May 31, 2006 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in...

DESERTDESERT VOICEVOICEServing the U.S. and Coalition Forces in KuwaitMay 31, 2006

Page 6 & 7

Game planCoaches’ second rotation

Back page Best Damn celebrityPhoto by Sgt. Robert Adams

Leeann Tweeden, Best Damn SportsShow Period correspondent, interviewsKelvin Sampson, Indiana University, dur-ing Operation Hardwood II Thursday.

Third U .S . Army CommandingGeneralLt. Gen. R. StevenWhitcomb

Third U .S . ArmyCommand SergeantMajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe

Third U .S . ArmyPubl ic Affa irs Off icerCol. Barrett King

Third U .S . Army PAO,ForwardLt. Col. Jay Shiffler

Commander, 1 1th PADCapt. Chevelle Thomas

NCOIC , 1 1th PADStaff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy

Desert Vo ice Ed itorSgt. Jonathan M. Stack

Desert Vo ice Assistant Ed itorSgt. Robert Adams

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

1 1th PAD BroadcastersSpc. Christina Beerman

Volume 27, Issue 45The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for membersof the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voiceare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorialcontent of this publication is the responsibility of the ThirdU.S. Army Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is publishedby Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, which is not affiliatedwith Third U.S. Army. All copy will be edited. The DesertVoice is produced weekly by the Public Affairs Office.

CONTENTS 45

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DESERTVOICE

EditorThird U.S. Army PAO/Desert VoiceCamp ArifjanAPO AE 09306

[email protected]

Find us online at www.dvidshub.net

44

On the coverSgt. Robert Adams

Tom Izzo, Michigan State Unversityhead coach, goes over a play with hisCamp Patriot basketball team duringOperation Hardwood II Thursday.

66-77

PPaaggee 33 Trade in old ACUs

Page 9 Koreans work with U.S.

Pages 6-77 Returning coaches

Page 8 KNB Home Run Derby

Page 4 Enlisted leaders visit Kuwait

Page 11 Community Events

Troops deployed in support of OperationsIraqi and Enduring Freedom can exchangeArmy Combat Uniforms using the ArmyDirect Ordering Program.

Servicemembers from Kuwait Naval Basegather at the old sandlot to compete in thefirst KNB Home Run Derby May 24. Thederby features 24 participants.

Korean forces at Camp Virginia workclosely with American forces to accom-plish the mission and increase culturalawareness among the troops.

Six coaches and sports personalitiesreturn for a second time to coach basket-ball teams and visit troops duringOperation Hardwood II May 23-28.

Page 10 Singer displays talentPfc. Michael Trotter motivates his fellowtroops throughout Camp Buehring withthe smoothness of his voice.

Twenty-five National Guard senior-enlist-ed advisors visit Kuwait to see firsthandthe training their Soldiers receive whilein theater.

Upcoming events: Texas Hold ’em tour-naments, Edison Band shows, pingpong,Yoga classes, Tae Kwon Do, Softballleagues and tournaments.

Page 5 Hardwood behind the scenesA year of planning and a committee ofdedicated individuals brought OperationHardwood II to the troops.

2 Desert Voice May 31, 2006

3Desert Voice May 31, 2006

Soldiers deployed in support ofOperations Enduring and Iraqi Freedomhave an easy way to exchange damaged

Army Combat Uniform items. Army Direct Ordering is a web-based pro-

gram where Soldiers can go online, orderitems and have them shipped directly to theirmailing address. A Soldier must turn in unser-viceable uniforms to unit supply beforereceiving replacement items.

Only units currently in theater, or about todeploy, may enroll in the ADO program.

Units can enroll immediately and begin touse ADO after their first 30 days in theater.They do not have to wait until they have beendeployed for six months. They will automati-cally be disenrolled 45 days prior to rede-ployment to complete shipment of all pend-ing orders.

Soldiers can confirm their unit is enrolledby going to the ADO Web site,https://army.kyloc.com, using their ArmyKnowledge Online information and enteringtheir unit name in the submit-unit-name box.

Commanders determine whether individ-ual Soldiers or the unit supply sergeant willsubmit orders.

