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October 2005

Saber Scouts SPTT TeamBattlekings Joint Ops

ContentsCover SCover Storytory

FeaturesFeatures

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4

3-15 Inf. takes it to the terrorists - China conducts multiple operations to clear terroristsout of east Baghdad, detaining multiple suspects andscores of bomb-making materials.

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Saber maintains security - 3-7 Cav. continues their mission to secure-southeast Baghdad, and guages the needsof the people.

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On the cover: Staff Sgt. William Council, HHC, 3-15 Inf.,examines bomb-triggering devices found during an IraqiArmy raid of insurgents' homes in Sadr City Oct. 6.

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Spartan NETOPS - Brigade and 2-3 BTB Soldiers work ‘round-the-clock to maintain network connectivity between

all units in the 2nd BCT.

Battlekings driving on - 1-9 FA conducts successful raids in September and October.

The Warrior October 2005 Volume 2, Number 9

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Filling up the tanks -Soldiers of the 26th FSB travel to allFOBs across the 2nd BCT AO,delivering the fuel necessary tokeep the Spartan machine rolling.

Rogue and Challenger deliver - 1-64 Armor and 26th FSB deliver and emplace concretebarriers to secure polling sites for the referendum.

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SPTT and POB - Special Police Training Teamssend the POB off to conduct asuccessful and autonomousanti-terrorist operation.

19 BTB gets together for fun - Titan Soldiers take some time off to have an organizational day.

Iraqis vote on constitution - More than 600,00 Iraqis in eastBaghdad exercised their democraticright to vote during the constitutional

referendum Oct. 15.

20

MonthlyMonthly

2 Spartan 6

Words from the field 24

From the Chaplain

News

23

22

3

Take Motrin, Drink Water

Where the $ goes

A week ago the world was officially notified thatthe Iraqi constitution passed the vote; the peoplehave spoken and support this critical document.

Things are going to get real busy real quick, but Iwould like to give you all the following observa-tions pertaining to October’s referendum: 1) TheIraqi Security Forces stepped up and performedsuperbly during the referendum week. There wasmarked improvement with Iraqi Army and Policecoordination; 2) The Civil Affairs folks reallyearned their pay; Spartan put their armsaround the United Nations electionfolks, as well as the IECI workers, andestablished a great rapport; 3) All theBattalions managed the hundreds ofpolling stations superbly; be it security,counter mobility, outer cordon, etc. Atremendous effort by all – no surprisehere.

What’s next? First, our main effortwill remain defeating the terrorists. Wewill continue to use every option wehave to shut the door on these bastards.

Second, we will continue to facilitateconstructive interaction with Iraqi Armyand police/public order brigades—-they remain ourticket out of here.

Third, we will start working the details for rede-ployment and battle handoff with our successorbrigade.

All that said, November will be critical as we setthe stage for a super critical December-January peri-od.

How are we going to guarantee success? Asalways, continue executing the Big 4 to standard(know task & purpose, PCC/PCIs, rehearse every-thing, and do risk mitigation). Nothing is routine,expect the unexpected with respect to the enemy.

They will continue to stop at nothing, and we willcontinue to drive the enemy towards accomplishingnothing except their own demise.

Be very flexible as battle space adjusts to accom-modate our successors. Our charter is simple: setthe incoming BCT and their great Battalions up forsuccess out to APR 06.

Start planning the details for what you need topass on to your counterpart; this must be done effi-ciently because we will not have a lot of time to

execute this relief in contact.December’s election will be more com-plicated and contentious than October’sreferendum.

Expect increased intimidation tac-tics, political sabotage, and extortion asindividuals and various parties competefor power. The polls will be targeted bythe enemy as they try and prove theycan disrupt this key event (the terroristsfailed in October, so they will pull outall the stops to get credibility).

December’s election combined rede-ployment prep and battle hand off prepwill be our biggest challenge yet. No

big deal, this is what Spartan Warriors get paid todo.

As we enter our 11th month in zone, I will statethe obvious: you all continue to make a positive dif-ference.

Your commitment, stamina, and dedication aresecond to none. Our Nation remains in awe of yourcourage.

Keep focused and thank you, thank you, andthank you. God Bless,

SEND ME,DiSalvo

The Warrior The Warrior The official magazine of the

Spartan Brigade Combat Team and its SoldiersThe Warrior is a monthly magazine published in the interest of the servicemem-

bers of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team. The Warrior is anArmy-funded magazine authorized for members of the U.S. Army under the provi-sion of AR 360-1.

Contents of The Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,the U.S government, Department of Defense or Department of the Army.

2nd BCT CommanderCol. Joseph DiSalvo

2nd BCT Command Sgt. Maj.Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhane

2nd BCT PAOMaj. Russell Goemaere

Editor, The WarriorStaff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich

Staff WriterSpc. Ben Brody

Spartan 6

Message from the command

2 October 2005 The Warrior

Referendum Complete; Next...

The Warrior October 2005 3

In this issue of The Warrior, we’re highlighting the poetry of Sgt. GlennSchuller, a Spartan Soldier from F Co., 26th FSB, attached to 1-9 FA. Enjoy!

Staff Sgt. Craig ZentkovichEditor, The Warrior

Words from the field

AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

I fight for freedom and the American wayI am willing to give my life every dayI am one of many but one of a kind

I swore an oath to never leave a fallencomrade behind

I am from every nation and I am of manycolors

I am made up of sisters and brothersIn time of war I stand by myself shoulder

to shoulderFor I am an American Soldier

Sgt. Glenn J. Schuller


In the modern digital age, network and internet con-nectivity is something that people at work and at homehave come to expect.

Whether it’s a simple telephone line, a dial-up internetconnection or a local area network, technology hasenable millions to stay connected.

That’s no different for the modern fighting force andSoldiers deployed with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team inBaghdad.

With the help of satellites, on-the-ground equipmentand technical know-how, Soldiers of the 2nd BCTNetwork Operations Center at Camp Loyalty keepunits, commanders and Soldiers up to date onwhat’s going on in their battle space, backhome and throughout the world.

Comprised of Soldiers from 2ndBCT’s automation section and ACompany, 2nd Brigade TroopsBattalion, Spartan NETOPS isresponsible for maintainingaround-the-clock connectivity withunits in the BCT and beyond.

“Our job is to make sure all distantnodes (or camps) stay connected at alltimes,” said Maj. Curtis Geiger, 2nd BCT,network administrator. Those nodes includeCamps Volunteer, Hope, Rustamiya, Loyalty, theold Ministry of Defense compound and AdhamiyahPalace. “(The BCT network) encompasses about 1,100users, or pieces of equipment we are monitoring.”

From the time Spartan NETOPS touched down inBaghdad, they had their work cut out for them.

“When we got (to Iraq), we hit the ground running,”Geiger said. “We had to build a complete automation net-work from scratch – from network routers and lines tocomponents. It took us about 30 days working 20 to 22hour days to get the system up and running.”

The connectivity is dependent on a new piece of

equipment that the Spartan BCT is the first to put inplace – the Joint Network Node. The JNN is a centralizednetwork hub, located at BCT headquarters, that utilizesline-of-sight and satellite communications technology toroute Secure Internet Protocol Receiver, Non-secureInternet Protocol Receiver and Voice-over InternetProtocol traffic to and from elements of the 2nd BCT.

