Afghan nativereturns to homelandas U.S. SoldierPage 8

Page 2 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

A Marine from “America’s Battalion,” 3rdBn., 3rd Marines, mans a .50 calibermachine gun atop a HMMWV during apatrol in Paktia province. The Marinesregularly patrol the area in support of sta-bility and security operations in CTFThunder’s area of responsibility.

Sunset security

Marine Cpl. Rich Mattingly

Spc. Jack Daniels, 450th Civil Affairs Bn., givesa soccer ball to a boy in Moushwai village.Daniels, an Afghan native, received a chanceto return to his homeland after he joined theU.S. Army to protect both his native countryand the country he now loves and calls home.

See cover story Pages 8Sgt. Frank Magni

Page 3: Soldiers of Co. C, 528th Eng. Bn., head homeafter a one-year deployment to Afghanistan

Page 5: Kandahar PRT teaches “Practical Medicine 101” to Afghan medical students

Page 6: Soldiers build, maintain skills with trailer driving class at Herat PRT

Page 7: Soldiers prepare Forward Operating Base Orgun-E for expansion

Page 9: Wolfhounds continue to provide security in Paktikaprovince during the holiday season

Page 12: Coalition forces provide medical care toAfghans at clinic in Deh Rawod

Page 13: Safeguarding the Coalition: Leaders shareviews, standards on winter safety in Afghanistan

Page 14: FOB Salerno opens doors of new chapel

Page 4: ANP provide security for Mecca-bound Afghansin western Afghanistan

Contents

Page 11: TF Eagle provides humanitarian assistance tochildren in Sayed Khail

Page 10: Force protection Soldiers essential to securi-ty throughout Afghanistan

Page 15: Values Essay: Selfless Service makes “One Team” possible

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD,Afghanistan –– After a year-long, history-making deploy-ment, the Soldiers ofCompany C, 528th EngineerBattalion, are headed backhome to Louisiana. But theircontributions to OperationEnduring Freedom will contin-ue to be appreciated for yearsto come.

While in Afghanistan, theLouisiana National Guardengineers were spreadthroughout the southernregion of the country, con-structing living quarters, show-er and dining facilities, andforce protection barriers. Theyalso participated in a majorroad construction projectbetween Kandahar and TarinKowt, and upgraded the land-ing strip at Forward OperatingBase Ripley to support C-130flight operations.

“One of our biggest contri-butions is the build up of theforward operating bases,” saidSgt. 1st Class Darain Hayes,Co. C, 528th Eng. Bn., platoonsergeant.

While working on a barracksconstruction project, the verti-cal engineers of the companywere able to complete one setof living quarters a day. A bigmorale booster that wasknown to light up the faces ofthe Soldiers who lived in a tentin the morning and returnedfrom their mission in the after-

noon to find a hard standbuilding to sleep in, said Hayes.

“You get a good feeling fromthat,” he said.

Company C arrived inAfghanistan ahead of the restof the battalion, which isdeployed to a combat zone forthe first time in its history as aunit. Despite the hardship ofdeploying without its parentunit, the Soldiers worked hardto meet the challenges in frontof them and “adapt and over-come,” said Co. C 1st Sgt.Frank Washington.

“They came a long way, andit has shown from day one towhere we’re at today,” he said.

The Soldiers said they arehappy with the experiencegained on their deployment.Most performed their militaryoccupational specialty as for-mally trained. And those few

who didn’t wereable to train withtheir fellow Soldiersand gain a new skill,said Hayes.

For example, theplumbers in Co. Cwere not able to uti-lize their skillsinstalling sewageand water systemson the projects.Instead, they crosstrained with thevertical engineers

and electricians.“They’re still going

back with skills andknowledge they didn’thave when they cameover here,” saidHayes.

Aside from technicalexpertise gainedthrough the deploy-ment and quality oflife improvementsmade for their fellowservice members, theSoldiers were alsoproud to have workedwith Afghan con-struction workers onseveral projects.

“We got to give thelocal national people ajob,” said Spc. Mark“Bubba” Adcock, aheavy machine opera-tor from Co. C’s hori-zontal platoon. “Weworked with themevery day and youbuild a relationshipwith them.”

Although theSoldiers of Co. C willno longer be servingin Afghanistan, theirhard work is left astheir legacy to thosewho remain. They will carrythat knowledge with them andlook back on their time herewith pride.

“We’ll leave here knowingthat we have made a differ-ence,” said Adcock. “A differ-ence in quality of life.”

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 3

Louisiana engineers wrap up OEF tour

Sgt. 1st Class Darain HayesSoldiers from Company C, 528th Eng.Bn., construct the floor of the tacticaloperations center at FOB Ripley insouthern Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Rickey GainesAbove: Sgt. Eric Armstrong (top)and Sgt. Christopher Dickens, bothof Co. C, 528th Eng. Bn., measurethe base for the stairs leading to theobservation deck they constructedatop the Taliban’s Last Stand build-ing at Kandahar Airfield. TheLouisiana National Guard Soldierscompleted their year-long deploy-ment to Afghanistan this month.Top: Soldiers from Company C,528th Eng. Bn., spread concreteduring construction of the MilitaryPolice Command Post on KandaharAirfield.

Story by Staff Sgt. Monica R. Garreau17th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. 1st Class Darain Hayes

HERAT, Afghanistan –– It is a tradi-tion that has lasted more than 1,400years. The Hajj, or sacred pilgrimage toMecca, is the pinnacle of life forMuslims throughout the world.

The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Atleast once in a lifetime, all Muslims, maleand female, are expected to make thejourney to Mecca, which culminates Jan.22 this year. There, they pay homage tothe sacred Kaaba, a black stone thatMuslims believe was given to Abrahamby Gabriel. It is what they face duringtheir daily prayers no matter where theyare.

This year’s Hajj comes at the beginningof a new national government deter-mined to provide security forAfghanistan and its people.

For Muslims in western Afghanistan,Herat city was their point of departureon the journey to Mecca. There, AfghanNational Police took the lead in keepingthe Hajj secure for the pilgrims.