A Soldier can place orders by logging ontothe ADO Web site, entering the unit name in

the submit box and clicking on his unit name.The Soldier will be prompted to enter hisname and social security number. The ordersmenu will appear and the Soldier can selectthe items and quantities needed to replace thedamaged items.

ADO has built-in restrictions on quantitiesbased on authorized initial-issue and prede-termined wear-out dates. The process is thesame if the supply sergeant places orders forunit members except the Soldier’s informa-tion is used to access the ordering menu.

In either case, once the order is placed, thecommand designated unit validator willreceive an email indicating that an orderneeds validation. Validators have the abilityto change the shipping address if the Soldieris not located at the default location.

Validators must approve orders before theycan be submitted to the Kentucky LogisticsOperations Center, the organization responsi-ble for packing the items and shipping themto soldiers. Troops will receive their ship-ment seven to 14 days after the order hasbeen approved.

Once a unit is enrolled, it’s a great pro-gram. Instead of Soldiers having to get on theroad to the central issue facility, they getitems delivered to their door.

The following support items can bereplaced through the ADO program:

rigger’s belt

hot weather bootssports brautility capcamouflage helmet coverACU jacketACU trousersdesert bootsdrawerselbow and knee padsblack fleece overallsboonie hatcoat and trouser cold weather linerwicking t-shirtdigitized name, rank and U.S. Army tapescolored flagsThere are 1,153 units enrolled in the ADO

program as of Thursday. Almost 39,000orders worth more than $15 million havebeen submitted since the program began.

Army Central Command funds ADO bymultiplying the number of soldiers in the unitby $55 to determine the unit’s monthly allo-cation, but there is not a restriction on howmuch a unit can spend on an individualSoldier in a month.

There is no retroactive funding and unusedallocations do not carry over to the followingmonth.

To learn more about the ADO program orhow to enroll, contact me at DSN 430-5001or via e-mail [email protected].

Having problems replacing worn-out uniforms?

CoachessaluteyouSpc. Michael R. Noggle

Camp Virginia team two coachBobby Lutz, UNC-Charlotte,salutes the crowd as the engineof a Bradley Fighting Vehicle isfired up. The group of coaches touredfacilities around Camp Arifjan toinclude the Third U.S. ArmyHeadquarters, Humvee EgressAssistance Trainer, EmergencyMedical Facility-Kuwait and tookrides on a Bradley, Abrams Tankand up-armored humveeSaturday.

Capt. Tonya GillardADO Program Officer


Some of the top Army senior-enlistedadvisors gathered in Kuwait recently to seefirsthand the training and services availableto Soldiers in theater.

Twenty-five National Guard senior-enlist-ed advisors joined currently-deployed com-mand sergeants major at the first NationalGuard Senior-Enlisted Workshop sponsoredby the National Guard Bureau and Third U.S.Army May 15-17.

The command sergeants major touredCamp Buehring, Camp Virginia and the the-ater life support area, the central hub forSoldiers entering and leaving theater.

“This was a hands-on workshop wherethey can see the dangers Soldiers are seeingand dealing with every day,” said coordinatorSgt. Maj. Bradley Murfitt. “They have theopportunity to impact the training thatSoldiers need to have completed beforedeployment.”

“They can also relate their personal expe-riences of what they saw and the events thatthey participated in,” Murfitt explained.

These leaders impact the training focusfor their Soldiers, so Soldiers are not wastingtime training on tasks they will not berequired to perform.”

While the command sergeants major cameto learn more about the training and deploy-ment process in Kuwait, they left with a bet-ter understanding of how the troops live andfunction daily – having experienced it first-hand.

These senior leaders lived in tents withlatrine and shower facilities down the“street.” They ate in the dining facility –standing in long lines to get their three squaremeals a day and they traveled from place toplace like all Soldiers, in buses. It was theseexperiences that allowed them to understandthe deployment process and see the improve-ments that the camps are constantly undergo-ing to improve the quality of life for all ser-vicemembers.

The quality of life in theater is constantlyevolving, said Oregon’s Command Sgt. Maj.Thomas Moe, who has visited the theaterabout every six months since the war began.