Because the JNN is brand new to the brigade, Soldiershad to be trained extensively and quickly by independentcontactors – JNN subject-matter experts. Each Soldierfrom A Co., 2-3 BTB, in NETOPS has amassed the

knowledge of the system and plays a critical role inmaintaining the network.

They also use a multitude of software pro-grams which track potential problems all the

way down to an individual router port.“If anything pops up, we have a trained

technician who goes out (to the JNNhub) and troubleshoots the problem,”said Staff Sgt. Andy Oates, A Co.,

2-3 BTB, NETOPS frequency manag-er. “Fortunately, we have a lot of

(Soldiers) who are well trained and get itright the first time.”The JNN hub itself is sheltered and fits on

the back of a humvee. It handles fiber-optic cablesand standard network cables through a series of

routers which, according to Oates, “makes it much easi-er to get both voice and computer data faster.”

Before JNN, BCT-level units utilized only line-of-siteand frequency modulation technology to communicatewith other each other and higher headquarters. Theadvantages of the system, according to Chief WarrantOfficer Daryl Rounds, are obvious to everyone affectedby the new technology.

“There’s a substantial amount of bandwidth with thissystem, which leads to increased service,” Rounds, the ACo., 2-3 BTB, network manager, said. “(The JNN) allows

Soldiers from brigadeheadquarters and 2-3BTB keep BCT connectedStory by Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich


commanders, staff and Soldiers to communicate viasecure and non-secure internet, and secure voice-over IPphones at the same time. From commanders speaking toone another to Soldiers using the internet café – everyonebenefits.”

Prior to the 3rd Infantry Division’s initial assault intoIraq in March 2003, the BCT battlefield planning waslimited to radio communications, butcher block paper andpaper maps in the tactical operations center.

“We are now a little more than half-way through ourtour (in Iraq), and (the brigade TOC) is able to do all thesame things as before, but it’s all automated and digi-tized,” Geiger said.

The most noticeable difference is the Command Postof the Future. CPOF, as it is called, is an independentserver which connects BCTs and higher headquarters witheach other. It utilizes an interactive program which allowsusers to view identical maps, graphics and pieces of infor-mation on a computer monitor in real time. For example,when a commander briefs a specific event over the radio,he can simultaneously open a map and highlight, with adigital marker, the specific location on the map where theevent occurred. All units with the CPOF online will viewthe commander’s marking of the area on the same map atthe same time.

According to Rounds, CPOF has “exposed the entirebattle space to the commanders … and they’re realpleased with its capabilities.”

For Spartan NETOPS, monitoring and sustaining thenetwork is their primary task, 24 hours per day. If thereare hiccups, they find them. If there are problems, theyfix them. If there is an outage, they bring the networkback up – and fast. With an uptime of 98% sinceFebruary, NETOPS is sure to keep all members of theSpartan BCT connected.

(Above) Maj. Curtis Geiger,2nd Brigade Combat Team,network operations manag-er, monitors network activityon the big screen during theCPOF briefing.(Left) Sgt. Phillip Marshall,2nd BCT, network adminis-trator, conducts a check ofthe Spartan Web. Marshall,who constructed the site, isalso responsible for itsupdates and maintenance.


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Troopers from3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, conductwide-ranging operations in EasternBaghdad, from refurbishing localschools to hunting insurgents who placeimprovised explosive device on road-ways.

Keeping roads safe

A Troop, 3-7 Cav., maintains its vig-ilance on the roads, constantly watch-ing for IED-emplacers.

“We’re hunting the bad guys everynight, every day,” said Spc. DwayneJackson, A Troop, 3-7 Cav., driver.“We all want to go home together at theend of our rotation.”

Jackson, from Atlanta, Ga., said hefeels well-trained for the task at hand.

“We spent a year training for thesekinds of missions before we camehere,” he said. “Everything comes nat-urally to us now.”

The night of Sept. 22, A Troop setup observation points on a major road-way in their sector, looking for signs ofinsurgent activity.

At one OP, Soldiers painted overinflammatory graffiti on a brick wallnear the highway.

“The wall said, ‘Long live themujahideen’ and some Koranic versesthat talk about fighting the infidels,”said Sgt. Matt Parker, 301stPsychological Operations Company,operating in support of 3-7 Cav.

“We’re painting over it to send amessage that insurgent’s aren’t wel-come here.”

Parker also brought posters advertis-ing the Baghdad Tips Hotline, a phonenumber and email address that Baghdadresidents can use to report criminalactivity.

“The program has been increasing ineffectiveness,” Parker, from San Diego,Calif., said. “The locals are interestedin getting terrorists out of their coun-try.”

“We’ve seen IED and rocket attacksdecrease since we took over the sector,”said 1st Sgt. John Campbell, A Troop,3-7 Cav., first sergeant.

“Since we’ve been running with theincreased presence, attacks havesharply dropped off. We’re out everynight in force, showing people we’rekeeping them safe.”

2nd Lt. Kyle Hemminger, A Troop, 3-7 Cav., tank platoon leader, search-es an abandoned building in Baghdad for signs of terrorist activitySept. 23, while (right) a humvee maintains security on the road below.

Story and photos by Spc. Ben Brody


Rebuilding neglected areas

Saber is involved in numerous proj-ects in their sector, rebuilding infra-structure neglected under SaddamHussein’s regime.

Civil military operations officersfrom 3-7 Cav. inspected project sites inJisr-Diyala and Medain to assess theirprogress Sept. 20.

“We’re focused on schools, water,electricity, sewers and governmentsites,” said 1st Lt. Richard Paco, 3-7Cav., assistant CMO officer. “Thesehave a great impact on the economy –in the short term by providing jobs andin the long term by creating a healthyinfrastructure.”

At an elementary school in Jisr-Diyala, Paco, from Nogales, Ariz.,inspected a generator, new desks andrepairs paid for by Saber’s comman-der’s emergency relief program.

CERP provides funds for battalion-sized units to contract out improve-ments on local infrastructure in theirareas.

According to Paco, work is priori-tized according to need. Outlying vil-lages tend to need improved water andelectric service the most, he said.

“The kids love school projects,”Paco said. “One of our contractorspaints pictures of soccer players on thewalls – the children like that guy a lot.”

School guard Majeed MohammedJassim described the condition of theschool two years ago – a laundry list ofdeficiencies.

“There were no lights, the wallswere broken, with big holes in the ceil-ing and the bathroom didn’t work,”Jassim said. “The work repairing theschool is good for the children, they arehappy to come to school now.”

Further down the road, near the for-

mer site of the Tawaitha nuclear reac-tor, local government is working from arefurbished District Advisory Councilhall.

“The DAC building is a bigimprovement over the youth center theyused as temporary offices,” Paco said.“It is dedicated for their exclusive use,they can provide their own security andit gives the council members a sense ofownership.”

From the DAC hall, signs that thelocal government is providing essentialservices to its citizens are emerging.Brand new power lines cross the roads,as garbage collectors empty dumpstersat a nearby market.

“Some of the projects we see, wehad nothing to do with, which is a goodsign,” Paco said. “People’s confidencein their government is growing becauseof these projects, and the huge turnoutduring voter registration reflects that.

“People’s confidence in their government isgrowing because of these projects, and the

turnout during voter registration relects that.”

