november 23, 2005 serving the u.s. and coalition forces in...

DESERTDESERT VOICEVOICEServing the U.S. and Coalition Forces in KuwaitNovember 23, 2005

Life inthe fastlanePage 5

Back page Heave-hoSpc. Debralee P. Crankshaw

18th SSG (Airborne) HHC pulls with alltheir might to win the tug-of-war duringthe unit’s organizational day.

CFLCC Commanding GeneralLt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb

CFLCC CommandSergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Franklin G.Ashe

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irs Off icerCol. Barrett King

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irsOff icer , ForwardLt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger

Commander, 1 1th PADCapt. Chevelle Thomas

NCOIC , 1 1th PADStaff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy

Desert Vo ice Ed itorSgt. Jonathan M. Stack

Desert Vo ice AssistantEditorSpc. Robert Adams

Desert Vo ice Staff WritersSpc. Janine CooglerSpc. Debralee P. CrankshawSpc. Michael R. Noggle

1 1th PAD BroadcastersSpc. Christina BeermanPfc. Jheridiah Anderson

2 Desert Voice November 23, 2005

Volume 27, Issue 18The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for membersof the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voiceare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorialcontent of this publication is the responsibility of theCoalition Forces Land Component Command Public AffairsOffice. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, aprivate firm, which is not affiliated with CFLCC. All copy willbe edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by thePublic Affairs Office.

PPaaggee 33 Thanksgiving in the desert

Operational Stand Down relaxes troops

Pages 6&7 Army Combat Uniform

Page 8&9 CG town hall meeting

Page 4 42nd ID completes mission

Page 11 Community Events

Lt. Gen. Whitcomb talks about howThanksgiving is a time to self-reflect anda time to give thanks.

The commanding general discusses thedifference between PCS and TCSSoldiers. The developing of a militaryclothing and sales was talked about also.

All British soldiers are entitled to go toOperational Stand Down at Camp Arifjan.It is three days for the soldiers to rest,relax and shop in Kuwait.

With a universal camouflage digital pat-tern, the Army combat uniform comesfully equipped with a new look, feel, wearand care for Soldiers.

CONTENTS 18

Page 10 Fun farewell for 18th SSG18th Soldier Support Group (Airborne)from Fort Bragg, N.C., bids farewell toKuwait with an organizational day forstrength, fitness and comaraderie.

44

6

Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Divisionare redeploying this month. The unitspent a year in Iraq, adding anotherdeployment to its historical track record.

Here are upcoming events: tree trim-mings, Turkey trot runs, kite day contest,moonlight madness bingo, Thanksgivingover 40 and women’s basketball.

DESERTVOICE

EditorCFLCC PAO/Desert VoiceCamp ArifjanAPO AE 09306

[email protected]

Find us online at www.dvidshub.net

1100

Page 5 Veteran’s Day track meetServicemembers compete against eachother for medals and pride at the 1stVeteran’s Day Invitational Track Meet atthe Camp Arifjan track.

On the coverPhoto by Spc. Robert Adams

Vincenzo Cox sprints to a first-placefinish in the 100-meter dash at theVeteran’s Day Invitational Track andField Meet Nov. 13.

66-77

Thanksgiving is a time forreflection upon all of our bless-ings. This is a time for celebra-tion; a time for thinking of if youcan’t be with family and friends;a time for football on a Sundayafternoon (or a Monday earlya.m.) and a time to share tradi-tional dinners of turkey, cornbread stuffing, green beans,mashed potatoes with gravy andsweet potato pie. This is a timeto give thanks.

President George Washingtonissued a general proclamation in1779 naming Nov. 26, a day ofnational thanksgiving for selectstates.

In 1863, President AbrahamLincoln appointed the lastThursday in November asThanksgiving and praise to ourGod throughout the UnitedStates. In 1941, congress ruled

the fourth Thursday of Novemberwould be observed asThanksgiving, setting it as a legalfederal holiday, and there lies theorigin of the Thanksgiving holi-day.

Today, even while our Nationis at war, we have many things tobe thankful about. Upon thisholiday I want each of you toknow that as your commander, asa fellow Soldier and as anAmerican, I am thankful for you,your families and the way of lifeyou so proudly defend.