“Three years ago this place was the wildwest. There was no “Reveille”, no “Taps”,”Moe recalled. “I’m pleased Soldiers areoffered Morale, Welfare and Recreationevents, fitness centers and ways to communi-cate with their home.”

Arkansas’s Command Sgt. Maj. Deborah

Collins agreed that as the theater matures, lifebecomes more livable for Soldiers. She wasimpressed with that there was running waterand air-conditioning, things she said werelacking in 2003.

When not in meetings or viewingslideshow presentations, the attendees partici-pated in simulated battles with insurgents inIraq using the indoor Electronic TrainingSystem.

They convoyed through the live-fireranges and they rolled over a humvee in theArmy’s newest training tool, the HumveeEgress Assistance Trainer. HEAT simulates avehicle rollover, allowing servicemembers topractice life saving techniques.

It was the training events that the atten-dees found most valuable, seeing that theirSoldiers are getting the best possible trainingbefore facing the dangers of combat, Moesaid. The general consensus was that trainingduring the final phase of mobilization hasimproved greatly.

“Since Soldiers focus on individual skillsprior to coming into country, trainers here areable to focus on unit-level training,” Moesaid. “With this kind of preparation, I’m con-fident my Soldier will be just fine up north.”

“Every day Soldiers are better preparedfor the war fight in Iraq. Initially they haveno idea what they are up against. But as thewar goes on, the Army is coming up with bet-ter ideas for fighting this war,” saidCalifornia’s Command Sgt. Maj. HarryCourtney.

After visiting Kuwait, the sergeants majornow have a better understanding of the mobi-lization process - from the time their Soldiersleave the home state, until they report to theirfinal duty station.

This was the purpose of the conference,the organizers said, to give the senior-enlistedadvisors a snapshot of Soldiers’ experience inKuwait, and, with this knowledge, better pre-pare Soldiers for their deployment.

Enlisted leaders gather, tour Kuwait campsSgt. Kara Greene115th ASG PAO

Photos by Sgt. Kara GreeneArkansas’ Command Sgt. Maj. Deborah Collins looks at a few items given to Soldiers atthe rapid-fielding initiative facility during the conference.

Illionois’ Command Sgt. Maj. Bingse W.Young fires an M-16 rifle on the ElectronicTraining System during his visit to Kuwait.


“The dictionary is the onlyplace that success comes beforework. Hard work is the price wemust pay for success.”

Vince Lombardi

Coordinators for OperationHardwood II agreed with thissentiment, putting in long hoursand many meetings to ensure theevent would be smooth andenjoyable.

Planning for OperationHardwood II began in August,immediately following the first,with the coaches sending anafter-action review to AreaSupport Group – Kuwait. Whenthe Operation Hardwood II com-mittee was formed in March, itreviewed the AAR and based theplans on what the coaches want-ed to do.

“Most of the time they justwanted to be around theSoldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class

Dwayne Williams, ASG – KuDirectorate of InstallationSupport office noncommissionedofficer in charge.

The committee included allthe major planners for the eventincluding the Directorate ofInstallation Support, Morale,Welfare and RecreationEntertainment Branch, MWRsportscoordina-tor andthe publicaffairs office.

The committee held meetingsto coordinate all the events of thetournament and the coaches’ itin-eraries.

The committee discussed avariety of topics including howmany games would be played,what type of bracket would beused in the tournament and whatactivities to plan for the coaches.

The committee built into thecoaches’ schedule a visit to theCommand OperationsInformation Center, HumveeEgress Assistance Trainer and the

hospital. They also had theopportunity to drive a M1Abrams tank, Bradley FightingVehicle and a variety ofhumvees.

“It was a challenge gettingeveryone’s input and tweaking it,into such a short period of time…We really had to narrow itdown,” Williams said.

Planningwas a groupeffort, butother parts

of the committee had their ownmissions to complete.

The Entertainment Branchwas responsible for all logisticsincluding transportation andpaperwork including passportsand visas. They also providedadvertising.

“The hardest part was collect-ing all the documentation in atimely manner,” said ClaytonBovey, Entertainment Branchmanager. “It was on us to followthe itinerary to get the coaches tothe places and times indicated.”