(Above) Capt. Onni Hynninen, 3-7 Cav.,adjutant, speaks with members of thecommunity at a checkpoint in Baghdad.(Left) A Baghdad school guard shows hischildren a classroom refurbished withfunds from 3-7 Cav., Sept 20.


Story and photos by Spc. Ben BrodySadr City. Even for those relatively unin-

formed about the war in Iraq, the name evokesimages of narrow dusty streets patrolled bySoldiers.

Though vast infrastructure improvementshave been made since last year’s heavy fight-ing, Sadr City still presents unique challengesto Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry, whoare tasked with maintaining its security.

Capt. G. Mike Ohman, D Company, 3-15Inf., commander thinks that “Sadr is the mostpolitically important zone in the whole country– If Sadr City fails, Iraq will fall. There’s ahuge responsibility on our part and on the IraqiSecurity Forces to keep the peace.”

Insurgent groups, some claiming to be legit-imate political organizations, hold tremendoussway in Sadr, where members enforce a harshbrand of Islamic law through a notorious pun-ishment committee.

In many other areas, Soldiers do not have toworry about who they’re upsetting when theygo to arrest a criminal or insurgent. Accordingto Ohman, Sadr City is not that simple. “Ittakes patience and finesse – and that’s tough onSoldiers.”

Earlier in September, Soldiers from 3-15Inf. were involved in several firefights in SadrCity, which resulted in a number of insurgentskilled.

(Above and left) Capt. G. Mike Ohman,D Co., 3-15 Inf., commander, speakswith Sadr City residents Oct. 4.


“Our Red Platoon was involvedin an all-out firefight in Sadr – I’vegot a lot of vehicles with bulletholes in them,” Ohman said.“During an Iraqi Army cordon andknock, the terrorists mobilized, and25 to 30 sectors opened fire. Weresponded appropriately andengaged the targets we could iden-tify.”

The incident was widely coveredin U.S. newspapers, and the pub-lished accounts were based onunreliable sources, he said.

“The stories in the paper weretotally inaccurate – they reportedthat we were firing randomly in alldirections, which couldn’t be fur-ther from the truth,” Ohman said.“Our guys are showing incrediblerestraint in tough situations. Theytake a constant beating from thrownrocks, and they don’t cuss peopleout, throw rocks back or open fire.”

Ohman said he would like toleave knowing Dragon Companymade people’s lives better in SadrCity. The company leads 3-15 Inf.in humanitarian aid drops, andOhman is a regular presence atNeighborhood Advisory Council

meetings in Sadr City.“We’ve been fortunate to have a

good group of informants – theyprovide key intel that’s been consis-tently reliable,” Ohman said.“Getting good informants has to beyour number one priority in SadrCity – if you don’t have informantsyou’re just wasting your timehere.”

Sadr City, formerly known asSaddam City, is the most denselypopulated area in Iraq and home tothe majority of Baghdad’s youthpopulation. About two million peo-ple live in Sadr City’s nine squaremiles.

“(Many young people) are fromSadr City, which makes the sectorcrucial to the success of any nation-al election held in Iraq,” said 1stLt. Don Bailey, D Co., 3-15 Inf.,fire support officer. “Most of theIraqi Police and Iraqi Army (postedin Sadr City) are from there too, soit’s never ‘just a firefight’ for them– it’s their neighborhood and peo-ple they know are involved.

“It’s tough to put them in a posi-tion to choose, when their neigh-bors are breaking laws,” Bailey

continued. “Most guys involved inthe (local militias) just want tosecure their city, to live in peace –but there are some really bad char-acters in there too.”

Within Sadr City’s insurgentgroups, there are numerous factionswith different goals. For instance,a political wing is involved withlocal and national government,while criminal gangs are operatingunder the same banner.

“(Sadr City) is trying to find itsplace in Iraq’s government, but atthe same time hardcore militiamembers are influencing the popu-lace with fear,” Bailey, fromWoodbridge, Va., said. He thinkssome of them “are just drunks whoare paid to kill anyone the militiahas a problem with.”

Bailey said he wants to helpmake an environment where SadrCity residents can vote and work insafety.

“First, we’ve got to prevent any-thing catastrophic from happening,but still continue to build SadrCity’s infrastructure,” he said. “Atthe same time, we have to do whatwe can to keep the (militia) hon-

Ohman and 1st Lt. Don Bailey, both of D Co., 3-15 Inf., speak with Sadr City residents at the sceneof a murder during a patrol Oct. 4. A raid of a suspected terrorist’s home was conducted two nightslater, and led by Special Forces-trained Iraqi Soldiers.


est.”To minimize political repercus-

sions with local leaders and main-tain relations with residents,Soldiers from 3-15 Inf. keep theiroperations short and focused.

Iraqi Soldiers trained by 3-15Inf. and Special Forces increasinglytake the lead during such missions,as their capabilities steadily grow.

In a lightning fast predawn raid,Iraqi Army troops raided the homesof two notorious terrorists in SadrCity Oct. 6.

Taking the lead during the oper-ation was Iraqi Army’s strike pla-toon, an elite unit trained extensive-ly by U.S. Special Forces. SFSoldiers were present on the mis-sion to observe the Iraqi unit inaction.

During the operation, troopsfrom Jaguar Company, 3-2 IraqiArmy Battalion, set up an outercordon, preventing insurgent forcesfrom reaching the target, and mak-ing sure the targets didn’t escape.

Captured in the raid were twoterrorists.

One of the terrorists was knownfor emplacing roadside bombs androcket-propelled grenade attacks oncoalition forces. He reportedlyreceived a car for shooting down of

a U.S. Army helicopter last year.The other terrorist was known as

“The Engineer” for his expertisemanufacturing and emplacingbombs.

The raid uncovered a cache ofbomb triggering devices at his resi-dence.

“The raid shows the capabilityof the IAB to plan and execute acomplex mission,” said Capt. ZanHornbuckle, HHC, 3-15 Inf., com-mander. “They’re totally compe-tent at the squad and platoon level,and getting better at the company

level.”Hornbuckle is in charge of 3-15

Inf.’s Military Transition Team,who work with the IAB daily, men-toring and observing their progress.

While Special Forces observedthe strike platoon, Hornbuckle andhis Soldiers rode with JaguarCompany.

“They did a great job, every-thing went really smoothly,”Hornbuckle said. “It gives the Iraqisoldiers confidence in their capabil-ities to pull off such a complexmission flawlessly.”

(Left) A Soldier from DCo., 3-15 Inf., investi-gates the scene of amurder during a patrolin Sadr City Oct. 4.(Below) Capt. MattMorgan, C Co., 3-15 Inf.,commander, speaks witha guard at a warehousewhere ballots for Iraq'sconstitutional referen-dum were stored.


Battlekings captureterrorists on multiplemissions in Zafaraniya

Battlekings captureterrorists on multiplemissions in ZafaraniyaStory and photos by Spc. Ben Brody

Residents of Zafarania areenjoying more security due to theefforts of Soldiers from1stBattalion, 9th Field Artillery, whooperate in the SoutheasternBaghdad district.

Numerous recent missions haveresulted in the discovery anddestruction of weapons caches andthe detention of wanted insurgents.