The call to duty is a specialone experienced by a select few.It takes a special kind of personto serve in the United States mili-tary. You must have passion,dedication and commitment to gobeyond your own limitations.Here we are a joint force, work-ing together to accomplish agreat mission. To quote theSoldiers Creed you are “… readyto deploy, engage and destroy theenemies of the United States of

America in close combat. (Youare) a guardian of freedom andthe American way of life. (Youare) an American Soldier.”

I am thankful for your fami-lies because they have made thesacrifices right beside you. Theygive us that added support need-ed in a combat environment foreach of us to pull through.

Finally, you are part of a mis-sion, bigger than yourself. Youare fighting the War on Terror.You are defending our country’sfreedom and liberties. You standside-by-side with our CoalitionPartners fighting an evil that isintent on destroying our basicfreedoms and way of life.

Your mission in Kuwait isessential to the fight - sustainingthe forces with everything theyneed from people to parts - and Iwant each of you to know on thisThanksgiving holiday that Iunderstand your service and yoursacrifices that you and your fami-lies make every day.

Rely on your Army family toease the loneliness of separation.Look out for your buddy, remaindisciplined and remember theArmy values.

God bless each of you, yourfamilies and the United States ofAmerica - PATTON’S OWN.

3Desert Voice November 23, 2005

Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb

Thanksgiving in the desertLt. Gen. R. StevenWhitcombCFLCC Commanding General

Exhausted from the long convoy fromIraq, British soldiers report to OperationalStand Down at Camp Arifjan where theyrelax for three days before heading back toduty.

All British army troops are entitled tothree days of OSD during deployment, saidBritish Royal Navy Popt. Javon Hockley,navy liaison for OSD.

“We kind of act as the tour guides for thetroops who come this way,” he joked. TheOSD staff of three ensures troops understandthe rules of the camp, Kuwait and OSD.

They are a little part of Britain on anAmerican camp, said British Sgt. Maj. PhilMaddox, Royal Irish Regiment OSD liaison,in a briefing to his troops.

Troops at OSD really have one full dayand two half days to relax, Hockley said.

The first day they are traveling to get toArifjan. Once they arrive the troops sign intheir weapons, get their rooms, then receivethe welcoming brief.

When everything is finished the troops

only have the evening to enjoy.The second day is usually an eventful day

for troops because they have the entire day todo what they want, Hockley said. The thirdday troops travel back to Iraq.

The British soldiers are given a variety ofoptions during their stay. “They usuallycome to us in groups of eight,” he said. “Weassign each group a trolley to get around.”

Maps of Kuwait and pamphlets about vari-ous places to visit are posted throughoutOSD.

Although troops are allowed to go out inKuwait, they usually stay at Arifjan becauseof the amount of traffic in Kuwait, Hockleysaid.

They usually stay at Arifjan to get rest,eat at the fast food restaurants and shop fortheir families, he said.

The OSD has a British Forces BroadcastServices trailer that shows programs fromEngland, to include all the sporting events.In addition, there is a DVD trailer for troopsto pick up their favorite movies sent fromEngland. OSD also provides newspapersfrom England.

Although they are usually a week old,

troops enjoy reading news from home.Arifjan is a great place for the troops to

come and rest, Hockley said. “They havePizza Hut and all the other fast food restau-rants to enjoy, with the little things they canget for their families from the PX.”

All the troops from Britain are not aslucky as the Royal Irish Regiment. The regi-ment has a guide to help them aroundKuwait.

Maddox has a schedule for the troops tokeep them entertained and relaxed duringtheir stay. The troops are taken to the malls,hotels and various activities throughoutKuwait.

All British troops are entitled OSD but,sometimes because of the number of troopsin their regiment, three days can not be given.

“Helicopter pilots often come here for oneday,” Hockley explained. “They fly hereearly in the morning, spend the day shopping,relaxing and resting, and then fly back to Iraqthe same night.”

Hockley added, “Our job is to keep thisplace up and running, give troops an opportu-nity to enjoy themselves, and keep themsafe.”

Operational Stand Down relaxes troopsSpc. Janine CooglerCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Adding another deployment toits historical repertoire, Soldiersfrom the 42nd Division SupportCommand are returning homenext month.

