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EstaEstabblished in 1917 to honor those wlished in 1917 to honor those who serho ser vvee
Vol. 1, No. 9 may 14, 2006MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – BAGHDAD “steadfast and loyal”
Shadow SoldiersInvestigation agents work
to uncover crime
Page 12
Soldiers, Iraqis launcheffort to revitalize Iraq’s
date palm industry
Page 3
Secretary of the Armymeets with MND-B
leadership, Iraqi soldiers
Page 4
BAGHDAD —
The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S.
Secretary of Defense, visited Iraqi and
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
Soldiers, making an impromptu appear-
ance at the Iraqi army’s Forward Operating Base
Honor and MND-B’s FOB Prosperity Wednesday.
The tour provided Rumsfeld an opportunity to
observe the soldiers of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi
Army Division, as they trained on infantry tactics
and first-aid procedures. While visiting with Maj.
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Secretary of Defense sees progress of Iraqi soldiers, attends luncheon with MND-B Soldiers
Band Calendar ......Cartoon Corner ....Faces & Places ......
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This WeekMWR Calendars ...Religious Services ..Sports Round Up ...
171924
The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense met with Brig. Gen. Mohammed Wassif, commander, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division at the Iraqi army's
Forward Operating Base Honor, which is located in Baghdad's International Zone. Rumsfeld also observed Iraqi army training and met with Multi-National Division -
Baghdad Soldiers responsible for training Iraqi Security Forces.
RUMSFELD VISITS IRAQ
see Rumsfeld, pg. 9
I’ve had the opportunity to
travel to Iraq three times,
most recently last month,
courtesy of the nonpartisan
Business Executives for National
Security. On every trip I’m
struck by the difference between
the Iraq I hear and read about
back home and the Iraq I see in
person. Iraq defies expectations
and easy definition.
For me as a business execu-
tive, these visits provide a first-
hand look at the largest U.S.
reconstruction effort since the
Marshall Plan. As the father of a
Marine who recently returned
from a tour in Iraq, I find that
these trips also offer a glimpse of
our frontline troops that few mil-
itary families ever see. Among
my general impressions:
First, U.S. forces in Iraq
remain focused on their mission.
Talking with soldiers and
Marines over dinner in their
mess halls, it’s easy to see why
reenlistment rates among U.S.
troops in Iraq are the highest in
the military. These men and
women understand their mission
and believe they are making a
difference. Like my son, Joe III,
after he returned from a tough
mission in Fallujah, the Marines
I met said they would be happy
to return to Iraq because they
believe what they’re doing is
important.
Second, every Iraqi knows
that the battle for their country
will be won or lost by Iraqis, not
Americans. Fears of an all-out
civil war were palpable during
my visit.
The day before I arrived,
attacks on crowded markets in
Baghdad’s Sadr City killed
dozens of Shiites. Dozens of
bodies, mostly of blindfolded,
bound and executed Sunnis, have
turned up in the streets. But
despite the ensuing violence,
U.S. and Iraqi military leaders
called the bombing of the Shiite
Golden Mosque in Samarra a
defining moment for the fledg-
ling Iraqi army.
In the Abu Ghraib region out-
side Baghdad, a Shiite com-
mander claimed that “sectarian
divisions are exaggerated” and
said that local Sunnis are more
supportive since his largely
Shiite troops prevented further
violence after the mosque bomb-
ing.
Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s
interim vice president and a
leader of the largest Shiite party,
told me that he hoped the
Samarra bombing and its violent
aftermath could be a “turning
point” that promotes dialogue
and reinforces national unity.
Indeed, after a four-month stale-
mate, the selection of Jawad al-
Maliki as Iraq’s prime minister is
being greeted as a real chance
for national reconciliation. Every
Iraqi leader I met with – includ-
ing outgoing Prime Minister
Ibrahim al-Jafari, former prime
minister Ayad Allawi and Deputy
Prime Minister Ahmed Chalabi –
said that the Iraqi people’s desire
for a common future will avert a
civil war.
Third, dangerous failures in
Iraq’s economic reconstruction
are undermining progress on the
security and political fronts. U.S.
commanders are the first to
admit that this war will not be
won by the military alone. “You
are not going to shoot yourself
out of this problem,” says Lt.
Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commander
of daily operations in Iraq.
Of the estimated $300 billion
spent by Washington so far in
Iraq, just $21 billion has been
allocated for reconstruction, and
perhaps half this amount has
been redirected to pressing secu-
rity needs. U.S. funding, which
runs out this year just as a new
Iraqi government will need to
show tangible economic
progress, is a small fraction of
the estimated $70 billion to $100
billion that Iraqi reconstruction
may ultimately require.
This strategic failure is a
direct result of something else I
observed: Only one element of
the U.S. government – the mili-
tary – seems to be treating Iraq
as “the vital national interest”
that President Bush declares it to
be. Across Iraq, military person-
nel are heroically managing local
reconstruction and development
projects for which they lack the
proper training or tools.
Meanwhile, back in the Green
Zone, hundreds of civilian posi-
tions — from the departments of
State, Justice, Commerce and
Agriculture — go unfilled.
U.S. commanders expressed
frustration that dozens of Justice
Department billets sit empty
despite Iraq’s urgent need for
help in developing a functioning
judicial system. American troops
like my son describe risking their
lives to arrest suspected insur-
gents, testifying in Iraqi courts
and then watching in frustration
as the offenders are tossed back
on the streets. In government, as
in business, refusing to devote
the resources and personnel to a
strategic priority is a recipe for
disaster.
Unlike the military, civilian
agencies will never be able to
forcibly deploy their personnel
to foreign trouble spots. But
through a combination of
rewards (promotions) and pun-
ishments (less desirable assign-
ments, termination), agencies
could more effectively support
the critical political and econom-
ic efforts that will determine
Iraq’s fate.
My flight out of Baghdad was
a somber one. Our C-130 cargo
plane bore the flag-draped coffin
of an American soldier killed
helping the Iraqi people defend
themselves against a vicious
insurgency.
Back home, as the election-
year debate over Iraq rages on, I
think about that soldier’s sacri-
fice and recall a final impas-
sioned plea from an Iraqi general
named Aziz: “Iraqi troops will
finish this job; we will kill this
insurgency. But please tell the
American people and President
Bush that America cannot with-
draw before the Iraqi troops are
ready. We can’t stand alone yet.
We need more time.”
Nothing in history is
inevitable; events unfold as they
do because leaders and their
publics make choices. Neither
civil war nor a democratic, plu-
ralist government is predestined
for Iraq. But one fact is clear:
Premature withdrawal of U.S.
forces – before Iraqi troops are
ready, or before the political and
economic situation stabilizes –
will condemn Iraq and the region
to a future of chaos, destruction
and death.
TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 2
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NEWS FROM THE FRONT
BAGHDAD – Multi-National
Division – Baghdad Soldiers
detained two men suspected of
emplacing an improvised-explo-
sive device that killed two MND-
B Soldiers April 28 in Baghdad.
The two men were seen flee-
ing the scene of the IED attack
and were caught by MND-B
Soldiers and taken into custody.
(Courtesy of MND–B PAO)
Marines discover cache BAGHDAD – During a cache
excavation operation, Marines
from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force, attached to
Multi-National Division –
Baghdad, discovered a large
weapons cache April 30 in a vil-
lage west of Baghdad.
The cache included 100 20mm
anti-air rounds, 3,000 7.62 ball
rounds, 1,000 7.62 armor pierc-
ing rounds, 65 mortar fuses, 24
grenades, 23 83mm mortar
rounds, three 120mm mortar
rounds and two 100mm mortar
MND-B Soldiers detain
2 suspects in IED
placement responsible
in deaths of 2 Soldiers
One Americans Opinion: “Dedication and Danger in Iraq”By Joseph E. Robert, Jr.
Chairman and chief executive
of J.E. Robert Companies
rounds. There were also three
115mm tank rounds, 12 57mm
fragmentation rockets, seven
80mm fragmentation rockets, 13
rocket-propelled grenade’s, an
improvised rocket launcher, two
107mm rockets, a 68mm rocket,
three 155mm artillery rounds,
five 130mm artillery shells, four
120mm projectiles, an anti-tank
rocket launcher, a machine gun,
three assault rifles and an Enfield
sniper rifle. An Explosive
Ordnance Disposal team was
called in to destroy the cache.
(Courtesy of MND–B PAO)
COMMENTARY
MND-B Soldiers find
weapons cache, detain
suspected terrorists
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A patrol
from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division,
responding to a small-arms
attack, killed one terrorist,
detained six suspected terrorists
and found a weapons cache north
of Baghdad at approximately 5:30
p.m. Wednesday.
The weapons captured includ-
ed a 60mm mortar tube with 30
rounds, two rocket-propelled
grenade launchers with three
rounds, two RPK rifles with 500
rounds of ammunition, two
Russian SVD rifles with 80
rounds.
There was also a Russian
Moisen Nagant rifle with 20
rounds, an HKG3 rifle with 15
rounds, five AK-47 rifles with
240 rounds, an Albanian SKS car-
bine with 20 rounds, a Russian
Suomi KP-31 submachine gun
and an illumination star cluster.
(Courtesy of 1st BCT PAO, 4thInf. Div.)
page 3TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
Dr. Subhi Mansour Al-Jumaili, Iraqi deputy minister of agriculture, and key members of SkyLink Arabia, a company contracted
to conduct helicopter crop-spraying of Iraq’s date palm orchards and wheat farms, discuss the initiative led by the Iraqi Ministry
of Agriculture to stimulate the food crop and economy of Iraq and update the country’s agricultural practices at a SkyLink Arabia
operations center of the Baghdad International Airport Thursday.
Solving date palm industry problems
FOB KALSU, Iraq – The date palm
industry in Iraq once supplied roughly 30
percent of the world’s dates, an estimated
600,000 tons. Currently there are less than
fifteen million date palms left in Iraq,
which produce approximately 250,000 tons
annually.
To control the progressive loss of the
crop and regenerate the industry, the Iraqi
Government’s Ministry of Agriculture and
Coalition Forces have teamed up to combat
the problem by conducting aerial spraying
operations in April and May.
The Najaf, Karbala and Babil Provincial
Departments of Agriculture met Thursday
with CF representatives at the Regional
Embassy Office in Hillah to discuss
Harvest Light, an operation to spray date
palm trees with insecticide to eliminate the
insects that threaten to obliterate the crop.
Iraq dates were once considered top
quality because of their high sugar content,
superb flavor and texture. Drought, securi-
ty issues and insect infestation have con-
tributed to reduced yields in recent years. In
addition, Iraq’s small crop dusting helicop-
ter fleet was destroyed during the Iraq con-
flict, and the MOA’s pesticides were looted
in the chaos following the regime’s col-
lapse.
Previous aerial spraying operations were
carried out during the sanctions period by
the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organization under the auspices of the Oil
For Food Program. No large scale aerial
spraying has been conducted since 2002.
Maj. Jeff Smith, civil affairs officer, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, spearheaded the meeting, bring-
ing the group together to discuss the sched-
ule and solicit the representative’s expert-
ise. Together, they reviewed maps of the
provinces, along with past statistics on the
hatch rates and palm tree density, to devel-
op a plan of attack.
Story by Maj. Anna Friederich
2nd BCT, PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Spc. Rodney Foliente, 4th Inf. Div. PAO
United Iraqi Alliance recognizes achievements of new government
BAGHDAD – Ridha Jawad
Taqi, a key leader of the Iraqi
National Parliament and a
spokesperson for the United Iraqi
Alliance, highlighted the recent
successes of the new Iraqi gov-
ernment during a press confer-
ence at Forward Operating Base
Prosperity April 29.
Taqi, a member of the national
parliament’s Council of
Representatives, addressed the
people of Iraq at the invitation of
Col. Michael F. Beech, com-
mander, 4th Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, rec-
ognizing the achievements of the
newly elected permanent Iraqi
government.
“We accomplished a huge
achievement in writing the con-
stitution and electing the new
government, especially the three
presidential posts,” Taqi said, to
the Iraqi national media.
Beech also congratulated the
Iraqi Assembly for electing its top
leaders in the forming of its
national unity government and
promised to work with the elected
officials “to bring security and
prosperity to Iraq.”
Both leaders took the opportu-
nity to address the successes of
the local and national security
forces in Iraq and their important
role in the establishment of the
new government.
Day and night, more than two-
thirds of security patrols in the
Baghdad area are conducted by
Iraqi Security Forces, said Beech.
“Iraqi army, national police
and Iraqi police are manning
more than 140 traffic control
points within the 10 Beladiyahs,
or neighborhoods, of Baghdad at
any given time,” he said.
Due to recent operations, more
than 100 weapons caches have
been recovered and more than
1,000 suspected criminals and
terrorists have been detained, he
added. Both leaders also
addressed future challenges fac-
ing the security of Iraq and the
new national government.
Taqi strongly argued against
the need for a society where only
one authority has the power to
carry arms.
“If we want to have a strong
government, we have to combine
those militias with the Ministry of
Interior and the Ministry of
Defense because only the govern-
ment is authorized to have
weapons, and we are working on
this issue.”
The peace maintained by the
Iraqi security, he said, will be the
foundation for establishing trust
between the new government and
the Iraqi people as a whole.
“It is critical to the nation’s
security that all Iraqis cooperate
peacefully with Iraqi Security
Forces,” Beech said, addressing
the current need to eliminate the
acts of violence in Baghdad and
Iraq.
“If any Iraqi citizen sees or
Staff Sgt. Brent Williams4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
see PALMS, pg. 10
Iraqi government, Coalition Forces team up to rebuild industry
see iraq, pg. 4
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st
Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division
and Multi-National Division –
Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 87th
Infantry Regiment, thwarted an
attempt by terrorists to place an
improvised-explosive device on a
roadside in Baghdad April 14.
The Soldiers were on patrol in
western Baghdad when 1-87 Inf.
scouts reported suspicious activities
by maintenance workers allegedly
conducting repairs on a sign hanging
from a footbridge.
The 6th IAD soldiers provided
outer cordon security while 1-87 Inf.
Soldiers investigated the area.
An initial assessment turned up a
device that was later determined to
be a bomb. An explosives ordnance
disposal team was called in and det-
onated the device in a controlled
explosion.
The combined effort between the
Iraqi army and MND-B Soldiers
helped save the lives of civilians and
Coalition Forces.
“It is a rewarding feeling to know
that we disrupted terrorist activities
today,” said Spc. Justin Prewitt, a 1-
87 Inf. scout who observed the sus-
picious activities at the road sign.
“We spend hours each day
searching for this type of activity, so
it makes our whole team feel suc-
cessful after accomplishments like
the one today.”
“With the destruction record of
these devices, you have to believe
that you have saved someone’s life
by safely destroying this bomb – and
that is a good feeling for all of us,”
said 2nd Lt. James Rembert, mem-
ber of the explosive ordnance
disposal team that destroyed the
device.
Story by
Capt. Douglas Herrmann1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt.,
1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.
Soldiers thwart
terrorist attempt
to emplace IED
on roadside in
Baghdad April 14
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 4
suspects an incident of terrorism or gangs
wearing Iraqi police or army uniforms, they
need to immediately contact their local
Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces or
the TIPS hotline,” he said. “Coalition
Forces will investigate immediately.”
Taqi outlined the need to disband armed
militias in Iraq as the most pressing issue
challenging the security and prosperity of
the government. Admitting the challenges
are many, the spokesperson for the United
Iraqi Alliance political bloc emphasized the
need to support the Iraqi Security Forces
fighting to secure the future of Iraq.
“We need to mobilize, supply and train
the ISF,” Taqi explained. “Iraq’s security
forces have proven that they can handle the
security and have made a lot of sacrifices in
doing so.”
iraq, Continued from pg. 3
TARMIYAH, Iraq – Soldiers from
Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, conducted a com-
bined patrol with local Iraqi army sol-
diers and Iraqi policemen through the
streets of Tarmiyah April 21.
Tarmiyah, formerly a hotbed of ter-
rorist activity, became a relatively safe
town once Co. A started monitoring the
area near the end of March, said Capt.
William Rodabaugh, commander, Co.
A., 1-66th AR.
The Soldiers of Co. A conduct multi-
ple patrols through the town on a daily
basis to help reassure the local citizens
that both Coalition Forces and Iraqi
Security Forces are working together to
keep Tarmiyah secure.