Another large part of the tour-

nament planning was done by theMWR Sports Coordinator, KevinScott.

His office was responsible forthe Arifjan team tryouts and finalpicks, three-point and slam-dunkcontests coordination and send-ing “feelers” to other camps toensure they knew what was need-ed for the tournament.

The sports coordinator alsowrote a memorandum of instruc-tion for all the teams whichincluded the rules of NationalCollegiate Athletic Associationbasketball.

“It was quite a bit of runningaround to make sure Hardwoodwas successful,” Scott said.

All the coordinators said plan-ning the tournament took a lot oftime, energy and communication,but it was important for the ser-vicemembers to have this oppor-tunity.

“It’s time-consuming to coor-dinate, but after it’s done, it’s alot of fun,” Bovey said. “It’s allworth it to see the smiles on theservicemembers’ faces.”

Operation Hardwood II: behind the scenes

Spc. Debralee P.CrankshawThird U.S. Army PAO/11th PAD

Year’s worth of planning put into action

Photos by Sgt. Robert Adams(Left) Camp Navistar basket-ball coach Gary Williams,University of Maryland,demonstrates an offensivedrill during a team practiceprior to their game Friday.

“It’s time-consuming to coordinate,but after it’s done, it’s a lot of fun.”

Clayton Bovey, Entertainment Branch manager

Nathaniel Taylor, BuehringBallers’ point gaurd, take ashot over four ArifjanRenegades Thursday.


Six of the 12 coaches of theOperation Hardwood II basket-ball tournament returned for theirsecond time to coach and meettroops.

Tom Izzo, Michigan StateUniversity; Mark Gottfried,University of Alabama; DaveOdom, University of SouthCarolina; Kelvin Sampson,Indiana University; and JayBilas, ESPN analyst and formerDuke University player, quicklyjumped on the opportunity torevisit troops after their firstHardwood experience in August.

“Coming back here is likecoming back home,” Odom said.“It’s like seeing how much your

brothers and sisters have grown.”The returning coaches agreed

during a town meeting withtroops that they were eager tocoach and thank troops again.

“Having been here one yearago, I feel more seasoned,”Gottfried said.

He added, “I enjoy getting toknow the people here and I justwant the troops to know we camefor them.”

Gottfried said he took theopportunity to learn about hisCamp Virginia players and learnabout the daily military routine atVirginia.

“I like my team.... They arevery enthusiastic and play reallywell together,” he said.

“I want to get to know them,stay in touch and they’re always

welcome to come to an Alabamagame.”

The coaches walked away inAugust with a better understand-ing of the military and Kuwait

culture. The six new coaches got the

opportunity to join their veterancounterparts in riding in an M1Abrams tank, a Bradley Fighting

Six coaches begin second tourSgt. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Photos by Sgt. Robert AdamsDave Odom, University of South Carolina head coach, talks to his Camp Patriot “All-N-One” baskeball team during an OperationHardwood II basketball game May 24. Odom is one of six coaches from the first Operation Hardwood returning to Kuwait.

Bobby Lutz, University of North Carolina - Charlotte head coach,and his Camp Virginia “Vipers” join hands for motivation May 24.


Vehicle and on a camel. “Let me tell you something…

you ride a camel, you drive atank... and you coach basketballall in the same day – you havehad one hell of a day,” Odomsaid afterhis firstHardwoodexperi-ence.

Lutzsaid he will never forget thenational anthem last year whenall the coaches were standing atattention in Army desert combatuniforms.

“That was the most movinganthem I’ve ever experienced asa player or coach,” Lutz said.

Lutz added, “I can honestlytell you that I have never felt ashonored to be an American as

when Icame andexperi-enced thiswith all ofyou.”

Izzo agreed that last year’sevent was a really important timein his life.

He said he remembered howgrateful the troops were to have

the coaches and that made himwant to come back.

“We will never give you asmuch as you’ve given us, but wewill promise you to spread theword and tell what you are allabout when we get back home,”Izzo said in August.

“When you get back homeand share these experiences thatyou had, after awhile there is the

tendency to put it in the back ofyour mind,” Odom said. “Thenyou get a call to come back andyou could ask yourself: ‘Wellmy players need me here, I’ll beleaving my family again, howabout I let someone else experi-ence it?’”

