September 28, 2005 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces ...

DESERTDESERT VOICEVOICEServing the U.S. and Coalition Forces in KuwaitSeptember 28, 2005

TestingcombatskillsPage 3

Back page Right on track Navy HM2 Lora Rodriguez, EMF-Dallaslead orthopedic technician, shoots anazimuth from her compass in search ofthe next point on one of the field-traininglanes during a medical rodeo Sept. 17.Photo by Spc. Robert Adams.

CFLCC Commanding GeneralLt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb

CFLCC CommandSergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Franklin G.Ashe

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irs Off icerCol. Michael Phillips

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 September 28, 2005

Volume 27, Issue 010The 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 Medical rodeo

Page 9 Field issue facility

Pages 6&7 101st train up

Page 8 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

Pages 4 Ramadan story

Page 11 Community Events

Navy corpsmen and Army medics take tothe field to test their service skills andmedical knowledge.

Soldiers share their thoughts about theirHispanic heritage in light of the monthlong celebration.

At Camp Virginia, Task Force Gator sup-plies Coalition partners with military gear.The field issue facility opened in August.

Company A, 8th Battalion, 101st AviationBrigade, 101st Airborne Division took onan alternate mission of cordon, searchand house clearing on a MilitaryOperations in Urban Terrain environmentat Camp Buehring Sept. 8.

On the coverSpc. Robert Adams

Navy HM2 Lora Rodriguez, EMF-Dallas lead orthopedic technician,shoots an azimuth from her compassin search of the next point during amedical rodeo Sept. 17.

CONTENTS 10

Page 10 Soldiers earn degreesTroops take advantage of educationalopportunities offered during deploymentto Kuwait.

44

6

99

Ramadan, an Islamic religious period, tobegin Oct. 4 or 5. Servicemembers needto be mindful of the religious traditions.

Buehring 10-Mile run, soccer league,ballroom dancing, horseshoe tourna-ment, weight-lifting competition.

DESERTVOICE

EditorCFLCC PAO/Desert VoiceCamp ArifjanAPO AE 09306

[email protected]

Find us online at www.dvidshub.net

66-77

Pages 5 Mother and sonFamily members spend year-long tourtogether at Camp Navistar and talk abouttheir shared experience.

3Desert Voice September 28, 2005

Medical personnel took to the field to testtheir service skills and medical knowledgeduring a medical rodeo at Camp Arifjan Sept.17.

Five teams made up of Navy hospitalcorpsmen and Army medics from the 514thMedical Company (Ground Ambulance) andHeadquarters and Headquarters Company,62nd Medical Brigade, worked together tocomplete four medical-oriented combat lanesand were graded on their performance.

“The focus was to mimic situations thatare currently happening in Afghanistan andIraq,” said event leader Navy Lt. GlennBarnes, Expeditionary Medical Facility-Dallas. “This increases their skill level, con-fidence and exposure in the combat fieldenvironment.”

Half of EMF-Dallas rotated out of Kuwaitfour days after the event, and this was theonly field training the majority of the partici-pants received during their deployment.

“Most corpsmen don’t have field experi-ence and perform indoor work, so we wantedto bring them out in the field,” said medicalrodeo coordinator Navy Lt. Cmdr. Roy Seitz,EMF-Dallas.

“These guys work long hours in the hospi-tal, most working 12-hour days, six days aweek … performing hands-on patient care,”said Navy Hospital Corpsman Chief NeldaHidrago, EMF-Dallas operations chief.

The evening prior to the event the teamsreceived an operation order and were briefedon the overall situation, mission requirementsand tasks involved.

Each group was given an intelligenceagent, whose responsibility was to assignmissions, guide each team through the mis-sion and serve as the lane safety.

“We are looking to see how observantthey are and how they handle themselves indifferent situations,” said Navy Cmdr. JoeCostabile, EMF-Dallas physician, who role-played as an intelligence agent and lane safe-ty. “Most have little field experience, so thisreinforces that training… You never knowwhen you’ll get called up to support fieldunits.”

