Ramadan is from Oct. 4 to pg. 7 New computer lab donated to …static.dvidshub.net › media ›...

Vol. 2, Issue 39 October 2, 2005

Ramadan is from Oct. 4 toNov. 2 this year - know what

to expect

Trailblazers sweep theroads of Iraq for IEDs -making it safer for you

pg. 2

pg. 7

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda Photo by Pfc. Spencer Case

New computer lab donated toSoldiers in honor of Sgt. Maupin

Soldiers salute while the national anthem plays at the dedication ceremony for the Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. The family of Maupin, the only U.S.Soldier still held captive in Iraq, donated 90 computers to improve Soldier's access to communications back home.

pg. 6pg. 6pg. 6pg. 6pg. 6

OCTOBER 2, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the1st COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. Thecontents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and arenot to be considered the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, including the Department ofDefense or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.

Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars

and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000papers.

The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. inbuilding 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda

Times, HHC 1st COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Website at www.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Contact Sgt. Marshall Thompson via e-mail [email protected] or Sgt. 1st ClassJeffrey S. Mullett at [email protected]

1st COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine

Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Virginia Zoller

Deputy Public Affairs Officer207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CommanderMaj. Curtis Carney

207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NCOICSgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett

EditorSgt. Marshall Thompson

Staff WritersStaff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Sgt. Monika ComeauxSgt. Mitch ArmbrusterSgt. Jason MikeworthSgt. Ty D. StaffordPfc. Spencer Case

By Pfc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

As the holiest month on the Muslimcalendar approaches, servicemembersshould know what to expect fromobservers of the Islamic faith, said Capt.Shermoan Daiyaan who conductsIslamic services at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda.

Ramadan is based on a lunar calen-dar, so the dates are different every yearon the Gregorian calendar. This year thecelebration begins on Oct. 4 and lastsuntil Nov. 2. During this period of time,Muslims will spend less time on theconcerns of everyday life and try tocultivate a god-fearing attitude of “Allahconsciousness” by reading the Quran,doing charitable works, and practicingSawm, or fasting, during daylight hours.

“The goal of Ramadan is, ultimately,to become a better Muslim than you werethe year before,” Daiyaan said. “To dothat, [you practice] self-denial, self-control, more worship and give morecharity during this time.”

Daily observation of Ramadanbegins with small, pre-dawn mealsknown as Suhoor. The Quran specifiesMuslims may eat “until you can plainlydistinguish a light thread from a blackthread by the light of day, then keep thefast until night.” In daylight hours,Muslims will abstain from food, water,smoking, sexual activity and injectionsof nutritional value.

Exceptions are made for women whoare nursing, pregnant or going throughmenstruation, pre-pubescent children,mentally handicapped, elderly, or illindividuals and for people who aretraveling or doing strenuous work. Thisfasting is one of five pillars, or duties,that every able Muslim must do in his orher life.

After sunset, it is customary to invitefamily and friends to large, fast-breakingmeals known as Iftar. These mealsusually begin with dates and sweetdrinks that provide quick energy.

It is from these meals that Muslimsget most of their sustenance duringRamadan.

The most significant night ofRamadan is Lailatul Qadr, the anniver-

sary of the night the Quran was revealedto Mohammed on the Muslim Calendar. Itfalls on one of the last odd-numbereddays of Ramadan, though the datechanges year-to-year. Muslims spend thisnight asking for forgiveness of sins andreciting the Quran.

The last three days of Ramadan areknown as Eid-ul-qadr, or the festival offast breaking. This is a time for sharingand respect for other religions. It can becompared with Christmas for Christiansand Yom Kippur for Jews.

It is recommended that servicemembersin Iraq take the following precautionsduring this culturally sensitive time:

-- Remain on guard for attacks. Eventhe Quran says that Ramadan is not aceasefire. In the last two weeks ofRamadan 2003, attacks on multinationalforces fell by 30 percent, but attacks onIraqi security forces and civilians rose by50 percent.

-- Expect less activity in the day andmore in the nighttime. Do not necessarilybe alarmed by large gatherings at housesafter sunset or increased traffic tomosques, especially in places like Karbalaand Najaf. This is normal duringRamadan.

-- Know that some insurgents will seeRamadan as a recruiting opportunity.

-- Avoid eating, drinking, smoking,offensive gestures and profane languagein front of Muslims during this period oftime. These behaviors are strictly forbid-den on Ramadan and are likely to offendlocal nationals.

-- Notify your chain of command if youare a Muslim servicemember planning toobserve Ramadan. Unit leaders may beable to help place you in less physicallydemanding positions to minimize risk offatigue and dehydration.

-- It is appropriate for non-Muslims togreet Muslims with “RamadanMubarak,” which means “may yourRamadan be blessed,” or simply “happyRamadan.” These greetings will notoffend most locals.

-- Expect absenteeism of local nationalemployees. Those that arrive may bedistracted, dehydrated, fatigued orirritable during workdays.

-- Know that most local nationalwomen will be veiled and covered.

Ramadan: WWWWWhahahahahat to et to et to et to et to expectxpectxpectxpectxpectfor the holidayfor the holidayfor the holidayfor the holidayfor the holiday

By Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

Soldiers appreciate few amenities morethan a shower at the end of a day of hardwork.

Near Rawah, a strategic militaryoutpost from which coalition forcesintercept insurgents coming into Iraqfrom Syria, the responsibility of providingSoldiers with warm showers throughoutthe day falls on Pennsylvania’s 254th

Quartermaster Company.“We work seven days a week and our

showers are a 24-hour operation,” saidStaff Sgt. Tonya Haralson, the non-commissioned officer in charge of theshower, laundry, and clothing repairteam that the 254th mobilized to supportoperations in Rawah.

Since arriving in Rawah in July, theReservists have built and run the showersin the remote compound as well as alaundry facility that handles approxi-mately 1,900 pounds of laundry per day.

The shower uses approximately 2,000gallons of water daily.

“When we came out here we hadabsolutely nothing,” Haralson said,noting that when she arrived on site therewere not even tents in which to sleep letalone in which to take showers. “We builtthis compound all by ourselves,” shesaid, referring to the unit’s makeshiftvillage of tents and wooden floors.

Haralson said that because the Reserv-ists had to build everything from scratch,they have taken pride in their mission.

The camp is so remote that there is littlecommunication available for Soldiers. Ithas a commercial internet center and asatellite phone that Soldiers get to usefor 20 minutes weekly. The lack ofamenities presents a challenge forHaralson’s small unit.

“Most of my guys have never beendeployed before,” Haralson said, who isnow on her second deployment to Iraqduring this operation and who servedduring Desert Storm. She said that out ofapproximately 20 Soldiers, only threeare older than 23 years. The average ageis 20.

Although young, the Reservists arecoping with their conditions. Pfc. DavidFisher, a 19-year-old laundry, shower,and textile specialist and the unit’syoungest Soldier, said he knows themission is crucial and that he keepsupbeat because he joined to serve.

“I miss my family but this is a tradi-tion in my family so I wanted to serve,”Fisher said, explaining why he joinedeven though he knew he would bemobilized. “My grandpa served inKorea, my cousin in Bosnia . . . I just feltlike I needed to prove myself doingsomething military-wise.”

While at Rawah, Fisher has taken itupon himself to build up the unit’scompound as much as possible. He builtbenches and wooden floors for theshowers and some shelving units for thelaundry facility.

“It’s just about making our areabetter,” Haralson said.

Pfc. David Fisher (left), a laundry, shower, and textile specialists with the 254th Quarter-master Company, welcomes customers to the shower facility.

Showering isn’t easy in Rawah

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

OCTOBER 2, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

WWWWWho who who who who would yould yould yould yould you likou likou likou likou like to see win the Superboe to see win the Superboe to see win the Superboe to see win the Superboe to see win the Superbowl,wl,wl,wl,wl, w w w w whhhhhy?y?y?y?y?

James CarnellKBR

“The Skins, the comeback theother night surprised even me.”

Pfc. Dannie WestonB Co. 17th Signal

“I don’t care, I just enjoywatching.”

Pfc. Lucas Ryan115th Infantry, 3rd ID

“Titans, I’m a good ol’ Memphisman.”

Tech. Sgt. Dinky Smalls2632nd, 457th Bn

“Panthers. I’m a big Carolina fan,I’m from Charleston.”

Download the Anaconda Times atwww.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Are you funny? Can you draw?Can you draw funny?

Submit original cartoons about military life in Iraq to theAnaconda Times. If you can’t draw, just send us an idea. If youcan’t think of an idea, just send us a funny drawing. Don’t beembarrassed, we promise we’ll laugh.

send to: [email protected]

Spc. William WilsonB Co. 17th Signal

“Patriots, if I have to chose.”

LifLifLifLifLife-sae-sae-sae-sae-saving hooks deving hooks deving hooks deving hooks deving hooks devvvvvelopedelopedelopedelopedelopedBy Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

The explosive devastation ofan improvised explosive devicecaved in the doors of a humveetrapping the Soldiers inside.Their comrades on the outsidebroke pry bars trying to get thedoors opened.

Fire Chief Scott Rose who waspresent, decided a new toolneeded to be made to openjammed humvee doors. Heworked for eight months withthe 557th Maintenance Companyon Forward Operating Base(FOB) Speicher to develop“rescue hooks.”

The device is made of twometal hooks attached to a cable.Soldiers can wedge the hooksbetween the door and the body ofthe humvee.

After the cable is attached tothe recovery vehicle, the drivercan hit the gas and rip off thedoor.

