November 30, 2005 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in...

DESERTDESERT VOICEVOICEServing the U.S. and Coalition Forces in KuwaitNovember 30, 2005

Vice Adm.thanksSailorsPage 5

Back page ACUsSpc. Marcos Alices-Kinch

An illustration which talks about keypoints to remember once Soldiers areissued the ACUs.

CFLCC Commanding GeneralLt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb

CFLCC CommandSergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Franklin G.Ashe

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irs Off icerCol. Barrett King

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irsOff icer , ForwardLt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger

Commander, 1 1th PADCapt. Chevelle Thomas

NCOIC , 1 1th PADStaff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy

Desert Vo ice Ed itorSgt. Jonathan M. Stack

Desert Vo ice AssistantEditorSpc. Robert Adams

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

1 1th PAD BroadcastersSpc. Christina BeermanPfc. Jheridiah Anderson

2 Desert Voice November 30, 2005

Volume 27, Issue 19The 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 theCoalition Forces Land Component Command Public AffairsOffice. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, aprivate firm, which is not affiliated with CFLCC. All copy willbe edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by thePublic Affairs Office.

PPaaggee 33 ACUs are coming your way

Page 9 EMF-Kuwait changes hands

Pages 6&7 Thanksgiving Day

Page 8 Governors serve troops

Page 4 SecArmy visits Arifjan

Page 11 Community Events

Command Sgt. Maj. Ashe talks about theArmy’s uniform transformation. The Armysays bye to BDUs and hello to ACUs.

Four governors from Mississippi,Michigan, Georgia and Kansas visitedtroops for Thanksgiving. They servedmeals and toured the base.

EMF-Pendleton commanded by NavyCapt. Cathy Wilson took over the hospi-tal missions in Kuwait for EMF-KuwaitNov. 12.

Servicemember from Camp Arifjan gath-ered at all dining facilities to enjoy aThanksgiving day meal. Troops wereserved from members of the command.

CONTENTS 19

Page 10 TMC at the borderA new set of Navy corpsmen took overNavistar TMC operations. It is the closestmedical facility to the border whichtreats troops, truck drivers and TCNs.

44

6

The Honorable Dr. Francis J. Harvey,secretary of the Army, visits Soldiers atCamp Arifjan before going into Iraq dur-ing the Thanksgiving holiday.

Here are upcoming events: tree trim-ming, Army vs. Navy game, CopaseticUSO shows, Frisbee golf tournament,kickball tournament.

DESERTVOICE

EditorCFLCC PAO/Desert VoiceCamp ArifjanAPO AE 09306

[email protected]

Find us online at www.dvidshub.net

1100

Page 5 Vice Admiral visits SailorsVice Adm. Cotton visits Sailors to thankthem for their service and inform them ofnew programs, benefits and where theNavy is heading in the future.

On the coverNavy PH2 Greg Devereaux

Boatswains Mate Seaman BrendaAdams listens to Vice Adm. John G.Cotton during a sit-down with Sailorsat the KNB dining facility Wednesday.

66-77

As the Army presses forwardin its transformation, evidence ofchange can be seen from garrisonto the battlefield.

One such example of thischange is the merging of the bat-tle dress uniform and the desertcombat uniform into the stream-lined Army combat uniform.

I’ve recently been issuedACUs, and I think it’s the bestuniform I’ve worn so far. Youcan tell it’s a uniform that’s beendesigned for combat, not just tolook good around the office, eventhough it does.

The prototype was designedby troops in the field and testedfor more than a year in combatenvironments. It’s a design thathas been made for Soldiers, bySoldiers.

Some of the units coming intoKuwait have already been issuedACUs. In the units that have theuniforms, the overwhelmingmajority of the troops I’ve spo-ken with have had nothing butgood things to say about it. Soonthere will be more Soldiers inACUs than DCUs, both in the-ater and in the states.

In the 30 years I’ve been inthe military, there has been asteady improvement on tacticaluniforms. This new uniform isawesome. There have been a lotof different tactical uniform vari-ations from time to time; this isthe best one I’ve seen for sure. Itpresents several advantages earli-er uniforms did not.

The ACU is the most practicaluniform I’ve been issued. Hookand loop fasteners have replacedneedle and thread for attachingpatches and insignias. Not hav-ing to pay to get these itemssewn on can potentially saveSoldiers hundreds of dollars peryear. The new pocket designmakes the uniform more func-tional, removing two pocketsfrom the blouse and slanting the

two remaining pockets on thechest for easier access.