While executing each lane each team hadto perform basic service skills to include per-forming defensive perimeters, using codewords, designating rally points and using dif-ferent squad formations, fire maneuvers andfire distribution and control measures.

The teams also had to report enemy itemsof intelligence, communication equipment,weapons systems, enemy tactics, vehiclemarkings, live prisoners, enemy numbers andsituation reports for all enemy contact.

“They will be able to combine everythingthey learn and walk away with a better feel ofdoing it … because right now everyone is aninfantryman and has to treat people in com-bat,” said Staff Sgt. Ralph Sepulveda, HHC,Area Support Group-Kuwait troop medicalclinic logistics noncommissioned officer.

Armed with water balloons and tennisballs, role players played the opposing forcewhich carried out suicide bombings, grenadeand sniper attacks to try and disrupt theteams. In addition, screaming casualties wereused to make things even more difficult andstressful.

“You never know what situations you willbe in and you have to be prepared to adaptand overcome changes,” said Spc. DawnPavel, HHC, 62nd Medical Bde. combatmedic.

“We have a great team … we work togeth-er well and take each others advice,” he said.

One mission was a search and rescue. Theteams had to make contact, treat and takemass casualties to a collection point whileunder the high threat of an enemy contact.

“We used good teamwork, saved somepatients and completed our mission,” saidteam one leader Navy Hospital Corpsman2nd Class Edgar Nunez, EMF-Dallas hospitalcorpsman after the mass-casualty mission.“We are prepared to treat patients … but thishelps us think about the other stresses andfatigues of being out in the field.”

Another mission involved a sniper attack,where the team had to suppress fire and per-form buddy movements to get around asniper. Later in the mission they had to dontheir protective masks during a chemicalattack.

Teams also had to encounter an obstaclecourse which included low-crawling, multipleimprovised explosive devices, mortar andgrenade attacks, barbed wire, trip wires andan injured hostage situation.

The last lane involved teams navigating tospecific points in search of a friendlywrecked vehicle with injured Soldiers, whilebeing attacked by enemy targets.

“I think we should have had this training along time ago,” said Navy HM2 LolitaSpangler, EMF-Dallas troop medical cliniccorpsman.

She added, “I know it’s not for this area… but you never know where you are goingto be.”

Medical rodeo

Corpsmen, medics test field-combat skillsSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Spc. Robert AdamsNavy Lt. Winston Centeno, EMF-Dallas operating room surgical nurse, is attending toNavy HM2 Edgar Nunez (left) and Navy HM2 Mario Batiste, EMF-Dallas hospital corpsmen,after a simulated improvised explosive device damaged his leg during a medical rodeo forNavy corpsmen and Army medics at Arifjan Sept. 17.


Ramadan, “a month of blessings,” is anIslamic religious period and one of the fivepillars of faith marked by prayer, fasting andcharity celebrated by more than a billionMuslims, and will start this year on Oct. 4 or5, depending upon the full moon sighting.

Military, Department of Defense and othercivilian workers should remember that theyare guests in Kuwait and must show respectand courtesy toward Islam and be familiarwith the religious traditions and practicesassociated with Ramadan.

Ramadan starts the ninth month of theIslamic calendar, which is a lunar calendarbased on the phases of the moon, rather thanthe solar Georgian calendar followed by mostwestern culture.

Therefore, Ramadan occurs about 10 daysearlier in the calendar year than the yearbefore.

It is celebrated as the month that Allah,Arabic for God, began the revelation or theQur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, throughthe angel Gabriel.

Faithful followers of Islam abide by astrict regimen of fasting from sunrise to sun-set - no food, smoking or drinking (including

water) and no marital relations during theday.

Most restaurants are closed during thefasting period and open for business aftersunset.

All Coalition Forces and civilians off postand within the Arab community, shouldrefrain from eating, chewing gum, drinkingor smoking in public during daylight hours inrespect of Islam. This includes while in vehi-cles, shops and other public areas. Failure todo so could levy a fine or even jail time.