The 557th MC gathered on aSaturday morning in Septemberto witness the final stages of

preparation for the rescue hooks.After the morning’s test run, the13th Corps Support Battalioncommander will be the finalapproval for these hooks tobecome a continuous passengeron Humvees for those workingon FOB Speicher.

Rose showed Warrant Officer2 Michael Helie videos of theoriginal set of hooks built by the2nd Brigade Combat Team withthe 10th Mountain Division inBaghdad.

“He [Rose] came down to the557th Maintenance Company,Service and Recovery section,and showed Mr. Helie thevideos.

He came up with the designand he has been working on thedevice for the last three or fourmonths,” said Warrant Officer 2David Hooker.

“The armor is designed tokeep everything out, but thebattle latches in the humveeswouldn’t allow them [Soldiers]to get out,” Rose said.

Soldiers along with Rose builtthe first set of hooks in the shop

in a matter of 30 minutes.“We designed these hooks,

which allow it to be maintenancefree, built in the field and it’seasy to use. It’s designed for arapid extrication,” Rose said.

The rescue hooks or “jaws oflife” as they are loosely namedtook some time to get started.

Rose worked for eightsmonths to convince the Soldiersof the necessity of these rescuehooks. With help from Helie andhis shop, the device was retooledto get the best possible design.

“It’s a hard sell, but once theyrealize that it can be done we arenow looking at getting them outon the road,” Rose said. “Iwould like to see these things getout in the field to the people sothey can help themselves andpossibly save some lives outthere.”

Soldiers fight hard to keepeach other alive on the roads ofIraq.

Rescue hooks allow Soldiersone more tool to keep them readyand ahead of the fight duringcombat logistical patrols.

Soldiers from the 557th Maintenance Co. test the rescue hooks that will help open jammed humvee doors.Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster


Freedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies107.7 Baghdad107.9 Sinjar105.1 Mosul, Fallujah107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad107.1 Ridgeway102.5 Camp Taji

“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”

By Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

For members of the Trial DefenseServices Central Field Office at Logisti-cal Support Area Anaconda, a militarylegal proceeding “is not justice, if it’snot equal.”

“We zealously defend those whodefend America,” said Capt. William E.Brown, the senior defense counsel atthe TDS office. “U.S. Soldiers arefighting for freedom and democracy inthis country. We must ensure that theirconstitutional rights to due process anda fair trial are protected,” he wrote in astatement.

Brown said that commanders in Iraqhave been complying with themilitary’s requirement that they adviseSoldiers of their right to counsel if theyare being disciplined, chaptered out, ortried for violations of the Uniform Codeof Military Justice. Consequently, theTDS office at LSA Anaconda has had abusy schedule since Brown arrived inJanuary 2005. On average, approxi-mately 25 to 40 Soldiers visit the officeto seek advice on Article 15 and chapterseparation matters every week. More-over, LSA Anaconda’s TDS office hasrepresented Soldiers in more than 12courts martial or chapter proceedings,according to Master Sgt. ResurreccionLagocwilliams, the office’s non-com-missioned officer in charge.

Lagocwilliams said that during thecourts martial and chapter proceedings,the attorneys work up to 18 hours aday. Brown said that he and the otherthree attorneys in the office, Capt.Darrell Bryan, Capt. Mark Kerr, andCapt. Christopher Krafchek, don’t mindworking extra hours during those timesbecause they “have a passion fordefending the rights of Soldiers –especially in a time of war.” He addedthat the most important aspect of his jobis making sure that Soldiers haveconfidence in the system.

“In my opinion, after all the trialstrategy sessions, late nights at theoffice in preparation for court, numer-ous witness interviews, detailed legalresearch and writing, and litigating thecases in court, one and only one thingreally matters in the end – that Soldiershave faith in the integrity of the militaryjustice system,” he wrote in a statement.“Soldiers have to believe that they havean equal chance when contesting thecharges in court and an equal chancefor justice.”

To build confidence among Soldiers,the TDS was established as a separateorganization, independent of localcommands and of the Staff JudgeAdvocate. The attorneys report directlyto a Washington-based headquarters.

The attorneys’ hard work and theirreputation for being independent seemsto be paying off, though Brown givescredit for the success to the system. Lastmonth they had two back-to-backacquittals in cases where juries deter-mined that their clients were not guiltyof alleged misconduct.

“Cases are won on the facts, theequities, empathy or outrage of thepanel members, or the law,” Brownwrote. “If you have one of these ele-ments in your favor, you have a goodchance at victory. If you have two ormore of these elements on your side,your chances are even greater for awin.”

The TDS office welcomes Soldiersseeking counseling on Article 15matters on Mondays, Wednesdays, andFridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.Soldiers seeking advice on chapter oradministrative separations can visit theTDS office on Tuesday and Thursdayanytime after 10 a.m. If these timespresent an inconvenience for theSoldiers, they may call (318) 829-1538 or1533, and the TDS office will accommo-date accordingly.

After all, “the defense never rests,”Brown said.

By Pfc. Mark B. Matthews27th Public Affairs Det.

In 1903 Orville and Wilbur Wrightinvented the very first powered, heavier-than-air machine capable of controlled,sustained flight with a pilot.

These flying machines quickly evolvedinto commercial planes capable of fast andlong distance travel and fighter jets capableof great speeds and maneuverability.Today, over one hundred years after theWright Brothers’ first flight, technologyhas taken aerial vehicles in a whole newdirection.

Soldiers from A Co. 15th MilitaryIntelligence Battalion conduct dailyoperations in Iraq by launching, pilotingand landing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles atLogistical Support Area Anaconda.

The UAV’s are known as Hunters andare constantly flying over the skies in Iraq.The mission and responsibility of pilotingthese UAV’s is a tough yet rewarding one.

“We collect surveillance all aroundIraq,” said Spc. Cody Rudsell, 15th MI Bn.“We have day video, night video andinferred technology, which allows us towatch raids, follow convoys or whateverelse that needs to be done from the air.”

Before pilots or operators can take theseUAV’s to the air they must understandwhat the vehicle is capable of, how to pilotthe vehicle and what to do in an emer-gency situation. Training to become a UAVpilot or operator requires a six monthtraining course.

“The UAV’s cost around $1.3million,” Rudsell said. “I feel a greatsince of pride and responsibility thatthe military trusts junior enlisted withflying such an expensive piece ofequipment.”

For a mission to be a completesuccess it takes a team of Soldiers.Everyone who is a part of the UAVmissions has a specific and equallyvital role to play. Pilots and operatorscontrol the UAV’s launch, flight andlanding. Mechanics maintain thecrafts’ electrical systems and hard-ware. After the mission the intelligencecollected from the mission must beanalyzed and put to good use by thepost-mission specialists.

The Soldiers seem to take the longhours and hard work with a greatsense of pride that they are contribut-ing something very important to theoperations in Iraq.

“It feels great to know what theUAV’s are doing for the Soldiers thatare out there on the ground,” Spc.Emery Redenius, A Co. 15th MI Bn. “Ihave seen personally what theseUAV’s can do and it seems veryimportant.”

Technology has moved ahead leapsand bounds since the days of Orvilleand Wilbur Wright and with dedi-cated, hard-working Soldiers con-stantly doing what they do, the founda-tion the Wright Brothers laid so longago will continue to be built upon.

Unmanned vehicles take to the skies

Soldiers with the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion do maintanence checks with a HunterUnmanned Aerial Vehicle before it is sent to the skies.

Photo by Pfc. Mark B. Matthews

Legal help for Soldiers


183r183r183r183r183rd adad adad adad adad adapts to cpts to cpts to cpts to cpts to changing missionshanging missionshanging missionshanging missionshanging missions

Spc. Coti A. Stokes, a mechanic from the 183rd Maintenance Company, works on a Humvee in their motorpool.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

As some units are just arriving, othersare planning to go home. Connex trailersare packed, final inventories completed,load plans written down in detail. Theleaders of the 183rd Maintenance Com-pany, originally out of Fort Carson, Colo.,are flipping through the copies of theirredeployment timetables with excitement.

“We actually got into country on Dec.19 of last year. I hope that we will behome for Christmas. We will probably gethome at the beginning of December,” saidCpt. Holly R. Elder, company commander.

The company acted as a ‘jack of alltrades’, during their time in Iraq, doingmissions that would normally not beperformed by a maintenance company.Not only did they provide direct supportmaintenance to Logistical Support AreaAnaconda and convoys that were passingthrough, but they also ran gun trucks,manned towers, issued badges at theentry points and even provided securityfor different buildings on post.

“With the force protection mission,the whole company pulled together tosuccessfully accomplish that mission.And that was true with all of our mis-sions. They worked together,” 1st Lt.Patricia C. Stock, executive officer of the183rd, said.

The company ran gun trucks for thefirst six months they spent in country. Itwas an added bonus to have mechanicsand armament specialists on the missionsbecause they were able to immediately fixanything that broke, making them trulyindependent from other units.

“The gun truck missions were the mostgratifying. I was very grateful to give upthat mission though, only because it is sodangerous, but to have done itsuccessfully…that was probably one ofour biggest highlights, that isn’t mainte-nance related,” Elder said.

As far as maintenance missions go, thecompany commander is the most proud ofthe support they provided to convoyspassing through LSA Anaconda. Since

the company has a lot of parts on hand,they were able to fix radios, weapons andvehicles. Sometimes they would bump thevehicle up to the front of the line to makesure it can get back on the road fast.