“This town used to have a large prob-
lem with terrorists before we got here,”
Rodabaugh said. “Our job now is to
make sure that the town remains secure
for the people who live here. The citi-
zens appreciate us being here. They are
always greeting us in the streets and
thanking us for everything that we do.”
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
Soldiers have been monitoring Tarmiyah
for only a short period of time, and they
know the objective is to place the Iraqi
Security Forces in the lead for securing
the area as soon as possible. The daily
combined patrols, now routine, move
steadily toward achievement of that
goal.
“It’s great to see the IP and IA get out
with us on these patrols,” said Staff Sgt.
Christopher Wright, squad leader, Co. A.
“They know the area better than any
of us do, and the Tarmiyah residents
seem to be more comfortable when they
see us working together.”
MND-B Soldiers, Iraqi army, police conduct
combined patrol through streets of TarmiyahStory by Spc. Jason Thompson4th Inf. Div. PAO
BAGHDAD —
The Department of the Army’s
senior leader visited Baghdad’s
International Zone to check on
the progress of Iraqi Army
forces and to visit with Multi-National
Division – Baghdad Soldiers deployed in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Honorable Dr. Francis J. Harvey,
the Secretary of the Army, met with lead-
ers of the 4th Infantry Division’s 4th
Brigade Combat Team and the Iraqi
army’s 5th Brigade, 6th Division, during a
visit to their forward operating bases May
11.
Harvey traveled to the Iraqi army’s
FOB Honor to observe military training
that demonstrated the progress Iraq’s
Security Forces are making as they hone
the skills of their jundi (soldiers) as they
take an active role in providing Baghdad’s
security.
“Our view is that the ISF secured this
place,” Harvey said to Iraqi army Brig.
Gen. Mohammed Wasif, commander, 5th
Bde., 6th Div. “You did a great job on the
national election. You also did a great job
on the aftermath of the (Al Askari)
Mosque bombing.”
Wasif assumed responsibility for FOB
Honor back in January, taking over the
mission of providing security for the
International Zone and Karradah
Peninsula, said Col. Michael Beech, com-
mander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., while talk-
ing to Harvey.
“Since that time, his brigade has been
operating independently,” Beech
explained. “Although we are partner
brigades and often assist each other in
operations throughout central Baghdad,
his jundi work with my Soldiers on all the
entry control points.
“This is a great outfit – very well led,
very well trained,” he said of his Iraqi
counterparts.
Following demonstrations in first-aid
training, small-unit infantry tactics and
motorpool maintenance, the Secretary of
the Army stopped at FOB Prosperity to
meet with Soldiers of the 4th Brigade
Combat Team.
Joining Harvey for lunch with a group
of Soldiers selected by their units to
attend the special function at the King
Cobra Café were Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman,
commanding general, and Command Sgt.
Maj. Ronald Riling, both of Multi-
National Division – Baghdad, and Beech
and Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, Jr.,
both of 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Following the meal, the Soldiers intro-
duced themselves to the Secretary of the
Army, who then entertained a question
and answer session, during which Soldiers
asked a wide array of questions ranging
from Iraq’s terrorist threat to the length of
deployments for units abroad.
“Right now, the baseline that we are
trying to get to for the active regular army
is one year deployed for every three years
in service,” Harvey responded to one
Soldier’s question.
“We want to be able to do one year
deployed with 24 months at a home sta-
tion. That is part of the Army’s Force
Generation Model.”
Harvey said he foresees units having to
deploy for two six-month periods, one at
the beginning of their unit’s three year
life-cycle and one at the end.
“When the level of violence goes
down,” he said, “the ISF who you are
partnered with and train with, when they
take the lead and increasingly take the
lead, then I think we can really think
about changing.”
“I know the American people, a vast
majority of the people, have a great, high
regard for the American Soldier.
“Because of you and your fellow
Soldiers, peace freedom and the demo-
cratic way of life have been preserved.
Because of you, 50 million people in Iraq
and Afghanistan have been liberated from
oppressive regimes; and because of you,
the cycle of terrorism in the Middle East
is beginning to be broken.”
Secretary of the Army visits MND-B
Soldiers in Baghdad’s International ZoneBy Staff Sgt. Brent Williams
4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
The Secretary of the Army, the Hon. Dr. Frances J. Harvey (center), talks with Col. Michael Beech (left of Secretary), command-
er, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Col. Beech explained the role his Military Transition Teams play in observ-
ing and training the Iraqi army’s 5th Brigade, 6th Division, as the Iraqi security forces work to become self-reliant. The Hon. Dr.
Harvey visited the Iraqi army’s Forward Operating Base Honor to observe Iraqi soldiers conducting first-aid and other training.
Photo by 1st Lt. Joseph Kress, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
page 5TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –
When he went on patrol last
September on the 4th
anniversary of the 9/11
attacks, he had no idea
that the events of that day would separate
him from his unit for more than six
months.
“I never thought that day that I would-
n’t be back,” said Staff Sgt. Willie Hall,
who recently returned to his unit,
Company B, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry
Regiment, Multi-National Division –
Baghdad.
“I even had plans to finish watching a
movie with my buddies when our patrol
was over.”
Hall’s dismounted patrol came under
attack in Ghazaliya September 11 from a
vehicle-borne improvised-explosive
device followed by small-arms fire.
According to members of his unit, he
provided first aid to his fellow Soldiers
before realizing he himself was signifi-
cantly wounded in both the neck and arm.
After forcing their attackers to flee,
Hall’s unit evacuated him to receive treat-
ment for his injuries.
He was transported to Walter Reed
Army Medical Center for further treat-
ment and recovery. From there, he com-
menced on a six-month journey of treat-
ment and physical therapy he hoped
would bring him back to full health.
“As soon as I was feeling close to 100
percent, I knew I had to get back to my
platoon,” said Hall. “That is where I
belong.”
Hall’s efforts to recover were met with
his unit’s excitement when he made his
return to action.
“After I found out how bad he was
hurt, I wondered what would happen to
our unit,” said Spc. Thomas Neumann,
Co. B, 1-87 Inf. Regt. “He really showed
us that he stands by his men. We were all
very excited.”
“It was really good to have him back in
the platoon,” added Staff Sgt. Daniel
Morriss, Company B, 1-87 Inf. Regt.
“His return from a six month hospital
recovery inspired all of us. It was a great
example of leadership to everyone.”
Story by Cpt. Douglas Hermann1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt.,
1st Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mtn. Div.
Soldier makes triumphant return to duty after 6-month hospital recovery
Sgt. Willie Hall, Company B, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, patrols the streets of Baghdad with Iraqi
army soldiers. Hall recently returned to action after a six-month hospital recovery
after he was injured in an insurgent attack last September.
Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt. 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.
BAGHDAD –
The commanding general
of Multi-National
Division – Baghdad met
with four prominent
Iraqi governors at the Falaniko
House in the International Zone
April 28 to reaffirm the leaders’
joint dedication to continue work-
ing together and to discuss con-
cerns.
As Iraq returns to a state of
normalcy, the people will begin to
see a shift toward more civil
authority control and less of a
military presence and influence.
During the meeting, Iraqi
provincial government leaders
from Karbala, Babil, Najaf and
Baghdad provinces and Coalition
officials met in Baghdad to dis-
cuss and assess security in each of
the provinces as part of a long-
term goal of transferring security
from Coalition Forces to the Iraqi
provincial governments.
“This is a decisive moment in
the history
of Iraq,”
said Maj.
Gen. J.D.
T h u r m a n ,
command-
ing general,
M u l t i -
N a t i o n a l
Division –
B a g h d a d .
“The posi-
tive steps
we have
made with the last three elections,
and with the formation of the new
government, are very important.”
Thurman met with the gover-
nors and provincial council chair-
men of the four provinces in a
series of meetings that involved
each set of provincial leaders and
their corresponding local
Coalition Forces commanders.
He stressed the importance of
maintaining open communica-
tions to each of the governors and
that “this was a decisive time for
Iraq.” He
also stated
that he was
commit ted
to not allow
terrorists to
disrupt the
formation of
the new
government.
Central to
civil control
is the
enforcement
of civil and criminal statutes.
“Adhering to the Rule of Law
is fundamental to the provincial
security transition process,” he
said.
“Every success we have mar-
ginalizes the terrorists,” added
Mu’een Al-Majed, Baghdad
Provincial council chairman.
“When we succeed, the terrorists
fail.”
Both sides expressed opti-
mism about the recent political
progress made. They also stated
that, realistically, much work
remains before Iraq can truly be
free.
“The Iraqi people have sacri-
ficed a lot to not have to live in
fear and to have a future of free-
dom,” said Thurman. “We cannot
allow the terrorists to steal that
future.”
The over-arching theme of
each of the meetings was one of
cooperation and the desire to
ensure that each of the provinces
was fully prepared before taking
on the task of provincial security.
The Iraqi governors in atten-
dance wholeheartedly expressed
their desire to continue to work
together with Coalition Forces to
defeat the terrorists and to end the
violence in their country.
Only when working as one
team can they accomplish their
goals, said Assad Altaee Abu
Guilal, governor of Najaf.
Thurman focused on the need
to improve coordination between
Iraqi and Coalition Forces, stress-
ing the importance of an overall
“rule of law” as a key to peace.
He also stressed the need to con-
tinue to restore the essential serv-
ices all Iraqis need to carry on
with their lives.
“My number-one concern is to
not let the terrorists or anyone
else disrupt the formation of this
new government,” said Thurman.
The Iraqi leaders agreed.
“We want to work with
Coalition Forces to honestly
assess our ability to take over
security,” stated Dr. Aqil, the gov-
ernor of Karbala.
“When we work as a team, it
drives Zarqawi mad, and any-
thing that drives him mad is a
good thing,” added Mueen
Hameed Abd Al Majed, the
Baghdad Provincial Council
Chairman.
Thurman stated that he
believes that “everyday Iraqi citi-
zens” can perform a key part in
helping stop the terrorists.
“We need to let the people
know that they play an important
role in the security of Iraq,” said
Thurman.
He pointed to the successes of
the “national tip hotline” as a just
cause for the governors to push
for more civilian support.
“Our tip line helps us to stop
terrorists every day,” said
Thurman. “Approximately 80
percent of the tips we receive are
actionable.”
One area of concern that lead-
ers on both sides agreed on was
the necessity to reintegrate all of
the armed militias back into Iraqi
society.
“There are simply too many
guns in this country right now,”
said Thurman. “There is no room
for extra armed militias in the
streets. If they want to fight for
Iraq, they need to pledge their
allegiance to Iraq.”
The Iraqi governors brought
several ideas to the table on how
to more effectively deal with vio-
lence in Iraq. These included the
formation of neighborhood watch
organizations and a governmental
“weapon buy-back program.”
Thurman agreed that both ideas
deserved further discussion.
The leaders ended the day in
agreement that the meeting
helped each of them in knowing
where each others stood on many
key issues – and also with the
knowledge that both groups are
totally dedicated to the future of
Iraq.
“Only when we work together
can we achieve our goals,” said
Thurman. “It allows us to better
see our shortcomings and helps
us to more easily solve them.”
MND-B commander meets with provincial leadershipStory and photo by
Spc. Karl Johnson363rd MPAD
Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, greets Governor
Aqeel Mahmoud Kareem Al Khaz'ali of Karbala, at a leadership meeting at the Falaniko House in the
International Zone April 28. Leaders from Baghdad, Babil and Najaf were also in attendance at the
meeting to discuss concerns and reaffirm their dedication to a peaceful Iraq.
“The Iraqi people have sac-rificed a lot to not have tolive in fear and to have a
future of freedom. We can-not allow the terrorists to
steal the future.”Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman
Commanding General,Multi-National Division – Baghdad
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 6
Driving the Iraqi army forward
BAGHDAD –
It is not only the growing heat
of the upcoming summer
making the tin-roofed open
bay of the 4th Brigade
Combat Team’s 704th Support
Battalion Service and Recovery
section hot.
Inside the building, the S&R
section of Company C, “starts
fires for a living,” or welds, and is
constantly on the go to provide
recovery and fabrication assets
for the brigade.
The section has the task of
supporting the battalion as well as
the forward support companies
working with the 4th BCT in its
mission to secure and rebuild the
nation of Iraq.
It supports units on Forward
Operating Base Falcon, including
the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry,
4th Inf. Div.; 2nd Battalion, 506th
Infantry Regiment; and 2nd
Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,
1st Armored Division.
Chief Warrant Officer-2
Robert Pruitt, an Allied Trades
Technician,
who has
spent his
m i l i t a r y
career, in his
own words,
“ s t a r t i n g
fires for a
l i v i n g , ”
heads the
section.
Led by
Pruitt, the
S&R section is composed of three
Soldiers serving in different
Military Occupational
Specialties: 63B, Wheeled
Vehicle Mechanic; 63H, Tracked
Vehicle Mechanic; and 44B,
Metal Worker.
The three MOSs combined
give the section the ability to
remain adaptable to whatever
mission may come their way.
With two wrecker trucks and one
M 8 8 A 2
H e r c u l e s
T r a c k e d
R e c o v e r y
Vehicle at its
disposal, the
section has
the ability to
recover any
piece of
equ ipment
from the
H i g h
Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle
to the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle
Tank.
With the ever-changing battle-
field and the constant change of
the terrorists’ techniques and pro-
cedures, the ability to adapt is
extremely important.
1st Lt. Casey Newell, a gun
truck platoon leader, with
Company A, 704th Spt. Bde. Said
he recognizes the necessity for a
section such as the Blacksmith’s
S&R.
“To be successful in this con-
flict means that you need to be
able to adapt to an ever-changing
enemy,” Newell said.
“The technical expertise
offered by Chief Warrant Officer-
2 Pruitt and his Soldiers provides
us with that means of adaptation,”
he said.
The S&R provides the means
of adapting by fabricating devices
such as the installation of the bal-
listic glass around the turret of the
M1114 humvee, which allows
gunners to have a greater field of
view while remaining protected
from enemy fire.
The Soldiers of S&R are learn-
ing to adapt as well by cross-
training with the other MOSs of
the section, said Staff Sgt. Gerald
Williams, the section noncom-
missioned officer-in-charge and a
wheeled vehicle mechanic.
“I thought there would be
more of a mission for recovery
than welding; however, with the
higher demands for fabrication, it
has allowed me the opportunity to
cross train with chief and learn
more about welding and develop
a better understanding of what the
44Bs are capable.”
Williams’ positive outlooks
are shared by the rest of the
Soldiers of the sections.
“I am proud just to be a mem-
ber of the section that helps make
up the backbone of the battalion,”
said Sgt. Eddie Corpuz.
Story by
1st Lt. Winfield Pinkstaff704th Support Bn.
4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Support battalion displays adaptability in service, recovery mission
FOB KALSU, Iraq –
Soldiers from Company B, 2nd
Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, trained Iraqi sol-
diers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade,
8th Iraqi Army Division, in basic Soldier
skills here April 24-30.
“The training was a weeklong mission
for each company in its battalion,” said
Capt. Colin Brooks, commander, Co. B,
2-8 Inf. Regt. “They will rotate companies
each week; another company going
through the training will be taught by
Iraqi soldiers who took the training in the
previous weeks.”
One of the skills taught in the training
involves clearing rooms. Soldiers from 2-
8 Inf. constructed “rooms,” lining desig-
nated areas with engineering tape, so Iraqi
soldiers could simulate entering and clear-
ing them.
“This part of the training is teaching
the IA soldiers techniques when entering
and clearing rooms,” said Staff Sgt.
Steven Pena, infantryman, Co. B, 2-8 Inf.
Regt.
“We want them to understand that to
clear a room, you have to do it as a team.
We are trying to teach them that commu-
nication between the team members is
vital.”
During the training, the Soldiers of 2-8
Inf. Regt. conducted physical training
with Iraqi soldiers, which included several
two-and-a-half-mile runs around the
perimeter of Kalsu while carrying litters
and water jugs.
“The purpose of the physical training
is to push them past their physical thresh-
old and increase their mental toughness,”
said Brooks.
Iraqi soldiers waited patiently for their
chance to train with the American
Soldiers during the reflexive fire portion
of the training. This training taught Iraqi
soldiers the proper stance for firing
weapons at close-range and trigger disci-
pline to decrease the chances of acciden-
tally firing a weapon without intent.
“When I see the American Soldiers
training us, I feel more confident in my
ability to fight terrorists,” said Pvt.
