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The

GGrreeyy WWoollffhowl

INSIDE:‘Grey Wolf’ Soldiers Receive Spurs Pg. 3

‘Chargers’ Honored for Service in Diyala Pg. 4

Soldiers Prep to Head Home Pg. 12

MND-N Rebuilds Northern Iraq Pg. 13

Doctor Designs Medical Mural Pg. 14

Soldiers Enjoy Fear-Filled Halloween Pg. 15

CDR/CSM Corner Pg. 2Soldier on the FOB Pg. 5Chaplain’s Corner Pg. 5Grey Wolf in Action Pg. 6-7Year in Review Pg. 8-11FOB Photos Pg. 16

By Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Felt3BCT, 1CD CSM

HOOAH!I would like to take this op-portunity to say thank youto all the members of the3rd Greywolf BrigadeCombat Team. As wecome to the end of our de-ployment to the Diyala

province, for Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08, Ican’t help but look back on this past 15 monthswith pride and admiration.

The situation that you leave here in Diyalais 180 degrees from the situation you found whenyou took responsibility for your sector. Throughyour hard work, dedication and “can do” attitudeyou have persevered through to mission accom-plishment. The efforts that you have put forth are

awe inspiring and motivate me. As I have watchedthis formation go about its mission, I can’t helpbut to admire what you have accomplished. I amproud, and you should be also. You have donewhat many people said was impossible. Your ef-forts have contributed immeasurably to the secu-rity of Diyala and the whole of Iraq.

A safe, secure and stable Iraq contributes sig-nificantly to the stability of the Middle East. Andif you don’t think that’s important to the stabilityof the world, you’re wrong. Your efforts havemeant the world to the people of Diyala, and indoing so; you have contributed immeasurably tothe security of the American people.

That being said, I challenge you to operatein such a fashion so as to be safe until the veryend. Attention to detail, discipline and standardsenforcement will ensure we conduct redeploy-ment operations as safely as possible. This is avery dangerous part of the deployment. As YogiBerra said; “It ain’t over, till its over.” The fat ladyis warming up, but she ain’t sung yet. It is my sin-cere wish that all of us redeploy safely to our fam-ilies. And when you get back, continue to focus onsafety as a force protection measure.

I have told the story many times – the 3rdBrigade lost a trooper on his three-day pass afterOIF 2, and another on his 30 day leave. These aretragic occurrences, especially after a combat de-

ployment. To make it through all this and die in apreventable accident at home afterward is trulytragic. Continue to practice safety awareness; seat-belts, speed limits, motorcycle helmets, desig-nated drivers, etc. These standards are in place fora reason. Continue the discipline that you areknown for, and come back after leave safe.

Before you step out on leave, I would askyou to think about what you’ll say when someoneasks you; ‘What did you do? How do you feel?What did you accomplish?’ We owe it to ourfallen comrades – those who paid the ultimate sac-rifice for the security of the American people, toconvey the answers to those questions with dig-nity and respect.

Live the Legend,Greywolf 9

By Col. David W. Sutherland3BCT, 1CD Commander

Grey Wolf!

As our deploymentdraws to a close, I wantto send my heartfeltthanks to the Soldiers ofthe Greywolf Brigade.Words cannot describe

the pride I feel when I think of each of youand what you have accomplished. From theSoldiers outside the wire to the behind-the-scenes Soldiers, you have been the key toour successes here in Diyala; and it has notonly been an honor to lead you in combat,but it has been an honor to serve with you. Our deployment has been challenging to

say the least, yet you never gave up. Youhave continued to show perseverance anddedication to the mission, maintaining dis-cipline in your actions and remaining de-voted to secure the population. Your actionsinspire me daily; and as I have said before,

I am a firm believer that we have the bestfighting men and women in our ranks. Because of your hard work and dedica-

tion to the mission, the Brigade has con-ducted over 210 named deliberateoperations; 20 of those being brigade-leveloperations. Our Troopers have also con-ducted over 24,700 patrols; discovered over340 weapons caches, to include one cachecontaining over 150 EFPs, and constructedand occupied 12 patrol bases, all in con-junction with our Iraqi counterparts. Theseoperations are focused on keeping the peo-ple of Diyala safe by bringing to justicethose who exist only to hurt innocent peo-ple, and by establishing an environment thatsupports economic growth and better serv-ices. I am in awe of how much you have ac-

complished since our arrival – how muchyou have impacted a society that knewnothing but fear and violence for years. It isinspiring to see the floods of people travel-ing through the streets to go to the markets;and I hope you know they are able to walk

freely because of you. You have lived inaustere environments and have dealt withsituations no man or woman should everhave to deal with. In my eyes, each of youare and will forever be heroes. In closing, I’d like to honor our fallen

comrades – those who paid the ultimate sac-rifice to ensure a better life for the citizensof Iraq and secure our homeland. They, aswell as their families, will remain in ourhearts forever. Each of them has left a per-manent mark on the Greywolf Brigade – amark that has become a part of our history.These are the Soldiers we need to learnabout – the patriots who stood up and tooktheir place in our military history. Thecourage of these heroes, and hundreds ofthousands of others who have paved theway for us, is something we, as AmericanSoldiers, need to learn and be proud of.May God continue to bless you, your

families, our Armed Services and our na-tion.