Please be considerate of followers of Islamwho are on the camps, contractors and third-country nationals working on post. Refrainfrom eating, drinking or smoking in front ofthem during the fasting period. When you areoff post, dress more conservatively duringRamadan. Tight-fitting clothing should beavoided and arms and legs should be coveredfor both men and women.

Try to stay off the roads between 5 and 6p.m. to reduce exposure to hazardous drivingconditions, as residents who may be dehy-drated, hungry and going through tobaccowithdrawal are trying to get home forprayers, breaking of the fast and family gath-erings. All roads become congested justbefore dusk.

The last 10 nights of Ramadan are the

most important in religious terms. For manyMuslims, the 27th night is considered to bethe holiest night of the year. Throughout thelast 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims increasetheir devotional practices.

Why fast?The fast serves many purposes in Islam. In

Islamic tradition, the Muslim fast is consis-tent with other prophets mentioned in theQur’an, such as Jesus. It reminds the devoutthe premise of self-control. As the bodycraves food and drink, it reminds the heartthat the body and soul must be nourishedwith religious devotion.

It is an annual act of cleansing of the bodyand soul, according to Mona Hajjaj, culturalaffairs office of the U.S. Embassy, Kuwait.Most followers of the faith begin fasting andparticipation in Ramadan activities duringadolescence.

Charity and good deeds are practiced inIslam, but during Ramadan, generosity andgratitude have special significance.

The Festival of Eid al-Fitr (festival ofbreaking the fast) ends the Ramadan periodabout Nov. 4 or 5, depending on the sightingof the moon.

Muslims share their blessings of the fastby feeding the poor and making contributionto mosques.

Chuck SpragueArmy Material Command PAO

Be respective of Muslim culture

Ramadan is about to begin in Middle East

Courtesy photoA Soldier looks toward a mosque, the Islamic house of prayer that plays a very important role during Ramadan. During Ramadan,Muslims spend a lot of time at mosques for special prayers and community events.


Many servicemembers keep intouch with their family, especial-ly their mothers, whenever theycan during a deployment to keepthem from worrying.

Whether it’s a letter, photo-graph, package or telephone call,just hearing from them is impor-tant.

One mother and son are ableto not only communicate but seeeach other whenever they wantever since deploying together toKuwait in January with the172nd Military Police Battalion,Task Force Green Mountain.

With two separate missions atCamp Navistar, Cpl. JulieRobertson, Headquarters andHeadquarters Detachment, 172ndMP Bn. unit armorer, and Sgt.Ryan Brown, Company A, 172ndMP Bn. security forces, keep aneye on each other as often asthey can.

“We are very fortunate to bein the same unit and to be at thesame camp in theater,” Brownsaid. “I feel better that I’m hereand not somewhere else whileshe is deployed … so I knowwhat’s going on.”

This isn’t the first deploymentfor Brown, a former active-dutyArmy ranger who deployed withthe 1st Battalion, 87th InfantryRegiment, 10th MountainDivision to Afghanistan for

Operation Anaconda from 2001to 2002.

Now he is protecting Navistarwith the security force team,which houses not only his mili-tary family but his mother aswell.

“I feel really safe that he is oncamp with me,” Robertson said.

But it’s not like Robertson isnew to the Army and needs herson to survive. Though this isher first deployment, Robertsonspent four years in active dutybefore joining the NationalGuard, where she has accumulat-ed almost six more years of serv-ice.

Though at times some people

lightly tease them at the fact thatthey are at the same camp, theyboth enjoy the laughs and eachothers’ friendship.

“He harasses me … he pullsrank on me,” Robertson said jok-ingly. “We are not in the samechain of command … so wedon’t have to worry about that.”

The fun doesn’t stop therebetween the two. Brown usuallygives his mom a card on holi-days, but not your usual ones.