The National Guard unit sta-tioned out of the tri-state area ofNew Jersey, New York andVermont, controlled the areawithin the Sunni Triangle of Iraqand assisted those in its area ofoperation.

“We deployed as a supportcommand for several units,” saidSgt. Maj. Vincent Bridgeworth,Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 42nd DISCOM opera-tions. “All our customers werein the division or units passingthrough.”

The 42nd DISCOM providessupport and logistics to all thoseunder the 42nd Infantry Division.Among those units under thecommand were supply, trans-portation, heavy maintenance,electrical maintenance and med-ical companies.

Along with the unit’s mission,selected Soldiers were requiredto pull convoy security, said Spc.Fernando Sanchez, HHC, 42ndDISCOM driver. Over 8,000miles of travel, the unit had zeroaccidents.

As far as the surroundings andconditions of the local communi-ties, Sanchez said he was sur-prised there was minimal enemyfire and the Iraqi people weresomewhat receptive.

“We did a lot throughout theyear for them,” Sanchez said.“We brought in purification sys-tems for the water systems of thelocal schools … and help thepeople to learn English and aboutour culture.”

Bridgeworth said the relation-ship of the unit with the Iraqiswas very strong.

On some occasions, theSoldiers would gather items sentto them through mail and take itinto the community for the chil-dren.

“We made it a consciouseffort as we got things sent to usand took it to the schools,” hesaid. “We also had some guysconstruct a swing set and didwhatever we could to let the peo-ple know we were there to help.”

Along with helping those inthe local community, the unit wasfocused on helping each otherand ‘doing the job.’

Sgt. Antonio Quintero, HHC,42nd DISCOM administratorpersonnel, said it was crucial thatSoldiers were taken care of.

“I’ve heard a lot of deploy-ment stories of Soldiers not beingtaken care of when it comes toadmin work,” Quintero said. “Ididn’t want that to happen tothose who are out fighting.”

As part of Task Force Exodusat Camp Victory, the Soldiersfrom 42nd DISCOM have madeit their mission to get everyone inthe division home.

“I’ve had a hand in getting11,000 through here,” Quinterosaid.

He added, “There is so muchwork to be done, but it’s fulfill-ing knowing that I was effectivein helping the Soldiers.”

The history of the 42ndInfantry Division can date backinto America’s entry into WorldWar I. The unit, formed out ofCamp Mills, Long Island, N.Y.,was one of many National Guardunits formed in the United Statesto, at the time, fight in thetrenches of Europe.

After his efforts in formingthe division, Col. DouglasMacArthur said, “The 42ndDivision stretches like a rainbowfrom one end of America to theother,” hence, the origin of thepatch.

During its time in France, theunit remained in constant contactwith the enemy for more than170 days and incurred one of 16casualties suffered by theAmerican Army in the war. The

unit was later deactivated in May1919 upon completion of its mis-sion.

With the ongoing participationin World War II, America reacti-vated the 42nd ID once more.

The 42nd landed in France inDecember 1944, attached to 7thArmy, advanced through Franceand entered Germany in March1945. It was during the pushthrough Germany in April 1945,that the unit liberated the infa-mous Dachau concentrationcamp.

By the end of the war, the42nd was first to enter Germany,penetrate the Seigfried line andfirst into Munich. The RainbowSoldiers occupied 6,000 squaremiles of Nazi-held territory dur-ing their march across Europe.

In remembrance of those whohad fallen during this great war,the commanding general cut therainbow patch in half, signifyingthe division had lost more thanhalf its Soldiers. To this day, thehalf rainbow is used as a memo-rial to those Soldiers.


Spc. Michael R. NoggleCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

42nd ID follows rainbow home

Spc. Adam PhelpsSoldiers of the 50th Main Support Battalion, 42nd Infantry Division,start a generator so they can start their process of purifying waterfor Forward Operating Base Cobra, Iraq.

What makes the rainbow more historical

than people realize


With arms pumping, legschurning, and their eyes focusedon the finish line, runnerscharged down the final straightaway to the cheers of fellow ser-vicemembers in hopes of havinga gold medal placed around theirnecks and being crowned victori-ous.

