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Volume 2, Issue 9 Serving the Soldiers of Task Force Baghdad June 19, 2005

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In this week’s

edition of The Marne

Express

“Mission, Soldiers, Teamwork”

Spc. Ben Brody2nd BCT PAO

NEW BAGHDAD, Iraq –Soldiers from 1st Battalion,64th Armor, conductedOperation Determined Furythe first week of June in aneffort to root out insurgents in

Central Baghdad.New Baghdad is a diverse

neighborhood, populatedwith Christians, SunniMuslims and Shiite Muslims.

“We’re basically doing aweek’s worth of cordon-and-searches in two days,” saidMaj. Paul Maxwell, Task

Force 1-64 Armor, executiveofficer. “Using intel we’vegathered, we’re targetinghouses where insurgent cellsare thought to plan (impro-vised explosive device)attacks.”

During the afternoon ofJune 6, Soldiers from C, D

and E Companies, 1-64Armor, rolled into a denselypopulated New Baghdadneighborhood with their M-1Abrams tanks, BradleyFighting Vehicles andhumvees, blocking the streets

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Desert Rogues root out insurgentsSpc. Ben Brody

Soldiers from C Co., 1st Battalion, 64th Armor, prepare to enter a house during a raid in New Baghdad, Iraq, June 6.

See ROGUES, page 13

Spc. Brian Schroeder2/10 Inf. PAO

FOB CONSTITU-TION, Iraq – A cere-mony was held inwestern Baghdad toofficially transfer theauthority of RaiderForward OperatingBase from CoalitionForces to the IraqiArmy June 9.

“This represents atremendous growthand ability of the IraqiSecurity Forces toassume on their ownduties of manning animportant outpost,”said Lt. Col. LoepoldoQuintas, commander,2nd Battalion, 70thArmored Regiment,2nd Brigade CombatTeam, 10th MountainDivision.

Soldiers from 3rdBrigade, 6th Iraqi

Army Division andGen. Aziz Swady, thebrigade commander,were passed the sym-bolic torch of controlfor Raider Base.

Aziz gave a promiseto the Iraqi people thatthey will defend thebase with their lives.

“We will never for-get the good that theCoalition Forces havedone for our city andthe good you havedone to help our coun-try,” Aziz said. “To thepeople of Abu Ghraiband the Iraqi people,we will be faithfulSoldiers and protectour base.”

The efforts of theIraqi Army have had apositive effect on anti-Iraqi attacks in the cityof Abu Ghraib.

Since 3/6 IA Bde.became a main pres-

ence in the area inMay, the total numberof roadside bombs andmortar or rocketattacks have decreasedfrom seven attacks perday to only two perday.

Several key targetsand insurgents havealso been detained.

Raider Base was ini-tially established inJune 2003 under thecommand of Quintas,after the CoalitionForces advanced toBaghdad in March2003.

The base served as astopping point forCoalition patrols inand out of the city.

The base was trans-ferred to the 2ndBattalion, 14thInfantry Regiment,2nd BCT in Nov. 2004.

Pfc. John Rager,

from 2nd Platoon, BCompany, 2/70 ARdied July 19, 2003.

Many Soldiers fromhis platoon were

wounded during theattack on a checkpointnear the base.

See FOB, page 13

FOB Raider transfers over to Iraqi Army Soldiers

Spc. Brian SchroederThe battalion colors of 2/70th Armor and 2/14th Inf.,2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. are cased during a transfer ofauthority ceremony in the western Baghdad district ofAbu Ghraib June 9.

On June 14, 2005, our Armyproudly celebrates its 230thBirthday. American Soldiers haveanswered the call to duty since1775.

The nation has entrusted us topreserve the peace, protect itsfreedoms and defend our way oflife. American Soldiers havealways been motivated by anunwavering belief that they willbe victorious.

Our Soldiers understand that ourConstitution guarantees our free-doms and must be protected.

The Soldiers serving in TaskForce Baghdad are no different.

We draw our military roots andtraditions starting with the militiathat defeated the British atLexington and Concord on April19, 1775.

These citizen Soldiers harassedthe retreating British till they wereclose to Boston inflicting one of thehighest casualty rates the Britishwould suffer during the war.

The militia then establishedcamp on the Cambridge Commonwith some Soldiers being quartered

in the halls of Harvard University asthey settled in to observe theBritish.

The success of the militiaspurred the Continental Congressinto action. On June 14, 1775 themilitia at Cambridge was declaredto be the Continental Army.

The Congress then authorizedthe first unit of Continentals to beraised. This first battalion was to bemade up of “expert riflemen” and toserve as a light infantry force.

Today, all Soldiers can bereminded of these early patriots andthose who followed by a quickreview of your unit’s heritage, sym-bols and Warrior’s ethos.

The 3rd Infantry Division’spatch with its blue stripes repre-sents the Infantry, loyalty and thesteadfastness of the AmericanSoldier.

Every day Marne Soldiers leavefor missions with this reminder onour sleeves. We are a riflemanfirst; experts like the firstContinentals. We are loyal to ourcomrades, units and oaths to duty.We are steadfast in our purposelike the rock on our distinctiveunit insignia representing the divi-sion’s firm stand against the

German offensive at the MarneRiver in World War I. We carryon the traditions started by thosewho served before without evenreflecting on it because we share acommon understanding of what isright and needs to be done.

Our adversaries continue tothreaten our way of life and vow toattack us again at home. TheSoldiers of Multi-National Division– Baghdad bravely serve our Armywhile protecting our national inter-est here in Iraq.

I am extremely proud to be serv-ing with all of you on the Army’s230th Birthday. We are the Army’slead weapon in the war on terror.And you and your Soldiers are theheart of this combat team.

You believe in doing the rightthing and your willingness to makewhatever sacrifice that is necessaryis not only winning this fight, but asmany of you have said, it is impor-tant for the future of America, notjust for the future of Iraq.

You are doing great work!

Mission...Soldiers...Teamwork

Rock of the Marne!

Op/Ed

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What’s the most important thing your father taught you? MMMMaaaarrrrnnnneeee EEEExxxxpppprrrreeeessssssssTTTThhhh eeee

Task Force Baghdad PublicAffairs OfficeCommanding General: Maj. Gen.William G. Webster Jr.Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. CliffordJ. KentPublic Affairs Supervisor: Master Sgt.Greg Kaufman

The Marne Express StaffEditor: Sgt. 1st Class Brenda BennerAssociate Editor: Spc. Emily J.WilsoncroftLayout and Design: Spc. RicardoBranch, Spc. Jennifer D. FittsStaff Writers: Sgt. 1st Class PeterChadwick, Sgt. 1st Class David Abrams,Sgt. 1st Class Ken Walker, Staff Sgt.Raymond Piper, Sgt. Thomas Benoit,Sgt. Andrew Miller, Sgt. Kevin Bromley,Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, Spc. RicardoBranch, Spc. Natalie Loucks, Spc. BenBrody, Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr., Spc.Jennifer Fitts, Spc. Derek Del Rosario,Spc. Chrstopher Foster, Spc. BrianHenretta, Spc. Maria Mengrone, Spc.Erin Robicheaux, Spc. MatthewMcLaughlin, Spc. Brian Schroeder, Spc.Matthew Wester, Pfc. Daniel Balda.

The Marne Express is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S.Army. Contents of The Marne Expressare not necessarily official views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government,Department of Defense, Department ofthe Army or the 3rd Infantry Division.All editorial content of The MarneExpress is prepared, edited, providedand approved by the Task ForceBaghdad Public Affairs Office.

“My fathertaught me that

you have torespect others

and yourselfbefore others

will respectyou.”

Airman 1st Class Amber Hodges54th Sig. Bn.Graham, Wa.

“My dad servedthree tours in

Vietnam. Hetaught me to

never give up,no matter whatthe odds. Andthe 11th com-mandment: to

thy own self betrue.”

“My pops is oneof those philo-

sophical types.He has given me

wisdom aboutall kinds of stuff

like the rightsand wrongs of

life, that noteverything is as

it seems.”

Spc. Donald Thomas1st Bn., 121th Inf.

Newnan, Ga.

Spc. Mark Young1st Bn.121th Inf.

New Orleans, La.

“My dad taughtme responsibili-ty and that, for a

man, the mostimportant thing

is to take care ofyour family.”

“My dad was agood cook. Hetaught me howto cook, when-

ever we’d gettogether.”

Spc. Markus L. LeachHHSC, STB

Statesville, N.C.

Maj. Ingrid Lim Jurich 546th Area Support Med. Co.

Rochester, N.Y.

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Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Jr.Task Force Baghdad Commander

The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

Marne Six Sends

IEDs are the number onekillers of coalition forces.

Stay Alert, Stay Alive

Courtesy photoVice PresidentDick Cheneygets a taste ofthe frostingafter cutting acake during a2003 cermonycommemoratingthe Army’s228th birthdayat the Pentagon.

Happy BirHappy Bir thday U.S. Army!thday U.S. Army!

e give so you can live.While every family member istucked away in their beds at

night, Soldiers are still fighting thegood fight. Adapt and overcome is theformula for living in Iraq.

I have met many people who com-plain about their orders at a restaurantbeing wrong or it being a little toowarm or cold. Some people can’t gomore than a day without a bath and a

primping.We live in condi-

tions that would hor-rify the generalAmerican public. Wealmost never havewater, and if we do,it’s cold. I am stay-ing at a patrol baseright now that hasn’tserved a hot meal infour days. To be hon-

est with you, the list goes on and on.We sit up all night on guard duty

and watch the horizon, protecting theSoldiers dwelling within our base. Wesmile and joke with each other, and tryto make the best of things. We are will-ing to be awakened at any hour, day ornight, to ride out on a mission. I knowpeople back home I can’t get out ofbed with a fire hose.

There are complaints, but mostly inpassing conversation. The thing is thateveryone is living in the same condi-tions, so nobody really wants to hearany complaining. There are a fewthings we can change, and we dochange them. The majority of the sit-uation remains in status quo.

I feel honored to be here servingwith these men and women. They areamazing people. I would expect theaverage person to literally break downand cry at the sight of some of the

things we deal with. But every day, wecan see the changes in this country.The Iraqi Security Forces are takingthe position at the front of the convoyon almost every mission. This sightmakes me confident our work here isfruitful, and we are making greatprogress.

I miss home, as does every Soldierhere. We jump at the chance to com-municate with our families and lovedones. All of us want to come home.What we will do when we get therevaries widely.

Many of us will not reenlist, butsome will. We are individuals with dif-ferent tastes and backgrounds, and allof us have our own dreams and needs.As Americans, we often take ourchoices for granted. It is interesting tosee the people of Iraq begin to realizethat they also have choices, and soonthey will be able to make them without

us here. Many things can happen dur-ing the transition.

I just hope all of us make it homesafe and leave the reconstruction tothose who are elected to run this coun-try.

So when your husband, wife, son ordaughter tells you everything is alrightover here, they are being goodSoldiers. Make sure you tell them youlove them. They are dealing with agreat amount of discomfort, yet theydrive on to accomplish their missions.Whether you believe in what we aredoing or not, support the spirit of theSoldier. We all want to be home withyou, yet we sacrifice our comfort tobring the battle to the terrorists ownbackyard, 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.

Op/Ed The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

Soldiers sacrifice so Americans can live in freedomCommentary

W

Spc. Jimmy D.Lane Jr.

Unsung heroesUnsung heroesCommand Sgt. Major William M. GrantTF Baghdad command sergeant major

The construction of homes and build-ings represents a skilled ability that hasbeen passed down through the genera-tions.

The efforts of talented engineers con-tinue to baffle our minds due to their inge-nuity, creativity, and sophistication ofdesigns.

Engineers are unique indeed with theproblem-solving capabilities they bring tothe combined arms team.

The 3rd Infantry Division is very fortu-nate to have among its ranks a host ofexperts under the leadership of the 36thEngineer Group of Fort Benning, Ga.

These combat and construction engi-neer Soldiers, dedicated professionals intheir own right, are making a big differ-ence in keeping the main supply routes assafe as possible from improvised explo-sive devices with the employment of their,IED ‘interrogating’ vehicle, known as the“Buffalo.”

These hard working Soldiers are con-structing buildings, roads, airfields, andare involved in hundreds of various proj-ects designed to improve our quality oflife and to increase the force protection

levels inside and outside of our forwardoperating bases.

The 36th ENG team is comprised ofActive, Reserve, and Army NationalGuard personnel.

Just to illustrate the flexibility of thereserve unit, they successfully reorgan-ized just prior to deploying – transform-ing from a combat engineer company to aconstruction company to support theSeahorse and Marne Teams.

We all understand the fact the everySoldier is a rifleman first and this is nodifferent with these engineer warriors.

However, I submit to you that the com-bat effectiveness of this engineer forcemultiplier is better measured by its earthmoving capability when shaping terrainfor construction or counter-mobilityefforts, and by its vertical constructionprojects while providing safe, quality liv-ing and working conditions for the Marnecombat team.

Today’s heroes are from the engineercommunity and what great teammatesthey are. Our hats are off to the “RuggedSeahorses” of the 36th Engineer Groupand its entire supporting cast of BlackDiamonds, Desert Rhinos, and RedHorses.

“Rock of the Marne”

www.arnews.comSpecial to The Marne Express

WASHINGTON — TheArmy announced this weekthe eligibility requirementsfor its new Combat ActionBadge.

The requirements are laidout in a Department of theArmy letter published on June3. The letter also discusseschanges to the CombatInfantryman Badge and theCombat Medic Badge.

The CAB, whose designfeatures both a bayonet andgrenade, may be awarded toany Soldier performingassigned duties in an areawhere hostile fire pay orimminent danger pay isauthorized, who is personallypresent and actively engagingor being engaged by theenemy, and performing satis-factorily in accordance withthe prescribed rules ofengagement, according to thespecific eligibility require-ments.

Award of the CAB is notlimited by one’s branch ormilitary occupational special-ty; however, to receive theCAB, a Soldier must not be

assigned or attached to a unitthat would qualify the Soldierfor the CIB or CMB.

The CAB’s creation wasapproved by Army chief ofstaff Gen. Peter J.Schoomaker on May 2, 2005,to provide special recognitionto Soldiers who personallyengage or are engaged by theenemy.

“Warfare is still a humanendeavor,” Schoomaker said.“Our intent is to recognizeSoldiers who demonstrate andlive the Warrior Ethos.”

“The Global War onTerrorism and its associatedoperations will be the first eraof conflict considered for thisaward,” said Lt. Col. BillJohnson, Human ResourcesCommand chief of militaryawards. “September 18, 2001,is the effective date for thenew award. That is whenPresident Bush signed SenateJoint Resolution 23, authoriz-ing the use of military forceagainst those responsible forthe recent attacks launchedagainst the United States.”

The CAB should be avail-able late this summer or earlyfall through unit supply andmilitary clothing sales stores.

Army announces newbadge requirements

The new Combat Action Badge will be available in clothing salesstores later this summer. The CAB was created for the purpose ofrecognizing the non-combative occupations in the Army.

Spc. Jennifer FittsAbove: Spc. Brandon Scurlock, 612th Eng. Bn., fromCambridge, Ohio, backs up his Small EmplacementExcavator truck while cleaning up debris at the CampLiberty post exchange.Left: Sgt. Scott Schwartz (left) from New Breman, Ohio,and Spc. Josh Henline from St. Mary's, Ohio, emplace con-crete barriers at the Camp Liberty shopping complex.

Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. is an Army journalist with 1st BCT PAO, 3rd Inf. Div.


DayDay !!!!HappyHappy FFFFaaaatttthhhheeeerrrr ’’’’ ssss

“One father is worth more than a hundredschoolmasters.” - George Herbert.

“A father is a banker provided by nature.” - French Proverb

“Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentlevoicces ccall him ffather.” - Lydia M. Child

“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” - William Shakespeare,Merchant of Venice (Launcelot at II, ii)

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usuallyhas a son who thinks he’s wrong.” - Charles Wadsworth

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong asthe need for a father’s protection.” - Sigmund Freud

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he

believed in me.” - Jimmy Valvano

“I’ve had a hard life, but my hardships are nothing against the hardships that my father wentthrough in order to get me where I started.” - Bartrand Hubbard

Everyone can be a ffather, but it takes a lotto be a daddy.� - author unknown

“The older I get, thesmarter my father seems

to get.” - Tim Russert

““SSoommeettiimmeess tthhee ppoooorreesstt mmaann lleeaavveess hhiiss cchhiillddrreenntthhee rriicchheesstt iinnhheerriittaannccee..”” - RRuutthh EE.. RReennkkeell

“Luke, I am your father!” - Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith

“Fathers, be good to your daughters. You are theGod and the weight of her world.” - John Mayer

“Fatherhood is pretendingthe present you love mostis soap-on-a-rope.” - Bill

Cosby

Daddy’s Little Girl

The bond between a father and daughter is one every parent can treasure;The love of Daddy’s Little Girl can not be measured.