For Christmas, he gave her acard that had HappyThanksgiving crossed out andMerry Christmas written in itsplace, Robertson said.

Though there isn’t much for amother and son todo together atNavistar, the twoget the chance toeat meals togetherwhenever theirmissions have themon downtime at thesame time.

“It is nice toknow that he is oncamp and that wecan share a mealtogether,”Robertson said.

On a recent restand recuperationtrip back to

Vermont, Robertson got thechance to visit the rest of herfamily and tell them of her expe-rience.

“I had a great welcome homefrom everybody … they askedabout Ryan and how he isdoing,” Robertson said. “It is arelief for them to know we aretogether.”

When the two redeploy in acouple months, they will returnto their regular lives and jobswhich keep them close by.

Robertson, who works at acountry store, will be able to seeher other daughter and two sons,

Brown will return to hisfiancé and job as a carpenterwhen he redeploys.

The two said that they get tosee each other just as much backhome as they get to at Navistar,so they will have plenty of timeto relax and recount their experi-ence together.

“This is something you canlook back on and say that youexperienced this with one of yourkids,” Robertson said.

“And years from now, thoughhe doesn’t find it as amusing as Ido, he might get the humor of it,”Robertson said of her son.

As they broke out in laughter,Brown said, “We will look backand laugh and laugh.”

Mother, son serve together at NavistarSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Courtesy PhotoSgt. Ryan Brown and his mother, Cpl. Julie Robertson, 172nd MP Bn., are currently serving their coun-try together at Camp Navistar.

It’s “Holiday Greets” time and your chance to say hi to friends andfamily back home.

The 11th Public Affairs Detachment broadcasters will be visiting thefollowing bases from 1 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:

Monday and Tuesday, Sea Port of Debarkation, C-2 area, for moreinformation contact Maj. Anne Griffin at cell phone number 643-9958

Oct. 10 and 11, Camp Virginia, outside the Dusty Room, for moreinformation contact Sgt. Alfred Vanduyne at cell phone number 981-4206

Oct. 17 and 18, Camp Arifjan, Zone 1 and 6 Community Centersfor more information contact the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office at DSN:430-1206. Keep reading the Desert Voice to see when we’ll be at acamp near you.

Holiday Greets


Company A, 8th Battalion, 101stAviation Brigade, 101st AirborneDivision has made a name for itself as aworld-class logistical support unit, fuelingand moving the 101st Aviation Brigade.

On Sept. 8, the newly transformed avi-ation support company stepped outsidethe box and took on an alternate missionof cordon, search and house clearing in aMilitary Operations in Urban Terrainenvironment. As the military shifts fromopen-area conflict to a more urban-basedwarfare, the Soldiers of Company Areceived the training and experienceneeded to overcome the urban battlefieldin its first “rendezvous with destiny.”

The morning started early for the“Road Runners” of Co. A.

They completed pre-combat inspec-tions and moved to the mobile MOUTsite at Camp Buehring.

Three instructors were tasked with giv-ing a hands-on program of instruction oncordon, search and room-clearing tech-niques, tactics and procedures to preparethe Soldiers for what may lie ahead infuture missions.

“The MOUT environment is not a mis-sion that most Soldiers trained for, but itis definitely one that each Soldier, regard-less of their MOS, must know and mas-ter,” said Staff Sgt. Bradford Lynch, Co.A, 8th Bn., 101st Aviation Bde., as he ranthe first chalk through the training.

After the POI was complete, Soldierswere broken down into a team formationand issued simulation paint rounds andM4 bolt adapters. These were used to pro-vide a much more realistic and painfulexperience during training.

Once the Soldiers were issued the mis-sion, the teams were sent out to clear fourbuildings with various enemy scenarios.The enemy was hidden throughout thebuildings, behind staircases and doors,and anywhere else insurgents or terroristsmight hide during an actual combat mis-sion.

Chants of death to the infidels wereheard as suicidal bombers and sniperscaused havoc on the Road Runners, firinga steady stream of rounds from therooftops and stairwells.

