well done, kfor 14!

The official magazine of Multinational Battle Group East

November 29, 2011

GUArdIAneast

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The past few months in Kosovo have been challenging and somewhat unexpected, but I would like to thank all the Soldiers of Multinational Battle Group East for their

continued stellar performance. We have a few more weeks of operations remaining and have begun the very important process of the handover / turnover, or RIP/TOA as we call it in the U.S. military.

These last few weeks will be just as important as any other aspect of our deployment. As a wise ser-geant once stated, “don’t count the days, make your days count,” so we need to do just that. We owe it to the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Wisconsin and their subordinate units to share as much information with them as we can without

“dictating” their way of doing business. In order to assist the incoming formation, I sent some of the primary staff and key leaders to Camp Atterbury, Ind., and additional staff and subordinate com-manders to the Joint Maneuver Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, to facilitate their training and as the first steps in our turnover process.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention safety. We are quickly moving into the time of year when cold weather and limited visibility will significantly impact all operations, tactical and administrative. So, continue to watch your buddy and yourself as we begin to accept additional Soldiers on Camp Bondsteel and in our operational areas.

Also, make sure to continue incorporating your

risk assessments, both administrative and tactical, as we wind down our operations and begin handing over the administrative and tactical tasks to the new command. Remember, no operation is worth the life of a Soldier, no matter how important it seems at the time.

In closing, I would like to remind each of you to routinely contact your family members and begin thinking about the reintegration or recon-nection process for each of your families. It is like anything else in life, it is a process and sometimes there are bumps in the road along the way. So, brace for those bumps and make sure you participate in the reintegration seminars in the coming days and weeks.

Again, thank you very much for all the things you have accomplished for your unit, for NATO, and your nation over the last year. Your efforts have been well worth the sacrifices!

Never Broken!

What a year it has been for Task Force Falcon and Multinational Battle Group East! I can’t express how unbeliev-ably proud I am of all of you. I hope

you share that pride in yourself, your unit and all of your accomplishments. As individuals, all of you have my deepest respect and gratitude for more than I can list. You and your families sacrificed much so that you could serve here. While mobiliz-ing, training and then executing the mission we were tasked with, you always gave one hundred percent of whatever was required. We asked you to spend as much time during this deployment work-ing on self development as mission would permit. You astounded us with the number of college credit hours completed, the fitness goals achieved and other growth objectives accomplished. We asked for a high standard of discipline, maturity, restraint, competence and professionalism and you went beyond that standard. Each Soldier was a valuable member of a great unit. Each unit was a valued partner in the great team that was Task Force Fal-con, KFOR 14. We all came together from 23 states and territories and created a Task Force that was truly greater than the sum of its parts, and fully capable of accomplishing any mission, anywhere.

There is no doubt that the mission we accom-plished while responsible for Kosovo was not the mission that we trained for. Starting in late July, you adapted to a new operational environment brought on by unrest in the north and demonstrated your true colors as professional warriors. Your agility and adaptability allowed us to accomplish new tasks that we were not resourced for. Your resil-iency and commitment allowed us to sustain a higher operational tempo than we had planned for. Your innovation and initiative was instrumen-tal in developing effective Tactics Techniques and Procedures and implementing efficiencies that will become the standard for MNBG-E for the remaining rotations.

We have two remaining challenges. The first is handing off our experience and knowledge to the Task Force that is replacing us. I have no doubt that you will give them your best and prepare them for success. The second challenge and the most impor-tant is returning home and reintegrating with our families. Those of you that have deployed before know that this is easier said than done. While you have been here you have grown tremendously. You have operated often independently, solved prob-lems that had strategic impact, been responsible for the lives of your fellow Soldiers and the people of Kosovo. While you have been away, your families

and loved ones have grown as well. For the past year they’ve been managing problems and taking care of the home front. They fixed things, managed finances, maintained family relationships, attended college or job training and a host of other things that they used to rely on you for support in the past. Reintegrating into the new “battle rhythm” and “new normal” of the fami-lies and relationships we have been away from this past year is a significant challenge. Some of you may have felt a hint of that challenge while home on leave. I urge you to exercise the same restraint and wisdom that has been the hallmark of your deployment as you return to your families. Things at home will feel different for you. Keep in mind that it feels different for your loved ones as well. Take advantage of the resources provided by your family support pro-grams. Look out for one another and continue to be available to your comrades who may need someone to talk to about the difficulties of coming home.

As we block and brace the containers and turn in equipment, we are all looking forward to the next stage in our deployments, careers and lives. I hope that you’ll look back on this experience we’ve shared together fondly and with pride. Throughout my career I’ve heard Soldiers wonder if they have

“made a difference” or if what they have sacrificed was “worth it”. There is no doubt that you have made a difference in the lives of the people of Kosovo. The honor and professionalism with which you have served Task Force Falcon has deeply touched the people here. The reputation that you have established has surpassed all expectations at all levels of command from the Balkans to the Pen-tagon. The respect you have earned from both our competitors and our allies will have an enduring impact on the future of Kosovo. Each of you contrib-uted in significant ways to our success. It has been an honor to serve with you and I would gladly do it again anywhere, any time.