Soldiers from 1-9 FA and IraqiPublic Order Brigade troopssearched houses and fields duringOperation Flea Flicker inZafaraniya, Sept. 14.

The operation was designed todisrupt anti-Iraqi activity in thearea near a voting station, in prepa-ration for the Oct. 15 referendumvote.

“With the (referendum) comingup, it (was) important to showmore presence in the area,” saidCapt. Dan Golini, A Battery, 1-9FA, fire direction officer.“Anytime you put a large force onthe ground in one area, it’s going tosignificantly disrupt enemy activi-

ty.”The joint force swept through

neighborhoods in the early morningmission, searching for illegal

weapons, propaganda and othercontraband.

POB troops spoke with resi-dents, attempting to reinforce theirrelationship with the community.

“We come here to show that weare here for security, to help thepeople,” said 2nd Lt. KhalidWissam of the POB. “The peoplesee us and they are not afraid.”

Troops discovered several minorweapons violations, and detained aman found with a 60mm mortarround hidden in a plastic bag underhis bed.

“It’s always good to get a dan-gerous weapon off the streets,” saidPfc. Luke Garcia, A Btry., 1-9 FA,gunner. “A mortar looks small, butit can do some damage.”

Working with the POB, a para-military branch of the Iraqi Police,and training them to be an effectivepolice force is routine for A Btry.Soldiers, who say they have seenmarked improvement in the Iraqitroops.

“The POB guys have come along way,” said Sgt. Shaun Mance,A Btry., 1-9 FA, truck leader.“We’re working hard to keep themon the right track, and it shows

POB and 1-9 FA conductFlea Flicker

Sgt. Shaun Mance, A Btry., 1-9FA, inspects a mortar roundfound in a Zafarania residenceduring a search Sept. 14.


when you have a successful daylike today.”

Golini said he leaves his non-commissioned officers to focus ontraining and correcting the juniorPOB troops, while he spends timewith their officers.

“My NCOs are there to makesure the POB guys are being safewith their weapons and acting pro-fessionally – I try and help developthe lieutenants’ and captains’ lead-ership skills,” Golini said. “Welearn a lot from each other.”

Mance, from Chicago, Ill., andother Soldiers passed out T-shirts,pencils and other treats to childrenin the area.

“The humanitarian assistancepart of our mission is crucial,”Golini, from Long Island, N.Y.,said. “It shows the kids, whomight be scared of the trucks andtroops, that we’re here to help.”

A local baker brought out freshbread for the Soldiers as the sun

rose over Zafarania. “It seems like people are more

receptive to us when we’ve got the

POB or Iraqi Police with us,”Garcia said. “When the POB takescharge and detains dangerous peo-

Soldiers from B Btry., 1-9 FA, search a home during the raid.

Spc. Milton Gonzales, B Btry., 1-9 FA, smashes a gate open during a raid in Baghdad that nettedseveral wanted insurgents Oct. 8.


(Above) Staff Sgt. James Nock, B Btry., 1-9 FA, gives instruc-tions to a suspect while Pvt. Peter Rautio, also of B Btry., pro-vides security during the Oct. 8 raid. (Left) 1st Sgt. William Zito and Capt. Sam Allen, both of B Btry.,1-9 FA, examine a man's identification papers during the raid.

ple, you can see the people in theneighborhood are happy about it.”

Soldiers from 1-9 FA detainedfive wanted insurgents during anearly morning raid in Zafarania Oct.

8.The suspects are members of

Ansar Al Sunna, a Sunni extremistgroup responsible for attacks againstcoalition forces and Iraqi civilians.

Several AK-47s and handgunswere also confiscated from the sus-pects.Troops raided the suspects’residences and then conducted a cor-

don-and-knock in the surroundingneighborhoods.

“We picked up the number 11guy on the brigade’s most wantedlist today,” said Staff Sgt. JamesNock, B Battery, 1-9 FA, sectionchief. “It feels pretty good to be apart of that, to get someone danger-ous off the street.”

Nock, from Newport News, Va.,and other Soldiers moved methodi-cally through homes in the middle-class neighborhood, looking for ille-gal weapons and any hiding sus-pects.

Residents seemed happy to seeSoldiers working, and Staff Sgt.Corey Townsend, B Btry., 1-9 FA,section chief, said he appreciatedtheir hospitality.

“We get a lot of support from theIraqi people, and we need that sup-port,” Townsend, of Fayetteville,N.C., said. “The people see us try-ing to get the bad guys off thestreets, and they come out and helpus. That’s what made today so suc-cessful.”

Spc. Milton Gonzales, B Btry., 1-9 FA, breacher, said he feels theIraqi people are taking the steps

U.S. and Public Order Brigade troops search houses in Zafaraniya,Iraq, as part of Operation Flea Flicker, Sept. 14.

Battlekings detain insur-gents in Baghdad raid


needed to live in a peaceful, freesociety. “The change is gradual, butit’s there – the Iraqi citizens arestepping up,” Gonzales, from Bronx,N.Y., said. “We’re living in thepages of history right now, andwhat’s starting here is going to affectus in the states.”

“After we didn’t find our sus-pects initially, we moved out into theneighborhood to search otherhomes,” said Capt. Sam Allen, BBtry., 1-9 FA, platoon leader. “Inone house, hours later, the (noncom-missioned officers) were on the balland thought one guy was acting sus-piciously. The neighbors, after see-ing that we were there to help, toldus that he was lying about his name,and it turned out that he was number11 on the brigade’s list of wantedinsurgents.”

Since locals cooperated withSoldiers, force was not necessary inapprehending the suspect, accordingto Allen, who is from Versailles, Ky.

“It had already been a long daywhen we found the suspect – we hadsearched about 50 homes – and thatspeaks volumes of our Soldiers’

work ethic and dedication,” Allensaid. “They always put 100 percentinto every mission and it pays offevery day.”

Battleking and Iraqi POB troops dismount and continue their search of houses during Operation FleaFlicker. The home above (inset) was one of more than 50 houses searched by 1-9 FA on Sept. 14.

Mance hands out T-shirts to Zafaraniya children Sept. 14.


Iraqis in east Baghdad came out in droves Oct.15 to vote on their country’s constitution. Therewere more than 60 polling sites for the hundreds ofthousands who turned out for the vote.

All voters were required to dip their right indexfinger in ink following voting. Meant as a deterrentto those looking to vote more than once, it becamea symbol of the Iraqis’ pride in having an opportu-nity to decide their own political fate for the firsttime in over 2,000 years.

If the constitution passes, elections will be heldDec. 15 to choose Iraq’s permanent government.

(Clockwise from top) Col. Joseph DiSalvo, 2ndBCT, commander, shakes the hand of an Iraqichild during the referendum vote; A mosque ineast Baghdad was one of many polling sites forcitizens to vote on the constitution; Two IraqiArmy Soldiers maintain security outside of apolling site. Spartan Soldiers’ role in the referen-dum security was minimal - they provided anouter cordon and acted as a quick reaction force.

Photos by Spc. Ben Brody


(Above and right) Two citizens of Baghdadbeam with pride after exercising their demo-

cratic right to vote. The ink on the fingerserved as a deterrent to those who may have

had an urge to vote more than once.

otevv


BAGHDAD, Iraq – In the dead ofnight Sept. 24, troops from IraqiPolice’s 2nd Public Order Brigade con-ducted a historic mission – their firstraid without coalition oversight.

