Marne Express - DVIDS · Maj. Donn T. Latimer ... University Dictionary says. ... The Marne...

Serving the Soldiers of Task Force Baghdad

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IED sweepspage 9

Golden childpage 5

Raven UAVspage 11

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In this week’sMarneExpress

“Mission, Soldiers, Teamwork”

Gone but not forgotten ...

4/1 Artillery remembers fallen Soldiers

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – “Moski and Farnan,Beast Platoon will never forget you,” said Sgt.1st Class David Wells, the platoon sergeant oftwo Soldiers killed in action and rememberedMarch 1.

These simple words captured the essence ofthe memorial ceremony for Spc. Jason L.Moski, a Columbia, S.C., native and Spc.Colby M. Farnan of Leavenworth, Kan., bothmembers of Beast Platoon, B Battery, 4thBattalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 3rdBrigade, 1st Armored Division.

Moski and Farnan died Feb. 25 during a dis-

mounted sweep for improvised explosivedevices, near Tarimiya, Iraq. IED sweeps aredesigned to make the roads safe and are a keypart of the mission in Iraq.

Hundreds of members of 4/1 Field Artilleryand other units lined up in formation to listen totheir leaders describe the sacrifice of two fallenbrothers-in-arms.

“Farnan and Moski took a stand,” said Lt.Col. Richard Bowyer, commander of 4/1 FieldArtillery. “They took a stand to do the rightthing every day, without fear, without hesita-tion, knowing full well the dangers they faced.”

“They represent all that is good with our

Spc. Matthew Wester100th MPAD

See GONE, page 10

1/9 FA Battlekings set up TCPs in Baghdad outskirtsSpc. Ben Brody2nd BCT

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from ABattery, 1st Battalion, 9th FieldArtillery, set up traffic control pointsaround the outskirts of Baghdad as partof an effort to stop the transit of illegalfirearms and explosives Feb. 27.

The battery is divided into four teamsthat routinely conduct such missions,but the evening of the 27th was the firsttime all four patrolled simultaneously.

“Our primary mission tonight is todisrupt (insurgent) activity and providesafer neighborhoods in the area,” said

1st Lt. Emory Hayes, A Btry. platoonleader. “This area is somewhat of ahotbed of activity – it’s very importantthat we maintain a strong presencehere.”

Each team traveled in humvees andField Artillery Support Vehicles, whichare large, tracked vehicles designed tofollow Paladin howitzers into battle.

As the 1/9 vehicles blocked off onerural road, a line of cars slowed to a haltunder the direction of troops on theground.

One by one, the artillerymensearched approaching vehicles, and withthe help of an interpreter, interviewed

the drivers.After an hour or so, the Soldiers

moved to a different location and set upanother TCP.

The second location was much moresecretive, set up on a dark desolate road.

Troops turned off all their lights,except for someone holding a flashlightto signal approaching vehicles.

One driver was motioned to continuethrough the checkpoint, but stopped andtold the interpreter he had informationon insurgent activity in the area.Soldiers took a statement from the man

See TCPs, page 4

Sgt. Kevin Bromley(Left to right) Maj. Gen.William Webster, Brig. GensKarl Horst, Mark O'Neill andRonald Chastain, andCommand Sgt. Maj. WilliamGrant pay their last respects.

JCS chairman visits LibertyCAMP LIBERTY, Iraq —

Air Force Gen. Richard B.Myers, chairman of the JointChiefs of Staff, paid a visit toMulti-National Division –

Baghdad headquarters andSoldiers here March 14.

With Myers were Lt. Gen.Walter L. Sharp, DJ-5, PaulW. Hanley, STRATCOMdirector, and Col. RodneyAnderson, executive officer.

In attendance from the

division’s command groupwere Maj. Gen. William G.Webster Jr., Task ForceBaghdad commanding gener-al; Col. Larry Burch, Chief ofStaff; Col. William Hudson,Staff Judge Advocate; Col.Robert Grymes, effects coor-

dinator; Lt. Col. RonaldFrost, personnel officer incharge; Lt. Col. RobertTaylor, security officer incharge; Lt. Col. JonathanCharlton; operations and

Spc. Emily J. WilsoncroftAssociate Editor

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Spc. Emily. J. WilsoncroftAir Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, watches a demonstration put on by a member of 36th EngineerGroup during his visit to Camp Liberty March 14. Myers also re-enlisted three 3rd Inf. Div. Soldiers while he was here.

See JCS, page 10

Volume 2, Issue 3 March 27, 2005

Task Force Baghdad Public Affairs OfficeCommanding General: Maj. Gen. William G. WebsterPublic Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Clifford C. Kent100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Cmdr.:Maj. Donn T. LatimerPublic Affairs Supervisor: Master Sgt. Greg Kaufman1st Sgt. 100th MPAD: 1st Sgt. Anna M. Wagner

The Marne Express StaffEditor: Sgt. 1st Class Brenda BennerAssociate Editor: Spc. Emily J. WilsoncroftLayout and Design: Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, Pfc.Ricardo Branch

Staff Writers: Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick, Sgt. 1stClass David Abrams, Staff Sgt. Ken Walker, Staff Sgt.Michelle Helms-Dodge, Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper, Sgt.Thomas Benoit, Sgt. Andrew Miller, Sgt. Kevin Bromley,Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, Spc. Natalie Loucks, Spc. BenBrody, Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr., Spc. Jennifer Fitts, Spc.Derek DelRosario, Spc. Chrstopher Foster, Spc. BrianHenretta, Spc. Erin Robicheaux, Spc. Brian Schroeder,Spc. Matthew Wester, Pfc. Daniel Balda, Pfc. RicardoBranch, Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin, Pfc. Mike Pryor.

The Marne Express is an authorized publication formembers of the U.S. Army. Contents of The MarneExpress are not necessarily official views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department ofDefense, Department of the Army or the 3rd InfantryDivision. All editorial content of The Marne Express isprepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rdInfantry Division Public Affairs Office.

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Op/Ed The Marne Express, March 27, 2005

The Wordon the Street

Who do you consider anunsung hero, and why?

"My dad, because hesupports me in all I

do, and my mom,because she pushes

me to strive formore."

Spc. Deidra P. NerveHHSC, STB

Franklin, La.

"The staff of MaximMagazine, because

they do so much forus."

Pfc. Joseph F.MacLachlan

92nd Chem. Co.Ringwood, N.J.

"My five brothers,they keep me goingand the reason Iwake up and want toget back home."

Spc. Devin B. Richter1/156 Armor Bn.Shreveport, La.

"My mother,because she moldedmy brother and I intowho we are today."

Sgt. Erin M. Debaun92nd Eng. Bn.Orlando, Fla.

"My entire family;they instilled mybeliefs and the lovefor my country."

Spc. Michael D. RileyHHOC, STBCincinnati, Ohio

Nasty weather can yield pleasant diversions

This is my first time overhere in the wild brown yonder,and although it’s unusual forme to develop preconceivednotions about any monumen-tal experience I’m about toundertake, I have to admit thatI did have a few rather vividones about this place.

NONE OF THEM involvedrain.

Correct me if I’m wrong,but isn’t the word “desert”defined as “a dry, barren, oftensandy region that can naturallysupport little or no vegeta-tion”?

Well, that’s what myWebster’s New RiversideUniversity Dictionary says.

And I can tell you that not asingle word in that definitionrefers me to such key terms as“wetland,” “sludge-lined sink-hole” or “hell.”

Which it should have, see-ing as how all of those termscould have been applied tothis place for at least threeconsecutive days of the threeweeks I’ve spent here.

But, in keeping with mybright, optimistic (coughsar-casticcough) way, I spentthose days NOT wallowing inweather-induced depression,NOT stomping around emit-ting frustrated, growling,grunting, generally unpleasantnoises, and NOT consideringthe many ways I seemed toresemble the Swamp Thing

more andmore as eachmoment passed.

What did I doinstead?

Why, I came upwith fun things todo in the mud, ofcourse!

I mean, we mightas well be preparedfor the next freakrain/hailstorm thatcomes around,right?

Now, before you all startrecalling your favorite mud-related activities and beginlining up to lecture me onGeneral Order Number Two,keep in mind that these sug-gestions are ALL tasteful,modest and entirely void ofnudity.

I’ve lost you, haven’t I?No matter. I have enough confidence

in myself and my brilliantimagination to continue on myown:• Underwater VolleyMudball:I’m sure we all observed thevolleyball courts fully sub-merged behind Pad 17. Whynot just make the ball itself outof mud (since a regular onewould soon be covered in itanyway) and try to swim up tothe net and spike that baby?Nobody’s nose would get bro-ken, that’s for sure.• Mudslinging: Since most ofus have already done this inthe figurative sense, let’s justmake it more literal. Instead

of goingout of your way tospeak badly ofsomeone, simplypick up a handful ofmud and launch itemphatically at thesource of your anger.This is much morefulfilling than throw-ing harsh wordscould ever be, andscarring emotionaleffects would be

replaced with the much moreeasily-laundered effect of adirty uniform.• Mud Wading: Everybody’sdoing this inadvertently whilewalking from place to place,so it makes sense to just turn itinto a premeditated pastime.All you have to do is seek outthe deepest, vilest mud pud-dles and bound joyfully intothem, possibly emittingshrieks of joy while doing so.After emerging from themuck, give everyone you meeta loving hug, thereby spread-ing the merriment to thosearound you.• Mud Bathing: Lots of peo-ple in other countries paygood money to lounge in pilesof sludge … we can do it herefor free! So go ahead, find acomfy spot, slap some cucum-bers over your eyes and settlein for a day of spa-qualitytreatment.• Shoe-Scavenging: I’m sureI’m not the only one who’snoticed an abundance ofdivorced flip-flops basking inthe sun, having been abandonedby previous owners who obvi-ously deemed them a burdenwhile trudging through theslime. I prefer to look at themas “free footwear,” which couldbe quite useful as soon as Ibecome that desperate.

There, you see, there are awhole bunch of entertainingthings to do in the mud thatwon’t result in an Article 15!

Go ahead, give ‘em a shot.If you need me, I’ll be in

my mud bath ... trying onshoes.

CommentarySpc. Emily J. WilsoncroftAssociate Editor

Pfc. Ricardo BranchPfc. Juan Cardenas, a medic in Headquarters andHeadquarters Support Company, 3rd Inf. Div., tightensthe valve on an oxygen tank in the division medical aidstation at Camp Liberty.

UU nn ss uu nn gg hh ee rr oo .. .. ..Today’s shout out goes to the 3rd Infantry

Division’s medical staff. This is the finest group of consummate profes-

sionals ever assembled. Their sincere concern for thephysical and mental well-being of our MarneBrothers and Sisters is unmatched.

You have coordinated and executed the supplyingofof the Israeli Bandages, combat application tourni-quets and other medical supplies that tremendouslyincrease our Soldiers confidence in respect to med-ical care.

Thanks again for your commitment.“Rock of the Marne.”“Striving to Reach the Mark.”

Jake LesterWhy not make your local motor pool a local swimming pool?

Command Sgt. Maj. William M. Grant3rd Inf. Div. Command Sergeant Major

The Marne Express, March 27, 2005

4th BCT to build on 1st Cav.’s hard workPfc. Dan Balda4th BCT

FOB PROSPERITY, Iraq – 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 1st Calvary Division, passed responsibilityfor the International Zone to 4th Brigade CombatTeam, 3rd Infantry Division March 4.

“We have worked together to ensure that 4thBrigade will continue and complete all the projectsthat the 3rd Brigade started,” said Col. John M.Murray, 3rd BCT commander. “(4th BCT) willcontinue to work with the local governments ofKarkh and Karadah to identify new projects to helpthe Iraqi people.”

The Kenton, Ohio, native also said 4th BCT willcontinue setting the conditions for Iraq’s govern-ment to fully establish itself.

Maj. Ross Coffman, 4th Bde. operations officer,said this will be accomplished by using a trainingmethodology in which the unit works with the Iraqisecurity services to share information and training.The goal is to transition to the security forcesdoing most of the work while 4th BCT provides asupporting role.

“This will ensure that no matter where you arein the country, the Iraqi populous knows that it isthe Iraqis, not the Americans, doing the yeoman’swork, day to day to make this country safe,”Coffman said.

The BCT has replaced 5th Brigade CombatTeam and 3rd Brigade Combat Team. It will beresponsible for the area south of the IZ from theTigris River to Baghdad International Airport toinclude the IZ, the seat of government power,Coffman said.

There are two reasons 4th BCT will be able tomaintain responsibility over such a large area,according to Coffman.

“The first reason we can take over for two BCTsis the two brigades have done such a good job withthe Iraqi security forces,” he said. “They have real-ly laid the groundwork for this with their workwith the Iraqi security forces. This allows us tohave fewer Soldiers on the ground.”

“The other reason is due to the reorganizationand the capabilities of the brigade allow us to oper-ate over a larger battle space and that’s mainlybecause we have increased the capabilities at thebrigade and battalion level,” the Williamsburg, Va.,native continued. “This allows us to do multipleoperations simultaneously, thereby increasing thelevel of safety in our AO.”

Besides the obvious security-minded matters,there are other goals 4th Brigade will worktowards.

“We will support the Iraqi forces during the con-stitutional referendum and constitutional elec-tions,” said Col. Edward Cardon, brigade com-mander. “We are working towards the day wherethere will be no Multi-National Forces in Baghdad.This is why the training of the Iraqi Army is soimportant.”

He continued, “What we are trying to build, theterrorists are trying to destroy. We are not workingagainst time, we are working with the level of pro-ficiency of the Iraqi battalions. Whether that istomorrow or six months from now, when they areready, they will assume responsibility.”

The Vanguard Brigade will also continue where1st Cav. left off, helping to raise the quality of lifefor the Iraqi people.

“1st Cav. has done a tremendous job in helping

the Iraqi people,” Murray said.More than $90 million has been designated for

the improvement of essential services, such assewers, fresh water delivery, electrical distributionand solid waste management along with numerousother projects.

“Altogether these projects alone brought basicinfrastructure necessities to more than 200,000people in Karkh, Karadah and Zafaraniya andemployed thousands of Iraqis from the neighbor-hoods where the projects were done,” Murray said.

Among the myriad of military operations con-ducted with the Iraqi security forces, Murray saidhe is extremely proud of watching the 302nd IraqiArmy Battalion develop from conducting squad-level operations to battalion operations.

“Now as a part of the 40th Iraqi Army Brigadethey are conducting fully independent operationsand are completely responsible for the security inmany areas of the Karkh district,” Murray said.

Of all the significant events Murray was privyto, he said he is most proud of the Jan. 30 elections.

“These were the first free, democratic electionsin this country in over 50 years,” Murray said.“Seeing normal Iraqi citizens, being protected byIraqi Security Forces, heading to the polling sta-tions, voting and waving their ink stained fingersdespite terrorist threats was the most awe-inspiringmoment of my deployment here.”

“I am profoundly grateful that my Soldiers and I

were here to share and contribute what we could toaccomplish one of the most historic moments inthis proud country’s history,” he added.

Coffman believes the job set before theVanguards will be that much easier, thanks to theunit they are replacing.

“The 1st Cav. Division has made this transferreally simple; they have really set us up for suc-cess,” Coffman said. “It’s a difficult task, but dueto the great communication between the two units.We are undoubtedly trained, capable and ready toaccomplish this mission.”

Pfc. Dan BaldaCol. John M. Murray, the commander of 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div., shakes hands with Col. Edward Cardon, thecommander of 4th Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div., to symbolize the transition of authority after the ceremony March 4.

Army Secretary Harvey visits Camp Liberty Soldiers

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq —Soldiers of Task Force Baghdadwelcomed a distinguished guestfor breakfast March 18 at theTiger Den Dining Facility.

Secretary of the Army,Honorable Francis Harvey, vis-ited with the troops to hear theirexperiences.

Spc. Jon Vandebogert, of BBattery, 126th Field Artillery,which is attached to the 256thBrigade Combat Team, waschosen by his leadership andpeers to represent them for theevent. Vandebogert, one of fourSoldiers chosen, said that dur-ing his one-on-one conversa-tion with Harvey, he was madeto feel that he was an importantpart of the global war on terror-

ism. “He was very interested in

my civilian life and asked me alot of questions. When he real-ized that I was a NationalGuard Soldier, he told me he’snoticed that the Army is trulybecoming an Army of one, andthat a lot of National Guardtroops are serving in Iraq andAfghanistan,” Vandebogertsaid.

Harvey later recalled a real-ization he recently had whileattending a briefing inAfghanistan with the 76thBrigade, who is in charge oftraining the Afghan NationalArmy.

“In the middle of the brief-ing, I suddenly realized that itwas a National Guard unit andthere was no difference in theorganization, the dedication, orthe commitment,” he said.