Since Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR)took over most of 183rd’s mission, thecompany was able to send out teams toCamp Buca and support the Iraqi Na-tional Guard in Taji. They did missions inAl Asad and Rawah as well, Elder said.

At the same time she noted that “thebiggest challenge was, and I hate to saythis, the transition of our mission toKBR.”

Along the same lines, Stock said, “Thebiggest challenge was keeping theSoldiers’ morale up, despite the lack of amaintenance mission. Most maintenanceSoldiers do enjoy doing maintenance.”

The platoons in the company special-ize in different things. The Automotive

“The 183rd is probablyone of the best mainte-nance companies herein Iraq.”

-Cpt. Holly R. Elder

Platoon, for example, mainly fixeswheeled vehicles. Another platoonprovides maintenance for communica-tions and electronic equipment. TheGround Support Equipment Platoonmaintains heavy engineer equipment. TheSupply Support Activity (SSA) orders anddistributes repair parts. Since KBR tookover most of the missions, the SSA wasable to assist the Forward RedistributionPoint on LSA Anaconda with sorting andhanding out excess parts.

The sections of the company work welltogether as well as with other units, saidElder.

One of the greatest challenges they hadto overcome was adapting to their everchanging mission.

Throughout the deployment, Soldiersand leaders managed to maintain apositive approach to things.

“I think the 183rd Maintenance did agreat job with taking on every singlemission that came down, “1st Lt. Allan M.Arcilla, the Platoon Leader of the GroundSupport Equipment Platoon said. “Sol-diers adapted well.”

Arcilla spent five months in Taji,providing support to the Iraqi NationalGuard, with about 30 Soldiers. Thecompany had two teams there. Oneworked on armoring the Iraqi NationalGuard vehicles, the other one did mainte-nance and vehicle support at the TajiNational Depot on vehicles that othernations have given to the Iraqi army. Thisteam inspected the vehicles, and issuedthem out to the Iraqi army.

He said that some challenges also feltgratifying, like working with the Iraqis.Learning to communicate with them andunderstanding the structure of theirmilitary was hard, but Arcilla felt proudabout the work they did for the Iraqis.

“Some of those trucks that our guyshad armored have been hit by VBIEDs(Vehicle Born Improvised ExplosiveDevices) and IEDs (Improvised ExplosiveDevices) and everyone in those truckssurvived. So, I knew that my guys weredoing an outstanding job… Just beingable to equip and armor the Iraqi army sothat they can take over and we can get outof here,” Arcilla said.

Elder also gave training also a highpriority. “I was able to cross-train mymechanics to be multi-capable, so thatthey can do organizational and directsupport maintenance,” Elder said.

Although the company is getting readyto redeploy, they are still assisting otherunits.

“We have a lot of resources here, thatwe can use to help everyone out, whetherit is ‘hey, I need some help with services’,or ‘hey, I need an engine changed now.’We are a very diverse, combat tested andproven maintenance company. The 183rdis probably one of the best maintenancecompanies here in Iraq,” Elder said.

Sgt. Maj. of theArmy talks aboutcivilian-militarytransistionsArmy News Service

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O.Preston visited Soldiers along the PacificRim in July to talk about the transition ofsome military jobs to civilian contractors.

The goal of military-to-civilian con-versions is to gain 10,000 Soldiers inunits of action, Preston told Soldiers atCamp Torii, Japan.

By replacing Soldier garrison posi-tions with either Department of the Armycivilians or contractors, he said the Armyis able to solve a few of its problems.

First, it allows more Soldiers to beavailable for deployment, thus reducingthe stress some units have because ofback-to-back deployments in combatzones.

“Because we have low-density, high-demand military occupational special-ties, we have units going through back-to-back deployments,” Preston said.

Soldiers in units who are qualified inwater purification, nuclear, biologicaland chemical, explosive ordnance de-tachments, and military police oftenhave back-to-back deployments.

“In the past year, we took eight Na-tional Guard batteries and sent them toFort Leonard Wood to train as MP com-panies,” Preston said. “Since we’re notfighting Iraq’s air force, there was noneed for air defense and we needed tofill the MOS’s that are low density, highdemand.”

Next, it allows the Army to shrinkdown MOS’s that are no longer neededin today’s spectrum of mission.

Take the 42L (administrative assis-tant) MOS for example, Preston said. TheMOS will soon be removed from theArmy.

Preston told the Soldiers in the PacificRim that the Army was working to stabi-lize them and their families longer.

“Each of the brigades will have a threeyear lifecycle,” he said. “The Soldiers willbe locked into that unit and you won’tPCS or be pulled out for special duty likeKorea or drill sergeant school during thattime.”

Preston said the goal in that three yearlifecycle is for the unit to deploy togetherand remain on the ground for at leasttwo years before deploying again. In ad-dition, when the lifecycle ends, the Sol-dier has a choice of remaining on thatpost or PCSing to another location.

“This gives your children a chance tocompete for scholarships in high schooland your spouse to have a career,”Preston said. “We’ve always said weenlist a Soldier, but re-enlist a family.”

“Soldiers are the centerpiece totoday’s Army,” he said. “They are theleaders of tomorrow and if they haveideas on how to make our Army better,then we want to know.”


LSA LSA LSA LSA LSA ANANANANANAAAAACONDCONDCONDCONDCONDAAAAADining FDining FDining FDining FDining Facilityacilityacilityacilityacility

Hours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of Operation

DFAC 1Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DFACs 2 & 3Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night: 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DFAC 4Breakfast 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night: 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC hours for all locations are seven daysa week. All patrons must be in the proper uniformand be able to present appropriate identification.

By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

The Soldier’s Creed containsthe words “I will not leave afallen comrade.” The actions ofsoldiers everyday carry out theirmeaning. Soldiers serving atLogistical Support Area Ana-conda have not forgotten Sgt.Keith Matthew Maupin, the onlyU.S. soldier still listed as cap-tured in Iraq.

A new computer lab at theEducation Center here has beendedicated to him.

The Sgt. Matt Maupin Com-puter Lab officially opened onSept. 19.

The lab was made possible bythe donation of 35 computers byMaupin’s parents, Keith andCarolyn Maupin. Another 50donated computers will be usedearly next year to set up the Sgt.Matt Maupin Internet Café atLSA Anaconda.

Maupin, of Batavia, Ohio, isassigned to the 724th Transpor-tation Company. The Army

Reserve unit, based out ofBartonville, Ill., deployed to Iraqin February 2004 in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom. One ofMaupin’s chief complaintsduring phone calls home wasthe difficulty he had accessing acomputer to e-mail friends andfamily.

On April 9, 2004, the one yearanniversary of the fall ofBaghdad, Maupin was on acombat logistics patrol to deliverfuel when a force of nearly 200insurgents attacked near theBaghdad International Airport.

The insurgents attacked withsmall-arms fire, rocket propelledgrenades, machine gun fire andimprovised explosive devices.

Shortly after the attack,Maupin’s status was listed as‘Whereabouts Unknown.’

On April 16, 2004 Maupinwas shown alive in a video onthe Al-Jazeera television net-work. His status was officiallychanged to captured.

“This lab will allow allwarriors who are serving in Iraq

to stay in touch with theirfamilies, pursue education, orsimply enjoy some personal timesurfing the World Wide Web,”said Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine,the commander of the 1st CorpsSupport Command and LSAAnaconda. “We open the doorsto this facility with the hope thatMatt will be found soon.”

The computers are dedicatedfor Soldiers’ personal use, saidSgt. Maj. Angela Adams, of the301st Area Support Group andthe non-commissioned officer incharge of the Education Center.She also noted the markedimprovement over the previousset up.

“We used to have 10 laptopsthat everyone was using,”Adams said. “We had about8,000 users so far and that wasjust on our little laptops.”

Adams envisions moresoldiers being able to completeonline college classes as well ascorrespondence courses.

“Now we’ll get more users,and the system is so much

faster,” said Adams. “From 10 to35, you just can’t beat it.”

Some special improvementshad to be made at the EducationCenter to accommodate the gift,said Master Sgt. MarcusWilliamson, a communicationssection chief from the 301st .

Extra power had to be wiredinto the computer lab as well asadditional internet service lines.

Along with college classesand e-mail services, Soldiers areable to use instant messagingprograms, download picturesfrom home and even usewebcams to chat with family.

“They can download stuff,but in the evening the systemwill check itself and erasewhatever is not part of what weput in,” Williamson said.

Each computer had its harddrive ‘ghosted’ so every systemwill have the same software.They also all feature a picture ofMaupin as the backgroundimage to remind Soldiers he isstill held captive.

“These are a dedicated

resource to bridge the communi-cation gap,” Fontaine said.“Direct communications servicesprovided here will give familiesand Soldiers the ability to sharestrength, courage, determinationand pride. It will keep fathers intouch with daughters; mothersand sons, husbands and wives.”

Quoting the motto of thePOW/MIA, “Not Forgotten,”Fontaine spoke of Maupin andwhat the computer lab symbol-izes.

“The story is told about Matt,that he is a proud Soldier, whoknows his duty and does notshirk from it. He is loved andmissed by everyone who knowshim. Our country remainsdedicated to finding Matt. Theefforts of this lab are representa-tive of the respect and concernour nation has for finding him,”the general said. “The systemsare for the exclusive use ofSoldiers, and all bear a picture ofSgt. Maupin as a reminder thathe is still out there waiting forus.”

(Left to right) Sgt. Maj. Mark Whade, Lt. Col. David B. Gaffney, Brig. Gen. Yves Fontaine and Sgt. Maj. Joseph R.Allen cut the ribbon to officially open the Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab.