The mission was directed againstmembers of insurgent groups and crimi-nal gangs in Medain, a district inSouthern Baghdad.

In all, the POB detained 20 suspectsand confiscated several AK-47 assaultrifles.

“Medain is a very important area forus to secure – many people suspectedof terrorism live in that region,” saidBrig. Gen. Hamed Aabdullah Abrahim,2nd POB, commander. “Our brigade isconducting qualitative operations, notquantitative, and it has resulted in asafer Baghdad.”

Abrahim set up a command centerat the outskirts of the target neighbor-hood, where U.S. Soldiers from 3rdSquadron, 7th Cavalry, set up an outercordon.

“This is the first POB-planned andlet joint mission – the Iraqis are outfront,” said Maj. Rick Ackerman,Special Police Transition Team. “Therewas no American intervention – 3-7Cavalry provided an outer cordon andthe SPTT provided a liaison betweencoalition forces and the POB.”

The SPTT is a Fort Drum, N.Y.,based unit that specializes in trainingSoldiers for combat and military policework.

They have worked extensively with2nd POB in Baghdad for the past sixmonths.

“The POB will be instrumental inkeeping Baghdad safe,” said Maj. JohnHinrichs of the SPTT. “They are criti-cal to security in the city.”

The POB is a paramilitary wing ofthe Iraqi Police, designed to providelarge-scale law enforcement operationsin Baghdad in order to avoid using IraqiArmy troops in dense civilian popula-tions.

According to Ackerman, fromJamestown, N.D., the next step is torepeat the type of mission to establish apattern of competence that will help theSPTT assess the POB’s readiness.

“The POB will continue doing whatthey demonstrated today – taking thelead in every aspect of the mission,while they further refine their plan-ning,” Ackerman said. “We’re movingtowards a point where the POB won’tneed us – our job is put ourselves out ofa job.”

“Conducting joint operations helpsboth U.S. and Iraqi units,” said Lt. Col.Robert Kerecz, SPTT commander.“The more we understand and appreci-ate each other’s capabilities, the moreeffective team we are.”

“We will hunt terrorists whereverthey dwell,” Abrahim said after themission. “We give the Iraqi peoplehope as we develop our army, andmake it more advanced – so we maylive in peace.”

Public Order Brigade conductsfirst mission without U.S. oversightStory and photos by Spc. Ben Brody

POB troops proudly display the Iraqi flag after conducting their first raid without U.S. oversight.


Titans - Together as oneCAMP LOYALTY, Iraq – The Soldiers of 2nd Brigade

Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Brigade TroopsBattalion, normally spend their days contributing to thefight against Iraq’s insurgent forces.

Sept. 10 brought something special to the battalion – achance to forget about the insurgency for awhile and con-centrate on a different type of contest – a struggle amongthe companies to claim the coveted “Titan Cup” duringthe battalion’s organizational day.

The Titan Cup is awarded to the company that bests allothers in a series of team and individual competitions.While the rivalry for the cup drives each company tocompete, the overall effect is one of unity. The organiza-tional day was designed as a unifying, first-ever event tobring all Soldiers of the battalion together regardless ofrank or occupation.

“It was the first time we had unity as a battalion – iteased a lot of stress by giv-ing soldiers a chance to takea break,” said Staff Sgt.Kevin Charlot ofHeadquarters andHeadquarters Company, 2-3BTB.

The Soldiers of 2-3 BTBhave been involved inalmost constant operationssince the activation of thebattalion almost 14 monthsago – first training rotations, then deployment operations,and finally stability and reconstruction operations in Iraq.

Because 2-3 BTB is composed of over 300 Soldiersfrom many different military occupational specialties,including military police, military intelligence, and signal,the BTB can accomplish a wide variety of battle tasks.

Given the unit’s high operational tempo and diversecompany missions, an organizational day and Titan Cupcompetition seemed the ideal way to strengthen the battal-ion, according to Lt. Col. Jamie Gayton, 2-3 BTB, com-mander.

The events began early that morning with a three-Soldier Army physical fitness test. Dozens of Soldiersfrom every company came out at dawn to cheer and moti-vate their company’s APFT team.

Spc. Stephanie Jones, A Co., 2-3 BTB, said she had“good support” from her company as she participated inthe early morning APFT.

The events that followed were ultimate frisbee, soccer,flag football, and volleyball for the outdoor events.

The indoor events featured spades, darts, dominos, andping-pong. Pvt. Bernabe Cobos, B Co., 2-3 BTB, a mem-ber of the soccer team, said he enjoyed “the overall cama-raderie” and “Soldiers supporting other Soldiers by cheer-ing on the side lines.” Cobos also said he liked seeing the

“rivalry between the companies.” Between the outdoor and indoor events, the soldiers

enjoyed a barbeque that brought a touch of home to all.Sgt. Michael Ruff, A Co., 2-3 BTB, said he was pleasedwith the barbeque.

“It was a good social event with great food and lots ofvariety,” Ruff said.

A senior leadership event pitted Command Sgt. Maj.Gregory Watkins, 2-3 BTB, command sergeant major andcompany first sergeants versus Gayton and the companycommanders in a game of basketball.

1st Sgt. Joseph Rodgers, HHC, 2-3 BTB, first ser-geant, said he thought the senior leadership basketballgame “showed great senior leader team work as well as agreat time to get together outside of work.”

Fighting the sweltering heat and soaking up thecrowd’s cheers, the noncommissioned officers came out

on top. The day ended atthe Camp Loyalty Theaterwith an awards ceremony.The Soldiers of the BTBwatched a “Hooah” videocreated by Chaplain (Capt.)Ric Thompson, 2-3 BTB,chaplain.

The clip of the eventsset to an audio/ visualmusical display featuredthe spirit and teamwork of

the day. Sgt. Reymon Hernandez, HHC, 2-3 BTB, said the

“Hooah” clip was “very exciting and well put together.” Gayton and Watkins recognized all of the event cham-

pions and the overall unit champion with trophies. Secondplace finishing teams and second place overall receivedbattalion certificates of appreciation.

The highlight of the awards ceremony was theannouncement of the overall winner. While the scoringwas close, the soldiers of A Co. came out on top and tookpossession of the Titan Cup until the next competition.

Capt. Byron Johnson, A Co., 2-3 BTB, commander,spoke about his company’s performance as the overallpoints champion for the landmark BTB event.

“I was pleased with the company’s overall perform-ance,” Johnson said. “If we fight as one, there’s no waywe can lose.” Johnson had given his Soldiers a pep talkbefore the events began.

Capt. Joshua Shaw, HHC, 2-3 BTB, commander, saidhe was “very proud of his company,” which came in sec-ond. Shaw brought a challenge and warning for the nextOrganizational Day.

He said, “Next Organizational Day, HHC will be ontop – even though we didn’t win. it was great to finishahead of Bravo Company!”

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shutts - Special to The Warrior

“It was the first timewe had unity as a

battalion.”


BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 64thArmor, and 26th Forward Support Battalion erected con-crete barriers around polling places in Baghdad Sept. 21, tokeep Iraqis safe during the Oct. 15 referendum.

Both D Company, 1-64 Armor and A Company, 26thFSB, brought barriers to three Al Ameen and Paladiatschools.