It knows no limits, no bounds, no end,For “daddy” is the one on whom you can depend.

He’s there to tuck you in at night,He lets you walk to the store alone, but still keeps you in sight.

He’s there to teach you how to ride a bike,He’s there to scare off that boy you really like.

He’s there to show you wrong from right He’s there to show you how to fight-

Fight your own battle and stand your ground,How to do the right thing when no one’s around.

Daddy’s Little Girl is his most precious gift,One look at the smile on her face can lift-

Lift him to a place of pride and joyAnd make him forget about wanting a little boy.

Daddy’s Little Girl will grow up to be strongKnowing that if anything should ever go wrong,

She can turn to him for a helping handHe’ll pick her back up and help her stand-

Stand on her own two feet and hopes she learnsGood and bad things will happen – they kind of take turns.

He’ll teach her that bumps in the road are not obstacles to deter,But are things that a person of good character would prefer-

Prefer to be challenged and face any situation,Surmounting them all will be Daddy’s confirmation.

Confirmation that he did his best to prepare her for the world,Yet when it’s all said and done, you’ll still be Daddy’s Little Girl.

Spc. Maria Mengrone100th MPAD

Many years ago my father crossedel Rio Bravo from Mexico into Texaswith only the clothes on his back anda vision of a better future for his fam-ily.

The success of his sacrifice meantthat my siblings and I would have aguaranteed education, a decent homeand more importantly, an opportunityto excel based on our own determina-tion and intellectual merit.

I was very young and naïve and atthe time I didn’t understand why mydad wasn’t there to tuck me into bed.And when he was home on those rareoccasions I remember being angry athim for always being exhausted andnever making time to join my dolliesand I for some homemade tea.

My dad found work wherever hecould – from janitorial work to pro-duce handler, he did it all. It wasn’tuntil much later in life that I realizedhis absence during my childhood wasnot a sign of indifference, but ratherhis way of providing all the basic

essentials necessary for our survivaland our happiness.

I understand more clearly now thathis sacrifice was a selfless act ofcourage and a demonstration ofabsolute love. Our future was soimportant to him that he risked hislife crossing that infamous river sothat my sisters and I would have allthe freedoms he didn’t have growingup.

How can I ever repay my father forall his hard work and dedication?

Enlisting to serve my country is astart because all the admirable quali-ties that my father possesses havebeen passed on to me.

It is now my duty to my children topreserve all the freedoms my dad sopainstakingly worked to achieve forme.

I will always be indebted to myfather and I hope that he truly realizesthat all my achievements could nothave been possible without his unwa-vering support.

I love you dad. Feliz Dia de los Padres!

A small tribute to my dadBy Capt. Dominique ButlerParenthood helps me realize your sacrifices


Sgt. Andrew A. Miller100th MPAD

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The manwith the Louisiana accent wasn’t talk-ing to his son, he was talking abouthim. Yet his eyes never left his boy.He gazed at him, as if he were still try-ing to figure him out, despite their 22years together.

That Sgt. 1st Class Robert T.Fontenot could personally and literallylook upon his son is due to a good bitof luck.

Both Soldiers are assigned toHeadquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 2nd Battalion, 156thInfantry (Mech.)

The fact that Spc. Cody T. Fontenotis stationed with his dad is somethingthey both appreciate, he said.

Thanks to that luck and apprecia-tion, and in the spirit of Father’s Day,the two Bradley mechanics agreed tomeet and discuss the rare experience ofserving with one another in a combatzone.

Such conversation, involving insighton their feelings and their bond, seemedat first to be less than comfortable for theyounger Fontenot. But as the ice brokeand melted away, the discussion soonbecame candid and sincere.

Serving with a family member issomewhat of a mixed blessing, theyexplained.

“The rank thing can be kind ofweird,” Cody said. “I can’t reallyargue like I can at home.”

“Or try to get outof something,” hisdad added, smiling.

From theleader’s perspec-tive, Robert has tobe sure that he con-siders the welfareof his Soldiers to beas important as thatof his son’s, he said.

They explainedhow there’s also anincreased level ofworrying thatcomes with servingalongside a relative.

“When a mortar or rocket comes in,(Cody) is the first thing on my mind,”Robert said.

“You look for where it hit. Youworry about your son.”

Earlier in their deployment, Robert

was stationed at Forward OperatingBase Justice. He and his son rarelysaw each other, except when the elderFontenot would convoy to Liberty eachweek.

“I would worry about him,” Codysaid. “It was a relief to see him everytime.”

Aside from worry and the occasion-al awkward conflict of family ties ver-sus military professionalism, the menagree that having each other here is agreat benefit.

“I’ve got someone in my unit who Iknow I can always turn to,” said theyounger Fontenot.

His father agreed.“Having someone in your family

here is cool,” Robert said. “You’ve gotsomeone you can really talk to. I’mglad he’s here with me. I just wish hewasn’t here,” he added with a laugh.

They admitted other than just mak-ing for an easier combat tour, sharingtheir experiences has created a strongerbond between them.

“At home, we didn’t really havemuch in common,” Robert said.

He said his son was a young manwho was mostly interested in hisfriends.

Neither of them ever thought Codywould join the Army. They certainlynever imagined they’d be stationedtogether, especially in Iraq.

As fate would have it, they were. Due to that twist of fate, they have

found that they really do have certainthings in common.

R o b e r tsaid he’slearned thathis son hashis father’stemper. He’salso learnedthat Cody isa hard work-er and a goodmechanic.

B u tCody’s abili-ty to takecare of him-self is no sur-

prise to his father.“I raised him to be independent,”

Robert said. The conversation drifted toward

themes of change, appreciation and thefuture.

Cody spoke of his bad attitude as a

slightly younger man. He mentionedtrouble with the law. He rememberedhow he used to think he knew every-thing.

“The best thing my dad ever did forme was to help me straighten my lifeout,” said Cody, with a set of seriouseyes. “Without him I probably would-n’t have gotten to go to school or got agood job.”

Robert proudly explained that dur-ing this deployment, and since his sonfirst joined the Army some three yearsago, he has watched his son matureinto a man and become successful.

“The best thing my son has done forme was to turn his life around,” Robertsaid.

After merely an hour, the two menhad created a clear picture of them-selves as Soldiers and as father andson.

They are two men who have beenand continue to be changed during theirtour to Iraq. They are two men whohave been changed by one another.

As their redeployment home to

Delcambre, La. slowly approaches, theyboth agreed that they’re ready to gohome.

Cody said he’ll want to help his ‘oldman’ out more than before, even whenhis dad claims he doesn’t need an extrahand.

Robert said he’ll let his son take hisboat out, which sparked a series ofsmiles and chuckles that couldn’t real-ly be explained to a stranger.

Again, Robert could be seen gazingat his son.

The father’s look was a peculiar one,and throughout the conversation heoccasionally hid it away, only toexpose it once again. In fact, it wasduring its reappearance that the exactnature of his gaze became apparent.

Here was a man who was admiringhis son, a grown man.

A father, who, even in a youngstranger’s presence, shared his feelingstoward his son. A father who wasbestowing upon his son one of the mostrewarding displays of emotion.

That look was pride.

Sgt. Andrew MillerLouisiana Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Robert T. Fontenot and his son Spc.Cody T. Fontenot during a brief visit to the Camp Tigerland MWR facility. Bothmen, from Delcambre, La., are M2A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanics assignedto HHC, 2/156th Infantry (Mech.) during their tour to Iraq.

Combat tour strengthens family bond

“The best thing my dad everdid for me was to helpstraighten my life out.Without him I probablywouldn’t have gotten to go toschool or get a good job.”

Spc. Cody T. Fontenot2/156 Inf.

Spc. Matthew McLaughlin2/10 Inf. PAO

CAMP LIBERTY,Baghdad - The months haveturned into weeks and theweeks into days, but whileredeployment lingers on thehorizon, Soldiers from the2nd Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division areconducting a variety of com-bat operations during theirfinal days in Iraq.

Since May 20th, 2nd BCToperations resulted in detain-ing more than 600 suspectedinsurgents, said Lt. Col.Michael J. Infanti, 2nd BCTdeputy commander. TheCommandos recently com-pleted Operation SqueezePlay South, an offensive

operation meant to routeinsurgents out of SouthernBaghdad. The operation wasthe largest combined Iraqi-Coalition operation in Iraq todate, utilizing four Iraqibrigades and four Americanbattalions, as well as AirForce and Navy support.The operation was meant toboth crush the insurgencyaround Baghdad and preparethe area for replacementunits, said Cpt. BryanMcCarthy, a liaison officerfrom Syracuse, N.Y. with 4thBattalion, 31st InfantryRegiment. McCarthy said heand other Soldiers were notdismayed at the operations atthe tail end of the deploy-ment, but rather saw the mis-sion as one final chance to

leave their mark in Iraq.“We’ll be here until we

leave anyway; this isn’tinterfering in our leaving,”McCarthy said. “We round-ed up a lot of detainees andwe’re setting the next unit upfor success.”

Part of the operationincluded an Iraqi-Coalitionair assault mission to securean insurgent safehouse. Iraqiunits and Soldiers from 4-31Infantry flew to the targetand detained 50 suspectedinsurgents. The air assaultwas the first battalion levelair assault 4-31 InfantrySoldiers participated in sincetheir previous deployment toAfghanistan. It was alsoonly the second time 2ndBCT Soldiers air assaulted

with Iraqi forces. It was theultimate culminating eventfor a successful year for 2ndBCT and 4-31 InfantrySoldiers, McCarthy said.

“This was a great way toend the year together, to do abattalion air assault” he said,noting the importance of theelement of surprise. “Itkeeps the enemy guessing.They never know when theyare going to see us.”

Variety was key in theoperation, as the Commandobrigade threw everythingthey had at the insurgents,including air strikes andclose air support. Air ForceJets bombed two bunkersused by insurgents to store

Spc. Matthew McLaughlinA Soldier from 4th Battalion, 31stInfantry Regiment patrols a field afteran air assualt raid June 5.

10th Mtn. Soldiers continue to fight during final operations

Father’s day in Iraq...

See FIGHT, page 6

Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT PAO

BAGHDAD – From May 29 to June1, Soldiers of the 1st Iraqi Army Brigadeand 2nd Battalion, 156th InfantryRegiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team,teamed up to bust terrorist cells inBaghdad.

During the three-day cordon-and-search mission, they captured 47 terrorsuspects, three of whom were terroristcell leaders. Some detainees providedsworn statements on terrorists in theirneighborhoods. Six AK-47 rifles, 500rounds of ammunition, and one assaultrifle were also found.

Staff Sgt. Jeffery Schmidt, a civilianpolice officer, was an assessor when hisunit, Headquarters Company, 2/156th,joined A Company, 5th Battalion, 1stIraqi Army Brigade on one of their raids.He said the operation went well and theIraqi Soldiers have themselves to thankfor it.

“They captured a lot of people on theirlist, and it was good to get them out thereand let them get some experience,”Schimdt said. “They just need more rep-etition, that’s how you learn.”

The three-day joint mission with theU.S. forces was a definite learning eventfor the Iraqis, according to 2/156thSoldiers who assisted. The Iraqis beganwith the process of collecting informa-tion on their patrols and eventually a tar-get list was developed from intelligencegathered mostly from the civilian popula-tion.

Staff Sgt. Howard Wulforst, fromPatterson, N.Y., of D Company, 101stCavalry, attached to 2/156th, said theyworked with Soldiers from 1st Battalion,1st Iraqi Army Brigade. He said once theIraqi Soldiers had the ball, they never letgo.

“We gave them a little bit of space tolet them do what they had to do and itwas good to see,” he said.

The Iraqis even practiced their med-ical skills by treating a casualty.

As the vehicles were lined up to moveinto another area, one of the Iraqi

Soldiers noticed a man underneath a carand pulled him out. Unknown to thetroops, the man had jumped off of athree-story building and broke bothankles and his back trying to escape.

“The man was a little disoriented andhad clearly been hiding, you could seethat he had grease all over his body, prob-ably from the car,” Wulforst said.

He said the Iraqi Soldiers gave theman excellent care and quickly got himout of the area. They evaluated the man’sinjuries and brought him to a predeter-mined spot for the aircraft to pick him up.

“The (Iraqi) platoon sergeant immedi-ately had his Soldiers set up securityaround the perimeter and the Soldiersaround the detainee were clearly caringfor his wounds,” Wulforst said. Once thehelicopter arrived, the Iraqis moved thedetainee onto it without incident.

After he was taken away, the Soldierssearched the man’s home and found hisidentification. Once his injuries arehealed, Wulforst said he will be detainedfor further questioning.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Robert from BreauxBridge, La., of A Company, 2/156th,worked with the 1/1 IA Bde. when therewas a K-9 unit assigned to them. Thedogs were trained to seek out explosivesand though they did not find anything,Robert said that using the dogs was stillvery helpful.

“It let us know that we didn’t missanything and it was also a deterrent withthe suspected targets,” he said.

Robert said the locals appeared morecooperative with the Iraqi Soldiers, asopposed to the raids he and his fellowAmerican Soldiers participated in.

“It seemed like they welcomed theminto their houses a lot more than they dous. I guess it’s kind of like the smalltowns back in Louisiana where youknow everybody, they were more willingto talk to them,” Robert said.

Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Spotten, a pla-toon sergeant for D Company, 101stCav., agreed with Robert.

“Once the sun came up the civiliansbrought tea out for the Soldiers, theysocialized with the Soldiers, and they

gave them water,” he said.Spotten also described the scene as the

convoy passed through the streets ofBaghdad.

“As we drove around the streets it waslike a Memorial Day parade,” he said.“People were cheering and clapping fortheir Soldiers and for us. We had a verygood feeling driving through town,”Spotten said.

Maj. David Gooch, operations officerfor 2/156th from Lafayette, La., said thesuccess of the mission can be attributedfully to the 1st IA Bde.

“They captured every single one ofthe targets that were brought in,” he said.

Gooch said the U.S. forces were onstandby, but in terms of searching thehouses and capturing the individual tar-gets, that was done completely by the 1stBde.

“It shows that they are obviously well

equipped and well trained, and they canaccomplish any given task. They cancertainly defend this area, they provedthat,” Gooch said.

There was no interference from Anti-Iraqi Forces and the nights were free ofmishaps from the enemy.

Gooch said the people of the areaappeared pleased to see their own forcesout winning the war on terror.

“They took commands from theIraqi Army and seemed to appreciatethe fact that their own Soldiers wereout there doing it as opposed to theCoalition forces coming in,” Goochsaid. “Not just in the events of thenight, but when the sun came up youcould see they were capable and thatthe entire neighborhood was happy tosee them doing the exact same thingwe’ve been doing for the last threeyears in this country.”


Sgt. Matthew Maupin

These well known words from the Warrior Ethos ring true for Sgt. MattMaupin.

Maupin is an Army Reserve Soldier from 724th Transportation Companywho was captured April 9, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.

Sgt. Maupin – we are still looking for you and we will find you.

You have not been forgotten.

No Soldier left behind

“I will not leave a fallen comrade”

Staff Sgt. Jorge RodriguezIraqi Soldiers of the 1st Brigade, 6th Division Iraqi Army patrolled the streets ofBaghdad in search of terrorist cells from May 29 through June 1. Along withSoldiers of 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team,the Iraqi Brigade captured 47 detainees suspected of terrorist activity, or knowingof possible terrorist activities.

Joint operation busts terror cell, yields many suspects

munitions. No munitions were retrieved, but thenumber of explosions after the blast imply a largenumber of explosives were in the bunkers, said AirForce Cpt. Will McCrink, an Air Force liaison withthe 20th Air Support Operations Squad, Fort Drum.