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

Missing SoldierMissing SoldierMissing SoldierMissing SoldierMissing Soldierrrrrrememberememberememberememberemembered aed aed aed aed atttttLSA Anaconda:LSA Anaconda:LSA Anaconda:LSA Anaconda:LSA Anaconda:Maupin’s family donatesMaupin’s family donatesMaupin’s family donatesMaupin’s family donatesMaupin’s family donatescomputers for a new lab atcomputers for a new lab atcomputers for a new lab atcomputers for a new lab atcomputers for a new lab atthe Education Centerthe Education Centerthe Education Centerthe Education Centerthe Education Center

SEPTEMBER 25, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

Sgt. Taze Baskerville, a squad leader in C Co. of the 467th Engineers, climbs up the back of a Buffalo while out on an IED hunting mission.Behind Baskerville, is a Meerkat. The Meerkat and the Buffalo are two de-mining vehicles being used for IEDs.

Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

IED Hunters:Soldiers go on the offensiveagainst roadside bombs

By Sgt. Marshall ThompsonEditor

Soldiers spotted a cardboard box theythought might contain an improvisedexplosive device on the side of a highwayin Iraq on Aug. 26.

The IED didn’t slow down the Trail-blazers of C. Co. of the 467th Engineers –finding IEDs is their job. The Trailblazershunt and destroy roadside bombs to makethe traveling safer for combat logisticspatrols in Iraq.

“The hardest part is getting the cour-age to drive up to it,” said Spc. BrianCress, an equipment operator with the467th.

Without hesitation, the Trailblazersran over the box. It was empty and themission continued. Although drivingover a potential IED is not recommendedin a humvee, the Trailblazers have fourspecial vehicles from South Africa thatallow them to clear IEDs more efficiently.The Buffalo, Meerkat, Husky, and RG-31are de-mining vehicles which are nowused against roadside bombs.

The Buffalo is a six-wheeled vehiclethat sits high off the ground and has a V-shaped undercarriage. The “V” deflectsthe blast from IEDs and mines. It isheavily armored and has a large mechani-cal arm with 9 tines at the end, each abouttwo feet long. This allows the vehicleoperators to dig and poke at potentialIEDs without leaving the safety of thevehicle.

“It really is invaluable equipment,” Sgt.David Wyant, a combat engineer with the467th, said. “With the Buffalo, we get totake the fight to the enemy.”

The Meerkat is no less useful. Namedafter an African mongoose, it looks morelike an armored mosquito on wheels.Seating only one, the wheels and axels aredesigned to be blown off during a hit. Thearmored capsule with the Soldier insidedrops to the ground, but isn’t ripped apartby the explosion.

It has two large metal-detecting panelsthat can be positioned directly under-neath the vehicle or on either side at a 45degree angle.

“It’s basically a large, moving metaldetector,” said Sgt. Taze Baskerville, a467th squad leader.

The Husky, is simply a larger Meerkat.The two vehicles are usually sold togetherin a package called a “Chubby.” Whiledealing with de-mining operations in theBalkans in 1998, Pres. Bill Clinton visitedSouth Africa to kick the tires on a newvehicle.

“The United States has just made itsfirst purchase – the Department of Defensehas – from South Africa of a mobile de-mining equipment which has the interest-ing name of Chubby – named after memaybe,” Clinton said in press conferencein South Africa. Since the war in Iraq, theequipment has also proven vital inhunting IEDs. In 2005, the U.S. purchasedanother 35 Chubbies from South Africa fora total of $52.5 million.

The fourth vehicle is the RG-31, whichlooks like an gigantic Land Cruiser. It hasmetal gun portals in the bullet-proof glassand custom-made turret armor for thegunner.

Baskerville said he has learned to beconfident with the equipment. No one inhis unit has been hurt from an IED whilein one of the special vehicles.

Only weeks earlier, Baskerville’sarmored humvee was hit by an IED. Hesaid he wondered before the attack if hewould simply be scared, or if he’d keephis wits about him and be a good leader.

“I saw the flash of light. I heard thecrack. The humvee filled up with smoke,”Baskerville said. “But I did what I wassupposed to do. We got out of the killzone, I made sure my Soldiers were okay,and we called up to higher.”

The explosion blew the tires andcracked the windows. Once a recoveryvehicle had repaired the tires, Baskervilleand his Soldiers were able to continue themission.

The Trailblazers can spend more than10 hours a day on the pock-marked roadsof Iraq. When they find an IED, they callexplosive ordnance disposal to come anddestroy it. Finding an IED is a greatfeeling for the Trail Blazers.

“We got you,” Wyant said, describingwhat he thinks when they find an IED.“You won’t get one off on us. We gotyou.”

See IED Hunters on pg. 15

TTTTTrrrrrailbailbailbailbailblazlazlazlazlazererererersssssuse specialuse specialuse specialuse specialuse specialequipment:equipment:equipment:equipment:equipment:

The Buffalo

The Buffalo is the largest of the de-min-ing vehicles. It is now made in Americaby Force Protection, Inc.

RG-31

In April, the DOD purchased 148 RG-31s for $78 million. All the vehicles willbe deliverd by December.

The Meerkat

Meerkats seat one person, are de-signed to withstand large blasts, andhave metal-detecting panels.

The Husky

A Husky is like a meerkat, just hus-kier. The two vehicles are sold togetherin a package called a “Chubby.”

OCTOBER 2, 2005 PAGE 9PAGE 8 OCTOBER 2, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

More than 600 peopleturned out to celebrateHispanic Heritage Monthat Logistical Support AreaAnaconda Sept. 23.

The event featured livemusic, traditional dancing,and enough food to feed anarmy.

It also included informational boothswhere party goers could learn more aboutHispanic countries and cultures, a wallmounted display honoring Hispanicrecipients of the Medal of Honor and asolemn presentation in remembrance ofHispanic soldiers who have been killedduring Operation Iraqi Freedom andOperation Enduring Freedom.

“I am 50 percent Cuban and 100 per-cent American,” said Lt. Col. Mario V.Garcia, Jr., the commander of the 129th

Corps Support Battalion and guest

speaker for the celebration. “We don’t livein America. America lives in us.”

Preparations for the event began nearlythree months ago, said Cpt. MatthewMasias of F Co. 238th Aviation Battalion,the event project officer.

“We had to start from the ground up,”Masias said. “We had to come up with aplan. We wanted to have food, music, adancing act, a musical act and a guestspeaker to speak on Hispanics and therole they’ve played in America.”

A committee was formed with volun-teers from units under the 507th CorpsSupport Group to identify soldiers torepresent each Hispanic country duringthe celebration as well as find the enter-tainment.

“Everybody that’s in the programvolunteered their time,” said Sgt. 1st ClassLisa Coronado of the 457th Transporta-tion Battalion and Hispanic Heritagecommittee member. Every cultural item ondisplay was donated by Soldiers, wives,mothers and various heritage committeesthroughout the United States and PuertoRico. Along with the informational cardsdisplayed for each country were pictures,hats and musical instruments fromMexico to Chile.

“Getting the people rounded up,getting the country representatives here atthe same time with the mission ongoingwas the biggest challenge,” said Sgt. Maj.Eric Cleveland of Headquarters andHeadquarters Co. 507th CSG and anevent planner. The celebration providedan opportunity to showcase talent as wellas open a cultural exchange.

The show began with a rousingrendition of the Star Spangled Banner bySpc. Leia Mojica of the 1065th AreaSupport Medical Company, followed bySpc. Milagros Dones, also of the 1065th

ASMC, singing ‘Preciosa’. Dones took thestage again with coworker Sgt. 1st ClassHeriberto Colón to perform a traditionaldance act, with Sgt. Daniel Moyano andSpc. Josean Rivera, both of I Co. 4/159th

Aviation Battalion, performing a reggaerap version of ‘Familia’ that left thecrowd cheering for more.

“Being here for a while, it reminds mewhat it can be like to be back in the Statesand enjoying freedom with other Latinos,dancing and eating, celebrating like wedo back home,” said Spc. Elida Vargas,an event participant from HHC 507th

CSG. “Being a Mexican in America makesme feel good about myself. We have

opportunities that many people inMexico don’t, and I’m thankful for that.”

“I’m a Tex-Mex,” Coronado said.“When I was raised, I was raised with themorals of the Mexicans. Once you growup you tend to let it go, but times like thisis when you can grasp back at yourculture.”

“It’s just being proud of where wecome from and who we are,” Masias said.“One of the big things we wanted for thevisitors is to educate them on the coun-tries and let them know we are proud tobe Americans.”

For some, getting a little taste of homewas a boost to moral.

“It kind of relieves you from stress. Itmakes you feel like you are home. Itallows you to forget for just a momentwhere you’re at and enjoy life,” Vargassaid.

Promoting awareness through culturalcelebrations makes the Army stronger,said Masias.

“The theme for today is ‘strong andcolorful threads in American fabric,’”Masias said. “We’re coming together asone group. We are Hispanics todayrepresenting what the United States is allabout.”

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Solo tres horas bastaron para que elCentro Logístico Anaconda, en el norte deIraq fuera invadido por la energía, elespíritu y todo el colorido de la culturahispana.

Fue la manera de comenzar a celebrarel mes de la hispanidad, unacontecimiento que llenó de júbilo todo elvacio que los Soldados sentian creadopor la nostalgia de sus pueblos y susraíces.