Muhammed, 2nd Bn., 4th Bde., 8th IAD.
“This training is a good opportunity to
improve our abilities to fight,” said Capt.
Majed, commander, 2nd Bn., 4th Bde.,
8th IAD.
“It is also a good opportunity to learn
what helps the American Army defeat ter-
rorists successfully. My sergeants are
learning more and more from the
American sergeants.”
“The main goal of this training is for
the IA soldiers to become proficient in
these critical tasks so they can provide
their own security in the future,” conclud-
ed Brooks.
Story and photo by Pfc. Edgar Reyes2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, conduct physical training alongside Soldiers from Company B, 2nd
Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a weeklong training course here April 25.
2nd BCT Soldiers teach Iraqi army basic soldier skills, conduct physical fitness training
“To be successful in thisconflict means that you
need to be able to adapt toan ever-changing enemy.”
1st Lt. Casey NewellGun truck platoon leader,
Company A, 704th Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team
page 7TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –
One of the life-giving
sources that every
Soldier depends on
throughout their
year-long tour in Iraq – especially
during the summer months – will
now be produced and bottled
here.
The new 52,000 square-foot
facility known simply as “Bottled
Water Factory Six” is situated
next to the “Z” Lake, between
Camp Liberty and Camp Victory,
and will produce 200,000 to
450,000 one-liter bottles of drink-
ing water 24 hours-a-day, seven
days-a-week, to meet the hydra-
tion needs of Multi-National
Division – Baghdad Soldiers and
civilian workers.
The facility was built, paid for
and is owned and operated by Al
Morrell Development and Oasis
International Waters, Inc.
“The contract is to supply the
military with bottled-water capa-
bility. The company supplies the
water for a price. Our contract
says that we supply and own all
of the infrastructure, while the
military gave us the land to put it
on and the water source,” said
Tom Newell, Middle East general
manager, AMD.
The “Z” Lake, which is sup-
plied by the Tigris River, is the
source of the water used in the
purification and bottling process,
said Newell, but the facility also
has a backup of 150,000 gallons
of source water on site.
“The plant took about 90 days
to build,” said Newell.
Water from the plant will save
the U. S. government a substan-
tial amount of money.
“The (present) cost of a case of
our water is $3.50 per case of
one-liter bottles. The military was
previously buying cases of 1.5-
liter bottles for $12.50 a case,”
said Newell. The water produced
here will have an added safety
and welfare benefit for Soldiers.
“Currently, bottled water used
by U. S. Forces comes from
Kuwait. By producing our own
water, it ensures better force
health protection and quality con-
trol,” said Maj. William Argo,
MND-B environmental science
officer, 4th Infantry Division. “In
addition, it will reduce the num-
ber of trucks (military and civil-
ian) on the road delivering water
across Iraq.”
“This is some of the safest
water around. It’s filtered four
times before it enters the bottle,”
said Master Sgt. Dwayne Wooten,
contracting officer representative,
18th Corps Support Battalion,
Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf.
Div. “You’re getting pure water.
We don’t re-introduce new miner-
als into the water.”
“We’re taking water to the
‘Aquafina’ level, which is totally
pure water,” added Newell.
A multi-step process insures
that the water is safe, said
Wooten.
“Basically, Reverse Osmosis
Water Purifying Unit systems can
take virtually any water source
and make it drinkable where
other filtering processes cannot,”
said Argo. The final filtering
process pushes the water through
an ozonator, a system that kills
any microorganisms that still may
be present.
“Ozone is used in bottled-
water production to essentially
sanitize the water and is key in
destroying any microbiological
contamination,” said Argo.
“Environmentally, ozone
leaves no harmful breakdown of
products and it also increases bot-
tled water shelf life,” said Argo.
The factory will be manned by
at least 70 workers. Production
will run on two 12-hour shifts,
said Wooten.
Story and photos by
Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel363rd MPAD
“What’s in zee-water?”Fresh bottles of drinking water travel through a conveyor in various stages of the capping process at the new Oasis International Waters Inc. water bottling plant here.
The new plant will produce 200,000 to 450,000 bottles of drinking water daily.
Kenneth Alfarez (left), an engineer from General Electric Corporation, describes the intricate, multi-
step water filtration process with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and plant workers dur-
ing a tour of the new Oasis International Waters Inc., water bottling plant here. The plant will produce
200,000 to 450,000 one-liter bottles of fresh drinking water daily.
New water bottling plant opens at Camp Victory’s “Z” Lake, provides MND-B Soldiers pure drinking water, no aftertaste
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 8
BAGHDAD –
For 18 hours a day, the
Soldiers work through the
heat, wind and rain, wait-
ing patiently for the two
words that are music to a Field
Artilleryman’s ears to be called
over the radio. The platoon works
throughout the day performing
daily maintenance, reorganizing
the ammunition bunker and com-
pleting daily tasks that range from
guard duty to picking up mail as
they wait, ready to react.
It is relatively quiet in the oper-
ations center. The sound of tapping
on computer keys softly fills the
air in the tent, but the silence is
broken with those two words
repeated over and over.
“Counter fire, counter fire,
counter fire.”
Suddenly the dance begins. The
door to the operations center flies
open as a Soldier yells out to the
gunners: “Counter Fire!”
The Soldiers drop their tools,
grab their helmets and move in an
organized fury to their positions.
Measurements, degrees and
azimuths are called from the radio
operator and the Soldiers lift the
Howitzer and rotate it to its
ordered position.
In minutes, the rounds are ready
to fire and the anticipation fogs the
air as they await the final com-
mand to fire.
This is a normal day for the
Soldiers of the Counter Battery
Platoon of 1st Battalion, 320th
Field Artillery Regiment. The pla-
toon, stationed at Forward
Operating Base Mahmudiyah, sup-
ports the 1st Battalion, 502nd
Infantry Regiment, and more
recently, 1st Battalion, 22nd
Infantry Regiment.
“Some days are pretty boring,”
said Sgt. Kevin Hoople, gunner for
1st Platoon, 1-320th FA. “We stand
on call 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-
week. As soon as we get a counter
fire, the adrenalin starts pumping.”
In the past seven months, the
Counter Battery Platoon has fired
more than 100 missions to help
deter terrorists. The platoon fires
the most counter battery in the
Baghdad area. Some days, the
Soldiers have conducted up to five
missions in an 18-hour period and
fired as late, or as early, as 3 a.m.
“This is one of the hottest spots
in Iraq right now,” he said. “Most
of the artillery units are in Mosul,
Striker and really big crowded
cities. There are a lot more open
spaces out here and more opportu-
nity for the mortar guys to shoot –
and a lot more opportunities for us
to shoot.”
The Soldiers work tirelessly
through 18-hour shifts and, even
on their time off, stand ready to
answer the call 24 hours-a-day.
Throughout their shifts, they never
know what to expect and when to
expect the action. Because of this,
they have to be on their toes.
“When we first started this mis-
sion, I wasn’t really sure how it
was going to go,” said Hoople,
who works in one of three sections
with in the platoon.
“We were told we weren’t going
to be doing a lot here. So far, it has
turned out we actually have been
doing a whole lot. We managed to
shoot almost more rounds than our
entire battalion did in the begin-
ning of the war.”
He said since 1st Platoon
arrived in Mahmudiyah, mortar
attacks have decreased by 50 per-
cent due to the counter fires and
area-denial missions. The terrorists
are not getting enough time to
launch multiple rounds and are not
as accurate due to the pressure the
Counter Battery Platoon puts on its
targets.
“I believe we have been making
a difference through area denials,”
said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brown,
platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, 1-
320th FA.
“There are a couple of areas out
there that are heavy in insurgent
activity. We have shot some area
denials into that area and the activ-
ity ceases for a while. It slows (the
terrorists) down and makes (terror-
ists) stop and think about attacking
Coalition Forces because we know
where they are.”
Area denial missions target
known insurgent mortar sites,
Brown said.
“What that is doing is limiting
the terrorist’s advancement into
that area,” he said.
“Our platoon shoots rounds into
that area to let the terrorists know
we know where they are. It lets the
terrorists know we are here – and
we are able to reach that area. It
disrupts their movement.”
The Soldiers are doing great,
Brown said. Every day, the platoon
“tweaks” something. The Soldiers
take a look at their counter-fire
drills. They rehearse, and after
every mission, the Howitzer
Section conducts an after-action
review to see if there is anything
that can be done to make the
team’s time faster and the drill
more efficient.
“I think our platoon has done
excellent,” Hoople said.
“This mission has been a god-
send for these guys. This is the real
dream of field artillery. You get the
real effect of field artillery getting
to shoot anywhere at anytime. This
is what artillery is all about.”
Counter fire platoon keeps terrorists on toesStory and photos by
Spc. Kelly Kent McDowell2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.
ABOVE: Pfc. Brett Myles from the Counter Fire Platoon, 1st
Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, restacks ammo for
the howitzer April 25 in Mahmudiyah. Myles and the other
members of his platoon are the most utilized counter-fire pla-
toon in the Baghdad area.
BELOW: After receiving the call for a counter fire mission
April 25 in Mahmudiyah, Sgt. Timothy Olsen lifts the rear of
the Howitzer and moves it quickly to acquire the appropriate
range of the fire. From the time counter fire is called over the
radio, the Soldiers of 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 320th Field
Artillery Regiment, have a minimum time to be ready to fire
on the target.
page 9TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
OperaOperation Bation Babil Pbil Perer imeterimeterPhoto by Pfc. Edgar Reyes, 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
TARMIYAH, Iraq – Local
tribal leaders of the town of
Tarmiyah, located approximately
25 kilometers north of Baghdad,
met at the post office here for a
Qada council meeting April 22 to
discuss issues and concerns with-
in the community regarding safe-
ty, security and proposed com-
munity improvements.
Lt. Col. Rocky Kmiecik, com-
mander, 1st Battalion, 66th
Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, has attended the week-
ly meetings since the beginning
of February to discuss relevant
topics with more than 25 sheiks
from the Tarmiyah area.
“During the first few meet-
ings, the leaders would constant-
ly ask about security issues with-
in the town,” he said.
“Recently, since we moved in
and secured the town, the topics
have focused more towards per-
sonal issues, such as helping the
government reestablish (itself)
and making life easier for the
people of Tarmiyah,” said
Kmiecik.
Among the issues discussed at
the meeting were the securing
and distribution of propane, fer-
tilizer and school supply ship-
ments, repaving of roads, recon-
struction of the local Qada build-
ing and improvements for the
medical clinic.
Other issues may be brought
up to the U.S. Soldiers in the
area, or to local leaders, by the
residents of Tarmiyah. Those
issues are then discussed in the
meeting so everyone can work
together to try to solve the prob-
lems within the community, said
Kmiecik.
“Working with the local lead-
ers, it helps to instill trust in both
the Coalition Forces and the gov-
ernment among the local Iraqis,”
he continued.
“With that, it helps us secure
the area because the Iraqis know
that terrorists are working against
them, and we are working with
them.”
The meetings also provide an
opportunity for senior leaders of
different tribes to meet in a
peaceful manner to settle their
own differences, said 2nd Lt.
Timothy Middleton, platoon
leader with Company A, 1st Bn.,
66th Arm. Regt.
“(The Qada) is a group of
individuals who have the com-
munity’s best interest at heart.
We can learn from them what we
can do to help the community get
back on its feet,” he said.
Story by
Spc. Jason Thompson4th Inf. Div. PAO
Tarmiyah leaders discuss issues during Qada council
FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from an Explosive Ordinance Disposal team analyze artillery shells found in a cache near the town of Al-Hak during a raid led by the
Iraqi army Friday. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, took the lead, assisted by Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and performed a raid in the town of Al-Hak during Operation Babil Perimeter early Friday morning. In
total, IA and MND-B Soldiers discovered bomb-making materials, triggering devices, a 152mm round, a 132mm round, three 82mm rounds, two PKC machine guns,
an RPK, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two RPG rockets, and a 57mm aerial rocket with an improvised launcher.
Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general,
MND-B, Rumsfeld also took advantage of
an opportunity to observe U.S. forces train-
ing Iraqi soldiers.
“They are increasing in their capabili-
ties every day. This is an exciting time to
be here with the new permanent govern-
ment of Iraq. They are making impressive
progress,” said Rumsfeld.
“It was monumental to have the
Honorable Mr. Rumsfeld here today to
observe our Iraqi partner brigade honing
their battle skills and to meet and eat with
the fine Soldiers of the 4th BCT,” said Col.
Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th
Inf. Div.
Rumsfeld also took the time to visit
with Soldiers from 4th BCT and to partake
in a special luncheon at the King Cobra
Dinning Facility at FOB Prosperity.
Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, Jr., 4th
BCT, hosted the luncheon for the brigade,
allowing each of the battalions to select
Soldiers to attend the special occasion.
“It is good for the Soldiers to see some-
one from Washington come down to show
them that they appreciate what we do on a
day-to-day basis here in Iraq,” Moody said.
Upon finishing his lunch with the
Soldiers, who serve in south and central
Baghdad, the Secretary of Defense ener-
getically made his way from table to table,
joining the variety of Soldiers, shaking
their hands, posing for photographs and
listening to their concerns. This time, he
would ask the questions.
“How are you? Where are you from?
What do you do?” he individually asked
the more than 60 Soldiers, who joined him
for lunch.
“It was interesting, very interesting,”
said Pfc. Allah Johnson, a fuel specialist
with Company C, 704th Support Battalion,
a 22-year old Detroit native. “I got a
chance to see someone that you don’t usu-
ally see as a Soldier because we are out
here doing our job.”
For 1st Lt. Casey Newell, platoon
leader, Company A, 704th Spt. Bn., having
the Secretary of Defense visit was an
incredible boost to morale.
“It’s important to know that the people
who are making the policies stand behind
what they are trying to do – to know that
they are pushing through with us, that they
support us,” said Newell, a graduate of
Illinois State University. Newell said that
a visit from a dignitary like Rumsfeld
reminds the Soldiers that they are all fight-
ing for the same cause. “It’s nice to know
that the leadership is behind us,” he said.
rumsfeld,
Continued from pg. 1
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 10
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –
The hard, flat ground braces him
as he locks in on the small, dark
figure in front of him. The early
morning sun, already large in the
sky, beats down on his position.
As the slow, deliberate breaths entering
and exiting his lungs relax his muscles,
the front sight of his weapon steadies on
his target. Gently, he begins to squeeze
the trigger … and a resounding BANG!
could be heard from miles around.
Soldiers from Company B, Brigade
Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade
Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,
spent a day sharpening their marksman-
ship skills April 17 at the Caughman
Range here.
“We need to make sure all our Soldiers
are qualified on their individual weapons
per Army regulation,” said Chief Warrant
Officer-2 Charles Conger, Company B,
BSTB.
The Soldiers from the BSTB have a
myriad of different types of military occu-
pational specialties. The Company B
Soldiers consist of intelligence analysts,
unmanned aerial vehicle operators and
several other combat support specialties.
Firing their weapons is not something
these Soldiers do every day.
“I would like to be helping the guys
out there, but I consider myself lucky that
haven’t had to fire my weapon while in
country,” said Spc. James Weigl, military
intelligence systems maintainer, Co. B.
The range provides Soldiers from
throughout Camp Liberty the opportunity
to zero and qualify with their weapons
and gives them a chance to work on one
of the most important basic Soldier skills.
Rifle marksmanship has long been a
deciding factor in the success of military
units. An old military adage expresses that
point explicitly: “There are only two types
of people on the battlefield: marksmen
and targets.”
For many Soldiers, a day at the range
is a chance to train in an area they enjoy.
“Not everyone is excited at first, but
morale picks up once rounds start going
down range,” said Conger.
The Caughman Range is available to
any unit supporting Multi-National
Division – Baghdad. For more informa-
tion on how to schedule time at the range
for your unit, contact Range Control at
VOIP 242-4154.
Story and photo by Spc. Karl Johnson363rd MPAD
Soldiers sharpen marksmanship skillsat Camp Liberty’s Caughman Range
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Conger, intelligence electronic warfare maintenance technician, assists a Soldier with the finer points of rifle marksmanship during a day
at the Caughman Range here April 17. Company B, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers used the day at the range
to qualify on their individual weapon systems.
“In recent years, ground spray-
ing has been used but proven to
be less and less effective against
the insects,” said Smith.
Due to the structure of the date
palm tree and the way it is infect-
ed, aerial spraying is the most
effective way of combating the
problem, Smith said.