Greywolf 6

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Commander’s Column

‘Hooah’ Corner

Old Baqouba in Jan. 2007 is virtuallya ghost town due violence, fear.

Old Baqouba in Oct. 2007 now flour-ishes with people in the markets.

Photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3BCT Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

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‘Grey Wolf’ Soldiers Receive Their SpursBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

Soldiers from both the 215th BrigadeSupport Battalion and 3rd Brigade Spe-cial Troops Battalion, 3rd “Grey Wolf”Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divi-sion, celebrated the close end of their de-ployment in support Operation IraqiFreedom 06-08, with the honorary spurceremony, an old Cavalry tradition, Nov.2 and 3.

The Soldiers piled into Salie Gym onForward Operating Base Warhorse, out-side Baqouba, Iraq, for the ceremonywhere they received their gold combatspurs, spur certificates and end-of-tourawards.

“Every Cavalry unit offers its Sol-diers the opportunity to earn their spurs,”Lt. Col. Ronald Kirklin, commander of215th BSB, said to his Soldiers during theceremony. “They can be awarded to Sol-diers serving in a combat zone or inpeacetime to Soldiers who participate ina ‘Spur Ride.’

“Many of you have already earnedyour gold spurs from combat before, andnow the rest of you have joined the dis-tinct group today,” he said.

“Throughout history, Cavalry unitshave readily been identified by their Stet-

son and spurs,” Kirklin continued. “Theyhave become a reminder of the Cavalry’sglorious past and tend to set apart theCavalry trooper from his more traditionalbrother.

“The spurs evolved into a source ofdistinction, to recognize the best of theCavalry, and you ride among the best,” hesaid. “I’ve had other units here come andask me who they could get the spurs. Itold them, it’s not that easy, you have toearn them. You earned them today andover the past 14 months.”

“The right to wear the spurs is a priv-ilege,” added Col. David Sutherland,commander of 3rd BCT. “Tradition,honor, courage on the battlefield is whatgives us our spurs.

“You all have earned you spurs, youall understand the saying, ‘No task totough,’” he continued. “Hundreds ofthousands of people in Iraq owe theirlives to the Soldiers standing in front ofme.”

As the Soldiers accepted theirawards, Sutherland made his way throughthe ranks of Soldiers, personally thankingeach and every one of them for their serv-ice.

“For the rest of your lives, when oth-ers talk to you about your experiences inthe war, you can tell them stories of thetruth of your honor and your privilege to

serve with the people surrounding you,”said Sutherland to the elated crowd.“That instant family, that family youearned your spurs with, that family whoyou felt the sting of battle. You enabled,you allowed, you encouraged and youproduced.

“This province has gone from themost dangerous province in the world, ac-cording to CNN in February, to the mostchanged, most secure province in Iraq,because of your ability to support, to ex-ecute and to coordinate – those thingsthroughout history that American Soldiershave always done, what U.S. Cavalrymenhave done,” he said.

“What a privilege, what an honor tohave served with you Soldiers,” Suther-land concluded.

As the award ceremony came to anend, Kirklin left the Soldier with a fewlast thoughts and thanks.

“Many of you… will leave here withgold spurs, walking a lot taller, yourshoulders square, and bragging about howyou earned them,” he said. “You are nowa part of an extended family and it is aprivilege to have served with you. Yourepresent the best of the best and embodyall that have been, is and will be great inthe future of the United States Cavalry.”

“I am proud to serve and ride by youside,” Kirklin concluded.

Col. David Sutherland, brigade com-mander shakes the hand of a Soldierin 3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT, during thespur ceremony.

A Soldier receives her combat spurs during the 215th BSB spur ceremony,Nov. 2. Gold spurs, a 1st Cavalry tradition, are awarded to Cavalry Soldierswho have completed a tour of duty in combat.

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs



3rd BCT CommanderCol. David Sutherland

3rd BCT PAOMaj. Raul Marquez

[email protected]

3rd BCT PAO NCOIC/EditorSgt. Serena Hayden

[email protected]

3rd BCT PAO Staff WritersSpc. Ryan Stroud, Pfc. Ben Fox

The Grey Wolf Howl is published in the interest of theSoldiers, families and friends of the 3rd Brigade Com-bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Contents of The GreyWolf Howl are not necessarily official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of De-fense, Department of the Army or the 1st CavalryDivision. All editorial content of The Grey Wolf Howl isprepared, edited, provided and approved by the 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Af-fairs Office.