Se inició una celebración que dispusoel Presidente George Bush en un gesto deagradecimiento a las contribución de loshispanos a los Estados Unidos,particularmente a los hombres y mujeresque hoy luchan contra el terrorismo y afavor de la libertad. El mandatario loreconoció con esta expresión:

“En el Mes Nacional de laHispanidad, celebramos los logros de loshispanoamericanos y la importantefunción que han desempeñado parahacer que nuestra nación sea fuerte,próspera y libre,” anunció Bush en undiscurso escrito que un oficial local leyóen la celebración. “La comunidadhispana de nuestra nación hacontribuido a la promoción de la libertaden el extranjero y a la defensa de lalibertad en el país. En cada generación,los hispanoamericanos han prestadoservicios valientemente en las fuerzasarmadas de los Estados Unidos.Actualmente hay más de200,000 hispanoamericanos en lasFuerzas Armadas y nuestra nación estáagradecida por su valentía y sacrificio,”destacó el presidente de los EstadosUnidos.

Y así es. Los hombres y mujeres

hispanoamericanos integrados a lasfuerzas armadas norteamericanas hanasumido un compromiso que cumplencada día, trabajando sin desmayo a favorde la libertad y la dignidad de los pueb-los. Iraq no es la excepción. Estánpresentes en todos los frentes, en cadaesfuerzo por contribuir a la construcciónde la democracia.

Los ejemplos son muchos, incluyendolos hispanoamericanos sirviendo comomiembros de la 1065th Area SupportMedical Company, una unidad demédicos de Puerto Rico. Este personaltiene bajo su responsabilidad elfuncionamiento de una clínica en Ana-conda, en una misión que se extiende porun año. Otros ejemplos incluyen los queforman parte de manera destacada en lainfantería, aviación, artillería, relacionespúblicas, es decir, en todo el cuerpomilitar de los Estados Unidos.

Como Soldados desplegados en unazona de conflicto, los hispanoamericanosestán expuestos a los desafíos y el peligroen toda la geografía de Iraq. Sufren eltiempo áspero, difícil, implacable que sevive por estos lugares y también estánexpuestos a la amenaza terrorista.

Anaconda es un ejemplo. El centro seconoce como la villa de los morteros, unnombre que les recuerda a los Soldadosdel peligro permanente por los ataquesdel enemigo a la instalación usandomorteros, aunque los ataques usualmentefayan porque la base es sumamentefortificada.

Pero este día fue especial. Por unmomento, los Soldados se olvidaron de larealidad de la guerra para disfrutar de suriqueza cultural.

“Pasando un rato aquí me recuerdacómo se vive en los Estados y cómo segoza de la libertad con otros latinos:

bailar y comer, celebrando,” dijo elespecialista Elida Vargas, un miembrodel 507th Corps Support Group.

El gozo fue notable. Había cerdo,ensaladas de cada país hispano, por lomenos tres tipos de arroz, y másimportante que todo, había música ybaile. Mientras los Puertorriqueñostocaban y bailaban una plena, los dedescendencia Mexicana cantaban “ElRey” en coro, y los Dominicanos serobaron la pista de baile con uncontagioso merengue. Desde Méxicohasta Chile, cada cultura hispana fuerepresentada.

“El tema de hoy es ‘hilos fuertes ycoloridos que forman la telanorteamericana,” dijo el capitán MatthewMasias de la F Company 238 Aviation enuna entrevista en inglés. “Nosotros noscongregamos como un grupo. Somoshispanos hoy, representando lo que sonlos Estados Unidos”.

Más de 300 personas asistieron alacontecimiento sociocultural. Lacelebración fue organizada totalmentepor voluntarios, dijo la sargento deprimera clase Lissa Coronado de la 457th

Transportation Company. Fue unacelebración caracterizada por la unidadde un grupo étnico con propósito firmes ydefinidos: la unidad en la diversidad.Como dijo el teniente coronel Mario V.García, Jr., el comandante del 129th CorpsSupport Battalion y quien es hijo depadres Cubanos y Americanos:

“Yo soy cincuenta por ciento Cubano,y cien por ciento Americano”.

El Mes Nacional de la Hispanidad seextiende desde el 15 de septiembre al 15de octubre.

Army Lt. Col. Maricela G. Alvaradoposes with Rep. Grace Napolitano,chairwoman of the CongressionalHispanic Caucus.

Army News Service

DOD and Latin Stylemagazine recognizesix hispanic womenArmy News Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2005 –Six Hispanic-American servicewomen were honored last week foroutstanding achievements in the mili-tary services and their status as rolemodels during the 2nd annual LatinaStyle Symposium awards luncheonsponsored by Latina Style magazineand co-hosted by the Defense Depart-ment. The Sept. 9-10 symposium fea-tured roundtable and panel discus-sions about important issues concern-ing the more than 7 million Hispanicwomen in the U.S. work force, includ-ing the military and the Defense De-partment. This year, Latina Styleshowcased active duty Hispanicwomen of the Army, Navy, Air Force,Marine Corps and the Coast Guard,and one woman representing theArmy and Air National Guard.

As it did last year, the DoD usedthe event as the kick-off for its celebra-tion of Hispanic-American HeritageMonth, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Capt. Kathlene Contres, comman-dant of the Defense Equal Opportu-nity Management Institute, which isthe Defense Department’s center ofexcellence for equal opportunity andhuman relations training, is theNavy’s highest-ranking Hispanicwoman officer on active duty. Shemaintains a $24 million compound,training more than 1,500 studentsannually, handling a 15,000-volumereference library of equal opportunityresources and taking care of the De-fense Equal Opportunity Climate Sur-vey used across all DoD agencies.

The Marine Corps’ Latina Styleplaque recipient is Col. Angela Sali-nas, the first woman combat servicesupport monitor, the first woman re-cruiting station commanding officerand the first woman Marine Corpsrecruiting district commanding of-ficer.

See Hispanic Awards on pg. 15

FFFFFor our Spanish speaking Soldieror our Spanish speaking Soldieror our Spanish speaking Soldieror our Spanish speaking Soldieror our Spanish speaking Soldiersssss

El sargento Jason Mikeworth contribuyó aeste reportaje. Un agradecimiento especial aMaira Morla y Erick Mendoza.

Soldiers stationed at Logistical Support Area Anaconda just north of Baghdad, Iraq, sing "El Rey," a Mexican song that is very popularwithin the Mexican American community at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The Soldiers said that they don't just live in America,but that America lives in them.


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By Pfc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

Soldiers of the 917th Corps SupportGroup are ending their year-long tourafter delivering fuel, water and othersupplies to multinational forces through-out northern Iraq.

The unit, which has over 3,500 Soldiersspread across several forward operatingbases in northern Iraq, conducted about7,300 combat logistic patrols, drove over8.5 million miles, and transported close to120 million gallons of fuel over the courseof the deployment, said Lt. Col Bob Clark,the deputy commander of the 917th CSG.In addition, they distributed more than1,000 boxes of donated school supplies,hygiene items, clothing, shoes, medicalitems and toys to local nationals.

The main focus of the unit’s efforts hasbeen transporting the supplies fromZahku in northern Iraq to the Q-West

Base Complex, where they could bedelivered to other parts of the country,said Col. Gregory Couch, the commanderof the 917th CSG. He added the growth ofQ-West demonstrates his unit’s perfor-mance.

“We arrived at Q-West in Novemberand December of last year,” Couch said.“Q-West had approximately 700 people…and our job was to establish the [hub] atQ-West. Today there are over 5,000…contractors and Soldiers and airmen onthe ground at Q-West and that has beenthe critical hub for support to the north.”

Over the course of the deployment,Soldiers of the 917th CSG have beenattacked hundreds of times. The attacksconsisted of small arms fire, improvisedexplosives devices and complex attacksinvolving combinations of IED’s andsmall arms. The unit suffered severalwounded and a few died.

“It is with sadness that we remember

those who made the ultimate sacrifice,”Clark wrote in an e-mail.

Couch added that despite the losses,the Soldiers of the 917th did not let thethreat slow them down.

“I think we’ve done an excellent job,”Couch said. “We’ve never missed amission, no combat operation has everbeen put off or slowed down because ofsupport from the 917th. I’m pretty proud ofwhat all of our Soldiers have done.”

The 917th CSG is originally fromBelton, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo., butmany of the Soldiers in the unit have beencross-leveled from elsewhere.

In the Group Headquarters alone, thereare Soldiers who represent Washington,Maryland, Virginia, California and Texasto name a few.

“We would not have been successful ifnot for the total team effort putforth by this assembled cast,” Clarkwrote.

Sgt. Shawn Clark, a security escort with the 917th CSG, prepares to continue a combat logistics patrol to northern Iraq.

917th CSG reviews time in Iraq


Please be sensitive to those whoobserve this religious holiday.

This year, Muslimscelebrate Ramadan Oct.

4 to Nov. 2


Sgt. 1st Class Lupe Galvin403rd CTC

A sleek gray C-130 cargoplane rolled to a stop at the endof the runway at Camp AlTaqaddum on Jan. 31. As theramp lowered, a joint team ofArmy and Air Force personnelran to the plane and beganunloading it. Several forkliftsrolled through the entrance tothe field and drove to the loadingramp. Flight personnel cajoledthe heavy pallet of material ontothe waiting forklifts and thedriver backed away. The palletwas delivered to a newly openedcargo yard, signaling the officialbeginning of the Joint Air CargoOperations Team (JACOT).

Prior to the opening of theJACOT, inter-service cooperationwas limited. Marines operatedtraditional Arrival/DepartureControl Group (A/DACG)operations.