Additionally, the highly pol-ished shine of BDU boots hasbeen replaced on this uniformwith the easily maintained,desert-ready temperate and hotweather boots.

The digitized pattern is one ofthe best camouflage patterns I’veseen in a while. The color isideal for woodland, desert andurban combat environments.

The ACU is very comfortableand it fits well if the uniform fit-ting has been properly done.There are dozens of size varia-tions for the ACUs to ensure agood fit. A lot of the Soldierswho went out and bought ACUsbefore they were fitted didn’t getthem fitted correctly but that’s anexample of a growing pain weface whenever we get new equip-ment.

Probably the most significantchange with this uniform is thefact the Army is issuing it insteadof making Soldiers go out andbuy it. ACUs can also be directlyexchanged if they become unser-viceable after six months in acombat environment.

Initially there were complaintsabout the weakness of the seamsin the ACUs. The stitching hassince been reinforced in the uni-forms that are currently beingissued.

Soldiers have also complainedabout the fact the rank is cen-tered on the front of the blouse asopposed to being on the collar,and some officers dislike the factthe branch insignia isn’t dis-played, but overall, the responseto the uniform has been very pos-itive.

Because the ACU is a rela-tively new uniform, Soldiers mayhave a hard time finding guid-ance on the proper wear of it.There’s currently a Departmentof the Army-level messageregarding the wear and appear-ance of the Army combat uni-form. Coalition Forces LandComponent Command policies

have also been rewritten toreflect the addition of the ACU.These policies will be availablein the near future.

One of the biggest problemsI’ve seen already is Soldierssticking unauthorized items tothe Velcro on their uniformsleeves. That’s a no-go.

In Kuwait, personnel assignedto CFLCC will wear the non-sub-dued U.S. flag on the right sleeveof the ACU.

The subdued flag will be usedonly in tactical environments bytactical units at the discretion ofthe commander.

The only authorized headgearsin the Third Army area of for-ward operations are the patrolcap, the boonie cap andAdvanced Combat Helmet orKevlar helmet. In Atlanta, theonly authorized headgear is theberet. The patrol cap will not beworn in Atlanta unless you are ona detail or out in the field.

Also, in Third Army, the onlyauthorized GoreTex is the digitalpattern or the desert camouflagepattern.

The woodland green patternGoreTex is not authorized. Otheritems for wear are the same ascurrent policy.

The brown T-shirt can still beworn with the ACU.

Between January andFebruary, most, if not all, ofThird Army will have beenissued the ACU.

If you’re not sure of a policy,ask your chain of command. Ifyou look different than everyonearound you, you’re probablywrong.

To prolong the serviceabilityand appearance of the ACU,Soldiers should pay attention toits care instructions. The uni-form is low-maintenance andvery easy to care for. Cold waterand a mild detergent should beused for cleaning the uniform.Once you’ve washed it, just putit in the dryer, take it out, shakeit and it’s ready for a hanger.

The ACU is a wrinkle-resist-

ant uniform and pressing itshould be avoided. If you’regoing to have it dry cleaned,make sure you turn it in to aplace that understands how tocare for the uniform. The uni-form should never be starched.The industrial presses used bysome dry cleaners may melt theVelcro and washing the uniformin hot water could cause it toshrink.

Almost any time you giveSoldiers better equipment theirmorale improves. It showstroops the Army cares aboutthem enough to try to improvethe quality of the gear they use.This is just another example ofimproving the foxhole byenhancing combat readiness andeffectiveness.

Soldiers need to familiarizethemselves with regulations andpolicies and know how to wearthe uniform.

Commanders dictate how wewear uniforms, but ultimately it’sup to us as individual Soldiersand leaders to ensure regulationsand policies are met, and uni-forms are worn correctly.

Soldiers should wear theArmy combat uniform like anyother uniform we’ve worn in thepast; with pride and as regulationand policies dictate.- PATTON’S OWN.

3Desert Voice November 30, 2005

Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe

Command Sgt. Maj.Franklin G. AsheCFLCC Command Sergeant Major

Bye BDUs, DCUs ... Hello ACUs


The Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis J.Harvey visited with Soldiers and toured oper-ation points at Camp Arifjan Nov. 22.

During his stay, Harvey was escorted byLt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third U.S.Army/Army Central Command/CoalitionForces Land Component Command com-mander.