He went on to complimentthe contributions of theNational Guard and Reserveunits involved in the war on ter-ror by saying that all Soldiers,active duty or otherwise, realize

that they are a part of some-thing important and that theyare spreading democracy andfreedom. He mentioned that hehas also heard talk from Guardand Reserve Soldiers of makinga permanent transition to activeduty.

The Secretary of the Armypraised the troops for whatthey’ve done to help the Iraqipeople in rebuilding theirhomes, rebuilding their securityforce, and rebuilding their gov-ernment. He enlightenedSoldiers on the big pictureregarding the projects they’veparticipated in and how themomentum is picking up. Themilitary, and security overall, inthe country of Iraq has grownsignificantly due to the pres-ence of Multi-National Forces,according to Harvey. Forexample, 150,000 Iraqi troopsare trained, equipped, andorganized into 96 battalions,with a projected 50,000 prepar-ing for training. The goal is tohave 300,000 security person-nel, and Harvey attributes this

to the teamwork of Iraq and theUnited States.

“We’re starting along thatline of doing it together andeventually, they will do it alone,and this is just tremendousprogress in the area of securityand stability,” he said.

In addition, the Iraqigovernment has seen great suc-cess, according to Harvey, firstwith the elections, and recently,with the first meeting of theIraqi Interim NationalAssembly.

Following the breakfast,Harvey viewed a demonstrationby the 612th EngineerBattalion. of the 36th Eng.Group on the Buffalo, aminesweeping vehicle that isthe latest technology for effec-tively recognizing improvisedexplosive devices.

Following the demonstra-tion, Harvey told the Soldiers,“if I were an insurgent, I’d bereally discouraged; I have twowords to describe what I haveseen in the last day: solidprogress.”

Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT

“The 1st Cav. Division has madethis transfer really simple; theyhave really set us up for suc-cess.”

Maj. Ross Coffman4th BCT operations commander

Spc. Erin RobicheauxSpc. Jon Vandebogert, B Btry., 126th FA, talks to the HonorableFrancis Harvey, as Harvey inquires about his life over breakfast.

and sent him on his way.“We search cars, houses, people –

we’re looking at everything whenwe’re out on patrol,” said Spc.Jonathan Mardis, A Btry., cannoncrewmember. “A lot of times peoplegive us information that we followup on.”

As the artillerymen perform mis-sions more in line with infantry ormilitary police tasks, Mardis, fromAtlanta, Ga., said his battery hasundergone a lot of different trainingto prepare them for Iraq.

Like most artillerymen in Iraqright now, Mardis said he misses hisPaladin, but is quickly learning hisnew role.

A chorus of chirping frogs andhowling dogs was silenced by aspeeding car racing toward the TCP.

The Soldiers shouted, wavedflashlights and finally fired a warn-ing shot, at which point the driverslammed on his brakes and stopped.

Five somewhat inebriated menemerged from the sedan, andappeared relieved to be alive afternearly running through the TCP.

The artillerymen questionedthem, removed and dumped the openbeers and told them to drive homecarefully.

“It’s my main priority to keep mySoldiers safe,” said Sgt. AnthonyBrown, A Btry. gunner.“Communication is everything outhere. Keeping (everyone) safemeans keeping them informed.

“If they’re not informed, theywon’t know what’s going on or whatto expect,” he said.

Brown, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa.and a veteran of OIF 1, said hethinks Soldiers have to be even morevigilant now than in 2003.

The patrolling troops againmoved to set up another check-point, where they intended toenforce the curfew in effect in thatarea.

Only one vehicle was foundbreaking curfew, and after search-ing it, Soldiers sent the individualson their way home.

“The locals’ response to ourpresence varies a lot from place toplace,” Hayes said. “The poorerareas are mainly Shia, who are gen-erally favorable to us. In the morewell-to-do areas, the Sunni areas,we usually get a much less friendlywelcome.”

“The most important thing onthese missions is to present a hardtarget and never form routines,” headded. “That’s the key to keeping(them) one step behind.”


TCPs, continued from page 1

Above: Soldiers from A Btry., 1/9 FA, and an interpreter speak with motoristsstopped at a traffic control point in Baghdad.Left: Spc. Joel De Leon, A Btry., 1/9 FA fire direction coordinator, attachesthe barrel of a .50-caliber machine gun before leaving on a patrol from CampPatriot, Iraq, Feb. 27.

Photos by Spc. Ben BrodySoldiers from A Btry., 1/9 FA, inspectdocuments and money found on aman stopped at a traffic control point.

Spc. Matthew Maupin “I will not leave a fallen comrade”

These well known words from the Warrior Ethos ring true for Spc. Matt Maupin. Maupin is an Army Reserve Soldier from the 724th Transportation Company who was captured April 9, 2004 during

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. Spc. Maupin – we are still looking for you and we will find you. You have not been forgotten.

No Soldier left behind


Soldier reaches out to ‘golden child’CAMP LIBERTY,

Baghdad — ThroughoutOperation Iraqi Freedom,U.S. Soldiers have seen whatwar can do to a country andits people.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Kelly,256th Brigade Combat Team,is reaching out to one localresident to help make a dif-ference.

“He’s never going to walkagain, but I just want him tobe as comfortable as possiblefor what time he does haveleft.”

For the past two monthsKelly, brigade surgeon assis-tant, has been working to gethelp for a 17-year-old boywho was injured at the startof the war.

During the United States’initial entrance into Baghdad,planes dropped shells duringan air raid and the boy,Malik, was within rangewhen one exploded.Shrapnel pierced his backand went into his spinal col-umn, leaving him paralyzedfrom the waist down.

When Kelly first examinedhim, he was also sufferingfrom secondary complica-tions to the paralysis.

“On our initial visit we(medics) found him laying ona clay floor,” she said. “Hehad old bandages that werebeing washed and reused andhe had horrible sores on hislegs and hips.”

The medics gave Malikintravenous antibiotics,cleaned his sores and

changed his bandages. The sores were a result of

lying on the hard floor andnot being turned frequentlyenough — the worst bedsores she had ever seen,Kelly said.

Malik had a lot of tissueloss and bone was exposedon each hip.

As Kelly and the medicsleft, she vowed to get help forhim and his family and shepromised them she would beback.

She wrote her report andsubmitted it to her command-ing general, who approvedMalik as a “Golden Child”status.” This meant that hiscase would receive specialattention.

As the report was makingits way up through the chan-nels, Kelly did not putMalik’s family on the back-burner. She made severalvisits to them, dropping offbandages, sterile water andantibiotics for his wounds.

Recently, Kelly got thenews that the approval hadbeen granted to give Malikand his family $2,500.

Their home was destroyedduring the air raids, so rightnow they are living in anabandoned school with threeor four other families.

“Hopefully this moneywill get them out of theschool and set up a little bit,”said Kelly.

The children’s father iselderly and unable to work,and the next son in line is 10years old.

It will be a while before heis able to bring an income

into the house. The money from 256th

may go a long way to keepthe family somewhat com-fortable until the younger sonis able to support them.

A few days ago, Soldiersbrought Malik a bed andrestraints for his wheelchairto help him sit upright. Kellyalso performed wound careand applied new dressings tohis injuries.

She said what she is mostexcited about is that twolocal physicians are going toactually go to Malik’s home,pick him up and take him to

the paralysis center inBaghdad.

There are many scenariosthat could help give him aprolonged and better qualityof life. One option is to takehis leg, something the doc-tors would like to avoid.Ideally, they would like to doskin grafts and rehabilitation,but it is unsure how success-ful that will be. They are alsounsure of how much time hehas left.

“It’s hard to say what hislife expectancy is,” said Kelly,“he could die within the yearor live for many more years.”

She says that it all dependson the kind of care that hereceives.

Thanks to Kelly, Malik andhis family are getting a secondchance.

She says that the gratitudefrom his mother and sister aremore and more evident witheach visit and that their reac-tions let her know that she ismaking a difference.

“When his mom kisses meand praises Allah that I’mhere, I can’t think of a morenoble cause to be away frommy own family, than to bedoing this.”

Spc. Erin RobicheauxStaff Sgt. Jessica Kelly, 256th BCT, puts new dressings on Malik’s wounds.

By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT

Schumacher known as ‘Golden Dragon for life’Spc. Matthew McLaughlin10th Mtn. Div.

CAMP LIBERTY, Baghdad — In the“here today, deployed tomorrow” worldof Fort Drum, N.Y., home of the 10thMountain Division, there are a fewunchanging facts of life: the winters areunbearably cold, deployment tempo ishigh, and “Sergeant Shu” remains with2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment.

Since enlisting April 1991, Sgt. 1stClass David J. Schumacher, a platoonsergeant with B Company, 2/14 Inf., hasbeen with the Golden Dragons, one ofthe most deployed battalions in the mostdeployed division since 1985. In fact,the last time 2/14 Inf. deployed withoutSchumacher was 1967 in Vietnam.

“The fact that he’s been in (the battal-ion) for 14 years, that’s an oddity,” saidSgt. Todd Stoner, 2/14 Inf. “That justdoesn’t happen.”

Schumacher, an Easton, Penn. native,arrived at Drum in April 1991 as part ofa cohort unit, meaning a majority of hiscompany from basic training was sta-tioned together there. The years passed

and Soldiers came and went, butSchumacher remained at 2/14 Inf., evenafter all his fellow “cohort Soldiers” left.

“A lot of them got out around thesame time,” Schumacher said. “I madea lot of great friends. I kind of had tomake whole new friends.”

The division’s history of deploy-ments, or rather the history Schumacherwas a part of, initially prevented himfrom moving to a new duty station. Hisfirst deployment was a humanitarianmission to aid Floridians after HurricaneAndrew hit the state in 1991.

He returned for a stabilization periodonly to deploy again in 1992 to Haiti.He deployed again in 1993 to Somalia,where 2/14 aided Rangers under assaultin the battle made famous by“Blackhawk Down.”

His fourth deployment in four years— another trip to Haiti — sealed thedeal for him. He was a Golden Dragonfor life.

“It seemed like every time it cametime to move, stabilization came up,”Schumacher said. “If we’re not the mostdeployed unit in the Army, we’re close.

The water doesn’t get stale aroundhere.”

Eventually, family life deterredSchumacher from reassignment. Hemet his futurewife, RobinWhitmore, aBrownvil le ,N.Y., native.

They mar-ried in 1993and have twoc h i l d r e n ,Michael andDavid.

After sevenyears withouta change ofduty station,the Schumacher’s bought a house inBrownville in 1998. Regardless of apossible change of duty station,Schumacher said he will probably retirethere.

“I felt it was a real comfortableplace,” he said. “I would like to remainat Fort Drum. Who knows what’s on thehorizon?”

More deployments were on the hori-zon for Schumacher after Somalia. Hedeployed to Bosnia in 1997 and Kosovoin 2001.

He then deployed to Iraq in March2003 and again in June 2004. His expe-rience with the Golden Dragons madehim a living historian for youngerSoldiers and Soldiers new to the unit, hesaid.

“Lots of people preparing for theboards come up to me and say, ‘Whatyear were we in Haiti?’”

Schumacher said many Soldiers havetold him experiencing only one duty sta-tion will hinder his career. He disagrees,crediting his multiple deployments with2/14 Inf. as a strong reason why he willbe promoted to master sergeant in April.

“Being deployed to so many theaters… I have so much experience now,”Schumacher said. “I saw all of it.”

His knowledge of combat situationsisn’t the only benefit he has for hisSoldiers, Schumacher said. Living at

Drum for so long made him a sort ofNorth Country sage.

“I can tell them which hunting andfishing spots to go to, which bars to go

to and stay awayfrom, where not tobuy a car,” hesaid.

As a platoonsergeant in Iraq,S c h u m a c h e r ’sexperience contin-ues to benefit him.Soldiers ask himoften how hispresent deploy-ment measures upto previousdeployments.

“Sometimes a Soldier will say, ‘Hey,Sergeant Schu, does that remind you ofSomalia?’” he said. “I say, ‘Yeah, that(rocket propelled grenade) was kind ofheartwarming.’”

Of all his deployments, Schumachersaid this has been the hardest. He and BCompany spent most of the summerquelling insurgency in Sadr City, for-merly a highly volatile area in Iraq. BCompany lost five Soldiers, more thanany company in 2nd Brigade CombatTeam.

Despite the hardships, Schumacherreenlisted indefinitely in November. Healso noted several Soldiers from hiscompany reenlisted during the deploy-ment.

“As rough as we’ve had it … we hadfive, maybe six, reenlistments,” he said.“That says something for what we’redoing over here.”

Schumacher deployed more times asa part of the most deployed battalion, inthe most deployed division in the Army,than any 2/14 Inf. Soldier.

He spent more time in Iraq in the lasttwo years than with his family and lovedones. Why does he do it?

“I can’t see myself doing anythingelse,” he said. “The things I get to do asa platoon sergeant you can’t find in anyother job. Who else, besides a Soldier,would understand it?”

Spc. Matthew McLaughlinSgt 1st Class David Schumacher (right), converses with Staff Sgt. JimmySwanson, both 2/14 Inf., after a patrol March 7.

“Sometimes a Soldier will say... ‘Does that remind you ofSomalia?’ I say, ‘Yeah, that(rocket propelled grenade)was really heartwarming.’ ”

Sgt. 1st Class David J. SchumacherB Co., 2/14th Inf.

Spc. Emily J. WilsoncroftAssociate Editor

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq —Here in Baghdad, stress andtension are commonplaceamong Soldiers, and withoutthe comforts of home, some-times it’s not too easy to getrid of those feelings.

But when comedians ColinQuinn, Steve Byrne andRobert Kelly stepped onto thestage March 13, any somberthoughts were drowned out byhundreds of Camp VictorySoldiers’ howling laughterringing happily through thenight air.

Quinn, who is well-knownfrom his years on NBC’s“Saturday Night Live” andfrom his Comedy Centralshow, “Tough Crowd withColin Quinn,” made his firstappearance in Baghdad in2004.

Apparently, one trip justwasn’t enough, though, andQuinn’s return found Soldiersready for a laugh waiting inlawn chairs at the foot of thestage.

“I was here last year, and Ilove what you’ve done withthe place,” he said as he greet-ed his audience. “This iswhere civilization began …and it stayed that way.”

He went on to encourageSoldiers, upon returninghome, to “walk into any jobyou want, and kick the otherguy out of it.”

“Tell them, ‘I sacrificed foryou, now get out,’” he said.

Coming to perform fordeployed troops, Quinnexplained, was “the least Icould do.”

“When I first found out wecould come over here, I said,‘Anytime I can be doing any-thing for them, I’ll do it.’”

“You guys are probably mybest audience,” he continued.“When I think about the sacri-fices (Soldiers) are makingover here, and then they comeup and thank me — I saythank you … I know it soundscheesy, but it’s true.”

Quinn said it surprised himduring his first trip here to see“how many of the troops aresuch nice, good people.”

“From the stories theAmerican media gives us, itwas amazing for me to comeover here and not see them try-ing to (mess) people up,” hesaid. “They try to put such abad light on what’s going onover here, but after the elec-tions (went so well) … eventhe media, as much as theywanted to make it a bad thing,they couldn’t.”

There were certainly no badtidings to report during theshow, which ran close to twohours, nor afterward during a“meet-and-greet” in theVictory gym, as Soldiers hadthe opportunity to get picturessigned and chat with Quinn,Byrne and Kelly.

“They were hilarious,” saidPfc. David Salas, an Altus,Okla., native assigned to 35thSignal Brigade, 18th AirborneCorps. “I give props to any-

one who wants to come all theway out to Iraq, to the middleof nowhere, to give a show forthe troops.”

Unlike Quinn, this wasByrne and Kelly’s first time inthe country, and both said theevent had an impact on them.

“It was probably the mosthumbling experience I’ve everhad,” Byrne said. “We were atCamp Korea, and we werefive hours late because offlights, but these guys waitedall that time to see us, and theywere one of the best crowdsI’ve had … it’s such a hugecontradiction for you guys tothank us.”

Kelly said the performanc-es he gave here over the week-end “changed my life.”

“I’ve done a millionshows,” he said, “but doing itfor you guys … when you say‘Thank you,’ you really meanit.”

“We appreciate you morethan you could ever appreciateus,” he added.

The comedians’ topicsranged from politics to party-ing, and nothing was sacred,but according to manySoldiers, the evening’s pleas-ure was all theirs.

“It was a really great show;I really enjoyed it,” said Sgt.1st Class Luis Rosado, 166thAerial Support Group, fromFort Buchanan, Puerto Rico.“It shows that they really careabout servicemembers.”

Capt. Shane Stadtmiller,Task Force 134, from MarionCenter, Pa., echoed Rosado’s

sentiments.“Any time a celebrity is

willing to just make the planetrip, it shows that they don’tjust say they support thetroops, but that they actuallydo support the troops,” hesaid.

Quinn said the biggest chal-lenge he’s had is having to

deal with cynical people backin the States.