Every step of the way, from collection

point to the flightline, the ANP officersare there providing security.

Proud of their role in helping withsuch an enormous event, Col. NoorAhammad, one of the Hajj security com-manders, said his team was primarily onhand in case of a serious incident. Whilethe situation remained calm, his officersfound different ways to lend a hand tothe out-of-towners.

“Right now, security is very good inHerat,” said Ahammad. “But most peo-ple are not from Herat city, and we doour best to guide them around.”

While only a small percentage ofAfghans complete the pilgrimage eachyear, nearly everyone in this predomi-nantly Muslim country uses the event asa time for charity.

Herat city residents opened theirhomes to sponsor the pilgrims coming infrom districts throughout the region.Each day, the sponsors brought the pil-grims to a central point in Herat citywhere they were registered and awaitedflights.

This year, the early flights departingfrom Herat were delayed for daysbecause of inclement weather.

Even during the extended periods ofwaiting, the pilgrims at the collectionpoint stayed calm and positive, exceptfor the occasional disagreement amongst

travelers, said Ahammad.“One of the reasons we are here is to

calm minor disputes between the pil-grims,” said Ahammad.

Securing Herat city for the Hajj meantlong days for him. But despite the extraworkload, he was very happy to assist inthe process, said Mortaza, AfghanNational Police officer.

The 19-year-old officer looks forwardto the day he will make the pilgrimage toMecca, and sees his job this year as a wayto make his Hajj more special.

“This job is very special for me,because we are helping our society andpeople,” said Mortaza.

For the pilgrims, the once in a lifetimeevent is made even better with the ever-improving conditions throughoutAfghanistan.

“I am very thankful for the security thisyear,” said Abdul Shakoor.

Traveling two days before he arrived inHerat, Shakoor was very positive aboutconditions in the province, somethingthat will remain on his mind during hisHajj.

“When I am in Mecca, I will pray formore snow and rain so the drought willstop,” said Shakoor. “I will pray for thecontinued development of my country,and I will pray for continued peace soAfghanistan can have a bright future.”

Page 4 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

ANP helps pilgrims start a safe Hajj

An ANP officer stands guard outsidea Hajj collection point in Herat city.

Story and photos by Sgt. Frank Magni17th Public Affairs Detachment

An ANP officer stands his post at the Herat city airport to ensure Afghans leav-ing on the Hajj do so in a secure environment. ANP officers played a vital rolein guiding Afghans and showing them where they needed to be to make thepilgrimage to Mecca as safe as possible.

Muslims on sacred journey to Mecca assisted by ANP

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 5

Enduring VoicesIn which skill do you feel it is most important to maintain proficiency?

Air Force Senior AirmanBrad Pulvermacher455th ESFS“I think it’s important tomaintain professionalism sothat you can always stayrespectful.”

Lt. Col. Bobby MundellCTF Thunder“I feel interpersonal skillsare important, because it’simportant to know how totalk to others and treat themwith respect.”

Spc. Travis AlexanderLTF-725

“I feel all skills are impor-tant, because you have toknow all aspects of yourjob to get the mission doneright.”

Navy Master ChiefLarry MemmerVAQ-133“Leadership, so that every-one stays safe and highlytrained.”

KANDAHAR PROVINCIALRECONSTRUCTION TEAM,Afghanistan –– Nothing com-pares to the light of knowledgethat shines in a student’s eyeswhen he gains understanding.

At the Kandahar ProvincialReconstruction Team in south-ern Afghanistan, 50 Afghanmedical students have thisexpression nearly every day, asthey attend what Dr. (Col.)Richard Gonzalez calls“Practical Medicine 101.”

“These students are extremelywell-prepared academically,” saidthe strategic health coordinatorfor Kandahar Airfield. “We’resimply enriching their curricu-lum by giving them practicalexperience.”

The students are part of a six-month pilot program that givesthe future Afghan doctorshands-on training. The studentsare learning basic and advancedlife support, ventilation, suturetechniques and wound treat-

ment. Coalition doctors fromthroughout the combined/jointoperations area and medics fromthe Kandahar PRT are teachingthe classes.

“They’re very book smart, butthey don’t have the hands-ontraining they need,” said Spc.James Wilson, Kandahar PRTmedic.

Medical students inAfghanistan don’t participate ininternships that afford them theopportunity to treat patients.Instead, they observe other doc-tors.

The purpose of this class is togive them the experience ofconducting physical examina-tions and diagnosing patients.

While Coalition doctors teachthe physical examination portionof the class, it’s the medics, usingtheir own experiences, whocoach the students while theyconduct hands-on training todevelop their basic life sustain-ment skills.

The doctors have the knowl-edge and experience to teach theexamination and diagnosis partof the class, but the medics have

more first-hand experience withbasic life support and first aid,said Staff Sgt. Joseph P. Buhain,Kandahar PRT medical non-commissioned officer in charge.

Buhain, who helped to estab-lish the class, and his medics, areteaching skills like basic first aid,ventilation and cardiopul-monary resuscitation. Themedics accomplished a goalthey were determined to meet.

“This is above and beyondwhat we’re required to do, butwe believe we can make more ofa difference,” said Buhain.

“We want to leave here know-ing we’re leaving somethinggood behind, instead of justleaving,” said Spc. Lance

Shirley, another PRT medic.“Looking back, we’re going toknow we were part of a pyra-mid event.”

The pyramid event comesfrom the additional doctors whowill be trained by the currentstudents.

“We will select a few studentsfrom this class, and they willteach the next class,” saidGonzalez. “We will supervise it,but they will be the ones con-ducting the training.”

“The impact of what we’redoing is huge,” said Sgt. AprilWine, Kandahar PRT medic.“Our small group is going tohave impact on millions, and thatmakes it extremely important.”

Afghan med studentsget hands-on trainingStory and photo by Sgt. Stephanie L. Carl17th Public Affairs Detachment

Afghan medical students demonstrate a proper lung examfor Dr. (Col.) Richard Gonzalez (right). Gonzales coordi-nates and supervises a training program provided to theAfghan medical students.