Harvey mingled with troops in a dinnerbefore the Thanksgiving holiday, letting themknow of the progress being made in Iraq andthe support they are receiving.

“Be proud of what you do,” he said. “TheAmerican people know what you have to do,you know what you have to do and that isstaying the course. Our young men andwomen are answering their call to duty.”

He later added, “Because of you and yourfellow Soldiers, 50 million formerlyoppressed people are now free and are nolonger subjected to immoral and ruthless gov-ernments.”

In a question-and-answer session withHarvey, some of the Soldiers were curious ofthe progress being made in Iraq and the

Army’s transformation.“Here in Iraq, there is no question that

progress has been and is being made – politi-cally, economically and militarily,” Harveysaid.

The secretary of the Army stated that sincehis last visit in March the status of Iraqi mili-tary forces have quickly developed. Thetroop size has doubled and more than a thirdof the battalions are operating independently.

“As we fight the Global War on Terrorism,we’re also building our Army for the futureas well,” he said. “Brigades are being builtfor the National Guard and active compo-nents.”

“Stay the course,” he said. “We’re hereand we’re going to get the job done.”

After meeting with the Soldiers, Harveytoured the Army Material Command’s avia-tion and tactical vehicle repair sites.

The 1106th Aviation Classification RepairActivity Depot and Army Field SupportBattalion, briefed the Secretary of the Armyon their operations throughout the year andsupporting the warfighter.

“We couldn’t complete this mission with-out you,” Harvey said. “You’ve played ahuge role in the up-armor effort at our depots

and arsenals... You are a vital part of ourteam.”

In his remarks to the servicemembersserving overseas, Harvey expressed his grati-tude on behalf of the Army and United Statesand thanked everyone for their service.

“Let there be no doubt, the insurgents willbe defeated. They are facing the best-trained,the best-equipped and the best-led Soldiers inthe world today,” he said.

“Thanks for answering the call to duty anddefending the peace and freedom of ourcountry and preserving our democracy.Because of you and your fellow Soldiers, ourcountry is a safer place… Let’s stay thecourse and make the world a much saferplace now and for future generations.”

Show me what you got

Spc. Michael R. NoggleCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

SecArmy tours Arifjan compound

Photos by Spc. Michael R. NoggleThe Honorable Dr. Francis J. Harvey, secretary of the Army, presents a plaque to Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, undersecretary tothe Crown Prince's Diwan, at Al-Sabah’s hotel in Kuwait Nov. 22. Al-Sabah said he was honored to have Harvey as a guest.

Maj. Xaviera Williams, Army Field SupportBattalion, shows Harvey one of the com-muntication tools inside of a humvee.


Sailors got the opportunity to ask NavyVice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of NavyReserve, questions during his visit and tour ofNavy units at the Kuwait Naval Base, CampArifjan and Camp Moreell Nov. 23 and 24.

Cotton wanted to spend Thanksgiving withSailors and thank them for their service,answer their questions and inform them ofthe importance of the mission here andaround the world.

There is a large Navy presence here work-ing directly for the Army and this is a first forsome units like customs with the NavyExpeditionary Logistics Support Force,which is made up of mobilized Reservistsfrom all over the United States.

During the all-hands call at KNB, Cottontalked about pay raises, new medical benefitsand systems for Reservists, the importance ofrecruitment and the future of the Navy andthe military.

He also spoke to Reservists about balanc-ing civilian employment and service to thenation. He told them they will be trainingand recruiting the next generation of Sailors.

“We can train anybody for these mis-sions… Nobody is too old,” said Cotton, a36-year Navy veteran. “There will be a lot ofopportunity for all of you.”

Cotton then spent time talking one-on-onewith Sailors during lunch to answer morequestions and learn about their families, civil-ian occupations and future goals.

“He let us know we do a good job and thatthe Reserve is a big part of the Navy,” saidElectrical Technician 2nd Class HaroldKrohne, Inshore Boat Unit-16 coxswain andpatrol leader.

“It shows that he cares about the Reserveand that he has the ability to have our issuesheard out.”

Cotton also got the chance to view theoperations of the Naval Coastal Warfare IBU-16 and Mobile Inshore Undersiege WarfareUnit-101 and ride out on a 34-foot sea arkgun ship.

“We showed him some tactical formationsand high-speed runs,” said Lt. Cmdr. WilliamMcDaniel, MIUWU-101 operations officer.“This is a great opportunity for us… It isgreat to show him all our capabilities.”