On the cover ...Useful Iraqi PhrasesGood bye

maa el-sa-la-ma

Pfc. Stephen Russell, "Bone" Co.,1-12 CAB, listens intently as thebrigade commandertalks to himabout the importance of his Pur-ple Heart and his role in thebrigade's overall fight.

Photo Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd BCT Public Affairs

‘Chargers’ honored for service in DiyalaBy Sgt. Serena Hayden3rd BCT Public Affairs

Gathered in formation at a com-bat outpost in Baqouba, Iraq,Soldiers from “Bone” Com-pany, 1-12 Combined ArmsBattalion, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 1st Cavalry Division,stood tall, reflecting on their de-ployment in support of Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

This outpost has been theirhome – a home without theamenities of a Forward Operat-ing Base, a home where successand accomplishment flourished.And on this Wednesday, they

gathered to receive awards forthose accomplishments – asmall token of appreciation forall they achieved.

For many Soldiers in thecompany, it was their first timetogether in a while as each pla-toon has had a different missionall year.

“This is the first time we’vehad to reflect on our experi-ences from this past year as acompany,” said Capt. MarkAustin, Company B com-mander. “A lot of the guys havebeen able to celebrate the pastyear – not only the guys we’velost and the guys who went

home early, but all we’ve ac-complished.”

The Soldiers of Bone Com-pany have had a challengingmission in Diyala province, fo-cusing largely on the provincialcapital of Baqouba – a city thatCNN’s Arwa Damon dubbed“the most dangerous city inIraq,” in February.

Today, because of the hardwork of the 1-12 “Charger” Bat-talion as they partnered withSoldiers from the 3rd StrykerBrigade Combat Team, 2nd In-fantry Division, the city is aliveand thriving. What used to be aghost town filled with small-arms fire, complex attacks andimprovised explosive devices isnow filled with families goingto and from work, childrengoing to school and markets lin-ing the streets.

“Forever, the 1.6 millionpeople of Diyala and Baqoubawill appreciate the actions ofBone and Charger,” said Col.David W. Sutherland, com-mander of the “Greywolf”Brigade Combat Team. “Whenyou ask yourself what you ac-complished, look around at thecity and realize you are some-body.

“And if you don’t think youmade a difference, you comesee me and I will lay out awhole lot more,” he said. “I amproud of each of you and youraccomplishments.”

As the ceremony contin-ued, each Soldier received theirend of tour awards, while otherswere also presented awards forvalorous acts, purple hearts,combat infantryman badges andcombat medical badges for theirefforts in Baqouba.

“The Soldiers in my com-pany are an inspiration to me,”Austin said. “To see them all to-gether, look them in the eyes in-dividually and just say ‘thankyou,’ meant a lot.”

“There is greatness in thisformation,” Sutherland said.“And that greatness is achievedby the non-commissioned offi-cers who run this Brigade, theofficers who ensure the proce-dures are in place, and the Sol-diers who are the means tosupport and improve a popula-tion.”

“When the next unit comesin and asks what they need tobring,” Sutherland said, “I’mgoing to tell them, ‘It has al-ready been brought.’”

Following the end of tour award ceremony for the Sol-diers of "Bone" Co., 1-12 CAB, Oct. 24, Col. David W.Sutherland, speaks to the Soldiers about all they accom-plished during their deployment in Baqouba, Iraq.


Thanksgiving is traditionally a time that we offer thanks to God for allthe blessings which He has provided for us throughout the year. It is alsoa time when we join together to celebrate with an abundance of food, goodcheer, and the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

This year, for most of our Greywolf families, Thanksgiving will be atime of great expectation. Soldiers, families, and friends anticipate a timeof reunion with one another after more than a year of separation. Let eachof us offer thanks for the many blessings that God has provided for us thisyear.

First, we can be thankful for our faith. For most of us, faith is some-thing that was introduced to us through our families of origin. As we growfrom children into adults, we enjoy the opportunity to choose our ownfaith. With this opportunity comes the great responsibility to share thatfaith with our children so that the cycle may continue. Each of us can bethankful that we are able to practice our faith and worship within the re-quirements and conditions of our conscience.

Second, we can be thankful for the United States of America. Noother nation in the world enjoys the personal freedoms that we enjoy. Thefreedoms that God provides are the result of the blood, sweat, and tears ofAmerican service members, who have endured great sacrifice since the in-ception of our great nation and continue with our Soldiers serving through-out the world.

In addition, we can be thankful for our government. While manylesser governments are unable to provide essential services and protectionfor their citizens, we the people of the United States are blessed above allother nations. Also, the physical beauty of the United States is second tono other. The natural beauty of Niagara Falls, The Grand Canyon,Yosemite National Park, and The Great Smokey Mountains, only to namea few, are found nowhere else in the world. We can be truly thankful forthe natural beauty of our Country, which is unsurpassed.