Page 6 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

HERAT PROVINCIAL RECON-STRUCTION TEAM, Afghanistan ––Maintaining skills is an essential part ofbeing a Soldier, especially in a combat zone.And having extra skills is equally importantin a mission as diverse as OperationEnduring Freedom.

For Soldiers who drive regularly, knowinghow to operate a vehicle with a trailerattached is a very important skill.

To help the Soldiers become proficient inthis skill set, Sgt. John Fox, Task ForceLonghorn motor sergeant, conducts trailerclasses to teach TF Longhorn Soldiers todrive with a trailer, or just improve theircurrent knowledge of the subject.

The infantrymen of Task Force 168, whoare tasked with providing force protectionto the Herat PRT, took advantage of thetraining to enhance their abilities on mis-sions.

“The Soldiers who are part of Task Force168 are a line squad,” said Fox. “It is impor-tant for them to know how to drive andtake corners with a trailer hooked to thevehicle, because they never know whensomething might happen to one of thevehicles they are driving. If they can’t drivewith a trailer, they could be in a lot of trou-ble when the time comes for them to tow a

broken-down vehicle.”Since they also serve as a quick reaction

force, they need to be ready for every pos-sible situation.

“We do a lot of training,” said Staff Sgt.Bradley Bergeman, TF 168 squad leader.“When we aren’t outside the gate conduct-ing missions, we are training so the nextmission is that much more successful.”

Along with training for possible break-downs, the team is also responsible forpicking up and dropping off equipment fortransport to other locations, requiring theuse of trailers.

“Many times, when a piece of equipmentneeds to go to another location or come to

us, it will be transported by air,” saidBergeman. “If the team can’t back-upproperly, they won’t be able to load orunload the equipment.”

Knowing the process necessary toaccomplish a task is only the first step, hesaid.

“While many people can tell you how todrive with a trailer, actually doing it can beharder then it looks,” said Bergeman. “Ifany of the squad members want to knowhow to do something, all they have to do isask. There is always someone who is avail-able to teach them how to do what theydon’t already know. Besides, the more theyknow, the better Soldiers they will be.”

AAFeS SeRvICeS HouRS oF opeRATIoN

PX0230-1630Shoppette0230-1630Burger King0430-1730Food Court0600-1630Barber Shop0430-1530Day Spa0400-1600

Bagram Air Base KabulPX0500-1700Burger King0430-1730Coffee Shop24hrsPizza Hut0600-1800Subway0600-1430Main Barber Shop0500-1700Lagoon Barber Shop0300-1700

Kandahar AirfieldPX0430-1630Barber Shop0330-1530Coffee Shop24 hours

TF PhoenixPX0430-1630Barber Shop0330-1530Alterations0330-1630Coffee Shop24 hours

Massage 0400-1800Alterations0430-1430Embroidery Shop0430-1430Gift Shops0430-1430Sports Apparel0430-1430Coffee Shop24 hours

Day Spa0500-1700Alterations0500-1700Embroidery Shop0500-1700Gift Shops0500-1700Sports Apparel0500-1700Black Ops Store0500-1700Leather Shop0500-1700

* All times inZulu/GMT

Soldiers build, maintain skills

Story and photo by Spc. Cheryl Ransford17th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. John Fox, TF Longhorn motor sergeant (right), and Cpl. Kevin Sorenson,TF 168, ground guide Pfc. Jeremy Stanley, TF 168, as he learns to back up witha trailer in the TF Longhorn motorpool during a class on driving with trailers.

drivingCombat

FORWARD OPERATING BASEORGUN-E, Afghanistan –– Extensiveplanning goes into every building, roadand airstrip that’s constructed inAfghanistan. Even before the plans can bedrawn, surveyors document the landscape.And before the first shovel moves earth,surveyors discuss exactly where it needs tobe moved.

As permanent construction continuesthroughout Operation Enduring Freedom,teams of surveyors are spread throughoutAfghanistan to facilitate new projects.

On Forward Operating Base Orgun-E ineastern Afghanistan, the new constructionon the drawing board is an airfield and theinstallation of lavatory facilities.

A three-man team from the 367thEngineer Battalion has a large impact onthe total construction effort on the FOBin Paktika province.

Though each member of the team isfrom a different unit and hometown, theirjob in OEF is an opportunity to cometogether to accomplish an essential mis-sion.

Using a Geodimeter, a system that auto-matically calculates elevation, northing andeasting, the surveyors construct a comput-erized model of the terrain.

The bulk of their work is methodicallycanvassing the terrain by lining up theGeodimeter with a marking rod.

Predominately a two-man job, havingthree on a survey team keeps a personfree to speed up the mission by compilingcomputer data, running another marking

rod or simply helping the team move fromplace to place, said Sgt. Joseph Rivers,Headquarters and Headquarters Company,367th Eng. Bn., team leader.

“With having such a small team, it isnice to have another person,” said Rivers.

As technical engineering specialists, eachof the surveyors has a wide range ofskills. All have training in both computer-ized and manual drafting on horizontaland vertical projects, in addition to theirsurveying skills. They can also analyze soilsamples.

“Our predominate mission here in

Afghanistan has been surveying airfields,”said Spc. Travis Clifford, HHC, 367thEng. Bn.

At FOB Orgun-E, surveying the terrainbefore beginning construction on some-thing as simple as a flat stretch of land isstill very important, said Clifford.

“Once the planners get a computermodel of the land, they can plan for howmuch material or equipment they willneed before coming out to this location,”said Clifford.

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 7

Soldiers from Co. A, 2nd Bn., 5th Inf. Rgt., run up arocky hill in Oruzgan province during a morning PTrun. The Soldiers are responsible for security and sta-bility operations in the region and must maintain ahigh state of physicial readiness for missions by con-ducting varied forms of physical training.

Photo by Spc. Melvin KrambuleCo. A, 2nd Bn., 5th Inf. Rgt.

If you have high quality photos of service members supportingthe Coalition mission or enjoying well-deserved off-duty time,please e-mail them to stumpc@baf.afgn.army.mil. Pleaseinclude full identification and caption information, including whois in the photo and what action is taking place.