Speed, endurance, strengthand leaping ability were on dis-play at the first Veteran’s DayInvitational Track and Field MeetNov. 12 and 13 at the CampArifjan track.

There were more than 200competitors in the track meet, buta select few rose above the restto be named most valuable play-er. Two sprinters in the 39-and-under age group, Vincenzo Coxand Lakicia Cooke, won the mostpoints from their combined racetotals to earn the MVP titles. Onthe flip side, two endurance run-ners in the 40-and-over age cate-gory, Jose Solis and MariePauley, earned top honors fortheir performance in the long-dis-tance events.

Many of the runners used tobe stars on the track back in col-lege and high school and this wasa chance for them to get back outthere and showcase their talents.

Vincenzo Cox, who won the100-meter dash in 11.25 secondsand was the anchor on the win-ning 800-meter relay and 1600-meter relay teams, said that it hasbeen nine years since he hascompeted on the track.

Back in his prime at theUniversity of Houston, Coxtrained with former Olympicsprinters Leroy Burrell, CarlLewis and Mike Marsh andplaced fourth at the 1996 AtlantaOlympic Trials in the 100-meterdash.

With his experience, Cox saidhe was able to teach his team thetechnical aspect of sprinting.

Like Cox, female sprinterCooke, who won the 200 in 26.8

seconds, the 400-meter dash in1:02.7 and was the anchor of thewinning 1600-meter relay team,said that it has been six yearssince she had been on the track.

Cooke, who ran for Troy StateUniversity, said that her AreaSupport Group-Kuwait relayteam had been training threeweeks prior to racing.

“The victory felt great,” saidCooke after the 1600-meter relay.“We wanted to get one out of thethree relays and we did in the lastevent.”

The 400- and 800-meter relayswere won by the 374th FinanceBattalion team led by anchorAudrey Korang, who also wonthe 100-meter dash in 13.4 sec-onds.

Korang, who ran competitive-ly in high school and college,ended up in a close sprint to thefinish against her counterpart,Cooke, in four events.

“She was my main competi-tion,” Korang said. “She hasbeen in the game for a while andI’m an up-and-coming runner.”

The endurance races show-cased a couple All-Army teamparticipants.

Solis, a member of the All-Army cycling team for fiveyears, swept the over-40 compe-tition in the 400-meter dash (58.6seconds), the 800-meter run(2:23.6) and the 1600-meter run(5:21.2).

Solis said he is staying inshape by running, swimming,weight training and riding thestationary bike while deployed.

“Since I can’t cycle out here, Ihad to pick other sports to stay

active,” Solis said. “The reasonwhy I’m doing this is to keep mylevel high… All of the training Ihave been doing has paid off.”

A member of the All-Armycross country team, Sonia Lewisis also maintaining her trainingwhile on deployment. Lewis,who won the 1600-meter run in6:02, is currently training to run amarathon in January.

To bring the competition fac-tor and crowd noise up a fewnotches, there were three relayraces between noncommissionedofficers and the officers. TheNCOs from ASG-K didn’t holdback on their officer counterpartsand swept all three events.

“NCOs lead the way,” saidGerald Green, the anchor of theNCO team.

There were also a few out-standing performers in the field

events, like Nicholas Schumann,who showed his arm strength bythrowing a softball more than263 feet and Larry Terry whowon the standing broad jump byleaping 11 feet 7 inches.

The coordinators were pleasedwith the turnout and the helpthey received from more than 60volunteers.

“All of the volunteers did asuper job… Without them wewould still be out on the track,”said Charles Younglove, Arifjansports coordinator.

He also said they are planningon making the track meet anannual event in Kuwait.

At the end of the day, themost athletic troops found them-selves standing on the highestpedestal, receiving their goldmedal, and living a few momentsin the spotlight.

Photos by Spc. Robert AdamsAudrey Korang takes off at the start of the 200-meter dash at theVeteran’s Day Invitational Track and Field Meet Nov. 13. Karang fin-ished second in the race, won the 100-meter dash and was theanchor of the winning 400-and 800-meter relay team.

A test of speed, endurance, strength…

Troops battle for gold at Veteran’s Day track meetSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Channon Green (red) barelydefeats Daniel Mcenerney (yel-low) in a photo-finish in thefinals of the 200-meter dash.