“In addition, spraying at this
time will pay off because the bugs
are at a stage where they have
hatched but are not mature, mean-
ing their bodies are still soft and
will absorb the chemical, killing
them.”
Coalition Forces, in conjunc-
tion with the MOA, contracted a
company to conduct the spraying
by using helicopters and fixed-
wing aircraft. Iraqi Security and
Coalition Forces will provide
security measures for protecting
the pesticides, fuel, equipment,
crew and aircraft prior to and dur-
ing the spraying operation.
Master Sgt. Ronald Wegner,
operations sergeant, 490th Civil
Affairs Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.,
assisted in the meeting and
emphasized that the Iraqi govern-
ment and the MOA are in the lead
in this operation.
“Everyone of you sitting here
are the experts and we are here to
assist in any way we can,” he
said.
One of the main concerns on
the DAG representatives’ minds
was the priority of spraying.
Imad Lefta, Hillah mayor, voiced
his concerns about the window of
opportunity for the spraying to be
most effective.
Due to the milder weather in
southern Iraq, he said, the insects
hatch sooner in some areas,
requiring earlier spraying than in
other areas. This is one of the
considerations the team took into
account as it developed the plan.
The group concluded the
meeting by developing a prioriti-
zation of spraying by province
and geographic area inside each
province.
Date palm preservation is an
economic opportunity for Iraq.
The scheduled crop dusting is
part of a larger Iraqi government
program, which will provide jobs
in farming, packaging and in the
palms,
Continued from pg. 3
page 11TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
BAGHDAD —
Soldiers from the Iraqi army and
Multi-National Division –
Baghdad surprised between 400-
500 children of Al Hudaybiya
Elementary School April 23 with free
school supplies during a celebration to
mark the completion of the school’s reno-
vations in Bakaria, within the Gazaliyah
neighborhood, located southwest of
Baghdad.
Troops from 1st Battalion, 87th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 10th Mountain Division, visited the
school they supported throughout the
reconstruction project to distribute school
supply packages.
Assisting them were soldiers from 2nd
Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army
Division, in addition to Soldiers from
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st
BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., and from Company
A, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, which is
attached to 4th Infantry Division.
“We’re doing this to provide for the
educational welfare of the people of
Gazaliyah and the children of Al
Hudaybiyah School,” said Capt. Mark
Taum, a Honolulu native and team leader
with Co. A, 448th CA.
Education and academics is a key line
of operation civil affairs Soldiers focus
on, which helps to improve conditions for
the Iraqi people, said Taum.
“This application shows the village and
surrounding people of Bakaria that despite
combat operations, the Coalition and
(Iraqi security forces) can also enhance
the welfare of the neighborhood,” he said.
The reconstruction took around 40
days to complete and cost approximately
$62,000. It was funded by the 1-87 Inf.
commander’s emergency relief program,
which provides immediate assistance to
the populace, said Capt. Nick Armstrong,
effects coordinator, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1-87 Inf.
Soldiers from 1-87 Inf. noticed the
school was in dire need and requested
reconstruction funds for the school, said
Taum. A civil affairs team then assessed
the school and verified the need.
Local contractors were chosen for the
project, added Armstrong, “which helps
put the money in the pockets of the local
economy.”
Some of the renovations included set-
ting up the school yard and soccer field,
revamping the electric and plumbing, put-
ting in new bathrooms, tiling, painting the
exterior and interior, and repairs to the
ceiling, windows and doors, said Ghanim,
headmaster for the school, through a
translator.
The school supplies students received
were donated by the Family Readiness
Group of 1st BSTB, 1-10th Mtn. Div.,
from the unit’s home station, Fort Drum,
N.Y., said Armstrong.
One young male student pointed at his
chest and then pointed at the chest of one
of the Iraqi soldiers, telling a U.S. Soldier,
“It’s good,” before receiving his supplies.
The Iraqi soldier patted the boy on his
shoulder and returned his smile.
“It helps to show that the Iraqi army
cares about the local population, the chil-
dren, their safety and well-being,” said
Armstrong.
Such events reassure the locals and
helps gain their support in cleaning up
their neighborhoods and making them
safer, added Taum. The students represent
Iraq’s future and events like this help
reassure them of their government and
provide hope for a better tomorrow.
“I am very happy because you fix our
school and our country,” said Ali, a fourth
grader at the school, through a translator.
He also proudly held up his new school
supplies, pointing excitedly.
The children put on a loud and boister-
ous performance which included the
singing of the Iraqi national anthem for
the Soldiers, and engaged Soldiers in con-
versation, high-fives, antics, smiles and
laughter.
“Seeing and hearing the Iraqi children
sing and show their appreciation is a ben-
efit of doing these missions,” said Taum.
“Having an event where the school offi-
cials and the Iraqi army work together
sets the conditions for future humanitarian
missions and greater cooperation.”
Imeena, a teacher at the school,
expressed her thanks to the Iraqi govern-
ment and the American Soldiers, adding
that the children and teachers have more
hope for the future.
“I was very glad by what happened
today,” said Ghanim. “The neighborhood
is very pleased about the renovations done
on this school. This project will strength-
en our bonds.
“I entered education because of my
love of teaching and of the children.
Those kids will grow up and they will be
the future.”
Soldiers surprise students with free supplies
Story and photos by Spc. Rodney
Foliente, 4th Inf. Div. PAO
A boy holding his new gift salutes as the class erupts in thanks for the school supplies, which were donated by the Family Readiness Group of Brigade Special Troops
Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, after a ceremony celebrating the completion of renovations for the Al Hudaybiya Elementary School in
Bakaria of the Gazaliyah neighborhood located southwest of Baghdad April 23.
Children receive supplies, celebrate school opening with Iraqi army, MND-B Soldiers
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the U.S. 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, unload boxes of school supplies,
which were donated by the Family Readiness Group of Brigade Special Troops
Battalion, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., April 23.
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 12
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –
They are the “shadow Soldiers,” work-
ing mostly behind the scenes – a combina-
tion of police detectives, secret service
agents and forensic investigators. Their
skills include photography, writing,
reporting and a keen sense of handling
difficult and complex interpersonal rela-
tionships that rival that of any Ph.D. in
psychology – and beyond all of that, of
course, they are Soldiers first.
Their roles vary from investigating
crimes of a felonious nature committed
against Soldiers and civilians employed
on military bases, to guarding visiting
members of the Department of Defense.
Criminal Investigation Division agents
serve both in uniform and in civilian
attire, depending upon the missions.
They are sworn to uphold the law as it
affects the military and enforce it fairly
and without prejudice – and they take that
job seriously.
Soldiers of the 481st Military Police
Detachment (CID), 10th Military Police
Battalion, currently stationed in Iraq have
a varied and all-encompassing role.
On Camp Liberty, Forward Operating
Bases Falcon, Kalsu, Loyalty and
Prosperity, and the International Zone, the
small unit serves as both an investigative
and protective service. CID services on
adjacent Camp Victory falls under the
76th MP Detachment, also under the 10th
MP Bn.
Unlike their role back home in either
Germany or the U.S., the unit also investi-
gates civilian crimes as well as crimes
involving military members.
The unit is made up of roughly 15
agent-Soldiers in addition to Sgt. 1st Class
Robert Billingsley, detachment sergeant,
serving in the role of first sergeant, a chief
warrant officer-3 who serves as the spe-
cial-agent-in-charge and one full-time
vehicle mechanic.
This is a small career field, with only
about 900 CID military agents and rough-
ly 2,000 total in CID worldwide – if you
throw in civilians working at forensic lab-
oratories and related fields.
Billingsley is typical of the Soldiers in
his unit who have chosen CID as a career.
An intense and dedicated man, the native
of Banner County, Neb., said he believes
the work of the CID is a vital one to the
defense of his fellow Soldiers and his
nation. Billingsley said he realizes that
for a Soldier who steps outside the law,
the CID can be seen as a “villain,” but
simply because the individual accused of
crime is a fellow Soldier, the charge can-
not be dropped.
“The cost of not conducting the inves-
tigations is much higher,” he said. “We
create a layer of transparency so the pub-
lic can’t say to the Army ‘oh, you’re just
covering stuff up.’ That is why we exist.”
The Army’s version of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, the Soldiers do
not investigate a crime unless it is in the
felony category. Misdemeanor crimes are
investigated by MP Investigators.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Melanie
Hacker, one of two female investigators in
the unit, originally entered the Army 10
years ago as an MP, but “CID was always
my goal,” she said. Hacker recalled being
profoundly affected by a college professor
who was a CID agent and inspired her to
make law enforcement her career.
Hacker, who hails from Athens, Tenn.,
has been an agent for five years now and
is a “team leader.” She teaches and clari-
fies the CID’s role in dealing with rape
and other sexual-assault cases to students
in the Army’s new Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response Program classes
that train unit victim advocates. She also
serves as a liaison and subject-matter
expert with the newly formed Iraqi police
version of the CID and convoys weekly to
Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials to
confer on cases.
A great deal of the agent’s responsibili-
ty lies in “writing a good report,” said
Billingsley. The ability to separate fact
from fiction, then put it down on paper in
an unbiased, cohesive manner, is a big
part of the job. It has to be fair, accurate,
thorough and give the commander and
trial counsel a clear idea of what the case
is against the Soldier, reiterated Hacker.
“We are fact finders – we don’t work
for either side. On our oath, we are
‘deterred by neither fear nor prejudice,’
and we take that oath very seriously,” she
said
“Do what has to be done,” is another
tenant of the CID.Being an agent “can be
a lot of fun and very rewarding, but it is
in some ways a thankless job,” said
Hacker. “You have to view your rewards
on a personal level because you don’t
always get a ‘thank you’ from everyone.”
Agents are encouraged to take advan-
tage of the many educational opportuni-
ties afforded them. Hacker has been to
courses in child abuse prevention and
intervention, crisis negotiation, detective
service training and sexual-assault
response services.
Agents have the opportunity to become
a polygraph examiner and can apply for a
Masters degree program in forensic medi-
cine offered by George Washington
University. Opportunities also exist to
attend the prestigious FBI Academy.
Those who would like to apply to
become an agent, but do not have the req-
uisite six months of law enforcement
experience, can perform on-the-job-train-
ing with a CID unit for six months to
“evaluate and make sure that this career
field is the right thing for them,”
explained Hacker.
The CID school, conducted at Fort
Leonard Wood, Mo., is a six-week course.
A new agent serves a one-year apprentice-
ship period but is “fully credentialed as an
agent” during that time, said Hacker.
The agents investigate economic
crimes, including contract fraud, which
can take years to resolve, computer
crimes, sabotage, sex crimes, counter-drug
activities, child abuse, murder, suicide,
arson and any other of a variety of felony
matters. They attend autopsies and inter-
view countless people in the course of
their investigations.
“You have to be an approachable per-
son,” stressed Hacker, because the work
of an agent is intensely personal. “We are
all ‘Type-A’ personalities,” she laughed,
“independent thinkers.”
The “glamour side of the job” is the
opportunity agents have to guard high-
ranking Department of Defense leaders,
said Billingsley, but most is routine police
investigative work. Agents also are called
upon to give testimony at Court Martial
trials and in federal and civilian courts.
See story on qualifications and how to
become a CID agent in the next issue of
the Ivy Leaf.
Story by Sgt. 1 st Class Mary Mott
363 rd MPAD
Criminal Investigation Division agents workbehind the scenes to ‘do what has to be done’
The U.S. Army version of “Men In Black.” Sgt. 1st Class Robert Billingsley (left) originally from Banner County Nebraska,
detachment sergeant for the 481st Military Police Detachment (Criminal Investigation Division), 10th Military Police Battalion,
before a CID mission on April 28, with Special Agents Alex Alvarado, from Metairie, La., and Perry Doegah. Doegah, originally
from Accra, Ghana, is a naturalized American citizen who now calls Killeen, Texas home.
Criminal Investigation Division Agent Chief Warrant Officer 2 Melanie Hacker, a
native of Athens, Tenn., listens intently April 30 as the chief of the Al-Hurryah police
station near Baghdad describes the way he secures a crime scene. Hacker, a 10-
year Army veteran, is one of two female investigators in the 481st Military Police
Detachment (CID), 10th Military Police Battalion, and serves as a liaison with various
Iraqi police departments on their newly-formed criminal investigation and forensic
science operations. The detachment supports Multi-National Division – Baghdad,
based at Camp Liberty, among other military forces in Iraq.
page 13TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
CAMP ANACONDA, Iraq — Troops
at Logistical Support Area Anaconda now
have two 24-hour computer labs thanks to
the family of Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin,
the only Soldier still listed as captured in
the war on terror.
Maupin’s parents, Keith and Carolyn
Maupin, of Union Township, Ohio, near
Cincinnati, donated 90 computers with
Web cams to help deployed troops stay in
touch with loved ones.
The computers are now being used in
three Matt Maupin Computer labs, the
first of which opened at the Blackjack
Education Center in September.
The two newest labs are located at the
east and west Morale, Welfare and
Recreation facilities on LSA Anaconda.
“(The labs) bring Mr. and Mrs.
Maupin’s dreams to fruition,” said Staff
Sgt. Matthew Stegmann of Missouri’s
35th Area Support Group.
“Today, fulfillment is achieved by the
friends and family of Sgt. Maupin because
today Mr. and Mrs. Maupin are enabling
service members, currently stationed at
LSA Anaconda, to make communications
with friends and family members.”
Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead, the com-
mander of 3rd Corps Support Command
and LSA Anaconda, spoke at both dedica-
tions.
“With each strike of the key someone
is sending someone else a message that
‘I’m OK, I’m safe, I’m alright’ or ‘I’m not
OK and need support,’” she said.
“And we can thank Sgt. Maupin’s
mom and dad for making that happen for
a lot of soldiers in the way they wanted it
to happen for their soldier.” Halstead
added that she applauds Maupin’s parents
for “never giving up” hope. She also said
that she carries a photo of Maupin in her
notebook to remember him.
Maupin, from Batavia, Ohio, graduated
from Glen Este High School in 2001 with
a 3.85 grade-point average.
He joined the Army Reserve and was
assigned to the 724th Transportation
Company from Bartonville, Ill. Maupin
arrived in Iraq in February 2004 with the
724th in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom, where his unit’s primary mis-
sion was transporting fuel.
During phone calls home he com-
plained that the computers provided for
soldiers to e-mail family members were
inadequate.
Maupin’s combat logistics patrol came
under attack by small-arms fire near
Baghdad International Airport on April 9,
2004, the anniversary of the fall of
Baghdad.
After the attack, his official status was
listed as “whereabouts unknown.” A video
broadcast April 16, 2004 on al-Jazeera
showed Maupin alive, sitting on a floor
surrounded by armed men. His official
status then changed from “Whereabouts
Unknown” to “captured.”
Maupin’s family, community and the
Army still hope he will be found a year
and a half to two years after his capture.
He has received two promotions since his
capture, first to specialist, then to ser-
geant.
The three computer centers, with pho-
tos of Maupin on each desktop computer,
will help keep Maupin in the hearts and
prayers of troops at LSA Anaconda.
“On behalf of all the soldiers, I know
we all appreciate having these comput-
ers,” said Staff Sgt. Katharyn Mudd, a
multimedia illustrator with the 35th ASG.
Sgt. Robert Koelling, a truck driver for
the 35th ASG said, “It’s a perfect tool for
family, friends, anybody, just to let them
know you’re OK.”
On August 28, more than 250 support-
ers gathered at the American Legion Post
72 in Mount Carmel, Ohio, to support the
Maupin’s and released 504 balloons signi-
fying the number of days the now 22-
year-old Soldier had been missing since
being captured in Iraq.
At that event, Carolyn Maupin told a
reporter from The Cincinatti Enquirer that
“it doesn’t serve any purpose protesting
the war or the president. Please keep all
the troops and Matt in your prayers.”
Story by Spc. Spencer Case207th MPAD
Missing Soldier’s parents donate 90 computers to
help deployed Soldiers stay in touch with families
Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin, motor trans-
port operator, 724th Transportation
Company, was captured April 9, 2004
during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. His
parents, Keith and Carolyn, continue to
support the U.S. military, most recently
through donating 90 computers to
troops at Camp Anaconda, Iraq.
Babil farmers use democracy to voice concerns to city council
FOB KALSU, Iraq —
Farmers from the northern Babil
province met with members of
the Nahia city council April 29 at
the General Culture Center in
Iskandariyah.