Surveyors lay groundwork for constructionStory and photo by Sgt. Frank Magni17th Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Joseph Rivers, HHC, 367th Eng. Bn., lines up the Geodimeter with a mark-ing rod to record points used to create a computerized model of FOB Orgun-E.Rivers’ survey team was creating the computerized model of FOB Orgun-E forplanners to determine the best location to place new lavatory facilities.

See Survey, Page 14

HERAT PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMAfghanistan –– Most Soldiers have different ways to remain moti-vated and focused while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.For some, it is an opportunity to make the world a safer place. Forothers, it is a chance to help a thriving population.

For Spc. Jack Daniels, 450th Civil Affairs Battalion, deploying toAfghanistan was a chance to come home. It was a chance to helprebuild his homeland. But most importantly, it was a chance toserve in the U.S. Army.

While Jack Daniels is an alias he uses to keep his family inAfghanistan safe, his contributions are countless in the recon-struction efforts throughout Herat province.

Born and raised in northern Afghanistan, Daniels, along with hismother, brother and two sisters, immigrated to the United Statesmore than four years ago. Fleeing from the fighting and instabilityunder the Taliban regime, Daniels and his family came to theUnited States for security and the opportunity for a better life.

Overcoming a limited knowledge of the English language, hewas the first in his family to graduate high school and hadenrolled in college to study business.

But like many, the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001,sparked a desire to join the U.S. Army to fight terrorism and pre-vent future attacks. Daniels also desired to fight the Talibanregime – a group that killed his father and drove his family fromtheir homeland.

“In some ways, I looked at it as a way to fight back against theTaliban, but other reasons were much more important to me,”said Daniels.

He said his hatred of the Taliban was over-shadowed by his newlove for the United States and for the service members riskingtheir lives for his home country.

“Since I lived in a country that supports me – I wanted to sup-port it,” said Daniels. “I thought this is the best way I could helpU.S. troops.”

Ignoring pleas from his family not to return to Afghanistan, hejoined the Army as a combat interpreter.

“They kept on saying, ‘You just came from there, why wouldyou want to go back?’ ” he said.

Since he is fluent in Pashto and Dari, his job as an interpreterwas a perfect fit. He completed basic training, advanced individualtraining and two weeks after graduation was deployed toAfghanistan as an individual augmentee.

Although he initially envisionedworking with a combat unit,Daniels was instead assigned tothe civil affairs team working forthe Herat ProvincialReconstruction Team.

Having a fluent interpreter and Afghan native opens manydoors for the team in terms of cultural understanding. But despiteDaniel’s knowledge of Afghanistan, he has a few things to learnabout how civil affairs can help his homeland.

“Even though Daniels has huge potential in what he can con-tribute to our team, he is still a Soldier new to the Army andOEF,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wiley Jones, 450th CA Bn., team non-commissioned officer in charge. “There is a lot about civil affairshe still needs to be taught.”

For now, Daniels is accompanying his civil affairs team on as

many missions as possible.With a short haircut and quiet demeanor, he blends into the

crowd like any other 20-year-old Soldier.But while he learns more about his job in civil affairs, Daniels

doesn’t always immediately reveal his nationality to the Afghans heis working with. Often they will say things they don’t think he willunderstand.

“Everywhere we have been I have been hearing people say,‘Thank God they are here, God help them,’ ” said Daniels. “Theyare not saying this because they know that I understand them.

They are grateful the U.S. is here tohelp Afghanistan. I am grateful theU.S. is here to help Afghanistan.”

The reaction of the people and hisinitial exposure to civil affairs hashim very excited for the rest of the

deployment.“I never would have imagined many years ago that I would be in

this position to help Afghanistan,” said Daniels.Once he gets his feet wet, Jones looks forward to giving him the

freedom to plan projects and interact with local leaders.“He is a perfect fit for this job,” said Jones. “Who knows better

what Afghans need than an Afghan?”His mission focused on reconstruction and not combat came as

a surprise to him, but Daniels is happy with his role doing whathe initially joined the Army to do – protect U.S. Soldiers.

Page 8 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

Afghan returns to homeland as U.S. SoldierStory and photos by Sgt. Frank Magni17th Public Affairs Detachment

Above: Spc. JackDaniels, 450th CivilAffairs Bn. combat inter-preter, looks on as he andhis civil affairs team workin the Adraskan province.Daniels, a native ofAfghanistan joined theArmy to lend a hand insupport of OEF.

Left: Daniels takes notesas his civil affairs teammeets with the deputygovernor of Adraskanprovince.

“They kept on saying, ‘You justcame from there, why would you

want to go back?’ ”

WAZA KHWA, Afghanistan –– The Soldiers of Company C,2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, didn’t use the Christmasseason as a reason to let up on their daily patrols in Afghanistan’seastern Paktika province.

Instead, the infantrymen soldiered through the holidays toensure stability and security in the region.

One such December patrol lasted about three hours and tookthem through three villages, in what isn’t much more than a bar-ren countryside that surrounds their base here.

The Soldiers first checked on the construction of a school the2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt., “Wolfhounds” funded in Khezer Kheyl,and asked locals if they were satisfied with it.

Acting on recent intelligence, the patrol then headed to KhodayNazar Kor, a small hamlet built into the side of a mountain.There they searched for signs of anti-Coalition activity.

After thoroughly searching the area, the Soldiers moved backout on patrol to the third area on their route.

The Soldiers stopped in Marjaneh where they patrolled thenearly-deserted bazaar area before handing out blankets and win-ter coats to some of the villagers.

The mission was a prime example of the diversity of the oper-ation here – hunting insurgents one moment, then distributingitems to help the locals stay warm the next.

One of the battalion’s goals is to win the Afghan people’s con-fidence, as well as ensure the area is free of anti-Coalition mili-tants, said 1st Lt. Neil Armstrong, a platoon leader in Co. C, 2ndBn., 27th Inf. Rgt.