“After the bombings we had numerous secondaryexplosions for several hours, so obviously there weremunitions there,” he said. McCrink added that AirForce units also provide close air support during theair assaults as well as most of the mission. “This isthe biggest operation we’ve done with 10thMountain. We put the hurt on the enemy so it leavesthe area stable for the transfer of authority.”

More than 230 suspected insurgents were detainedduring Operation Squeeze Play South. The brigade’sprevious mission, Operation Commando Brickyard,detained 440 suspected insurgents in the Abu Ghraibdistrict of Baghdad. Second Brigade Soldiersworked with Iraqi Forces to quell the hostile area.Infanti was quick to note that although 2nd BCTcommanded the operations, the large majority ofraids and missions were handled by Iraqi forces.

“Contrary to what people believe, this is an IraqiArmy operation,” Infanti said. “98 percent of the sus-pected anti-Iraqi forces detained are under the controlof the Iraqi government. This is a great step forward

not only for the government and military of Iraq, butfor the people of Iraq as well.”

Supporting the Iraqi Army was a major roll in theprevious operations as well as the entire deploymentin Iraq, Infanti said. Assisting the military and Iraqigovernment in their time of need for the past year justadds to the legacy 2nd BCT will leave in Iraq, said1st Lt. Eric Rose, a plans officer from Shawano,Wisc. Just because the Commandos are ready to gohome doesn’t mean the fight is over, he said.

“They deployed us for a year, we’re going to fightfor a year,” Rose said. “Until then our mission is toensure the success of the Iraqi government.”

FIGHT, continued from page 5


Spc. Derek Del RosarioAvn. Bde. PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – They can be seenparachuting into various areas aroundBaghdad. Specially trained individualsrecruited during Operation IraqiFreedom 3, whose primary mission is tobring smiles to the faces of Iraqi children.

These airborne “Soldiers” are actually“Teddy Troopers” or “Para-Bears,”stuffed animals with makeshift para-chutes jumping into the arms and heartsof children during Operation TeddyDrop.

The commander for this unique oper-ation is Chief Warrant Officer 4 RandyM. Kirgiss, pilot for C. Company, 4thBattalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment(Assault Helicopter). He started the air-borne mission as a way to impact thelives of Iraqi children.

He began the operation in mid-April,inspired by previous humanitarian effortshe had witnessed, as well as by Col. GailHalvorsen, the ‘Berlin Candy Bomber’who dropped candy to German childrenduring the Berlin Airlift.

“I got the idea from a lot of my friendswho conducted humanitarian missionson some of my previous deployments,”Kirgiss said. “In Bosnia, I saw schools u p p l i e sdonated; inK o s o v o ,teddy bearswere givenout. I want-ed to modelsometh ingafter theC a n d yBomber whoparachutedbags ofcandy tokids. It wasfrom this ideathat Operation Teddy Drop began.”

In order for his airborne humanitar-ian mission to get off the ground,Kirgiss needed support from his chainof command, his unit, and fromfriends and family to help him gatherthe stuffed animals. He received com-plete support in helping him begin hishumanitarian efforts.

“Capt. Kirk, C. Co. commander, andLt. Col. Haraldsen, 4-3 AHB command-er, were very helpful - they wanted this tohappen,” Kirgiss said. “They were verysupportive, and they helped me brain-storm ideas to make the operation runsafely and smoothly.”

In conjunction with his official flightmissions, Kirgiss brings boxes of stuffedanimals with makeshift parachutes alongwith him. When he sees a child down

below, he instructs a crew member todrop a Para-Bear.

“There is a mission to be done, butdropping bears doesn’t take away fromthat mission,” Kirgiss said. “We have theassets to do both our mission and executeOperation Teddy Drop effectively.”

Kirgiss originally told a group of eightfriends and family members about theoperation. He received help in the formof donated stuffed animals and parachutesupplies. The original network of eightgrew immensely, and Kirgiss began toreceive donations from everywherearound the States, receiving old para-chutes and boxes of teddy bears. Kirgissis even getting a donation from a well-known teddy bear manufacturer.

“Originally, I just wanted my friendsand families to look into their kid’s clos-et to find old teddy bears to donate,” saidKirgiss. “When unit members startedtalking and my friends started talking,through word of mouth it just got out andnow I get donations from everywhere.”

Kirgiss spends most of his free time,usually at night, making the parachutesfor the Teddy Troopers. The airbornerecruits come in all shapes and sizes, sospecialized parachutes usually have to bemade. Using material from old, donatedparachutes, Kirgiss makes the parachute

that is best suited for histroopers so they cancomplete their mis-sion. It takes Kirgissaround three minutesto make each chute.

The Teddy Dropunit’s largest recruitjumped on May 21 aspart of the largestdrop in the unit’sshort history.

“We receivedeight boxes ofdonated stuffed ani-mals one day. The

boxes stacked to my ceiling,” Kirgisssaid. “The following day we dropped(more than) 200 stuffed animals,including the largest one we have everreceived – a bear that was about 3 feettall and weighed around six pounds. Ineeded to make a special chute forthat trooper.”

Kirgiss tries to get the plush toys to allkids, but his main aim is the poorer Iraqichildren in the countryside.

“It can be a safety hazard to drop themin the city. We don’t want kids runninginto the streets to get them,” said Kirgiss,also the safety officer of the company.“When we can, we try to send the bearsto urban and poorer areas, and for eachkid we see we send down a bear so thereis no fighting among the children.”

Sending these Teddy Troopers on their

mission is very fulfilling for Kirgiss. He enjoys seeing the smile on their

faces when they get a hold of their newstuffed animals.

“It’s a great thing to see, even from200 feet above,” Kirgiss said. “When wesee those kids wave and we send down abear, most kids will not know what it is atfirst. Some hide behind their parents,some stay back in hesitancy, but oncethey see that parachute open, they knowwhat it is and go running toward it.Some even catch them before they hit theground.”

More than 900 Para-Bears have brave-ly jumped since the start of the operation.

It is Kirgiss’ hope to continue thehumanitarian mission for the duration of

his deployment and hopefully pass on theoperation to the next aviation unit thatcomes to Taji.

For Kirgiss, it is a personally grati-fying experience to be a part of theoperation, and an operation he hopeswill have an impact on the future.

“It is something I find very fun andconstructive,” he said. “Talking aboutit also helps me stay grounded to mytwo young children. I can’t help butthink that somewhere down the linewe might be influencing the futuredecision makers of Iraq. This opera-tion is only a small way to show thatwe are human and compassionate. Weare Soldiers, but we are humane aswell.”

Pilot gives ‘airborne teddy bears’ to Iraqi kidsOperation Teddy Drop

“It’s a great thing to see, evenfrom 200 feet above. Oncethey see that parachute open,they know what it is and gorunning toward it.”

Chief Warrant Officer Randy M. Kirgiss4th Bn., 3rd Avn. Regt.

Spc. Derek Del RosarioSpc. Benjamin L. Kepenke, C Co., 4-3 AHB, crew chief, prepares a “teddy trooper”for it descent to children below. Operation Teddy Drop is a humanitarian missionthat gives teddy bears to Iraqi children.

If so, Military Spouse Magazine is looking for you. Between now and June 24 the maga-zine is looking for elgible Soldiers (active or reserve, it doesn’t matter) to write a “loveletter” back home that they may publish in their Sept./Oct. issue. It will be a suprise tothe spouse, whom they will contact prior to publishing date. Art possibilities would be theletter itself and possibly a photo or two. So go out and tell that special somone howmuch you care with a letter to Mititary Spouse Magazine. Email all messages towww.militaryspousemagazine.com, or [email protected].

WWaanntt ttoo ssuupprr iissee ssoommeeoonnee ssppeecciiaall??


4/1 FA, 1/1 IA Bn. leave ‘no stone unturned,’ locate cache near TajiSpc. Matthew Wester3/1 AD PAO

TAJI, Iraq – Digging in theIraqi heat is hard work, but itcan provide great rewards.

Soldiers of the 1stBattalion, 1st Brigade, 5thIraqi Army Division advised

by Soldiers of 4th Battalion,1st Field Artillery Regimentand 70th Engineer Battalion,3rd Brigade, 1st ArmoredDivision, found that out onMay 17.

They conducted a cordonand search operation on a farmin a rural area near Taji, known

for containing weapons cachesin the past.

The troops uncovered avariety of weapons and equip-ment hidden in the groundaround the farm including AK-47 rifles, 800 rounds of 20mmammunition, a large box of cir-cuit boards, flares, an artillery

plotting table, and a mortarsight and tripod, according toCapt. William W. Earl, assis-tant operations officer for 4/1FA.

A handful of Americantroops helped to guide the twocompanies of Iraqi Soldiers,who spent hours digging forweapons caches.

“We were mainly advisors,”Earl said. “This is an Iraqipush.”

The Soldiers were success-ful in finding a cache in onepart of the site, which motivat-ed them to dig even more.

“Once they found the firstcache, they were like kids onChristmas morning,” Earl said.“They were on it.”

The senior U.S. officer onthe mission, Maj. Russell K.Sears, 70th Eng. executiveofficer, described the IraqiSoldiers as prepared and pro-fessional.

Sears helped advise theIraqi officers during the opera-tion, building the partnershipthat 3rd Brigade has estab-lished with the Iraqi Army.

“We developed the target;Iraqi officers planned and exe-cuted,” he said.

Earl described a growingcollaboration with the Iraqiofficers and a productive rela-tionship.

That relationship alsoextended to providing equip-ment for that 1st Bn., knownas the “Lion” Battalion, need-ed to get the job done.

The Iraqi officers saw the

search area contained poolswater, so they took the initia-tive to ask for grappling hooksto dredge the pools for hiddenweapons, Sears said.

Additional 70th EngineerSoldiers arrived with the nec-essary equipment.

The IA troops’ thorough-ness, motivation and produc-tivity impressed theirAmerican advisors, whopitched in to help dig in thesweltering afternoon heat.

“This just shows the level ofcompetence these guys have,”Earl said. “They are a trueproduct of what we are tryingto do out here.”

“They left no stoneunturned,” Sears said.

As 1st Bn. moves towardassuming more responsibilityfor securing their area, 3rdBrigade Soldiers will continueto help guide them in the rightdirection.

“I hope I get to work with the(1st Bn.) again,” Sears said.“The unit is ready to takeresponsibility for securing theirsector of Iraq.”

The mission was part of anongoing transition to more com-bined IA and U.S. Army mis-sions, with Americans in a sup-porting role and Iraqis steppingup to fight the insurgents in theirarea.

“The biggest success was thiswas an Iraqi operation, and theyran it well,” Sears said.

“This kind of operation willcontinue out there,” Earl said.“We love working with them.”

Courtesy photoA member of the 1st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division inspects a flare gun and AK-47 rifle found dur-ing the cordon and search of a rural area near Taji, Iraq May17.

Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr.1st BCT PAO

MSR TAMPA, Iraq – One of the most effectiveweapons used by insurgents against Coalition Forces isimprovised explosive devices.

IEDs are usually placed along the roadside and deto-nated when a convoy passes.

Soldiers are constantly patrolling the roadways ofIraq. One of the counter insurgency methods they havebegun to employ is to set up observation points to watchthe highways for insurgents attempting to set up IEDs.

“Our intent is to kill or capture insurgents placingIEDs on (main supply route) Tampa,” said Capt. RalphElder, commander of B Troop, 5th Battalion, 7thCavalry Regiment. “Our secondary intent is to identifyinsurgent cells in our area.”

The way the Soldiers accomplish this task is bypatrolling the immediate off road area where an IEDhad been placed.

A lot of times when a convoy passes through, insur-gents come up behind them and set up IEDs, saidSgt.1st Class Jeff Bush, a 5/7 Cav. platoon sergeant.“We set up the OPs to watch for that kind of activity.”

“We walk in the areas where IEDs have previouslygone off and look at the terrain features,” Elder said.“We then set up OPs out of the field of vision fromTampa. Many of the OPs that I have seen pretty muchsit on the road. That isn’t really an OP to me, that is justdenying the enemy movement. Our guys stay hiddenand watch the route. If someone drops an IED, we willsee them before they see us.”

The Soldiers not only set up patrols off road, butwatch it from places where they have a good view of thehighway.

“We set up an OP at an old base that was used by theguys before us,” Bush said. “It is a good OP becauseyou can see pretty far up and down MSR Tampa.Insurgents have been using that stretch of highway to setup IEDs.”

The Soldiers teamed up with Iraqi Army elements tohelp them accomplish this task. Teaching the IA the howto conduct these types of operations is part of handingover the responsibility of security to them.

“We linked up with the IA on this patrol,” Bushsaid. “They are doing pretty much the same thing wewere. We are trying to bring them along on missionslike this so they can be ready to take over when wemove out. We are showing them the ropes. Right now,we are pretty much the main force, and they are sup-porting us. We want to make the transition to wherethey are the main force and we support them.”

“It is important for the IA to be with us and learnhow to properly do patrols,” said Sgt Shannon

Garstka, a 5/7 Cav. Team leader. “By coming with us,they learn the correct way to catch terrorists.”

Bush said his guys were new at this kind of thingwhen they first got to Iraq, but they have improvedgreatly through constant patrolling.

“I am satisfied with their performance,” Bush said.“My guys are doing a great job. A lot of the guys arein different positions than they were back in the rear.They are a lot better than they were a few monthsago.”

Soldiers watch for insurgents from a distance

Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr.Pfc. Mitch Shelton, a 5/7 Cav. dismount gunner, keeps an eye on MSR Tampa from an observation point near the high-way. Soldiers watch for insurgents stopping along the roadway who may set up explosives when they stop.


Pfc. Dan Balda4th BCT PAO

BAGHDAD — The training could befound on an U.S. Army base anywhere inthe world.

Soldiers listened to their instructorswith rapt attention; happy to receive anyfeedback, positive or negative, whichhelped them learn faster.

They knew the faster they learned, thefaster they could shed the watchful eye oftheir teacher and be able to defend thecountry they love; the country to whichthey have pledged their lives

But this was not an American militarybase with American Soldiers — it was ahot, dusty airfield near Baghdad and theones paying close attention to the instruc-tor were Iraqi men with their lives andtheir country’s future at stake.

Some of these Iraqi Soldiers havealready seen combat with Marines inFallujah in 2004, others have only firedtheir weapons at the range. Regardless,everything they learn today could savetheir lives tomorrow.

Soldiers could not ask questions oftheir instructor directly, but had to ask aninterpreter and have the question relayedto Sgt. Leigh Castle, a communicationsexpert and scout sniper, Headquartersand Headquarters Troop, 6th Squadron,8th Cavalry.

“These guys know the things we areteaching them are going to save theirlives,” Castle said.

The Iraqi Soldiers need to know whenthey are doing something wrong so theycan correct it, but too much negativitycan have an adverse affect on the train-ing, he added.

“It’s hot, they are spending their dayout here just like us in the same condi-tions, and sometimes you have to givethem a little boost to bring them together.

They have problems just like anyone elseand I like to talk to them; to try to under-stand their issues, but I also have to tellthem that we have a job to do and ask fora couple of hours of concentration,”Castle said.

Two of the issues the Americaninstructors find themselves dealing withare the language barrier and the habitssome of the Iraqi Soldiers have broughtwith them from their prior service in themilitary in the former regime, said StaffSgt. Jason Stoko, a sniper section leaderassigned to Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 4th Battalion,64 Armor.

Another issue Capt. Justin Reese,HHT 6/8 Cav. commander, thinks theSoldiers have brought with them is theineffective use of noncommissioned offi-cers.

“(Under the former regime) the offi-cers did all the work,” Reese said. “Weare trying to empower their noncom-missioned officer corps. That is thegreatest challenge sergeants who arenot used to getting up taking charge ofan organization, are now expected totake the lead.”

Regardless of how the Soldiers weretaught before, they still maintain theintelligence to learn and apply their new

skills. “We know what to expect from them

as far as training and accountability,”Reese said. “We talk to each other aboutour various experiences and we bothlearn from each other.”

Castle has found one way to hurdlethe language gap.

“I can’t wait to get out of the class-room to the range because it’s a lot morehands-on and you can show them things;a lot of that language barrier goes away. Ican grab a Soldier’s rifle and show themhow I want something done. Then theycopy me. Soldiering is universal,” Castleadded.

1st Lt. Naim Lee, a platoon leaderwith C Troop, 6-8 Cav., and a native ofCrestview, Fla., was surprised by theIraqi Soldiers.