Never Broken!

Commander’s Comments Command Sergeant Major Commentsby Col. Michael D. Schwartz

by Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Villesca

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We are heading back to the U.S. and demobilizing from a long year of being away. There are a lot of plans we have made throughout the past year and

many things to catch up on. As we prioritize that list, the workouts that we did previously at Camp Bondsteel somehow end up on the bottom of the list. The priorities instead are demobilization tasks, family, good food, socializing and maybe fitness. It is important to focus on our family and friends when we get home and they should be on the top of our list. However, to completely disregard the work you have put into your fitness goals would be a waste.

My recommendation is to take a break if you need to, it is well deserved. At the same time do you really want to go back to slowly seeing that pre-deployment body in the mirror? Think of all the weight you have lost! Do you want to go back to barely passing the Army Physical Fitness Test? You can still maintain the fitness goals you have reached in your daily life without missing out on life back home by using the Maintenance Mode approach. I will break down the Maintenance Mode strategy to explain what you really need to do to maintain the fitness levels.

Cardio: Cardio is a staple and you do have to keep it up, sorry but it is a must. However, you may find that to keep your current fitness level you may not need to do quite as much as you were doing at Camp Bondsteel. The recommendation is 3-5 ses-sions of cardio per week. Time spent on cardio can range from 20-60 minutes. The trick is that if you are going to have a short cardio session you need to get the heart rate elevated to get results. Go for a walk with the kids or your spouse. If you find that it is too easy then pick up the pace or pick up the kids. This will increase the demand on your body and result in an increase in your heart rate.

Resistance Training: In order to maintain burning calories while sitting around, we have to maintain our lean body mass (muscle). It is this muscle that burns all those calories when at rest. The recommendation for resistance training is three times per week. It is best to train all aspects of strength; power, strength and endurance. If you do not have enough time to do all three, best bang for your buck will be strength and endurance. It is what will make you a more combat effective Sol-dier, as well as make you feel better throughout the day. Remember to do some variety in your strength workouts to keep you coming back for more.

Core Training: Core training, can’t say enough about that! Ask any of my comrades who workout with me and they will tell you I love the core. It is the foundation of the house. You have to train it.

My recommendation is to train the core every day. With that said, I do vary what I do for core daily. For instance, one day it is a typical work-out includ-ing sit-ups, crunches, toe touches, and swimmer. The next day it is front leaning rest, front and side planks, and rear planks. Another day it is medicine ball toss, side toss, and overhead tosses. Do you need to train the core every day? The answer is no. But when you vary what you do, you are training all aspects of what the core can do for you, i.e. strength, stability, and power.

Specialty Training: Specialty training is some-thing you need to sit down and prioritize. I would say that if you are someone who isn’t an athlete in your everyday life, then you would most likely get by without specialty training. If you are active in sports or regularly engage in physically demand-ing military activities, then it isn’t an option; you have to do it. It only needs to be sprinkled into your workouts once per week or you could choose to do each one time every other week.

Those are some recommendations to maintain what you have worked so hard to achieve. Everyone understands that life happens and you just have to adjust accordingly. I believe if you continue to make fitness fun and not have the attitude of “I have to do it,” then you are more likely to continue to pursue fitness.

Also, being in good health isn’t just working out. The good food choices you made while at the din-ing facility need to continue back home. You just might have to say “no” to quite a bit of fast food restaurants and weed through the chips to get to the veggies. Stay strong in your endeavor to stay healthy, you will love yourself for it. I wish every-one the best of luck and stay safe.

Welcome back!

Fitness after re-deploymentby Capt. Jason D. Barber

Sgt. 1st Class Peter Vigil, left, instructs the Headquarters and Headquarters Company supply sergeant, Staff Sgt. Phoebe Begay while they worked to move ammunition from the former holding area to the new holding area. Vigil has spent the Kosovo Forces 14 deployment managing all the ammunition for Multinational Battle Group East and has recently completed the task of retrograding some of the local facilities.

There is a sergeant who operates as a single unit here, and he may get overlooked or go unno-

ticed. Every time a U.S. Soldier loads ammunition into a maga-zine, those bullets will someday make their way back to the Ammunition Holding Area here and this sergeant will have to safely account for and store that ammunition.

Sgt. 1st Class Peter Vigil, the Class 5 Accountability Officer here, is an ammunition special-ist who has inherited the huge task of transferring ammunition from the Basic Load Ammuni-tion Holding Area to the newly constructed AHA.

Vigil said, “Since July we’ve been busy preparing ammunition at the BLAHA for retrograde and setting up the AHA. We still have to turn in all the equipment at the BLAHA, including the com-puters and furniture.”

The movement of ammunition and the demolition and construc-tion of buildings is all part of Kosovo Force’s drive to make Camp Bondsteel more efficient

and easier to manage.

Besides being busy dealing with the shifting structures, accountability of ammunition is a tedious, confusing task which entails a lot of responsibility.

“It’s kind of confusing when you have thirty differ-ent types of ammunition with different lot numbers. You have to sort it out, and you have to account for every bul-let,” said Vigil.

Despite the burden of being accountable for all the ammunition, including train-ing ammunition, Vigil said he enjoys his job and is happy to get the hands on experience of performing his duties in a deployed environment.