Third, we can be thankful for our family and friends. The greatestgift that we have received from the hand of God is found in the relation-ships of our family and friends. As our Troopers prepare for redeployment,let us be especially grateful for those individuals who love and support usthroughout our entire lifetime. This Thanksgiving, as we anticipate thereunion of Greywolf family and friends, let us remember this most over-looked gift of God.

In conclusion, though we wait in anticipation, we have so much forwhich we can be thankful. May God’s richest blessings be with you andyour families as we all look forward to the hastening return of our Troop-ers.

Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Wichman3BCT, 1CD Chaplain

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Soldier FOBon the

“What was you or your unitsgreatest accomplishment this

deployment?”

Spc. Eric BirchfieldE Co., 1-12 CAB

“Conducting successfulroute clearances; helpingsave other’s lives.”

Spc. Don FlournoyE FSE, 1-12 CAB

“My best accomplishmentwas running the [con-tainerized kitchen trailers]on all the [combat out-posts], cooking for all thedifferent companies

of 1-12.”Pvt. Stuart Middleton E FSE, 1-12 CAB

“My best accomplishmentwas working on and help-ing paint the mural in the[FOB Warhorse] Square.”

“My unit’s greatest ac-complishment would beArrowhead Ripper.

Going through houses andhelping conduct the mis-sion, we really helpedmake a difference.”

Sgt. Josh StoverA Co., 1-12 CAB

“One of my Soldiers re-ceived a Bronze Star forsaving my life. A storywas written about himand everyone now knowsabout him. I’m proud tobe alive and proud that hewas recognized for it.”

Sgt. Eric NunnA Co., 1-12 CAB

By Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

Chaplain’s Corner

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GGrreeyy WWoollff In Action

Above, Soldiers from 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav-alry Division, patrol the Old Baqouba market in Baqouba, Iraq, Oct. 21. Prior to Opera-tions Arrowhead Ripper and Lighting Hammer, the city was virtually shut down due towidespread fear of extremist organizations.

At right, Soldiers of Company A, 1-12 Combined Arms Battalion, discuss operationsunder a street light in Baqubah, Iraq.

Above, females from the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, provide securityfor a Combined Medical Engagement by searching all female attendees.

At right, an Armored Bridge Loading Vehicle from 1-12 CAB, removes itsbridge from a canal in the village of Chebernot in order to repair the perma-nent bridge span underneath, Diyala province, Iraq, Oct. 23.


Photo by 1st Lt. Richard Ybarra, 115th MPAD


USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, Joint Combat Camera

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Grey Wolff IInn AAccttiioonn

USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, Joint Combat Camera“Grey Wolf” Soldiers provide security during a routine patrol in Mufrek, a neighborhood withinBaqouba, Iraq.


USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, Joint Combat Camera

A Soldier with “Blue Platoon,” Co. D, vigilantly standsguard, protecting his platoon leader while he talks withthe local Iraqi Army and Police about the attacks inKhalis, Iraq, the previous night, March 30.

Pfc. Matthew Taylor, moves with his platoon to an IraqiPolice station in Judidah, Iraq.

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public AffairsPhoto by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3BCT Public Affairs

Members of Company C, and the Iraqi army, 3rd Batallion, 2nd Brigade,5th Division, conduct a cordon and search in Kahn Bani Sa’ad, Iraq.

USAF Photo by Staff Sgt. Stacy L. Pearsall

Above, Sgt. Justin Mayes, Company D,pulls guard around a street corner inKhalis, Iraq, watching out for any possi-ble danger while his platoon patrols thesurrounding area, March 30.

At right, 2nd Lt. Scott Siggens of DeltaCompany, 1st Cavalry Division, 12th In-fantry Regiment, leads a foot patrol inthe village of Kahlis, Iraq, Jan. 25.



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Above, children and local citizens pose while 1st Lt. An-thony Von Plinsky, Troop C, discusses the results of theirclearing operations in Abu Tina, Iraq, a village in the DiyalaRiver Valley, Aug. 17.

At right, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle from 6-9 ARS, patrolsthe hills surrounding Hamrin Lake Feb. 17. The cavalrytroopers conducted the joint reconnaissance patrol withsoldiers from 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division to locateinsurgents who may be hiding in the hills.

A Bradley fighting vehicle smashes through a wall Nov. 19 in Muq-dadiyah, Iraq, as part of a massive operation involving Iraqi SecurityForces and Soldiers from the 6-9 ARS.The wall was used by insurgentsas a place to hide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices and as ahiding place for AIF who lobbed grenades to oncoming vehicles.