They were responsible for theloading and unloading ofpassengers and cargo arrivingon Marine helicopters and fixedwing aircraft. Across theairfield, at a second location, anAir Force Aerial Port Team and3rd Platoon of 403rd CargoTransfer Company loaded andunloaded all cargo from otherfixed wing military aircraft andcommercial carriers.

While still functional, thisoperation was inefficient. TheJACOT was conceived as part ofan ongoing effort to limit theneed for combat logistics patrols.This is the first time that an inter-service team tackled the chal-

lenge of cargo handling in Iraq.To reduce the number of

coalition vehicles and personneloperating on Iraqi roads, theMarines of the 1st MEF, incoordination with the Army’s 1st

Corps Support Command, workto maximize the amount of cargothat can be flown into theaterinstead of delivered via groundtransportation. To coordinatethe air assets, a joint teamcapable of handling these largeaircraft has been created andpositioned at Camp AlTaqaddum.

Unlike other A/DACGoperations in theater, the JACOTat Camp Al Taqaddum is uniquebecause it involves all fourmilitary branches: Army, Navy,Air Force and Marines. Camp AlTaqaddum is located in the 1st

MEF area of operations in AlAnbar Province, near the townsof Al Ramadi and Al Fallujah.Considered one of the morevolatile provinces in Iraq, theneed for convoy mitigation wasurgent and the establishment ofthe JACOT rapidly became ahigh priority operation.

The JACOT now consists ofan Air Force Tactical ControlElement team, which brings themuch needed Deployable GlobalAir Transportation ExecutionSystem (D-Gates) technology tothe operation. D-Gates allowsthe JACOT to track all aircraftthat pass through along with theamount of cargo and personnelon each aircraft.

Also included are the Marinesand Navy of 1st Force ServiceSupport Group, an Army Move-

ment Control Team, and thecargo handlers of 403rd CTC.These elements are now all co-located on the cargo side of theairfield and have begun jointoperations.

“When an [aircraft] touchesdown we have heavy equipmentstaged out on the parking spotfor that [aircraft], making surethat when the tail comes downthat H.E. is there to downloadthe pallets,” Marine Cpl. DavidNieznanski, the Marine non-commissioned officer in chargeof the flight line, said. “Prettymuch everyone has a part of it.It’s a smooth transition to getthat plane out of here as fast aspossible.”

The division of labor for theteam is what sets the JACOTapart. The Air Force team

schedules flights, tracks incom-ing air assets and observes allmoving equipment on theairstrip to ensure it is operatedcorrectly. When an aircraftapproaches the field, Marinesand airmen working the AirControl Tower notify the offloadteam consisting of Marines,Soldiers and airmen waiting atthe Intermediate Staging Points(ISP), said Marine Cpl. NemirMeade, the non-commissionedofficer in charge of tower opera-tions.

When the aircraft ramp islowered, the joint team springsinto action, offloading theaircraft cargo onto the ISPs. Theaverage offload time for a full C-17 is about 20 minutes, Spc.Clayton Weeks, a cargo handlerwith the Army Movement

Control Team said.Once the cargo is staged in an

ISP, the Army team moves thecargo into the cargo yard whereit is sorted into designated lanesby Department of Defense ArmyAccountability Codes (DoDAAC)or Reportable Item Control Code(RICC) for each branch of service.

From the yard, the cargo isthen transported by groundassets to customer units within24 hours of its arrival.

“I think the JACOT is awonderful thing,” Weeks said.“You get to work with a lot ofMarines and Air Force. There’s areally good environment there. Alot of stuff gets done that prob-ably wouldn’t get done with anyone service.”

See Joint Operation on pg. 15

By Spc. Laura E. Ruscio27th Public Affairs Det.

FORWARD OPERATING BASEDUKE, An Najaf, Iraq - Often newssources report on the constant struggleto overcome terrorism in Iraq, forgettingto mention the everyday battle of gain-ing the trust and confidence of the localpeople.

Soldiers of the 155th Brigade CombatTeam communicate constantly with thecitizens of An Najaf, in an attempt to gaintheir trust and help them with issuessuch as medical care.

The Soldiers went to Kofu, a village

near An Najaf, to provide medical aid tothe needy men, women and children of thearea, Aug. 28.

The injuries and illnesses ranged from ascratched knee to severe congenital defects.

Given the time allotted for such a mis-sion and the abilities of the doctors andmedics to work on location, there are manycases where the injuries can not be treated.However, if the situation is extremely se-vere, the individual may be sent to a largerinstallation such as Baghdad to receive longterm care.

“There are many minor sicknesses likesinus colds, scrapes and bruises that wehave medication for, but for the permanent

defects we can only explain to the patientthe proper ways to cope with the illnessand give them tips on how to make theirlife a little easier,” said Staff Sgt. WilliamRichardson, 155th BCT medic.

As with any mission, this required greatsecurity to protect not only U.S. Soldiers,but the locals receiving treatment as well.

“We always have to stay on top of ourgame. Protecting our troops is our numberone priority. We leave as a team and wantto return the same way,” said Cpl. RobertNash, security for 1st Battalion, 198th Ar-mor.

A major threat when working in a popu-lated area such as Kofu is vehicle-borne

improvised explosive devises and sui-cide bombers; however, the troops com-pleted their mission without encounter-ing any dangerous situations.

Upon the successful completion oftheir medical mission, the Soldiers re-turned to FOB Duke with great pride intheir accomplishments.

“It makes us feels very good to helpthe locals,” Richardson said. “It is veryrewarding to work closely with them. Iespecially like interacting with the chil-dren, because they will remember thepositive things American troops did forthem and they are the future of the freeIraq.”

Soldiers provide medical assistance to Iraqi civilians in Najaf

Sgt. Antonio Acevedo ground guides Pfc. Annastasia Tolley as she maneuvers her crane into position totransfer cargo at the cargo yard of the Joint Air Cargo Operations Team.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lupe Galvin

Military cooperationmoves goods andpeople faster


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WWWWWesesesesest MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

PilatesPilatesPilatesPilatesPilatesThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Pilates classes at 5:45 a.m. Mon-day, Wednesday and Friday.

AerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsThere will be an aerobics class Mon-

day, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m.Freestyle aerobics is Saturday at 9a.m., and today at 1 p.m.

KKKKKarararararaaaaateteteteteKarate classes will be Sunday,

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at7:15 p.m.

TTTTTae Boae Boae Boae Boae BoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Tae Bo classes Tuesday, Thurs-day and Saturday at 5:30 a.m.

KKKKKobobobobobushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen JutsuutsuutsuutsuutsuThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers classes in the feudal warriorcombat art Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday at 8:30 p.m.

CaCaCaCaCapoeirpoeirpoeirpoeirpoeiraaaaaThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers capoeira classes Sunday at 6p.m and Monday, Wednesday andFriday at 8:30 p.m.

Nihon Goshen AikidoNihon Goshen AikidoNihon Goshen AikidoNihon Goshen AikidoNihon Goshen AikidoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Nihon Goshen Aikido classes at5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursdayand Saturday in the Sprung Gym.

Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuCombaCombaCombaCombaCombatititititivvvvveseseseses Classes will beSundays at 8:30 p.m. and Wednes-days and Fridays at 8:30 p.m.

LSLSLSLSLSA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaFitness CenterFitness CenterFitness CenterFitness CenterFitness Center

KKKKKarararararaokaokaokaokaoke Nighte Nighte Nighte Nighte Night

Open-mike nights willbe every Saturday at 8 p.m.

TTTTTaaaaabbbbble-Tle-Tle-Tle-Tle-TennisennisennisennisennisTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A Table-tennis tour-nament will be everySunday at 3 and 8 p.m.

DarDarDarDarDartststststsTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A darts tournamentwill be held Sundaysat 8 p.m.

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnamentAn 8-ball tourna-

ment will be heldevery Monday at 3and 8 p.m.

Game NightGame NightGame NightGame NightGame NightGame night

will be everyFriday at 8 p.m.

Games featuredwill include Risk,

Battleship andDominoes.

Dedicated to providing a variety ofservices including:

Powers of Attorney and NotariesCitizenship Application Preparation and Immigra-

tion IssuesDivorce and Family Law Issues

GuardianshipsTax Services

Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act IssuesFLIPL and Reprimand Rebuttals

Personnel Claims and Wills

LSA Anaconda Soldier’sLegal Center

DSN 829-1533/1538

The firstSanctioned

PowerliftingCompetition

on Oct. 30

Bingo nights at the

PANTHER PAVILIONSATURDAYS AT 8 p.m.

TEXAS HOLD’EMat the

Panther PavilionMondays at

2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnamentTTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdays ays ays ays ays attttt

1 p.m. and 8 1 p.m. and 8 1 p.m. and 8 1 p.m. and 8 1 p.m. and 8p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m.