“It’s almost shameful to bepatriotic in the U.S. thesedays,” he said. “I feel like theamount of sacrifice the Soldiersare making is so amazing … Ihope they remember theyshould be proud, and stay proudwhen they come home.”


Comics keep VictorySoldiers in stitches

Sgt. Andrew MillerComedian Colin Quinn entertains a crowd of Soldiers at CampVictory March 13.

Spc. Emily J. WilsoncroftQuinn shakes hands with Spc. Samual Stalions, Golconda, Ill., while he and colleagues Steve Byrne and Robert Kelly take time after the show to meet fans and give autographs.


Useful AArabic PPhrasesEnglish

Yes

No

Please

Thank you

English

Hello

What?

When?

Where?

Arabic

na’am

la

men FADlek

SHUKran

Arabic

MARhaban

maa

mata

AYNa

1/11th ACR patrols through BaghdadCAMP TAJI, Iraq –

“‘Wheels up’ is at 1400!” anofficer shouted to a group oftroops gathered in a tighthorseshoe around a com-mand humvee.

The Soldiers, members ofC Troop, 1st Squadron, 11thCavalry Regiment, weregetting last-minute instruc-tions, looking at maps, andchecking weapons and vehi-cles to prepare for a patrolthrough the Sha’ab neigh-borhood of Baghdad.

This isn’t their first timearound the neighborhood.

“We rolled out with 39th(Brigade Combat Team,Arkansas National Guard)every day, patrolling anddoing right-seat rides,” saidSpc. Anthony Munoz, anative of Phoenix, Ariz.,and the driver of the com-mander’s vehicle duringpatrols. “We took over thejob and that is what we donow.”

“We put boots on theground, make contacts, andbuild a rapport with the

community,” said Capt.Loyd W. Brown, C Troopcommander.

The convoy slicedthrough traffic, passedstreets crowded with peopleand lined with furnitureshops, food peddlers andapartments.

Their first stop was anIraqi Police station protect-ed by huge blast walls andvigilant Iraqi gunners on theroof.

“We go to each district,and go to each (Iraqi Police)and (Iraqi National Guard)station,” Brown said. “Weshare information, so wecan work together. They’revery good at doing patrolsand taking care of theneighborhood.”

After meeting with theIraqi Police, the troopmoved on to a local apart-ment complex where hun-dreds of children swarmedthe vehicles, asking forcandy and wanting to talkwith the Soldiers.

The kids were excitedwhen a gunner passed outsmall Iraqi flag stickers andkey chains.

The sun started to set as

the troopers rolled out totheir final stop - an Iraqiarmy bunker.

Capt. Brown consultedwith IA officers and theSoldiers of C Troop hadsome time to interact withtheir ING counterparts asthey provided security forthe bunker.

“We stop in to see what’sgoing on,” said Sgt. UgoCarlos a gunner from SantaAnna, Calif. “They’re ahelpful bunch of guys.”

“So far I’ve beenimpressed,” Brown saiddescribing the ING.“They’re a good source ofinformation, and an asset toany mission.”

“They just want to securetheir country,” he said.

The Soldiers stayed alertas the patrol wound downand the convoy headed backto Camp Taji.

This was just one ofmany missions C Troop willcarry out over the course oftheir tour in Iraq.

Brown believes they areready to do the job.

“My guys look profes-sional, are professional andwe’re prepared,” he said.

Photos by Spc. Matthew WesterSoldiers of C Troop, 1/11th ACR cordon off a lane of a Baghdad street in order to search a suspicious vehicle during a patrol through the Sha'ab neighborhood.

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Staff Sgt. Daniel D. Gililland, sniper for C Troop, 1/11th ACR, providessecurity on the roof of an Iraqi Police station in the Sha'ab area ofBaghdad while officers from his unit meet with Iraqi officers downstairs.


CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Agroup of Soldiers movesslowly along the side of aBaghdad road. They are alertas their eyes scan the sandyground and dense under-growth.

“We got wires!” a voiceyells out, and the other troopsquickly move to theirarmored vehicles.

They just found the biggestkiller of American troops inIraq – an improvised explo-sive device. These Soldiersare members of the 1stBattalion, 13th ArmoredRegiment and 70thEngineers, 3rd Brigade, 1stArmored Division.

They conducted an IEDsweep March 7 along astretch of highway known forbeing riddled with explo-sives.

“We protect this roadbecause insurgents put outIEDs and try to get the con-voys coming through,” saidCapt. Greg Spencer, com-mander of A Company, 1/13Armor.

Spencer said four explo-sive devices were found onthe road in the previous sevendays.

At the beginning of thesweep, the troops dismountedfrom their M-113 armoredpersonnel carriers and imme-diately searched the wreckageof a car bomb previously det-onated by insurgents.Gunners manned their turret-mounted M-240 Bravomachine guns as theywatched for any sign of trou-ble.

Then, they fanned out andlooked closely at the trash lit-tering the shoulder of the roadand the palm grove to theirleft.

The Soldiers know thisground very well and payattention to every detail theycan about their surroundings.

“They become very adeptat it,” Spencer said, describ-ing the skills of his team.“They know every crater.”

Those skills were put to thetest when Sgt. JonathanWolford and Sgt. Joshua L.Jenkins, both combat engi-neers with 2nd Platoon, AlphaCompany, 70th Engineers,came upon a hollow palm logresting near a small bridgerecently repaired after beingdamaged by a Vehicle-BorneImprovised ExplosiveDevice.

Jenkins stooped down,looked into the log and sawsomething inside.

“I thought it was justtrash,” Jenkins said. “Then Iput two and two together andfigured I found something.”

Jenkins called out toWolford, who was looking in

the same log from the otherend.

“As soon as he said, ‘Sgt.Wolford,’ I saw red wires,alligator clips, and a blackbox,” Wolford said.

“I’m not scared of explo-sives, but I have respect forthem,” he said.” If you see merunning, it’s for a reason.”

The two noncommissionedofficers let the rest of thegroup know of the suspectedexplosive device, a safe cor-don area was establishedusing M1A1 tanks, M-113sand Bradley fighting vehi-cles, and an ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal team from766th Ordnace Company wascalled to dispose of the

device.The EOD team used a

robot to survey the log.“We call him Johnny

Five,” Wolford said, referringto a robot from the movie“Short Circuit.”

Once it was established anIED was inside, the robotplaced explosives on the log,and EOD detonated thedevice in a huge cloud of dustand debris.

The fireworks weren’t overyet. Thirty minutes later,another explosion rocked thecordon area.

Someone triggered a sec-ond device across the medianfrom the first one, as threeSoldiers moved toward the

exploded log to inspect it. No Soldiers were harmed

by the blast.After a group of Bradley

fighting vehicles secured thesite of the second blast, regu-lar traffic along the route con-tinued. If it wasn’t for thework of the Soldiers of 1-13and 70th Engineers, the IEDscould have been used againstcoalition vehicles or person-nel.

These Soldiers made surethat didn’t happen.

“We did our job,” Wolfordsaid.

Capt. Spencer agreed.“It’s a very tangible mis-

sion,” he said. “Every daythey go out and save lives.”


1/13 Armorfinds deadlyexplosives

Photos by Spc. Matthew WesterAn EOD team detonates an IED found by 1/13th Armor Soldiers in northern Baghdad March 7. Minutes later, someone detonated asecond IED a few meters away as Soldiers moved closer to inspect the detonation site.

Above: Sgt. Jonathan Wolford, a member of A Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1stArmored Division, scans a road from the turret of an armored personnel carrier.

Capt. Greg Spencer (right), commander of A Company1/13 Armored Battalion, and Spc. Bladimir Josephsearch through the wreckage of a previously explodedcar bomb.

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Pfc. Dan Balda4th BCT

Two fallen Soldiers wereremembered during amemorial ceremony heldMarch 5, at Camp Falcon.

“This afternoon we arehere to honor and pay trib-ute to two modern dayheroes,” said Chaplain(Capt.) Theiring Alexander,6th Squadron, 8th CavalryRegiment chaplain.

Pfc. Min Soo Choi andPfc. Landon Giles, both ofHeadquarters andHeadquarters Troop, 6/8Cav. Regt., were killedwhile on a recon patrol,when an IED detonated nearthe vehicle they were ridingin, said Command Sgt. Maj.Robert Taylor, battalion ser-geant major.

Choi and Giles wereawarded the Bronze Star,Purple Heart, Good ConductMedal and Combat InfantryBadge.

Lt. Col Michael Harris,the battalion commanderaddressed his Soldiers as thebright sun attempted tobreak through their pain.

“We’ve gathered togetheras a troop many times in ourunit’s short history, safetybriefings and unit runs,unfortunately we’ve also

come together when therehas been a death in ourorganization,” Harris said.

He shared the way he feltfrom losing two of histroops.

“I made it back to myroom before I was over-come with emotion over theloss of two fine men,”Harris said. “In our profes-sion there will undoubtedlybe sad times. There aredozens and dozens of glori-ous days, days when you arejust bursting with excite-ment from being a Soldier,from being part ofAmerica’s team.”

Capt. Justin Reese, Choiand Giles’ company com-mander, shared his thoughtsand recollections with theassembled mourners.

“Based on their attitudeand work ethic, they werea pair of very promisingSoldiers,” Reese said.“Pfc. Choi traveled acrossan ocean in hope ofbecoming a citizen. Hetraveled across anotherocean to answer the call tohelp others. And now afterbrightening so manySoldiers’ day with hisquiet gentle demeanor heleaves us with fond mem-ories of our all to brieftime together; our symbol

of freedom, opportunityand hope which broughthim into our lives.”

Sen. Frank Lautenberg,D-NJ, lauded Choi’s “brav-ery and gallantry” beforepresenting his parents, JongDae and Jae Wha Choi, withposthumous citizenship fortheir son.

“Pfc. Giles knew the dayhe showed up that we were aserious group, training for aserious mission,” Reesesaid. “Yet he had that specialgift to make those aroundhim laugh and make a hardtime go easy. We will, asthey would have hoped forcarry on.”

Reese asked the assem-bled Soldiers to not let angercloud their judgment.

“We will continue in away that will make Pfc.Giles and Choi proud of ourconduct,” Reese said. “I forone will miss their smilesand their courage.”

Harris reminded every-body of the ideals Choi andGiles gave their lives for.

“Our actions in Iraq aremaking a great differ-ence,” Harris said. “Ouractions during our yearhere will set the condi-tions for a safer world forgenerations to come. Men,I am proud to be a member

of the greatest division inthe world. I remind you toremain focused on what isahead of us, do not dwellon the past. God bless Pfc.Min Soo Choi, God blessPfc. Landon Giles, Godbless their families, andGod bless those who vol-unteer to make the world asafer place.”

Fighting back his tears,Pfc. Morris Dixon, a closefriend of Giles, sharedsome of his fondest mem-ories of his fallen com-rade.

“Giles embodied whatall men should be: respon-sible, hardworking, com-passionate, Dixon said.“He always had a desire tolearn things outside of hisscope of knowledge.”

Paraphrasing the bookof Ecclesiastes, chapterthree, Chaplain Alexanderreminded the attendees ofthe guidance the Biblegives for losing someonenear and dear to theirhearts.

“There is a time tomourn… a time for heal-ing, a time for sorrow and atime for joy, a time fordancing a time for war anda time for peace. Theirfaces will forever be etchedin our hearts and minds.”

Mustangs honor fallen brethren

FFFFiiiinnnnaaaallll ffffaaaarrrreeeewwwweeeellll llllssssPhotos by Pfc. Dan Balda

Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, 3rd Inf. Div. assistant division commander (maneuver), grasps the ID tags of a fallen Soldier during a memorial service at Camp Falcon March 5.

Soldiers assigned to 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, salute theirfallen comrades during the memorial service.

The Mustang firing squad salutes Choi andGiles during the memorial service.

Members of HHT, 6/8 Cav., mourn for their brothers during the service March 5.

Army and our country, and theirstand was not in vain,” Bowyer con-tinued. “In their own way they haveleft a lasting mark on each of us whoserve and with their families.”

Some of the Soldiers and officerswho served with Farnan and Moskishared the ways these Soldiers left alasting mark on their lives.

“To us he was a friend,” Wells

said, describing Spc. Moski.“He was the irreverent artist whose

drawings would always make youlaugh,” Wells said. “He was the low-key comedian who could always puta bright spin on the worst situation.”

According to Wells, Moski was adevoted family man, who is survivedby his wife and young daughter.

Wells also shared his memories ofSpc. Farnan.

“Farnan always spoke with rever-ence about his parents and nevermissed the opportunity to spendweekends at home in Missouri whileat Ft. Riley,” he said.

The Soldiers’ battery commander,Captain Ty Martin, gave his perspec-tive on what it was like to lead thesetwo warriors as they fulfilled theirduty in Iraq.

“Without doubt, Spc. Farnan andSpc. Moski were great Soldiers and apleasure to work with.” he said. “Tolead such men is an honor that fewexperience,”

Martin encouraged his men to letthese model Soldiers be their exampleand offered some advice on how todeal with their loss.

Martin said, “Please consider theadvice of Teddy Roosevelt when hesaid, ‘Life brings sorrows and joys

alike. It is what a man does with them,not what they do to him, that is a test ofhis mettle.’”

That mettle will be tested becausethe 4/1 FA and all the Soldiers of 3rdBde. have a mission to complete here.

Captain Brian Reed, the 4/1 FAchaplain, gave the Soldiers at thememorial words of encouragement tohonor Farnan and Moski by continuingthis vital work.

“Don’t let Spc. Farnan and Moski’ssacrifice be in vain,” he said. “Helpeach other accomplish the missionthese two set out to do as well.”

Reed told the Soldiers it was time toget in “the zone” as they took over fullcontrol of combat operations in theirarea of responsibility.

“Find that zone as you honor thesefallen comrades,” he said.

Many troops chose to honor themindividually at the end of the memori-al.

They filed past a display of Farnanand Moski’s helmets, identificationtags, boots, medals and rifles.

Some rendered a hand salute andsome also paused and touched the tagsand helmets.

They took this chance to reach outand say goodbye to the brothers theylost, but will not forget.


GONE, continued from page 1

Sgt. Kevin BromleySpc. Colby Farnan and Spc. Jason L. Moski’s helmets rests atop their rifles in aplace of honor during the two Soldiers’ memorial ceremony March 1.

Soldiers deliver donations, offer localstudents essential tools for education

FOB PROSPERITY, Iraq –1st Cavalry Division Soldierslent a helping hand to the chil-dren of the al Waten BoysSchool and the al QadisiyahGirls School in the 215thApartment Complex in theInternational Zone Feb. 23.

Members of 3rd Battalion,8th Cavalry Regiment andtheir comrades from 4thBattalion, 64th ArmorRegiment, delivered a truck-load of book bags, each filledwith a variety of numerousschool supplies.

“We’re providing suppliesand bags that are much neededfor them to continue their edu-cation,” said Lt. Col. RobertM. Roth, 4th Bn., 64th ArmorRegt. commander. “I think itshows the people that we careand want to help them anywaywe can. “One of the mostimportant things we can do iseducation.”

The Parkhill, Ky., nativeadded, “Education is the keyof success to whatever profes-sion you take up. They knowthat, and we know that, so it’sa win-win situation.”

One of the underlyingthemes, according to civilaffairs officer Capt. AlexanderRasmussen, is to create a pos-itive relationship between theSoldiers and the local commu-nity, specifically the students.

“It lets the students knowwho we are and that we havefamilies back at home,” theCrownpoint, Ind., nativeexplained. “They get to see usin a different light and see thatwe care about them.”

Abo Alla, secretary for theneighborhood advisory coun-cil, said the children are veryhappy.

“They feel that they receiveda gift to help them to continuetheir studies,” Alla said.

“The Iraqi people feel theyhave a friendship with theAmerican Soldiers, especiallyhere.”

Rasmussen said there ismuch emphasis placed on fam-ily and togetherness within theIraqi culture.

“In that light, knowing howcommunity is so important tothem, we need to recognize thatand bond with them to let themknow that we will be there andwork side by side to rebuildthis country,” he said.

Roth added more insight.“There are (neglected)

schools and run-down facilitiesbecause of years and years ofoppression by a ruthless dicta-tor that kept money only for thefew that supported him whilethe rest of the country wentwithout anything,” Roth said.

“We try to infuse anythingwe can, whether it’s book bags,money or a fresh coat of paintto get things back up and run-ning.”

He added, “It’s a holisticapproach, helping the peopleand teaching the people tohelp themselves … so that oneday Iraq can become a great,great nation.”

Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper4th BCT

Staff Sgt. Raymond PiperAn Iraqi school girl looks through the school supplies given to herby Soldiers from 4/64 Armor, 3rd Inf. Div. and 3/8 Cav. Trp., 1st Cav.