Odom said, “But how could Inot come back, it is truly a life-changing experience.”

(Above) Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst and formerDuke University player, teaches his CampBuehring “Ballers” basketball team a drillMay 24.(Left) Tom Izzo, Michigan State Universityhead coach, signs a picture for Sgt. DamonKemp, Coalition Forces Land ComponentCommand Staff Judge Advocate, at CampArifjan’s Zone 1 gym Thursday.

Kelvin Sampson, Indiana University head coach, speaks to hisCamp Arifjan “Renegades” basketball team during halftime of oneof their Operation Hardwood games Thursday.

Mark Gottfried, University of Alabama head coach, dribbles aroundone of his Camp Virginia “Scorpions” basketball team playerswhile demonstrating a basketball drill May 24.

“I can honestly tell you that I have neverfelt as honored to be an American aswhen I came and experienced this with

Bob Lutz


In the midst of the 1933 Major LeagueBaseball season, the first all-star game washeld as a part of the World’s Fair in Chicago.Having featured the game’s top players, morethan 50 years later, the Home Run Derby wasintroduced as part of a display of baseball’slong-ball hitters.

As part of their intermission to the unit-level softball season, 24 servicemembersfrom Kuwait Naval Base participated in thefirst-ever Softball Home Run Derby.

“We are about midway through our soft-ball season and fans like to see players hithome runs,” said James Brainer, Morale,Welfare and Recreation sports coordinator.It’s like the slam-dunk competition in theNBA. A home run is the most exciting thingto happen in a game.”

Round for round, sluggers teed-off asMaurice Graham took home first place with afinal-round score of 12 dingers.

“It was an interesting contest with greatcompetition,” Graham said. “I just tried mybest to hang with these younger guys.”

After a two-and-a-half hour first round,Greg Garza and Tim Whiting paced the packwith a respectable 12 and 11 home runs.

“I wasn’t aware of the caliber of players

here,” Garza said. “My object was to hit asmany home runs as possible and, hopefully,no one would catch me.”

“My mind set was to get into the thirdround and go from there,” Whiting said. “Ifocused more on my stance and keeping myeye on the ball.”

At the start of the second round, the fieldwas narrowed to nine, but the competitionwas just heating up.

Rebounding from six home runs in thefirst round, Graham launched nine out of thepark and took second in the frame behindGarza’s 10.

“I knew who the winners were going to befrom the beginning,” said Hector Rivas. “Ifeel proud of myself for making it into thetop five.”

“It’s not as easy as it looks,” Graham saidafter completing his second round. “Youhave to get your pitch to hit and I did.”

“I felt confident heading into the finalround,” Garza said. “Other than Whiting, theone person I had to keep an eye on wasMaurice.”

With the final round set, five contestants— Garza, Graham, Rivas, Whiting and GregKluck — took aim for the first-place trophy.

Following Kluck’s six homers and Rivas’sseven, Whiting took center stage andlaunched 11 balls into the Kuwait desert

night. “Getting to that point, I knew I was going

to compete,” Whiting said. “After hitting 11,I had a chance, but I knew Garza wouldn’thand me first place.”

Following a tough act and knowing theupcoming competition, Graham left no doubtswith a final round longest-distance ball at 395feet.

Garza approached as the final hitter; thecontestants looked on expecting him to matchGraham’s efforts. Having surged early in theround, Garza quickly grabbed nine home runswith five out. However, he would add onemore in his final five outs and fell to thirdplace.

“I lost focus,” Garza said. “I was thinkingabout the trophy, but I wasn’t tired.”

A sigh of relief from Graham appeared inhis face, having fended off the two boppers inGarza and Whiting, as he was crowned thisyear’s home run champion.

“He was humble,” Whiting said ofGraham. “It’s always nice to lose to a classyguy who is humble in victory. I think heshook my hand four or five times when thederby ended.”

“It was a fun event and I enjoyed it,”Graham said. “I think it’s a great thing fromMWR and it gives a little morale back to thetroops.”