Democracy was in full swing
as the local farming community
requested the meeting to discuss
ways of re-
imple-
menting a
co-op pro-
gram with
farmers’
unions
throughout
the region.
“The
unions will
act as
liaisons
between
farmers
and the
Nahia council and Ministry of
Agriculture,” said Lt. Col. James
Howard, commander, 2nd
Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division.
Members of the MOA and
Irrigation Department were on
hand to hear the concerns and
appeals of the community. The
Nahia city council represents res-
idents of Iskandariyah, Haswah,
and Hateen Apartments.
Under the previous regime,
the co-op program flourished
between farmers’ unions, allow-
ing farmers throughout southern
Iraq to resource among them-
selves and produce significant
profits, said Capt. Carlos Badillo,
information officer, 2-8 Inf. If
one farmer was low on seed and
another was in need of a com-
bine, through the farmer’s unions
they would be
able to help
each other out.
Things
changed after
the fall of the
regime, and
there is a
sense of
urgency to get
the program
up and run-
ning once
again.
“Coalition
Forces handed
out items to my villagers,” said
Sheik Emad Mohammed Tlall
Al-Gurtani. “Where was the gov-
ernment? How come they
haven’t helped yet? Our elected
leaders need to start helping their
own people before we are all out
of work.”
Farmers are not asking for
large projects from the MOA,
just long-term support, said one
sheik in attendance. Farmers
expressed a desire to the MOA to
sustain them in their quest for
newer farm equipment, a pro-
gram to spray insecticides, and
alleviating the cost of fertilizer.
“The price of fertilizer has
skyrocketed,” he said. “If we
don’t get any help, then a lot of
us will be out of business,” he
said.
The union will happen, said
Sebah Khafaji, city council presi-
dent. Groundbreaking is sched-
uled very soon for a new union
building and a new water pump
to facilitate irrigation in the area.
The local governent has been
feverishly attempting to gain the
attention of the MOA, he contin-
ued. He said he felt their pres-
ence at the meeting was a posi-
tive sign that the farmers had
been heard and soon another step
towards improving the economy
of Iskandariyah and surrounding
areas would transpire.
This was a good first step in
the process, said Howard.
Everybody is committed to
standing up the agricultural co-
ops and seeing the economy
blossom. Soon, it will become
reality.
Story and photo by
Cpl. Michael Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
“Where was the govern-ment? How come they
haven’t helped yet? Ourelected leaders need to
start helping their peoplebefore we are all out of
work.”
Sheik Emad Al-Gurtani
A local farmer talks about the price of fertilizer to members of the Nahia city council April 29 at the General
Culture Center in Iskandariyah. Farmers requested the meeting in an effort to speed-up the process of
standing up a new farmer’s union program in the area so farmers would be able to resource off of each
other and boost the economy.
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 14
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq –
Fire Station-One, one of two sta-
tions run by the fire department on
Camp Liberty, is primarily respon-
sible for protecting Multi-National
Division – Baghdad Soldiers.
To better protect MND-B Soldiers, the
department volunteered to work with
Multi-National Corps – Iraq to further the
department’s expertise in a unique setting,
the Al Faw Palace.
The firefighters of Heavy Rescue 621,
Fire Station-One, together with Engine
Company 611 of Fire Station-Two on
Camp Victory, participated in a mass-
casualty scenario organized by MNC-I.
Touted as “the MASCAL to end all
MASCALs” by palace staff, Soldiers of
MNC-I, working with Camp Liberty’s
Fire Station-One firefighters, launched the
exercise April 14 to
test the effectiveness
of policies and pro-
cedures that military
leadership had put in
place for emergency
situations.
After conducting
an internal mass-
casualty exercise in
January at the
palace, military
leaders felt the sce-
narios should be
more complex and
involve more emer-
gency responders,
said Maj. Kevin Titus, operations officer,
Special Troops Battalion, MNC-I.
“We realized we needed to go that
next step and involve the fire department,
the troop medical clinics, the military
police, and all the outside agencies that
would actually be there in a real emer-
gency,” said Titus.
Although the fire department, operated
by Wackenhut Services Inc.’s WSI Fire
and Emergency Services – Iraq, partici-
pates in military mass-casualty exercises
on a quarterly basis, the department likes
“to do different scenarios each time to test
our capabilities,” said Stan Cole, fire
chief, WSI, which encompasses Camps
Victory, Liberty, Striker, Dublin and
Cropper.
For MNC-I’s exercise, the department
was given just enough information about
the scenario “that we know what to bring,
but we don’t know all the details so we
still have to be reactive,” said Cole, a
native of Atlanta, Ga.
The exercise at the palace began with
reports that the structure had received sev-
eral direct mortar hits and suffered numer-
ous casualties. Aid and litter teams inside
the palace rushed into action, diligently
searching each floor for wounded
Soldiers. Once casualties were discovered
and treated, they were evacuated to a
nearby casualty col-
lection point.
To make the
exercise more realis-
tic, some casualties
were taken by ambu-
lance to troop med-
ical clinics, and a
few were transported
to the Mercy
Landing Zone in
preparation for med-
ical evacuation by
helicopter to the
combat support hos-
pital in Baghdad.
Adding complex-
ity to the exercise was the fire department
HR team’s evacuation of a casualty from
the palace roof. Upon receiving the report
of an injured worker on the roof, trapped
under a fallen structural beam, HR-621
climbed the ornate staircases leading to
the top of the palace.
“Those spiral staircases are very steep
and very slippery,” said Titus. “In my
mind, I was
thinking (the
firefighters)
were going to
have to carry the
casualty down
that spiral stair-
case in a litter,”
said Titus. “As
soon as we got
up there, they
were like ‘hey,
we could rappel
him off of the
roof.’”
An emer-
gency evacua-
tion using ropes
to transport a
casualty to a
safer location is
often a last
resort, saved for
an occasion simi-
lar to the Al Faw
scenario where
“the person is incapacitated and we aren’t
able to get him down the stairway or if
there’s not a stairway for him to come
down,” said Jake Myers, theater chief of
operations, WSI.
The casualty, represented by 200
pounds of rubber fire hose, was “pack-
aged” onto a litter and secured by the
four-man HR team. The litter was then
secured by a highly technical configura-
tion of ropes and carabineers in prepara-
tion for the evacuation to medical person-
nel 70 feet below. The “Strength and
Honor” HR team performed four safety
checks and prepared several “back-ups,”
ropes tied in the event other knots fail,
before preparing to lower the litter over
the edge of the palace’s 70-foot high wall.
This is the true test of the rope-rescue
system – when the full weight of the litter
is held by the knots and suspended in the
air, said Firefighter Jason Lech, of HR-
621, who calls Seattle home. “Everyone
holds their breath … ah, okay, he’s three
feet down, we’re good to go,” described
Lech.
Firefighter Jesse Walsh, hooked to the
litter by only ropes and carabineers,
swung himself off the roof and grabbed
hold of the litter. Walsh, a native of
Portland, Ore., walked the litter down the
face of the palace to waiting emergency
personnel on the ground. With their mis-
sion completed, the firefighters then set to
work untying the massive amounts of rope
required for the exercise.
This was a great opportunity for the
firefighters to familiarize themselves with
Al Faw, “the palace being a primary target
and one of our primary responsibilities as
fire protection,” said Mitchum, of
Islamorada, Fla.
“We really welcome any opportunities
to participate on any level, but especially
something as serious as this where we
really get to be reminded of the operation
and the mission we are really here for,”
said Mitchum.
The coordination between different
agencies benefited all those involved, said
Titus. In a time of emergency, “these
agencies will know each other by sight
and will have worked together before and
it will pay off.”
Soldiers, firefighters launch unique mass casualty exercise at Al Faw PalaceStory and photos by
Sgt. Kristin Kemplin
363rd MPAD
Joseph Harris (left) and Jason Lech, firefighters with Heavy
Rescue 621, secure ropes during a rope-rescue mission at Al
Faw Palace April 14. The mission was to lower a casualty from
the roof of the palace to the ground, 70 feet below.
Lt. William Mitchum (left), a native of Islamorada, Fla., and Firefighter Jesse Walsh,
of Portland, Ore., both of Heavy Rescue 621, carefully lower a litter cradling a casu-
alty, represented by 200 pounds of rubber fire hose, off the roof of Al Faw Palace
April 14. Walsh walked the litter down the 70-foot face of the building to waiting
emergency personnel on the ground.
“I was thinking (the firefight-ers) were going to have to
carry the casaulty down thesprial staircase in a litter. Assoon as we got up there, theywere like ‘hey, we could rap-
pel him off of the roof.’”Maj. Kevin Titusoperations officer,
Special Troops Battalion,Multi-National Corps – Iraq
page 15TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006 TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leaf
Fires battalion brings Easter cheer to Zafarania Girls Orphanage
BAGHDAD – An excited
group of young girls from the
Zafarania Girls Orphanage
received an extended visit from
26 Soldiers from the 4th
Battalion, 320th Field Artillery
Regiment, as well as units within
the 506th Infantry Regiment,
101st Airborne Division, April
16. The Fires battalion spon-
sored the event. The Soldiers
worked hard to get selected to
make the trip to the orphanage.
When they heard what a differ-
ence spending time with the girls
would make, the Soldiers were
ready. Donations flowed in from
the United States from churches
as well as from Soldiers’ families
and friends, and totaled more
than one-hundred boxes. Soldiers
also chipped in to add more food
and drinks.
“Spreading the love to the
girls by sharing clothes, toys and
the Easter egg hunt really made
the event special,” said Capt.
Jimmy Major, chaplain,
Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt.
“I heard about the Easter plan
for the orphanage at the chapel,”
said Lt. Col. Kim Chaney,
administrative officer,
Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 506th Inf. Regt.
“My wife, Greta, my brother
Todd’s youth group, my sister
Julia, my son’s girlfriend Cara
along with their family and
friends sent eleven boxes of
donations. Their hearts went out
to the girls at the orphanage.”
“I felt like they treated me
like their mother. It was unex-
pected that they were so com-
fortable with us as we communi-
cated mainly with signs and
facial expressions,” said Sgt.
Gloria Hernandez, human
resources specialist, HHC, 506th
Inf. Regt.
The setting included green
grass, beautiful cool weather, and
twelve young girls who live at
the orphanage. Events included
an Easter egg hunt with over 300
eggs, a wonderful meal, gift giv-
ing from the donations sent to
Iraq and even some special danc-
ing.
“It was like an oasis amidst
the poverty and desperation,”
said Chaney. The beauty of the
grounds with the lush grass and
the flowers was striking and we
all felt how precious the girls
were, he added.
The key to giving is giving to
someone who cannot give some-
thing tangible back – but these
girls did give smiles, laughter,
and shared dancing and fellow-
ship. For the Soldiers, the experi-
ence of sharing with the girls
shone in their own faces. The
Sisters who care for the girls
were very gracious and set the
tone with loving kindness.
“I realized how much we are
alike in so many ways by spend-
ing the afternoon hunting Easter
eggs with the girls,” said Spc.
Leah Bentsen, human resources
specialist, HHC, 506th Inf. Regt.
“The girls and the nuns were
so excited. They even brought us
a little bit of home by singing a
Christian song in English,” said
Spc. Charles Joseph, HHB, 4th
Bn., 320th FA Regt.
“It was a very enjoyable expe-
rience for both the girls and my
Soldiers. It was a great way for
the Soldiers to spend their Easter
if they had to be away from their
families,” said Lt. Col. Kevin
Milton, commander, 4th Bn.,
320th FA Regt.
Sgt. 1st Class Bridget Childs, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops
Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, with girls at the Zafarania orphanage for Easter, April 16.
Story and photo by
Maj. James Lowe506th Inf. Regt., PAO,
101st Abn. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After being given a
mission to reenlist more than 400 Soldiers, the
Combat Aviation Brigade Retention Office
completed its mission in late April and is now
focusing on its Fiscal Year 06-07 mission.
The team of career counselors and battalion
retention NCOs has retained a total of 469
Soldiers and secured more than $6 million in
bonus money for these Soldiers to lead the 4th
Infantry Division’s brigades in total dollars.
According to CAB Career Counselor Staff
Sgt. Roy Williams, closing out the deployment
mission is a big accomplishment for the
brigade, which received a mission that was
twice the size of its garrison mission.
“I think it’s very significant,” he said. “It
shows the hard work and dedication of the
career counselor team and the team of reten-
tion NCOs we have, to finish the mission
halfway through the fiscal year. It is a very
stellar performance.”
Williams said the brigade had a mission of
401 Soldiers, many of who reenlisted to
receive a tax-free bonus that in some cases
amounted to more than $22,000.
“Right now we’re at $6.1 million and count-
ing,” he explained. “Our Soldiers are very
happy. They’re happy with being able to do
their jobs and having extra cash when they
return home.”
He pointed out that in addition to the bonus-
es all of the Soldiers’ entitlements received
while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom 2005-07 are also tax-free. He said
that means many Soldiers could return home
with thousands of dollars in the bank.
Williams also added that the Eagle Brigade
was the division’s first major brigade to close
out its mission. He pointed out that the Special
Troops Brigade had also finished it mission,
which was significantly smaller than the
CAB’s.
“That shows the type of leadership and the
Soldiers we have,” Sgt. 1st Class Jacynthia
Hinton, the CAB’s senior career counselor
said. “It also shows the enthusiasm of the reen-
listment NCOs about completing the mission
and the drive and initiative that the career
counselors have.”
Hinton said her office is now turning its
focus to its fiscal year ‘06 and fiscal year ‘07
missions. For the Fiscal Year 2006-07 expira-
tion of term of service mission, which is sepa-
rate from the retention mission, the CAB has a
requirement of reenlisting 140 more Soldiers.
Those with ETS dates between October 1,
2005 and September 30, 2007 are targeted. It
currently needs 35 Soldiers in the FY06 ETS
category and 82 soldiers in the FY07 ETS cat-
egory for overall mission completion.
As for the bonuses, both career counselors
agreed the additional bonus of $7,500 has
ended as of April 30, but Soldiers are still eli-
gible to receive the $15,000 that they are enti-
tled to throughout the deployment.
“The $15,000 will be here until December
31, 2006 or until the Army runs out of money
to award for bonuses,” Williams said.
With retention bonuses topping $6 million for reenlistees, Combat AviationBrigade proves it can ...
Soar beyond expectations
A helicopter pilot communicates with a crew chief before taking off on a
mission April 12. AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter pilots from 4th
Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade have flown more than 13,139
hours while conducting aerial security, recon and ground-support mis-
sions since arriving in Iraq. The brigade has reenlisted 469 Soldiers since
deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in November 2005.
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers
Combat Avn. Bde. PAO
Photo by Spc. Creighton Holub, Combat Avn. Bde. PAO
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 16 TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leaf
GUIDANCE
Here’s the scoop on the health benefits of drinking coffee (and other caffeinated beverages)
For many years people
have wondered and wor-
ried about whether or not
drinking coffee could be
bad for their health. Based on
numerous studies
completed over
the last few years
scientists are now
reaching a consen-
sus that, taken in
moderation – less
than 20 ounces a
day – coffee is not
only safe, but
healthy for most
people to drink.
Here are some
considerations rel-
evant for Soldiers
that consume cof-
fee.
Hydration in Moderation.It is important to stay hydrat-
ed while exercising and drinking
coffee prior to working out will
not lead to dehydration. For
years we have assumed that
drinking caffeinated beverages
will lead to dehydration, because
caffeine can promote increased
urination. However, during exer-
cise our bodies release enough of
the hormone adrenalin to blunt
the diuretic effect of caffeine.
After exercise it would be best to
re-hydrate with non-caffeinated
beverages to assure a quicker
post-workout recovery.
The bottom line is, don’t be
concerned if you drink coffee in
moderation. Caffeinated coffee
consumption, up to three cups a
day, will not lead to any signifi-
cant levels of dehydration. To
assure good hydration status, you
must monitor how much and
how often you urinate, and check
the color of your urine. When
you are well-hydrated, urine
should come out clear or pale
yellow.
Antioxidants – Health
Food in a Cup.One of the interesting con-
cepts emerging from recent
research is that coffee can actual-
ly be thought of as a form of
“liquid health food.” This con-
cept starts to make sense if you
view it from the perspective that
coffee is derived from beans
which, in general, are usually
good for our health.