After the ride along, Cotton got the oppor-tunity to pin Boatswain Mate SeamanMichael Tinkler, IBU-16, as a new patrolleader.

“To receive this from a vice admiral will

be a lifetime experience that I won’t forget,”Tinkler said.

Cotton spent his second day eatingThanksgiving lunch with Navy Seabees andcustoms inspectors at Moreell, touring theNavy-run detention facility and hospital atArifjan and finished with Thanksgiving din-ner with Sailors before departing.

Naval Coastal Warfare: keepingports safe, secure

A large portion of U.S. and CoalitionForces supplies and equipment arrive here bysea. The Naval Coastal Warfare is in place tomake sure that the waters around the shipsarrive and leave the Seaport of Debarkationand Kuwaiti Naval Base safely.

The NCW is made up of four units: thesquadron command, the MIUWU-102, IBU-16 and the MIUWU-101, a converted inshoreboat unit, and together they are in charge oflandward and seaward port security borderdefense and provide force protection andescort missions for high-value assets cominginto and out of port.

The NCW also works closely withKuwaiti, Iraqi and Coalition Forces. Theycoordinate training exercises to teach themhow to execute harbor defense, help withCoalition Forces operations in the NorthernArabian Gulf, and provide liaison officers toarea nations.

“The NCW has gotten the opportunity towork side-by-side with Kuwaitis and Iraqiswhich hadn’t been done in the past and has

led to better working relationships with thesecountries,” said Navy Commander ArnieTyler, NCW operations officer.

“We have Kuwaiti officers who ride withus locally… The host-nation and U.S. securi-ty forces are working hand-in-hand to pro-vide port security for high-valued assets,”

The NCW also works closely with theNavy Expeditionary Logistical Support Forcewho load and offload cargo and with Navycustoms that inspects the cargo.

Though there haven’t been any alterca-tions at the ports, the units are constantly per-forming drills, gun shoots and conductingqualifications and weapons training.

“The training department has run fivetimes more drills than any other squadron intheater,” Tyler said. “I’ve been pleased towork with this squadron.”

Vice Adm. Cotton visits Sailors, tours Navy unitsSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

PH2 Greg DevereauxVice Adm. John G. Cotton, chief of Navy Reserve, explains to Store Keeper 3rd ClassCorneilus Hall, Expeditionary Medical Facility - Pendleton, and the audience how all theservice tags in the military have the word ‘us’ in it.

Spc. Robert AdamsElectrical Technician 2nd Class HaroldKrohne, coxswain/patrol leader, ties theNavy patrol boat-31 to the dock after show-ing Vice Adm. Cotton the boat’s capabilities.


Thanksgiving voyageAs part of America’s heritage,

Thanksgiving is celebrated the fourthThursday of every November. Families andfriends come together to give thanks fortheir blessings and celebrate with the tradi-tional turkey and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving marked a day of gratitudefrom the pilgrims thanking the NativeAmericans for their help as the foreignerssettled at Plymouth Rock.

As history shows, the pilgrims fled theirhomes in England and Holland on theMayflower to escape religious persecutionand start a new life.

On their arrival in December 1620, adevastating winter storm covered the landand forced the people into starvation. Ofthe original 102 personnel to make the triponly 56 survived the winter.

As the snow melted and the temperature

rose, the pilgrims began their harvest withthe help of a nearby Native American tribe.

The Native Americans showed thecolonists the ways of the land and learnedfrom one another’s culture.

As a present for their gratitude, the pil-grims held a feast that included 91American Indians.

Though it was considered a traditionalharvest festival, the feast lasted for threedays with an overwhelming amount ofducks, geese and fried corn bread.

However, the Thanksgiving feast was notrepeated until 1623 when a severe droughtfilled the lands.

The pilgrims gathered in a prayer serv-ice, hoping rain would soon fall.

Again, their prayers were answered andthe leaders of the town, announced anotherday of Thanksgiving with their nativefriends.

It wasn’t until June 29, 1676 that the

governing council proclaimed that as a dayof thanksgiving.

In October of 1777, all 13 coloniesjoined in a thanksgiving celebration for thefirst time to commemorate their patrioticvictory over the British. But it was only aone-time affair.

Throughout the years, a day of thanks-giving wasn’t recognized again until 1863,when President Abraham Lincoln pro-claimed the last Thursday in November as anational day of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was recognized by everypresident after Lincoln and, in 1941, it wasfinally sanctioned as a legal holiday as thefourth Thursday in November.