JCS, continued from page 1

plans officer in charge;Lt. Col. Roy Tunnage,logistics officer incharge; Maj. ThomasWhitaker, civil affairsofficer in charge; andLt. Col. Francis Huber,communications offi-cer in charge.

Webster briefedMyers about some 3rdInf. Div. accomplish-ments since arriving intheater, then intro-duced him to 2nd Lt.Jeremiah Weiker, 36thEngineer Group.

Weiker and other36th Eng. Grp.Soldiers then gave ademonstration of theIron Claw, the Buffaloand other engineerachievements, givingMyers the opportunityto climb inside thevehicle and check itout for himself.

After the demonstra-tion, Myers headedinside the divisionmain headquartersbuilding to swear in

three Marne Soldierswho had chosen to re-enlist that evening.

Sgt. Brian Tumey,Headquarters andH e a d q u a r t e r sOperations Company,Special TroopsBattalion, Spc. NigelGriffin and Sgt. ErinDebaun, both ofHeadquarters SupportCompany, 92ndEngineer CombatBattalion (Heavy). Allthree of the re-enlistingSoldiers are OperationIraqi Freedom 1 veter-ans.

After the swearing-inceremony, Myers pre-sented Webster with aplaque as a symbol ofhis appreciation.

On his way out, hepaused to take a photowith his team in front ofthe 3rd Inf. Div. mascot,Rocky the bulldog.

“You’re doing agood job,” he said toWebster. “This is agreat division.”

Spc. Emily J. WilsoncroftAir Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, gives Sgt. Brian Tumey, Sgt. Erin Debaun and Spc.Nigel Griffin the oath of reenlistment in the 3rd Infantry Division main headquarters March 14.


Photos by Staff Sgt. Raymond PiperAbove: Maj. Chris Brown, Kuwait Raven Equipping Detachment officer in charge, goes over the basics of operat-ing the software for the Raven umanned aerial vehicle with operators from 4th Brigade Combat Team.Right: Sgt. 1st Class Austin Bergen, a 1/76 FA, checks the Raven over after assembly.

Enemy, nevermore ...

Raven UAV gets the drop on IEDs

The Raven could very well be “thelittle engine that could” of theumanned aerial vehicle fleet.

Weighing in at four and a halfpounds with a five-foot wingspan andstretching a mere 38 inches in length,the Raven is by far one of the small-est aircraft in the Army.

Still, its aerial reconnaissancevalue has quickly earned the respectof battalion commanders in Iraq andhas filled a niche at the battalion levelwhen larger UAVs are unavailable.

“The system is developing the con-fidence of the leadership,” said Maj.Chris Brown, Kuwait RavenEquipping Detachment officer incharge. “We had one commander’steam find an (improvised explosivedevice) on its first mission, and thecommander has been sold eversince.”

The Raven flies various missionsthat aid in force protection. It is

flown to search for IEDs, providereconnaissance for patrols and fliesthe perimeter of camps.

“the Raven works very well,” saidChief Warrant Officer 3 SteveSchisler, Raven integration and cus-tomer service officer.

Schisler explained that the Ravenis best employed in conjunction withground forces. “If you have guysdoing a mounted or dismountedpatrol in a city or a small town, youcan have the Raven flying overheadproviding far side security.”

He continued, “The patrol can’tsee past the building 100 meters infront of them, but the Raven can. TheRaven can see beyond the building …to where two terrorists with their AK-47s are running to engage the patrol.The Soldiers can then respond to theintelligence rather than respond to anattack.”

The UAV is small and can be trans-ported easily in three small cases thatfit into a ruck sack. The crew canbring it with them and operate wher-ever the patrol goes.

Schisler’s role with the Raven hadhim travel throughout Iraq to providecustomer service to units who flewthe UAV.

The longest continuous operationS c h i s l e rrecalled wasfor morethan 10hours.

W h e r elarge UAVsneed spaceto taxi andland, theRaven islaunched byhand andrequires onepilot and asecond per-son to monitorthe incoming information.

Brown said, “The Raven is notMOS specific, but rather the questionis who can the unit use?”

One example Brown gave was thefood service specialists in Iraq have a

smaller role because the food servic-es are contracted to Kellog, Brownand Root.

“One of the best pilots in the 1stCav. is a cook, but that doesn’t mean

we don’t have ...scouts operatingthe Raven,” hesaid. “Some ofthese kids havebeen raised withPlaystation intheir hands andare better able tohandle watching ascreen and con-trolling the air-craft.”

A single Ravencosts about$35,000 and thetotal system costs

$250,000 but that is a cheap OH-58C,Brown said.

“With this system, we replace ahelicopter and crew that’s downrange and put a system at risk ratherthan people,” he added.

Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper4th BCT

Above: Bergan assembles the Raven unmanned aerial vehicle.Left: Sgt. 1st Class Hayden H. Deland, 4th BCT, attaches the nose camerato the Raven UAV as Bergan looks on.

“If you have guys doing amounted or dismount patrolin a city or a small town, youcan have the Raven flyingoverhead providing far sidesecurity.”

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steve SchislerRaven customer service officer


1/69 Soldiers remember fallen friendsSpc. Brian SchroederTask Force Baghdad

CAMP VICTORY, Baghdad– Soldiers gathered here March8 to celebrate the life of twofallen brothers in arms. Spc.Wai Phyo Lwin and Spc. AzharAli, 1st Battalion, 69th InfantryRegiment HeadquartersCompany scouts gave theirlives in support of bringingdemocracy and peace to Iraq.

Lwin and Ali were bothimmigrants to the UnitedStates.

Lwin, a Buddhist fromBurma and Ali, a Muslim fromPakistan, both loved beingSoldiers and both felt that serv-ing in the Army was the bestway they could show they wereAmericans, said Cpt.Christopher Daniels,Headquarters Company, 1/69Inf. commander.

“They had the opportunity tobring freedom to a country thatnever had freedom,” Danielssaid. “They know what thiswas like because of the lack offreedom from their childhood.”

Both Soldiers served in thescout platoon of HHC and wereinseparable friends. Othermembers of their platoon saidthey were always seen together,whether they were eating,relaxing or preparing for thenext mission.

“These guys were (the) bestof friends,” said Sgt. JasonOlmo, HHC Co., 1/69 IN squadleader. “In life or death youcould not separate these two.”

Lt. Col. Geoffrey Slack, 1/69IN commander said Lwin andAli’s bravery and courageexemplified the tradition of the“Fighting 69th.” He read the“Rouge Bouquet,” a poemJoyce Kilmer wrote after the69th suffered its first multiplecombat deaths during WorldWar I:“…Comrades true, borneanew, peace to you!Your souls shall be where theheroes areAnd your memory shine likethe morning-star.Brave and dear,Shield us here.Farewell!”

Photos by Spc. Brian SchroederA Soldier holds on to the identification tags of Spc. Azhar Ali. Ali and Spc. Wai Phyo Lwin.

Soldiers gathered in the Tigerland Chapel for a memorial cere-mony to remember the lives of Lwin and Ali.

Above: Three Soldiers salute the memorial for Spc. Wai Phyo Lwin and Spc. Azhar Ali, 1/69Inf. scouts. Lwin and Ali were remembered as inseparable best friends in both life and death.Right: Lwin and Ali’s photos were set in a place of honor before 1/69 guidons, alongwith their helmets, boots, medals and identification tags during the service.


Maj. Web WrightSoldiers wade through knee-high flood waters to get to a dining facility on Camp Liberty, Iraq, March 12. Threedays of heavy rain left many parts of the camp flooded and many Soldiers’ feet wet.

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82nd Soldiers get ready to head homePfc. Mike Pryor82nd Abn. Div.

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – The planethat brought the Soldiers home sitsempty on the runway, its long journeycomplete.

Inside a nearby hangar, theSoldiers stand at attention, the smileson their faces growing wider by thesecond.

The families they haven’t seen inmonths are now only a few feet awayfrom them.

“Dismissed!” shouts their com-mander, and the happy anticipation inthe room gives way to joyful chaos.Family members swarm around theSoldiers.

Wives and husbands embrace withtears in their eyes. A father in desertcamouflage holds his infant son in hisarms for the first time.

These images of homecominghave become familiar sights on thenightly news as units continue toredeploy from missions in support ofthe Global War on Terrorism.

But they don’t tell the full story.Because the process of redeployingdoesn’t end when a Soldier steps footon American soil and it begins longbefore he or she leaves theater.

Redeployment refers not just to aSoldier’s movement from a combatzone to garrison, but to the entireprocess of adjusting to life back inthe rear. In its entirety, the process isknown as reintegration.

To make the adjustment periodeasier, the Army requires everySoldier to undergo reintegrationtraining while still intheater.

“Reintegration training is themeans by which we ease the transi-

tion between combat and garri-son life for our Soldiers and theirfamilies,” said Staff Sgt. JosephOsinski, a human resources man-ager and reintegration traininginstructor with 3rd Battalion,325th Airborne InfantryRegiment, 82nd AirborneDivision.

Osinski’s battalion, which wasdeployed to Iraq in December2004, began conducting reinte-gration training in early March inpreparation for its upcomingredeployment to Fort Bragg,N.C.

The training was conducted bythe battalion’s ReintegrationTraining Team, which includedrepresentatives from the HumanResources, Staff Judge Advocate,chaplain, intelligence, and medicaldepartments.

The team spent a week travelingbetween the different company areas,holding several classes a day at eachlocation.

Every Paratrooper in the battalionwas required to attend the training,which included briefings on financialand legal issues for redeployingSoldiers, suicide and risk awareness,family and relationship conflicts aris-ing from deployments and opera-tional security.

Another major component of thetraining was the Post DeploymentHealth Assessment, an in-depth sur-vey of the paratroopers’ physical andmental health.

Reintegration training is designedto anticipate the whole spectrum ofissues Soldiers face during redeploy-ment, said Maj. John Bride, BattalionSurgeon, who gave the briefing on

suicide awareness. “It encompasses everything from

guidance on how to fill out a travelvoucher worth $3.50 a day to tips onhow to prevent suicide.”

“There are very few briefs thateveryone can relate to on an equallevel. Reintegration training is one ofthem. There’s something in there foreveryone,” Bride added.

Bride received the training duringhis last deployment. He didn’t take itvery seriously, he said, until he gothome and realized how much of itapplied.

When Bride returned home, hefound that his wife had been doingthe taxes, paying the bills, and run-ning the household – and she liked it!She resented the fact that he expectedto just come in and take over.

Other things were different, too.When Bride had to watch the kidsalone for a few hours while his wifewent shopping, he was overwhelmed.

“I was ready to go back to Iraq,”Bride said. “That’s when I realizedthere are stresses and there are issues,and these reintegration classes areimportant.”

Because of that experience, Bridevolunteered to teach more classesduring this deployment’s reintegra-tion training. He ended up teachingthe class on suicide prevention aswell as overseeing the PDHA.

Spc. Aaron Sutliff, battalion legalspecialist, gave the paratroopers theirlegal brief.

He said reintegration training isimportant because it gives Soldiersthe tools they need to overcome thehidden obstacles that redeployingpresents.

“When you deploy, you expect thestress and you prepare yourself tohandle it. But nobody expects rede-ployment to be stressful. Everyonethinks they’re going to go home andeverything will be perfect. But ofcourse it’s not. Our number one goalis to get people back to their normalway of life,” Sutliff said.

It was a beautiful spring day on thefirst day of training, and withthoughts of being home in a fewweeks dancing in their heads, someof the paratroopers had a hard timetreating the classes as anything but apure formality.

But veterans of the last deploy-ment – and redeployment - like Sgt.Richard Mouser of HeadquartersCompany knew how valuable thetraining was.

“There wasn’t a Soldier in therewho didn’t relate to at least some-thing that was said,” Mouser said.“Believe me, they’re getting a lot outof it.”

“There are very few briefsthat everyone can relate to onan equal level. Reintegrationtraining is one of them.There’s something in therefor everyone.”

Maj. John Bride3/325 Abn. Inf. Regt. battation surgeon

15-day EMLbegins soon

All Task Force Baghdad Soldiers whoare on orders for 365 days or more in thetheater of operation are authorized 15days of leave to the respective leaveaddresses of the individual’s choosing.

The allotted timeframes for theEnvironmental Morale Leave programare from April 1 up to 30 days prior toredeployment.

Before starting R&R however,Soldiers are required to attend briefingsoutlining their unit’s specific travelingrequirements.

Soldiers will then be issued a planeticket, at government expense, to the air-port nearest their leave location.

They will then depart from KuwaitInternational Airport to one of three maingateways for EML: FrankfurtInternational Airport, AtlantaInternational Airport or Dallas-FortWorth International Airport. Then takeconnecting flights if needed to their finaldestination, even to countries outside theU.S.

Those choosing EML in foreign coun-tries must have a valid passport or visa.

Authorized luggage for EML travelconsists of the following: one duffel bag(not to exceed 50 pounds) and one carry-on item.

Desert battle dress uniform is the rec-ommended travel attire so that personnelassistance points representatives (locatedat the three main gateways) can betteridentify arriving Soldiers to sign them outfor leave.

The 15-day leave then begins the dayafter arriving at the final destination andterminates the day before the returningflight.

Remember that while traveling,Soldiers are ambassadors of the UnitedStates, and as such, should act according-ly to bring respect upon themselves, theArmy, and America.

Soldiers requiring additional infor-mation should contact their unit’s S-1personnel for further guidance.

Pfc. Ricardo Branch3rd Inf. Div.

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Aplatoon of A Company, 303rdBattalion, 40th Iraqi ArmyBrigade, Soldiers participatedin a live-fire, close quarterscombat exercise Feb. 28 atForward Operating BaseHawk.

The live fire was a culmina-tion of three days of training

taught by the 2nd Brigade,10th Mountain Division’s“Commando” AdvisoryGroup.

The three-day trainingevent began with the IASoldiers zeroing theirweapons by firing a series ofthree-shot groupings until theywere satisfied with theirefforts.

On the second day, theypracticed close quarter marks-

manship and reflexive firedrills, which is responsiveengagement and firing at avariety of targets.

The final day of trainingculminated with a three-partexercise.

First, the Soldiers receivedsand table instruction on howto properly approach a roomwith a four-person fire team,or stack.

Following that, they moved

on to a “glass house,” whichwas a life-size blueprint of theactual structure they wouldlearn to clear.

In the final phase, theSoldiers performed close-quar-ter enter-and-clear battle drills;first without ammunition, thenwith loaded magazines.

“These guys are doing anoutstanding job,” said MasterSgt. Owen Meehan, CAG non-commissioned officer in-charge. “They are proficientwith what they are doing now.They are doing much betterthan I thought they would atthis point.”

Members of the CAG coachand mentor Iraqi Soldiers ofthe 303rd on simple skill leveltasks ranging from squadmovements to first aid.

One corporal in the platoon,who has been in the IA formore than a year, said theknowledge he has gained fromthe CAG has greatly improvedhis marksmanship skills.

“They are teaching us howto enter and secure a buildingwithout taking too many casu-alties,” he said. “We are learn-ing how to shoot well and howto conserve our ammo.”

The IA Soldier said thetraining they are receiving is nocomparison to the training theyreceived while serving inSaddam Hussein’s army.

One Iraqi sergeant, whorequested anonymity for hisown safety, said the trainingthey received in the old armywas more exhausting thanhelpful.

“[The old training] wouldpush us and make us tired with-out teaching us anything; it didnot mentally prepare us forcombat,” the sergeant said.“This training gives us specificskills and mentally prepares usfor battle. It is impossible toforget and will stay in ourminds always.”

The proficiency of theirtraining carries over into theirdaily patrols on the infamousHaifa Street in the WesternBaghdad district ofKadhimyah.

The 303rd’s presence alongthe precarious stretch of roadhas had a calming effectagainst the anxiety of thosewho must travel the dangerousroad.

Their successful effortswere noticed by the IraqiMinistry of Defense, whoawarded each Soldier of thebattalion a bonus of onemonth’s salary for their adept-ness in securing the street.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Myer,CAG assistant plans NCO saidhe attributes the rapid learningand success of the battalion tothe platoon leaders and ser-geants taking charge andinstructing their troops.

“Our role is to advise theSoldiers,” he said. “We show[the platoon leaders] how to dothe task and they instruct theirSoldiers. It’s probably the mosthigh-speed training they haveever done. If they are going totake charge, we let them takecharge. It’s their own guys,their unit and their army.”

By Spc. Brian Schroeder10th Mtn. Div.

Spc. Brian SchroederMaster Sgt. Owen Meehan, of the 10th Mtn. Div. CAG, instructs an Iraqi squad leader with 303rd Bn., 40thIA Bde. Meehan and other Soldiers from 2nd Bde., 10th Mountain coach and mentor the IA battalion.