As Soldiers were hit due to enemycontact, the team leader gave the necessary medical evacuation request and

Cpt. Clayton E. Bland Jr.101st Aviation Brigade

101st train

Photos by 2nd Lt. Bridget DeuterPfc. Herbert Lucas III, Co. A, 8th Bn., 101st Aviation Bde., maintains security during MilitaryOperations in Urban Terrain training at Buehring, Sept. 8.


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supervised the entire mission, whilemaintaining a moving 360 degree securityformation as Soldiers are doing in vil-lages and cities across Iraq andAfghanistan in support of the Global Waron Terrorism.

Soldiers also had to decipher betweenfriend and foe in the heat of battle, mak-ing life-threatening decisions which couldmean the difference between victory anddefeat.

Once a Soldier or the enemy force washit with a simulated round, the victim wasclearly marked and definitely felt theimpact.

“This added to the realism of the train-ing and forced Soldiers to take it serious-ly instead of just going over the motionsas many commonly do with MILES orblanks,” according to Sgt. 1st ClassTimothy Carswell, Co. A, 8th Bn., 101stAviation Bde. range safety officer.

During the after-action review, mostSoldiers stated that it was more up closeand personal than they ever imaged itcould be.

“I would rather hurt out here thanbleed in Iraq,” said Pvt. Chris Copeland.

As the Army moves into a modularbase force, combat service supportSoldiers are forced into combat roles on a

nonlinear battlefield role they would nottraditionally assume. Road Runners ofCo. A got a taste of what lies ahead in arealistic way.

This training will prepare the companyto do their part in Operation IraqiFreedom 5.

n up at Camp Buehring

Scouts from Co. A, 8th Bn., 101st Aviation Bde., assault in to clear a building during MOUNT training.

Scouts from Co. A, 8th Bn., 101st Aviation Bde. enter a building to clear it.

Pvt. SamuelPortillo, Pvt.AndresRodriguez, Pvt.Romere Boyce,and Pfc. SophiaSumner of Co.A, 8th Bn., 101stAviation Bde.,engage inMOUNT training.


They are a topic of increased concernduring recent military operations in theMiddle East due to their ability to spread adisease called leishmaniasis.

They are small flies, about 1/3 the sizeof a typical mosquito.

They are typically active from Aprilthrough November.

Sand flies become infected with leish-maniasis by biting an infected animal, forexample wild dogs and rodents, or people.

Adult sand flies are most active fromdusk till dawn. They are less active duringthe heat of the day, but will bite whentheir harborage areas are disturbed.

Individuals infected with cutaneousleishmaniasis will develop sores wherethey have been bitten by infected sandflies.

Visceral leishmaniasis is far more severeand can be fatal without proper treatment.Individuals infected with this form ofleishmaniasis will have fever, weight lossand enlarged liver and spleen.

There are no vaccines or drugs availablefor preventing the infection, so personalprotective measures are very important.

When possible, avoid outdoor activities,especially dusk to dawn, when sand fliesactivity peaks.

If you must be out at those times, applyan insect repellent such as deet lotion onuncovered skin and under the ends ofsleeves and pants legs.

If individuals suspect they’ve been bit-ten by sand flies they should seek medicalattention immediately.

Sand flies

Holding your partner tight and movingyour hips gracefully to the sound of Salsa.Staying in step with your partner, never tak-ing your eyes off of them.

Dancing is a huge part of the Hispanicculture. Latino music and food also help setthe scene of an average celebration ofHispanic Heritage Month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month isobserved in the United States to increasecultural awareness through ceremonies andactivities.

The Hispanic observation began as aweek celebration in 1968. It was expandedto a month in 1988. The month begins onSept. 15 and lasts through Oct. 15.

Sept. 15 was chosen because it’s theanniversary of five Latin American coun-tries’ independence: Costa Rica, ElSalvador, Guatemala, Honduras andNicaragua. Mexico’s independence is cele-brated Sept. 16 and Chile’s Sept 18.