Today, friends and families in the UnitedStates and servicemembers stationed aroundthe world still uphold the tradition broughtforth by the earlier settlers in America.Everyone comes together and gives thanksfor all with which they have been blessed.

Spc Michael R. NoggleCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

(Above) Staff Sgt. Daniel McNeil, receives a plate of food from Sgt. Maj. Robert Money at CampArifjan’s Zone 2 dining facility. Hundreds of servicemembers gathered at DFACs all over Kuwaiton Thanksgiving to get a traditional holiday meal.(Left) A chef from the dining facility slices some roast beef for the Thanksgiving meal.

Staff Sgt. Raymond Hairston praysbefore digging into his Thanksgivingday meal.


Photos by Spc. Michael R. NoggleCol. Michael Brownpours gravy on somemashed potatoes.Brown and other lead-ers from the CoalitionForces LandComponent Commandserved food to thetroops on Thanksgivingat Camp Arifjan.


Four governors visited troopsfor Thanksgiving at CampArifjan Nov. 24.

Governors Haley Barbour ofMississippi, Jennifer Granholmof Michigan, Sonny Perdue ofGeorgia and Kathleen Sebelius ofKansas visited troops with Lt.Gen. Steven Blum, NationalGuard Bureau chief.

They served Thanksgivingmeals to servicemembers and atelunch and dinner with militarymembers from their respectivestates. They also visited service-members around the installation.

“It is a great opportunity to behere for the Soldiers on thebehalf of the family membersback home on this ThanksgivingDay,” Sebelius said.

The governors took a touraround the Coalition Forces LandComponent Command

Headquarters meeting Soldiers. Barbour visited with Soldiers

from the 184th ContainerManagement Element and the1107th Aviation ClassificationRepair Activity Depot. He talkedto them about the situation athome and how their families andhomes were since the hurricanes.

After meeting with Soldiers,Barbour witnessed a reenlistmentceremony of four MississippiNational Guard Soldiers byBlum.

Following the ceremony,Barbour expressed his thanks tothe Soldiers.

“On behalf of both my wifeand me we’re proud and gratefulfor your service,” he said.“There is no better place to spendThanksgiving and no better peo-ple.”

Following their tours, the gov-ernors were given a brief aboutthe military members in Kuwaitand how they support thewarfighter throughout the theaterby Lt. Gen. R. StevenWhitcomb,Third U.S.

Army/Army CentralCommand/CFLCC commandinggeneral.

After serving dinner andspending more time with troopsthe governors attended the NewOrleans All-Star Brass band con-cert at a hotel in Kuwait City.The concert was held to expressthe American people’s apprecia-tion of the Kuwaiti governmentand individuals who offeredassistance and relief for the vic-tims of Hurricane Katrina. TheNew Orleans All-Star Brass bandperformed an array of songs cap-turing the flavor of the NewOrleans lifestyle.

Before the band took thestage, Barbour took the opportu-nity to thank the Kuwaiti peoplefor their contribution during theUnited State’s time of need. Thecrowd cheered and applauded asthe governor thanked the Kuwaitipeople in Arabic.

He also presented a gift to theForeign Minister Sheikh Dr.Mohammed Saban Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

“It is an opportunity for us tosend a message to the troops thatwe support them and thank theSoldiers for their sacrifice andservice,” Granholm said.

The governors continued toshow their support for the mili-tary as they visited troops in Iraqand Afghanistan.

Governors visit troops for ThanksgivingA piece of home for holidays in Kuwait for SoldiersSpc. Marcos Alices-KKinchCFLCC PAOSpc. Debralee P.CrankshawCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Spc. Debralee P. CrankshawGovernor Haley Barbour ofMississippi visits MississippiNational Guard troops deployedhere during his visit Thursday.

Photos by Spc. Marcos Alices-Kinch(Above) Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue meets with CFLCC Soldiers on hisThanksgiving Day visit with troops stationed in Kuwait.(Left) Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm helps serve Thanksgiving dinner atCamp Arifjan's Zone 6 DFAC on her visit to the troops stationed in Kuwait


Expeditionary Medical Facility – Kuwaitchanged hands of the responsibility of med-ical facilities Nov. 12.

EMF – Camp Pendleton Detachment tookover the hospital mission from EMF – Dallas,as Navy Capt. Jack E. Riggs relinquishedcommand to Navy Capt. Cathy Wilson.