Iraqi Soldiers train in close quarters combat

Patrol thwarts potential large-scale attack3rd Inf. Div. Press ReleaseSpecial to The Marne Express

BAGHDAD — A potentiallarge-scale attack was thwartedMarch 14 in the Al Rasheed districttwo days before the first session ofthe Transitional NationalAssembly, according to Task ForceBaghdad officials.

U.S. Soldiers from 6thSquadron, 8th Cavalry Regimentdiscovered a truck that contained13 suicide-bomber vests, 20 x107mm Russian rocket warheads, 9x improvised grenades, 8 x impro-vised bombs, modified propanetanks filled with explosives, 4 xsticks of PE-4, 2 x bicycle bombs, a

couple hundred pounds of propel-lant, miscellaneous number of elec-tric blasting caps, tools, medicalsupplies and improvised-explosivedevice making equipment.

“This operation was a successbecause we removed a significantamount of terrorist materials off thestreet that could have had devastat-ing effects and potentially killedhundreds of innocent people,” saidU.S. Army Maj. Ross Coffman, 4thBrigade Combat Team OperationsOfficer.

“Top-notch technology andteamwork between the Iraqis andmultinational forces paved the wayfor safer conditions for the first ses-sion of the [Transitional National

Assembly].”“This operation was a success

because we removed a significantamount of terrorist materials off thestreet that could have had devastat-ing effects and potentially killedhundreds of innocent people,” U.S.Army Maj. Ross Coffman.

The truck was discovered by anairborne platform on the east sideof the Tigris River in southeasternBaghdad. The coverage tracked thetruck’s movement until forcescould arrive on the scene.

The Combined ExplosivesExploitation Cell was dispatched tothe site and conducted an emer-gency detonation after exploitingthe site.

Courtesy photosTop: A Task Force Baghdad Soldier holds up one ofthe 13 suicide-bomber vests. The vests were part ofan explosive and IED-making cache uncovered bySoldiers of the 6/8 Cav. Regt. in the Al Rasheed dis-trict of Baghdad March 14. Above: Thirteen suicide-bomber vests were part ofan explosive and IED-making cache.Task Force Baghdad Soldiers display 107 mm Russian rocket warheads, part of a cache found March 14 in Baghdad.


Tuskers train IA to fightPfc. Dan Balda4th BCT

CAMP PROSPERITY, BAGH-DAD, Iraq — “There is a list for peo-ple who are in the (Iraqi army sol-diers) that the terrorists want to kill,”said Sgt. 1st Class James Uas, aninterpreter with D Company, 302ndING battalion, 40th Iraqi ArmyBrigade. “My name is second on thatlist. If somebody kills me they will get$1,000.”

So is the life of an Iraqi Soldierwhile undergoing reflexive live-firetraining March 12, at CampIndependence.

“We are teaching the ING how todo reflexive fire,” said Staff Sgt. PetePeters, 4th Battalion, 64th ArmorRegiment. “It’s the same training allthe Soldiers in the division receivebefore they come over here to Iraq.We do this training so that they can goout on the Iraqi streets and do patrolson their own.”

Even though 4/64 has been work-ing with this group for a short while,they have been able to focus on moreadvanced training due to the fact thatthe previous American unit did such agreat job with the ING.

“We’ve been working with themfor a couple of weeks, they had a lotof training in advance,” Peters said.“It’s been real easy for us to just jumpin and continue their training. 1/9Cav. did a great job of bringing thisgroup up to where we didn’t have tochange anything when we took overfor them.”

Instead of taking an entire battalionof ING and training them all at thesame time, the Soldiers use the “trainthe trainer” method. After learninghow to properly use the training, theassorted Iraqi platoon leaders, platoonsergeants and section sergeants, goback to their squads and platoons toshare what they have learned withtheir troops, Peters said.

“They have been getting real goodsince we’ve got here,” he added.“They are real quick learners. Theywant to succeed and to achieve some-thing special. They have a huge desireto learn.”

Capt. Mark McClellan, scout pla-toon leader for Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 4/64 Armor,,likens their motivation to why peoplejoin the U.S. Army but there is an

extra incentive.“They understand that they are

here to take their country back fromthe insurgents and terrorists, and tomake Iraq a better place,” he said. “Ibelieve that some of them join upbecause of the money, just like in theU.S. Army, but most do it becausethey want to help their fellow Iraqis.”

Uas agrees with McClellan.“I have been working with the

Americans for two years,” he said.“Its’ been very nice, I get to help peo-ple and kill terrorists. I like my job.Before, in Saddam’s army, nobodyreally liked their job. In one month wemade two dollars, now I make $400 amonth. It’s very different, now I caneat or go out and have fun with peo-ple. I love my job a lot.”

McClellan has already seen thefruits of his and the ING’s labors.

“I’ve already seen it on HaifaStreet,” he said. “People are cleaningup their own streets, putting in theirown sewer systems. This ING groupis the one that cleaned up Haifa Street.They are the ones taking grenades andgetting shot at, and they have a lot ofpride behind what they are doing rightnow.”

Uas has enjoyed working with theArmy thus far regardless of the dan-ger factor.

“I have been working with theAmericans for two years,” he said.“Its’ been very nice, I get to helppeople and kill terrorists, I like myjob except when we get attacked. Agrenade went off behind me and Ihad all kinds of marks on myweapon.

Uas hasn’t been back to his homein one week because he has beenstaying at Independence training orgoing out on patrols.

“I do this because I like to kill ter-rorists,” he said. “I like to help peo-ple, I like to help kids.”

McClellan has seen an improve-ment in their military skills, he said.But the real success is out on thestreets.

“You can see how proud they arewhen they drive around in theirtrucks with the Iraqi flag flying inthe wind, and people in the streetsare waving to them,” he said. “Onetime we came back from a patrol andthere were all these children cheer-ing for their troops. You could seethe smiles on the Iraqi Soldiers’

Pfc. Dan BaldaTop: Staff Sgt. Pete Peters, 4/64 Armor, teaches an Iraqi National Guardsman the prop-er posture during reflexive live fire training, March 12 at Camp Independence.Above: Peters teaches an Iraqi National Guardsman the proper posture.

Crew chiefs prove pivotal to Avn. Bde.Spc. Derek Del RosarioAvn. Bde.

Even with all the improvements andenhancements that have been made toArmy aircraft over the years, the high-tech machines wouldn’t even get off theground without the finely-tuned crewswho bring them to life.

By properly caring for their equip-ment and learning its capabilities andtheir jobs inside and out, these Soldiersmake themselves essential to theAviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Divisionmission.

The first line of defense in maintain-ing the brigade’s helicopter fleet is therole of the crew chief.

Before a pilot even enters the cockpitof a helicopter, the crew chief is on theflight line working on the helicopters tomake sure they are mission-ready.

Pfc. Francis S. Tun, a crew chief in CCo., 1st Battalion, 3rd AttackReconnaissance Regiment (known as1/3 ARB), feels he plays an integral roleto the pilot’s mission.

“Crew chiefs have to keep track of allinspections and maintenance and makesure they are not overdue,” said Tun.“Constant maintenance is important tomake sure the birds can fly and the pilotscan do their missions.”

Many crew chiefs believe that mak-ing sure a pilot can complete his missionis their primary goal, and they have tomake sure that everything on the heli-copter is ready so that a pilot can get in

a helicopter and be ready to go.Crew chiefs need to have extensive

knowledge of the helicopter in order tofind and fix problems. They identify asystem that’s down and then find outwhich section can fix it.

While crew chiefs in ARBs work onApaches, those in General SupportAviation Battalions like 2nd Battalion,3rd General Support Aviation Regimentand 4th Battalion, Assault HelicopterRegiment, work with Blackhawks andChinooks.

Crew chiefs on Blackhawk helicop-ters both maintain the aircraft and flythem during missions. Blackhawk andChinook crew chiefs also must qualifywith M60D machine guns and manthem during missions.

“We maintain the Blackhawk so itcan get to its destination,” said Sgt.Cardron F. Nixon, an A Co., 2/3 GSAB,crew chief. “When in flight, we scanour sectors for any potential enemies.”

In addition, Blackhawk chiefs takecare of passengers by making sure theyare strapped in and the back of the air-craft is secure, said Spc. Matthew S.West, another A Co., 2/3 GSAB, crewchief.

Flying in the Blackhawks can presentobstacles, though, according to West.

“Our job can be difficult duringdusk,” he said. “It’s too light outside touse night vision goggles and just darkenough to obstruct vision.”

Being part of the aircraft crew mightseem like an extra duty, but flying in the

Blackhawks is a reward in itself forsome crew chiefs.

“There’s nothing better than flying,it’s why I work here,” said Spc. NathanB. Dennis, A Co., 2/3 GSAB. “I get tosee a lot of Baghdad and meet interest-ing people, such as Iraqi governmentofficials.”

Crew chiefs’ routines can be anythingbut typical, and they have to be able toadapt to the situation at hand.

“We have a list of missions we haveto do, but sometimes a mission requestwill come in and we have to work quick-ly,” Dennis said. “In my job, you learnhow to be flexible.”

Dennis and his equivalents put inmany hours on the flight line. As longas pilots are flying, crew chiefs have tobe working to help ensure the helicop-ters are operational.

“We don’t get off of work until themaintenance is done,” Tun said.“Usually we’ll have someone bring uslunch so we can continue to work onApaches.”

On days with early missions sched-uled, crew chiefs will sometimes have tocome in the early mornings and put in12-hour-plus days, West said, butdespite the long hours, the Soldiersdepend on each other to stay in goodspirits.

“We have a good crew and we keepeach other up,” said Nixon. “We jokewith each other to keep our morale up.It’s a great benefit to be working withgreat people.”

All the time and hard work is wellworth it, as the crew chief gets muchgratification in the job they do.

For Tun, it is a great honor to be acrew chief.

“It is honorable to be a crew chiefbecause we are working for the pilots,”Tun said. “It makes me feel good to seea helicopter land. When pilots comeback from a mission — that’s what mat-ters the most.”

Spc. Derek Del RosarioSpc. Nathan B. Dennis, A Co., 2/3 GSAB,installs a panel on a Blackhawk whileSgt. Cardron F. Nixon oversees.


Women veterans: a proud heritageJoan A. FureyCenter for Women Veterans

From the days of theAmerican Revolution to theconflict in the Persian Gulf andtoday, throughout the World,American women have and arehonorably serving in defense ofour Nation. In times of war andpeace, women have willinglyresponded to their country’scall. Their contributions arecharacterized by individual andcollective acts of self-sacrifice,patriotism, dedication and per-sonal heroism. Yet, how manyof us are familiar with theircontributions, adversities andstruggles? How many of us areaware that women were presenton the battlefields of the GreatWar, in the mud at Anzio and atthe fall of Bataan? Womenserved in Korea, Vietnam,Grenada, Panama, Somalia,Bosnia and other places ourArmed Forces have gone.

Not all-military service takesplace in the arena of war; how-ever, a majority of military per-sonnel both men and women,has performed military serviceduring peacetime. Althoughtheir role is often perceived asless glamorous than those whoare associated with wartimeservice, their contribution is noless important. Unfortunately,women who have served in themilitary are rarely acknowl-edged in paintings, statues andmemorials commemoratingAmerica’s military history andthe word “veteran” is rarelyassociated with women.

The 1980 Census was thefirst to ask American women ifthey had served in the ArmedForces... and more than 1.2 mil-lion said, “Yes.” These womenrepresented 4.6% of the veteranpopulation, more than half ofwhom served during a period ofwar.

So, why is it that women vet-erans are invisible? Why istheir military service and some-time heroic actions seldom rec-ognized or honored? It is, inlarge part, because of precon-ceived social stereotypes andcultural mores. Throughout his-tory, military service has beenrecognized as a synonym for“combat” or “war.” And “war”has always been considered asa masculine activity. Yet, if weseriously looked at the charac-teristics so valued in war:steady nerves, sound judgment,courage, tenacity, patriotismand sacrifice, we will find thatthey are traits found and exhib-ited by members of both sexes.A review of the history ofwomen in the military demon-strates this fact very clearly.

Although not officially rec-ognized as members of theArmed Forces until 1901, theinvolvement of women in mili-tary-related activities and mat-ters in this country dates back atleast to the Revolutionary War.It was then that Mary HayesMcCauly earned her nickname,Molly Pitcher, by carryingwater in a grog to her husbandand other American artillery-men. Her fame, however, iscredited to when her husbandcollapsed in battle and sheimmediately took his place fir-ing a cannon until the Battlewas over. Deborah Sampson,disguised as a man, enlisted inthe Revolutionary Army andfought in several engagementsfor three years. Injured twice,she treated her own wounds toavoid detection, but after beingrendered unconscious and neardeath by a musket ball, thetreating doctor discovered hertrue identity and she was quiet-ly discharged from the Army.

Like the women who wouldfollow her, Deborah Sampsonserved bravely and returnedhome quietly. Little did sheknow that she was setting astandard of behavior that wouldpersist for close to two cen-turies.

During the Civil War,women like Clara Barton con-tributed their energy anddemonstrated their commit-ment to country and honor onboth sides of the war effort.Although most women servedas cooks and nurses, otherwomen became scouts andspies in theireffort tos u p p o r ttheir side.

C l a r aBarton con-tributed sig-nificantly tothe estab-lishment ofa level ofcare forw o u n d e dSoldiers thatparal le ledthe contri-butions ofF l o r e n c eNightingaleduring theC r i m e a nWar. Afterthe War,C l a r aB a r t o nestablishedthe firstN a t i o n a lCemetery inArlington,Vi r g i n i a ,and went onto found theA m e r i c a nRed Cross.

O t h e rw o m e nheroes ofthe CivilWar includ-ed Dr. MaryW a l k e r ,who gave up her medical prac-tice to go with the Union Armyas a nurse because womencould not be doctors. She latervolunteered to be a spy wascaptured by the Confederacyand held prisoner for fourmonths. Dr. Walker was award-ed the Congressional Medal ofHonor for her actions, althoughit was later rescinded. Sherefused to return the medal andwore it proudly until her death.In 1976, the U.S. Congressrestored this honor and Dr.Mary Walker became the onlywoman in our Nation’s historyto be awarded the highest mili-tary award for Valor in War.

In 1898, during the Spanish -American War, 1,500 nurses,under civilian contract, provid-ed outstanding care in the fieldand on what may have been thefirst hospital ship, the Relief.One of the nurses, Clara Maas,assisted with the research intoyellow fever transmission. Involunteering to be bitten by aninfected mosquito, she was thelast human subject to be used inthese experiments and the onlyone to die. These studies pavedthe way to the development of avaccine that later saved thou-sands of lives.

The outstanding care provid-ed by the nurses during theSpanish American War resultedin the formulation of the ArmyNurse Corp in 1901, followedby the Navy Nurse Corp in1908. Many of these womensaw duty during World War I,served close to the front linesand were wounded or gassed.World War I also saw womenserving outside the Nurse Corp

for the first time. Volunteerswere recruited to assume someof the clerical duties routinelydone by men. This call for vol-unteers resulted in over 12,000volunteers for the Navy andothers for the Marines. 10,000of these women were assignedoverseas. They had no rank, nobenefits and no entitlements.Still, they volunteered, theyserved and at the end of theWar, when they were no longerneeded, they returned quietly tocivilian life.

Women’s role in the militaryfaded once again and although

the Army and Navy NurseCorps continued to exist,women who served still did notreceive the rank, pay or benefitsas the men did.

Then, the Japanese bombedPearl Harbor.

As America confronted theneed to mobilize all of itsresources for war, once againthe need for women in the mil-itary became apparent and theWomen’s Army Auxiliary Corpwas established. Within a year,WAACs would be fully incor-porated into the Army andbecome the Women’s ArmyCorp with its members receiv-ing rank, pay and appropriatebenefits. Women servedthroughout the theaters of war-operation. As secretaries, inter-preters, intelligence operativesthey willingly served whereverthey were assigned. Nursesonce again were on or near thebattles and front lines. Theirdedicated service and untoldsacrifices were present atAnzio, Normandy, in France,Germany and in the SouthPacific.

Over 200 military nurseswere killed by hostile fire,including 6 Army Nurses whoremain buried at the beachheadon Anzio. Several hundredreceived military decorationsfor heroism and bravery,including the Silver Star andBronze Star,

In a seldom-told story ofheroism, 81 military womenremained on the islands ofBataan and Corregidor to carefor the wounded during the fallof the Philippines. Captured bythe Japanese, they were to

spend 37 months in prisoner ofwar camps. During captivity,they spent untold hours per-forming heroic deeds that ulti-mately resulted in many livesbeing saved.

No story of women’s mili-tary service during World WarII would be complete withoutacknowledging the 900women who voluntarily joinedthe Women Air Force ServicePilots. Organized in 1942 at therequest of General Hap Arnold,these women logged more than60 million air miles. Theyserved as flight instructors for

men; ferriedairplanes fromthe US toE u r o p e ,i n c l u d i n gh i g h - s p e e df i g h t e r s ,bombers andP-47 thunder-bolts. Theyalso had thedubious privi-lege of towingtargets formale fighterpilots so thatthey couldpractice on amoving objectwhile usinglive ammuni-tion.