There is more to coffee than
just water and caffeine. Hundred
of compounds are leached from
the coffee beans during process-
ing. One of the compounds
found in substantial amounts is
magnesium, which may help our
bodies regulate blood sugar lev-
els. This may be why heavy cof-
fee drinkers seem much less like-
ly to develop adult-onset type
diabetes.
Other compounds found in
high amounts in coffee are
polyphenols, a
class of antioxi-
dants that may
help our bodies
fight off cancer
and other diseases.
The best sources
of these antioxi-
dants are berries
and fruits. Since
the average
American does not
consume large
quantities of fresh
fruit and vegeta-
bles, java is easily
the largest source of antioxidants
in our diet.
The Caffeine Connection.Caffeine is the most widely-
used drug in the world and its
stimulant effects account for why
coffee, tea and sodas are the
most popular beverages con-
sumed.
Caffeine enhances alertness,
concentration, and memory. It
can also enhance physical per-
formance for endurance athletes
involved in vigorous aerobic
activity lasting half an hour or
more. This is one reason why
high doses of caffeinated drinks
are banned by the International
Olympic Committee.
Caffeine is used by the main-
stream medical community to
help treat asthma and migraine
headaches, and is a component
of Anacin®, Excedrin Extra
Strength®, Midol® and
Dexatrim®. It is also the main
component of No-Doze®,
Vivarin® and various “trucker”
pills.
It is commonly used by stu-
dents cramming for tests and
over-the-road truck drivers trying
not to fall asleep at the wheel.
Some health-conscious types
even take coffee enemas so that
the caffeine can relieve constipa-
tion and help stimulate colon
cleansing.
Now caffeine is even being
embraced by the U.S. Army in
the form of “Stay Alert Caffeine
Supplement Chewing Gum.”
This is like getting a stick of Joe,
and has the caffeine equivalent
of a six-ounce cup of coffee.
However, since it is absorbed
through sublingual tissues in the
mouth, it gets caffeine into the
blood about four or five times
faster than a pill going through
the stomach and intestines. For
those that need to stay sharp dur-
ing continuous combat opera-
tions, this may be the best deliv-
ery method available to help sol-
diers stay alert and stay alive.
Caffeine use may also be ben-
eficial in preventing Type II dia-
betes, gallstones, kidney stones,
depression, Parkinson’s disease,
and other medical conditions,
though the jury is still out on
recent studies supporting these
conclusions.
The Dark Side of Coffee
Consumption.Despite the many positive
consequences of drinking coffee
in moderation, there are some
adverse effects that can occur,
especially when consumed in
excess. Too much caffeinated
coffee can make people nervous
and jittery, lead to insomnia,
panic attacks, heartburn, elevated
blood pressure and rapid or irreg-
ular heartbeats.
Caffeine is a mildly addictive
stimulant and can cause signifi-
cant withdrawal when abruptly
stopped in about 15 percent of
people who use it regularly.
Withdrawal symptoms include
headaches, fatigue and drowsi-
ness.
Used at high doses, caffeine
may contribute to miscarriage
and low birth weight babies so
women who are pregnant or try-
ing to get pregnant should
decrease their coffee and caffeine
consumption.
Unfiltered coffee may contain
cafestol, a substance that can sig-
nificantly increase blood choles-
terol levels.
The Bottom Line.Most of the negative conse-
quences of drinking caffeinated
coffee only occur when a person
drinks too much of it. The
alchemist Paracelsus got it right
when he said “the dose makes
the poison.” Too much of any-
thing, even water and vitamins,
can be dangerous.
On the other hand, drinking
coffee in moderation is perfectly
safe, and probably quite healthy
in ways we are only beginning to
understand. So if you drink caf-
feine in moderation, don’t feel
guilty. Just sit back, relax and
enjoy a nice healthy cup of Joe.
To learn more about the bene-
ficial effects of caffeine read the
2001 Institute of Medicine arti-
cle: “Caffeine for theSustainment of Mental TaskPerformance Formulations forMilitary Operations”
By Maj. Mitch
Meyers, Preventive
medicine officer,
4th Inf. Div.
So, you don’t know jack about joe?
page 17TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
UpcomingBand Events:May 16Woodwind Quintet: DeFlurreyDFAC @ 11:30 a.m.
May 19Tuba & Euphonium: DeFlurreyDFAC @ 11:30 a.m.
May 23Brass Band: Blizzard DFAC @11:30 a.m.
May 26Brass Quintet: IronhorseOasis DFAC @ 11:30 a.m.
May 30Tuba & Euphonium:IronhorseOasis DFAC @ 11:30 a.m.
SSUUNNSSUUNN MMOONNMMOONN TTUUEESSTTUUEESS WWEEDDWWEEDD TTHHUURRTTHHUURR FFRRIIFFRRII SSAATTSSAATT
Closest to the Pin
10 a.m. to noon
Mother’s Day
Texas Hold’em
@ 8 p.m.
V Corps Rock Band
performs @ 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night
@ 8 p.m.
Salsa Night
@ 8:30 p.m.
Flag Football Team
Captain’s Mtg.
@ 6 p.m.
R&B @ 8:30 p.m. Flag Football Tourney
(TBA)
Armed Forces Day
Jazz/Old
School Cards
Night @ 8:30 p.m.
Closest to the Pin
@ 10 a.m. to
noon
Chess Tourney &
Texas Hold’em
@ 8 p.m.
Ping Pong Tourney
@ 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night
@ 8 p.m.
Softball
Captain’s
Mtg. @ 6 p.m.
Spades and
Dominoes
@ 8:30 p.m.
Reggae Night
@ 8:30 p.m.
Softball Tourney
(TBA)
Closest to the Pin
@ 10 a.m. to
noon
Texas Hold’em
@ 8 p.m.
4 on 4
Volleyball Tourney
@ 7 p.m.
Eight-ball Tourney
@ 8 p.m.
Karaoke Night
@ 8 p.m.
1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199 2200
2211 2222 2233
MAY Division MWR Calendar
226622552244 2277
2288 2299 3300 3311
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –
After a week of early morning
races and other physically chal-
lenging events, the Fires
Brigade’s 324th Network
Support Company claimed top
honors in the brigade’s Iron
Gunner Desert Fitness
Competition, which took place
April 24-27.
The Soldiers were presented
the “Commander’s Cup” April
29 at a rooftop ceremony held at
the Fires Brigade’s headquarters
building.
The Soldiers of 324th NSC
claimed one of the top three
spots in three of the five events.
The four-day competition
kicked off April 24 with a torch-
lighting ceremony at Fires
Brigade headquarters. The
brigade’s best athletes on Camp
Liberty gathered to welcome
torch bearer Pfc. Katrina Wiltz,
324th NSC, the brigade’s Soldier
of the Quarter, as she presented
the flame to the top enlisted
Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj.
Gilbert Canuela.
An Army Physical Fitness
Test competition immediately
followed the opening ceremony.
Each of the brigade’s units
sent their top athletes to compete
on the course next to Z Lake.
After the push-ups, sit-ups and
run were over, Sgt. Oscar
Delgado from Headquarters and
Headquarters Battery, Fires Bde,
took top honors in the NCO
competition after muscling his
way to 88 push-ups, 81 sit-ups
and the two-mile run in 13 min-
utes, 11 seconds, earning 298
points.
Pfc. Andrew Giddens, 324th
NSC, won the junior-enlisted
competition with 75 push-ups,
91 sit-ups, and finished his two-
mile run in 13 minutes, 24 sec-
onds, earning 294 points.
As with the other events, first
place in each event earned the
team 15 points, second garnered
10 and third 5, said Sgt. 1st
Class James Herron, 324th NSC,
the event organizer.
In the next individual event, a
weightlifting competition held
April 25 at the Scorpion Morale,
Welfare and Recreation center,
Soldiers earned points for the
number of repetitions in lifting
75 percent of their body weight
and how many pull-ups they
could do.
Staff Sgt. Mark Taylor,
Company A, 589th Brigade
Support Battalion, won the NCO
competition, lifting 140 pounds
47 times and completing 19 pull-
ups.
Pfc. Julian Ming, Company
B, 589th BSB, was the winning
Soldier, lifting 145 pounds 56
times and completing 18 pull-
ups. It was the only event that
the 324th NSC Soldiers didn’t
place in.
“Our company is full of
young, energetic Soldiers, but
under the pressure of the bench
press, they didn’t fair very well,”
said 1st Sgt. Allen Braswell,
324th NSC.
The Soldiers of 324th NSC
placed second in the final three
events en route to their overall
victory.
The Iron Gunner Relay, held
April 26 in a small field near
324th NSC headquarters,
required teams of four to team
up as one team member could
buddy carry a teammate 50
meters, switch positions, and
have the remaining teammates
do the same.
After the buddy carry, all four
team members ran the 50 meters
to liter carry another teammate to
the starting point. Once there, the
four Soldiers sprints back to the
other point where two picked up
water jugs, carried them a lap,
and then passed the water jugs to
their teammates. When the water
jugs were back to their original
location, the team ran back to the
starting point and performed 10
four-person push-ups.
Sgt. Barron Rhodes, Sgt.
Fahad Jaha, Spc. Damian Wilson
and Pfc. Brandon Fowlkes, from
HHB, finished the course in 3
minutes, 21.03 seconds, claiming
first place.
Capt. Samuel Burns, 1st Sgt.
Hubert Ervin, and Pfc. Samuel
Smith, Company A, 589th
Brigade Support Battalion, took
first in the Guidon Relay, held
April 27 around Z Lake. The
team completed two miles in 12
minutes, 5 seconds. The Guidon
Relay required each unit’s first
sergeant and commander to each
run half a mile, and the third
Soldier to run a mile.
Battery A, 26th Field
Artillery, won the last event, the
Sandbag Relay, also held April
27 in the same field as the Iron
Gunner Relay. Sgt. Joseph
Massey, Spc. Michael
Constancio, Pfc. Michael Probst
and Pvt. Cody Purcell moved 20
sandbags from one pallet to
another pallet fifty meters away
in 48.89 seconds.
When all scores were totaled,
324th NSC claimed top honors
with 45 points, HHB and Co. A,
589th BSB tied for second place
with 40 points each, and Co. B,
589th BSB and Btry. A, 26th FA
tied for third with 35 points.
“Initially, the strategy was just
to show up and have fun,” said
Braswell on his team’s success-
ful venture. “As the games went
on, the points mounted and the
competitiveness grew stronger.”
Soldiers said they were glad
to have something different to
wake-up to.
“I think it’s a great break
from the daily rigors of doing
maintenance on trucks and going
on convoys,” said Probst.
The Commander’s Cup win-
ners agreed.
“It got us out of the normal
routine,” said Spc. Anthony
DeLuca, a member of 324th
NSC’s Sandbag and Iron Gunner
relay teams.
The Desert Fitness competi-
tion was part of a series. Each
month a different Fires Brigade
unit is tasked with organizing a
competition.
In the first event, held in
February, Pfc. Rachael Nadeau,
HHB, proved her knowledge of
operations and intelligence, scor-
ing highest on a test designed by
Fires Brigade S-2.
In March, Sgt. Matthew
Edmonds, HHB, and Spc. Daniel
O’Dell, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 589th
BSB, showed off their weapons’
knowledge in a competition
organized by HHB, placing first
in both the Soldier and NCO
positions.
Story and photo by
Spc. Allison Churchill
Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Support company takes top honors in competition
Pfc. Andrew Giddens, 324th Network Support Company, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, works
his way to a win in the Iron Gunners Desert Fitness Army Physical Fitness Test competition April 24
next to Z Lake. Giddens' win in the event helped spark his company to win the Commander's Cup for
the overall Desert Fitness event. Sgt. Maj. Kevin Jones, operations sergeant major, Fires Bde., count-
ed the lower enlisted competitors in the APFT.
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 18
GUIDANCE
The Reserve
Component to
Active Duty
Program is
designed to
allow enlist-
ment of mobi-
lized Army
Reserve or
Army National
Guard Soldiers
into the
Regular Army.
RC Soldiers
with less than
18 years active service may apply to trans-
fer from the RC to the RA anytime within
six months of their projected demobiliza-
tion or release from active duty date.
Additionally, soldiers who have out-
processed from the demobilization site but
are granted leave en route to their parent
unit, or who are on terminal leave, may
also apply for enlistment in the RA under
policy prior to the end date of their leave
since they have not yet been released from
active duty. Soldiers who apply at the
mobilization station will be placed on spe-
cial orders extending them on active duty
until the application is processed.
If a RC soldier is the recipient of an
enlistment or reenlistment incentive and is
in the process of fulfilling the service obli-
gation required by the incentive, the
Soldier will be notified that the unearned
incentives may be subject to statutory
recoupment on a pro-rata basis upon enlist-
ment into the RA.
Grade determination is not required for
mobilized RC Soldiers. These soldiers will
be enlisted into the RA at their current
rank. Once a Soldier enlists in the RA, the
Soldier will remain with their current
deployed unit until it redeploys to the
demobilization station, then the Soldier
will receive permanent change of station
orders to the new duty station.
The following is a list of required docu-
ments needed in the application process:
(1) RC to AC application; (2) DD Form
368; (3) copy of all mobilization orders;
(4) copy of all DD 214 (certificate of
release or discharge from Active Duty); (5)
DA Form 1059 (service school academic
evaluation report) “NCOES validation “;
(6) DA Form 705 (Army physical fitness
test scorecard) height/weight; (7) DA Form
3349 (physical profile); (8) Enlistment
Records Brief or Personnel Qualification
Record (DA Form 2-1); (9) DA Form 1506
(statement of service – for computation of
length of service for pay purposes); and
(10) most recent physical (less than five
years old).
To assist you in this process before you
contact a career counselor, please read the
most frequently asked questions. All appli-
cations will be forwarded by the Soldier
directly to Human Resources Command
via Email to [email protected] .
For further assistance contact your RC
Counselors, Master Sgt. Bass, and Sgt. 1st
Class David Porter; via e-mail at
[email protected]; or via phone at
DSN 847-2265/2352 or VoIP 242-4115.
‘RC to AC Program’: Mobilized reserve component
Soldiers can now ‘go active’ with minimum of fuss
Q: What is the term of the enlistment
for the RA?
A: The minimum is three years.
Q: What is the estimated turn-
around time for the RC to AC
process?
A: Upon receipt of the complete appli-
cation, the process takes approximate-
ly 21 days.
Q: Can the Soldier request a specif-
ic unit of assignment?
A: Soldiers will be assigned in accor-
dance with the needs of the Army.
Q: Can the Soldier remain in theater
or do they have to return to the
mobilization station for re-assign-
ment?
A: The Soldier will remain mobilized
with their reserve component unit until
that unit’s mission is complete. Once
the Soldier has cleared the demobiliza-
tion station, an assignment order will be
published with 15 days of permissive
temporary duty to clear home station
and prepare for their next duty assign-
ment.
Q: Can flagged Soldiers participate
in the RC to AC program?
A: No, the regulation states that no
favorable actions can be given to
flagged Soldiers.
Q: What happens if the Soldier does
not like the installation determined
for his or her first assignment?
A: The Soldier has the option of not
signing the enlistment contract to par-
ticipate in the RC to AC program.
Q: Can the Soldier take leave en
route to the next duty location?
A: No. The Soldier will be granted 15
days of permissive TDY which will
begin the first day after the release date
on the Soldier’s discharge order and
DD Form 214.
Q: Can the Soldier’s rank or grade
be changed if the Soldier is promot-
ed in his or her Reserve or National
Guard unit after the RC to AC con-
tact is signed?
A: No. The rank and grade the Soldier
is when the contract is signed will
remain the rank and grade the Soldier
will be on active duty.
Q: What does the Soldier need to do
after contracting in theater, so the
Soldier’s pay will not be affected?
A: Soldier will not contract in theater;
any contract signed in theater will be
null and void. Soldiers must wait until
reaching the demobilization site to sign
the enlistment contract.
Q: Can Active Guard and Reserve
Soldiers apply for the RC to AC pro-
gram?
A: No.
Master Sgt. Donna
Bass, retention
career counselor,
4th Inf. Div.