Although he is surrounded by explosive material dur-ing his working hours, he said his job is to remain safe. He’s always vigilant to make sure those who visit the AHA conduct themselves in a safe manner. “I’m here to a make sure you don’t play with dynamite,” said Vigil.

So just think, before you hand off your ammunition to your supply sergeant; your bullets, and the ammunition of every other American Soldier stationed on Bondsteel, will end up being tracked or stored by Vigil or his successor.

story and photos by Spc. John A. Montoya

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Vigil secures safety signs as part of the work to set up the Ammunition Holding Area.

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Professors and art students from the Uni-versity of Pristina art department treated Soldiers at Camp Bondsteel to a world-class art exhibition Nov. 13. The event, organized

by the Association of Visual Arts in Kosovo and Lt. Col. Elaine Berkowitz, special events officer for Multinational Battle Group East, hosted works from 15 of Kosovo’s best artists in residence.

“I’ve been to galleries all over Europe,” said Sgt. Tyler Smith, part of KFOR 14 communications cell.

“I think this exhibit’s on par with a lot of what I’ve seen. It’s very well done.”

Many of the artists, such as Naim Spahiu, have in fact exhibited throughout Europe and the profes-sors have had time to fine tune the display, which debuted July 4th of this year.

“This event is an extension of our work with Soldiers earlier in the year,” said professor Xhevdet Pantina, one of artists tasked with organizing the gallery. “Exposure to the arts is essential to a well-rounded life, and we feel privileged to be able to bring excitement and something out of the ordinary to American Soldiers.”

Hajrush Fazliu, one of the senior faculty mem-bers in the university’s art department, also spoke highly of the interaction. “These paintings are from

artists all over Kosovo,” said Fazliu. “We even have an Albanian faculty member exhibiting her works here.”

Both Fazliu and Pantina agreed that art is one of the best ways to reach across cultural divides.

“The language of art is a universal language,” said Pantina. “Everyone can understand it. Even though we have to speak through a translator, even though the artists don’t necessarily understand English, the art here stirs emotions, connects the artist and observer.”

The Soldiers enjoying the exhibit made for an odd sight, with their full uniform, combat boots and multiple weapons. But their faces affirmed Pantina’s comments. Each Soldier took their time, and respectfully contemplated the paintings, pho-tographs and sculptural works.

Some found time to speak with the artists and enjoyed finding out more about their motivations and interests in producing paintings and photo-graphs.

“It’s great to host Kosovar artists, to see how they express themselves. I’m glad they were able to come and share,” said Smith, who then spent time discussing his favorite pieces with other Soldiers.

Visual exchange

Two Soldiers attached to Multinational Battle Group East take a moment to enjoy Kosovar art at an exhibition hosted on Camp Bondsteel, Nov. 13. The exhibition brought artists from all over Kosovo to show their works and helped illus-trate the cultural and artistic diversity of Kosovo to Kosovo Forces Soldiers.

story and photo by Spc. Evan V. Lane

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The U.S. State Department and NATO-led Kosovo Forces donated a fire truck to the Shtime

municipality Nov. 11. The dona-tion was a joint effort by the two organizations to supply the municipality with needed fire fighting equipment.

Bajram Gashi, the Shtime fire station chief, said the truck was needed, because the municipality only had a small fire truck, which was limited in its capability.

“Before, when we needed help putting out fires, we would call Ferizaj and Lipjan fire stations,” said Gashi. “With this truck that we received, our services for Shtime citizens will be completed. This fire truck fulfills all the requirements of responding to

fires anywhere in the municipal-ity.”

Moreover the truck helps Shtime become more indepen-dent because it no longer has to rely on other municipalities for resources.

The fire station can now put out fires in different terrain and it can tackle more severe fires, said Gashi.

The fire truck donation required a lot of time and effort, said Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence Rosales, the non-commissioned officer in charge of civil affairs.

“This was a legacy project passed on to me from Kosovo Forces 13 that they asked me to continue to follow up on with

Ahmed Ajeti from the U.S. Embas-sy’s Office of Defense Cooperation in Pristina,” he said.

Besides helping Shtime, the donation did not cost Kosovo Forces or the U.S. Embassy anything directly, said Rosales, because the truck was an older model American fire truck from a Defense Reutilization and Marketing warehouse in Livorno, Italy.

“It was just a matter of locat-ing the resources and matching them up with those in need,” said Rosales.

Gashi said his station responds to about 155 fires a year and he appreciates the donation from Kosovo Forces and the U.S. Embassy. Th

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Fire engine redEmbassy, KFOR help municipality

story and photo by Spc. John A. Montoya

A donated fire truck arrives in the Shtime municipality in Kosovo. The donation was the result of U.S. Soldiers from Kosovo Forces working in conjunction with U.S. State Department officials in Pristina to identify the need, locate the resources and navigate the bureaucratic process to help the citizens of the municipality.

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Now that the Kosovo Forces 14 rotation comes to an end here in Kosovo, it

is time to prepare for the move back home. We are returning to our friends, families, jobs, schools, homes and all that we left behind. We return as changed people with many memories, experiences and lessons learned. The lives of our families and friends have also changed during the time of this deployment. Some of these experiences have been positive and oth-ers negative. It is up to each of us to choose what we focus on as we continue the journey of life.