In an unbe-lievable exam-ple of discrim-ination basedon gender,these womenreceived nosupport fromthe military,except fortheir pay, andwere not eveneligible formedical careor insurance inthe case of anon the jobinjury. Thirty-eight WASPSwere killed in

airplane crashes and manymore injured, but these womenreceived no benefits and, upontheir death, could not have a USflag draped over their casket.In 1977, Congress granted thesurviving WASPS veteran sta-tus.

The Korean War, thoughoften overlooked in history,once again saw women serving,both in the hospitals and in sup-port roles. The development ofthe Air Evacuation System forcombat casualties and theexpansion of the roles of theflight nurse were pioneeredduring Korea and ultimatelythis system would make a sig-nificant difference in the casu-alty care system duringVietnam.

Vietnam was our Country’slongest war. The perceptionthat women, if there at all, wereassigned to “safe” placesdemonstrates our ignorance ofwomen’s contributions onceagain. From the rice paddies inthe Delta to the jungles of theDMZ, women served in hospi-tals, MASH units and supportareas across the country.Eight women were killed inaction. Towns such as Pleiku,Da Nang, Chu Lai and Phu Baibecame and remain as much apart of the memories and storiesof the women who served inVietnam as they are of the menthat served with them. So werethe experiences of death, dis-ease and disillusionment.Vietnam redefined war; therewere no front lines and no safeplaces.

The Vietnam war changedmany things in this country, but

perhaps the organization it mostchanged was the U.S. military.

The advent of the all-volun-teer Army and the increasingdemand for technologicallyskilled Soldiers, the feministmovement and the successfulservice of women, contributedto the change of the militarystructure of the early 1970’s. Itbecame apparent that womenwere not just on active dutyserving in insignificant support-ing roles during wartime, theirongoing contributions wererecognized as essential. By1991, and the War in thePersian Gulf, over 11 percent ofthe active duty military and 13percent of the reserve forceswere women.

But change was still under-way. Although women had par-ticipated in the invasion ofGrenada, and in Operation JustCause in Panama, they did notreceive the public and mediaattention they did duringOperation Desert Storm.

The war in the Persian Gulfwas a true tuning point forwomen in the military.

For the first time, they werecalled upon to demonstratetheir effectiveness and serve inpositions previously reservedfor men. Positions such as:manning patriot missile place-ments, flying helicopters onreconnaissance and search andrescue missions and drivingconvoys over the desert close toenemy positions. Women werecalled upon to do all of thesejobs and more.

Women were exposed to thesame dangers as men. Closeto 35,000 women served in thePersian Gulf, and they servedwell. The success of their serv-ice can probably be best meas-ured by the fact that many newpositions and career specialtieshave been opened to women inrecent years.

The history of women inthe military is a history oflove of country, service, com-mitment, dedication andcourage and it includes sacri-fices that have largely goneunrecognized. But perhaps,that is changing.

On Veterans Day in 1993, abronze statue of three womenand a wounded Soldier wasdedicated on the Mall inWashington, DC. This statue,in close proximity to theVietnam Wall, was placedthere in honor of the 265,000women who served during theVietnam era. It was a historicmoment in time; for it was thefirst time our country hasbestowed national recognitionupon women who answeredtheir country’s call.

Then, in October 1997, theWomen in Service to AmericaMemorial was officially dedi-cated at the entrance toArlington National Cemetery.This grand memorial was 11years in the making and recog-nizes the honorable militaryservice of women throughouthistory.

From the RevolutionaryWar to the present, America’swomen veterans have beeninvisible heroines. They aretrue examples for future gen-erations that securing ourcountry’s liberty and freedomare everyone’s responsibility.

As a nation, we must paytribute to the Americanwomen; our grandmothers,mothers, and sisters, aunts andfriends, who have served theircountry through military serv-ice; for indeed theirs is a proudand honorable heritage. Theymust be recognized for theircontributions to the freedomswe so enjoy today.


Army divers clear bridge-threatening debrisPfc. Abel Trevino28th PAD

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq— Battling the elements andthe murky depths of theTigris River, divers from the511th Dive Team spent daysattempting to raise a sunkenpontoon as rain and hail pelt-ed them.

The pontoon that collapsedhas stopped traffic fromcrossing the civilian bridgeand has forced all traffic tocross on the bridge 100 feetdownstream, which wasdesigned for military trafficonly.

“The pontoon sunk to thebottom, therefore creating ahazard for the Americanbridge,” U.S. Army 1st Lt.Richard Wertz, 511th DiveTeam commander. “The pon-toon is causing the entirecivilian bridge to fail and isheading towards theAmerican bridge, [whichwill] cause the Americanbridge to fail.”

Divers took two days tosurvey the sunken pontoonand an additional four days tosurface it.

“We did a survey withscuba gear on to identify allthe holes; there are about 29holes on the deck,” Wertzsaid. “We can’t find anyholes on the bottom becausethe pontoon is sitting on thebottom, so there’s probably asmall hole on the bottom.”

On the first day, diversassessed damage to the pon-toon and attempted to surfaceit by pumping water in themain chambers out.

“Divers installed thepatches over the hatches withholes cut out so we can put inour pipe that we are going toeventually feed down [to] ourpump so we can suck thewater out of it and let air in,”said Staff Sgt. Ernest LeeVance, 511th Dive Team non-commissioned officer incharge.

As water is pumped from

the pontoon, air will fill theempty space and the pontoonwill float to the surface. Thejob was difficult for thedivers due to the conditionsof the Tigris River.

“The current was justincredible, so we had abouttwo, maybe three, inches ofvisibility. To see what wewere doing we had to haveour faces right on [the pon-

toon],” Spc. Sean Rowly, oneof divers who attached thePVC pipe to the pontoon,said. “Other than that, justtrying to hold on and not getwhipped away or have mybuddy thrown into me was[difficult].”

Wertz said the water wasmoving at around three knotsper hour, creating the strongcurrents divers fought to

work in.March 7, after four days of

fighting the currents of theTigris, 511th raised thesunken pontoon, which wasso hole-riddled that it tooknumerous patches before itwas capable of floating,according to Capt.Christopher Taylor, 814thEngineer Company com-mander.

Sgt. Brandon KrahmerDebris was one of the obstacles that caused the limited visibility the divers had to face as they attempted to patch the pontoon.

365th engineers earn Purple Heart after IED attack

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Explosionstearing through a busy road construc-tion site caused combat engineers toget a little closer to their work thanthey expected when hitting the dirtand asphalt as mortars landed amongthem and their equipment on March7.

When the four mortar rounds camewhistling in, Soldiers from CCompany, 365th Engineer Battalion,a National Guard unit from Scranton,Pa., attached to Ft. Stewart’s 92ndEngineer Brigade, had moved dirt,cut rebar and mixed cement for twodays to repair three large holes on acritical supply route.

The craters, measuring from fourto twelve feet deep and spreading 30to 50 feet in diameter, were caused by

improvised explosive devices. Theirpresence reduced the road to oneusable lane, snarling traffic in bothdirections.

Insurgents, intent on destroyingthe road repairs and taking lives inthe process, waited until the criticalstage of the process to launch theirattack.

“We were bringing up the grade,leveling it out and starting to set rebarand forms to pour the concrete whenthe mortars hit,” said Sgt. 1st ClassRichard E. Raubenstine Jr., a York,Pa. native. “I believe it was a win-dow of opportunity and that they tookit.”

Raubenstine said there was nodirect fire or other contact with theattackers, but that two Soldiers wereinjured during the mortar attacks.

“Everything happened so fast, it’skind of hard to remember,” saidHawaii National Guard Spc.

Togiimoana S. Niusulu, one of theinjured Soldiers.

Niusulu, from American Samoa,said he was pulling security near ahumvee when “there was a big boom… so loud you didn’t know whichway it came from.”

“It could have been grenades froma vehicle passing by … I didn’t thinkit was mortar rounds,” Niusulu said.“Then another boom went off, thenone right after another and I tookcover behind a humvee.”

“Between the second and thefourth (boom), I felt something hitmy hand,” Niusulu said of his injury.“I thought it was a rock or something.I wasn’t really worried about it at thetime.”

Shortly after the attack, Niusulunoticed a hole in his glove, andunderneath it, a hole in his hand, butdidn’t think much of it at the time.

“I didn’t want anybody to know,because when we were pulling secu-rity we heard somebody calling.‘Medic,’ so somebody (else) wasreally injured. I didn’t want anybodyto worry about me.”

After loading up to leave thescene, someone else noticed the holein Niusulu’s hand.

“My squad leader heard him andthen everybody got worried for somereason,” Niusulu said.

The injured Soldier who requiredimmediate attention from the medicswas combat engineer Sgt. RichardKalepa who remembers hearing andfeeling “two loud boom booms rightin a row.”

After taking cover near a humvee,Kalepa started off in the direction ofthe blasts to check if others were hurt.

“I remember taking two, threesteps and there was another simulta-neous ‘boom boom’ by me,” Kallepasaid.

The Honolulu native was knockedto the ground by the blasts, the major-ity of the force hitting along his rightside. He crawled to an equipmenttruck and took cover behind it. After

waiting to see if there would be anymore attacks, Soldiers in the areabegan to check themselves and oneanother for injuries.

“That’s when I noticed I wasbleeding profusely from the right sideof my cheek,” Kalepa said.

Another NCO at the scene tookover and performed buddy aid onKalepa.

“I was trying to get my bandageout of my cargo pocket, but I was justout of it,” Kalepa recalled. “He tookover.”

The medics began to treat Kalepafor shock and to control the bleeding,“The medic did a good job, reassur-ing me that everything was going tobe all right.”

Not as serious, but still importantto the mission, two pieces of equip-ment were damaged in the attack, onewith radiator damage, the other witha cracked windshield.

The day after the mortar attack,crews finished work on the secondhole, where the mortars landed, andthe project was completed on time.All three holes were filled and theroad re-opened in the five daysscheduled for the project.

Both Niusulu and Kalepa will beawarded the Purple Heart, and thisattack has simply strengthened thedetermination of these Soldiers tocontinue their mission.

Talking about the attack after-wards, Niusulu said, “Everybody wasmore focused, nobody was sittingaround.”

Kalepa said this hasn’t changed theway he sees his mission or discour-aged him. “I still feel we have a jobto do. I believe in what we’re doing,regardless of what happened. Wehaven’t even scratched the surface ofwhat we can do here.”

“It just pushed us… we had tospeed things up a little bit on dayfour. It didn’t interrupt us thatmuch.” said Raubenstine. “We werethere to do our job …and we’ll con-tinue the mission.”

Spc. Jennifer Fitts100th MPAD

Spc. Jennifer FittsSgt. Richard Kalepa, of Honolulu, and Spc. Togiimoana S. Niusulu, of AmericanSamoa, were injured in a mortar attack on a critical road repair project. BothSoldiers are deployed with C. Company, 365th Eng. Bn., Pa., National Guard.


Medics hold ‘element of surprise’Spc. Erin RobicheauxTask Force Baghdad PAO

CAMP TIGERLAND,Baghdad — With no advancewarning, medics of the 256thBrigade Combat Team sud-denly appear in neighbor-hoods, bringing medical careto the people of their Baghdadarea — whether it’s holdingtreatment clinics or bringingwheelchairs or other suppliesto ailing individuals.

“We always try to surprisethem when we go,” said Lt.Col. Joseph Dore, 256thBCT’s Surgeon. TheCharlotte, N.C., native saidthat showing up without warn-ing is safer for the potentialpatients, because there is achance that anti-Iraqi forceswould try to sabotage the clin-ic, thus injuring the very peo-ple the doctors are trying toheal.

Dore finds that getting thereand then making an announce-

ment over a loudspeakermakes for a more effectiveevent. There is less chance ofinsurgents attacking if theyhave no knowledge ahead oftime.

Spc. Melodi Holliday fromHammond, La., is a medicwith C Company, 199thForward Support Battalion,and this was her first timeworking with local nationalsand the children of Baghdadcontinued to surprise herthroughout the day.

“They’re not like Americanchildren,” she said, “theyalmost have an older

mentality, and seem likeadults in little bodies.”

Dore is grateful to be ableto help the people in the com-munity, especially knowingthat they don’t get medicalcare very often, if ever. Forhim, a successful medicaloperation is one where he cansee as many patients as possi-ble.

“As long as we can winover some hearts and mindswhen we do this, it’s a suc-cess,” he said.

For Holliday, an X-raytechnician in civilian life, herexperiences in Baghdad haveshed new light on her occupa-tion in the United States.

“I’m going to take a lot ofpatience back home with me,”she said, “Even though we hadinterpreters, not being able tospeak the same language asthe patient was a barrier. Itmade me appreciate the sim-plicity of my civilian job, inregards to communication.”

The locals of the Bany Zaidcommunity were not the onlyones surprised on a recentmedical mission.

On the way back to CampLiberty, the Soldiers of the256th were anticipating hotshowers after being out in therain all day, when the PlansOfficer for 2nd Battalion,156th Infantry Regiment

noticed something suspicious.“There was a car in front of

us that was going very slowly,and what made me pull it overwas that it didn’t have alicense plate.”

Maj. David Gooch, fromAbbeville, La., said that thelocals usually cooperate withconvoys when instructed toget off the road, and when thisone did not, he pulled themover. Inside the car were fourmiddle aged men. Wheninstructed, three of the menexited the car quickly, but onestalled.

“I actually thought thatsearching them would be apretty quick process, but whenI noticed the front passengerfiddling around by his feet, Istarted to get suspicious.”

After searching the vehicle,Gooch and his Soldiers founda shovel with fresh mud on it,a video camera, and some wireand wire cutters.

This may seem like enoughevidence to bring the suspectsin for questioning, but accord-ing to Gooch, it wasn’tenough—at first.

“I almost let them go in thebeginning, because I knewthat even with all that we’d

found, it wouldn’t hold upin an Iraqi court.”

But he and his Soldierswere persistent, and in notime, the medical team foundwhat it was looking for.

In the glove compartment,Gooch discovered documents

with Arabic writing, and heasked his interpreter to trans-late. The interpreter’s reactionwas all that the medics neededto hear.

“Arrest them, arrest them!”he shouted. “They’re terror-ists!”

When the Soldiers began tosearch the man, his suspiciousbehavior set off internal alarmbells. It wasn’t long beforethey found evidence of Anti-Iraqi activity.

“Our task force has encoun-tered over 100 IEDs, so weknow what they look like,”said Gooch.

The Iraqis were also listen-ing to a tape of terrorist propa-ganda, which confirmed theSoldiers’ suspicions that themen were up to no good.

Maj. Rico Alvendia,Deputy Staff Judge Advocatefor the 256th BCT, happenedto be part of the capture.While the New Orleans, La.native can’t work on the casebecause he was involved inthe capture, he will still play arole in the legal process, as awitness.

“I think we were fortunateto run into the insurgents onthe way back from the medicalmission,” he said. “They willbe prosecuted and I’m lookingforward to being a witness.”

When asked what he wasthinking as they approachedthe suspects and pulled themover, one Soldier said, “All Ithought was, ‘Surprise!’”Lt. Col. Joseph Dore, from Charlotte, N.C., 256th BCT Surgeon, listens to a little boy’s respiration.

Photos by Spc. Erin RobicheauxSpc. Melodi Holliday applies a splint to a little boy’s jammed fin-ger. Holliday is a civilian X-ray technician in Hammond La.

With U.S. training, Iraqi Soldiers ‘ready for any mission’Spc. Matthew Wester100th MPAD

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – “This training isgood for my Soldiers,” said Lt. Col.Sabah Kadhem, commander of the307th Battalion of the Iraqi army. “If aSoldier is not trained, he can’t defendhis country.”

At Hawk Base, near Camp Taji,Iraq, U.S. Soldiers of the 4th Battalion,1st Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade,1st Armored Division are doing exact-ly that – training Iraqis to defend theirown country.

The base is staffed with a cadre ofSoldiers from 4/1 FA’s A and BCompanies, who teach the IraqiSoldiers the skills they will need tosecure their area of northwestBaghdad.

“The Iraqis complete two weeks oftraining here,” said Capt. DanielGetchel of Vale, Ore., a 4/1 FA officersupervising the training at Hawk Base.“We train them to get proficient, andthen turn the company back over totheir unit.”

Getchel said the Iraqis start withindividual skills.

“They work on skills like patrolling,reacting to contact, casualty evacua-tion, and basic soldiering skills,” hesaid.

Then, the Iraqi troops move on tosquad-level tasks, and finally work on

training at the company level.“They’re working well together,” saidSgt. Cozae Banks, an Atchison, Kan.,native and member of the 4/1 FA train-ing cadre.