Frequently asked questions
page 19TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
CCaarrttoooonn CCoorrnneerr
“No tree has
more honor than
that under which
(the virgin) Mary,
daughter of Imran
delivered her
child.” – The
Prophet
Muhammad
At the time of
this writing, a
large multi-million
dollar Coalition
Forces-sponsored
program is under-
way to spray some 75,000 hectares of
Iraqi date palms in southern and central
Iraq in a fight against the infamous pest
known as the dubas bug. One reason that
such a large effort is being put into a sin-
gle crop is, of course, that it is the most
important cash crop in Iraq. Another is
that the date palm, botanical name
Phoenix dactylifera, has a major histori-
cal, cultural and religious significance to
the people of Iraq.
Many experts around the world – and
all Iraqis – believe the current count of
varieties, more than 400 different kinds of
date, to have originated in Mesopotamia
where evidence has been found of culti-
vated palm trees dating to 4,000 B.C.
The date palm and its fruit were
revered in several ancient cultures, but it
is the Arab culture that has always held it
in greatest esteem. The nomadic Arabs of
Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula have, for
thousands of years, depended on the date
as a principal food source because dates
are not only very nutritious, but are very
light when dry and remain edible for a
very long time; an especially valuable
characteristic for a desert-roving people.
The Queen of Sheba is said to have
taken dates with her on the journey to
meet King Solomon – a journey which,
incidentally, initiated the intense and rich-
ly rewarding trade of myrrh and frankin-
cense.
The Prophet Mohammed, who lived in
a desert village at the centre of “date cul-
ture,” conse-
crated the
fruit. They
were his
favorite food
and dates were
mentioned
many times in
the Qur’an.
According to Islamic tradition, a date
tree was said have sheltered and provided
a rich food source for Mary when she was
pregnant with Jesus and during the mirac-
ulous birth.
Muslims regard dates and milk as the
two best of all foods, al-atyabayn. This is
hardly surprising, considering the fact that
dates are rich in natural energy-giving nat-
ural sugars, phosphorus, calcium, potassi-
um, magnesium, iron, sulfur, selenium,
zinc, copper, fluoride, boron, cobalt and
manganese, as well as a number of vita-
mins, protein, and dietary fiber. It has
been said that man can live on dates and
milk alone for extended periods of time
with no ill effects.
Arabs believe that dates also have
medicinal properties effective against con-
stipation and intestinal disorders, sexual
weakness, liver ailments, fever, the com-
mon cold, and labor pain. Some Arabs
even claim that dates help drunks to
become sober (however, date liquer,
known as `Araq, is quite potent). The date
palm, including the fruit, is also used to
produce excellent animal feed, sugar and
cooking oil. The fronds and trunks are
used to weave baskets and build homes.
In fact, no part of the date palm tree goes
to waste.
During the holy month of Ramadan,
Muslims traditionally break their fast with
dried dates soaked in warm milk. In many
Arab countries, including Iraq, young men
will stand on street corners offering
passers-by dates at the time of the break-
ing of the fast
(iftar) as an
act of charity
to those who
were unfortu-
nate enough
not to be at
home at the
time.
In modern times, the date palm occu-
pies such a place of honor
among Arabs that the Saudi
Arabian Royal house of Saud
have adopted the palm tree
and crossed swords as the
symbol of their dynasty.
The date palm has adapt-
ed to areas with long, dry
summers and mild winters,
where it is dependent on man
for irrigation. It has unique
characteristics that enable it
to thrive in sand and to grow
well where water is close to
the surface without being
aquatic.
In Iraq, with its sandy
soil and abundant water,
plentiful sun and mild win-
ters, it is hardly surprising
that Iraq was once not only
the world’s largest producer
of dates, but was famed as
the producer of the world’s
finest dates as well.
In fact, most strains of the
very best of the world-
famous California dates were
imported from Iraq in the
19th and 20th centuries.
Needless to say, Iraqi date
palms are a great source of pride to the
Iraqi people.
In the 1950s, the date palm population
of Iraq was approximately 32,000,000
trees. Today the number of Iraqi date
palms is no more than 15,000,000, many
of which are afflicted with the dubas bug
and other pests, which greatly reduce their
yield.
It is very important to give the date
palm the attention it needs in order to
nurse back to health what is not only a
major economic food crop, but also an
important symbol of the Iraqi national
identity.
By Jake Lester,
Senior cultural
and political
advisor
Culture Experts
Of Dates and Dubas:The fight to preserve the
Iraqi date palm
Date clusters hang down from the crown of a tree.Image courtesy of wikipedia.com
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 20
GUIDANCE
CAMP STRIKER CHAPEL
Sunday
9 a.m. Catholic Mass
10 a.m. Contemporary Protestant
10:30 a.m. Protestant (Pad 6, Tent
410)
11:15 a.m. Traditional Protestant
4:30 p.m. Protestant
6 p.m. LDS
7 p.m. Praise Service (Gospel)
7:30 p.m. Praise and Testimony (Pad
6, Tent 410)
Monday
9 a.m. Catholic Mass
Wednesday
9 a.m. Catholic Mass
6 p.m. LDS Bible Study
7 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study (Pad 6,
Tent 410)
Thursday
5 p.m. Purpose Driven Life
7 p.m. Praise Choir Practice
Friday
9 a.m. Catholic Mass
11:15 a.m. Catholic Mass (TOC
Conference room)
Saturday
6:45 p.m. Catholic Mass (Pad 6,
Tent 410)
Daily 6:30 a.m. TOC Prayer Service
(TOC Conference room)
DIVISION CHAPEL
Sunday
9 a.m. Contemp. Protestant Worship
10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass
1 p.m. Episcopal Worship Service
3 p.m. Gospel Worship
8 p.m. Collective Protestant Worship
Monday
6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing
7 p.m. Bible Study
Tuesday
7 p.m. Bible Study
Wednesday
6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Brief
7 p.m. Bible Study
8 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous
Thursday
6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Women)
7:30 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal
Friday
12 p.m. Islamic Prayer
6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing
7 p.m. Bible Study
Saturday
7 p.m. Bible Study (Men)
8 p.m. Contemporary Protestant
Praise Band Rehearsal
WARRIOR CHAPEL
Sunday
9:15 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass
10:30 a.m. Contemporary
Protestant
12:30 p.m. Gospel Protestant
5 p.m. Latter Day Saints
7 p.m. Non Denominational
Christian
Wednesday
7 p.m. Gospel Prayer
Thursday
7 p.m. General Protestant
Friday
6:30 p.m. Wicca Circle Meeting
ENGINEER CHAPEL
Sunday
8 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass
10 a.m. Traditional Protestant
11:30 a.m. Lutheran Worship
1 p.m. Latter Day Saints
7 p.m. Traditional Protestant
Tuesday
7 p.m. Bible Study
Wednesday
7 p.m. LDS Bible Study
Thursday
7 p.m. Bible Study
Friday
9 p.m. Prayer & Praise
Saturday
10 a.m. Reunion & Suicide Brief
CAMP VICTORY CHAPEL,
BLDG 2
Sunday
9 a.m. Orthodox Liturgy
Monday
4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass
7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesday
4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mas
Wednesday
4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass
7 p.m. Men’s Gospel Fellowship
Thursday
4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass
7 p.m. Spanish Bible Study
Friday
4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass
6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service
8 p.m. Women’s Gospel Bible Study
Saturday
5 p.m. Orthodox Vespers
11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist
Religious services, AA meetings,
and mandatory R&R briefingsChaplain’s CornerThe Day of PentecostVICTORY CHAPEL SER-
VICES, BLDG 31
Sunday
7 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
Traditional Protestant Worship
10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass
noon Gospel Protestant Service
2 p.m. Mormon Worship
4 p.m. Episcopal/Lutheran
Worship
6 p.m. Contemporary Protestant
Service
Monday
10 a.m. SGM’s Meeting
1:30 p.m. Protestant Gospel
Prayer Meeting
3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and
Suicide Intervention Briefs
7 p.m. Gospel Protestant Bible
Study
Tuesday
7 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday
9:30 a.m. R&R -- Reunion and
Suicide Intervention Briefs
7 p.m. Korean Bible Study
8:30 p.m. Protestant Music
Rehearsal
Thursday
6 p.m. Roman Catholic Music
Rehearsal
6:45 p.m. Men’s ‘Purity’ Bible
Study
Friday
1 p.m. Jumu’ah (Islamic Prayer)
5 p.m. Prayer Gathering Service
6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship
Music Rehearsal
8:30 p.m. Protestant Music
Rehearsal
Saturday
9 a.m. Seventh-Day Adventist
Music Practice
11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist
3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and
Suicide Intervention Briefs
4 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal
7 p.m. Roman Catholic Music
Rehearsal
8 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass
“When the Day of Pentecosthad come, they were all togeth-er in one place. And suddenlyfrom heaven, there came asound like the rush of a violentwind, and it filled the entirehouse where they were sitting.Divided tongues, as of fire,appeared among them, and atongue rested on each of them.All of them were filled with theHoly Spirit and began to speakin other languages, as the Spiritgave them ability.” Acts 2:1-4
We, as Christians, celebrate
the birth of Jesus and all the
world pauses to celebrate
Christmas. We celebrate the
death and resurrection of Jesus
and all the world pauses to cele-
brate Easter.
However, on June 4, we will
celebrate another major festival
in the
church
year about
which very
little is ever
made men-
tion. In
fact, it does
not get the
fanfare or
the “hype”
that Christmas and Easter have
gotten throughout the years.
It is the day of Pentecost.
Have you ever seen a
“Pentecost Play,” or a
“Pentecost Pageant?” Probably
not; yet Pentecost is a major
festival in the church because it
is the celebration of the coming
of the promised Holy Spirit. It
is, in fact, the birthday of the
church. The coming of the
Holy Ghost was foretold by
several of Christ’s predecessors,
including John the Baptist and
John the Beloved.
Pentecost has its roots in the
Jewish festival year. In
Biblical times, there were three
great Jewish festivals which
every male Jew who lived with-
in 20 miles of Jerusalem was
legally bound to attend. They
were the Passover, the Pentecost
and the Feast of Tabernacles.
The name “Pentecost” is
derived from the Greek word,
“Pentecostas,” meaning 50.
Another old-time name for
Pentecost was the “Feast of
Weeks,” so called because it fell
on the fiftieth day, after a “week
of weeks,” i.e., seven times
seven equals 49; seven weeks
each having seven days, follow-
ing the celebration of the
Passover.
The Passover fell in the mid-
dle of April. Therefore,
Pentecost fell at the beginning
of June. By that time, the rainy
season was over and traveling
conditions were probably at
their best. Some scholars
believe that there may have
been up to a million people
from all over the Mediterranean
world who flocked to Jerusalem
at the time of Pentecost.
The Feast of Pentecost was
significant for two major rea-
sons.
First, it
had an
historical
signifi-
cance in
that it
commem-
orated the
giving of
the law to
Moses on Mount Sinai.
Second, it had an agricultural
significance in that at Passover,
the first portion of the grain had
been offered to God in gratitude
for the harvest, and then at
Pentecost, two loaves were
offered to God in thanks for all
the grain gathered. It was a
festival holiday in which no
work was done and the streets
of Jerusalem were filled with
people celebrating.
The Hebrew word for wind
is “ruach.” This is the same
wind or spirit of God that
moved across the face of the
deep in the beginning of cre-
ation; this is the same spirit of
God that led the Hebrew people
out of slavery in Egypt and into
the promised land. This is the
same spirit of old that spoke
through the prophets foretelling
of the Christ who would come.
This is the same spirit of God
who raised Jesus Christ from
the dead. This is the same spirit
of God that empowered those
God-fearing Jews in Jerusalem
to go forth out into the world
and to proclaim the greatness of
God.
This is the same spirit of
God that lives and works
throughout the ages in the lives
of believers everywhere. This
is the same spirit of God that
empowers us, just like the early
disciples to go out in our mis-
sion, out into the world and to
pass our faith on to others
everywhere from generation to
generation.
This same spirit of God is
alive and well today and brings
strength to the weak, gives
courage to those who are afraid,
gives light to those who live in
darkness, brings comfort to
those who grieve, gives peace
to those who are in turmoil and
gives hope to those who have
none. This same spirit of God
lives in your heart by faith. So
on the birthday of the church,
let us, as people of God, ask in
prayer that the Holy Spirit
anoint our work and our min-
istry.
NOTE: Shavuot, the pente-
costal Jewish holiday, as do the
other “Pilgrim Festivals,” rec-
ognized the partnership of har-
vest — the farmers sweat with
the Lord’s sun and water. Later
in history, Shavuot expanded its
significance as it became the
accepted day commemorating
the birth of Israel as a people.
This birthday is the day the
Ten Commandments were
received and Israel sealed its
covenant with their God.
Shavuot, is also called the Feast
of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:
10); Feast of Harvest (Exodus
23: 16); and the day of first-
fruits (Numbers 28:26).
Chaplain (Capt.)
John Sutton, Jr.
5th Engineer Battalion
“Pentecost is a major festi-val in the church, because it
is the celebration of thecoming of the promised
Holy Spirit. It is, in fact, thebirthday of the church.”
Victory Base Open Circle Meets every Friday at 6:30 p.m., Warrior Chapel, Riva Ridge.The Topic on May 19 will be “Witchcraft and the Nocturnal
Tradition” and on May 26 it will be “The Pentagram/Pentacle:What it means to us.” The group also has special monthly rituals.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VBOC_Baghdad/
page 21TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
GUIDANCE
$ Pay Attention $230th Finance Battalion
“Always There and Ready”
Central Criminal Court of Iraq.
The Central Criminal Court of Iraq hears
cases involving Iraqis or foreign nationals who
are accused of committing crimes against the
Iraqi people or Coalition Forces. Most of the
convictions are based on the testimony and
information Soldiers provide at the point of
capture. The results of some CCCI cases for
the month of April 2006 are summarized
below:
1. A Multi-National Division – Baghdad
unit captured multiple detainees September 21
who, while in their vehicle, attempted to avoid
a CF patrol. A search of their vehicle revealed
weapons, which included SA-7 systems (sur-
face-to-air missiles), a mortar bipod, 12-gauge
primer rounds and AK-47s.
The detainees were charged with, and con-
victed of, possession of illegal weapons. Each
detainee was sentenced to seven years in Iraqi
prison.
2. An MND-B unit in conjunction with the
Iraqi Army captured multiple detainees on June
15, 2005. The detainees belonged to a cell of
insurgents known for kidnapping, murder and
extortion. Money extorted from the kidnap-
pings was used to fund the operations of Al
Qaeda in Iraq. The detainees were charged
with, and convicted of, organizing and joining
an armed terrorist organization for the purpose
of stopping and delaying the laws execution,
and disturbing the national security and stabili-
ty in the country.
Each detainee received a life sentence,
which is the equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi
prison.
3. An MND-B unit captured a detainee on
December 14 during a raid on the senior leader-
ship of the Revolutionary Ghadab Brigade
associated with Al Tawhid Al Jihad. The
detainee admitted to “repairing” cars for the
RGB with full knowledge that it was a terrorist
organization, recruiting individuals for Al
Tawhid and using a forged citizenship identifi-
cation card.
The detainee was charged with, and convict-
ed of, organizing, heading, leading or joining
armed groups.
He received a life sentence, which is the
equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi prison.
4. An MND-B unit captured a detainee
October 22, 2004, after finding weapons in his
residence, which consisted of AK-47s, pistols,
9-milimeter ammunition and body armor. The
detainee was charged with, and convicted of,
possession of illegal weapons.
He was sentenced to one year in Iraqi
prison and a 50,000 dinar fine.
Iraqi Court Convictions
The EagleCash card will be landing by mid-June at the
Liberty Complex, Life Support Area Anaconda, and Camp
Speicher. Soldiers can enroll in the program and receive their
card during the bulk enrollment period scheduled for June 1-10
(see specific location enrollment schedule below).
Similar to a debit card, the EagleCash card allows the card-
holder to transfer a monetary value on the card and then, as each
transaction takes place, the value on the card is debited.
To better facilitate the enrollment process it is recommended
that Soldiers complete the EagleCash card enrollment form prior
to seeing a representative at one of the bulk enrollment sites.
Once value has been stored on the EagleCash card, it can be
used at the post exchange, post office, and local vendors located
throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan that are affiliat-
ed with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. There are no fees
or interest incurred for using this card. Another important bene-
fit of the EagleCash card is the ability to recover funds that are
stolen or lost.
If a service member loses cash, it is gone; however, with the
EagleCash card, the service member simply goes to the finance
office immediately and has the card turned off. The remaining
money on the card will then be placed on a new card. At the end
of tour you may also receive a cash refund for any value remain-
ing on your card.