“I wasn’t expecting them to be so will-ing to learn. They are very eager to learnand easy to teach. It makes you eager tolearn if you know you are going to be outthere getting shot at. Also, most of themwant to make their country better,” hesaid.

Even though Lee’s Soldiers are ful-filling a different mission here in Iraqthan the one they trained for at FortStewart, they are excited to be trainingthe men who are going to take over forthem.

“We didn’t know we were going tobe training these guys, but my guys aredoing a great job. Most of us get excit-ed to come out here every day,” Leesaid.

Lt. Col. Michael Harris, speaking to afellow Soldier about one of his favoritethings he had seen during training, said,“All these Army guys have things incommon, no matter what Army you’rein. You suck up dirt, you get dirty, youget thirsty, but it’s all worth it at the endof the day.”

Iraqi Soldiers train to defend own destiny

Pfc. Dan BaldaAn Iraqi Army squad practices tactical drills at Muthana Airfield May 12.

2nd BCT PAOMedia Release

BAGHDAD – Reliable elec-tric service is high on anyBaghdad resident’s wish listand the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers is working hard tomake the wish for electricity areality.

The electric grid in Baghdadwas built in the 1950s and 60s,and is in desperate need of mod-ernization and repair, accordingto Henry Shelton, an ACOEengineer who has been workingin Iraq since February 2004.

His team’s latest accomplish-ment was bringing a large elec-trical substation on-line in EastBaghdad, which he said is ahuge step in the right direction.

“The Al Ameen substationwas designed in 1993 and con-struction started soon after,”Shelton said. “The constructionwas never completed. Whenwe arrived, it was in total disre-pair and the site had been badlylooted.”

Shelton said that everythingfrom light fixtures to hydraulicpumps had been carted away.

The Al Ameen substation is a400-kilovolt gas-insulated sys-tem—a fully-enclosed systemthat is more durable and reliablethan older, open-air substations.

“This project shows howwell we (the Iraqi people) haveworked with the coalition toimprove the infrastructure situ-ation here,” said an Iraqi engi-

neer who preferred not to beidentified. “Iraqi workers,working under Iraqi managersand Iraqi engineers havebrought this project to comple-tion. In time, the infrastructureprojects like this will help usattain a better future for all ourpeople.”

The power grid project costapproximately $100 million tocomplete, and employed 600people at its peak construction.

“Ninety-nine percent of ourworkforce is local Iraqis,”Shelton said. “That puts moneyin the pockets of the local work-ing class, where the moneyshould be.”

He described the process ofrebuilding the substation asphysically demanding andrequiring long hours.

“The whole project tookabout 10 months to complete,”Shelton said. “A lot of the timewe’d work from 7 a.m. to mid-night, or later.”

Substations the size of AlAmeen do not produce electric-ity or deliver it directly to peo-ple’s homes. Instead, Sheltonsaid, they distribute power tosmaller substations which arelocated all over Baghdad.

As such, he said residentswill not initially see any differ-ence in the power grid, but thatthe substation will be a solidfoundation that the rest of thegrid can be built upon.

“Al Ameen is providing sta-ble, reliable power to the small-

er substations right now,”Shelton said. “The next step isto rewire individual residences– then people will really see thedifference.”

He said work to rewire

Baghdad homes has alreadybegun and that it is a time con-suming process.

“Rewiring individual housesacross an entire city is anextremely labor-intensive task,

so it will take time,” he said.“When it’s all done, Baghdadresidents will have a grid theycan rely on. It’s really gratify-ing to see a big project like AlAmeen come to completion.”

Army Corps Engineers upgrade Baghdad electrical power grid

Courtesy photoThe newly upgraded electrical substation in the Al Ameen district of east Baghdad. The old electricalgrid in Baghdad, built in the 1950s and 60s, was in desperate need of modernization and repair.

Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich2nd BCT PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – It’s thebasic concept of team sports –if you look like a team, you’llplay like a team.

While uniforms for youthsports teams in the U.S. iscommonplace, that isn’t thecase for kids here in Iraq.

In one sector of Baghdad,though, three teams from TissaNissan’s youth soccer leaguewill look like just that – threedistinguishable teams.

Soldiers from Task ForceBaghdad’s 443rd Civil AffairsBattalion brought smiles to thefaces of more than 120 TissaNissan youth on May 17 whenthey delivered soccer uniforms

and balls to players at the dis-trict advisory council com-pound.

The uni-form shirtsand shortsw e r edonated byt h eB e r k e l e yPreparatorySchool inT a m p a ,Fla., as partof ahumanitari-an assis-tance mission conceptualizedby Command Sgt. Maj. WillieGrant, 3rd Infantry Divisioncommand sergeant major, andMaj. Leela Dawson, ArmyPublic Affairs Southeast,director.

The 443rd also chipped inby giving away scores of soc-cer balls and pumps so thechildren, ages 12 through16,could walk right outside intheir new shirts and kick theball around.

“We rarely get enoughmatching uniforms to outfit asingle team, so to receive adonation of this magnitude isremarkable,” said Sgt. 1stClass Mark A. Lewandowski,2nd Brigade Combat Team,civil affairs, noncommissionedofficer in charge. “You canactually see the pride andexcitement on the faces of theplayers - that’s a great thing tosee.”

The chairman of educationand sports for Tissa Nissan ,Jamal Fadhil, said this is agreat gesture from coalitionforces and an important ingre-dient in keeping the childrenof Baghdad out of trouble.

“They are absolutely excit-ed to get these uniforms,”

F a d h i l ,t h r o u g han inter-p r e t e r ,s a i d .“The res-idents arethankfulfor all ofthis – thisis a bigdeal tous.”

Fadhilsaid that

soccer was the best thing forthe Iraqi youth.

“There are much worsethings they could be doing,” hesaid, and confidently added,“There are possibly a numberof future Olympic athleteshere.”

As much as Fadhil and thechildren appreciated whatcoalition forces had done forthem, there was one issue hewas hoping could be addressed– a sponsored, goodwill trip tothe United States to competeagainst American youth.

“Last summer, Poland invit-ed (Tissa Nissan youth) to playin their country,” he said. “Weplayed eight games, visitedfive states and stayed for amonth. It was a great experi-ence for all the kids. Wewould be honored if theUnited States would offer thesame opportunity to us,”Fadhil said.

If that were to happen, onething is for sure – because ofthe generosity of a school inthe U.S., the Iraqi kids wouldhave uniforms to help themlook like the highly skilledteam that they are.


Sgt. Karolina LojewskaAbove: Lt. Col. William Woods, executive officer at the coalition’s Civil-Military OperationsDirectorate, from New York City helps an Iraqi boy to put on a new pair of shoes during thehumanitarian assistance mission that took place in Baghdad’s International Zone on May 11. Left: A local Iraqi girl receives gifts from the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion during the civil affairsmission in Baghdad’s International Zone.

Bringing out the smiles in BaghdadBringing out the smiles in Baghdad

Civil Affairs team gives uniforms to Iraqi soccer players

Photos by Staff Sgt. Craig ZentkovichAn Iraqi youth soccer team poses in the uniforms they receivedMay 17. The 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion and 2nd Brigade CombatTeam civil affairs coordinated the donation effort, which includ-ed the pictured bag of soccer balls.

Cpl. David Robillard, 443rdCivil Affairs Battalion, sortsthrough shirts being handedout to Iraq youth in TissaNissan May 17.

“There are possibly anumber of future Olympicathletes here.”

Jamal FadhilChairman of education and

sports for Tissa Nissan


SADR CITY, Iraq – IraqiArmy and Task ForceBaghdad units held one oftheir largest humanitarianmissions in a neighborhoodhere May 19.

Soldiers from 3rdBattalion, 2nd Brigade, 6thIraqi Army Division and TaskForce Baghdad’s A Company,3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry,2nd Brigade Combat Team,3rd Infantry Division distrib-uted 2,000 frozen chickens,25 soccer balls, hundreds ofBeanie Babies and whateverfood and candy Soldiers hadin their trucks.

“We try to do this aboutonce a month, but this is thebiggest one we’ve done yet,”said Staff Sgt. Chhay Mao, ACo., 3/15 Inf. platoon ser-geant.

Mao, of Modesto, Calif.,explained that Iraqi Soldiersdid almost everything them-selves that day in preparationfor their takeover of half ofSadr City in June.

“They need to be totallyproficient at this kind of mis-sion, because they’ll be doingit all by themselves in amonth,” Mao said.

Iraqi and U.S. troopsquickly secured an open areanear a school and set up con-certina wire to keep the crowda safe distance from the truckpacked with chickens.

Iraqi Soldiers divided thecrowd into two lines, one formen and one for women, thendirected them to the truck toreceive two chickens each.

Compared to previoushumanitarian drops in otherneighborhoods, residentswere patient and orderly.

Residents of all ages gath-

ered at the site and nearlyeverybody who showed upreceived something.

“It’s going really well – Ithink we’ve made some friendstoday,” said 1st Sgt. MichaelHowle, A Co., 3/15 Inf.“We’ve even gotten some of thelocal kids to clean up the emptychicken boxes and put themback on the truck. We’ll givethem each a soccer ball whenthey’re done.”

Howle and other Soldiersfrom 3/15 Inf. watched theIraqi troops carefully, takingmental notes to share with theIraqi Army battalion leader-ship later.

“The IAB has come a longway in the past few months,”Howle said. “I’m lookingforward to them taking con-trol of the sector.”

Prior to driving off,Soldiers handed out the soc-cer balls, which children glee-fully accepted. They starteda pickup soccer game beforethe trucks even left the site.

Further south in the sector,Soldiers from 1st Battalion,9th Field Artillery and 443rdCivil Affairs Battalion con-ducted a medical capabilitiesassessment in Village 10 – aremote suburb of Baghdadwith limited access to medicalcare.

More than 40 people weretreated for minor injuries andillnesses, said Capt. ScottBaumgartner, 1/9 FA, physi-cian ’s assistant.

A man was in a car acci-dent a couple of hours prior tothe arrival of the medicalteam and his injuries requiredstitches, but most of the carewas routine, Baumgartnersaid.

The mobile medical clinicwas set up in the NarawhanSchool of the village.

The medical team was well

received by the village. It isobvious from all the smilesthey received that the vil-lagers were very happy to seethem, said Maj. RussGoemaere, 2nd BCTspokesman.

“It’s both an honor and aprivilege to be able to givesomething to the Iraqi peoplethat they need,” Baumgartnersaid.

Goemaere said conductinghumanitarian missions, likethe chicken distribution inSadr City and the MEDCAPin Village 10, along withdeveloping strong relation-ships with the Iraqi SecurityForces and Iraqi citizens isimproving the security situa-tion in Iraq.

Iraqi Army aid missions foster goodwill in Sadr City2nd BCT PAOMedia Release

Photos by Spc. Ben BrodyAn Iraqi Army Soldier passes out frozen chickens during a humanitarian assistance mission in SadrCity, Iraq, May 19. Over 2,000 chickens were distributed by Iraqi and U.S. troops. The humanitarianmission was the largest-ever for Iraq Army and Task Force Baghdad units.

Sgt. 1st Class Peter ChadwickDSB PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Soldierwith the Division Support Brigade,3rd Infantry Division, was award-ed the Military Order of the PurpleHeart May 17 soon after he wasinjured in a bomb attack.

Sgt. Anthony Johnson, awheeled vehicle operator with the396th Transportation Company,87th Corps Support Battalion,DSB, was wounded about twomiles from Camp Taji’s CastleGate when his convoy was hit byan improvised explosive device,said Capt. Nadine A. Terese, com-mander of the 396th.

Johnson was the truck com-mander for a Palletized LoadingSystem vehicle driven by Spc.Theodore Body.

Johnson noticed something onthe road ahead which “didn’t lookright,” said 1st. Sgt. Felton L.Head, the 396th’s first sergeant.Johnson took up his position in thering mount on the truck’s roof andmanned the 50-caliber machinegun.

When the IED exploded,Johnson was protected by the largemetal shield that wraps around the

gunner’s position. He was hit byshrapnel in his right hand, whichwas exposed, said Head.

Johnson slipped down into thetruck and noticed that in additionto his bleeding hand, he had painin his back, said Head.

Johnson told Body what washappening and Body called 1st Lt.John T. Bowmen on the radio toreport the injury.

Bowmen, the convoy command-er, reported the incident to the gateso they would be ready for themwhen they arrived, said Head.

Head said the commander’svehicle and Johnson’s PLS wentstraight to the troop medical clinicoperated by the 550th AreaSupport Medical Company.

Lt. Col. Shawn M. Morrissey,DSB’s deputy commander, said thecommand heard the report while inthe Tactical Operation Center. Col.Brian R. Layer, the DSB com-mander, asked if the medics couldhold Johnson for a moment beforemedically evacuating him to the86th Combat Support Hospital inBaghdad.

Layer pinned the medal onJohnson at the ambulance bay.

Johnson said it was his desire toreturn as soon as he healed.

DSB Soldier awarded Purple Heart

Sgt. 1st Class Peter ChadwickSgt. Anthony Johnson a wheeled vehicle operator with the 396th TransportationCompany, 87th Corps Support Battalion, Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,is awarded the Purple Heart by Col. Brian R, Layer, DSB commander May 17.

An Iraqi Army Soldier passes out frozen chickens during ahumanitarian assistance mission in Sadr City, Iraq May 19. Thehumanitarian mission was the largest-ever for Iraq Army andTask Force Baghdad units.



For the majority of its sto-ried history, Iraq has been anagrarian society. Even intoday’s modern society alarge portion of Iraqi’s popu-lation rely on animals for sur-

vival.With that in mind, Iraqi

veterinarians and Soldiersassigned to the 4th BrigadeCombat Team set out to helpease some of the local citi-zens’ farm animals discomfort(DATE).

The vets conducted exter-

nal and internal parasite con-trol.

“This time of year the fliesare very bad, you’ll see themswatting their tails quite a bitand that’s very aggravatingfor them,” said Capt. MichaelSimpson, a veterinarianassigned to 443rd Civil Affair

Battalion. “Mostly it’s a pro-duction problem meaningwhenever you have parasitesit usually brings down theirability to gain weight, or to becomfortable in order to gainweight. For example, theyspend a lot of time and energyswatting flies.”

In his civilian life, Simpsonpractices veterinary medicineat a humane shelter in hishometown of Las Vegas. Hesees a lot of parallels in theway American’s view theirpets and how the Iraqis treattheir farm animals.

“They look at their animalsas a human necessity,” hesaid. “But their pets are alsotheir friends. They won’t leton to that but they take a lot ofpride in their animals and theytake try to take very good careof them. There’s a very strongbond between the animals andthese farmers.”

Cpl. Keith Strong, a civilaffairs specialist with the443rd helped set up the“VETCAP.”

“We were out talking topeople and they wanted toshow us their animals,” saidthe Lakeville, Mass., native.“I figured we already had thevets we just needed the medi-cine. I passed it along to high-er. I wanted to make sure wecould help the farmers so Imade sure I kept pushing for

this.”The American vets had

help from an Iraqi vet as well.Doctor Bilal Abdul Jabbar

wanted to help because, “Ithink they (the U.S. Soldiers)help the Iraqi people and I tryto help my friends and mypeople. I saw that they wantedto treat all these cows free ofcharge and this is good for mypeople. Therefore I am veryhappy, and it is my pleasure towork with Americans.”

Strong thought it was ‘justpart of the job.’

“That’s what we do in CivilAffairs, but I really like help-ing these people, building arapport with them. We helpthem, and they help us withinformation. Despite it being104 degrees out here, I’mhaving a great time.”

Simpson enjoyed helpingin anyway he could.

“These local farmers don’thave a whole lot of money sothe army’s out here trying tohelp these guys trying to buildbetter fences, better relation-ships and just try to be goodto these people,” Simpsonsaid. “I’m a veterinarian soanything we can do to helpanimals which further helpspeople, I’m all for it. Thesepeople have a lot of problemswith their agricultural needs,and we’re just trying to helpthem out the best we can.”

Vets lead ‘attack’ on parasites

Staff Sgt. Raymond PiperCapt. Michael Simpson from the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion and Las Vegas, Nev., native, poursAlfapor onto a cow to prevent flies, fleas and mosquitos from bothering her during a veterinianassistance program May 19.

Spc. Ricardo Branch3rd Inf. Div. PAO

BAGHDAD – Driving slowly up and down thestreets of Baghdad, the Soldiers of A Company,1088th Engineer Battalion, 256th Brigade CombatTeam, have the dangerous task of preventing impro-vised-explosive devices from harming coalitionforces.