For the Soldiers, that means switching back and forth betweenwar fighter and good will ambassador, said Spc. Jonathan Low, aninfantryman with Co. C., 2nd Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt.

“I look at it this way – these people are our friends, and theyneed our help,” he said.

Like every other mission the Wolfhounds conduct, this patrol’sunderlying purpose was to show a presence in the area, lettingany insurgents know there is a Coalition presence here.

“We do patrols like that pretty much every day,” saidArmstrong. “We always attempt to give out humanitarian aid on

those patrols too, especially in the smaller villages.”Although the mission was a familiar one, it wasn’t to be taken

lightly.“Complacency kills is what they say,” said Low.At one point in the mission, while on a hilltop in Khoday Nazar

Kor, he spent a moment scanning the horizon through the pow-erful scope of his M-14 rifle, usually carried by designated marks-men like Low, looking for enemy activity.

“I noticed somebody on a bike, and I was just checking to makesure they weren’t carrying any weapons or anything like that,” hesaid.

The Soldiers returned to their base cold and dusty as usual, butsafe and with the knowledge they are helping the people of thesurrounding communities.

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 9

Wolfhounds Soldier through the holidaysStory and photos by Staff Sgt. Bradley RhenCombined Task Force Thunder Public Affairs

Cpl. Marcus Denny, a team leader from Co. C, 2nd Bn., 27thInf. Rgt., patrols the desolate streets of Marjaneh lastmonth.

Spc. Jonathan Low, a designated marksman for Co. C, 2ndBn., 27th Inf. Rgt., uses the scope on his M14 rifle to scanthe horizon from a hilltop in Khoday Nazar Kor during aDecember patrol.

Page 10 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

HERAT PROVINCIAL RECON-STRUCTION TEAM, Afghanistan ––With every new road or school open-ing you will find them. From the com-pound’s front gate to each village,force protection Soldiers provide secu-rity for the civil affairs personnel asthey facilitate the reconstructionthroughout Afghanistan.

To the common observer, mostprovincial reconstruction team forceprotection personnel appear to be nomore than bodyguards standing readyas civil affairs teams move from villageto village.

But in Herat, like all PRTs, the forceprotection team’s mission extends farbeyond their role of security, into arelationship that keeps both them andcivil affairs teams safe, effective andrelevant as reconstruction takes place.

Force protection team members herework to secure their home base andthe airfields in Herat, but their skillsare especially put to the test when theyroll out on convoy operations with thecivil affairs personnel.

“When we are on a (convoy opera-tion), we focus on three major areas –situational awareness, accountabilityand navigation,” said Staff Sgt. BradleyBergeman, Herat PRT force protectionsquad leader.

Sometimes covering hundreds ofkilometers at a time, the key to successin all the areas Bergeman mentioned ispreparation.

And no area of preparation is moreimportant than navigation.

“Getting the convoy to the destina-tion is our responsibility,” he said.“The (civil affairs) team tells us thepoints they want to go and we getthem there.”

With many hard to find road dirtroads traveling over treacherous passesin Herat, one key to successful naviga-tion has come through continuity, saidBergeman.

After each mission, the force protec-tion team completes an extensive afteraction review to outline the route trav-eled and determine the positive andnegative aspects of the mission.

“I don’t consider any mission suc-cessful until I know that the next

group that will travel to the area I wasjust at doesn’t make the same mistakeswe did,” he said.

Successful preparation for the Heratforce protection team also includesequipment.

“We have to plan for everything,”said Bergeman.

From tow straps to jacks, flares andmedical kits, the force protection teamhas developed extensive tool kits andchecklists for each vehicle in the con-voy.

Finally, successful preparation hascome through training.

“Training is very important to sustaingood situational awareness,” saidBergeman. “For every lesson we learnin the field, we return and make sureeach person in the company learns thatlesson.”

Situational awareness for the forceprotection team also means having aplan for each contingency.

The job is extremely rewarding, con-sidering everything the force protec-tion team does for the reconstructionmission, said Spc. Matthew Moritz,Herat PRT force protection.

“One of the best parts of our job isknowing we are going placesAmericans have never been before,bringing things people need,” he said.

1st Lt. Travis Menke (right), Herat PRT force protection, discusses the directionof a convoy operation with Sgt. 1st Class Wiley Jones, 450th CA Bn., after a vil-lage assessment.

Spc. Michael Elmer (left) and Spc.Conor Champley, both of Herat PRT’sforce protection team, pull perimetersecurity during a village assessment.

Story and photos by Sgt. Frank Magni17th Public Affairs Detachment

Force protection team navigates PRT to successFocal points leadto stability, securityin Herat province

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 11

SAYED KHAIL, Afghanistan ––Providing humanitarian assistance to theAfghan people is one way the Coalition isworking to improve their quality of life.

Task Force Eagle made a large donationlast month to children in Sayed Khail, avillage neighboring Bagram Air Base.

“We try to go out as often as possible toprovide needed items to the people in thevillages surrounding Bagram,” said 1stLt. Justin Wilkerson, TF Eagle personnelofficer.

“Many of the villagers are poor andcan’t afford to buy the things they needto stay warm, so we are supplementingtheir needs with the items sent fromhome.”

While this isn’t the first time TF Eaglehas provided assistance to the people ofSayed Khail, the villagers are still veryresponsive and thankful for what theyreceived.

Many of the children who received theassistance were orphans who have verylittle of their own, said Wilkerson.

“When we look for locations to handout donations, we try to find the peoplewho need the most assistance and focusour efforts on how we can help them,” hesaid. “Once the location is selected, wegather the donations we have for eachage group we are expecting to help, andmake sure we have enough for the num-ber of people we could possibly helpduring the mission.”

During most missions, the Soldiers ofTF Eagle are able to provide assistancefor nearly 200 people, most of whom arechildren.

Although the focus of humanitarianmissions is the people they are helping,the Soldiers providing the assistance takeaway a sense of accomplishment.

“Every time we come out to SayedKhail, the people are very friendly andwelcoming of us in the village,” said Sgt.Tara Holloman, TF Eagle. “Seeing theirfaces when they receive all the things webring to them is something that I willremember forever. There is nothing elselike it.”