A Soldier from the 6-9 ARS, helps an Iraqisoldier prepare his weapon for a joint pa-trol through the town of Muqdadiyah,Iraq, Nov. 18.

Photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th MPADPhoto by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th MPAD

Soldiers from A Company, unload a truck full of foodand water at Patrol Base K-Wall in Shakarat, Iraq, onMar. 22.


Photo by Sgt. Armando Monroig, 5th MPAD


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Above, Soldiers from the Gladiator battalion conduct a re-flexive-fire competition as part of the 3rd BSTB Soldier andNCO of the Year competition.


Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public AffairsSoldiers celebrate their promotion in NCO Induction Cere-mony, line up to be congratulated on their recent accomplish-ments by the leaders of the Gladiator Battalion, July 21.

At right, Gladiator Soldiers instruct Iraqi army soldiers howto properly maneuver to a fighting position at the GreywolfLeadership Academy, Feb. 19.

Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3BCT Public Affairs

Above, a translator listens closely as Sgt. Darrell Crews, CMed. Co., helps an IA soldier practice inserting an IV nee-dle during a combat life saver course at FOB Warhorse.

At left, “Load Master” Staff Sgt. John Mast, checks a can-ister while conducting a Quality Assurance, Quality Con-trol check on a vehicle ready to move out on a mission atthe Combat Logistics Patrol Point.


Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3BCT Public AffairsIn between missions, Spc. Juan Perez checks his M4 –Carbine to ensure it is ready for his next mission, April 26.


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Above, Command Sgt. Maj. Felt, brigade command sergeant majorposes with his troops dressed as Uncle Sam to wish them a happy In-dependence Day on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, July 4.

At left, Country singer, Gina Whitney, sings “Redneck Woman” withSpc. Andrea Guara, HHC, 3rd BSTB, during Whitney’s performancewith her band, the Bootleggers, at Forward Operating Base Warhorse.Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3BCT Public Affairs

Photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3BC, Public Affairs

Photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud


Above, Soldiers enjoythe performance bythe Custom MadeBand in the Wood Me-morial Dining Facilityat FOB Warhorse,Baqubah, Iraq, Dec.19.

At right, Torrie Wilsonmeets with a group ofSoldiers during theWorld Wrestling Enter-tainment’s meet-and-greet at FOBWarhorse, Dec. 7.

‘Grey Wolf’ Soldiers run on the rough roads of FOB Warhorsefor the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, Feb. 18.


Members of the Full Gospel Choir Team sing during a prayerbreakfast for Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23.


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‘Grey Wolf’ Soldiers Prepare to Head HomeBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

It was a mild fall season in Oc-tober 2006 when the Soldiersof the 3rd “Grey Wolf”Brigade Combat Team, 1stCavalry Division, packed theirgear, kissed their familiesgoodbye and headed to Iraq insupport of Operation IraqiFreedom 06-08.

Thirteen months later andcounting, these brave Soldiersare once again packing theirgear and getting ready to de-ploy once more, this time backto their families in the UnitedStates.

Now in the phase of pack-ing their shipment containers,two Soldiers from 1-12 Com-bined Arms Battalion, are tak-ing the time to reflect on theirexperiences in Iraq and whatthey have to look forward toback home.

“We were a major part inthe effort out here to provide asafer and securer life to thepeople of Diyala,” said Cpl.Norton Ronald, Company D,1-12 CAB, and a native ofBuffalo, N.Y.

“We were a part of Arrow-head Ripper, Dover Clearance,which was a big part of keep-

ing [an important route] fromimprovised explosive devices.We cleared Buhriz of all al-Quida and set up an outpostkeeping the whole area clearand helping take care of thepeople out there,” he said.

“Things have changed outhere and that’s great,” Ronaldsaid.

According to a CNNbroadcast in February,Baqouba was dubbed the mostdangerous city in Iraq. Now,many months and countlesshours of effort later, CNN hascommented that Diyala hasmade a drastic change and isnow on its way to one of thesafest provinces in Iraq.

“It feels great!” said anelated Spc. Adamm Creel,Headquarters and Headquar-ters Company, attached to Co.D, and a native of Portland,Ore..

“Before, when you wouldgo into the cities, you’d getshot at,” he said. “Now whenwe go back, people are happyto see us, kids are out playing,and it’s becoming trash free.The people are starting to takecare of their city. The citiesare looking really nice.”

“It feels good knowingthat when we first got here, the

streets were bare, no peopleever came out, and now youcan go down the streets and seeall the kids out playing soccerand all the people going to themarket,” added Ronald. “It’s‘normal’ living here now.”

And these two Soldiersknow what they’re talkingabout. They saw the meanstreets of Baqouba back in theearly part of their deployment,and they were there for all thechanges.

“I went on missions all thetime,” said Creel. “I’ve done alittle bit of everything out here– gunned, dismount, drove. Ieven helped load tanks. I’veseen everything you couldimagine seeing.”

