Multi-National Division - North www.1ad.army.mil Volume 1 Issue 49 Page 1 Sep. 29, 2008 Task Force Iron Soldiers compete The Warrior Competition pulled together designed to test the physical fitness as well Story and photo by the best Soldiers Task Force Iron had to as the mental dexterity of each of the Iron Spc. Ryan Elliott offer. Soldiers. 14th Public Affairs Detachment “We’ve asked each Multi-National Fifty-four soldiers pulled pushed and Division North Brigade and Battalion, to sweated as they took part in events such as ifty-four Soldiers from across Task provide their best NCO as well as their an Army physical fitness test, a three mile FForce Iron gathered on Contingency best soldier to compete in a round-robin combat run in full gear and various ranges. Operating Base Speicher to take part in a competition, said Sgt. Maj. Allen Ashton, “They’ve completed a physically three day Multi-National Division North First Armored Division Master Gunner and challenging and grueling regiment of tasks Warrior Competition. Operations sergeant major. over the past three days; they’ve done The main goal of physical events like the range and tested the competition was their knowledge on a written test and board, to crown the best non- while maintaining exceptionally high commissioned officer and moral,” Ashton said. the best junior troop of “The Soldiers are highly motivated, MND-North. physically fit and well trained in their “The NCOs represent Warrior Task and Drills,” said Blackwood. the strong, competent, The competition was designed to test caring and engaged soldier’s basic soldiering skill and determine leaders who challenge their proficiency. their Soldiers to “This competition recognizes the strength develop and meet their of units. It features the small unit leaders, fullest potential,” said and the Soldiers conducting operations daily Command Sgt. Maj. to create a secure environment for Iraq’s Roger Blackwood, 1st citizens,” said Blackwood. Armored Division and Staff Sgt. Aldo Mercado of the 728th Multi National Division- MP Battalion took first place among the North command sergeant NCOs, followed by Sgt Christopher Nelson, major 3-3 Armored Cavalry Regiment and Sgt “This competition is Zackary Bumanglag, 18th Engineer, who a representation of the placed third place. troops training readiness Spc. Micheal Pravalenko of the 728th and their mission MPs took first place among the junior readiness, the competition enlisted, followed by Spc. David Walker is a measurement of Special Troops Battalion, 101st in second the excellence these place and Spc. Derrick Ckeighton, 3-3 individual soldiers and Armored Cavalry Regiment, who took third units have maintained,” place. Ashton said. All the Soldiers who have competed in The Warrior this three day competition have performed Soldiers put rounds down range as part of the Multi-National Division Competition consisted of excellently and their units should take a lot North Soldier Competition, which took place on Contingency Operating Base Speicher. The range tested the Soldier’s accuracy. seven individual stations of pride in them,” said Ashton. Page 2 Sep. 29, 2008 Oktoberfest Feast (ABOVE) The Main Dining Facility on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, celebrates Oktoberfest with a feast. The dining facility cooked a wide variety of traditional German delicacies for hungry Task Force Iron Soldiers. (LEFT) A buffet consisting of a wide variety of traditional German foods was served in the overflow room of the Main Dining Facility on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, in celebration of Oktoberfest. Photos by Spc. Ryan Elliott, 14th PAD Former MLB boost Dragoon morale Heroes of the Diamond Tour™ Goose Gossage, Jack McDowell, Story and photos by while at the dining facility at Jeff Nelson, Mike Remlinger and Spc. Opal Vaughn Forward Operating Base Warhorse Turk Wendell. 