OCTOBER 2, 2005 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

October 23 p.m. Bad News Bears6 p.m. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory9 p.m. Sky High

October 33 p.m. Wedding Crashers6 p.m. Sky High9 p.m. Hustle and Flow

October 43 p.m. Hustle and Flow6 p.m. Devil’s Rejects9 p.m. Bad News Bears

October 53 p.m. Wedding Crashers6 p.m. Sky High9 p.m. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

October 63 p.m. Bad News Bears6 p.m. Hustle and Flow9 p.m. Devil’s Rejects

October 73 p.m. Deuce Bigalow: European6 p.m. Flightplan9 p.m. Flightplan

October 83 p.m. Wedding Crashers6 p.m. Must Love Dogs9 p.m. Flightplan

Roman Catholic MassWednesday 11 a.m. Air Force HospitalSaturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 8 p.m. Provider Capel AnnexMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Sacrament of Reconciliation(30 minutes prior to each mass)

Church of ChristSunday 11 a.m. Aviation Village 1/245th ATSConference Room

Islamic PrayerFriday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel

Samoan Congregational ServiceSunday 4 p.m. Provider Chapel

Latter Day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 3 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Jewish PrayerFriday 6:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex

Protestant-GospelSunday 11 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel

Protestant Praise and WorshipSunday 9:30 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 5:30 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 6:30 p.m. MWR Tent 29th Spt. Bn.Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelWednesday 7:00 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 11 a.m. Town Hall

Protestant-TraditionalSunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital ChapelSunday 9:30 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 10 a.m. Freedom Chapel

Movie Synopsis for Oct. 2 - Oct. 8FlightplanPG-13, suspense, 103 minJodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard

Flying at 40,000 feet in a cavernous, state-of-the-art E-474 aircraft, Kyle faces every mother’s worstnightmare when her six-year-old daughter Juliavanishes without a trace mid-flight from Berlin toNew York. Already emotionally devastated by theunexpected death of her husband, Kyle desperatelystruggles to prove her sanity to the disbelieving flightcrew and passengers while facing the very realpossibility that she may be losing her mind.

Wedding CrashersR, comedy, 119 minOwen Wilson, Vince Vaughn

Vaughn and Wilson star as a pair of divorcemediators who spend their weekends crashingweddings in a search for Ms. Right...for a night. Butwhen one of them falls for the engaged daughter of aninfluential and eccentric politician at the social eventof the year, they get roped into spending a weekend atthe family’s palatial waterfront estate and quicklyfind themselves in over their heads.

Hustle and FlowR, drama, 133 minTerrence Howard, DJ Qualls

Though DJay, a streetwise Memphis pimp, hasalways had a way with words, that gift has long beenmisused; this philosopher-hustler lives a dead-endlife at the fringes of society. Still, DJay wonders whathappened to all the big dreams he had for his life. Achance encounter with an old friend, Key, a soundengineer who has always wanted to make it in themusic business, spurs DJay: if he’s ever going to makehis mark, it has to happen now. Rated R (sex & drugcontent, language, violence) 114 min

The Devil’s RejectsR, horror, 101 minSid Haig, Bill Moseley

The unthinkable horror and chaos continues a fewweeks after the events depicted in “House of 1000Corpses,” as the murderous Firefly family is forced onthe lam after a bloody showdown at their home. Withtheir story all over the news, the Firefly familycontinues their soulless killing spree, while SheriffJohn - hell-bent on avenging his brother’s murder -looks to track them down for one last horrifyingconfrontation.

Religious schedule subject to change


By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

The Army Reserve Affairs Office islocated in the Warrior Support Center atLogistical Support Area Anaconda, nearthe 1st Corps Support Command Head-quarters. Many Reserve and NationalGuard troops are not aware that thecenter exists, and that the staff of thesmall office is here to support them.

“Our big mission here was to handleArmy Reserve issues. But then I got acharter from Brig. Gen. Fontaine and myboss, to go ahead and help the GuardSoldiers, because there was no supportfor them here,” said Lt. Col. Sean R.Eaton, Reserve Affairs Officer assigned tothe 18th Airborne Corps. He is in theActive Guard and Reserves (AGR), and healso supports the Corps back home at FortBragg.

He added that his office helps “keepthe continuity between the active dutyand the Reserve.” He refers to it as activecomponent-reserve component integra-tion.

“The other part is to help Soldiers. Weare troubleshooters. When the chain ofcommand gets bogged down or doesn’tunderstand something, it is our job tohelp the Active Duty, Guard and Reserveto understand the regulatory guidanceand the updates, which come outweekly,” Eaton explained. His office isfull of 5-inch binders containing Armyregulations and updates.

Another task of the office is to act as

coordinators for visiting Reserve compo-nent general officers. When a high-ranking Reserve officer visits LSA Ana-conda, “I escort them around Anaconda,get them linked up with their units andhelp coordinate their flights,” Eaton said.

The center also offers assistance forpeople who are trying to submit promo-tion packets, or apply for AGR positions.

“I set this office up here as a workcenter, where soldiers can come in anduse us as a work center. I have threecomputers, a scanner, printer, all avail-able to help Guard and Reserve Soldiers. Ihave three laptops for nothing butcustomer service. You can come in hereand do your email, both personal andAKO [Army Knowledge Online]. You canlook at your HRC [Human ResourcesCommand] website, your 2XCitizen. It islike a one stop shop,” Eaton said.

According to Eaton, the center helpsbetween 200 and 300 Soldiers a week. It iseither through phone calls, emails, orwalk-ins. They get about 15 to 20 walk-ins a day. They receive a lot of emailsfrom commands, Soldiers and the Person-nel Support Battalions. Some of thepersonnel actions, like voluntary exten-sions, also go through his office.

Eaton attributes a lot of their success tohis subordinates; Master Sgt. Larry W.Hendrickson, Staff Sgt. Martha M.Hendrickson and Sgt. Xander D.O’Connor DelLosrios.

“My staff has been awesome. Theyhave been very supportive. They havetraveled a lot, worked exhausting hours

resolving issues and staying on top ofthem and tracking them,” Eaton said.

“We went out to all of the majorcommands under 1st COSCOM and gavebriefings to soldiers about our mission.We also do question and answer periods.We do that for both the commander andhis subordinate staffs, and we do that forthe units,” Eaton said.

If a question cannot be answered onthe spot and requires additional research,the team collects up the issues, bringsthem back to Anaconda, and normallyprovides an answer within a week. “A lotof times it is just a matter of connectingthese Soldiers with the right person or theright website,” Eaton explained.

Soldiers most commonly ask forassistance with promotions and exten-sions, said Eaton. He warns everyone,that if they are thinking about extending,they need to take action now, rather thanwait until the last minute, because it cantake months to process requests forextensions.

He will most remember those incidents,when they helped people with theirpromotions, or made sure they receivedtheir entitlements. “I think the biggestrewards thus far are watching the peoplecome back when they getpromoted…those are the great moments.”

“Or the time we solved the incentivepay for people who are over 24 months[deployed in theater]. Reservists whohave volunteered to go over their 24months get an extra $1,000 a month ifthey are qualified. My sergeant, who was

here at the time, was able to get about 300people their incentive pay. That was sucha great moment for such a small opera-tion,” Eaton said.

He sounds humble as he adds, “I don’tcare what happens to me, I don’t careabout rewards, I just want to make surethe Soldiers are taken care of and they getwhat they are supposed to or they areentitled to.”

Eaton said that some commandsreceive his intervention with reservations,but as he explained they “are an advocatefor the Soldier and for the command. Weare not against them when we come tothem and ask a question about a Soldier.We are here for them.”

He also added that he often encouragescommanders to informally consult theOffice of the Judge Advocate, the Inspec-tor General or the equal opportunityadvisor on different issues Soldiers mayhave.

Just because a commander asks foradvice from these offices, it does not meanthat these offices have to open an investi-gation or compile any sort of report, Eatonexplained.

“We are here for the benefit of theSoldiers and command. I am like a doctor.I am not perfect, I am not going to fixeverything, but I can get most thingsdone,” said Eaton in conclusion.

Personnel interested in contacting theArmy Reserve Affairs Office may do so bycalling DSN: (318)-829-1053, DNVT:(302)-529-8487 or e-mail [email protected].

RRRRReseresereseresereservvvvve e e e e AfAfAfAfAffffffairairairairairs helps Soldiers helps Soldiers helps Soldiers helps Soldiers helps Soldiers as as as as at t t t t AnacondaAnacondaAnacondaAnacondaAnaconda

By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Drivers kill the white light coming from the humvee’sheadlamps while the Soldiers on the truck put on theirnight vision goggles. The element of surprise is aSoldier’s best friend when looking for high value targets(HVT) in Iraq.

Soldiers from the 100th Battalion 442nd InfantryRegiment used assets such as air assault support andthe cover of night to perform Operation Cobra Strike IIjust outside of Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Cobra Strike II was the follow up mission to OperationCobra Strike in July. Cobra Strike’s main purpose was tofind HVTs inside the villages outside of LSA Anaconda.Cobra Strike II led the Soldiers of the 442nd IR back intoone of the villages.

The operation lasted two days.“The first day was an Air Assault mission with 40

Soldiers and 4 helicopters,” said Capt. Doug Hill, CCompany commander for the 100/442nd IR.

The second day, Soldiers moved through the villagewith force to perform a cordon and search.

“It was a long haul between some of the houses,” saidSgt. Faamao Asalele, a team leader in second platoon ofthe 100/442nd IR.

“It was a successful mission. We detained severalpeople,” Asalele said. Asalele’s team escorted a K-9 unitthe first day and was part of the cordon and search thenext.

“We moved in, we owned the night, and we detainedmultiple individuals. We got good information on anti-Iraqi forces and found various small arms,” said Spc.Reed Kotake, an information operations specialist withthe 100/442nd IR. “We took guns out of the hands of thebad guys and helped our guys in the field,” Kotake said.

Soldiers of the 100/442nd IR help the occupants ofAnaconda, but they are also working to make the lives ofthe citizens around Anaconda better.

“Getting out in the field and interacting with thepeople, realize there are people out there too. It’s nice tobe able to interact with these individuals and realize youare doing something good for this country, helping thecitizens of Iraq and making life better for everybody,”Kotake said.