Heavy hitters take part in KNB Derby3…2…1… liftoff

Spc. Michael R. NoggleThird U.S. Army PAO/11th PAD

Photos by Spc. Michael R. Noggle(Top) Maurice Graham hits his 12th and final home run of the final round to give him first placein this year’s Kuwait Naval Base Softball Home Run Derby.(Right) Greg Garza (left), Graham (center) and Tim Whiting (right), were this year’s top-threewinners in the derby.


Camp Virginia troops andRepublic of Korea soldiers haveworked together to cement theirfriendship.

The Korean Kuwait detach-ment support unit works directlywith American forces to accom-plish its missions.

These missions include recep-tion, staging, onward movementsand integration for Korean sol-diers and coordinating with theAerial Port of Debarkation fordistinguished visitors.

They provide resupply andonward movement for their sol-diers in Erbil, Iraq.

“The Korean Kuwait detach-ment has a similar mission as wedo – we both provide life supportfor transit troops,” said 1st Lt.Marion Stephens, 3rd Battalion,116th Field Artillery Regimentcoalition officer in charge.

Stephens added, “If they did-n’t have a liaison cell here itwould still get done, but I don’tthink it would be with the sameefficiency.”

While U.S. forces are thankfulfor the Korean’s support, the

Koreans are appreciative of whattheir experience with theAmericans here has taught them.

The Koreans have learned alot from the United States, espe-cially RSOI, said Korean Lt. Col.Myung Dong Hur, Kuwaitdetachment commander.

He added, “We have an annualRSOI exercise in Korea.”

Hur added that he thinks thatthe knowledge they haveobtained here will help theirtraining in Korea.

Not only have the Koreanslearned from American opera-tions, but have worked togetherto solve issues.

“The U.S. forces always helpeliminate problems,” Hur said.“They encourage us to executeideas and help make them a reali-ty.”

Stephens said working withthe Koreans is just as rewardingfor the American forces as theKoreans.

“They’re very self-sufficient.It’s a joy to work with them,” hesaid.

He added, “I think everyonefeels the same way I do and real-ly enjoys working with theKorean Army.”

The Koreans not only work

closely with the United States formissions but also to increase cul-tural awareness with the rapportthey’ve developed.

To express their appreciationfor all the support they’ve beengiven, the Koreans invited thecamp commander and staff totheir hail and farewell.

They invited them to strength-en their relations between ROKand the United States, Hur said.

He added, “At first we werehesitant to invite them becausewe weren’t sure if they’d like the

food, but they really showed awillingness to learn about ourfood and the Korean culture.”

The Koreans also helpincrease cultural awareness bysitting on the dining facility com-mittee and giving recommenda-tions for food selections.Currently the DFAC offersKimchi as part of their culturalfood selection.

Hur said he hopes the Koreansand Americans can continue tohave this close relationship andstrengthen their friendship.

Koreans benefit mission, enhance cultural awarenessSpc. Debralee P.CrankshawThird U.S. Army PAO/11th PAD

Courtesy photoKorean soldiers in Kuwait sort through items to be transported totheir soldiers deployed to Iraq.

Anew financial management tool willsoon be available for servicemembersand contractors in Kuwait and parts

of Iraq.The Eagle Cash Stored Value Card

replaces physical currency with electroniccurrency to assist deployed servicemembers,civilians and contractors in protecting theirmoney from loss and theft.

The card will begin its initial phase inKuwait and some parts of Iraq in June andwill be available for use by the end of July.

More than 1.7 million cards have beenissued and $683 million in electronic valuehas been loaded onto these cards since theprogram’s inception in 2000.

“It’s like a prepaid gift card – it’s the sameconcept,” said Sgt. 1st Class Camilla

Johnson, Eagle Cash card project managernoncommissioned officer in charge.

There are two main components to thecard, the kiosk and the point-of-sale terminal.The kiosk is similar to an automated tellermachine. A pin number, given when the cus-tomer receives their card, is required for use.It gives customers the ability to access theirfunds anytime without visiting the financeoffice. Customers can also perform card tocard transfers with the Kiosk.

The point-of-sale terminal will be locatedin Army and Air Force Exchange Service,concessionaires and the post office. To usethis service, customers must show photoidentification.