I have been amazed and inspired by the courageous people here who, having experienced the worst of criminal violence and oppression, dedicate their lives to bring healing, find opportunities to be thank-ful, and work to build a future with a promise and vision of peace and justice. Instead of holding on to anger over past experiences, they focus on gratitude as a way of moving forward and building a new future.

Mr. Eliezer Wiesel was born into a Jewish family in a small village in Romania. In 1944, he, his family and all the Jewish community of his small village were deported to Hitler’s con-centration camps. Many relatives and friends of his died during the Holocaust. He had every reason to live out his life as a bitter angry victim seeking revenge. Instead, guided by his faith, Mr. Wiesel authored many

books dealing with Judaism, the Holocaust, and the moral responsibility of all people to fight hatred, racism and genocide.

Mr. Wiesel states that gratitude is essential for each of us: “When a per-son doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity. A person can almost be defined by his or her attitude toward gratitude.” (Eliezer Wiesel,

“Oprah Magazine,” 2000)

Even as he wrote from prison, Saint Paul embraced gratitude for the blessings he experienced, and the friends he travelled and worked with: “I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you,” Eph: 1:16.

Paul also challenges his readers to continued spiri-tual and moral growth, but always begins and ends his letters with gratitude and blessings.

As you return to your states, make sure to embrace the gift of grati-tude and share it generously with your families and friends.

Melodie Beattie, in “The Language of Letting Go” provides a great quote on embracing thankfulness:

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

May God’s blessings of hope, peace and joy be with you, your families and friends during the Christ-mas, Hanukkah and holiday seasons.

Chaplain’s Cornerby Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Lindsay

Photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

A glimmer in his eyes, quick wit and a ready smile glowed on Sgt. Shawn Crum’s face filling the television screen during a video conference call with his fellow Det.

1, Company C., 1-169th Aviation from Johnstown, Pa. Crum’s unit is currently stationed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission Kosovo Forces 14 while Crum himself is recover-ing at home. Currently in remission and beginning follow-on care, Crum was unable to deploy with the 1-169th AVN after being diagnosed with cancer.

While the room of 24 Soldiers reminisced about memories of Crum’s antics and jovial personality, Sgt. Matthew Hessler commented that while Crum has not been present in Kosovo, he has been part of the mission. “He’s been on his deployment, fighting his own battle,” Hessler said.

When the video connection was ready for both parties, the aviators in Kosovo informed Crum they had raised over $3,500 for him through a raffle drawing. The money will be sent to Crum to support him and his family during the financially difficult time. Crum was visibly surprised upon hearing the news but quickly returned to his signa-ture joking style making light of his situation.

It was abundantly clear on the faces and through the words of the Soldiers that Crum is a member of their family. The honor of taking care of one of

their own, whenever called upon, is why they do what they do. Future plans were discussed for par-ties upon the unit’s return home, summer camping trips and barbecues. The relief and appreciation that Crum will be around to make more memories with his friends was palpable and the lighthearted teasing simply served to strengthen an already unbreakable bond.

Aviation Soldiers wave to Sgt. Shawn Crum speaking to them from Pennsylvania during a high-spirited teleconference Nov. 20.

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Soldier family like no other

Soldiers with Det. 1, Company C, 1-169th Aviation based in Johnstown, Pa., speak with one of their fellow Soldiers, Sgt. Shawn Crum via video call Nov. 20. The Soldiers are currently deployed as part of Multinational Battle Group East in support of the NATO-led peacekeeping mission Kosovo Forces 14. Crum, originally scheduled to deploy with the unit, was diagnosed with cancer and has been undergoing treatment.

story and photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

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The end is upon us; the end of the deployment that is. Now that the deployment is ending,

for many of us our thoughts return to home and all the things we have to face. Financial and legal concerns run abound once home. For those of us who invoked protections of the Ser-vicemembers Civil Relief Act, the time to begin planning a return strategy is now; re-employment rights are ever more impor-tant, credit check verification becomes a necessity and finan-cial planning is a must. I shall address each one of these in part in this final article, to help allevi-ate some concerns and to assist in the planning process.

The SCRA has allowed many service members to stay pend-ing actions ranging from divorce, landlord-tenant disputes and child support. Child support and divorces in particular raise issues. Many of us have earned more income as a result of the mobilization which oftentimes can increase one’s support obligation if a recalculation of support is requested. In order to protect against this, it is impera-tive that a service member returns to their status quo prior to any child support recalcula-tion or divorce proceeding. In other words, before any hearing try to have at least two or three paychecks from your full-time regular employer to provide as evidence that the money earned from the mobilization was an anomaly and not typical of earn-ing potential. The same strategy should be used if a divorce is in the process especially if state law allows alimony/maintenance payments.