“Our convoy is out actively seeking explosives,while other convoys accidentally run in to them,”said Buffalo Commander Sgt. 1st Class GaryBurchfield, A Co., 1088th.

The challenge of finding the explosives laid byinsurgents has been made a whole lot easier earlierthis year when 1088th received the Buffalo, amachine designed mainly to hunt for IEDs.

“We use the buffalo for route clearance,”Burchfield said. “It neutralizes IEDs and makes theroads used by U.S. coalition forces safer for them totravel by just being on the road hunting for them.”

“So far its really made a difference,” said theLake Charles, La., native. “Our team has found 35to 50 IEDs since we have been using the Buffalo.”

To assist the Soldiers with finding the explosivesbefore they detonate, the Buffalo comes equippedwith an arm which allows them to investigate possi-ble IEDs without getting physically on the groundto look at them.

“It’s safer for the Soldiers when you have thismachine that can probe the item that’s being report-ed,” said Sgt. Jared Provost, Buffalo arm operator,A Co., 1088th Eng. Bn.

The Lake Charles, La., native said many timesthey’ll find the debris being looked at are not anIED, but they’ll check regardless to make sure.

“You’re on the lookout for anything suspicious,”Provost said. “We’ve found numerous IEDs in vari-ous stages of completion. If it looks suspicious, bet-ter check it out.”

Their searches have yielded numerous explosivessuch as four-foot pipe bombs, 130mm artilleryrounds wired to phones, tank ordnance tied togetherwith detonation cord and various other explosives.

“It makes you feel good when you find one,”Burchfield said. “All the long hours spent starring atthe road are worth it when you find and haveremoved something off the street that could have

taken a Soldier’s life.”When not looking for explosives themselves, the

Soldiers escort the explosive ordinance disposalteams to suspected IEDs and munitions sites.

“Once, during an escort mission, we pulled up toa reported platter charge,” Burchfield said. “As wepulled up to secure the area, (Anti-Iraqi Forces) det-onated the IED, which was exciting. There was nodamage.”

Working hectic schedules, the Soldiers andescorts of the Buffalo, ride out on a continuousbasis. The daily travel down the routes they’reassigned however, don’t come without danger. TheBuffalo and its escort team have been engaged bythe enemy 12 times with the Buffalo being hit once.

“The convoy we’ve rode has been hit many timesby insurgents shooting small arms fire, rocket pro-pelled grenades, and from IEDs placed along theroads,” said Capt. Jim Williams, A Co., 1088thEng., commander.

Despite the dangers from attacks while out onpatrol, the Soldiers of A Co. remain experts in theirfield and perform their job above all expectationswhile working the Baghdad beat.

“These Soldiers go outside and look for some-thing that blows up. That takes a lot of courage,”Williams said. “They’re driving as slow as possiblewhile on the lookout for explosives. It’s one of themost dangerous jobs in Baghdad and I couldn’t beany more proud of what they do.”

Regardless if the Soldiers find one IED or none,they know being on the streets accomplishes onemission in their area of operations, to prevent theloss of life and do their part in stopping the anti-coalition forces harassing Soldiers.

“We go outside the wire to save lives,” said Spc.Reginald Mingo, from Opelousas, La., of A Co.,1088th Eng. “With us making the roads safe, civil-ian and military lives are being saved in theprocess.”

1088th Engineers’ Buffalo roams IED-ridden roads

Spc. Ricardo BranchSoldiers from A Co., 1088th Engineer Battalion, inspect the Buffalo, an armored explosive finder, prior to rolling out onthe roadways of Baghdad May 10. The Buffalo is used on a regular basis to decrease the possiblity of Soldiers encoun-tering improvised explosive devices on their missions.


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Rager and the Soldierswere memorialized by nam-ing the base after the 2ndPlatoon “Raiders.”

Quintas, along with threeSoldiers from the Raider pla-toon, who originally guardedthe base, participated in theceremony.

“This is a tribute to all theSoldiers, U.S., Estonian andIraqi, who have served at thisbase,” Quintas said. “We arehonored to take place in Iraq’shistory.”

Located near the AbuGhraib markets, FOB Raiderwas once the former locationof the city’s municipal build-ings.

A malicious and disastrousterrorist attack from a vehi-cle-bourne improvised explo-sive devise destroyed themain seats of the city govern-ment, fire department and

police station Sept. 30, 2004.Quintas said because of its

strategic location, Raider hasalways been a thorn in theside of the enemy.

“Though the misfortune ofa VBIED destroyed the mainmunicipal building of the city,this base lives on,” Quintassaid. “The Iraqi Army is hereto stay.”

The colors of 2/70 Armorand 2/14 Inf. were lowered,cased and marched off theceremonial field leaving theIraqi flag to fly high above thewalls of the base.

“Today is a historic day,”said Col. Mark A. Milley, 2ndBCT commander. “We gatherfor this humble ceremony sur-rounded by mud, dust and the(remnants) of war. Fromthose ashes, Iraq has risen likea phoenix. The Iraqi colorsnow stand free and tall.”

FOB, continued from page 1

Spc. Brian Schroeder An IA Soldier waves an Iraqi flag following the Raider TOA June 9.

around targeted houses.Soldiers from C Co. quickly cleared their

first house and emerged with two Iraqi men inflexcuffs.

Another team immediately moved in tothoroughly search the house.

“This operation is targeting members of ter-rorist organizations who’ve been manufactur-ing IEDs and (vehicle-borne) IEDs,” saidCapt. Dustin Baadte, C Co., 1-64, commander.“We’ve lost four guys sofar to IEDs, so we’rereally pursuing thisorganization aggressive-ly.”

C Co., nicknamed“The Wild Bunch,”searched approximately20 houses and apart-ments in three locations,finding several smallweapons caches.

In one house, Soldiersfound three AK-47s andfive magazines ofammunition buried in aplastic bag in the front yard.

In the same house, they found bags of autoparts that had been stripped of their ball bear-ings, a common component of IEDs.

Iraqi Army troops, normally a fixture inWild Bunch operations, did not participate inthe mission, as they are currently involved inOperation Lightning in South Baghdad.

“It’s too bad the Iraqi Soldiers weren’t here– they help with language and relations,”Baadte said. “We still got to remind (anti-Iraqi forces) that we can put 200 Soldiers onthe ground at the same time and conduct large,coordinated operations in sector.”

The next day, Task Force Soldiers from BCompany, conducted a similar mission in adifferent part of the neighborhood.

The target houses were located in a lesspopulated area with uneven terrain, so insteadof tanks, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters cir-cled the buildings during the mission.

B Co. brought along a new asset to assist insearching homes – a German shepherd namedSammy.

“Sammy’s trained to find all kinds of explo-sives and ammunition, as well as people whoare hiding,” said Sgt. Nicholas Oberle, 35th

Military PoliceDetachment. “Shebrings a whole newdimension in how wellyou can search a house– she can sniff outresidues you’d neverfind.”

Oberle, from Eagle,Neb., and Sammy areattached to 1-64 Armorat Camp Rustamiyah,but have worked togeth-er for more than a yearat Fort Gordon, Ga.

“Every day we traindogs to perform in a combat environment,”Oberle said. “She’s a happy-go-lucky dog, butshe’s a hard worker too.”

They did not take detainees or confiscateweapons during their searches, but rather tookthe time to build relations with residents in thearea, according to 1st Lt. Brent Dial, B Co.executive officer.

“Every time you go out, it’s an opportunityto meet residents of your sector and showthem you’re looking out for them,” Dial, ofBowie, Md., said.

Dial said the success of OperationDetermined Fury contributed greatly to thesuccess of Operations Squeeze Play andLightning, which focus on the larger missionof securing all of Baghdad.

ROGUES, continued from page 1

“Every time you go out, it’san opportunity to meet resi-dents residents of your sec-tor and show them you’relooking out for them.”

1st Lt. Brent Dial1/64 Armor

Staff Sgt. Craig ZentkovichSoldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, inspect crates filled with sub-munitions and fuzes foundat a factory in northern Zafaraniya, south of Baghdad, June 5.


Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr.1st BCT PAO

Coalition Forces take on the respon-sibility of training Iraqi security forcesto ensure a smooth transition once theyleave the country. Everyday Iraqi andCoalition Forces Soldiers work togeth-er in a variety of environments.

Soldiers of C Troop, 5th Battalion,7th Cavalry Regiment conduct regulartraining classes at Forward OperatingBase Paliwoda for the 203rd IraqiArmy Brigade. The classes are thenput into action with an afternoon

patrol to see what the IA Soldiers havelearned.

“What we do is run them through aclass in the morning, said Capt. PhillipPoteet, B Troop, 5/7 Cav. Commander.“After that we mount up and go on amission exactly like the class.”

The IA Soldiers receive the sametraining as Coalition Forces so theycan perform on the same level.

“We are tasked with platoon leveltraining,” Poteet said. “Each of ourplatoons trains one of their platoons.They need to know what we know andbe able to accomplish what we do.”

The IA Soldiers are very receptiveto the training. Their Coalition Forcesteachers said they are fast learners andretain what they are taught very well.

“These guys are real excited aboutthis training,” said Staff Sgt. JasonStack, a 5/7 Cav. Squad leader and oneof the IA trainers. “They haven’t gotthis kind of attention before as far astraining goes.”

The IA had to learn new tactics andtechniques to be more effective whenworking with the Coalition on jointraids and patrols.

“When we first went out, we had to

teach them on the spot,” Stack said.“That kind of slowed us down. Theyhave improved greatly as a whole.Everyone has little things they have towork on, but overall these are reallygood guys.”

Stack said he enjoys his work, andit is worth it when he see how the IAperforms the tasks he has taught them.

“I get a joy out of watching theseguys do their own missions,” Stacksaid. “I like the fact that these guys arestarting to get the respect form thepeople in the city that we do when weare on patrol.”

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Spc. Natalie LoucksFar Left: Iraqi Army Soldierscleared four objectives inthe towns of Esawid, A Ali,Hambis, and Taiha, while USArmy Soldiers stood by forsupporting operations May14. Throughout the day,Iraqi Security Forces confis-cated weapons caches anddetained suspected insur-gents.Above: Lt. Col. DanielKessler, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 3rd Infantry Division,stands by one of the 50 mendetained by Iraqi SecurityForces May Left: Pvt. 1stClass Tiffany Catron(Baucom) from 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 3rd InfantryDivision hands out "I LoveIraq" stickers to the childrenwho attend Al MahasinMixed School in Al Ali.

3rd BCT brings joy, justice to remote towns3rd BCT brings joy, justice to remote towns

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Photos courtesy of U.S. ArmyAbove: Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division dis-play ancient artifacts recovered during an early-morning raid June 3. Morethan 30 artifacts looted from the Baghdad Museum during the initial liberationof Iraq in 2003 were recovered from the raid.Right: A display of the recovered artifacts from the raid June 3. The artifactswere stumbled upon during a routine mission.

Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper4th BCT PAO

BAGHDAD — A coinci-dence has given a 4-month-old child a shot at living,thanks to an operation that86th Combat SupportHospital doctors performedMay 4. The surgery reducedpressure created by fluid buildup in the brain, a disorderknown as hydrocephalus.

During a 4th Battalion, 64thArmor Regiment medicalassistance program on HaifaStreet, the child’s motherbrought the baby to the U.S.Army doctors and asked ifthere was anything they coulddo for him. Local Iraqi doctorshad told her that there wasnothing that could be done andthe child would most likely diewithin the next year.

Capt. Daniel Green, aFamily Practice Physician andthe battalion surgeon for 4/64Armor said he went to see thechild himself so he could eval-uate the situation. “The prog-nosis was dismal at best,” helater said.

The child was born withoutone of theducts thatr e g u l a t ethe flow ofc e r e b r a ls p i n a lfluid, sow i t hnowhere togo, thefluid builtup.

Despite the prognosis,Green went to 86th CSH doc-tors and asked if there was any-thing that they could do.

“Through my medical train-ing I knew of a shunting proce-dure and have seen it done sev-eral times. Usually, it’s done inthe first two weeks of life, not

in the first four months,” Greensaid.

The U.S. Army neurosur-geons just happened to havethe exact shunt, a specially-designed rubber tubing with avalve that opens and closesunder the right amount of pres-sure.

Green’s fellow doctorsscheduled a day for the moth-er and a couple of the rela-tives to come to the 86th CSHwith a translator and conduct-ed a clinical evaluation of thechild.

“We evaluated the child’smotor skills, learning skills,functioning … and did a CATscan,” Green said.

The child’s brain damage onthe CAT scan was extensive, hesaid. “There was so much fluidbuild up in the brain, it com-pressed all of the brain tissue toa five millimeter thickness tothe edge of the skull. It hadpushed the bones and stretchedthe skin as far as they wouldpossibly go.”

But at the same time thesurgeons felt that there mightbe some benefit to helping thechild. The direct benefit to the

child wouldbe painrelief as thepressure ofthe fluiddecreased..

“ Y o ucan’t ask thechild if he isin pain, but itseemed quiteevident to

the mother and anybody wholooked at him. The pain is fromthe fluid compressing the braintissue,” Green said. “The sheerrelief of pressure from thebrain might drastically reducethe pain. If he didn’t live a daylonger, at least whatever dayshe continued to live would be

pain free or would be withreduced pain.”

There was an added benefitto attempting the procedure. Ifit was successful, it could con-tinue to foster good relationswith the Iraqi people and helpinstill trust that the Americansare here to help.

“Obviously that is not thereason to do surgery or risk achild’s life but it was an addedbenefit to the pain reductionand therefore further encour-aged us to offer the surgery tothe family,” Green said.

After the evaluation, thefamily had a very tough deci-sion to make. If somethingwent wrong on the table or thesurgery wasn’t successful, itcould hasten the child’sdemise. Meaning that if thechild was left untreated, he

would live six months. Therewas an increased possibilitythat he might not have sur-vived the surgery or some-thing could happen after thesurgery a week later.

“The family was willing todo it … even just for the paincontrol,” Green said.

There is always the chancefor a miracle, of course. Theshunt could relieve so muchpressure that he will actuallybegin to develop normally.

“He will never be a normalchild; however, there will stillbe moderate to severe braindamage and lower extremityparalysis, but we might buyhim six more months to a yearof life so that further medicalopportunities might comeavailable so that we might pro-long his life further. That’s the

long shot,” Green said.Two U.S. Army neurosur-

geons operated on the child inunison.

“In this child you havetaken a simple procedure andhave taken it to the extreme ofdangerous because the anato-my was so badly destroyedover the past four months bythe destructive behavior ofboth his malnourishment andthe hydrocephalous that thecomplications were absolute-ly extreme,” Green said.

Despite the difficulties ofthe operation, the shunt wasoperating properly while thechild was kept under observa-tion after the surgery to watchfor infection. He was releasedfrom the hospital, healthierthan when he came in, andgiven a shot for a miracle.

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Staff Sgt. Raymond PiperAn Iraqi mother comforts her baby after an operaton at the 86th Combat Support Hospital May 4.

“We might buy him six moremonths to a year...so furthermedical opportunities might beavailable.”

Cpt. Daniel GreenBn. surgeon, 4/64 Armor Regiment

Sgt. Kevin Bromley, Spc. Matthew Wester3/1 AD PAO

TAJI, Iraq – American humvees take up positions onboth sides of a dirt road two hours before dawn whileIraqi Soldiers stream out of a truck following the glowof their squad leader’s chemical light.

They quietly run in a column toward a house theyintend to search for insurgents aand weapons.

Their next search target is the palm grove across theroad from the house. All of the troops are determined toscour the entire area for illegal munitions and terrorists.

Elements of 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th IraqiArmy Division; 1st Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment,3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division; and 4th Platoon,977th Military Police Company, cordoned and searched

a rural area near Taji May 28 and 30.The Military Police and B Company set the cordon,

effectively sealing the neighborhood from vehicle traf-fic.

“This operation is significant because it placesemphasis on the Iraqi Army protecting Iraqi peoplefrom terrorists who want the new Iraqi government tofail,” said Col. David Bishop, 3/1 commander. “Itdemonstrates that their government is taking action tosolve a problem that affects them.”