EMF – Dallas arrived in Kuwait inFebruary with personnel from 48 states toperform the medical mission at Arifjan’slevel-three hospital and nine level-one andtwo troop medical clinics throughout Kuwait.

“EMF – Dallas, under the helm of Capt.Jack Riggs exceeded every expectation,” saidCol. Thomas Bailey, 62nd Medical Brigadecommander.

“The unit quickly assimilated and builtupon the foundation provided by EMF –Portsmouth and established the standard forquality health care in Kuwait and Qatar,” hesaid.

It provided outpatient services to morethan 100,000 military members and per-formed more than 1,750 surgeries.

The hospital also expanded its surgicalcapabilities by implementing a laparoscopicsurgery program, allowing for additional ther-apeutic and diagnostic procedures.

EMF – Dallas treat-ed troops as well asU.S. Embassy person-nel, Coalition Forcesand third-countrynationals.

More than 750 ser-vicemembers weremedically evacuatedfrom Iraq to Kuwait toreceive specialty carenot available in Iraq.Of these military mem-bers, 83 percent werereturned to duty aftertreatment.

The hospital also provided in-patient carefor more than 1,000 servicemembers with anaverage length of stay of 2 ½ days.

The team provided services in cardiology,critical care, dental, dietary needs, generalsurgery, health and wellness, internal medi-cine, mental health, nephrology, obstetricsand gynecology, optometry, oral-maxillo-facial surgery, orthopedics, physical therapy,pulmonology and vascular surgery.

The unit also coordinated for patients toreceive specialty care at several Kuwaiti hos-pitals.

“The credentials of EMF – Dallas’ staffare impeccable,” Bailey said. “Their accom-

plishments in providing world-class medicalcare to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmenare unmatched.”

Rear Adm. Elizabeth M. Morris, humancapital for Navy Medicine, senior health careexecutive associate chief, told EMF – Dallasshe was impressed by their teamwork andhow they took the time to mentor the incom-ing EMF personnel

She went on to praise the incoming staff.“I am confident in their abilities to assume

this operational medical mission in theKuwait theater,” she said.

“We are ready for this,” Wilson said.“We are ready to sustain the fighting force.”

There’s a new medical team in town

Pendleton takes reins of EMF KuwaitSpc. Debralee P. CrankshawCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Spc. Debralee P. CrankshawSailors salute during the national anthem at the EMF ceremony tochange responsibility Nov. 12.

National Guard Soldiers serv-ing in Operations Iraqi andEnduring Freedom may be misin-formed about their re-enlistmentand extension bonuses.

Soldiers may be under theimpression that the Departmentof Defense discontinued all ArmyNational Guard bonuses as theresult of an issue with ActiveGuard/Reserve and military tech-nician bonuses, but this is not thecase.

Traditional National GuardSoldiers’ re-enlistment and exten-sion bonuses remain in effectwithout any changes. TheNational Guard has been grantedthe authority to offer bonuses to

AGR Soldiers and are developingimplementation guidance to issuethese. Deployed military techni-cians may also receive bonuses,but are developing guidance forfuture contracts.

To receive re-enlistment andextension bonuses Soldiers mustmeet the following criteria.

Eligible Soldiers may extend intheater within 12 months of theirestimated time in service or mayre-enlist immediately if they arestop-lossed and past their ETSdate.

Soldiers must have 16 years orless total service at their ETSdate.

Being military occupationalspecialty-qualified in theater isnot a requirement to qualify.

Soldiers may not be barred orflagged.

Active Guard/Reserve andmilitary technicians are approvedfor bonuses while in Kuwait, Iraqand Afghanistan.

There are two main bonusesavailable. The first-year, three-year option totals $7,500, and thesix-year option is $15,000. Theseare paid in one lump sum the dayafter the Soldier’s current con-tract expires. These totals are taxexempt.

National Guard Soldiers whore-enlist or extend for six yearsare also eligible for the StudentLoan Repayment Program. Onlytraditional National GuardSoldiers are eligible and musthave served the last three consec-utive years in an active drillingstatus. Loans must be estab-lished before the contract hasbeen signed and the amount will

not exceed $20,000.All traditional National Guard

Soldiers are also eligible for theFederal Tuition AssistanceProgram. This program provides100 percent tuition assistancewith an annual cap of $4,500 peryear.