“We’re trying to teach them a cer-tain standard of discipline,” Bankssaid.

The cadre tries to instill discipline inthe troops, but doesn’t have to spendmuch time motivating them.

According to Getchel, they arealready highly motivated when theyarrive for training.

“I’ve seen an increase in esprit decorps, morale and motivation,” he said.“We’ve had Iraqi Soldiers who havebeen wounded in combat come backfor training”

He has also seen an increase in theamount of equipment available to thetroops, who are now issued uniforms,physical training clothes, runningshoes and two pairs of boots.

The Iraqis break in those new bootson the training lanes at Hawk Base.

On one of the lanes, the Americantrainers supervised as an Iraqi armysquad cleared a group of buildings ofother Iraqi Soldiers posing as insur-gents. The cadre acted as observer-controllers and let the Iraqis test theirskills.

“We’re in more of an evaluativerole,” Getchel said.

“This is a squad (situational training

exercise),” said 1st Lt. John Sackmanfrom Boise Idaho, an Alpha Companytrainer.

Like many cadre members,Sackman is a veteran of OperationIraqi Freedom 1.

He worked as a civil affairs officerand thinks his experience with theIraqi culture has helped him train Iraqitroops and officers.

“I’ve had lunch meetings with them(Iraqi officers) and introduced newteaching methods,” he said.

Sackman underscored one his maintraining goals.

“We’re trying to teach initiativedown to the lowest levels,” he said.

One of the IA non-commissionedofficers showed this initiative on thesquad lane.

“He was dissatisfied with the per-formance of his squad, so he is leadingby example through this training,”Sackman said, as the sergeant showedhis troops how to fire and maneuver.

After the exercise, Sackman gath-ered the cadre and troops together todiscuss successes and focus areas aspart of an American-style after-actionreport.

“This terrain was chosen because itis difficult. You are making definiteprogress,” he told the Soldiers.

“Keep on moving with a sense ofpurpose,” Banks added. “You’re doinga good job.”

As the IA troops formed up tomarch back to their barracks, Getchelsummed up his thoughts about thepartnership with the IA.

“If we put out great effort,these can be great troops,” he said. “Ifthey know what the mission is, andthey’ve rehearsed it, they can execute.They’re some of the bravest peopleI’ve met.”

Lt. Col Kadhem agrees.“They are now ready for any mission,”he said. “My Soldiers are very happywhen they catch an insurgent becausethey are helping the future of Iraq.”

For the rest of the year, theSoldiers of 4/1 FA will be at HawkBase to teach them how.

“My Soldiers are veryhappy when they catchan insurgent becausethey are helping thefuture of Iraq.”

Lt. Col Sabah Kadhem307th IA Bn. commander


Soldiers can take a load off with IBAsSoldiers of the 3rd

Infantry Division have beenissued the Interceptor BodyArmor system.

Although its fit is betterthan some of the previousprotection vests, the IBA canstill be bulky and awkward towear.

Even though the newplates in the IBA vests areconsiderably lighter than inearlier versions, the poundsstill add up.

A basic IBA system, with afull basic load of ammuni-tion, two protection platesand the Kevlar lining canweigh 20 pounds or more,depending on the size of thevest.

Attaching radio pouches,grenades and the other essen-tials can cause Soldiers tofeel like they’re carrying theweight of the world on theirshoulders.

There are a few simple tipsSoldiers can use to make surethey’re as comfortable aspossible while wearing theirIBA.• Make sure that Soldiers arewearing the right size vest.Vests that are too big canslide around the torso, evenwhen the side straps are com-pletely tightened, creatingfatigue and pinching.

If a Soldier is wearing avest that it too small, the

sides will not overlap proper-ly, reducing protection andcomfort.• Reduce the amount of“stuff” Soldiers are carrying,either on a load bearing vest,or on the IBA itself.

With the modular pouchsystem, it’s easy for Soldiersto overload themselves.

It might be nice to be ableto carry three days worth ofsnack food along with aradio, ammunition and firstaid dressings, but those extrapouches just add to thechances of getting stuck onvehicle doors and seatbelts,not to mention the increasedweight.• Fasten the IBA correctly.The front should fasten even-ly along the Velcro strips, andthe snaps should line up.

The easiest way forSoldiers to correctly fastentheir IBA is to loosen the sidestraps completely, then read-just the sides after fasteningthe overlapping front panels.

A vest that is fastenedincorrectly will hang uneven-ly from the shoulders, mak-ing the vest feel heavier onone side.• Tighten the sides of the IBAuntil it is snug.

Soldiers should be able tobreathe normally, but theIBA should not swing like abell when worn.

A snug-fitting vest reducesunnecessary movement onthe Soldier’s body andreduces fatigue in the back

and torso muscles. It also helps keep the vest

close to the Soldier’s bodywhen entering and exitinghumvees or other vehicles.

The easiest way to adjustthe sides of the IBA is withthe help of a buddy.

The individual wearing theIBA should put the vest on,and then, with the side strapsfully extended, lift the IBAoff their shoulders.

A buddy should then tight-en the side straps evenly,until the IBA is snug to thewearer’s body.

The front side panels ofthe IBA should overlap theback side panels and bothshould lie smoothly along theside of the body.

If no buddy is available,Soldiers can lean forward atthe waist and tighten thestraps themselves, makingsure that the left and rightsides are still even.

Female Soldiers may findwearing a compression sportsbra helps any discomfortfrom the upper part of thefront strike plate, as doeskeeping the upper side strapsslightly looser than the lowerstraps.

Soldiers in Iraq need theprotection their IBA vestsoffer.

Making sure that the vestsare fitted properly, are theright size and have the rightamount of gear attached tothem can decrease aches andpains at the end of a mission.

Spc. Jennifer Fitts100th MPAD

Spc. Jennifer FittsBefore a mission, Pfc. Jared W. Sanders, Headquarters andHeadquarters Operations Company, Special Troops Battalion,makes sure the front panels of his IBA are going to lie smoothly.

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – "Being in a male dom-inated industry such as the Army is … and to havea day or a month dedicated to recognizing theaccomplishments and dedication of women in thearmed services is something everyone should takepride in," said Cpt. Dominique Butler,Headquarters and Headquarters Support Company,Special Troops Battalion. "As women in the Armywe're the minority. There's a time to acknowledgewhat we can bring to the table."

That time here was the evening of March 19,when women and the ways that they have changedhistory – both in and out of the military – were cel-ebrated with an highly-attended event at the CampLiberty Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent.

During the presentation, which was sponsoredby the 3rd Infantry Division Equal Opportunityoffice, women from Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell toCondoleeza Rice were honored for the changesthey brought about in history – Blackwell was thefirst woman awarded a medical degree in NorthAmerica in 1849 and Rice is the first femalewartime secretary of state.

Female veterans, including those who havegiven their lives in service during the Global Waron Terrorism, were commemorated with a slideshow. Two veterans, Spc. Frances M. Vega and

Spc. Michelle M. Witmer, have been memorializedby having buildings named for them on CampLiberty.

Capt. Dalmyra Jessamy, HHSC, STB was thekeynote speaker during the presentation, and wasgiven a standing ovation by the crowd that hadgathered for the event.

Butler read Maya Angelou's poem "PhenomenalWoman,” and said despite her incredibly busyschedule since arriving, volunteering to participatein the women's program was almost an automaticdecision.

"When I found out about the program I didn'thesitate, told them, 'Just tell me what to do, and I'llbe there.' I volunteered to recite … "PhenomenalWoman" because I had read that poem before, wasfamiliar with it."

"It just speaks to me," she continued. "It's a tes-tament to women … their struggle to achieve andmaintain a certain status in life. If it inspired some-one, that's great. It's a powerful poem."

Butler also commented that a celebration ofwomen is not an event solely reserved for the fair-er sex, and was glad that didn't seem to be the caseduring the evening's festivities.

"I was very pleased to see a lot of male participantsin the crowd," she said. "That shows that they under-stand that there is a kinder, gentler side of the Armywhere it's okay to put aside a little time in our day tobetter understand the people you serve alongside."

Women’s History Month observed at Liberty MWRSpc. Jennifer Fitts100th MPAD

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brenda BennerCapt. Dalmyra Jessamy, keynote speaker during theWomen’s History Month event at the Camp Liberty MWR,gestures with passion during her speech March 19.

Female and male Soldiers ofall ranks and from all types ofcivilian and military back-grounds gathered at MWR tohonor the legacy of greatwomen past and present.Those in attendance gaveCapt. Dalmyra Jessamy andCapt. Dominique Butler anenthusiastic round ofapplause.

The Marne Express, March 27, 2005 Faces & Places

Courtesy photoA Soldier looks over a sewer leakage. Sewer problems continue to plague neighborhoods in many of the under developed cities of Iraq.

Spc. Jennifer FittsStaff Sgt. David M. Carpenter, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th Signal Battalion,lines up to take a shot at the morale and welfare recreation facility at Camp Liberty.

Sgt. 1st Class BrendaBenner

15-year militaryband veteranStaff Sgt. Jeff

Hughes, who isnew to the

“Rhythm of theMarne”

3rd InfantryDivision band,

lays the founda-tion during “Stars

and StripesForever” with his

upright tuba.

Spc. Jennifer FittsSgt. Adam L.S c h w a r z e r ,Atchison, Kan.,digs for the fronttow hook on histruck to drag it outof a newly-dugdrainage ditch,while Spc. MichaelA. Hasselbrink,Paris, Tenn.,watches from therelative safety ofthe cab. TheSoldiers, from BCompany, 92ndEngineer Brigade,enlisted the help ofa bulldozer to getthe truck unstuck.

Sgt. Andrew MillerSpc. Derek W. Frazier, a Boston native,pumps it up at a fitness center at CampLiberty. Fraizer is a construction equipmentoperator assigned to Headquarters andHeadquarters Operations Company, SpecialTroops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.

Courtesy photoStaff Sgt. Shaun Warren gets a hug from hisnew friend after giving her a hat and toiletries.

The Marne Express, March 27, 2005 GuidanceClose encounters of the wrong kindSpc. Jennifer Fitts100th MPAD

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Withwarmer weather rapidly approaching,Marne Soldiers will likely come faceto face with some of Iraq’s deadlydesert-dwellers.

Although troops have enjoyed coolweather since arriving here a monthago, the climbing temperatures signalan increase in the numbers of snakes,spiders and insects present in livingand working areas, especially on dirttrails and unimproved areas such asmotor pools.

Recent heavy rains have alsobrought out the snakes. Soldiers havespotted the unwelcome guests in flood-ed areas

of Pad 10.“Now that it’s getting warm, the

snake situation is real,” said Rob Perry,3rd Infantry Division deputy safetydirector. “They’re going to come outto get warm in the sun in the morningsand seek shade durring the hottesttimes of the day.”

It’s not possible to remove all of thenative insects and reptiles, so everyonemust take precautions to avoid beingbitten or stung. Simple measures canmean the difference between a closeencounter that results in an interestingmemory, and one that involves medicaltreatment.

Most importantly, Soldiers shouldprovide any snakes or insects they seea wide avenue of escape. Although it

may be tempting to harass and pokeat them, the results can be

painful or even fatal.Many snakes in thearea, such as thesand viper, haveaggressive and irrita-

ble attitudes and have

been known to attackrather than flee.Insects and spidersmay sting or bite firstand then run to safety.

The frequent and cor-rect use of insect repellant onclothes, equipment and skin is animportant step in eliminating problemswith insects and spiders. Uniformsand equipment should be treated withpermethrin, while repellents contain-ing DEET are for skin surfaces. Besure to follow the application direc-tions given on all products.

Cleaning up living and workingareas by properly disposing of trashand storing food in airtight containerscan help lower the rodent and smallinsect populations which, in turn,become possible food sources for thelarger insects and snakes.

Soldiers on patrol can prevent acci-dental run-ins with poisonous crittersby watching where they step andwhere they place their hands.

Snakes like to burrow beneath loose

sand or dirt to stay cool in the heat of theday. Reaching into dark crevices with-out looking first could result in a painfulbite, as could kicking over piles of rocksor wood.

If mission circumstances necessitatesleeping outdoors, sleep off the groundand use both mosquito netting and insectrepellant to deter bites and stings.Sleeping bags should be shaken outbefore settling in for the night. Makecertain to do the same to boots andclothing before getting dressed.

Although Soldiers have to share thedesert with all sorts of hazardous crea-tures, it is possible to minimize any neg-ative impacts snakes, spiders and scorpi-ons may have on daily missions by sim-ply using caution and common sense.

Your defense against Baghdad’s biting bugsCapt. Dereck IrmingerDiv. Surgeon Section

The end of the rainy season and thecoming of the summer temperatures alsosignals the coming of mosquitoes andsand flies.

In Baghdad, mosquitoes are a nui-sance pest and sand flies can transmitleishmaniasis. Sand flies are about 1/3the size of mosquitoes and can crawlthrough an untreated bed net.

Mosquitoes and sand flies are mostactive from dusk to dawn.

Leishmaniasis is caused by a parasitethat gets into people when infected sandflies bite them.

There are two kinds of disease: cuta-neous (skin) and visceral (internalorgans).

The skin form is seen as a sore thatwill not heal, even after several weeks tomonths and antibiotic treatment. Thevisceral form is seen as fevers that willnot go away (often with high spikestwice a day) even after several weeks andantibiotic treatment.

There is no vaccine or preventivedrug.

The best way to protect yourselfagainst these biting insects is to use theDOD insect repellent system.

If you are sleeping in exposed areasyou should sleep under a permethrintreated bed net. Contact your unit supplysection about obtaining these items.

Levantineviper

Saw-scaled viper

Evidence can be key to getting a conviction

Detainees suspected ofcommitting crimes againstCoalition Forces or the Iraqipeople are tried before theCentral Criminal Court ofIraq.

U.S. military prosecutorsassist in the preparation ofcases and help move themthrough the system.

Detainees appear before anIraqi magistrate for a prelimi-nary hearing.

The magistrate questionswitnesses and the detainee,and examines evidence.

If the magistrate finds thereis sufficient evidence, thedetainee will be bound overfor trial before a three judgepanel.

The judges will examinethe evidence and either con-vict or release the detainee.

If convicted, the sentence isusually handed down immedi-

ately. Evidence is the key to get-

ting a conviction. The better the evidence, the

better the chances are for aconviction.

The CCCI requires at leasttwo sworn statements fromindividuals with first handknowledge of the detainee’sactions and AIF connectionsbe presented.

An example of a statementthat would not be sufficientwould be “a reliable contactreported that…” or “person xtold the informant that….”

The problem with thesetypes of statements is that theyare not reliable.

The individual that madethem is not present in the courtfor examination by the magis-trate.

The CCCI requires that thestatements and eyewitness tes-timony be from someone whoactually knows of thedetainee’s activities and con-

nections or who actually wit-nessed the detainee commit acrime.

In addition to sworn state-ments physical evidenceshould be presented such asphotos and diagrams alongwith items seized at the opera-tion site if possible.

If you are involved withhandling evidence do notmove weapons and other con-traband until photos are taken.Photograph detainees with theitems.

Take photos of the opera-tion site and the surroundingarea so that the CCCI can seehow the location of thedetainee relates to where aweapons cache was found, anIED was placed, or otheractivities were conducted.

Label rooms where contra-band is found as A, B, C, andthen photograph them with theitems inside.

Label the photos A,B,C tocorrespond with the rooms

and place evidence from thoserooms in bags marked A,B,C.

As an example, after a cor-don and knock operation youdetain two individuals in ahouse.

There is a small cache ofweapons found in a back roomof the house, and a largercache including small arms,mortar rounds, and otherexplosives hidden under a tarpin a garage near the house.

Draw a diagram of theentire area.

Take photos of the weaponscaches with the detainees.Label the photos. Place corre-sponding labels on packagesthat you place the evidence in.

Get sworn statements fromindividuals who know thedetainees and know of theiractivities.

Photograph the entire areaso that the Court will see howthe house where the detaineeswere found corresponds withwhere the weapons were

found in the garage.Diagrams are another great

way to give the court situa-tional awareness.

A rough diagram can bedrawn while at the operationsite and cleaned up afterward.Remember to include dis-tances and measurements.

For instance, if you find aweapons cache in a garage 50yards from a detainee’s resi-dence, mark that distance onthe diagram.

Label the names of thedetainees and where they werefound on the diagram todemonstrate their relationshipto the weapons cache.

Evidentiary standards areestablished principals of lawin the CCCI.

Taking more time at asecured operation site to gath-er solid evidence will pay offlater in the CCCI and get theconviction. Just remember,PSD: photos, sworn state-ments, and diagrams.

Capt. Gary McNealSJA

Chaplain (Maj.) Bill KilmerAvn. Bde.

Relationships are never easyand maintaining one while oneperson is deployed is evenmore difficult.