Cash can also be used in addition to thecard for a transaction.

“This reduces cash in theater, providingmore security,” said Capt. Carl Kleinholz,Eagle Cash card project manager officer in

charge. “Servicemembers don’t have to worryabout piles of cash in their wall lockers.”

The card is also valuable to the Armybecause it saves on logistics and moneybrought into theater, he added.

A lost card can be blocked and reissuednormally within 48 hours with the fundsreplaced. The servicemember must visitfinance to complete this. If the card is lost orstolen while the finance office is closed, cus-tomers should report the card lost or stolen tothe provost marshal’s office. They will stillneed to visit the finance office and fill out anincident report.

To enroll in the program, customers canvisit their local finance office.

“You can use it immediately after enroll-ment and issuing the card is quick and easy,”Kleinholz said.

Visit the finance office for more informa-tion on the Eagle Cash Card.

Eagle cash card brings convenience, securitySpc. Debralee P. CrankshawThird U.S. Army PAO/11th PAD


A songwriter, singer, husband and Soldier,Pfc. Michael Trotter engages his listenerswith the sound of his voice as he croonsabout situations that people can relate to.

On his second tour in the Middle East,Trotter, a 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1stArmored Division supply specialist, raises thespirits of his fellow servicemembers throughthe use of his voice and his positive attitude.

“Trotter has touched many people with hissinging,” said 1st Lt. Kimberly Cowlin, 63rdEngineer Battalion. “He has been blessed inmany ways, but most of all he has beenblessed with a beautiful voice.”

Trotter’s mother noticed that he had a giftat the age of 3 and ushered him into thechurch to sing. With his family’s influence,Trotter developed his skills, but did not real-ize he had talent until the age of 9.

From the trials and tribulations of a boygrowing up in Washington D.C., to his timein Iraq and Kuwait as a Soldier, Trotter hasalways expressed himself through his music.He started writing his own music at the ageof 13, but he did not start concentrating moreon his writing until he was deployed to Iraq.

“I wish they had a title of music called lifebecause my music is life,” Trotter said. “Mymusic does three things with life – builds life,encourages life and gives life.”

Writing music was his way of opening hisheart, according to Trotter. He writes aboutthe life issues that he faces everyday. Hissong entitled “Forgiving” was his way ofexpressing the guilt that he felt for having hischild out of wedlock and how he dealt withthis issue. He also has another song aboutthe situations troops go through on a deploy-ment. The song talks about the brotherhoodamong Soldiers, the strain a deployment hason a family and the experiences he wentthrough. He shares each new song he writes

with his fellow Soldiers for feedback.“I want to use my talent to the best of my

abilities, not for personal gain,” Trotter said.“I do not care about the money, fortune orfame. If you can smile at the end of my song,then my purpose was filled.”

Trotter wants to use his music to changepeople’s lives.He has sung forseven candle-light vigilsagainst domestic violence. He was able toconnect with this issue because he faced thisproblem in his family.

The problems between his parents grewuntil his mother sought refuge at a domesticviolence center, a place where batteredwomen and their children can find safety andsecurity.

When asked to perform for one of thesevigils, he said yes with no hesitation. He alsouses his talent to honor fallen Soldiers.

“It wasn’t enough for me to salute them. Itwasn’t enough for me to remember them,”Trotter said. “I wanted to offer the best partof me… my gift — which is singing.”

He has sung at several memorial servicesin Kuwait, Iraq and stateside. Trotter startedsinging at memorial services after he lost twofellow Soldiers while serving in Iraq. Hewanted to show his appreciation and honorthem by singing.

The emotions he felt when he was singingwere unforgettable,Trotter said. Seeingtears come to his fel-low Soldiers’ eyes

made him realize how his singing can helppeople deal with the loss of a friend and hedecided he would continue to sing for morememorials.

Trotter’s singing raises morale among hisservicemembers, but it is his positive attitudethat means the most to Soldiers, said Spc.Angel Regalado, truck driver.

“I don’t know how he does it, but when Italk to him I feel better about myself,”Regalado said.