To qualify for more moneyadded to your Montgomery GIBill, Soldiers must be MOS-qual-ified, served the last three con-secutive years in the NationalGuard and requires a six-yearcontract. This kicker is onlyavailable for E-5 and below withless than 14 years of service.

For more information onbonuses and extensions in theNational Guard call either CampArifjan at 430-7506 or 937-7659Camp Buehring 828-1723 or986-9802.

NG retention bonuses available to SoldiersSpc. Debralee P.CrankshawCFLCC PAO/11th PAD


Keeping Soldiers healthy tocomplete their missions is a hugetask. The job must be done anddone right, because the health ofservicemembers is vital.

After a year maintaining life-saving missions throughout the-ater, the 62nd Medical Brigade isheaded home.

“With the help of the Navy,who run the hospitals, we havebeen able to successfully com-plete our mission and return withall our Soldiers,” said Col.

Thomas Bailey, 62nd MedicalBde. commander.

Throughout the year the 62ndMed. Bde. treated more than120,000 outpatients and conduct-ed 1,200 ground and air medicalevacuations, 11,000 veterinarianmissions and 3,600 preventivemedicine missions.

The continued mission to pro-vide medical attention forSoldiers in theater will be ful-filled by the 1st Medical Brigade.

Col. Jim Rice, 1st Med. Bde.commander, said the unit’sdiverse mission involves clinical,logistical, evacuation, combat

stress, and medical functionalarea missions.

With the success of the 62ndMed. Bde., the 1st Med. Bde haslarge shoes to fill, but Rice saidthe medical team would be ableto maintain and execute missions.

“We stand ready to continuethe medical support that has beenthe hallmark of Army and Navymedicine for over 200 years.”

Joining the Sailors of theNavy hospital, the Soldiers of theGround Ambulance Company,the veterinarians and the logisti-cians in Qatar, the medical teamwill execute timely, professional

evacuation and treatment of thesick and injured servicemembers,said Command Sgt. Maj. KevinStuart, 1st Med. Bde. commandsergeant major. In addition, thebrigade will provide logisticssupport across theater to ensureforces in Iraq, Afghanistan andAfrica are supplied with the cor-rect material in a timely manner.

Rice added, “The lifesavingmission is vitally important …not only for the sick and injuredindividual, but for their units andfor their loved ones back home.We owe it to them to give all,and we have to succeed.”

1st Med. Bde. takes on lifesaving missionsSpc. Janine CooglerCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

If you are feeling ill, have injured your-self, stressed or just want help ceasing asmoking habit, the Camp Navistar TroopMedical Clinic is able to provide the neededcare.

A new set of Navy corpsmen took overoperations at the Navistar TMC Oct. 31 andhas already made a major impact for Soldiers,Coalition Forces, civilians and third-countrynationals that have needed care.

Because the TMC is the closest medicalfacility to the border, its medical personnelare the first to see patients. They can performminor surgical procedures for injuries causedby small-arms fire and improvised explosivedevices.

If there are serious injuries that requireadvanced medical care, the Army medicsattached to the TMC will call in a medicalevacuation request and have the casualtiespicked up at Navistar.

The TMC is capable of performing initialtrauma treatment and can also take care ofthreats to life, limb or eyes, said Navy Lt.Anne Lopez, Navistar TMC physician’s assis-tant.

“But the TMC is really standing by, readyto assist in place,” she said.

Navistar is also the staging area of morethan 10,000 trucks a week heading into andout of Kuwait, so civilian and TCN truckdrivers are treated on a regular basis.

“It’s a whole class of patients that youwouldn’t expect to see in a normal field envi-ronment,” Lopez said.

Recently an up-armored British vehiclewas involved in an accident. When the acci-dent occurred, the quick reaction forceinformed the TMC of each troop’s medicalsituation. A few were flown down to largerhospitals and some were treated for minorinjuries at the TMC.

“The corpsmen and medics feel a littlemore involved in the whole process becausewe are right on the border,” Lopez said.

The PA is on call 24 hours a day, butwhenever something bad happens, she andher eight corpsmen and four medics are allready to provide assistance. Two of thecorpsmen are surgical technicians but all ofthem can perform minor procedures.

Not only does the TMC care for the sickor wounded, but the staff care for service-members’ health and have set up an activetobacco cessation class that has helped manypeople on camp quit using tobacco products.

The medical personnel are constantlygoing through training like the sick-callcourse, which gives them permission to see,assess and treat patients.