“I helped take the com-mander, the [executive officer]and first sergeants out to alltheir meetings at the outpost,”added Ronald. “We also sup-plied rations, food, water andall other supplies they neededto the surrounding areas.Going back and forth, seeingthe changes, it’s really amaz-ing and we were a part of that.”

Now these Soldiers havecompleted their mission, theynow look forward to goinghome and spending some well-deserved family time withthose who know them best.

“I definitely plan onspending lots of time with myfamily,” laughed Ronald. “Ihave two kids, a daughterthat’s six and a son that’s three;and I haven’t been a part oftheir lives in the past year, soit’s time for some quality fam-ily time.”

“Once I get home, I’mpicking up my new car – a ’97Mustang,” Creel said. “Then Iplan to fly back home and seemy family. Hopefully I willget to see my brother who’s inAfghanistan right now. He’ssupposed to be getting homearound the same time frame asme, so hopefully we’ll get to

see each other.”Though many things have

changed out here in Iraq forthese Soldiers and they’reready to head home, they saythere are a few things they willmiss about being out here.

“One thing I will miss isbeing close with all the Sol-diers out here,” said Ronald.“With the living conditions,you’re always around and getto know people really well,making good friends. I knowthe friendships will pull aparta little bit once we’re at homewith not living together. Butthat’s okay because we willhave our families again.”

“One thing I will miss outhere is the lack of ‘home’stress,” added Creel. “There’snot many things to worry aboutout here that you would worryabout back at home. You justhave to focus on your team andyourself, getting the missionaccomplished. You know, it’snice knowing you don’t haveto worry about your car break-ing down over here.”

All jokes aside, both Sol-diers said they are satisfiedwith their deployment to Iraqand very happy it’s almostover.

“I feel our time out herewas alright,” Creel said. “Youknow, you don’t want to beaway from family and friends,but we accomplished our mis-sion out here and that alonefeels good. Not all was badout here, I did meet and get tohang out with some good peo-ple and work with many differ-ent groups of people. But I’mhappy to be going home. I’mlooking forward to beingdone.”

“A lot of good things hap-pened in the year plus we wereout here,” added Ronald. “It’sreally nice to see a differencewas made.”

Cpl. Norton Ronald, Company D, 1-12 Combined ArmsBattalion, and two other Soldiers from 1-12 CAB helpload a shipping container with supplies as they preparefor their redeployment from Baqouba, Iraq, Nov. 4.

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SPC Vincent Madero2-82 FA

3BCT, 1CD

MND-N Public Affairs

Multinational Division-North continuesefforts to rebuild the infrastructure and im-prove the quality of life for the people ofNorthern Iraq.

Since assuming responsibility ofnorthern Iraq in Sept. 2006, Task ForceLightning reconstruction has reported be-ginning 1,433 projects valued at $101.4million and completed 1,119 projects val-ued at $37.4 million. The projects includesupporting over 100 humanitarian assis-tance projects costing $4.1 million and re-construction of major crimes courts.

In Diyala, completed projects in-cluded a water filtration system in Buhrizand a library in Muqdadiyah.

For the Nineveh province, the divi-sion renovated a business center, pur-chased water trucks in Ba’aj, andcompleted several other projects. In the

works, Task Force Lightning is improvingthe consistency of fuel distributionthroughout the province by assisting withthe Ministry of Oils allocations.

For Mosul, MND-N is helping planfor Mosul Dam contingencies and contin-ues to support reconstruction of the MosulMajor Crimes Court.

Salah ah Din projects include majorcrimes court construction as well as re-building the provincial television station.

In addition to helping rebuild North-ern Iraq, the projects also provided 197grants to small businesses throughout thearea.

Diyala Electric Industries, a Ministryof Industry and Minerals state-owned en-terprise and the only manufacturer of highpower line electrical transformers in Iraq,is increasingly operational with hundredsof employees after operating at limited ca-pacity due to the security situation since2003.

According to the U.S. Department ofDefense’s Task Force – Business StabilityOperations, which visited the factory inAugust, “DEI is arguably the most strate-gically important factory in all of Iraq,”and anticipates reaching peak or near-peakproduction levels within the next 24months.

The factory is located on the westernside of Baqouba, Iraq, and has the abilityto manufacture electrical power transform-ers, distribution transformers, electric me-

ters, clothing irons, ceiling fans, sparkplugs and additional electronic items; andprimarily services the Ministries of Elec-tricity and Oil.

The company, which reported runningonly seven commuter buses for employeesin Baqouba, Aug. 29, now has 25 com-muter busses operating in Baqouba and itssurrounding villages, employing approxi-mately 800 citizens.

Projects are underway to allow DEI toreach its maximum potential.

MND-N Continues to Rebuild Northern Iraq

In Memory Of...