You may also start to think about re-employment rights

when returning to your employer. Uniform Servicemembers Employment and Reemploy-ment Rights Act is key to filing grievances against any employer who may interfere with your reemployment rights upon your return from mobilization. If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and benefits that you would have earned and attained if you had not been absent due to military service or, in some cases, being assigned to a comparable job. This may include promotions as a result of seniority, returning to the same supervisory responsi-bility and earning any raises that you would have been otherwise entitled to had you been at work. If any issues arise, www.esgr.mil provides substantial information and support for employers and service members on the steps and procedures to resolving dis-putes in this area.

Besides preparing to return to employment, you should examine your finances and began to plan accordingly. Financial planning should include a thorough credit check to ensure there has been no fraudulent use of credit or use of your identity. Being outside the country for approximately a year can leave you vulnerable to identity theft especially while serving on a deployment. It is easier to correct any discrepan-cies or problems early on rather than years down the road when you are applying for a home loan, auto loan or credit. After ensuring that there has been no fraudulent use of your credit or identity, you need to now plan how your saved income should be spent.

Many young servicemmem-bers plan to use their new found wealth to buy automobiles, new

electronics, or just spend it on friends and family. I caution you to truly analyze the hidden costs associated with how you spend your new wealth. In particular, some of you may decide to pur-chase brand new automobiles or even used luxury vehicles. There are additional considerations when purchasing a car which you should be prudent about. Cars are depreciating assets which continually lose value. Depend-ing on the type of car purchased, repair and insurance costs may increase significantly. At the end of the deployment, our personal living expenses will increase and since we may not be making the same level of income, the hidden costs of the new vehicle may be more than you bargained for.

Each of our experiences on this deployment has been unique and there may be additional legal and financial concerns that you face upon your return home. If there are any issues that you need to address please feel free to contact your local Judge Advo-cate. I hope everyone has learned a little something from the Judge Advocate section on this deploy-ment. The Judge Advocate section thanks everyone for serving with us here on this deployment.

Re-Deployment Legal AdviceJAG help for going home

by Capt. Donnial Hinds

Above: Sgt. 1st Class Matt Hogsett grills turkey during the competition. Left: All three teams and the judges of the competition pose for a group photo.

A weekend of home cooking filled the South Town Fitness Center with smells of warm spices, grilled meats and cinnamon apples baking. The competition began on Satur-

day Nov. 19 with a chili cook off. Even though only two teams participated, the competition was steep with only five points separating the first and sec-ond place teams.

Following the chili cook off, on Sunday, Camp Bondsteel hosted its version of the hit television show Iron Chef. Four mystery ingredients had to be used to create an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert. The two teams from the chili cook off split into three for Sunday’s competition. The teams had to use turkey breast, pomegranate, apples and red cabbage in their dishes.

Teams Old Spice, Bunker Boyz and ATC whipped up culinary feats and tasty treats using hot plates, grills of multiple sizes, and deep fryers to share with three judges and passersby. Fresh fruit salad with pomegranate seeds, grilled red cabbage, leeks and potatoes, smoked turkey breast and multiple methods of apple fritters adorned the paper plates used to serve the dishes. The flavors, from spicy to complex to sweet caused one judge, Private 1st Class Candace Heishman, to exclaim, “What is going

on in my mouth?”

All three judges commented on the difficulty to evaluate the three teams and the caliber of food created out of the minimal resources. Lt. Col. Larry Wilbanks, a judge and Multinational Battle Group East deputy commanding officer, said, “Judging was very difficult but all the foods were excellent. I had to be very nitpicky on discriminators. They all used the four ingredients very well. I’m glad I was a judge!”

Lt. Col. Michael Martinez, MNBG E administra-tive officer and also a judge, said, “From the very beginning it was hard. The food all smelled and looked good.”

Sampling the foods brought participants back home to the flavors and freedoms of being able to create a delicious dish from multiple elements. Many of the taste testers spoke wistfully of the quickly approaching end of tour when they will be able to return home to their own kitchens and groceries. For now though, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation folks on Camp Bondsteel will continue to host the competitive events that allow citizen-soldiers and civilians stationed here to share their skills.

Competitive Culinary Creationsstory by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

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Congratulations to the teams!First Place: ATCTerry Miller, Brian Hanczyk and Jim Sewell

Second Place: Bunker BoyzSgt. 1st Class Matt Hogsett, Staff Sgt. Mike Foster and Sgt. Monica Hepker

Third Place: Old SpiceTim O’Connell, David Palmer and Staff Sgt. Sharon Lewis

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Ruiz and Robles, who acted as observers throughout the day, said that every part of the exer-cise went well. The hospital staff operated effectively and up to standards, despite having had no notice of the planned mass casu-alty event.

Both Horvath and Labandeiro noted that this was the first expo-sure to this type of multinational, hands-on training and were happy that their Soldiers had a chance to have some fun, get a little messy and practice essential skills.

By the end of the day, the KTM and KFOR soldiers involved in the exercise had a better understand-ing of everything that goes in to a medical evacuation – from first response, to communication, to definitive care – and as Horvath said, seeing all that executed properly helps everyone trust their fellow soldiers as the professionals they are. Th

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Soldiers, covered in makeup and shredded uniforms, stumbled around moaning, groaning and occasionally

laughing. Each one had put a lot of effort into getting dressed up for the occasion, and they acted their parts perfectly and with vigor. This had nothing to do with Halloween, though. Soldiers attached to the Portuguese and Hungarian contingencies of KTM, a tactical response unit, played the parts of injured Kosovo Forces soldiers during a mass casualty training scenario at Camp Bondsteel, Nov. 11.