Welcoming the Army combat uniform andphasing out the 25-year-old battle dress uni-forms is part of the Army’s transformation.

The ACUs come fully equipped with anew look, feel, wear and care for Soldiers.

The universal camouflage digital pattern,wrinkle-free uniform comes with various newfeatures, which affect the care of the uniform,said Capt. Nancy Sermons, Coalition ForcesLand Component Command supply servicesofficer.

Made from the same material as the BDUsummer uniform, the ACUs have the light-weight feel to them, Sermons explained.

“It feels like I am wearing pajamas,” saidSgt. 1st Class Anthony Lacen, ammunitionspecialist.

“They are very comfortable,” he said.One major change is the ACUs have

Velcro pockets instead of buttons. This difference drastically altered stan-

dards for the care for the uniforms, Sermonssaid.

The use of chlorine bleach, dry cleaning,starching or commercially hot pressing theACUs will permanently damage the uniform.

“Applying any type of heat to the Velcrowill damage the fasteners and the uniformwill have to be replaced,” Sermons said.

Starching the ACUs make the uniform’smaterial brittle and reduces the wear-life,which is six months in a deployed environ-ment.

The wash instructions are quite simple,Sermons said.

Using cold water and mild detergent, washthe uniforms using permanent-press cycle,and dry at low heat or hang dry.

Care instructions of the ACUs eliminatesthe need for Soldiers to pay for dry cleaning,and since Velcro is used to attach the unitpatch, skill tabs and name tapes, Soldiersdon’t have to pay for additional sewing.

In addition, using Velcro for names andpatches allows Soldiers to easily remove

them when on a sensitive mission, Sermonssaid.

Designed to enhance comfort, safety, effi-ciency and versatility, the ACUs are aSoldiers’ uniform, said Sgt. Major LenardSummers, CFLCC plans, exercise, programsand policies sergeant major.

The uniform was tailored to fit Soldiers’different individual missions, Summers said.

To prevent knee and elbow injuries, theACUs come with knee and elbow pad inserts.

In addition to the pads, the ACUs areequipped with pockets on the sleeves for easyaccess while wearing body armor, Sermonssaid.

The ACUs will be the look of the Armyfor deployed and non-deployed servicemem-bers in all environments.

This eliminates having to change out uni-forms before deploying to various regionsthroughout the world.

Sermons added, “When you sum it all up,all the changes to the uniform are beneficialto Soldiers.”

ACUs give troops new lookNext generation of Soldiers

Spc. Janine CooglerCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Spc. Janine CooglerSpc. Joshua Farrell checks the fit of the Army combat uniform on a Soldier. Because the cut is different than the battle dress uniform,soldiers will have to adjust to shorter blouses and a roomier fit. The uniforms have a new look, wear and care for Soldiers.


CG talks to troops in town hall briefHundreds of troops assembled when LTG

R. Steven Whitcomb, Third U.S. Army/ArmyCentral Command/Coalition Forces LandComponent Command commanding generalheld a town hall meeting Nov. 8 at CampArifjan.

Town hall meetings are command tools forsenior-level leadership to provide updates,information and to get to the heart of theissues that concern troops. There were avariety of issues that came up: temporarychange of station versus permanent change ofstation, uniform changes and dining facilityconcerns, to name a few.

Whitcomb started the meeting off by high-lighting areas of success for the past year,expectations for the future and essential areasthat troops need to stay aware of for success.He talked about Base Realignment andClosure, transformation, operational security,safety, family readiness groups, theCombined Federal Campaign and answeredquestions from the troops.

Whitcomb talked about BRAC and thepossibilities for the future now that it is a law.Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem will closewithin two to six years, and Third U.S. Armywill relocate to Shaw Air Force Base inSumter, S.C. He went on to explain howThird U.S. Army will become a major com-mand and no longer fall under ForcesCommand under Army transformation in2006 and possibly gain additional militaryand civilian positions. He also expressedhow proud he was of everyone for a job welldone throughout the year here in theater andfor the mission success during OperationBright Star in Egypt.