View All Issues of the Grey Wolf Howl at:http://pao.hood.army.mil/1stcavdiv/units/3bct/index.htm

SPC Jermaine Franklin1-32 CAV4BCT, 2ID

Local citizens work in the HighPower Distribution Transformer As-sembly Area at DEI.

Two women cut wire to assist in theassembly of transformers at a DiyalaElectrical Industries factory which islocated in Baqouba, Iraq, Oct. 22.



CPL Adam Chitjian3-8 CAB

3BCT, 1CD

SPC Christopher Kruse2-23 IN

4BCT, 2iD

SPC Peter Schmidt2-23 IN

4BCT, 2ID


Doctor Designs Mural ‘Laughing’ at DeathBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

While deployed to Iraq manySoldiers look for ways to staycreatively occupied during theirspare time between missionsand work. Many Soldiers writeand record music while otherswrite poems or stories.

One doctor with the 215thBrigade Support Battalion, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 1st Cav-alry Division, has taken the op-portunity to leave his and hisunit’s mark on Iraq during theirdeployment in support of Oper-ation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 byconstructing a mural on theirmedical center’s wall, lettingthose who visit the station knowthe heroes who have been hereto help.

Maj. Paul Alban, 215thBSB’s surgeon and Teal Med-ical Clinic officer in charge, isfinishing up a medical mural in-spired by a caduceus as his wayof leaving his mark on Iraq.The doctor/artist says thoughthis is not his first mural, it isone of his most prized pieces ofart.

“This wall means a lot tome,” he said. “It will be some-thing I remember and look backupon for a long time.”

Alban got his start in art atan early age. Taking after hisfather, Alban began with simpledrawings and discovered a lovefor drawing.

“Since I was in middleschool, I’ve been drawing,”Alban said. “I never had [an artclass] but I was always beingasked to draw on book coversand things like that.

“My dad was always a doo-dler,” he continued. “Every-thing he ever had to write onalways had little doodles on thesides of the paper. I think that’show I got started. Also, one ofmy sisters was also very good at

drawing, so I proba-bly was trying tocompete and becomebetter.”

Years later,Alban completed hisfirst walls, a gift for afriend which preparedhim for his mural atthe TMC.

“I’ve done a cou-ple of other walls,” heexplained. “I did asix and a half footwolverine, which waspretty cool looking,and a mural for myniece, which wasteddy bears andblocks. That wascool because it wasmy first time paint-ing. I had neverpainted before butliked the challenge.”

Alban has also designed afew tattoos for his close friends.Although Alban currently hasno tattoos, he has consideredgetting one and feels it’s anhonor to have his work on otherpeople’s body.

“It was pretty cool to seethat somebody has my work ontheir body,” he said. “That’s anice feeling to know they likedit that much.

“I did one for a Soldier Ihad met before she had de-ployed,” he continued. “Sheended up [dying] with a monthleft before her deployment wasto end, but its neat knowing thatI was able to leave her withsomething that she really liked,so much that she had it tattooedbefore she deployed.”

After others were intriguedby work Alban created on theback of medical scrubs, he wasprovided the opportunity toleave his team’s mark as theycome close to the end of deploy-ment. Alban said he jumped atthe chance and began to crafthis masterpiece.

“First I had done drawingson the backs of the scrub topswe used to wear,” he said.“After seeing a couple of differ-ent shirts I had finished, theytold me to have at it and do whatI want with the wall.”

Alban got to work on hiscaduceus, using charcoal andhairspray to sculpt the gothictribute to his TMC.

“The wall can mean any-thing to anybody; but to me, ifyou take a step back from thewall you will see the medicalcaduceus in there,” he said. “Itis a little bit different. We don’thave the angelic wings and thesnakes going around a staff, wehave snakes going around asword that’s piercing a skull thathas bat-like wings.

“Snakes have always beenin medicine as a healing figure,they are not meant to be evil,”he continued. “The snakes aremaking their way through theskull, kind of laughing at death.The wings are to give it themore gothic theme with theskull, but they do represent the

wings on the caduceus.“It’s not quite done yet,”

Alban said. “There’s an EKG[electrocardiogram] strip thatwill be easy to understand formedical people. You will see adeadly EKG that will flat line alittle bit and then it will returnto normal. It’s like us here – wetreat the sick and help them getbetter.”

As Alban continues towork on his wall, he hopes oth-ers will enjoy looking at it.Though he is proud of what hehas created, he hopes it will becovered soon; a sign of the USforces exiting Iraq.

“I’m glad they let me doit,” said Alban. “Hopefully, itwon’t stay up for too long, be-cause we will all be out of hereeventually, but the whole expe-rience was neat.”

Until his return home,Alban said he will continue totreat the sick and keep his artis-tic aspirations up by designingmore tattoos for Soldiers.