The searches in Taji are part of a larger Iraqi Armyeffort, dubbed Operation Lightning (“Al-Barq”), to dis-rupt the enemy’s ability to attack the legitimately-elect-ed government and innocent cit-izens of Iraq. The first few daysof the operation have providedseveral good leads and resultedin several detainees andweapons confiscations, said mil-itary officials.

“The purpose of the operationwas to search suspected loca-tions where anti-Iraqi forcesconstruct vehicle-borne impro-vised explosive devices orimprovised explosive devices,”said Capt. Charles Querriera,commander of B Company, 1/13Armor Bn. “We are contributingto the larger effort of disruptingAIF operations.”

Querriera said the Iraqi Army’s ability to conductautonomous operations has come a long way and theyhave started taking more responsibility in security oper-ations.

“They’re doing intelligence gathering on theirown…it was an initiative on the Iraqi Army’s part todisrupt terrorist activity in Baghdad,” said Querriera.

“It’s a combined operation with the Americanforces,” said the operations officer for 1st Bn., 1st Bde.,5th Iraqi Army Div. “Now we control this area and willfollow the terrorists wherever they are.”

“We’re trying to incorporate the Iraqi Army into ouroperations so they can get experience in conductingthese operations,” said Staff Sgt. Michael D. Schnurr, atank commander for 1/13 and a Johnstown, Pa., native.

“The Iraqi Army is building trust with the Iraqi peo-ple,” he said. “They’re getting out there and experienc-ing the security techniques and measures they need totake back this country.”

Iraqi citizens showed their trust in the Iraqi Soldiersby supplying them intelligence about the activities ofterrorists in the area.

“We have some local sources who deal with usbecause they refuse to have the terrorists here,” the Iraqioperations officer said. “They are cooperating with theIraqi Army to get rid of and eliminate the terrorists.”

The local people are mostly farmers, and the com-bined force of Iraqi and U.S. military units searched theorchards, fields and groves in the area as well as thehouses.

“It’s a lot different than the city,” said Sgt. RaymondSalgado from Carolina, Puerto Rico and an armored

crewman for 1/13 Armor’s B Company.Salgado said the terrain is very different from the

urban areas he has operated in and talked about how hehad to jump over an irrigation ditch to search a suspi-cious haystack.

Querriera said there are advantages to working inthese areas.

“With the help of aviation, it’s easy to pick up peopletrying to get out of the search area,” he said.

“This is the second time in Iraq for this unit. The firsttime, we were in more of an urban area,” Scnurr said. “This is where tankers and infantry make their business,out here in the rural areas.”

After a thorough search of thefarms and fields, the Iraqi andAmerican troops rallied back atthe edges of the cordon area.

Curious children watchedfrom the road as the Soldiersheaded back to their vehicles inthe mid-morning heat.

Although no weapons werefound or detainees taken duringthe operation, valuable infor-mation was gathered which canbe used in the future.

“After the operation wewere able, through the IraqiArmy, to gather intelligence onother suspects and locations of

other possible weapons caches.” Querriera said. “Theintelligence gathered will most likely lead to futuresearch operations and I hope the Iraqi Army comesalong.”

The Soldiers of B Company would welcome theteamwork.

“My Soldiers and I enjoy working with the IraqiArmy,” Querriera said. “They know when somethingisn’t right before you do so they are our own early-warning system. Even my guys feel better having themwith us.”


On June 14, 2005, we proud-ly celebrate the United StatesArmy’s 230th Birthday. For 230years, the Nation has entrustedthe Army with preserving itspeace and freedom, and defend-ing its democracy.

Since 1775, AmericanSoldiers have answered the callto duty. They are imbued withthe ideals of the Warrior Ethosand motivated by an unwaver-ing belief that they will be victo-rious.

Our Soldiers have under-stood that our Constitution andthe freedom it guarantees areworth fighting for. They sacri-fice their personal comfort andsafety to answer a higher call-ing: service in the cause of free-

dom, both at home and abroad. America is at war, and the

call to duty pierces the air onceagain. Our adversaries havedeclared war on our way of life,attacked our homeland, andvowed to attack us again.

America is threatened, and itis our duty to serve.

America’s sons and daugh-ters who are answering the callto duty are engaged in thenoblest work of life, protectingour Nation and enabling othersto live free.

Today, our Soldiers protectour national interests around theglobe, serving in more than 120countries.

Recently, in joint, combinedenvironments, Soldiers helped

to rescue two nations fromoppression, and liberated over50 million people. Since then,more than 1 million Americanshave served in Iraq andAfghanistan, and many arereturning for a second or thirdtime. Our Soldiers understandthat this is a struggle we mustwin.

We are humbled by their sac-rifices in the service of ourNation. Despite the hardships,and the danger to life and limb,duty calls, and our Soldiers con-tinue to answer.

Our Nation appreciates yourcourage, your sacrifice, andyour selfless-service.

This week the United StatesPostal Service is demonstrating

support for our Soldiers with aspecial cancellation stamp thatcommemorates our Army’s 230years of service to the Nation.They are also assisting in theFreedom Team Salute, a pro-gram to send an Army Birthdaycard to every Soldier. We thankthe US Postal Service for theirrole in recognizing the serviceof our troops. They are joinedby a host of organizationsaround the country celebratingthe Army Birthday.

To our Soldiers around theworld, our thoughts and prayersare with you and your familieson this 230th Army Birthday.

You are volunteers, doingyour difficult duty against anenemy who does not value life,

is afraid of liberty, and desires tocrush the individual pursuit of ademocratic way of life.

You are playing a crucial rolein the War on Terrorism, andyour dedication to this nobleeffort underscores your deter-mined professionalism andtenacity.

We are proud to serve withyou, as you place the missionfirst and live the Warrior Ethos.

You have made our Army themost respected institution in theUnited States and the preemi-nent land power on Earth.

Thank you for answering thecall to duty.

God bless each and every oneof you and your families, andGod bless America.

2005 Army Birthday message to the troops

Photos by Spc. Matthew Wester An Iraqi Soldier uses a metal detector to find illegal muni-tions during a search operation near Taji, Iraq. Elementsof 1st Bn., 13th Armor, 3rd Bde., 1st Armor Div. workedwith the Iraqi troops to gather intelligence, and search forweapons and insurgents in the area.

Operation Lightning Soldiers strike at terrorists in Taji

An Iraqi Soldier of 1st Bn., 1st Bde., 5th IA Div., gainsentry to a house to search for illegal munitions duringan operation near Taji, Iraq on May 30.

“The Iraqi Army is buildingtrust with the Iraqi people.They’re getting out and expe-riencing the security tech-niques and measures need totake back this country.”

Staff Sgt. Michael D. Schnurr1/13 Armor


Cultural Awareness Courses Third Infantry Division Civil Affairs Section (G-5) is now offering cultural awarenesstraining courses to enhance Soldiers’ understanding of the local culture, religion

and history. Classes held on location, with a minimum of 15 people.

For more information, contact Sgt. 1st Class Brian Rauschuber, or Dr. AlAbedelazim, 3rd Inf. Div. Civil Affairs section.

VOIP- 242-4047Iraqna cell phone- 790-119-6105

Sgt. Kevin Bromley3/1 AD PAO

TAJI, Iraq – 3rd Brigade,1st Armor Division’s“Thunderbolt” Battalionmourned the loss of Pfc.Wyatt D. Eisenhauer, aPinkneyville, Ill., native,May 21.

Eisenhauer, a scout for2nd Battalion, 70th ArmorRegiment, 3rd Brigade, 1stArmor Division, died May19 as a result of an impro-vised explosive deviceattack while his unit con-ducted convoy securityoperations inMahmudiyah, Iraq.

“He gave his life for ahigher purpose, to servehis country and help theIraqi people pave the wayfor a brighter future,” saidCol. David Bishop com-mander of 3rd Bde., 1stArmor Div.

Friends said Pfc.Eisenhauer did not fit themold of the regularSoldier. He left a success-ful civilian venture toanswer a higher calling.

“He was self-retired.He joined the military tobe part of something largerthan himself,” said Sgt. 1stClass Matthew Mayo.

“With less than 11months in the Army, hewas one of the most tech-nically proficient scouts inthe platoon. He digestedtechnical manuals like noother,” said Mayo.

Although the 26-year-old lived the rough andtumble life of a scout in acombat unit, he was capa-ble of great compassion.

“He could be counted onby all of his peers andwould give them the shirtoff of his back,” Mayosaid. “He was a true patri-

ot, serving his countrywhen others in his positioncould not or would not.”

Pfc. Eisenhauer is sur-vived by his father andmother.

Remembering a comrade in arms2/70 Armor memorializes fallen SoldierThe Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.He hoped his shoes were shining,Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, you Soldier,How shall I deal with you?Have you always turned the other cheek?To My Church have you been true?”

The Soldier squared his shoulders and said,“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.Because those of us who carry guns,Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,And at times my talk was tough.And sometimes I’ve been violent,Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,That wasn’t mine to keep...Though I worked a lot of overtime,When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,Though at times I shook with fear.And sometimes, God, forgive me,I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,Among the people here.They never wanted me around,Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,It needn’t be so grand.I never expected or had too much,But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was a silence all around the throne,Where the saints had often trod.As the Soldier waited quietly,For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, you Soldier,You’ve borne your burdens well.Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,You’ve done your time in Hell.”

~Author Unknown~

TTHHEE FFIINNAALL IINNSSPPEECCTTIIOONN

99-LLiinnee MMEEDDEEVVAACC//CCAASSEEVVAACC9 LINE MEDEVAC REQUESTLine 1 – Location of Pickup Site

Line 2 – Radio Frequency, Call Sign

Line 3 – Number of Patients by precedenceA – UrgentB – Urgent SurgicalC – PriorityD – RoutineE – Convenience

Line 4 – Special Equipment NeededA – None B – HoistC – Extraction EquipmentD – Ventilator

Line 5 – Number of Patients by typeL+#=LitterA+#=Ambulatory

Line 6 – Security of LZ

N – No enemy in areaP – Possible enemy in areaE – Enemy in area (use caution) X – Enemy in area (armed escort)

Line 7 – Method of marking LZA – Panels B – Pyro Signal C – SmokeD – NoneE – Other

Line 8 – Patient Nationality and StatusA – U.S. MilitaryB – U.S. CivilianC – Non U.S. MilitaryD – Non U.S. CivilianE – EPW

Line 9 – NBC (or terrain description)N – NuclearB – BiologicalC – Chemical

Courtesy photoPfc. Wyatt D. Eisenhauer


Do you have a creative idea for something new in The Marne Express?

Do you have a funny or exceptional photo you want to share with others?

If so, contact [email protected] submissions are welcome and valued!

2nd BCT PAOMedia Release

BAGHDAD – In the 9Nissan District of EasternBaghdad, two major sewer andwater projects are gainingmomentum as crews breakground in Kamaliya andOubaidi.

After completing a thoroughsite survey, work has begun on aproject that will ultimately cre-ate a sewer network serving8,870 homes in Kamaliya, Iraq.

The area has never hadunderground sewage lines andrelies on slit trenches, whichleads to sewage pooling in thestreets.

“People in Kamaliya are see-ing heavy work being done,trenches being dug for the pipes,and it gives them confidenceabout the city’s future,” saidMaj. Alexander Fullerton, 2ndBrigade Combat Team,Infrastructure Cell officer-in-charge. “The project will reallyimprove public health and helpcut down on disease-carryingmosquitoes.”

The project will cost approx-imately $27 million and willemploy 600 local workers atpeak construction times.

According to Fullerton, thelocal district advisory counciland neighborhood advisorycouncil played a large part ingarnering support for the projectfrom residents.

“The DAC and NAC reallysold the project to the communi-ty,” he said. “People are reallyseeing the coalition making adifference.”

The sewage will be directed

out of the neighborhood to col-lection points away from habit-able areas.

As the sewer project takesshape, an existing water distri-bution system will be rehabili-tated.

About 5,435 homes are slatedto receive connections to thewater main.

The Kamaliya sewer andwater project is currentlyexpected to be completed inApril 2006.

A similar project is takingplace in nearby Oubaidi. It willcost nearly $14.6 million andemploy up to 400 workers.

In addition to the new sewerpipes, three backup generatorswill be purchased for Oubaidipump stations at a cost of$110,000 each.

The project is estimated toprovide 12,500 sewer and waterconnections.

As in Kamiliya, the waterlines will go in toward the endof the project.

“There are always complain-ers, but almost everyone herefeels the coalition and Iraqi gov-ernment are working for a betterfuture,” said an interpreter whoworks in the area.

1st Lt. Joshua Conary, 2ndBCT, Waste Water OIC, andliaison between the military andthe U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, said the projects area welcomed advancement.

“I’ve been quite pleased tosee the fruits of so much effortcome to be,” Conary said.“Especially as it will benefit somany whom have never had asewer network prior to ourarrival here in Iraq,”

Kamaliya sewageproject underway

Courtesy PhotoWorkers work on backfilling and compacting pipe for a sewernetwork that will serve thousands of homes in Kamaliya whencompleted next year. The area has never had undergroundsewage lines and relies on slit trenches, which leads to sewagepooling in the streets.

Spc. Ben Brody2nd BCT PAO

BAGHDAD – One of Uday Hussein’s for-mer palaces has a new tenant – Iraqi troopsfrom 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th IraqiArmy Division.

The unit uses the riverfront palace complexto train and to stage operations in NorthBaghdad, but they are not alone.

Helping train and mentor the young unit isa military transition team from 1st Battalion,9th Field Artillery.

“This is a place where the Iraqi Army isreally succeedingindependently ofcoalition forces,” saidMaj. Terry Cook, 1Battalion, 9th FieldArtilley, executiveofficer. “They arebuilding pro-IA sup-port in the areabecause people seethe coalition is notinvolved.”

However, Cookand the rest of theMiTT does a greatdeal behind thescenes at the palacecomplex.

In addition to providing joint fires, such asattack helicopters, close air support, aerial sur-veillance and counter-mortar radar, theBattleking team trains Iraqi medics and troopson essential Soldier skills.

“We try to nudge the IA (battalion) in theright direction, toward how we run battalions,”said 1st Sgt. William Zito, B Battery, 1/9 FA,first sergeant. “We’ve got to guide them dur-

ing the transition from the old regime to thenew Iraqi government so they don’t slip backinto old habits.”

Maj. Ahmed Gebar, 1st IAB, executive offi-cer, said his battalion is making steadyprogress in his area of operations.

“Everything is getting better in our sector,”Gebar said. “If things keep going this way, itwill be very good.”

He described the MiTT as being very help-ful and responsive to his requests for assis-tance.

“We have a good relationship with theMiTT, everything we ask for, they always try

to help,” Gebar said. “Ihave very good, bravemen. They need moretraining and equipment,but they are goodSoldiers.”

Whether they needtraining or not, the IraqiSoldiers at the palacehave impressed the transi-tion team.

“The Iraqis here reallyaccomplish the mission,”said Sgt. StevenCarpenter, 1/9 FA, com-munications sergeant.“Their reaction time is

outstanding – when there’s an attack in sector,they jump in their trucks and roll out with nodelay.”

Carpenter, from Sanford, Fla., said the IABmirrors the Battlekings because of similaritiesin their leadership.

“The IAB commander and (executive offi-cer) love to go out on missions and be withtheir Soldiers, just like Battleking 6 and 5 do,”he said.

Battlekings MiTT mentor Iraqi Army

Spc. Ben BrodyLt. Col. Steven Merkel, 1/9 FA, commander, and Iraqi Lt. Col. Qussay discuss upcoming missionsover a map at the 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division headquarters.

“The Iraqis here really accom-plish the mission. Their reac-tion time is outstanding -when there’s an attack in sec-tor... they roll out with nodelay.”

Sgt. Steven Carpenter1/9 FA, communications sergeant


Photos by Spc. Ben BrodyAbove: In a traditional way of expressing happiness, a woman throws confetti as an Iraqi Armymotorcade passes by. Tiger Brigade, 6th IA Division unfurled its colors in Baghdad June 1.Right: Brig. Gen. Jawad Romee Aldine (left), 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division command-er, and Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Jr., 3rd Infantry Division commander, salute as TigerBrigade, 6th IA Division raise its colors.

‘Tigers Brigade’ raises colors in Baghdad


FORWARD OPERATING BASE PROSPERITY,Iraq – The 4th Brigade Combat Team came togetherto celebrate the brigade’s very first birthday on May27.