“We will also have all the corpsmen takethe Army Combat Life Saver Course, the Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support and AdvancedCardiac Life Support courses,” Lopez said.“We are working with the Army for the firsttime and by attending their courses we knowwhat to expect from them.”

The four 343rd Ground AmbulanceCompany medics are attached to the TMCprimarily for medical evacuation proceduresbut while they have been there, they havebeen able to learn the job of the corpsman.

“They are all teaching us the medical side

of the house that we don’t learn in our trau-ma-related training,” said Spc. EdwardBuhse, 343rd Ground Ambulance Co. medic.“We get hands-on time with patients, per-forming patient screenings and from therefigure out what is wrong with them and theninform the PA.”

The group is always going through mockdrills in preparation for any situation.

“The more we can learn about the proce-dures … the more proficient and efficient webecome,” said Navy Chief Petty OfficerDawn Calhoun, hospital corpsman.

“We all take medicine seriously.”

Navistar TMC provides care at borderSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Spc. Robert AdamsNavy Lt. Anne Lopez, Navistar TMC physi-cian’s assistant, checks a Soldier’s heart-beat during a routine sick-call visit.

WednesdayTree trimming, 7 p.m., Zone 6 CommunityCenterFlag football league, through Dec. 24, Zone 1soccer fieldTae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsCardio kickboxing, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 6Fitness CenterStep and abs, 8 a.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageThursdayDarts tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterBallroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterTai Chi, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1 FitnessCenterThe Ride, 6 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterFridayBoxing class, 8 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSaturdayArmy vs. Navy game, 9 p.m., Zones 1 and 6Community Centers Cardio kickboxing, 5 a.m., Zone 6 FitnessCenterAbs, 8 a.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterTai Chi advanced, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1Fitness CenterThe Ride, 6 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 food courtCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageSundaySalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageStep and abs, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 1 FitnessCenterAbs, 8 a.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterMondayKaraoke Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSalsa lessons, beginner, 6 p.m., intermediate,7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Center room 102Tae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsStep and abs, 5 a.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterAbSolution, 8 a.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterCardio kickboxing, 1 p.m., Zone 1 FitnessCenterTuesdayBingo Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterBallroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1

Community CenterCardio kickboxing, 5 a.m., Zone 1 FitnessCenterStep and abs, 8 a.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterAbSolution, 1 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterTai Chi, 4 p.m., 8 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterThe Ride, 6 p.m., Zone 1 Fitness CenterWednesdayCardio kickboxing, 5 a.m., 1 p.m., Zone 6Fitness CenterBoxing class, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Fitness CenterTae Bo class, 4:30 p.m., Zone 1 tennis courtsCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageFor more information call 430-1205/1302

ThursdayTae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1FridayHip-Hop Night, 9 p.m., Tent 1SaturdaySpa Day, 10 a.m., Tent 1Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., gymSundaySpa Day, 10 a.m., Tent 1Copasetic, USO show, 7 p.m., MWR stageTuesdayTae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1For more information call 828-1340

WednesdayDominoes, 7 p.m., Aerobics roomFridayBingo, 7 p.m., Fitness Center bench areaSaturdayDarts, 7 p.m.WednesdaySpades, 7 p.m.For more information call 839-1063

WednesdayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentThursdayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentFridayCribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentPingpong tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentMondayFoosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent

Spades tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentTuesdayFoosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentSpades tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentWednesdayFoosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentSpades tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tentFor more information call 844-1137

For information call 825-1302

ThursdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRWeight-loss challenge, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., MWRgymBazaar, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MFTFridayFrisbee golf tournament, 3 p.m., MWR fieldsMovie night, Elizabethtown, 6 p.m., MWRdayroomBazaar, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MFTSaturdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRDodgeball, 6 p.m., MWR courtsSundayMovie night, Walk the Line, 6 p.m., MWRdayroomMondaySpa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroomKuwait culture class, 10 a.m., noon, TBDRolling thunder kickball tournament, 3 p.m.,MWR fieldsCopasetic, USO show, 7 p.m., stageTuesdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRSpa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroomDesert Bingo Night, 6 p.m., MFTWednesdayMagic Rock, all daySpa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroomFor more information call 823-1033

For information call 832-1045


Does your unit have anupcoming event? Do youhave an interesting story totell? Send event and activitylistings to the Desert Voiceeditor at the e-mail addresslisted on page 2.

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