14th Public Affairs Detachment located in Diyala, Iraq. Even though Ashby, Hitchcock The tour began September 19 and Palmer have been out of the ormer major league baseball with the three former major league media spotlight for some time now, Fplayers Andy Ashby, of the San baseball players making several Soldiers still lined up in the dining Diego Padres, Sterling Hitchcock, appearances at bases across Iraq facility to meet and greet the former of the New York Yankees and and is scheduled to conclude major league baseball players. Dean Palmer, of the Detroit Tigers, September 30. “The response we’ve received hung out with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Previous tour participants have Regiment Soldiers during the 2008 included: Rob Dibble, Tim Salmon, See MLB on Page 3 Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling Contributing Writers: Spc. Ryan Elliott, Spc. Opal Vaughn 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 Sep. 29, 2008 MLB from Page 2 from the Soldiers has just been so overwhelming,” said Ashby. “I never thought that being over here in Iraq would not only have an impact on the Soldiers, but me as well. Being able to really see what Iraq is all about is totally incredible.” As a former professional baseball pitcher, Ashby is thankful for what baseball has brought him. “I’ve been blessed because of baseball and I would like to take that and give it back in any way that I can. The lord has blessed me with a lot of gifts and when you can give something back, that is something to be proud of,” Ashby stated. “For all of you who are serving and fighting for our country, I thank you,” Ashby continued. “And I Former major league baseball players Andy Ashby, of the San Diego Padres, Sterling Hitchcock, of the would particularly like to thank you New York Yankees and Dean Palmer, of the Detroit Tigers, sign souvenirs and chat with 2nd Stryker for allowing us to partake in a part Cavalry Regiment Soldiers during the 2008 Heroes of the Diamond Tour™ while at the dining facility at of your daily lives. It has been an Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in Diyala, Iraq. The tour focuses on increasing morale and showing support for deployed Soldiers. honor.” Being on the Heroes of the Diamond Tour™ has been a on the frontlines as well as around Spreading the word to support different experience for each of the the different bases. I come from a the troops has become something players. But the enthusiasm of the family of service where my father that former third baseman, Palmer, tour is still mutual. was in the Air Force and served is passionate about. His first tour “This tour has been amazing,” in Nam, and my older brother included a visit to Afghanistan and said Hitchcock. “It’s been incredible is currently in the Navy and has now he is touring Iraq. to see what you guys do here in Iraq served several tours in Iraq.” “I’ve been able to see what So far the tour has included troops do on a day to day basis signing autographs, taking and experience a little bit of their pictures and hanging out with lives while on tour of Iraq,” Palmer servicemembers at different bases. stated. “The biggest thing for me is Being able to sit down and eat to be able to take what I have seen dinner with 2SCR Soldiers was also and experienced back with me to a highlight of the evening. the states.” Coming from a military family “It has been great for me to background, Hitchcock could just talk about whatever with the not thank the Soldiers enough. Soldiers and to hang out with you “We appreciate you guys being guys,” Palmer added. “There have over here,” stated Hitchcock, also been a lot of baseball fans I’ve been a former professional baseball able to talk with and who have pitcher. “I know Soldiers don’t hear thanked me for supporting them. that enough, but we really do.” Unfortunately, it is I who must “You’re over here with a thank you guys for everything that difficult mission but the great you’re doing over here. nation that we are and the freedoms “It has been wonderful hanging that we enjoy at home, you guys out with you guys,” Palmer stated. are helping to bring to the Iraqi Ashby, Hitchcock and Palmer Former major league baseball players Andy Ashby, people,” Hitchcock added. “You’re ended the evening by giving out of the San Diego Padres, Sterling Hitchcock, of the some baseball pins and a couple of New York Yankees and Dean Palmer, of the Detroit helping to bring a country out from Tigers, sign souvenirs and chat with 2nd Stryker under oppression and embrace a jerseys to the Soldiers. Afterwards Cavalry Regiment Soldiers during the 2008 Heroes new found freedom. I have a deep, they ate dinner with some of the of the Diamond Tour™ while at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse located in deep respect for each and every one Soldiers and thanked them for Diyala, Iraq. of you.” having dinner with them. Page 4 Homefront News Sep. 29, 2008 PAUL NEWMAN feature films over the past half- said Martin Scorsese, who directed century, it's the range that leaves him in "The Color of Money." (AP) Paul Newman couldn't have an impression.