Col. Edward C. Cardon, 4th BCT commander, vis-ited various bases in and around the InternationalZone to share in the festivities with his troops.

“Not since Vietnam or even Korea has the Armyasked a unit to create itself in eight months and deployto a combat zone,” Cardon said. “Some people havesaid this was only possible because of talent in thebrigade. I have a little saying: talent hires talent. Buttalent is nothing if you are not a team, and this is oneheck of a brigade combat team.”

The 3rd Infantry Division activated its 4th BrigadeCombat Team in a ceremony on May 26, 2004 at FortStewart, Ga.

Cardon assumed command of the 4th “Vanguard”brigade, bringing a fourth unit of action brigade to the3rd Inf. Div., which is the first division to reorganizeunder the Army’s new modularity concept.

The 4th BCT is organized to combine combat,combat support, and combat-service-support Soldiersunder the same command. Within Vanguard areinfantry, armor, cavalry, and field artillery units. The703rd Forward Support Battalion and 4-3 BrigadeTroops Battalion (Sentinel) provide direct support.

The story of the 4th BCT is one that epitomizes thetransformation philosophy.

When the brigade began building its ranks, therewere only 21 Soldiers providing its foundation.

Over a six-month period Vanguard gained approx-imately 3,000 Soldiers, received new equipment andconducted three major training exercises. The Armytook three different battalions from three different

brigades with three different cultures and joined themtogether as one team.

Speaking to the assembled Soldiers, Cardon said,“It’s your efforts that have made this brigade better.It’s the culture that we have in the brigade, a cultureof empowerment, a ‘can do’ attitude, a winning spirit,you can’t buy that. That is what you represent outthere everyday. Yes, we have some tough days. Whatimpresses me is that everymorning we get up, put our uni-forms on, get our weaponsready to go, and get back out inthe streets doing what we havebeen asked to do.”

Vanguard brigade Soldiersbegan deploying for OperationIraqi Freedom 3 during earlyJanuary 2005.

Upon arrival in Kuwait,4BCT assumed command andcontrol of 1st Battalion, 184thInfantry Regiment, the onlyCalifornia Army NationalGuard air assault infantry battal-ion in existence.

The unit moved to Baghdad in February and con-ducted its official Transfer of Authority with twobrigades from the 1st Cavalry Division on March 4,2005.

4th BCT has responsibility for the Karkh, Karradahand Al Rasheed districts of Baghdad which have acombined population of more than 1,440,000 people.The three districts occupy about 66 square miles.

Since assuming control of its sector, the strength ofthe Vanguard brigade has grown to more than 8,000Soldiers and currently oversees operations for approx-imately 16 battalions.

Units now serving in the brigade include the 13th

Infantry (Georgian) Battalion, Iraqi Army forces, theNaval Special Warfare Detachment, and numerousunits and service members from the Department ofDefense.

Although the Brigade conducts a myriad of mis-sions on a daily basis, three missions have remainedconstant since its arrival in theater: maintaining a safeenvironment for those who live and work in the

Vanguard area of operations,helping to rebuild the civilianinfrastructure, and training theIraqi Security Forces.

As of May 18, the brigadecompleted approximately8,100 operations includingOperation Vanguard Tempest,the largest combined opera-tion between ISF andCoalition Forces ever con-ducted. This operation, exe-cuted on April 11, netted 67suspected insurgents in the AlRasheed District.

Taking the lead in trainingISF personnel are: 3rd Battalion, 7th InfantryRegiment (Cottonbalers), 4th Battalion, 64th ArmorRegiment (Tuskers), and 6th Squadron, 8th CavalryRegiment (Mustangs).

3,000 Iraqi Soldiers have been trained thus far byIraqi leaders and their American counterparts. TheseIraqi warriors will eventually assume full control ofthe safety and security of Iraq.

“In the end, it is they who will secure Iraq, not us.”Cardon said. “We are just helping them. As theseunits grow, we have to remember that we grew as aunit in 8 months, we are growing these units in sixmonths. I’m proud of the team we have and I’mproud to be your commander.”

4th BCT celebrates one-yearanniversary during deployment

“Not since Vietnam or evenKorea has the Army asked aunit to create itself in eightmonths and deploy to a com-bat zone.”

Col. Edward C. Cardon4th BCT commander

CCOOMMBBAATT BBIIRRTTHHDDAAYY::

Faces and Places The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

Spc. Maria MengroneSoldiers of Task Force 1-41 Infantry, 1st Armored Division, attached to 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, conduct a routine patrol during the early morning hours atopan M1A1 Abrams tank in the district of Abu Ghraib.

Photos by Spc. Matthew Wester (above), Spc. Derek Del Rosario (right)Above: Senior Airman Heather Merkens, a structural journeyman for 557th Expeditionary Red HorseSquadron, Ohio Air National Guard, records a speech for graduating high school seniors in her home-town, Huron, Ohio. Merkens, a government teacher, recorded the video at the request of her students. Right: Spc. James Long, HHC, 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Recon) administers anIV to a patient at the Medical Center at Camp Taji.

Photos by Spc Jennifer FittsAbove: Audience members raise their hands in praise at the Camp Liberty Gospel Extravaganza June 10.Left: Members of the Camp Liberty Male Praise Dance troupe contribute their praises at the Camp Liberty GospelExtravaganza Jun 10..

Guidance The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

MarMarne Medical Mentorne Medical Mentor ... a prescription for good health from your Docs in the Rock

Uphold the Warrior Ethos. Obey all regulations and general orders. Serve with honor.

“Rock of the Marne!”

3ID STB Senior Medical StaffSpecial to The Marne Express

Many Soldiers can run into roughtimes. Examples of hard times includeseeing dead bodies; hostile reactionsfrom civilians; being ambushed; IEDs;knowing someone that was seriouslyinjured or killed; problems with anotherservice member in the unit; lack of priva-cy and personal space; family problems;and conflicts with loved ones.

All of us can sometimes feel down,hurt or angry. If you see a buddy upset,fuming or hanging-out alone, you canhelp them through a painful or some-times risky time.

Emotionally distracted Soldiers canendanger the mission, the unit, and them-selves.

Often, just talking, listening, andfocusing on their strengths, is all thatpeople need to find their own answers.There are things you can say and do tohelp:

1. Be a friend. For example, you

can say “Something seems to be bother-ing you. Can I help? I can listen if youwant to talk.”

2. Listen and encourage your buddyto talk about what is bothering them.Try to stay calm and objective.

3. Don’t criticize or argue with theSoldier’s ideas and feelings. Encourageyour buddy to continue telling youwhat’s wrong. Allow time for yourbuddy to find the right words.

4. Acknowledge your buddy’s griev-ances against others, but don’t make itworse by agreeing too strongly. Thiscould intensify the problem.

5. Ask questions to better under-stand the problem and their feelings. Ifthe talking stalls, summarize what hasbeen said and ask if you have under-

stood it right.

6. Don’t give a lot of advice. It isOK to plant the seeds of new ideas butdon’t drive them in with a hammer.Remember you don’t need to have allthe answers for your buddy’s problems.

7. Praise your buddy’s work that theyhave been doing under such difficultcircumstances, and for trusting youenough to talk to you.

Sometimes the problems are toocomplex to resolve after one talk. Referyour buddy to one of the following:

Squad leader or other leaderChaplain or Chaplain AssistantOne of the “docs” Mental Health Team at your Medical

Company or in Combat Stress Controlteams in your area.

In Central Iraq, the 24 hour DNVTtelephone stress hotline is 302-558-5546. In Northern Iraq, the number is

302-553-9525.If your buddy gives any hints or

clues of thinking about suicide, or seri-ously harming someone else, remem-ber your Suicide Prevention Training!

Don’t act shocked or alarmed.Encourage your buddy to talk to you byusing the techniques we have just readabout.

If your buddy is currently armed,say something like, “Let me hold yourweapon and keep it safe while wetalk.”

After your buddy has talked as muchas they want, say “Would you like totalk to someone else about this? Thereare docs here that can help you. Theycan help you more than I can.”

Don’t leave your buddy alone if youthink they might commit suicide orhurt someone!

Secure their weapon and take themimmediately to your chain of commandor to medical care!

A suicidal person needs immediateattention from professional helpers andyou can be that link to get them there.

Helping a Soldier/buddy in distress

What does treating a Soldier with“dignity and respect” mean?

Dignity: State of being worthy, hon-ored, or esteemed.Respect: Treat people as they should betreated.

“Commanders are responsible forthe readiness of their units. Quality oftrust in a unit directly impacts on thatreadiness. Commanders will ensurethat all Soldiers are treated with dignityand respect and that harassment of orthreats to Soldiers for any reason arenot tolerated. Those who engage in,ignore, or condone harassment orthreats will be held accountable.”

CSA Directive dated July 21, 2000

Subject: Dignity and respect for all

“… individual relationships of trustgrow the bonds that build unit cohe-sion. When individual dignity andrespect are violated, mutual trust andunit cohesion erode. Harassment ofany kind violates individual dignity andtears at the fabric of this trust and thecohesion of our Army.”

Gen. Eric K. Shinseki July 21,2000

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is a form of gen-der discrimination that involves unwel-come/unsolicited sexual advances,request for sexual favors, and other ver-bal or physical conduct of a sexual

nature.

Categories of Sexual Harassment

Verbal: Examples may include tellingsexual jokes, using sexual explicit pro-fanity, threats, sexually oriented “Jodycalls,” sexual comments, whistling in asexual suggestive manner, describingcertain sexual attributes of one’s physicalappearance.

Nonverbal: Examples may includestaring at someone (i.e. “undressingsomeone with one’s eyes”), blowingkisses, winking, or licking one’s lips ina suggestive manner. Nonverbal mayalso include printed material.

Physical Contact: Examples mayinclude touching, patting, pinching,bumping, grabbing, cornering, blockinga passageway, kissing, and providingunsolicited back or neck rubs.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Quid Pro Quo: This is a Latin termmeaning “this for that.”

Hostile Environment: This occurs whenSoldiers or civilians are subjected tooffensive, unwanted and unsolicitedcomments or behaviors of a sexualnature.

Ways to Deal with SexualHarassment

Direct Approach: Confront the harass-er and tell him/her that the behavior isnot appreciated, not welcomed and that

it must stop.

Indirect Approach: Send a letter to theharasser stating the facts, personal feel-ings about the inappropriate behaviorand expected resolution (keep a copyfor self).

Third Party: Request the assistancefrom another person. Ask someone elseto talk to the harasser, to accompany thevictim, or to intervene on behalf of thevictim to resolve the conflict.

Chain of Command: Report thebehavior to immediate supervisor orothers in chain of command and ask forassistance in resolving the situation.

File a Formal Compliant: An allega-tion of unlawful discrimination basedon race, color, national origin, religion,or sex.

**NOTE** Sexual Assault is a crimi-nal act & must be reported to the prop-er authorities (MP, PMO,CID).

What are the two types of complaints?

Informal: Allegations of unlawful dis-crimination or sexual harassment that donot require written documentation.These complaints may be voiced to theoffending party, to someone in a positionof authority, or both. The intention is thatthe offending behavior will cease with nofurther action required.

Formal: Allegation of unlawful dis-crimination or sexual harassment that

is submitted in writing to properauthority and processed through offi-cial complaint channels with timelines**NOTE** Although the processingof EO complaints through the unitchain of command is strongly encour-aged, it will not serve as the onlychannel available to Soldiers toresolve complaints (AR 600-20,Appendix E, Para E-1a (2).

Alternative Agencies to FileComplaints

Someone in a higher echelon of thecomplainant’s chain of command:Equal Opportunity AdvisorInspector GeneralChaplainProvost MarshalMedical Agency personnelStaff Judge Advocate

What happens to me if I file a com-plaint against my supervisor or chainof command? Won’t they get even?

The Military WhistleblowerProtection Act prohibits Department ofthe Army personnel from taking acts ofreprisal against any Soldier for filing acomplaint (Para 5-12, DoD Directive7050.6).

DoD IG Hotline: 1-800-424-9098DSN: 664-8799COM: 703-604-8569

Reprisal: Taking or threatening totake an unfavorable personnel actionor any other act of retaliation, againsta military member for making orpreparing a protected communication.

No place for sexual harassment in today’s Army

Chaplain (Maj.) T. Blake Bowers4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

Adversity is not on the hot topic list mostdiscussed in people’s lives.

In fact, we always want the good news. To have adversity is to suggest one has trou-

ble, one may not be good enough for some-thing, one may be weak, or one is perceived asnot being in favor with God.

Many of you reading this have been there. A denied promotion you thought you

deserved, an award overlooked, a child dis-rupting the neighborhood, difficulty in rela-tionships, plans that went wrong somewherealong the line and the blame fell to you unjust-ly.

Adversity has hit all of us. We feel betrayed, under stress, hurt,

angry and question why. So what do we do when

adversity comes? It is enough to cause some to

crumble under the pressure. Themind and will deteriorates to thepoint where they cannotrecover. Individualsbecome withdrawn,sullen and obtain a vic-tim mentality.

Recently, I had someadversity hit my life. Itput me into a shock for alittle while and I experi-enced the feeling of “I can’tbelieve this.” To say I wasdisappointed about this adver-sity is an understatement.

So what should folks do whenconfronted with adversity?

I offer some suggestions from aChristian point of view.

First, we are to welcome adversity. You may say, “Chaplain, your crazy!” What do I mean by welcoming the hard

times? James 1:2 tells us to ‘consider it pure joy

when you face trials of various kinds.’God has some sense of humor doesn’t He? Yes! We are to face adversity with joy. You

mean the kind of joy that says ‘oh yeah, bring

it on’, hootin’, hollering, shouting joy? Yes! For believers we learn over time of God’s

faithfulness. Our faith in Him, our faith thatHe has seen us through trouble before, ourfaith in Him that he is always present, our faiththat has shown us His steadfastness in all situ-ations is cause enough for joy. The joy alsocomes from a deep rooted faith that sayseverything is going to be okay because God isin control. God is sovereign.

Another step is to see that this is cause forour spiritual growth.

James 1:3 says ‘the testing our faith devel-ops perseverance.’ Adversity helps us with akeeping on attitude with our faith. It is a will-ingness to see things through to the end of ourincident and see God prevail and realize that

our life and will is in His hands. It isalso the perseverance to see us through

to the end of our Christianrace. Through our own diffi-culties we can provide min-istry to others.

Thirdly, the last partis that ‘perseverancemust finish its work in

us so that we might bemature and complete,’

James 1:4. I can hear some of younow saying, “Okay

God,” thanks forusing me as a humanillustration!”

Yes, we are testi-mony to God’s work.

Each of us is verydifferent. Our individual

walk with God is different. Yet, he wants to bring each of us

to the same result, to be mature andcomplete in our faith. God’s desire

is for us to be the very best exampleof Christ like faith and character to othersaround us.

Doing so doesn’t ease the pain of adversity. Itdoes not lessen the disappointment of adversity,but it does lead us to greater depths in our faith.

Life is not measured by a man’s success. God measures our lives by our perseverance

during the times we face adversity. Go with God to new heights in your adversity.

The Operation Iraqi FreedomRewards Program is a programcreated by Congress that author-izes the payment ofrewards to Iraqis whoprovide informationor non-lethal assis-tance to U.S. forceswhich leads to thecapture of wanted per-sons or wanted weapons.

There are several levels ofrewards that individual Iraqiscould receive.

First, company commandersare authorized to draw $250 permonth to pay “Micro Rewards”of up to $20 per individual.These rewards can be given on

the spot by a member of thecompany. Secondly, “SmallRewards” are rewards of up to$2,500 and are approved bybrigade commanders.

Finally, “Large Rewards” arerewards of up to$200,000 and are

approved by eitherthe commander of U.S.

Central Command or theSecretary of Defense.

No payment, however, can bemade until the information pro-vided is verified and utilized.Any Soldier can nominate anIraqi civilian to receive theaward. Contact your chain ofcommand if you know of any-one that has provided, or is will-ing to provide information onwanted weapons or persons.

