nation Kennedy, the last senator to using e-mail, text messages, happy horns into Wednesday throws money at its economic move directly to the presidency, Facebook and other tools. morning. problems, sure to crimp Obama has not commanded Still, Obama’s But campaign rhetoric Obama’s ability to spend his troops in wartime. honeymoon with the public soon collides with the gritty way to solutions. Personally, he’s a bit of — both anxious and hopeful duties of governing, and hard He also faces an enigma, too. — could be fragile. realities stand in Obama’s challenging political realities. He did lead his One of the many way. Obama has a largely campaign, a huge, nearly revelers who spontaneously The youthful president- liberal voting record and owes billion-dollar operation. flocked to the White House elect appears to know this. His a debt to the left wing of the Throughout, he showed himself after Obama’s win, chanting, victory speech emphasized Democratic Party, which to have a detached, cerebral screaming and waving signs humility far more than his mobilized millions on his behalf. decision-making style that can like, “Why Wait? Evict Bush fabled confidence, with remarks These folks embraced his sometimes seems out of sync Now,” summed it up. heavily leavened by references promises to end the Iraq war, with his natural charisma. “I came down here to to the difficulties before the move toward universal health He also showed himself make a prayer ... that we’ll be nation. care coverage and address to be a highly disciplined, CEO- able to change the nation and He declared “change harsh terrorist interrogation style manager. The leak-proof, the world,” said Hollis Gentry. has come to America” and practices. tightly managed and orderly closed with his “yes we can” But Obama also Obama operation mimics the campaign slogan, but not appealed to the broader Bush White House, and flows before speaking of the certainty electorate as a pragmatist from “No Drama Obama” of setbacks. “The road ahead who pledged virtually party- himself — a man so focused will be long,” Obama warned. blind government. He will have that he didn’t give himself a “We may not get there in one to decide whether it is better day off from working out, even year or even one term.” to disappoint the more liberal the morning after winning the Atop Obama’s troops out of the gate or wait presidency. challenge list is the global until later. In keeping with his and domestic turmoil that he “A lot of people are not measured demeanor, Obama inherits. None of it is his own going to be happy in the first did nothing flashy his first day Page 5 SPORTS NOV. 07, 2008

BASEBALL Rawlings has presented in the July All-Star game at Yankee Gold Gloves annually since 1957. Stadium by throwing out a runner at Managers and coaches vote on the plate to keep the score tied in the players in their own leagues before 11th inning. the regular season ends, but they "I am thrilled," said McLouth, may not select members of their own the first Pirates player to win a Gold teams. Glove since shortstop Jay Bell in American League winners will 1993. "I worked especially hard on my be announced Thursday. defense from the beginning of spring Pondering retirement after training and I'm glad all that work paid 355 wins, Maddux has been the NL off with this award. The Pirates have recipient for pitchers every year since a long list of past winners like Roberto 1990 with the exception of 2003, Clemente, Bill Mazeroski, Tony Pena when Mike Hampton interrupted the and . I'm especially streak. honored to be included on that list." "I can't imagine winning two, All three NL outfield Gold much less 18," Wright said. "But I Gloves went to center fielders. think it goes to show you how much "I take a lot of pride in being a pride he takes in winning." complete player," Beltran said. "Even Last year with the Padres, on the days when I don't get a hit, I feel Maddux snapped a tie with third I can make a difference in the field." baseman Brooks Robinson and Phillips lost out to Arizona's pitcher Jim Kaat for the most Gold Orlando Hudson last season despite Gloves. leading the NL in fielding percentage, Maddux spent most of this which he did again this year. season in San Diego before an "I think this thing here is the Aug. 19 trade to the Los Angeles best thing that ever happened to me," Dodgers. He struggled in seven Phillips said. (AP) Age is no issue for Greg Maddux starts down the stretch for the NL Winning the Gold Glove raises when it comes to fielding his position. West champions, going 2-4 with a 5.09 Phillips' salary next season by $250,000 The 42-year-old pitcher won his record ERA to finish the year 8-13 with a 4.22 to $5 million. The award earns Beltran 18th Gold Glove on Wednesday while mark overall. a $100,000 bonus, while Gonzalez, of the World The four-time Cy Young Award Maddux, Molina, Rollins and Wright Series champion Philadelphia Phillies winner may have lost a yard on get $50,000 bonuses. was among five first-time winners in that pinpoint, tailing fastball, but his the National League. reflexes are still quick as a cat's on Slick shortstop Jimmy Rollins the mound. At 6 feet, 170 pounds, his joined Victorino from the Phillies, simple windup has always left him winning for the second consecutive in perfect fielding position after each season. The New York Mets also had pitch. two winners: outfielder Carlos Beltran "I've seen some balls hit pretty and third baseman David Wright, both hard right back at him," Wright said. of whom repeated. "Those kind of reactions at 42, you just "Winning a Gold Glove is a don't see that." tremendous honor for me in what was Maddux worked four innings already an amazing season," Victorino out of the bullpen during the playoffs said. "I take a lot of pride in playing and the Dodgers were eliminated by defense and to get the recognition of Philadelphia in the NL championship the managers and coaches around the series. He filed for free agency after league is a great compliment." the World Series. Other first-time honorees for Victorino moved from right field defensive excellence were St. Louis to center this season to replace Aaron catcher Yadier Molina, San Diego first Rowand, a 2007 Gold Glove winner for baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Cincinnati Philadelphia before signing with the second baseman and . Pittsburgh outfielder Nate McLouth. McLouth's award capped a The Houston Astros, who breakout season for the 25th-round committed 16 fewer errors than any draft pick in his first year as a full-time other major league team, did not have starter. A bright spot for the last-place a winner. Pirates, he showed off his strong arm Page 6 WORLD NOV. 07, 2008