The commanding general reminded ser-vicemembers of their responsibility toobserve Operational Security (OPSEC) meas-ures and to always stay operationally aware.Whitcomb said to avoid using personal infor-mation and photos that exhibit military vul-nerabilities in e-mail and web sites.Inadvertently providing our enemies informa-tion can have deadly consequences. On safe-ty, the CG reiterated that everyone is a safetyofficer and everyone must always stay vigi-lant. Negligent discharges, vehicle accidentsand maintaining the well being of each otherby concerned leaders is the focus and the keyto conducting safe operations

Whitcomb encouraged everyone to partici-pate in the family readiness groups located athome stations so families can stay connected

with what is going on.FRGs also provides anavenue of mutual sup-port, assistance andnetwork of communi-cations among familymembers, the chain ofcommand and commu-nity resources. Healso reminded every-one that the CombinedFederal Campaignruns through Dec. 15and the Department ofDefense goal of 100percent contact andexplanation is the goalfor the command.

Once the commanding general completedhis brief to the troops, he opened the floor toquestions to be answered by him and specificsubject-matter experts for specific topics.Some of the questions asked by troops were:

QWhy aren’t there any no-salute areasnear the dining facility due to the hightraffic of troops and personnel that gothrough those areas? It is sometimes difficultto render the proper courtesy when one can-not see the rank of the individual and alsoseveral individuals - both enlisted and officer- are not rendering or returning salutes.

AWhitcomb said he would not make anyarea a no-salute area. Everyone shouldrender proper military courtesy and adhere toour standard. He also advised leaders to ren-der proper military courtesy to subordinates— saluting is a matter of military courtesy.

QWhy are a lot of the good items like RedBull, Gatorade and canned sodas nolonger being stocked in the dining facility?

ACol. Brick Miller, Area Support Group -Kuwait commander, said there aren’tcanned sodas because the dining facilitiesnow have soda fountains which provide bet-ter cost savings.

QHas the clothing policy changed? Aretroops now allowed to wear the booniehat with their desert combat uniform?

ASgt. Maj. William Segee, 377th com-mand sergeant major, said CommandSgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe, sergeant majorfor Third U.S. Army/Army CentralCommand/Coalition Forces Land ComponentCommand is rewriting the policy and this isone of the changes. Boonie hats are nowauthorized for all personnel in CFLCC andThird U.S. Army. Command Sgt. Maj. Ashewill soon publish a Standards Handbook forSoldiers that lays out uniform policies.

QCan a waiver be granted for permanentchange of station troops at the diningfacility or can finance improve the efficiencyof the collecting process? Some troops havesigned the paperwork, but their accounts havenot been debited for those meals. When cantroops expect the paperwork to be processed?

AMaj. Eric Iacobucci, 18th SoldierSupport Group (Airborne) support oper-ations officer, said, “There are no waivers inplace for PCS Soldiers in Kuwait. Currentrules direct those on PCS orders to pay formeals consumed at the dining facility eitherthrough a collection of BAS (for staff ser-geant and below) or on a meal-by-meal basis.This expense, however, is partially offset bythe payment of a monthly cost of livingallowance to those on PCS orders.Conversely, those on TCS orders do not haveto pay for meals consumed in the diningfacility nor do they receive COLA.” (See theattached chart to see the differences in entitle-ments of PCS and TCS).

Maj. Lawrence Anyanwu, ASG-KUdeputy finance and accounting officer said,“The collection is made twice a month andnot daily in order not to overload the pay sys-tem.

We have always collected BAS within 30days of receiving the headcount sheet fromthe dining facility. Unfortunately, somesocial security numbers are not legible orsimply wrong and thus require some researchto charge the correct Soldier. The commandmay explore automating the headcountprocess similar to the procedures used atsome CONUS bases such as Fort Carson.”

Anyanwu added, “The delay in meals col-lection in October may be attributed to tworeasons – the DFAC manager changed twicewithin one month following the PCS of theformer incumbent. Finance relocated from

Capt. Chevelle ThomasCFLCC PAO/11th PAD Commander

Spc. Robert AdamsThe commanding general talks to an auditorium of Soldiers aboutdifferent issues in CFLCC.