This is a significant celebration as theestimated population of Hispanics in theUnited States in 2004 was 41.3 million,making them the largest ethnic minority.This estimate doesn’t include the 3.9 millionresidents of Puerto Rico.

Servicemembers at Camp Arifjan tooksome time to celebrate the month withmusic and dancing at the Hispanic heritagecelebration Sept. 18.

According to Spc. Miriam Diaz, ofPuerto Rican descent, Hispanics gather atthese functions to draw closer together.

“We’re really close knit here,” she said.She also enjoys seeing other ethnicities

at these functions.“I think it’s good because it gives other

people a chance to see who we are – take apeek into our culture,” she said.

Most Hispanics will say their heritage isthe best thing about them, and Staff Sgt.Gustavo Vega is one of them.

“I’m proud to be Hispanic,” Vega said. Vega added that he would choose to be

Puerto Rican even if given the chance tochoose another heritage because of the fam-ily-oriented culture.

This family orientation has had a signifi-cant influence on Vega.

“The biggest impact of my heritage is thecloseness of family and the language.Family ties are strong,” he said. “When ason or daughter gets married and moves out

they still influence the family. According to Diaz, the family doesn’t

just include relatives.“Everywhere you go, anywhere in the

world, when you find someone else who’sHispanic - it’s like they are your brother orsister,” she said.

Other Hispanics credit their heritage withthe path they choose in their life.

“My heritage has helped me become abetter person, understand where my familycame from, where they’ve been and how Icame to be,” said Spc. Rodrigo Urquieta, ofMexican descent. “Knowing my heritagehas helped me become a simple, humbleperson. If not for that I would probably bein a jail cell or involved in a gang.”

Urquieta also uses a part of his heritageto remember those close to him.

“Mexican music reminds me of my fami-ly,” he said. “Every time I listen to it, itbrings me back home to my wife, mydaughter and my siblings.”

Urquieta said he thinks this is a greattime to share the Hispanic culture.

“It’s a good thing to show how great ourculture is and how it brings us all together –especially in this time of war.”

Celebrating Hispanic heritageSpc. Debralee CrankshawCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Music, dancing, food

Spc. Debralee P. CrankshawSgt. 1st Class David Rosario, left, andSpc. Miriam Diaz, share a dance duringthe Arifjan Hispanic Heritage Month cele-bration


In a scene familiar to that of an Army central issue facili-ty, 69 Mongolian soldiers proceeded through lines Sept.14 in a field issue facility at Camp Virginia to receive

various military items.The facility opened in August and provided its first equip-

ment issue to Slovakia Aug. 26 then Mongolia Aug. 29.Like the previous Mongolian soldiers who received gear, the

Mongolian soldiers arrived in Kuwait only to get their equip-ment, rest and head on to Iraq.

“Task Force Gator has the responsibility of providing theproper equipment to Coalition partners,” said 2nd Lt. RichardBlackwell, Task Force Gator support group officer. “The issuefacility helps us help them.”

The facility is designed to help reduce the amount of equip-ment sent to Iraq, Blackwell said. It cuts down on convoys toIraq.

Some Coalition partners like Korea, Australia and Britainhave the economy to provide their own uniforms, boots andtransfer of military equipment, Blackwell said. Yet other coun-tries need assistance in some way, shape or form.

Each Coalition partners’ government negotiates with the U.S.government the amount of support, assistance and equipmentneeded in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

“Basically, we submit the government’s request, issue theequipment and do the paperwork,” Blackwell said.

Setting up the equipment in preparation for the issue takesup to 24 hours, Blackwell said. Organization helps with speed,accuracy and accountability of equipment issued.

“We have everything carefully arranged to minimize confu-sion and to make sure they all get the correct issue,” said Sgt.Chris Sama, TF Gator support team.

“The speed of the facility is important because every minutewe take to issue the equipment takes away from their rest time,”Blackwell said.