CHINA Three days of negotiations will NIGERIA begin tomorrow and the two sides are (TimesOnline) The most senior expected to sign a raft of agreements (AFP) Southern Nigeria's main armed Chinese official to visit the self-ruled building on landmark talks – the first in group MEND said Wednesday it island of Taiwan in decades arrived this years – after President Ma took office had freed a Lebanese hostage from morning in the island to a red-carpet when a deal was reached on regular his kidnappers two days after his reception worthy almost of a visiting direct flights between the former abduction. head of state. foes. "A commando unit from the That welcome underscores The talks will focus on economic Movement for the Emancipation of the the determination of the island’s new issues and will avoid touching on Niger Delta (MEND) today, Wednesday, president, Ma Ying-jeou, who took sensitive political topics. A pact will be November 5, 2008 at about 1700 Hrs office less than six months ago, to signed enabling the direct flights to conducted a successful rescue of preside over a new warming of ties cease the current practice of transiting Mr Melad Nasari as promised, from across the narrow straits that divide the through the air space of a third territory, deep inside the bush where he was island from the Chinese mainland. cutting the length of a flight from Taipei confined by his abductors," said a China’s Communist rulers, to Shanghai to 67 minutes from 150. MEND statement. who claim the island as sovereign President Ma has repeatedly "During the course of the territory and have threatened war tried to reassure the public that the operation, they heard the frantic should it declare independence, have talks do not mark a concession to shout for help from an individual who adopted a similarly cordial tone to try Beijing and the island’s sovereignty will introduced himself as Mr. Patrick to reduce the chances of conflict and not be compromised. But he said any Akorodu, a manager with Zenith Bank to recognise President Ma’s shift away protests must be legal and peaceful. Omoku branch in Rivers state. from the confrontational policies of his “It is not such a bad thing to let Chen "He said he was a victim of predecessor. Yunlin understand Taiwanese views.” the criminal gang that abducted the Wang Yi, head of China’s The island’s main opposition Lebanese national," the statement Taiwan Affairs Office, said: “The hard party, concerned that the island’s added. ice between the two sides has already government is becoming too close Both men were in the safe been shattered, the road has already to China said it would begin a three- custody of MEND and were now en been opened. This will go down as a day protest outside the parliament route to a drop off zone where they great event in the history of relations building in Taipei later on Monday would be handed to contacts from the across the Straits.” and expand the demonstration on state security service. Security was tight at the main Thursday. A few days ago protesters Nigerian police said on Monday international airport outside the island’s in the southern city of Tainan pushed a unidentified gunmen had kidnapped capital, Taipei, for the arrival of Chen visiting Chinese official to the ground, a Lebanese engineer in southern Yunlin, head of the Association for outraging Beijing. Nigeria's oil hub of Port Harcourt. Relations Across the Taiwan Straits MEND, the Movement for the (ARATS). The negotiations are held Emancipation of the Niger Delta, between two quasi-government bodies claims to be fighting for a greater – ARATS and the Straits Exchange share of the oil revenue for the local Foundation – to avoid any hint of a population in southern Nigeria. formal recognition by either side of It is the country's most the other’s government. China regards prominent armed militant group and Taiwan as a renegade province while has distanced itself from the abduction Taiwan has called itself the Republic and offered to rescue the Lebanese of China since Kuomintang (Nationalist from the kidnappers. Party) Generalissimo fled the mainland "This assistance is purely a after the losing the civil war to Mao goodwill gesture and does not affiliate Zedong’s armies in 1949. us with the (Nigerian) government in Thousands of police were any way," said MEND on Monday. deployed at the airport and at the In the past three years, Nigeria Grand Hotel that dominates Taipei and has seen a spate of kidnappings both have erected barbed wire barricades of local and foreign oil workers and of as well as large nets to catch any eggs relatives of prominent politicians, often that could be hurled by protesters by criminal gangs seeking a ransom, opposed to Mr Chen’s visit. but sometimes also for political ends. The pro-independence Taiwan Since the beginning of 2006, Society North has offered rewards of militant attacks have cut Nigeria's 1,000 New Taiwan dollars (15 pounds) oil output by more than one quarter. to protesters who succeed in hitting Mr Production currently stands at between Chen’s body with eggs and as much 1.8 and two million barrels a day as 10,000 dollars (150 pounds) for against 2.6 million barrels a day two anyone who can target his face. years ago.