Camp Doha to CampArifjan as well asopened a new opera-tions office at Zone 6.While the level offinance support was sus-tained, it is conceivablethat the relocationdelayed our timely pro-cessing of the mealscollection in October.We will make these col-lections in November.”

QWhy do AAFESproducts cost somuch and stock is mini-mal? SometimesAAFES only has sneak-ers in size 17.

AMiller said AAFESconstantly relooksstock and every storewill special order any-thing out of the catalogfor anyone who goes tocustomer service.

Q Is there any con-sideration to givingstoves to PCS Soldiersor building a small com-missary?

A Miller said safetyis what drivesthings and stovesrequire certain safetyprecautions. Zone 2Post Exchange willchange into a MilitaryClothing Sales facilitygiving more shelf spacein the Zone 1 and 6 PXfor food items.However, there is nointent to build or open alarger scale commissary.

QWhy are someSoldiers in PCSstatus and others in TCSstatus in Kuwait whenboth normally onlyserve one year?

ALt. Col. Richard J. Nieberding, CFLCCC-1 chief of adjutant general division,said, “The Army has different rules forassigning Soldiers to a location. Active com-ponent Soldiers can be assigned in a PCS orTCS status. Most active-component Soldiersassigned to active-component units in theaterare assigned through PCS orders becausethose units maintain a permanent presence attheir location. Some active-component Soldiers will still be

assigned on TCS orders to those units whenthey are there to augment amission/unit/function for a temporary periodof time. These augmented positions are con-sidered temporary, even if a year or longer induration, because there is no intention forthem to become permanent. Accordingly,TCS rules apply to Soldiers under this statuseven when they are assigned in country forthe same period of time as their PCS Soldiercounterparts.”

Nieberding added, Reserve component

Soldiers are either on mobilization orders orTCS orders.

Reserve Soldiers are not PCS to Kuwait,he said.

They are mobilized for a mission in a tem-porary status, even when their unit has along-term presence in a location.

Accordingly, TCS rules apply for allReserve component Soldiers, even when theyare assigned in country for the same period oftime as their PCS active-component Soldiercounterparts.


The Soldiers gathered around the competi-tors, cheering and yelling. The competitorstook off in a flash, hopping in bags down thenarrow lane, keeping an eye on the otherlanes as they struggled to make it to the fin-ish first. That wasn’t the end; there wereother events to test their teams’ strength, fit-ness and camaraderie.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company,18th Soldier Support Group (Airborne), fromFort Bragg, N.C., said farewell to Kuwaitwith an organizational day Nov. 6 at the Zone1 track.

The day included competitions in a sackrace, sit-ups, spinning bat race, push-ups,pull-ups, relay race, hot dog eating and tug-of-war.

The logistics section beat out the HHCcommand team by one point to win the firstplace trophy.

“This is a farewell for us after all ourachievements here on Arifjan and with someof our teams up north as well,” said 1st Lt.Bola Boasmanboon, HHC, 18th SS, supportoperations.

The day was intended to help the unitbond after all its hard work in theater, accord-ing to Boasmanboon.

“We asked the Soldiers what they wouldlike to get involved with and came togethercollectively as a group with the organization-al day,” Boasmanboon said. “It was prettyeasy to plan because it’s all about teamwork.The entire unit was involved in this planning

from the colonel to private.”The Soldier Support Group mission is to

provide base life support for staff. Thisincludes operating a consolidated motor pooland a finance battalion.

Some of the most impressive accomplish-ments of the unit are setting up some of thefirst banks to open in Iraq using Dinars andmoving more than seven battalions’ modifiedtable of organization and equipment totalingapproximately 500 tons, in and out of theaterwithout loss.

But the achievement that seems to showthe unit’s enthusiasm is the Soldiers’ physicalfitness, according to 1st Sgt. Kevin Lee King,HHC first sergeant.

“They are highly motivated,” King said.“They raised their PT average more than 30points. We’re one of the few units to contin-ue to do PT five days a week without stop-ping – even in the heat of the summer.”

This improvement is why King said helooked forward to certain events during theorganizational day.

“I’m looking forward to the pull-up, push-up and sit-up contests because these peoplecan do an amazing amount of them,” Kingsaid.