The day was an exchange of training, beginning with medi-cal evacuation instruction for the Portuguese and Hungarians, led by Staff Sgt. Miguel Robles, Multinational Battle Group East future operations noncommis-sioned officer.

KTM soldiers learned how to call for both land and air evacua-tion, and applied their newfound knowledge in several medical evacuation scenarios that fol-lowed.

After a quick lunch, the KTM soldiers returned to their lecture hall where Robles and Sgt 1st Class Dominic Sanchez, senior battle desk noncommissioned officer, applied medical make-up called moulage to them. In total, 12 troops, including three U.S. Soldiers, dressed up as wounded.

The Kosovo weather added a level of realism to the training. The airlift originally scripted by the exercise planner, Maj. Omar Ruiz, proved impossible to accomplish due to the mix of a low cloud ceiling, turbulent winds and the chance of rain-storms at Camp Bondsteel.

Lt. Col Peter Horvath and 1st Lt. Jorge Labandeiro, the Hungarian and Portuguese con-tingencies’ respective physicians, adapted quickly and arranged with Ruiz for ground evacuation to Camp Bondsteel.

Medical staff members from the 75th Combat Support Hospi-tal were well-prepared to receive the 12 injured when they came through Camp Bondsteel’s gates, sirens blaring.

Horvath and Labandeiro transferred their soldiers to the 75th’s staff and stood watch as they continued treatment from where the first responders had left off.

The only hiccough came because of some identity confu-sion, said Labandeiro.

“Our simulated car accident involved U.S. troops,” he said. “There was some confusion at the beginning though; many of the Soldiers we brought today don’t speak English.”

The U.S. Army Combat Uni-forms Labandeiro’s soldiers wore for the exercise momentarily threw off the medical support staff. As soon as the nurses and doctors noticed the lan-guage barrier, they adapted and involved Horvath and Labandeiro as translators when necessary.

Good bedside manner pre-vailed, with Soldiers like Staff Sgt. Theresa Hopkins pantomim-ing procedures to the patients to make sure they knew what was happening to them at every step.

story and photos by Spc. Evan Lane

Dress (up) for success

Soldiers attached to the 75th Combat Support Hospital tend to Soldiers acting as casualities during an excercise on Camp Bondsteel Nov. 11. The mass casualty exercise was performed in conjunction with doctors and volunteers from the Portuguese and Hungarian units of the Kosovo Tactical Maneuver battalion, and was devised to test the emergency preparedness of medical personnel and facilities at Camp Bondsteel.

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spoke to the partnership program that has now begun with Iowa. “It is a very good beginning with Iowa,” he said. “The [course] has been bigger and greater than I expected. They are doing a very good job and also the military personnel from [Camp] Bondsteel are a great support. What is very impor-tant is the participants are very happy with the performance and the speeches and everything from the Bondsteel and from the Iowa team.”

Metaj went on to add that the KSF is a new force. The NCO corps in the KSF is based on the concept of the U.S. Army and as such, the KSF wants to take the best elements from the U.S. concept and adapt them into the KSF NCO corps.

The team of instructors, small group leaders and trainers from Iowa has years of practice teach-ing U.S. military students. Fails said that while the experience has been rewarding in many ways for the Iowa team of instructors, there have also been challenges to overcome.

“The biggest challenge is the language. We’ve got fabulous interpreters that have helped a lot. A lot of the [KSF] leadership has taken English and we’ve been able to count on some of them to communicate with. Just like anywhere though, you learn to com-municate,” Fails said. “Second one is the cultural differences. There are some nuances that are dif-ferent. They like to see stuff very specifically, very detailed.”

Even with the challenges, the Iowa team enjoyed the beginning of the fledgling partnership program

for the state and Kosovo. They also said they look forward to the growth potential between the two entities.

As for the students in the premier class, much was learned from the teachers and they are eager for additional training. Specifically, Staff Sgt. Rasim Istogu, a student, said he learned a lot during the course about the NCO support channel, tech-niques of movement, tactical operations, drill and ceremony and physical fitness. He added that the instructors were very good, very professional and clear with their teaching.

Another student, Staff Sgt. Ferki Segaqa, said he looks forward to more cooperation in the future and believes the training will help them in their military careers. They are pleased with the train-ing and excited to share their new knowledge with fellow KSF troops to enhance the service as a whole, said Istogu.

As of March, there are 65 global partnerships fostered by the National Guard State Partnership Program. The program is focused on an interna-tional affairs mission for interaction between the National Guard and foreign forces, non-governmen-tal organization and interagency partners.

One of the newest partnerships, the Iowa and Kosovo coupling has now completed its first collab-orative training event through the KSF Senior NCO course with many more opportunities on the hori-zon for the Iowa citizen-Soldiers and their partners in Kosovo.