“We had a lot of moving parts: OSI [Air Force’s Officeof Special Investigations], K-9 teams, Predator aircraft,Attack Aviation, Lift Aviation and other battalionassets,” Hill said. “Any kind of big operation they[Soldiers] like because it’s a chance for the entire platoonto work together.”

The Soldiers of the 100/442nd IR conveyed the feelingof a good mission through their mood and comradery.

“It was a lot of fun and it reminded me of why I joinedthe Army. It’s nice to get out there and do my job,”Kotake said.

Hill’s sentiments for his troops and the mission werevery inspiring.

High ValueTargets caughtnot far fromLSA Anaconda

Soldiers of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment es-cort a detainee to a humvee during a cordon and search.

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

“We started with the belief that if we can show thehuman side of the United States Army we become morehuman to them,” Hill said. “We sent a message to thepeople that the way we have been doing things for thepast eight months isn’t the way that we have to comeinto the villages every time.”

Soldiers of the 100/442nd IR detained some importanttargets and got valuable information that may help themwith later missions.

The speed and vigilance of the Soldiers of the 100/442nd IR allowed them to have a successful missiondetaining HVTs.


Continued from pg. 7

Cress agreed that the best part of thejob was finding IEDs because it’s one lessdevice that will hurt or kill someone. Onthe other hand, one of the worst parts ofthe job is when they miss an IED. Insur-gents may follow directly behind theTrailblazers to plant the roadside bombsmaking it nearly impossible to clear everybomb, every time.

Still, the Trailblazers feel good aboutwhat they do.

“I love my job,” Cress said, eventhough when he was first activated hedidn’t know what his mission in Iraqwould be. “I wouldn’t want to do any-thing else out here.”

At first, Cress tried to hide the news ofhis job from his parents, but they foundout. He didn’t want to worry them. Cressisn’t alone. Wyant’s wife doesn’t know

what he does in Iraq.“She doesn’t want to know, and I

don’t tell her,” Wyant said.The Trailblazers have to be worried

about any box, abandoned car, pot hole,or dead animal on the road. Because ofthe insurgent practice of using deadanimals to disguise IEDs, the Trailblaz-ers have to burn and remove any animalon the road.

It’s not an easy job, but they havefound ways to deal with the stress ofhunting IEDs all day. Some go to thegym, others play baseball, but Wyantsaid the best way is to talk about it.

“We’re here for each other,” Wyantsaid. “We’re a close-nit group of guys.”

Their cohesion is notable consideringthat about a third of the unit was cross-leveled from around the U.S. andanother third came from the InactiveReady Reserve.

Baskerville and Wyant said they bothhave realized that the real danger isn’tgetting hit by an IED.

“The real danger is wasting time youcould have spent with your loved ones,”Wyant said.

“You think about the time you weregoing to play with your kids, but youdidn’t, or you planned something withyour wife, but didn’t do it,” Baskervillesaid describing what he thinks about onthe long sweeps of Iraqi highways.

Wyant said he uses the time drivingaround on missions to analyze his life.

“When I get home I’m going to be abetter friend, a better son, and a betterhusband.”

It also helps the Trailblazers to remem-ber the service they provide for the otherSoldiers in Iraq.

“Every IED we find is like saving aSoldier’s life,” Baskerville said.

IED hunters clean up the bomb-ridden roads of Iraq


Salinas is the chief of staff for MarineCorps Recruiting Command, “Her lead-ership directly impacts and provides op-portunities for America’s Hispanicpopulace,” according to her award cita-tion.

The Army’s winner is Lt. Col. MarcelaG. Alvarado, the first in her family tograduate from college. Commissioned asa military intelligence officer in 1987,Alvarado has been a platoon leader, ex-ecutive officer, company commander andan ROTC instructor, and has held vari-ous staff-level posts. She recently servedas the executive officer for the Army’sassistant deputy chief of staff for intelli-gence, where she became a key memberof the Abu Ghraib prison abuse investi-gation team.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Susan R.Ayala was honored for her service as su-perintendent and senior enlisted adviserfor the Air Force Review Boards Agency.Ayala developed internal agency poli-cies for the Air Force Board for Correc-tion of Military Records, the Secretary ofthe Air Force’s Personnel Council andAir Force Civilian Appellate Review Of-fice.

Called the “chief who cares,” Ayalaclimbed to the Air Force’s top enlistedgrade, and while doing so, she hasserved in numerous Air Force activeduty, Reserve and National Guard posi-tions, officials said.

Army National Guard Sgt. 1st ClassPriscilla Melendez was attending Armywarrant officer school and was thereforeunable to attend the ceremony.

Melendez was cited for outstandingperformance as the agency’s senior hu-man resources sergeant while support-ing more than 240 soldiers stationedthroughout the United States, Germany,Kuwait and Afghanistan.

“She provides outstanding personnelservices to the soldiers of her commandand she empowers and encourages allmembers of her team to assist and sup-port each other regardless of their taskat hand,” the award citation read. TheCoast Guard awardee is Petty Officer 1stClass Isabel Paez, who serves on the di-versity policy staff and is the ethnicpolicy adviser to the commandant. Heraward citation states that she has beeninstrumental in the development of theCoast Guard’s policy on the use of En-glish and other languages in the work-place.

Paez is spearheading an effort to bringEnglish immersion training to qualifiedentry-level servicemembers at the RecruitTraining Center. She also translatesmuch of the Coast Guard’s recruitinginformation to Spanish in an effort toprovide accurate information on the ser-vice, its mission and entry requirementsto the Spanish-speaking community.

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In June, the 2nd FSSG FWDand Combat Logistical Regi-ment 25 took the lead intransitioning the ADACG andStrategic ADACG into theJACOT. The transformationincluded co-locating thepersonnel side of the operationwith the cargo side, includingthe transient billeting area forincoming and outgoing units.The efficiencies gained were

vital to the successful deploy-ment and redeployment ofArmy units in July, when over8,000 soldiers passed throughthe JACOT.

“There are a lot of decisionsto make under pressure. It’spretty fast paced,” said AirForce Senior Airman LesleyWortham, the senior controllerof the command post.Worthamalso said she enjoys working inthe joint services environment.

“It’s joint services working

together for one goal, the importand export of [passengers] andcargo.”

The JACOT concept hasproven to be very successful atCamp Taqaddum. The team hasbeen able to utilize aircraft moreefficiently and as a result hasmaximized passenger and cargo,processing more than 7,000pieces of equipment and cargo.Two benefits of having onecentral JACOT has been a one-stop shop for cargo and passen-

gersThe other benefit of

having the joint team is thesharing of resources whichin turn has reduced, andwill continue to reduce,manpower and equipmentrequirements for futureoperations.

“We’re one team. We’rehere for one fight. We do thesame thing, we help eachother out. It’s a goodfeeling,” Meade said.

Joint operation makes moving supplies faster and easier

By Spc. Laura E. Ruscio27th Public Affairs Det.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DUKE,An Najaf, Iraq – Two of the most importantmeasures presently taking place to ensureIraq can stand on her own as a stable, freecountry include the training of the IraqiArmy soldiers and the Iraqi Police Force.

Soldiers from the 155th Brigade CombatTeam play an active role in assisting theIraqi Police with training that will prove tobe invaluable for their future.

The Soldiers work closely with the Ira-qis at the police headquarters in the city ofNajaf. Since the police force is very similarto the Army, the Soldiers are teaching themhow to run a successful police force in ar-eas including supply, finance and admin-istration.

Supply could easily be the one of the mostimportant assets to the force. The Iraqis are

learning how to properly order, store anddistribute the equipment to be issued to over40 stations for policemen and womenthroughout Najaf.

In the administration office, the localsare learning the importance of having anorganized filing system. They now keep afile on each Iraqi police officer and are alsolearning to incorporate computers to maketheir jobs a little easier.

Finance is another department that hasrequired training in the police headquar-ters.

The most challenging obstacle for theSoldiers and Iraqis was finding trustwor-thy workers with a great amount of integ-rity to handle the large sums of money thatrun through the department, said Capt.Christopher L. Boozer, B Company com-mander, 1st Battalion, 198thArmor

Though there are still minor glitches intheir system, the Iraqis have made great

improvements and, for the most part, arerunning smoothly, he added.

While supply, administration and fi-nance play a major role in running a suc-cessful police force, they are not the onlyareas in which the Soldiers provide assis-tance.

They are also helping the Iraqis developbetter security plans, teaching them budgetmanagement and helping them incorporatefemale officers into their everyday routine.The Soldiers also advise the Iraqis on theimportance of keeping their work areasclean, the proper ways to maintain theprison and how to train and develop betterequipped leaders amongst their force.

“This program has made a complete turnfor the better,” Boozer said. “The Iraqis nowhave a good security plan; they havelearned to respect themselves, their fellowofficers and their work areas. They are wellon their way to success.”

The IP finance department handles daily pay issues in Najaf.Photo by Spc. Laura E. Ruscio

Iraqi Police andU.S. Soldierswork together tostabilize Iraq

SEPTEMBER 25, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

AROUND 1st COSCOM

Good day to be a gunnerSgt. Shawn Clark, a security escort with the 917th Corps Support Group, dons his individual body armor in preparation for a combat logistics patrol to northern Iraq.

Busted BritsCol. David W. Fitzgerald, 301st Area Support Group Commander, pulled over two British soldiers for riding theirfour-wheelers on the roads of LSA Anaconda.


Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson Bailemos!Sgt. 1st Class Heriberto Colón and Spc. Milagros Dones, both from the1065th Area Support Medical Company, dance a salsa on stage duringthe National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

!

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