Because of their relative security and central locations,schools are commonly used as voting locations inBaghdad.

“This will help Iraqis vote in safety, which is crucial ina democracy,” said Cpl. Luis Corea, A Co., 26th FSB, driv-er. “If people are scared to vote, the democracy breaksdown.”

Corea, from Waterbury, Conn., and Spc. Jason Bishop,also of A Co., loaded barriers from their vehicle to a fork-lift, which moved the huge barricades into position.

Bishop is from Augusta, Ga.The Oct. 15 referendum gave Iraqis a chance to vote for

or against the ratification of the country’s new constitution.The barriers will likely remain in place until the Dec. 15governmental elections are complete.

At an Al Ameen polling place, school guard Ali Khalidcame out to investigate the commotion outside his school.He emerged to find a large assortment of military vehiclesand Soldiers working in the street.

“It is a very good thing for us to work with the U.S.,”

Khalid said. “We get the security, and people will come tovote.”

Despite the late hour, residents gathered and watchedSoldiers set up the barriers. Some offered tea, and manywanted their photographs taken with U.S. troops.

“People around here are pretty friendly with us – wehaven’t had too many problems,” said Spc. Marcos Perez,D Co., 1-64 Armor, tank driver. “We come around some-times giving out food, water, candy and shoes for kids –they’re decent people.”

Perez is from Miami, Fla.“We’ve put barriers at seven locations so far – the total

will be about 20,” said Capt. Scott Stine, D Co., 1-64Armor, civil affairs officer. “The guards appreciate it, butmost people don’t see us putting them up – we’re like thebarrier fairy.”

After completing the night’s work, the convoy snakedthrough side roads back to Camp Rustimiyah, the home ofboth units.

Stine, from Hershey, Pa., said while the barriers are notan infallible security solution for the voting places, theproject shows local people that coalition forces are lookingout for them.

“It’s a good project to make a visible difference in oursector,” Stine said. “People see it and know we’re con-cerned, and know we’re here to help. We demonstrate thatevery chance we get.”

Rogue, Challenger work to protect Iraqi voters

Story and photos by Spc. Ben Brody

Capt. Scott Stine, D Co., 1-64 Armor, civil military

operations officer, guides aconcrete barrier into place

in front of a school inBaghdad. The school

served as a polling placefor the Oct. 15 referendum.

CAMP RUSTIMIYAH, Iraq – Three blasts fromthe “War Horn” and the 26th Forward SupportBattalion fuelers are on their way, delivering JP8diesel fuel across the Spartan Brigade Combat Teamarea of operations.

The fuelers, based at Rustimiyah, conduct dailyruns to the bases of the Spartan BCT, keeping fueltanks full and the BCT mobile.

“Everything runs on JP8 – it’s the lifeblood of theground force,” said Staff Sgt. Larry Grate, ACompany, 26th FSB, fueler section sergeant. “We’rethe only fueler company in Iraq making fuel runsevery day.”

Literally every Army vehicle, from the mightiestM1 Abrams main battle tank to the most stripped-down humvee, uses JP8.

Even Army helicopters use it, though they use amore refined version.

A Co. Soldiers brought 10,000 gallons of JP8 toCamp Hope Sept. 19, and filled two stationary fueltanks there.

The fuelers conduct two basic delivery missions –bulk and retail, according to Sgt. Shonette Durham, ACo., 26th FSB, fueler.

During a bulk mission, fuelers transfer JP8 fromtheir tanker trucks to stationary tanks, which hold5,000 gallons each.

Retail means they set up an improvised gas sta-tion, and refuel military vehicles as they come.

“The missions are going smoothly – people aregood about telling us what they need and when –then we make it happen,” Durham, from Winterville,Ga., said. “Good security is the most important thingwhen we’re rolling out with the fuel.”

Keeping the fuelers safe are members of 26thFSB’s security platoon, who provide an escort onmissions.

“The War Horn gets us motivated for the missionwhen we roll out with the fuelers,” said Capt. JimGerbisz, 26th FSB, security platoon leader, referringto the deafening Viking horn attached to his humvee.

A Co. is responsible for camps Hope, Loyalty andRustimiyah, as well as Butler Range Complex, 30miles east of Baghdad.

“Our fuelers work hard to keep the force moving,”Grate, from Myrtle Beach, S.C., said. “It’s a tough,dangerous job, but they make it look easy.”


Keeping tanks topped offacross east BaghdadStory and photos by Spc. Ben Brody

Certain checks the fuel level of his tanker dur-ing the delivery mission to Camp Hope.

Spc. Kris Davis and Sgt. Gregory Certain, bothof A Co., 26th FSB, transfer fuel to a stationarytanker at Camp Hope, Iraq, Sept. 19.

Working in east Baghdad, Spartan Soldiers can definitelyattest to the power of the All-American Dollar. With inflation onthe rise, pay agents throughout the brigade’s area of operationsuse government funds to help the Iraqi economy get back on itsfeet and provide temporary jobs to the local populace. Congressprovides these funds in support of the Commander’s EmergencyResponse Program in order to allow leaders to directly influencetheir battle space. From distributing frozen chickens inZafaraniya to refurbishing sewage pumps in Sadr City,commanders can shape the battlefield using the mosteffective tool of all, money.

Spartan leaders can influence their AO by usingCERP projects to provide urgent humanitarian reliefand reconstruction in a short amount of time. Possiblytaking less than one day, commanders can have animmediate, positive impact in their AO without havingto go through a lot of bureaucratic red tape. Whilesome of the larger infrastructure projects can take months oreven years to complete, small CERP projects can fill in the gapsand provide citizens with hope and optimism toward the future.Working hand in hand, both CERP immediate gratification andinfrastructure projects help reduce the amount of insurgentactivity, promote the local economy, and make for a better Iraq.

The life of a CERP project begins at the District orNeighborhood Council meetings where the local governmentofficials establish the desires, concerns, and needs of the people.

Task force representatives take notes and work in conjunctionwith the Iraqi officials to develop a project that fits into the bat-talion non-lethal strategy and benefits the local populace. Theproject is open to a public bidding process for local vendors tojockey for the lowest quote. Once the bids are consolidated, bat-talions determine the winning vendor and award a contractbased upon project approval. The task forces then submit theproject to the brigade S5 section for QA/QC. Once reviewed,the command judge advocate team checks for legality and pro-vides a recommendation. The brigade S5 consolidates and prior-

itizes the projects according to the guidance given bythe commander for final approval and signatures.After the brigade commander signs off on the project,it goes to division for funding. Pay agents can pick upa maximum of $2 million dollars in cash to pay thelocal vendors. When the work is complete, the payagents conduct the final inspection; pay the contractorbased on their assessments and close out the project.

Although this process might seem tedious, all ofthe moving parts are working simultaneously to mini-

mize the amount of time needed and ensure maximum impact.So far, the brigade has spent over $50 million in CERP projects.None of this would be possible without the help from all of thekey players to include pay agents, commanders, the commandjudge advocate section, the infrastructure cell, and the battalionand brigade S5 sections. With money in hand, leaders through-out the Spartan Brigade can venture out into the battle spaceconfident of their abilities to effectively shape their AO’s, oneproject at a time.