FERIZAJ, Kosovo - Command Sgt. Maj. Rachel Fails, Iowa Regional Training Institute command sergeant major and her team of instructors spent more than two weeks in

Kosovo this November teaching the first Kosovo Security Force Senior Non-commissioned Officer Course. Iowa National Guard and Kosovo began their State Partnership Program March 2011 wherein a trade of education, best practices and cultural exchange is fostered. The Senior NCO Course for the KSF is the initial collaborative train-ing event for the partnership as well as the first course of its kind for the KSF.

Fails said as the state partner for Kosovo, Iowa is in it for the long term. “This is actually the first real big collaborative training event that we’ve done. This course was in development when the NCO leadership of Iowa visited Kosovo in September,” Fails said. “So it did a couple things for us besides give us, the state partner, information and knowl-edge of the KSF. It really is the first step in building that relationship; a personal relationship that three years, four years, five years from now we’re still going to be here and we’re going to keep building here.”

Discussions of future events include the possible inclusion of Kosovo participants in the Best War-rior competition held each spring in Iowa as well as agricultural exchange and economic ventures. For now, the skilled Iowa instructors are focused on the growth of the KSF senior enlisted personnel.

“The KSF is trying to develop their NCO support

channel,” said Fails. “It began as a concept between some of the NATO allies and the KSF to develop this course and focus on the senior NCOs in the KSF giv-ing them some additional skills, explaining how the support channel works and helping them see what their role is in it.”

The first course hosted students in the senior ranks of the young KSF. According to Command Sgt. Maj. Genc Metaj, KSF command sergeant major, the students were chosen based on their past performance, promotable status and selected by evaluation from their superiors. “The expectation of the course is to select the best candidates,” said Metaj. “The goal of the course is to identify the best candidates to work in the [NCO] support channel in the future.”

The lessons were built through a working group comprised of KSF personnel as well as U.S. Army troops stationed in Kosovo as part of the Kosovo Forces 14 rotation. The working group was led by Command Sgt. Maj. Abel Villesca, Multinational Battle Group East command sergeant major, where discussions on course content for the KSF students was agreed upon. The course was then built by KFOR14, the Iowa RTI and the senior leadership of the KSF. More than 50 students attended the initial class taught by a conglomerate of the course cre-ators utilizing experts from each element to teach their individual specialties.

Metaj was impressed by the professionalism of the U.S. Guardsmen, both those currently deployed to Kosovo and traveling from Iowa. He specifically

Iowa National Guard team conducts initial NCO course in Kosovo

The Senior NCO Course participants and instructors pose for a graduation photo, Nov. 13.

story and photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

17

It is an exciting time as one battle group settles in and takes the reins while the other’s mis-sion enters its final stages. Despite the many differences between the arriving and depart-

ing cohorts, at least one common denominator is that it is a time of transition for everyone on Camp Bondsteel.

Human beings love new challenges and novel opportunities. But, we tend to struggle during transitions. Deployment and redeployment rep-resent two profound transitional states, so we are all at risk for some unexpected turbulence. Here is what you can do to protect yourself from transi-tional stress:

• Develop a reliable and effective sup-port network: Research has shown time and time again that healthy relationships minimize emotional struggles. So, bolster this resource by sharing healthy social activities, making those simple process comments to show your apprecia-tion, and nurturing unique rituals and traditions that make your relationships genuine and meaning-ful.

• Stay fit: Exercise is more effective than medication for cases of mild to moderate stress, and it yields a slew of health benefits too, including better sleep and enhanced concentration. Don’t let fitness slip!

• Eat right: Our nutrition directly impacts our health; our health status impacts how we function and think. So, make good choices at the dining facility and at home – do not load up on fats, refined carbohydrates, or fried foods. Moderation is key.

• Sleep well: When we are sleeping well, our overall disposition is better, our problem solv-ing is better, our concentration is better … it makes it easier to make the best decisions! So, protect your sleep cycle.

• Drink in moderation if at all: Sorry new arrivals, this applies just to the KFOR14 personnel, but only AFTER your command has given you the green light! This is one where speed can kill. If you will be drinking, take it slow as your tolerance will be less, and make plans before you drink. One bad decision, like driving while intoxi-cated, can impact your life and the lives of others forever, so take it slow and be smart.

If your transition to Kosovo is a bit more of a challenge than you thought and the process con-sumes your immediate resources, call the Combat Stress Control Clinic at DSN 5978, or just drop by

- we are located in the hospital next to sick call. If you are struggling back home, call your local Vet Center or any of the military friendly organizations on the card provided to you at the redeployment brief. Most of the time just a simple redirection is all we need to get back on track!

If you have any questions, stop by or call the Combat Stress Control Clinic at DSN 5978 or DSN 3170.

Welcome KFOR15 ... God’s Speed!

Farewell KFOR14 … Job well done!

Transition Time

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

by Lt. Col. Matthew Barry

DSN: 118

Everyone can call the hotline, and the call center has resources to help you through tough times.

If you are having trouble, feel free to call. The number is accessible from all DSN phones in Eu-rope.

Remember, get good sleep, take care of yourself and take care of your battle buddies.