While not all Soldiers walk away withthe exact same feeling, they all know theassistance they are providing to the peo-ple will help them in ways they neverthought possible, something the Afghans

greatly appreciate.“I want to thank you all for what you

are doing,” said General Maulano, a localleader. “You are providing the people ofmy village with many things they don’thave access to and will need for the win-ter.”

By providing the villagers with clothesand food for the winter, the Soldiers ofTF Eagle are showing the people ofAfghanistan that they care, and are will-ing to help them during their time ofneed.

“As winter grows harsher, it is harderfor the villagers to be able to get into thelarger towns for some things they mayneed,” said Holloman. “However, when

we visit the villages, we are able to pro-vide those items to them without themhaving to travel in the harsh winter ele-ments.”

During an afternoon tea following theassistance for the children, Maulanoasked for the continued assistance fromthe Soldiers and promised further assis-tance from himself.

“I am willing to do what I can to payyou back for all you have done for thepeople of this village,” he said. “If thereis anything I can do for you, I will do it.”

With a promise and a glass of tea, thebonds between the Coalition and theAfghan people were strengthened onceagain.

HA mission improves Afghan quality of lifeStory and photos by Spc. Cheryl Ransford17th Public Affairs Detachment

Above: Sgt. Tara Holloman (left),TF Liberty, hands clothes toAfghan girls, while Capt. KristenO’Keefe, 125th MI Bn., sortsthrough a box of girls’ clothes dur-ing a humanitarian assistance mis-sion in Sayed Khail village in cen-tral Afghanistan’s Parwanprovince.Left: 1st Lt. Justin Wilkerson(right), TF Eagle personnel officer,reaches for a box being handeddown from the back of an LMTV.More than 200 Afghans benefittedfrom the humanitarian assistancemission organized by TF Eagle,receiving clothes, shoes and foodto help get them through the harshwinter.

DEH RAWOD, Afghanistan –– Diarrheaand dehydration brought 11-year-old SerdarMohammad to the health clinic at a basecamp near Deh Rawod in southcentralAfghanistan.

The young boy and his 2-year-old nephew,Dabea, traveled nearly six miles on footfrom their village to the clinic. Serdar is justone of many local residents who make thejourney to receive health care services pro-vided by Coalition forces working here.

A team of Combined Joint SpecialOperations Task Force – Afghanistan andCombined Joint Task Force-76 medics,along with a CJSOTF physician, treatpatients for everything from dehydration toburns. They say the majority of their casesare traumas resulting from gunshot woundsand broken bones from accidents.

“Sometimes it’s almost like being in a civil-ian (emergency room),” said Spc. MarcusStevenson, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5thInfantry Regiment, medic. “You can’t teachsome of this stuff.”

Stevenson is one of several medics fromForward Operating Base Cobra, whorotates in and out of the base camp at DehRawod, learning lessons that can’t be taughtin a classroom.

“Everything that goes on here is a teameffort. From the time the patients come infor treatment, until the time they leave,” hesaid.

Indeed, this medical operation is a teameffort. In addition to the medical person-nel, the clinic also employs Habid Khwas,an Afghan who helps treat and transportpatients with minor injuries.

“I try to learn everything I can to help mypeople and do something for my country,”said Khwas, who hopes to one day attendmedical school. “I need to know more.One day I may go, but right now I will stayhere. I’m happy here and this is my place.This clinic is caring for the people.”

There is also an Afghan-American inter-preter who recently returned to his home-land from California to work with Coalitionforces.

“I came back because I wanted to helpmy country, to help the people here,” saidAmirr Abdullah, Deh Rawod base campinterpreter. “The American troops havehelped us and I wanted to help them. Thepeople see this clinic as a symbol. It meansthat life is changing for them, for the bet-ter.”

With no standard healthcare system inplace, particularly in remote areas ofAfghanistan, the Deh Rawod clinic is a life-line for residents who would not normally

have access to doctors or medical treat-ment.

“My baby was burned, and I brought himhere for the doctors to see,” saidMohammad Hasahk, a local resident.“People tell us that there is good medicinehere and they will take care of us. The doc-tors do much for us.”

The clinic staff sees about 60 to 70patients a day at the base’s front gate.

Page 12 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

DDaarrii//PPaasshhttoo pphhrraassee ooff tthhee wweeeekk

Afghan cultural tidbit

DariHow is your family?Famile shuma chi hal darad?

(Fahmeelay' shoo'mah chi hawldahrad')PashtoHow is your family?Tasu famil su hal lari?(Ta'soo fahmeel' su-hawl law'ree)Afghan cultural tidbit

Afghan families are traditionally very large with at least four children. Some men alsohave more than one wife. The households are normally run by the father who works out-side the house. The wife usually does all the housework, such as cleaning, cooking andtaking care of the children.

Coalition clinic providescrucial care to Afghans

Spc. Marcus Stevenson, Co. C, 2ndBn., 5th Inf. Rgt., medic, wraps band-ages around a patient with second-degree burns at the Deh Rawod Clinicin southcentral Afghanistan.

Story and photo by Spc. Dijon Rolle17th Public Affairs Detachment

January 16, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 13

NCOs enforce winter safety standards

Compiled by Sgt. Stephanie L. Carl17th Public Affairs Detachment

AFGHANISTAN –– Someone oncewrote, “Those who cannot rememberthe past, are condemned to repeat it.”This is especially true for service mem-bers placed in leadership positionsthroughout the U.S. military.

Leaders are tasked with, among manyother things, ensuring the safety of thosein their charge. A good leader takes fromhis experiences, good or bad, and sharesthem with his fellow servicemen.

The Freedom Watch staff solicited thefollowing vignettes from noncommis-sioned officers operating throughoutAfghanistan, asking them to share theirexperiences and lessons learned whileserving as part of Operation EnduringFreedom.

This month’s vignettes focus on wintersafety and ensuring service members areproperly protected from the environ-ment and harsh elements.