From the Chaplain


Cpt. Gary Ducote2nd Brigade Combat Team Assistant S-5

Where the $ goes

If all continues to progress as it is now, we have threemonths left on this deployment. Talking with soldiers through-out the brigade, many have said that at times time seems tostand still while at other times a month passes by quickly, mak-ing it hard to recall all we have done. What ever your experi-ence, we all realize that we are here in Iraq at a historicalmoment. When again will we be a part of a newly-formed gov-ernment writing its nation’s constitution for the firsttime in its 2,000 year history?

The motto of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team is“SEND ME”. We had no idea that we would be senthere at such an important time and have a direct handin promoting the life and liberty of the people of Iraq.The majority of Iraqi citizens are grateful for the sacri-fice and service of the US Military. I believe we willlook back later in life and be amazed that we werehere making a positive difference in so many ways.

As Soldiers today, we have more access to information andmedia than in any other time of war. We have all read the viewsof those that continue to cast doubt on our purpose and mission.This is the price of freedom and democracy; where we are freeto voice our views. Our Soldiers know firsthand that we aremaking a difference here everyday in everything from raids tobuilding projects to humanitarian aid to ensuring that the peopleof Iraq get the chance to vote. There are times in history we

look back on and wonder what it must have been like to be apart of it all. Make no mistake about it - this is our time to makehistory. We are taking part in a very special event in history!

Some three thousand years ago, there was a brave womannamed Esther. People were in grave danger and she had achoice to make. If she remained quiet and refused to take astand, her own people would be wiped out. If she went to theking and spoke up for the people, she risked her own life butshe also stood a very good chance that her people would live.She struggled for a while with what to do but eventually she

decided to speak up for those who had no voice. Afriend warned her that she was risking her own life.Her response was, “If I perish, I perish; but whoknows that I have not come here for such a time asthis.” She made her peace with God, confident thatHe would take care of her no matter what the cost. Ibelieve that the Spartan Soldiers are here making adifference at a very important time in history; whenthe freedom of a people and an entire region is hang-ing in the balance. We are here “for such a time as

this.” None of this would be possible without the prayers andsupport of our families and friends back home. You too are apart of this crucial time in history!

When it is all said and done, years later, we can recall withpride that we answered the call and said “Here Am I. Send Me”.We all stood up to be counted and entrusted ourselves to God,and determined to make a difference for freedom “For Such ATime As This.”

Chaplain (Maj.) Peter Brzezinski2nd Brigade Combat Team Chaplain

For such a time as this

CERP funds


Take Motrin/Drink Water

The year, 1918; the place, Fort Riley, Ka., or so the storygoes, where on March 4, 1918, a young cook named AlbertGitchell went to the infirmary with a temperature of 103°F.Within two days, 522 other soldiers would become sick. TheseSoldiers would be the first documented cases of what wouldeventually be known as the Spanish Flu Pandemic, also knownas the Great Influenza Pandemic, or the 1918 Flu Epidemic. Itwas an unusually severe and deadly strain of influenza, thatkilled some 25 - 50 million people worldwide in 1918 and 1919- more than all combat deaths during World War I.This particular strain or variant was unusual in that itkilled many otherwise young and healthy people, asopposed to the more common influenzas which nor-mally caused most fatalities among newborns and thevery old and very sick. It is thought that the “AsianFlu”of 1957 was responsible for more than one mil-lion deaths worldwide and caused an estimated72,000 fatalities in the United States. The “HongKong Flu” of 1968, which originated in Hong Kongand then spread to the US, was believed to be responsible forover 750,000 people dying from the virus worldwide including34,000 people in the United States. Experts at the Centers forDisease Control in Atlanta, Ga., believe that it’s not a matter of“if,” but “when” the next pandemic will strike.

Now that I have your attention here, is some backgroundinformation on the “Flu”. Influenza is a highly contagious virustransmitted through respiratory droplets or by direct contactwith contaminated surfaces. The virus is spread during coughingand sneezing. Hand washing is highly effective in stoppingcross contamination.

- Influenza is a respiratory infection that produces fever,

chills, sore throat, muscle aches, and cough that lasts a week ormore.

- The flu vaccine is prepared from the fluids of chickembryos inoculated with a specific type(s) of influenza virus.The strains of flu virus in the vaccine are inactivated withformaldehyde as a preservative; it cannot “give” you the Flu.

- The flu vaccine only protects against the specific viralstrains which are included in any given year’s flu vaccine.Throat, respiratory, gastrointestinal and ear infections caused bybacteria or other kinds of viruses are not prevented by getting anannual flu shot. The most common reactions, which begin with-in 12 hours after vaccination and can last several days, are:

fever, fatigue, painful joints and headache. Again, youcan get other strains of influenza that may be presentin your particular region or that are not included inyour vaccine.

- Flu season is generally considered to last fromlate October through April (peaking in December toearly March), but can start earlier and last longer.

- It takes about two weeks for the body to buildup an immune response after vaccination. If you hada Flu shot last year, it is unlikely that it will protect

you from this season’s influenza virus because the virus usuallychanges from year to year and your immunity is temporary.

- If you are pregnant or think you are, consult with your sur-geon or physician’s assistant - they will decide if you should beexempt from receiving the vaccine. Guys, don’t even thinkabout it.

- Influenza is caused by a virus and as such there is no“cure.” Viruses can only be prevented and or symptoms treated.Finally, vaccination against influenza IS a force protection issueand failure to implement it can adversely affect the mission.

For more information go to the CDC website,http://www.cdc.gov/ .

Sgt. 1st Class David Brissett2nd BCT Medical Operations NCOIC

Can I have a shot?

News


StatesideTAMARAC, Fla. - Things got

very ugly at a Walgreens whenpolice said one employee stabbeda co-worker over who couldmicrowave her soup first.

Both women wanted to use themicrowave in the employee breakroom Wednesday afternoon,according to the Broward CountySheriff’s Office.

While they were fighting overwho could use the microwavefirst, Mellesia Grant grabbed alarge kitchen knife off the counterand stabbed Merloze Tilme in theabdomen, the sheriff’s office said.

“They didn’t get along tobegin with. Who could use themicrowave first became a majorissue,” Broward County Sheriff’sOffice spokesman Jim Leljedalsaid.

The two women then wrestledfor the knife, each cutting theirhands, before the store managercould stop the fight, Leljedal said.

Tilme, 20, was hospitalized ingood condition, officials said.

Grant, 23, of NorthLauderdale, was charged withaggravated battery with a deadlyweapon after being treated at ahospital for her wounds, officialssaid.

WAUSAU, Wis. - A manwhose car ran into the front entryof a fast-food restaurant backedaway, parked and went in forbreakfast, officials say.

Police Patrol Inspector BryanHilts said 78-year-old RoulandSteppert’s car struck the glassentryway of the downtown BurgerKing Friday.

After he backed up, parked andwent inside, he was served hisfood, and police called to thescene found him eating at a table.

General manager Kathy Fassedeclined to say what he ordered.

By lunchtime, glass and otherdebris had been cleared away andcustomers were able to use thenormal entry.

Because the accident was onprivate property, the man was notcited, Hilt said.

No phone listing could befound for Steppert when TheAssociated Press tried to reachhim for comment Monday night.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Fridayoffered needy countries more than330,000 packaged meals donatedby Britain to feed HurricaneKatrina victims but rejected dueto a U.S. ban on British beef.