The KFOR mission is nearing its end for the current rotation of several contingents of Multinational Battle Group East. While units and individual personnel will soon

be returning to their home stations, it is criti-cally important that we all include safety in the plans we make for our return home. Each one of us is a vitally important member of our unit’s and our Army’s overall team. Some of the safety con-siderations we must plan for involve our off-duty activities, reintegration into home station individ-ual and collective training, and reintegration into our home lives.

The vast majority of U.S. Soldier fatalities upon returning home from deployment involves the operation of privately owned vehicles and privately owned motorcycles. Soldiers who already own or are considering the purchase of a motorcycle must ensure they are familiarized with the personal pro-tective gear requirements, such as the use of a U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots, and reflective vest. Soldiers operating a motorcycle must also complete a Basic Rider Motorcycle Safety Course or Motorcycle Refresher Training.

Soldiers must gradually reorient themselves to driving on freeways. Consider delaying your road trip until winter conditions improve and ensure your vehicle is prepared. If you do get caught in a storm, reduce your speed for conditions and increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Never drink and drive!

The U.S. Army’s Composite Risk Management process should be applied by Soldiers when engag-ing in off-duty activities. Instead of applying the elements of CRM to identify hazards and develop controls as you would in a tactical situation, use the following considerations of ADT-PTL:

• Activity – Holiday travel, hunting, skiing, home improvements, etc.

• Disruptors – Outside influences that may

impact a planned event or activity.

• Terrain & Weather – Elevation, road curves, grades, cold, ice, visibility, etc.

• People & Equipment – Soldiers, their dependents, firearms, power tools, etc.

• Time – Insufficient time becomes a matter of haste.

• Legal Considerations – Legal, regulatory, or policy considerations.

After an extended period of transitional leave, units should develop a training plan to reintegrate Soldiers that uses the crawl, walk and run methods. Applying CRM throughout individual and progres-sive unit collective training events builds combat power while controlling hazards that can lead to training accidents. We need to understand that our home situation has most likely undergone at least subtle changes. We each need to safely navigate our return to life and roles in families, in our civilian or home station military careers, and as commu-nity members. Avoid excessive use of alcohol and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Commanders must identify at-risk Soldiers and work closely with them to overcome complacency, overconfidence, and indiscipline that can result in tragic consequences both for them and for others.

Best wishes to all for a safe return home!

Re-deployment Safetyby Maj. Harvey J. Johnson

flickr.com/photos/kfor-14

facebook.com/KFOR.MNBG.East

youtube.com/kforpao

Searching for photos from the deployment or simply want to stay in touch with KFOR15? Visit the social media sites for the latest updates.

18

The deployment-long Healthy Lifestyle Pro-gram created by Col. Michael D. Schwartz, commander of Multinational Battle Group East, has reached its conclusion. Nearly

90 Soldiers enrolled in the weight loss program in April, beginning with a fitness brief and initial weigh-in.

The program, said Lt. Col. Yvonne Ivanov, the medical provider who oversaw its implementation, was geared toward sustained and healthy weight loss for Soldiers who have had difficulty keeping their weight under control in the past.

“Every Soldier who participated signed a Healthy Lifestyle memo,” said Ivanov.

The memo outlined both the rewards and stipulations of the program and indicated that Soldiers should aim for sustained, slow weight loss. A weekly weight loss goal of no more than two pounds set an achievable mark that kept Soldiers from trying crash diets and excessive exercise regimens.

After signing the memo, participants were asked to attend an introductory instructional session headed by members of the 75th Combat Sup-port Hospital. There, they discussed the basics of healthy eating and sustainable weight loss.

“We wanted Soldiers to have everything they needed to get into healthy habits,” said Ivanov.

“Being healthy is crucial for Soldiers to be able to do their work, especially for combat and line Soldiers;

they must be able to maintain a high level of fitness so that they can continue to do their jobs.”

The 47 Soldiers who successfully completed the entire program had access to many different exercise regimens, including weightlifting, cardio classes, martial arts, yoga and dance. Ivanov noted that the group options and monthly weigh-ins helped keep the troops on track.

“It’s done such good things for the Soldiers,” she said. “Now it’s not whether they’re going to work out, it’s when.”

Many of those who did not complete the com-mander’s program still achieved significant results. Some Soldiers, after achieving the weight goals they set for themselves, stopped going to weigh-ins. Others continued to work out with their friends who were still part of the Healthy Lifestyle Pro-gram. Of those who finished, 19 achieved over 20 pounds each in total weight lost. The most weight lost by one person, said Ivanov, was 38 pounds.

“I feel it’s been a success,” said Ivanov. “I see people who have lost the weight come in and shake my hand saying, ‘I feel a lot better.’ You can see it in their faces. Achievement like this makes you want to continue shooting for the next thing you can attain. Some went from not working out at all to working out three times a week, five days a week, or even twice a day.”

Ivanov said she hoped that the Healthy Lifestyle Program will be continued in years to come.

Healthy Lifestyles on Bondsteel

story by Spc. Evan V. Lane

The

End

Lt. Col. Yvonne Ivanov, right, weighs in a Soldier at the beginning of the commander’s Healthy Lifestyle Program on April 23. The Healthy Lifestyle Program concluded recently, with 47 Soldiers finishing and 19 achieving over 20 pounds of weight lost.