Another convenience of the EagleCash card is the ability to
use a kiosk. The kiosk is an ATM-like machine that allows a
service member the ability to perform transactions on their card
24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week without having to visit the
finance office and wait in line. Using the kiosk allows a service
member to transfer value directly from the bank account of their
choice to their card. No checks or casual payments are required!
Funds can be loaded to the card or unloaded from the card into
your bank account.
Funds can also be transferred between two cards and the
kiosk can also be used to check the balance remaining on your
card.
Service members need not worry about the security of their
EagleCash card because you will have the ability to select your
own Personal Identification Number, which is entered into the
kiosk to process a transaction and can be changed at any time at
the kiosk.
The EagleCash card and the kiosk will be a convenient, sim-
ple and fast way for service members to manage their money
without the need to carry large sums of cash and without having
to wait in long lines at the finance office.
SFC Austin A. McLaughlinInternal Control NCOIC, 230th Finance Battalion
Bulk Enrollment Schedule:Jun. 1: Victory Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner
meal period).
Jun. 2: Liberty Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner
meal period).
Jun. 3 – 4: Liberty PX (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Jun. 5: Slayer Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner
meal period).
Jun. 6: Striker Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner
meal period).
Jun. 7: Café de Fleurry (during Lunch and Dinner meal
period).
Jun. 8: Riva Ridge Dining Facility (during Lunch and
Dinner meal period).
Jun. 9: 4th Inf. Div. headquarters.
Jun. 10 – 11: Victory PX (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Eagle Cash Stored Value Card
1. A Private from Company F, 3rd Battalion,
67th Armored Regiment, 506th Regimental
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division pled
guilty at a General Court-Martial April 25.
He was convicted of receiving and possess-
ing child pornography.
The military judge sentenced him to reduc-
tion to E-1, confinement for 15 months and a
bad conduct discharge.
2. A Sergeant from Company A, 4th Brigade
Support Troop Battalion, 506th Regimental
Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division pled
guilty at a Special Court-Martial April 28.
He was
convicted of
disobeying a
noncommis-
sioned offi-
cer, violating
General
Order
Number 1,
failure to report to guard mount and sleeping on
guard duty.
The military judge sentenced him to reduc-
tion to E-1 and a bad conduct discharge.
Criminal Justice Statistics
Notice: Finance offices one-day closure
All finance offices throughout the Multi-National Division
– Baghdad, Multi-National Forces – Iraq and Multi-National
Forces – West footprint will be closed May 28, in order to
upgrade to the new Deployable Disbursing System, version
2.31. Normal office hours will resume May 29. We apologize
for any inconvenience this may cause.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE O’RYAN, Iraq – When Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, had a local national truck turn over right
outside their FOB early the morning of May 4, they responded to a call for help. As they searched
through the wreckage of toilets and shower units that had spilled out of the truck, they found a
bonus -- four cases of Royal Horse Scottish whiskey. Led by 1st Lt. Michael Miller (right), Company
D, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT platoon leader, the unit smashed the bottles; behind Miller is Staff Sgt. Timothy
Schuchard, section leader, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT. 1st Lt. Miller is the son of Lt. Col. Jack Miller, provost
marshal on Victory Base Complex, one of whose major tasks is, coincidentally, to locate and destroy
illegal stores of alcohol. The senior Miller joked “we are kind of the Elliot Ness family in Iraq.”
Photo by Staff Sgt. Calvin Coates, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT, 4th ID, Section Leader
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 22
Corps of Engineers Update
SADR CITY, Iraq –
Formerly known as Saddam City,
Sadr City has always been a low-
income section of the Baghdad
area. Under the former regime,
inhabitants of the city were occasionally
punished for challenging Saddam
Hussein’s rule. The city is among the
most impoverished and neglected in the
country.
Following the war, the run-down city
of more than two million inhabitants was
in urgent need of essential services.
Broken pipes allowed both untreated
water and sewage water to inundate the
streets.
This water also seeped into the pure
water supplies through sub-standard and
leaking pipes. Many streets were unpaved
and mounds of garbage and debris were
piled up in most of the neighborhoods
within the city.
Redevelopment of the area was a part
of the terms under which former militia-
men agreed to lay down their arms and
start to rebuild.
Sadr City resident Abu Yass said there
was a lot of frustration among his fellow
city dwellers, stemming largely from bro-
ken promises by the government. He said
the inhabitants who suffered under the
iron rule of Saddam Hussein were hoping
that the ushering in of a new era would
bring both jobs and overall prosperity.
The U.S. Corps of Engineers Gulf
Region Division and its Project and
Contracting Office has played an impor-
tant role in the reconstruction efforts tak-
ing place in Sadr city.
The agency’s efforts cover all sectors
dealing with essential services, including
electricity, water, sewage, surfacing roads
with asphalt, and restoring schools and
clinics.
“Thank God,” said Yass, through a
translator. “After a period of time we
started to see our hopes getting closer and
closer to reality such as drinking water,
cleaner streets and better sewage (dispos-
al) thanks to those who participated in the
reconstruction process, including the gov-
ernment and the multi-national forces.”
“Our city has started to witness a tan-
gible change; less trash in the streets, the
sewage (situation) is improving, and the
drinking water is better than last season,”
remarked Abu Alaa.
To date, the Corps of Engineers Gulf
Region Division has completed about 27
compact water unit projects.
Each of these water units supplies
about 15,000 liters of clean drinking water
daily to the city which helps to improve
the living condition of all of its residents.
Corps of Engineers Note: The authors,
J. Anajar and M. Alubeidy, are Iraqi Local
Nationals working for the U.S. Corps of
Engineers, Gulf Region Division, Public
Affairs Office in Baghdad, Iraq. This arti-
cle was originally written as a commen-
tary for the Iraqi newspapers.
In 2005, Sadr City received fresh drinking water for the first time in more than eight years. Since that time, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers has finished many other water projects for the city.
Story by J. Anajar and M. AlubeidyGulf Region Division
U.S Army Corps of Engineers
Photo courtesy of Gulf Region Division
Sadr City residents remember broken promises of old regime,
grateful for U.S. Corps of Engineers improvements within city
Sponsored by 16th Engineer BrigadeWhen: May 20, 2006 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ironhorse Oasis Dining Facility
AAssiiaann PPaacciiffiicc HHeerriittaaggee MMoonntthh OObbsseerrvvaannccee 22000066
Road improvements near
completion in Sadr City
About 200,000 residents of the Abu
Ghraib neighborhood of Baghdad now have
electricity with the installation of more than
a mile of feeder line from a substation.
Throughout Iraq, the U.S. Corps of
Engineers has added 1,366 mega watts (each
mega watt equal to one million watts) of
capacity and increased power generation to
1,240,000 homes and improved electricity
distribution to approximately 220,000 homes
to date.
The Al Tahreer Company of Baghdad has
a $942,350 contract to repave 5,300 meters
of roadway on Shaeed, Dakhell and Abu
Thar Streets in Sadr City. The project started
Oct. 30 and is scheduled for completion
some time in May. Formerly known as
Saddam City, Sadr City has always been a
low-income section and is among the most
impoverished in the country.
200,000 in Abu Ghraib
receive electricity
Keep in mind as you
read this that the
below descriptions
are about your sun-
sign only. You have other
planets that affect you as an
individual and no two individ-
uals have the same astrologi-
cal make-up. The sun tends to
be the most obvious part of
your personality -- your con-
scious self.This column is not
meant to be taken as a serious
reflection on who you are, or
what kind of a Soldier you
are; it is a light-hearted look
at astrological sun signs for amusement purposes only.
This issue we will feature the “Earth signs.”
Taurus ( Apr. 20 – May 20). The bull. Ruled by the
planet Venus, a fixed earth sign and a material protector.
A Taurus Soldier is usually his or her “own boss,” and
much like the bull they are proud, stubborn and ready to
fight for their pasture lands. They are healthy and do
what is natural for them, and that is to protect and hold
on to their territory. Taurus Soldiers are patient and
dependable and if they commit to teaching another
Soldier a skill, they will stick with it until that Soldier
has truly learned the skill, not just skimmed the surface.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22). The virgin, ruled by
Mercury. A mutable earth sign; marked by material sensi-
bilities and is a material servant. Virgo Soldiers are
everywhere. They can perform in any military occupa-
tional specialty. They are behind the desk, knee deep in
paper work, in supply rooms, driving trucks, directing
troops at the highest levels. They never seem to stop.
Virgo Soldier can easily separate the “wheat from the
chaff” and are good at assessing the abilities and
strengths of their fellow Soldiers. They are known as
“never tiring,” and can be relied upon to get the job done.
Capricorn (Dec.. 22 – Jan. 19). The goat. A cardi-
nal earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorns are
material leaders. The Capricorn, like the goat, is the
sure-footed “never tiring” Soldier that is going to climb
to the top if for no other reason than that the top is there.
No one need feel shaky or insecure around a
Capricorn; they train themselves from birth to see and
interpret the ways of the world accurately and to appreci-
ate the times they are living in; they believe in new atti-
tudes, new possibilities … so they go into conflicts with
this in mind. In past wars, it was the Capricorn who left
the farm first to join the war effort.
Editor’s Note (Sgt. 1st Class Mary
Mott): Two of our “regular
columnists” from the 363rd
Mobile Public Affairs
Detachment, Staff Sgt. Christian Farrell,
sports writer, and Staff Sgt. Adam Troy
Navarro, better known as Uncle Troy, are
out of the loop right now and can not con-
tribute to this issue.
Standing in for both of them, with one
combined column is Sgt. Joshua John
Middleberg, broadcast journalist extraor-
dinaire. By the
way, both
Staff Sgt’s.
Farrell and
Navarro are
video guys as
well, which
may or may
not explain
some things
about their
regular
columns.
SO… here
goes, straight
from the sensi-
tive e soul of a
nice Jewish
boy from the
eastern U.S. –
and who could
possibly be
more qualified to talk sports or give
advice … I ask you?
By way of introduction, I am Sgt.
Joshua Middleberg, a broadcast journalist
(videographer) with the 363rd Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment. I produce
video news stories that you may have
seen on American Forces Network or the
Pentagon Channel.
Why do I offer this preface? Well, I’d
like to start off by explaining that I know
nothing about writing for a newspaper.
So, when the noncommissioned officer in
charge of our print journalism section
walked into our office and asked: “Who in
here is a sports fan?” I delivered a regret-
table answer: “I am.” “Good!” she said.
“Our regular sports columnist is out on a
mission, so I’ll expect a sports column
from you by close of business tomorrow.”
Ah, the perfect set up. I’ve been in the
Army for five years, this month, so I
should have known better. There’s noth-
ing to do, but drive on like a good Soldier
should. Now, when
I said: “I am a fan,”
I meant the word
“fan” in terms of
someone who sits on
the couch during the
weekend, in his box-
ers, favorite cold
beverage in hand,
watching other peo-
ple run around and
beat each other up
for my entertain-
ment. It makes me
laugh.
Nor, can I do
things like rattle off,
from memory, the
NCAA basketball
tournament champi-
ons for the last
twenty-five years.
So, what to write about? Our 1st
Sergeant suggested golf. Sorry, I know
nothing about golf except that Tiger
Woods is really good and it’s great to
watch when I’m having trouble sleeping.
Ten minutes of listening to Verne
Lundquist whisper about the “action” out
on the links and I’m out like a light.
Baseball? I like to watch it, but don’t
know enough about it. Ditto for basket-
ball, hockey and NASCAR racing. The
National Football League draft offered
some surprises when Mario Williams, out
of North Carolina State, became the first
pick and a few others went lower than
expected. Arizona might be a team to
watch in the next few years. The combi-
nation of Matt Leinhart at quarterback
with the big tight end from Georgia,
Leonard Pope, last year’s draftee, Larry
Fitzgerald out of Pittsburgh, and the
acquisition of running back, Edgerin
James from Indianapolis, may pose an
offensive challenge for the rest of the
NFL.
College Football? It is by far my
favorite sport, but this is not the season.
Besides, I begin every college football
season with the unwavering expectation
that my beloved alma mater, The
University of Georgia Bulldogs, will win
the national championship. Logic does
not play into my opinion on this matter. I
have wildly and blindly determined that
the “silver britches” will win every
national championship from next season
until, once again, the dinosaurs roam the
earth. “Go Dawgs!”
And now, we come to the second half
of what the erstwhile editor of this paper
dumped on me … the advice column.
Normally written by New York cop, Staff
Sgt. Navarro, alias Uncle Troy, who
knows how to give advice – I don’t.
What I do know is that no matter what
your military occupational specialty or
what job you are doing, while you are
here in theater you have taken on a chal-
lenge that is far greater than what most of
your fellow citizens would ever be willing
to endure. Yet, you continue to adapt and
overcome.
My biggest reward as an Army broad-
cast journalist has been the opportunity to
cover many different units, from traveling
with the band to conducting patrols with
infantry-men. I hold nothing but respect
for all of you. I send thanks to those of
you who have tolerated my camera and
questions while you’re out on mission and
I want to let all of you know that it has
been my good fortune to serve with you.
I’ve found more inspiration from you than
from any sport. So … my advice to each
and every one of you Soldiers is to keep
on doing what you are doing, because it is
right. You are incredibly brave, resilient
people, and on those days when you feel
“blue,” you need to remember that – and
know that you really ARE a hero.
page 23TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006
SPORTS
Sports Roundup with “Josh the Mensch”by Sgt. Joshua Middleberg363rd MPAD
Sports reflections and “Uncle Troy” – The full-meal extra value deal, extra condiments column
1. Bull Durham (1988).
2. Rocky (1976).
3. Raging Bull (1980).
4. Hoosiers (1986).
5. Slap Shot (1977).
6. The Natural (1984).
7. Field of Dreams (1989).
8. Caddyshack (1980).
9. The Hustler (1961).
10. The Longest Yard (1974).
11. North Dallas Forty (1979).
12. Jerry Maguire (1996).
13. Hoop Dreams (1994).
14. Breaking Away (1979).
15. White Men Can’t Jump (1992).
16. The Bad News Bears (1976).
17. Chariots of Fire (1981).
18. Brian’s Song (1971).
19. Eight Men Out (1988).
20. When We Were Kings (1996).
21. Pride of the Yankees (1942).
22. A League of Their Own (1992).
23. Bang the Drum Slowly (1973).
24. Tin Cup (1996).
25. Hurricane (1999).
26. The Color of Money (1986).
27. Rounders (1998).
28. Rocky III (1982).
29. Rocky II (1979).
30. Heaven Can Wait (1978).
– Courtesy of espn.com
ESPN’s Top 30 SportsMovies of All-Time
Uga, a white English bulldog, is the mascot
for the University of Georgia Bulldogs foot-
ball team.
The Astrology of Soldiers: What your ‘Earth sign’ says about you
By Nancy Anderson
Astrologer
Waukomis, Okla., the
Spirit of America
may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 24
FACES AND PLACES
BAGHDAD – Spc. John Ruiz, 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, waves goodbye to students at Al-Widha Primary School for boys and girls after a rib-
bon-cutting ceremony April 25. The newly renovated school has been in the Al Rasheed district since 1958 and was used as a polling site for the December elections.
Photo by Spc. Kelly Kent McDowell, 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.
Photo by Spc. Jason Thompson, 4th Inf. Div. PAO
ABOVE: CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Maj. Hugo Silva, 16th Engineer Brigade battle captain,
and an Iraqi army soldier stationed at Camp Taji, find common ground while com-
paring flat bread and tortillas during a stop at an Iraqi army bakery at Camp Taji.
Civilian bakers prepare the flat bread daily by hand and bake it in a brick oven at
the site’s bakery for the Iraqi army soldiers. Maj. Silva and other 16th Engineer
soldiers visited the base to tour previously completed and upcoming engineer
projects for the Iraqi army base and also attended the Iraqi army Engineer School
Jundi graduation April 20.
RIGHT: TARMIYAH, Iraq – A pair of Iraqi policemen patrol with Soldiers from
Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, near a marketplace along the streets of Tarmiyah April 21. The
Soldiers of Company A conduct multiple patrols through the town on a daily
basis to help reassure the local citizens that both Coalition and Iraqi Security
Forces are working together to keep Tarmiyah secure.
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tracy L. Ballog, 16th Eng. Bde PAO