Trotter said he makes it his responsibilityto have a positive attitude and keep his headup for his fellow Soldiers. He is constantlyseen stopping to ask servicemembers abouttheir day and he reminds them that a betterday will always come. Morale is important ina deployed environment, but to Trotter itmeans everything.

“He has a way of catching people’s atten-tion,” said Spc. Christopher Wilson, 2ndBCT.

Trotter is catching the music industry’sattention with his smooth voice as he contin-ues to pour his heart out in his lyrics.

He is anticipating the release of his firstalbum in 2008 as he works with people toreach his goal of changing the world with hismusic.

Sgt. Marcos Alices KinchThird U.S. Army PAO

Soldier’s smooth voice echoes across Buehring

Sgt. Marcos Alices KinchPfc. Michael Trotter rehearses one of his songs. He uses his singing and song writing tal-ent to tell stories about life.

“I want to use my talent to the best of myabilities, not for personal gain,”

Pfc. Michael Trotter


For information call 442-2005

WednesdayTexas Hold ’em tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterRock & Roll Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterCountry Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage

ThursdayPingpong tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 6Community CenterBallroom Dance class, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterCountry Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenter

FridayLatino Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterHip-Hop Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageYoga, 5 p.m., Zone 6 Community CenterCore Abs class, 6 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center

SaturdayHip-Hop Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterCore Abs class, 6 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness Center

SundayOld School Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageYoga, 5 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center

MondayKaraoke, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center

TuesdayKaraoke, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageBallroom Dance class, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterYoga, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Community Center

WednesdayRock & Roll Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterCountry Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageFor more information call 430-1205/1302

WednesdayTexas Hold ’em tournament, 7:30 p.m., Oasis

FridayEdison Band show, 7 p.m., stageFor more information call828-1202

WednesdayStep Class, 6 p.m., Aerobics RoomDominoes tournament, 7 p.m., RecreationCenter

ThursdayLatin Dance Night, 7 p.m., Aerobics Room

SaturdayTae Kwon Do, 6 p.m., Aerobics RoomBingo, 7 p.m., MWR stage

TuesdayLatin Dance Night, 7 p.m., Aerobics Room

WednesdayStep Class, 6 p.m., Aerobics RoomFor more information call839-1082

WednesdayMovie and Memorial Day celebration, 7:30p.m., Stage

ThursdayLSA Bazaar, 9 a.m., Sunshade area

SaturdayEdison Band show, 7 p.m., stage

SundayTexas Hold ’em, 8 p.m., MWR Tent

MondayMovie, 8 p.m., Stage

TuesdayBingo, 8 p.m., MWR Tent

WednesdayMovie 8 p.m., StageFor more information call859-1060

WednesdaySoftball, 8 a.m., through Friday, Softball fieldTiger Woods PGA Tour 06, 8 a.m., throughFriday, MWR tentFoosball, 8 a.m., through Friday, MWR tent

ThursdayEdison Band show, 7 p.m., stage

MondayHearts, 8 a.m., through June 9, MWR tentNASCAR ‘06, 8 a.m., through June 9, MWRtentSorry, 8 a.m., through June 9, MWR tentFor more information call844-1137

For information call 825-1302

WednesdayPingpong, 7 p.m., Community CenterEdison Band show, 7 p.m., MWR stage

ThursdayPool, 9-ball, 7 p.m., Community Center

FridayTexas Hold ’em, 7 p.m., Community CenterFree throw, 6 p.m., Fitness Center

SaturdayFun Run, 5k, 6 a.m., Community CenterSpades tournament, 7 p.m., CommunityCenterSoftball tournament, 6 p.m., Softball field

SundaySoftball tournament, 6 p.m., Softball fieldRetro Games, 7 p.m., Community Center

MondayPingpong, 7 p.m., Community Center

TuesdayBingo, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomLAN Party, 7 p.m., Community Center

WednesdayUnit Feud, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomFor more information call832-2544

Virginia

Buehring Navistar

Spearhead/SPOD

Kuwait Naval Base

Ali Al Salem

Community happenings for May 31 through June 7

LSA

Arifjan

Best damncelebrity

See June 7 issue for overallOperation Hardwood II story

May 31, 2006 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in...

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