The day involved a few physical fitnessexercises, but was designed as a opportunityto have a break.

“This is just a chance for them to get outand away from the seven days of work aweek,” King said. “They’re supposed to geta day off, but most don’t get that day – theyjust end up taking a few hours here andthere.”


ARMY

MichaelVerrett

LIFEby

Organizational day brings fond farewellSpc. Debralee P. CrankshawCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Event winnersThe sack race was won by the commu-

nications section. Logistics won the spinning bat race as

well as the one-mile relay. Support operations won in push-ups

with 276 in three minutes. HHC command team won the pull-ups

with 70 in two minutes. They also wonthe sit-ups with 186 in three minutes andwere the victors in the tug-of-war com-petition.

Spc. Debralee Crankshaw1st Sgt. Kevin Lee King, HHC first sergeant,competes in the pull-up contest with theHHC team.


WednesdayTree trimming and turkey calling, 7 p.m.,Zone 1 Community CenterThanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket-ball tournamentFlag football league, Zone 1 soccer field,through Dec. 24Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage ThursdayGobble Wobble Turkey 5-K run, 6 a.m.,Zone 1 Fitness CenterThanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket-ball tournamentCollege football, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterBallroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterTai Chi, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterFridayMoonlight madness bingo, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterFoosball tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 6Community CenterThanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket-ball tournamentBoxing class, 8 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSaturdayThanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket-ball tournamentBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 food courtCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageHip-Hop step, 1 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterSundayThanksgiving over 40 and women’s basket-ball tournamentNFL games, 6 p.m., Zone 1 and 6Community CentersSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageStep and abs, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 1Fitness CenterMondayKaraoke Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterBingo Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 CommunityCenterSalsa lessons, beginner, 6 p.m., intermediate,7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center room 102Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsTuesdayDominoes tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community Center

Karaoke Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageBallroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterWednesdayTree trimming, 7 p.m., Zone 6 CommunityCenterTae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterCardio kickboxing, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 6Fitness CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageFor more information call 430-1205/1302

ThursdayTae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1FridayHip-Hop Night, 9 p.m., Tent 1SaturdayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR Tent 1SundayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR Tent 1Salsa dance, 9 p.m., MWR Tent 1TuesdayTae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1For more information call 828-1340

WednesdayChess, 7 p.m., Aerobics roomThursdayTurkey Trot 5K, 5 a.m., West Entry ControlPointFridayBingo, 7 p.m., Fitness Center bench areaSaturdayDarts, 7 p.m., Aerobics roomWednesdayDominoes, 7 p.m., Aerobics roomFor more information call 839-1063

WednesdayPool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tentThursdayPool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tentFridayPool tournament, 9-ball, 8 a.m., MWR tentAMC Band, stageMondayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentTuesdayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent

WednesdayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentFor more information call 844-1137

For information call 825-1302

WednesdayWhose Your Baghdaddy Arm Wrestlingchampionship, 3 p.m., MWR dayroomThursdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRThanks-for-giving Turkey Day 5K run, 5:30a.m., MWR courtsMovie night, 6 p.m., MWR dayroomFridayPool shark “trick shot” competition, 6 p.m.,MWR dayroomSaturdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRSundayPass, run, punt contest, 3 p.m., MWR fieldsMondayKite Day contest, 6 a.m., MWR fieldsTuesdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRSpa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroomDesert Bingo Night, 6 p.m., MFTFor more information call 823-1033

WednesdayChess tournament, 7 p.m., MWR TentThursdayThanksgiving 5K fun run, 7 p.m., DustyRoomFridayPingpong tournament, 7 p.m., MWR TentSalsa Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomSaturdayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Dusty RoomR&B/Hip-Hop Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomSundayCheckers tournament, 7 p.m., MWR TentOld School Jams, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomMondayHorseshoe tournament, 4 p.m., horseshoe pitsTuesdayUnit Feud, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomWednesdayCountry Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomFor more information call 832-1045

Virginia

Arifjan

Buehring

Navistar

Victory

Spearhead/SPOD

Kuwait Naval Base

Community happenings for Nov. 23 through Nov. 30

11,,22,,33 ppuullll

november 23, 2005 serving the u.s. and coalition forces in...

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