DDDDEEEESSSSEEEERRRRTTTT JJJJUUUUSSSSTTTTIIIICCCCEEEE Chaplain’s CornerAdvversity Coming Your Way

Capt. Darry PohlmannOffice of the Staff Judge Advocate

Guidance The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

Division Chapel ServicesCamp Liberty

Mon. – Fri.12 p.m. Catholic

MassSaturday

10 a.m.: SeventhDay Adventist

Sunday9 a.m.:

ContemporaryProtestant

10:30 a.m.:Roman Catholic

Mass 1 p.m.: Lutheran

3 p.m.: GospelProtestant

5 p.m.: Churchof Christ (non-instrumental)

8 p.m.:CollectiveProtestant

OIF Rewards Program

1st Lt. Michael J. Fasnacht, 1/15 Inf.Staff Sgt. Victor M. Cortes III, 703 FSB

Sgt. Charles A. Drier, 1/76 FA Spc. Dustin C. Fisher, 1/76 FA

Pfc. Jeffrey R. Wallace, 1/76 FAStaff Sgt. Justin L. Vasquez, 3rd ACR

Spc. Eric J. Poelman, 3rd ACRPfc. Brian S. Ulbrich, 3rd ACR

In Memory of ...In Memory of ...

Capt. Gary McNealOffice of the Staff Judge Advocate

Are you considering writinga book or perhaps a few arti-cles on your experiences dur-ing Operation Iraqi Freedom3?

Have you ever been asked tospeak for an organization aboutwhat you do for the Army orwhat you did during a deploy-ment?

Many organizationsapproach Soldiers, invitingthem to share some of theirexperiences.

Publishers look for articlesand books relating to the expe-riences of military membersserving in combat zones.Some of these organizationsoffer to pay the speaker orwriter a stipend, or provide allof their food and lodging.

Before you accept suchoffers you need to understandthe ethics regulations thatapply.

The Standards of EthicalConduct for Employees of theExecutive Branch, 5 CFR 2635is incorporated as part of theJoint Ethics Regulation (JER),DoD 5500.7-R.

The JER prohibits Federalemployees from receiving pay-ment from any source, otherthan the U.S. Government, forteaching, speaking, or writingthat relates to the employee’sofficial duties. This means thatmilitary members may notpublish books or articles thatrelate to their official dutieswhile serving on active duty.

Military personnel may notsign book or movie contracts,

even if the compensation isdeferred until after theybecome civilians. Rememberthat compensation may includethings like free lodging, meals,and other gifts, as well as mon-etary payment.

The JER does not preventyou from teaching, speaking,or writing for compensation ontopics that do not relate to yourofficial duties. So you canwrite that novel you’ve beenplanning for years.

In many cases the JER isclear on when you may teach,write, or speak on a topic, butsome situations may not be soeasy to determine.

Some of the questions to askare whether the invitation wasextended to you because ofyour position. Were you askedto speak because you are anofficer or an NCO? Did theindividual who extended theinvitation have interests thatmay be affected by you in thecourse of your duties? Will theissues you address includenonpublic information knownto you only because of yourofficial position?

If you answer yes to any ofthese questions, you may notaccept any form of compensa-tion for the engagement. Ifyou are unsure about whetherto accept such an invitation,you should contact theAdministrative LawDepartment of the Office of theStaff Judge Advocate.

Also, you should alwayscoordinate with the PublicAffairs Office before you makeany appearance in an officialcapacity.

Publishing ethics for Soldiers

Marne Claims

Office HoursMon. through Sat.9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Camp LibertyLegal Services

CenterBuilding C25

Sports The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

Cartoon Corner

If you have something you’d like to contribute to the bi-weekly comic strip Contact [email protected] CCHHRROONNIICCLLEESS OOFF SSTTAACCKK

MUAY THAI KICKBOXING CLASSESCome join the “Baghdad Boxing Club,” and learn

traditional kickboxing!*THIS IS NOT AN AEROBIC CLASS!*

This is a challenging and fun way to get a good workout and learnpractical self-defense.

All skill levels from beginner to advaced welcome!Grab your PT clothes and move out to the 3rd Infantry Division’s MWR Aerobic Room.

Tuesday & Thursdays 1730 - 1900

Classes presented by Sgt. Ryan J. LaBar, 3rd Signal Co.

Sgt. 1st Class Ken WakerSgt. Ryan J. LaBar takes down Spc. Charles Eich during a kick-boxing demonstration at the 3rd Infantry Division MWR May 21.

goarmysports.comSpecial to The Marne Express

WEST POINT, N.Y. – When SchuylerWilliamson walked off the field at DickHowser Stadium Sunday followingArmy’s appearance at the TallahasseeRegional, Army’ssenior catcher wasn’tsure if he’d ever playcompetitive baseballagain.

Williamson will beprovided the opportu-nity to extend hisbaseball career afterhe was selected in the26th round of the FirstYear Player Draft bythe Detroit Tigers onWednesday.

The native ofPensacola, Fla.(Pensacola Catholic H.S.), concluded hisWest Point baseball career as the holderof 15 Academy single game and careerrecords. He surpassed seven Army career

records this spring and graduated as theBlack Knights’ all-time leader in at-bats,runs scored, total bases, games played,multiple-home run games, runnersthrown out trying to steal and percentageof runners thrown out trying to steal.

“I am very excited to have the oppor-tunity to play

professionalbaseba l l , ”Williamsonsaid. “Iwould havebeen happywhether Iwas selectedor not. Theway Ilooked at itis that I havea greatcareer in theArmy and

now have a chance at a great career inbaseball. This gives me a chance to pur-sue a dream that I’ve held since I wasfive years old.”

As part of the U.S. Army’s recentlyimplemented Alternative Service Optionplan, Williamson will owe two years ofactive service in the Army, during whichtime he will be allowed to play baseballin the Tigers’ system and assigned to arecruiting station. Following those twoyears, should he remain in professionalbaseball, he would be given the option of“trading” the remaining three years of hisactive-duty commitment for six years ofreserve duty. There is also a “buy-out”component that requires reimbursementto the government for educational costs.

“We couldn’t be happier forSchuyler,” said Army head coach JoeSottolano. “This is a great and deservingopportunity. Playing professional base-ball is one of his life-long dreams andpassions, and we’re very pleased that hehas achieved that goal.”

Williamson joins Mike Scioletti asthe only two players in Army baseballhistory to be selected in the First YearPlayer Draft. Scioletti was chosen in the43rd round by the Chicago White Soxin 1997.

‘Black Knights’ catcher becomes second Army player chosen in first-year players draft MLB Draft:

“We all couldn’t be happierfor Schuyler. This is a greatand deserving opportunity.Playing professional baseballis one of his life-longdreams.”

Joe SottolanoArmy head coach

Courtesy photoArmy Black Knights catcher, SchuylerWilliamson, prior to the start of one of thegames.

Entertainment The Marne Express, June 19, 2005

‘Ginger Snaps,’ bites and claws to cult status on my listIn the Movies

Spc. Ricardo Branch3rd Inf. Div. PAO

“Out by 16 or dead in this scene, buttogether forever...” those are the wordsechoed in the morbid pact between twosisters, Ginger and Bridgette Fitzgerald,the stars of the campy werewolf tale“Ginger Snaps.”

Both are outcasts by virtue of theirown personalities and obsessed withdeath. They constantly are coming upwith new ways to stage their owndemise.

One night, the pair are out planninganother morbid caper when Ginger isattacked and mauled by a half-man, half-wolf creature.

The girls escape and the werewolfgets accidentally run over by a van, butthat’s not the end however. Back athome, Bridgette discovers that Ginger’swounds are already healing by them-selves.

As life continues painfully forward,the girls become convinced that theattack has “changed” Ginger. Soon sheis sprouting fur from her wounds anddeveloping abnormal physical strength.

To make matters worse, Ginger’s newstrength, along with her growing“canines,” causes her to leap out of heroutcast status and begin dating anddevouring.

The combination of theses incidents

begins to divide the once-close sisters,leaving Bridgette alone and out in thecold.

Ginger is changing into the beast thatattacked her, which ensures mayhem andchaos for 108 minutes.

Unlike most campy tales, the stars ofthis film are not perky and buff victims-in-waiting, as in most teen movies.Sixteen-year-old Ginger (KatherineIsabelle), and 15-year-old Bridgette(Emily Perkins) are a pair of gothic out-casts despised by all the students in theirsuburban Ontario high school.

But the general disdain they carryfrom their peers makes them that muchmore interesting to watch on the bigscreen. As good as the cast is, though,the real star is the storyline for this awe-some screenplay.

This movie was filmed with a smallbudget, incredibly lackluster specialeffects and in an easy-to-film area.

It’s not what I’d consider a recipe forsuccess, but it’s done correctly, ensuringa magnificent film.

Unknown stars (at the time) Isabelleand Perkins shared a unique chemistryon the screen that’s easily reminiscent ofnotable duos like Mulder and Scully, andearly Starsky and Hutch.

They worked so well throughout thismovie that when Ginger was changinginto a werewolf, I could easily relate tothe concern displayed by her sister

Bridgette - the dialogue was just thatgood.

The only thing I didn’t like was theending, which was the average, “stop themonster, thereby saving the day.” Thefinal scene was sad but probably neces-sary for the film to go beyond a simplestand-alone movie into the trilogy that itis today.

Also, the film manages to cover aremarkable range of emotions fromanger, deception, envy, happiness and alittle bit of love at the end.

If you watch this movie for a goodscare you’ll be out of luck. “GingerSnaps” was not really scary, in the waymost people think. It’s not packed withmoments when directors try to scare theaudience, just a feeling of terror, dreadand melancholy at its core.

It’s got originality, a good story, andcharacters I could relate to (I am notinterested in death but certainly canrelate to being “left out”), gruesomescenes and the gloomy undercurrent ofdespair.

If this sounds like a good movie foryou, go out and get the wolf.

“Ginger Snaps” will destroy allimpressions you have of the stalenesscoming out of Hollywood these days. Itwill leave you amazed by its innovationand eager to see more as it bites andclaws its way onto your list of favoritemovies.

HHHHoooowwww ‘‘‘‘GGGGiiiinnnnggggeeeerrrr SSSSnnnnaaaappppssss’’’’

ssssttttaaaacccckkkkssss uuuupppp.... .... ....

sultry female stars:

intriguing storyline:

werewolf carnage:

special effects:

BB++The bottom line:

Sgt. 1st Class David Abrams3rd Inf. Div.

As a young boy and buddingwriter, William Faulkner wouldsit at the knees of hisMississippi relatives, listeningwith rapt attention to their sto-ries of the War Between theStates and Reconstruction.

Those tales, with that dis-tinct Southern vernacular,eventually wormed their wayinto his fiction and establishedFaulkner as one of the greattranscribers of human speech.

Like the Yoknapatawphawizard before him, MarkSpragg has spent the first forty-plus years of his life absorbingthe speech and mannerisms ofcowboys in Wyoming.Spragg’s books (the memoirWhere Rivers ChangeDirection and the two novelsThe Fruit of Stone and AnUnfinished Life) resonate witha particular tough-tender mas-culinity of Marlboro men.

Spragg, who grew up on adude ranch near Sheridan,Wyoming, has cracked the codeon the closed circle of often-inscrutable males who maketheir living taming horses,stringing barbed wire and lead-ing fat, pale city slickers on elkhunts.

What Faulkner did for theMississippi delta, Spragg doesfor the Rocky MountainWest—accurately transcribingthe hard-bit, stoic lives thatpopulate the equally unyieldingland.

So, when we come toSpragg’s new novel, AnUnfinished Life, it’s no sur-prise to find that he has con-

vincingly etched a portrait ofa bitter, grief-stricken seven-ty-year-old rancher namedEinar Gilkyson who is count-ing the days until he can joinhis wife and son in theirgraves. His only reason forliving is to play nursemaid tohis Korean War buddy Mitchwho’s been disfigured in abear attack—a mauling whichhappened as Einar stood byhelplessly. As penance, hegives Mitch daily shots ofmorphine and cleans his bed-pan.

Like so many other old menof the New West—the clichéd“dying breed”—Einar andMitch are living in a landscape(both moral and physical) that’scrumbling away.

Einar tries to not be botheredby the influx of young marriedcouples who have moved toWyoming “for a more naturallife” and who drive aroundtheir twenty-acre ranchettes inbrand-new SUVs.

Even so, his spread outsidethe fictional Ishawooa is slowlybeing subdivided into parcelshe leases to his neighbors.Since his only child—Griffin,the heir apparent—has died,

Einar knows the land willremain undeveloped only aslong as he’s there to keep theranch running—which, at thispoint, means milking his oneremaining cow and sellingMason jars of the milk to thelocal co-op.

In Spragg’s hands, this oldcowboy becomes not justwords on a page, but a charac-ter as real as the icy sting ofwind-driven snow on our face.We can hear the carefully held-

back speech slip from betweenhis clamped, stoic lips; we canfeel the shape of his weathered,scarred heart. After just threebooks, this is the kind of char-acter we’ve come to expectfrom Spragg’s pen.

What’s surprising, therefore,in this new novel is the fact thatSpragg extends that sameauthentic voice to a ten-year-old girl named Griff who even-tually becomes the centralcharacter in An UnfinishedLife. The precocious andendearing Griff is the grand-daughter Einar’s never met. Hestill holds his daughter-in-lawJean responsible for his son’sdeath in a car accident a decadeago and has written her out ofhis life while still carryingaround the ghost of his son.

Jean and Griff have driftedthrough life in the Midwest,attracting no-good deadbeatguys who use Jean as a punch-ing bag. The latest one is ascary individual named Roywho, in the space of a fewwords, manages to turn anapology into an accusation dur-ing a morning-after conversa-tion with Jean (“I hate whenyou back me into a corner…Idon’t know why I come outswinging like I do.”).

Griff keeps a packed suit-case under her bed, waiting forher mother to wise up and getthem the hell out of Roy’s trail-er. Meanwhile, she fantasizesabout a tornado sucking Roy upinto the sky, even though sheknows it’s no use:

Dead or alive, her motherwould replace him. Before Royin this trailer in Iowa there wasHank in the trailer in Florida,

and before Hank there wasJohnny in the little house thatsmelled like cat pee, and beforeJohnny there was Bobby. Shecan’t remember Bobby verywell, but there’ve been four.Everybody’s mother is good atsomething. Her mother’s goodat finding the same man, nomatter where she lives.

Eventually, Roy’s fist landsone time too many on Jean’sface and the mother and daugh-ter sneak away from the mania-cal lover, heading west towardthe only place Jean thinks shecan hide from Roy’s rage: herhometown of Ishawooa. OnceJean and Griff show up on hisdoorstep, Einar grudginglyallows them to stay at his place,even though the sight of hisdaughter-in-law continuallystabs him with pain and angerover the early death of his son.

That sorrow is salved, how-ever, by the charm of his grand-daughter. Griff quickly endearsherself to both Einar and Mitch(as well as to the reader) andit’s the bond between the twoold cowboys and the young girlwhich becomes the most com-pelling part of An UnfinishedLife.

Griff longs for a stable fami-ly life and she finds it in thegruff-but-sweet Einar and thenurturing compassion of Mitch.

Yes, this may sound familiarto fans of Kent Haruf’s best-selling novel Plainsong (and,indeed, Spragg gives a nod toHaruf in the book’s dedication),but An Unfinished Life isinvested with its own uniquestamp of what I’m beginning tothink is Spragg’s trademark:the rough beauty of the authen-

tic West. The novel takes its title from

the epitaph engraved onGriffin’s grave, but it’s alsoEinar who has an unfinishedlife and now, in the Decemberof old age, he must learn howto tie up the loose ends of hislife—let go of his bitternesstoward Jean, as well as forgivehimself for letting the grizzlymaul Mitch.

An Unfinished Life has itsshare of predictable moments,especially when the hot-tem-pered Roy shows up inIshawooa and the novel turnsinto something resemblingSleeping With the Enemy andwe realize that we’ve beenmentally casting Julia Robertsor Ashley Judd in that woman-in-peril role.

Instead, the movie versiondue in December from directorLasse Hallstrom stars JenniferLopez and Robert Redford.

Hollywood and hackneyedplot elements aside, there’s alot going for An UnfinishedLife.

There is the rich beauty ofSpragg’s honed writing style,there is the engaging relation-ship between two grizzled cow-boys and a young girl whorenews their faith in life, butmostly there is theFaulkneresque way in whichthe author has captured andretained the details of his ownlife growing up in Wyoming.Just as Einar, who has pre-served his dead son’s room andwardrobe, says, “I’m carefulabout what I throw away,” so,too, is Spragg meticulous aboutthe words he chooses to leaveon the page.

The Book NookMark Spragg’s An Unfinished Life: The Marlboro Man Finds His Heart

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