Communication is an impor-tant part of developing relation-ships for you and your lovedones while you are deployed.

Being far from home, com-municating with family andfriends becomes even moreimportant for your well-beingand the well-being of the rela-tionship.

Writing letters, sending postcards, and mailing packages areall ways you can let your fami-ly know how you are doingwhile you are deployed.

I like to define communica-tion as the sending and receiv-ing of messages.

There is a cycle to communi-cation.

As messages are sent byPerson A, they are received byPerson B and then Person Bsends feedback to Person A inthe form of another messageand so the cycle continues.

Many times I have sat withcouples who are having prob-lems in their marriage but theydon’t know why they are hav-ing so many problems.

One of the biggest hurdlesthey have to get over is that nei-ther one is listening to the other,and so there is a breakdown inthe communication cycle.

Communication with yourfamily is important to youremotional well being and totheirs as well.

Talking on the phone, send-ing letters and trading emails,are all good ways to communi-cate or send messages.

An important part of com-munication is not only the send-ing of messages, but also thereceiving part of the cycle ofcommunication.

Knowing how the other per-son will receive the messageyou send is critical to bettercommunication and relation-ship building.

An example: You may beexcited about a DVD you wereable to buy at the PX here andwant to tell your spouse backhome about it.

But, the day you call, thechildren have been cranky forthe last week because it hasbeen raining and they can’t playoutside, your spouse isn’t feel-ing great anyway and then theyhear you talking about goingshopping at the store, buyingsomething just for you, andbeing able to sit and watch anentire movie all by yourself.

In the last month, yourspouse may not have been toany store but the commissary orKroger – then, just to buy gro-ceries – and the children werewith them, screaming all theway down the isle.

Your spouse may not havehad time to see anything on TV

but “SpongeBob SquarePants”while the children were watch-ing it.

And at the same time yourspouse was also doing threeloads of laundry, (wash, dry,fold AND put them away) andgetting dinner ready.

All you did was say some-thing about a DVD you boughtat the PX, but that wasn’t whatyour spouse heard from you.

See how important it is tounderstand how the person willreceive your messages?

Write lots of letters, tradeemails, and send packageshome.

When you send and receivemessages with your family,remember the communicationcycle.

How you send the messagemay not be the way it isreceived.

Think about how the mes-sages you are sending will bereceived and consider chang-ing the message so thereceiver can understand whatyou are trying to communi-cate.

Relationships take work tobuild, even when you aredeployed.

Editor’s note: Last issue’s“Chaplain’s Corner” wasincorrectly attributed toChaplain (Lt. Col.) JamesWhite. Chaplain (Capt.) TimValentine was the correctauthor.

Staff Sgt. Ricky A. Kieffer, 1/182 FASgt. Paul M. Heltzel, 2/156 Inf.

Spc. Matthew A. Koch, 70th Eng. Bn.

Spc. Adriana N. Salem, 3rd FSB, DSBPfc. Lee Lewis, 3/15 Inf.

Guidance

Spc. Jennifer MeadowsOSJA

Following the recent heavyrains, many Soldiers filedclaims for water damage. TheCommand Judge Advocate for4th Brigade processed severalsuch claims.

Water damage from heavyrain and flooding is a primeexample of one of the basis forfiling a Personnel Claims Actclaim.

In order to start the processyou need to file aPCA claim with theStaff JudgeAdvocates’ claimsoffice.

The damage to, orloss of property must be inci-dent to service.

In a deployed environmentmany instances are incident toservice. Examples of some sit-uations that may allow a claiminclude: loss of baggage duringtransport to or around the areaof operations, damage to per-sonal items caused by combatactivities or the theft of person-al property.

The PCA is a morale pro-gram and is not intended as aninsurance policy.

As a result, recovery issometimes limited.

The biggest limitation is rea-sonableness.

You can claim only for theloss or damage to items that

were reasonable to have in adeployed environment.

For instance, you can recov-er for a few stolen DVDs, butnot for 100 of them.

You could receive money toreplace a broken TV, but not ifit is a $4,000 plasma screenmodel.

There are other reasons thatyour recovery might be limited.

For example, if your laptopis broken and can be fixed, youwill receive the cost of yourrepair, not the cost of replace-

ment. Also, items more

than six months old willbe depreciated according to aset formula.

To file a claim, all you needto do is stop by the LegalServices Center on Camp victo-ry North or see one of yourbrigade legal teams.

You will need to bring proofof ownership (receipts, swornstatements, inventory forms),proof of loss (Commander’sInquiry, police report, baggagereport), and proof of value(advertisements of similarvalue).

You will receive a ClaimsPacket to complete. Your claimwill then be adjudicated and ifapproved, you will receive pay-ment by electronic funds trans-fer.

If you have questions, pleasecontact Spc. Jennifer Meadows,VOIP: 242-4568.

DDEESSEERRTT JJUUSSTTIICCEE Chaplain’s CornerDeployments and the communication cyclePCAs can make up for lost items

DDiivviissiioonn CChhaappeell SSeerrvviicceessCCaammpp LLiibbeerrttyy

Friday7 p.m. Jewish Service

Saturday10 a.m.: Seventh Day Adventist

Sunday9 a.m.: Contemporary

Protestant10:30 a.m.: Roman Catholic

Mass

1 p.m.: Lutheran3 p.m.: Gospel Protestant

5 p.m.: Christian non-instru-mental

8 p.m.: Collective Protestant


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

Claims Office HoursMonday through Saturday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Camp Liberty

Legal Services CenterBuilding C25

The Army procured several effectivebrands of ballistic eye protection toreduce eye trauma while conductingcombat operations. These include theWiley-X, Venture II, ESS goggles, andUVEX XC.

For prescription wearers, the UVEXXC is the only approved product thathas an optical insert for prescriptionlenses for military use. The UVEX XCprotective eyewear system consists of a

lightweight rigid frame and lens assem-bly that weighs 1.3 ounces, and uses aninterchangeable lens.

The UVEX lenses cover the eye andhave been treated with anti-fog. TheUVEX XC kit includes the frame, clearand gray (sunglasses) ballistic lenses,and carrying case. To get the UVEX XCKit contact your unit supply.

There are several ways for Soldiers toprovide Division Optometry with theirprescription in order to obtain theinserts:• Any Soldier who came to one of the

mass UVEX vision screenings on Ft.Stewart prior to deployment has a pre-scription already on file. Just notifyDivision Optometry of your require-ment for new or replacement inserts.• Provide by email or mail a written pre-scription from their doctor, civilian ormilitary. The prescription can also befound on the invoice that came with anymilitary issued glasses. • Send or present a spare pair of glassesto Division Optometry to read the pre-scription off of your current glasses.The glasses will be promptly returned.

• Get a new exam at Camp Taji or the86th Combat Support Hospital in theInternational Zone.

Protective eyewear should be worn atall times when outdoors or performingeye hazardous duties. The ESS gog-gles, which are worn over glasses forprescription wearers, are the recom-mended eye protection for use outsidethe perimeter since they provide thegreatest coverage and protection.

For further information contact Capt.Michael Ventura at 242-6493 or [email protected].

‘Eye armor’ a must-have for prescription wearersMarne Medical Mentor ... a prescription for good health from your Docs of the Rock

Maj. David SlonikerDiv. Surgeon Section

The Savings DepositProgram provides an opportu-nity for servicemembers todeposit an amount up to theircurrent unallotted pay into agovernment savings programthat earns 10% annual interest,compounded quarterly.

The program pays interest

on amounts up to $10,000.Soldiers performing official

duties in designated areas mayparticipate in the program.

To be eligible, the Soldiermust meet designated criteriafor the area and the applicablecontingency operation.

Generally, Soldiers on orderscontemplating duty for morethen 30 days, can make theirinitial deposit after arrival into

the theater for up to the amountof that month’s pay. DoDFinancial ManagementRegulation, Volume 7A,Chapter 51 outlines require-ments for various contingencyoperations.

Active component Soldiersmay contribute through allot-ment (preferred method) orcash deposits (cash or nego-tiable instruments).

Reserve component Soldiersmay only contribute throughcash or personal checks.

Monthly deposits are limitedto an amount up to net unallot-ted current pay and allowances.Agents with a power of attor

ney authorizing them tostart, stop or change allotmentsmay start an SDP allotment ofbehalf of the deployed memberonce the deployment entitle-

ments are showing in theSoldier’s pay account.

Agents with a power ofattorney authorizing them tomake investments on theSoldier’s behalf may depositcash, money orders, travel-er’s checks or cashier’schecks.

Agents may not depositpersonal checks nor makewithdrawals from the SDP.

Your Savings Deposit Plan: a gift that keeps on giving18th Soldier Support GroupSpecial to The Marne Express

Sports The Marne Express, March 27, 2005

Cartoon CCorner

The Marne Express is looking for artists for a bi-weekly comic strip! Contact [email protected].

Army sweeps Rebel Games’ day 3 www.goarmysports.comSpecial to The Marne Express

KISSIMMEE, Fla. –Army’s 5-2 victory overIUPUI, called in the sixthinning because of heavyrain, completed its secondsweep at the Rebel Gamesfollowing Day 3 of compe-tition in showing a 4-2mark, while leveling itsoverall record to 7-7.

Senior Leigh Harrellhelped write the headlinesin both games of the daypitching effective reliefinnings.

It earned the Army right-hander the win in the BlackKnights’ 3-2 eight-inningvictory over YoungstownState in the first game ofthe day, while picking upthe save against IUPUI inthe second game.

Lindsay March went 2-for-3 and drove in tworuns, Nikki Posey was 2-for-3 with an RBI and runscored, Lindsey Romackwas 2-for-2 and scoredonce and Lauren Gobarhomered in leading Army’s11-hit attack against theJaguars.

Gobar greeted IUPUI’sAngelica Espinosa with aleadoff solo blast, her firsthome run of the season andcareer eighth, in stakingArmy to a quick 1-0 lead inthe top of the first inning.

But IUPUI parlayed a hitand two Army errors to tiethe game 1-1 in the bottomhalf of that frame.

Espinosa stranded Armyrunners over the next twoframes before the BlackKnights erupted for threeruns on four hits off her in

the fourth inning to snapthe tie in pulling ahead 4-1.

March closed out thatuprising with her two-runsingle delivering Posey,who doubled home the firstrun, and Romack, who beatout a bunt.

Starter Kelly Trout (1-0)needed help from Harrell inthe bottom half of thatframe to preserve her firstwin of the season afterloading the bases with twoouts.

Chris Stauffer came infirst in relief, but had hardluck walking in the first run.She gave way to Harrellwho ended that threat bygetting the clean-up batter toground out to the secondbaseman.

After the first batter in thefifth inning was safe on anerror, Harrell retired the side

en route to picking up herfirst save of the season andcareer fourth.

The Black Knights chasedEspinosa in the top of thefifth after she walked leadoffbatter Melissa Garza.

She moved around onback-to-back fielder’schoices before being deliv-ered by Mary AnnKearney’s single to leftfield.

After Army, which hitsafely in all six innings,batted in the top of thesixth, the game was put onhold for 20 minutesbecause of heavy rainbefore being called.

Army returns to action atthe Rebel Games taking onNorthern Colorado 8:50Thursday morning fol-lowed by Wisconsin-GreenBay in Day 4.

Courtesy photoLindsay March, Black Knights, drives ina run against the Jaguars March 16.

COMING SOONStarting with the next issue of The Marne Express, we will be featuring a brand-

new column called Rocky’s Hydrant.Who is going to write this column? Why, YOU are!

If you have any gripes, questions or constructive criticismabout – well, anything at all – we’re inviting you to let us know.

Just make sure your comments meet the following criteria:1) No foul language – you don’t want all those nasty words to crowd out the point of your message, do you?2) If you have a problem, offer a solution – anybody can hate a situation; we want to know how you wouldfix it.3) Keep it concise – save the rambling diatribes for your buddies; we don’t have enough space for thathere.

AND HERE’S THE BEAUTY OF IT:Nobody has to know who you are! If you would like to remain anonymous, just tell us. If not, please sup-

ply your name, unit and hometown, so everyone can thank you for your helpful suggestions.E-MAIL [email protected] with your submissions.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Entertainment The Marne Express, March 27, 2005

In the Movies

Last Week’s Answers:Comics to Movies

Down:1. Incredible Hulk2. Elektra 3. Blade4. Spiderman

6. Punisher6. X-Men9. Batman

Across:4. Spawn5. Daredevil8. Superman10. Catwoman

Pfc. Ricardo Branch3rd Inf. Div.

These days there aren’t many movies that I’d takea lady to see. (Not to worry, since I’m here in thedesert for a year’s worth of movie viewing weekends.)

The last movie that was actually decent in my opin-ion was “40 Days and 40 Nights;” if that’s any indica-tion of what I like to see in a “romance” flick.

Most movies in the romance genre lately seem tolack the key ingredient of comedy to lighten a sappymood. In my mind, a few laughs go a long way inmaking a romance movie worth its weight in Jujubees.

Veteran actor Will Smith, known to many as anaction-adventure icon, was originally famous for hissarcastic comedic flair. Those of you who are famil-iar with “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” can relate towhat I’m talking about.

So, sitting down with his latest movie in my hand,I had high hopes.

The movie begins with Alex “Hitch” Hitchens(Will Smith) the self-proclaimed “date doctor,” whohelps those trapped in the endless dating game.

In three dates, Hitch identifies their common mis-takes and gives them dancing and kissing lessons.Eventually, each of his pathetic clients walks awaywith “the girl” on his forever grateful arm.

Following a simple method, Hitch imparts hisknowledge based merely on observation, not experi-

ence. He relies on his common sense to coach sev-eral loveless losers desperately searching for truelove.

Surprisingly, Hitch lost his first love to anotherguy and the pain from that experience repeatedlykept him away from the dating scene … until now.

Enter the lovely gossip columnist Sara (EvaMendes), who captures Hitch’s attention from theirvery first meeting. A series of unfortunate dates doesnothing to break the couple’s belief that they mighthave found “the one” in each other.

Meanwhile, Hitch has a new pitiful client, Albert(Kevin James), an overweight accountant who wantsto woo the love of his life, celebrity Allegra Cole(Amber Valletta).

The date doctor pulls off the seemingly impossi-ble — teaching Albert how to get Allegra to noticehim. But that’s the easy part.

Most difficult is convincing Albert to relaxenough so that Allegra won’t be turned off during adate with a goofy guy who lacks self-confidence.

Meanwhile, Sara is writing her “date doctor”story, which could spell the end for Hitch’s careerbecause everyone will then want his assistance dueto his celebrity rather than those who truly need hishelp.

If you think you know where “Hitch” is going,you’re probably right. Like most romantic come-dies, this one is light on surprises, although it’s

hilarious at times.The dash into the pharmacy for some Benadryl

for Hitch’s food allergy reaction, and the sceneinvolving Sara getting kicked in the head during adate to Ellis Island are just a few the highlights ofthis charming romance tale.

My advice to anyone wanting to see a goodmovie is to give this one a try.

I was entertained throughout “Hitch,” and If Iwas in the States, I’d definitely consider this moviea good contender for a Friday night date.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13

14 15 16

17

18

19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 32

33 34 35

36

37 38 39 40 41

42 43 44 45 46

47 48 49

50 51 5

‘Hitch’ a memorable first date

Courtesy photoHitch (Will Smith) shares a moment with Sara (EvaMendes) in a scene from the movie “Hitch.”

Across1. Blue-ribbon beer5. Baseball great Cobb7. Do push-ups11. Letters on a crucifix12. Half of a toy13. Indian royalty14. "Right away," medicallyspeaking15. Dr.'s helper16. "Once ____ a time …"17. Some chases?18. Baby plant19. " _____, out"

21. Consume24. Concealed28. Human prototype30. Buttery spread31. Puerto Rico, for exam-ple33. "Keep it on the down___"34. Football tries36. Lunchtime, for some37. Soldiers' get-togethers?42. Just okay45. "__ and fro"46. Graven image

47. Thought48. Article49. Actress Suvari50. A must-have51. Prefix for govt. civ posi-tion52. Not in order

Down1. "____ posh!"2. Against3. Applaud oneself4. Baby of the first family5. Male model of color

6. Over there7. Illegal activity?8. Smart smack9. Lennon's second love10. Hold down19. Do, __, mi20. __ a roll22. National dentists' grp.23. Lay on the beach24. A third of Santa's say-ing25. Unhealthy26. "In excelsis ___ …"27. Get files?

29. Dr.’s suffix31. Not out32. Gilligan’s “__ Minnow”34. Rover's accessory?35. Ogres are like them,some say38.Father ____39. Troubled times ofMarch40. Long times41. Kill a dragon42. Greed is a deadly one43. Song of praise44. "Oh, say, can you ___"

Crossword: DDoubletalkThe theme words in this puzzle have two meanings – one military, one civilian.

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