State Department spokesmanAdam Ereli said the “MealsReady to Eat,” or MREs, hadbeen held in a warehouse in LittleRock, Arkansas, for more than amonth after U.S. AgricultureDepartment officials said theycould not be distributed in theUnited States because they con-tained British beef products.

“We are certainly, for our part,looking to dispose of these MREsthat were offered in the spirit offriendship,” Ereli told a StateDepartment briefing.

The United States bans theimport of products containingBritish beef because of fears ofmad cow disease, a chronic,degenerative disease affecting thecentral nervous system of cattle.

An additional 33,000 MREsfrom Germany, Russia, Spain andFrance had also not been distrib-uted to victims because of U.S.legal restrictions, Ereli said.

More than 100 nations offeredassistance to the U.S. afterKatrina devastated New Orleansand other U.S. Gulf Coast com-munities on August 29.

The U.S. relief effort to helpvictims of the hurricane was criti-cized as too slow and inefficientand bogged down by bureaucracy

and in-fighting among govern-ment departments.

Early on, there was a need forabout 500,000 readily packagedmeals and the State Departmentasked its embassies worldwide toseek food donations. Britain wasamong the first countries to offerMREs.

The State Department said itdid not want to appear ungratefulfor the British donation and that itwas working hard to pass on themeals to another country in need.

“We obviously want to findneedy populations and get themthese supplies as soon as possible,because if you need them, youneed them now. So we’re eager toresolve this soon,” said Ereli.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Theauthor of a new state law thatallows felony charges againstowners of dangerous dogs washospitalized over the weekendafter his own dog attacked him.

Bob Schwartz, who also isGov. Bill Richardson’s crimeadviser, was hospitalized atUniversity of New MexicoHospital on Sunday night withbites on both his arms, said PahlShipley, who added that Schwartzis “going to be fine.”

Schwartz has three dogs regis-tered with the city.

He was instrumental in gettinga law passed during this year’sregular legislative session thatwould allow felony charges to befiled against owners of dogsdeemed dangerous or potentiallydangerous and that seriouslyinjure or kill another animal orperson.

The law was designed to makedog owners accountable, saidSen. Sue Wilson Beffort, whoworked with Schwartz to pass thebill.

“But I guess when it happensin your own family, that’s anotherstory,” she said. “That’s tragic.”

Fla. Worker Stabbed inMicrowave Dispute

After Burger King Crash, ManParks, Eats

U.S. rejects Katrina meals, offersthem to others

Dog attacks anti-dangerous dogbill author

NewsAround the worldSILCHANG, India - More than

half-a-century ago, MachalLalung was thought to be insaneand sent to a mental asylum inIndia’s remote northeast.

A few months ago, he was setfree after after authorities hadfound Lalung suffered only fromepilepsy.

Lalung’s confinement for 54years has shocked rights activistsand mental health experts in acountry where it is not uncom-mon for people to be brandedinsane and locked up in homes orasylums for months, if not a fewyears.

“Machal Lalung’s case was notin our knowledge but once it wasbrought to our notice, we immedi-ately completed all legal formali-ties to secure his release,”Assam’s Home Minister RokybulHussain told Reuters.

The 77-year-old frail tribalman was 23 when he was sent tothe state-run mental hospital inthe Assamese city of Tezpur.

Fifty-four years with psychi-atric patients has dulled his sens-es, made him forget his family,his tribal dialect and even thetaste of the food he liked.

Today Lalung said he awaitspeace in death.

“I feel sad at what happened tomy life but there is no use grum-bling now. I am just waiting fordeath,” he told Reuters at hisnephew’s home in Silchang vil-lage, about 55 miles east ofAssam’s main city of Guwahati.

“Initially, I used to miss myfamily and always begged mywardens to send me home. Butthey never listened to me,” hesaid with tears in his eyes.

Lalung’s only family members— his father and elder sister —are dead.

Although there were manywomen in the hospital, Lalungnever tried to make friends withthem or consider marriage.

“Who would want to marry aninsane woman?” he asks.

LONDON - A pink humming-bird battled with a weather-beatenshed Monday for the Turner prize,one of the world’s most con-tentious art awards, but they facestiff competition from a pair ofpallid buttocks.

The quirky nature of theTurner prize entries invariablydraws scorn from the critics, butup to 100,000 people flock to theTate Britain museum every yearto judge for themselves.

Simon Starling pitched for the25,000 pound prize this year withan electric bicycle he rode acrossa Spanish desert and“Shedboatshed” — a shed heturned into a boat, floated downthe Rhine and then rebuilt as ashed again.

For those seeking enlighten-ment as to what it all means, heexplained that his works were“the physical manifestation of mythought process.”

Gillian Carnegie, one of therare painters picked by Turnerjudges over the years, offered upfor competition her “bum paint-ings.”

Seeking to explain their pur-port, her Tate Britain biographysaid: “While apparently followingthe conventions of representation-al painting, Carnegie challengesits established languages andunsettles its assumptions.”

The Turner offers Britain’sscandal-hungry tabloids an annualopportunity to mock. This yearoffers plenty of grist to the mill,but Tate Britain director StephenDeuchar insisted British modernart was “in roaringly good health.

“I think in the last five to sixyears people have become muchless scared of contemporary art.

This is one of the most engag-ing and accessible of Turnershortlists,” he told Reuters.

ROME (Reuters) - It was thefirst day of school, so studentswere understandably nervous. Butthen again, they were not takingjust any course, but one run by aVatican school to teach aspiringdemonologists and exorcists.

“There is no doubt that thedevil is intervening more in thelife of man these days,” FatherPaolo Scarafoni told the students,most of them priests.

“Not all of you will becomeexorcists but ... every priest mustknow how to discern betweendemonic possession and psycho-logical problems,” he said.

The four-month course, called“Exorcism and the Prayer ofLiberation,” is being offered forthe second year by PontificalRegina Apostolorum Universityon Rome’s outskirts.

The about 120 students fromaround the world will hear lec-tures on topics such as the pas-toral, spiritual, theological, litur-gical, medical, legal and crimino-logical aspects of Satanism anddemonic possession.

One planned lecture is called:“Problems related to exorcismand correlated issues.”

One priest, who asked not tobe identified, said he decided totake the course after a “veryunsettling experience” while hear-ing the confession of one youngmember of his parish.

“Her voice changed, her facewas transformed and she startedspeaking in a language that shedid not know,” he said. “I’ve metpeople who are suffering fromthis problem and it is not as rareas we might imagine.”

So, will he be ready to wrestlewith demons of the kind who mayhave possessed his parishioner inthe confessional box?

“If, after this course, my supe-riors decide that it will be usefulfor me to become an exorcist, Iwill do it,” he said.

Half-century in mental asylum a mistake

Birds battle buttocks, bike for topUK art prize

First day of school for aspiringVatican exorcists

Staff Sgt. Matthew Forcerolls the kickball towardthe plate on Camp Loyalty.

Soldiers from 3-15 Infantry on Camp Hopepartake in their Sunday ritual - a dodgeballtournament.

2-3 BTB Soldiers get together for a

game of flag football.

october 2005 - static.dvidshub.netstatic.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_0447.pdf · the incoming bct...

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