Staff Sgt.Scott GallegosANA 1st Bde. ETTmentor

Safety in thiskind of

weather comesdown to attentionto detail.

We always make sure people are prop-erly maintaining their individual equip-ment, and that they have the gear theyneed with them.

Before missions, we always do a thor-ough PMCS. We check all the fluids andthe tire pressure to make sure they are atthe right levels. We also get a weatherreport. This attention-to-detail carriesover into the missions we go on, too.

We always make sure our guys arebeing cautious when they are drivingbecause of potentially icy roads. Whenthey swerve to avoid potholes or obsta-cles, we make sure it’s at a safe speed.Otherwise, they run the risk of slippingon ice and getting in an accident.”

“

Staff Sgt. Paul S. HansenTF 168squad leader

The mosti m p o r t a n t

thing I do is checkto make sure mySoldiers dress forthe weather.

With the new (rapid fielding initiative)gear we’re all receiving, there’s no reasonmy Soldiers can’t dress for the tempera-ture and conditions. All the new gearworks very well.

As leaders, we’re responsible for keep-ing our Soldiers safe. Part of that isensuring they have what they need to suc-cessfully accomplish the mission, with themaximum protection available.”Air Force

Master Sgt.Arnold Andrews455th EOGaircraft armamentspecialist

Every dayour guys get

a brief on theweather conditions. We make sure theyhave their cold weather gear with them incase they need it. We always remind themto stay dry and bundle up.

In our job, it’s also important that wekeep our equipment protected from theelements. We especially try to keep our(ammunition) loaders inside, out of thecold air and wet weather, otherwise theymay not work properly.

Taking these steps helps us ensure thatwe are able to accomplish our mission.”

“

Sgt. Tremaine Clayton 76th Sep. Inf. Bde.medic

It’s alwaysimportant to

conduct proper(pre-combat inspec-tions). We need tomake sure our guys are wearing the rightgear for the conditions and that they’vepacked properly.

Before we leave, I always make sure mySoldiers are bringing things like extra uni-forms and dry clothes.

It’s also important to make sure every-one is drinking water when we’re out on amission.”

“Staff Sgt. Jose Gomez58th MP Co.squad leader

I’ve set am i n i m u m

uniform standard,especially for mySoldiers who manthe (gun) turret.

They are required to wear their Gortextop and bottom, as well as cold-weathergloves. We’ve also extended our heaterhoses up into our turrets to help the gun-ners stay warmer.

I also make sure I bring extra gear alongwith me in case someone else gets cold.It’s important to always be prepared foranything to happen.”

“Sgt. Daniel Salinas546th Maint. Co.team leader

The firstthing I do is

make sure mySoldiers are dressedin loose layers. Ialways check whenwe’re getting ready for missions to ensurethey are properly dressed. I don’t make themdress by the numbers, but I check up onthem.

As a leader, it’s my responsibility to checkup on them, to make sure they’re doing whatthey need to do to stay warm and safe.”

“

SafeguardingSafeguardingthe Coalitionthe Coalition

Marine Sgt.Effrain Parra2nd Bn., 6th Marinessniper

I work in avery small

team, and I normallyonly have one otherMarine with me. Butwe work together to ensure we’re preparedfor the cold weather.

We always inspect each other before wego out on a mission, and we also inspecteach other’s gear. We make sure we bothhave all our cold-weather gear that we mayend up needing.”

“

“

Page 14 Freedom Watch January 16, 2005

For the lavatory project, the computer model they design willdetermine the location of the facilities.

“A lot of planning can be done based on what we find,” saidRivers. “Because our information impacts so much in the plan-

ning phases, we do the most thorough job possible.”The battalion’s ten-man survey section is organized into small-

er groups during many of their missions, creating special rela-tionships within the survey teams.

The team in Orgun-E began their relationship at advancedindividual training, giving the members something to look for-ward to when coming to Afghanistan. Rivers volunteered for themission once he knew who would be on his survey team.

“Once I knew who would be going, I did everything I could tocome along,” he said.

While every member of the Orgun-E team gets a greatamount of satisfaction contributing his skills to OperationEnduring Freedom, all say working with friends takes the experi-ence to another level.

Spc. Kenneth Thompson, HHC, 367th Eng. Bn., said one ofhis major motivations in creating a good product is knowing heis working with professionals.

“Working with these guys just makes all of this better,” hesaid.

When the team takes their computerized model back toBagram Air Base, the construction projects will move into a dif-ferent stage of planning and, eventually, execution.

For the surveyors, it is on to a different mission in a differentlocation.

“It is very satisfying to have our own little part of the mis-sion,” said Rivers. “What we do does matter and improvesthings in Afghanistan.”

Survey: Construction begins with proper planning

Sgt. Frank MagniSgt. Joseph Rivers records points he shot with theGeodimeter while on FOB Orgun-E. Rivers’ survery teamcreated a computerized model of FOB Orgun-E so plan-ners could find the best location to place facilities.

FORWARD OPERATING BASESALERNO, Afghanistan –– Those seek-ing a place to worship here will no longerhave to settle for a cramped tent.

A newly-built, wooden chapel was dedi-cated in December and replaces the tentthat was previously used for the 1,500service members and civilians operating atForward Operating Base Salerno.

The new building is more than twice thesize of the old chapel, said Chaplain (Maj.)Judith Hamrick, Combined Task ForceThunder chaplain.

“This facility is available to all our per-sonnel, military and civilian,” she said. “It’sa place they can all feel at home, and it’stheir house of worship.”

The new building is a welcome changefrom the tent. Even before deploying here,Hamrick said she heard from other unitsthat the chapel was already out of space.

The Army’s chief of chaplains, Chaplain(Maj. Gen.) David H. Hicks, who visitedwith Soldiers around Afghanistan, was onhand to help dedicate the new facility.

He said it was very special to take part ina chapel dedication in a combat zone.

“We need to recognize this as a very

unique setting, a place thatwe have been given,” saidHicks, adding that thechapel will be a place forworshippers to get away fora moment of reflection, aplace to be in touch withGod.