Coalition partners, like Mongolia, usually have betweeneight and 10 hours of time in Kuwait. During this time theyhave to juggle around getting sleep, equipment and preparing toconvoy.

Blackwell said there is no time for confusion. Although theTF Gator support group can’t always verbally communicatewith each and every soldier who passes through the issue line,they rely on the Coalition partner’s liaison officer, signs andhand gestures to assist with the language barrier.

Within 46 minutes, each Mongolian soldier was fitted foruniforms and boots to insure they received the correct sizes andwere given various other military issue items.

Gleaming with pride, Blackwell bragged about the team of10 who runs the issue facility.

“We work hard day in and day out performing variety ofmissions … from providing chow to issuing gear,” Blackwellsaid.

TF Gator is all about teamwork, he said. He added, “We work with Coalition partners to help them

have the ability and equipment to complete there missions inIraq.”

TF Gator supplies Coalition partners with military issueSpc. Janine CooglerCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

Photos by Spc. Janine Coolger(Top) A Mongolian soldier is fitted for individual body armor.(Bottom) A Mongolian soldier is being measured to ensure a proper fit.

Field Issue Facility opens in August


ARMYbyMichaelVerrett

LIFE

When Soldiers deployto the Middle East,many look for

activities such as sports, moviesor taking college courses to passthe time.

Staff Sgt. Michael PaulHarvey and Sgt. ChristopherCampbell have spent numeroushours bombarding the educationcenters at Camp Doha and CampArifjan during their deployment.

“I didn’t have any goals whenI first came here in continuingmy education,” Harvey said. “InApril, I started to take classesand when I leave in December, Iwill have a bachelor’s degree.”

Harvey began his tour at Dohahaving only 24 credit hours ofcollege and will leave with morethan 120 hours in managementstudies.

Campbell, on the other, handlogged 90 hours in informationsystems management before histour, but will have 150 collegecredit hours and an associate’sdegree.

“I wanted a degree in what Ido,” Campbell said. “The route Ineeded to take was more direct

so I needed to take specific class-es.”

“I talked to my first sergeant,and we went over what courses Ineeded to accomplish to earn myassociate degree,” he said. “Iexplained what I was working forand she recommended going inand taking classes at the educa-tion center.”

Campbell talked to a coun-selor and was able to map out aschedulefor testsand class-es heneeded.

After he completed a couplecollege-level examination pro-gram tests, Harvey decided togive it a try.

“He went to take one, so Iwent along,” Harvey said.

Harvey and Campbell spentnumerous hours on CLEP tests,online courses and even foundtime to sit in a classroom. Theyvisited with counselors andinstructors at their education cen-ter for information at Dohabefore it moved to Arifjan.

“A lot of people didn’t thinkwe could do this,” Campbellsaid. “The counselors didn’t eventhink so. We needed the under-

standing and cooperation fromour leaders and instructors toschedule our work hours aroundour tests and classes.”

With the cooperation from hisleaders and the adjusted workhours, Campbell said. He wasable to attend all his classes.

“I’ve had some missions comeup where I needed to travel,”Campbell said. “Before the classstarted I explained that to my

instruc-tors. Insome

courses Ineeded to take an incomplete butwas able to finish the class theweek after.”

In most cases, it would be eas-ier for servicemembers to start bytaking a few CLEP tests permonth and a class per term,Harvey said.

He added, the key was to startearly and not allow the work tobecome overwhelming.

“It takes discipline becausesome school and work weeks areharder than others,” Campbellsaid. “There are a lot of Soldierscapable of doing what we did.You have to have the confidenceand determination of takingclasses.”

“It’s a lot of time manage-ment,” Harvey said. “I wouldwork the night shift, get off inthe morning and take the bus toCamp Arifjan for a lunchtimeclass, get on the bus and justmake it back in time for work.”

As for the next step for thetwo Soldiers; they both want towork toward a master’s degree.