“That’s what’s beautifulabout having a place setapart, and that’s what wewant to do with this facilitytoday,” he said. “We don’twant to hinder, and we don’twant to be hindered in ourworship because we don’thave adequate facilities.”

The chapel was built bySoldiers of the 528thEngineer Battalion of the LouisianaNational Guard.

Sgt. Charles Johnson, who was in chargeof the project, said the Soldiers put a lot ofextra work into the project because theywanted to make the building special.

“Instead of just building a bland, regularbuilding like you see in the military, wewanted to spruce it up a little,” saidJohnson, a Company A, 528th Eng. Bn.,carpentry and masonry specialist.

The Soldiers installed a cathedral roofinstead of a flat roof, seven-paneled

“peak” windows, and wooden beamsacross the ceiling of the main room.

Many of the engineers put in late nightsto get the chapel ready for the dedication,said Johnson.

Because there is still a threat of rocketattacks to the base, the Soldiers had topractice light discipline and used small,pen-sized flashlights to see the wood theywere cutting.

Eventually, there will be shutters on thewindows so worshippers can practice lightdiscipline during night services.

Army engineers build new Salerno chapel

Spc. Eric Loche (left), Co. A, 528th Eng. Bn., leads theFOB Salerno Gospel Choir during the dedication ofthe new chapel his company built at FOB Salerno.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Bradley RhenCombined Task Force Thunder Public Affairs

continued from Page 7

January 14, 2005 Freedom Watch Page 15

The Freedom Watch would like to publish your opin-ions on topics of importance and interest to those serv-ing in OEF.

Please send your thoughts in letter form to the editor.All letters e-mailed must include full name, unit,address and, when possible, telephone number. Wewill not print anonymous letters. Please limit all lettersto 200 words or less.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarityand decorum.

Please avoid implying criticism of U.S. or DoD poli-cies and programs, advocating or disputing specificpolitical, diplomatic or legislative matters, or implyingcriticism of host nation or host nation sensitivities.

Please send your letters to: stumpc@baf.afgn.army.milWe look forward to hearing from you!

Letters to the EditorPersonnel in Afghanistan are invited to participate in the OperationEnduring Freedom bi-monthly “Values” Essay Contest sponsored byCJTF-76. The current value is “Loyalty.”

RulesEssays should include the definition of the featured value and

your own experience(s) that reinforce this valueEssays will be at least one and no more than two pages

(typed/neatly printed and double-spaced)Please include a cover page with Title, Author’s Name,

Supervisor’s Name, Unit/Organization, Phone Number and e-mail address if available

Do not put name directly on essaySubmit essays to EO Adviser nearest your location, via e-mail

or hard copy by Jan. 25.The winning essay writer will receive a CJTF-76 CommandingGeneral’s Certificate of Achievement and other prizes to be announced.The essay will also be published in a future issue of the FreedomWatch, and in the bi-monthly EO Update.EO is also looking for E-7s and above to help review essay submis-sions and select the winning essay.Call the Bagram EO Senior Adviser at DSN 318-231-3021 for moreinformation.

OEF “Values” Essay Contest

This essay is the winner of the CJTF-76 val-ues essay contest for “Selfless Service.”

Each and every day, many men andwomen perform acts of selfless service.I know of a special place where selflessservice is a common thing. That place iscalled Bagram Air Base. I’m very proudto say that I am part of the “OneTeam” that will always endlessly give itsservice day-to-day, without asking foranything in return.

Many people call us heroes, but I callmyself a person who is always willing tohelp someone in his time of need, nomatter how good or badthe situation may seem.In the end, what it allboils down to is thefact that when askedfor our help, “OneTeam” was there togive its selfless servicein overcoming terror-ism and dictatorship, tomake this world a better place and makea brighter future for our children andthe lives of others.

Many have made the ultimate sacrificeof selfless service, which will not be for-gotten – especially to the families wholost loved ones and the people ofAfghanistan.

Selfless service is often associated withmilitary people. But the real story doesnot begin here, it starts in the hearts andminds of people like you who cometogether as one nation and believe thatyou can make a change in the world

with selfless service. In reality, all of ourselfless service and a powerful militarywould not be possible without the helpof everyday, normal people like you,your family and friends. People who takepride and the time out of their busylives to thank our young men andwomen who serve our country withouthesitance, also perform selfless acts. It isyour support, thoughts, and not to men-tion thousands of care packages and let-ters, that remind people like myself thatour American nation supports us andthat what we are doing is the worthy

cause of freedom. Not knowing inwhose hands they would reach, or whereyour packages would end up, caring peo-ple continuously and selflessly devotetheir time to open up their families,hearts, and homes to our fellow militarybrothers and sisters and the cause offreedom.

Each person has his own special wayof contributing their acts of selflessservice. I take pride in extending mychoice of selfless service one step fur-ther by joining my fellow service mem-bers in serving my country as a member

of the U.S. Navy. No matter whatbranch I choose, I know we are all “OneTeam,” with one mission and one goal –revive democracy for the people ofAfghanistan and make it home alive toour loved ones as quickly as possible.No one said it would be easy, or thatfreedom was cheap. But one thing is forsure, what everyone has in their hearts isthat they want their children to be freeand have a better life than the one wehave. Our selfless service does not comefrom one person alone, but from themany sacrifices that families and loved

ones give, allowing theirclosest loved one to beaway from their familyfor the cause of livingthe life of freedom thatour nation has today.And share with otherswhat each citizen in theUnited States has – life,

liberty and the pursuit ofhappiness. If one Afghan life was bet-tered or changed, then all of our selflessservice efforts are not in vain.

So I leave you with one thought. Atthe end of your busy, long day, justbefore you lay your head to rest safely inyour warm bed, ask yourself what act ofselfless service have you done today insupport of changing someone’s life andmaking it better, no matter how big orhow small.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Daniel Vasquez

CJTF-76 Command Group

Essay: Selfless service –– ‘One Team’ gives selflessly

Freedom WatchJanuary 16, 2005

I am disciplined, physicallyand mentally tough,

trained and proficient inmy warrior tasks and drills.