“If you come over here withnothing and leave with a degree,you can’t help but feel goodabout yourself,” Harvey said. “Tohave an education means a lotand it’s going to open a lot ofdoors in the future for careers.”

“It’s just a great feeling and itmakes the year go by very fast,”Campbell said.

“I came here with nothing anddidn’t want to leave here withoutanything. It makes your freetime constructive and keeps youout of trouble and the Army paysfor it, so take advantage,” hesaid.

For any information on fur-thering your education contactthe Arifjan Education Center atDSN 430-1373.

The location has changedfrom the post exchange to Bldg.159, in front of the Zone 1Chapel.

335th Soldiers take advantage of deployment, earn degreesSpc. Michael R. NoggleCFLCC PAO/11th PAD

“It takes discipline because some schooland work weeks are harder than others.”

Sgt. Christopher Campbell


WednesdayIndoor Volleyball League, Zone 1 FitnessCenterSoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldMexican Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage ThursdayBallroom dancing, 8 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterIndoor Volleyball League, Zone 1 FitnessCenterSoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community Center FridaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldArifjan Boxing Team, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6Fitness CenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSaturdaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soc-cer fieldSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 food courtCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageSundaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageMondaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldArifjan Boxing Team, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6Fitness Center TuesdaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soccerfieldWednesdaySoccer league, through Nov. 5, Zone 1 soc-cer fieldMexican Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageFor more information call 430-1205/1302

WednesdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleThursdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., command

cell flagpoleTae-Kwon-Do class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1FridayWeight lifting competition, 5 p.m., gymWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleSaturdaySpa Day, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR Tent 1Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1SundayArmy 10-mile run, 6 a.m., no pre-registra-tionSpa Day, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR Tent 1MondayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleTuesdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleTae-Kwon-Do class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1WednesdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleFor more information call 828-1340

For information call 839-1063

SaturdayHorseshoe tournament, 6-10 p.m., horseshoepitsSundayHorseshoe tournament, 6-10 p.m., horseshoepitsTuesdaySmoking cessation class, 10 a.m., chapelEducation awareness/prevention, 1 p.m.,chapelFor more information call 844-1137

For information call 825-1302

ThursdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRSaturdayWhere’s the Beef Deadlift Contest, 6 - 9 p.m.SundayStar Wars movie marathon and trivia pursuitgame, 6 - 9 p.m.MondayWho’s your Baghdaddy arm wrestling cham-pionship, 6 - 9 p.m.Spa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

TuesdayAerobics, 5 a.m., MWRSpa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Desert Bingo Night, 6 - 9 p.m.WednesdayKing Edward’s Castle Chess tournament, 6 -9 p.m.For more information call 823-1033

WednesdayCountry Night, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomThursday5K Fall run, 7:30 p.m., Dusty RoomFridayFoosball, 7 p.m., MWR TentSalsa Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomSaturdayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Dusty RoomR&B, Hip-Hop Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomSundayPingpong, 7 p.m., MWR TentOld-School Jams, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomMondaySpades, 7 p.m., MWR TentTuesdayUnit Feud, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomRock and Techno Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomWednesdayBench and pull-ups, 4 p.m., GymCountry Night, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomFor more information call 832-1045

Virginia

Does your unit have anupcoming event? Do you

have an interesting story totell? Send ideas to the DesertVoice editor e-mail address

listed on page 2.

Victory

Spearhead/SPOD

Buehring

Kuwait Naval Base

Navistar

Community happenings for Sept. 28 through Oct. 5

Arifjan/Ali Al Salem Shuttle Schedule

Departs Arrives6 a.m.

8:30 a.m.10:45 a.m.1:15 p.m.3:45 p.m.6:15 p.m.8:45 p.m.11:15 p.m.

8:15 a.m.10:30 a.m.

1 p.m.3:30 p.m.

6 p.m.8:30 p.m.11 p.m.

1:30 a.m.* Buses depart and arrive from both

locations at these times

Arifjan

Righton track

September 28, 2005 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces ...

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