While penciling in his final sketches for his mural, Maj. Paul Alban,battalion surgeon and Teal Medical Clinic officer in charge for 215thBrigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st CavalryDivision, finalizes his work-in-progress, his medical mural inspiredby a caduceus.


NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR1155,, 22000077 PPAAGGEE 1155

‘Grey Wolf’ Soldiers Enjoy Fear-Filled HalloweenBy Spc. Ryan Stroud3rd BCT Public Affairs

Halloween is a special time ofyear when for one night, youcan scare the living daylightsout of your friends and familymembers without getting introuble for it. But what are youto do if you’re a deployed Sol-dier in the 3rd “Grey Wolf”Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav-alry Division, stationed at For-ward Operating Base Warhorse,in support of Operation IraqiFreedom 06-08? You party, ofcourse!

And that’s exactly whatthese Grey Wolf Soldiers did,starting with the “Fear FactorBaqouba” competition and top-ping off the night with a concertfrom Madison Avenue, amelodic emo band stationedhere on FOB Warhorse.

Soldiers paraded Warhorsein different costumes rangingfrom Spartans to Batman, all inhopes of raising morale and let-ting loose for one night of ex-treme fun.

The Fear Factor Baqoubacompetition was at the WoodDining Facility, showcasingdaring feats of gross excitement.Soldiers participating wereasked to carry cold peas in theirmouth to be spit into a waterbottle, while others ate insectsranging from spiders to scorpi-ons, all in the name of fun.

“We’re doing Fear Factor,trying to push the limits of the

Soldiers to see how [crazy] theycan be and how far they can go,but also be safe, making surenobody gets hurt in theprocess,” said Sgt. RamonArredondo, 215th Brigade Sup-port Battalion, and a native ofSan Antonio.

“We had to eat spiders andother [bugs],” Spc. RobinBridges, 18th Postal Company,attached to 3rd BCT, and a na-tive of Cordova, Ala., added.

“We also had to tote peasback-and-forth, that was ourphysical activity,” she contin-ued. “The other events were re-ally focusing on the mentalaspect of the competition.”

Arredondo and Bridgesboth competed against eachother during the pea competi-tion. Arredondo, dressed as“Batman,” jokingly tauntingBridges the entire time. With atie from the race, both Batmanand Bridges had to drink andentire bottle of a mystery liquidto see who the winner would be.In the end, Bridges topped Bat-man to take the victory.

“I think the drink was amixture of pickle juice, applejuice and salt,” said a laughingBridges. “It was really disgust-ing! But, it felt good to beatBatman. He kept talking smackto me, saying I wasn’t going towin because I was a female, andI beat him! But it was all ingood fun. I had a blast compet-ing.”

Though Arredondo lost in

the first round of the competi-tion, he didn’t seem to mind aslong as he got some laughs outof the experience.

“I’m the type of personwho will dress up to make peo-ple laugh,” Arredondo said. “Itry to bring morale to this place.If I can make one person laugh,than I’ve done my job; and if Ihave to dress up like Batman,Robin, Tinkerbelle, whoever, sobe it. Anything I can do to bringup the morale of the Soldiers.”

And Arredondo succeededin his mission to bring happi-ness. He and his partner,“Robin,” also known as Pfc.Michael Knight, B FMC, 215thBSB, and a native of Lewiston,Maine, both felt morale washigh though the competition.

“This whole event didboost the morale,” said Knight.“[The guys running the event]said they’re going to send a tapein to the real Fear Factor be-cause Fear Factor is showing anappreciation of deployed Sol-diers, which is cool.”

Knight also added dressingup and goofing for one nightwas just the ticket he neededright now while preparing tohead home.

“Dressing up has made mea little bit happier, makes melook forward to going home[and partaking in events likethese in the States,]” he said.

After the festivities in thedining facility winded down,Soldiers then flocked to theSalie Gym to hear Madison Av-enue rock the stage with theirpassionate blend of acousticrock with thundering backingdrums and percussion.

“We’re gathering up all theSoldiers on the FOB to listen tosome good music and get out ofthat atmosphere of being awayfrom home,” said lead singerand guitarist, Pfc. Samuel“Gonzo” Gonzalez Jr., of the571st Military Police Company,attached to 3rd BCT.

“Some of these [Soldiers]have just arrived here, somehave been here for a year, likeus, so we want to escape for a

bit and feel free,” he added.“Through music, we can reallyexpress ourselves and be free.

“We just want to have agood time and it’s Halloween,so everyone’s parting tonight,”Gonzo said.

“I hope this is a stress re-liever for the Soldiers,” addedkeyboardist, Spc. Kyle “Lusy”Lussier, also of 571st MPs.

“There is so much stressout here – just a night to havefun and not think about wherewe are, to dress up in civilianclothes [or costumes], just hav-ing a good time in general,” hecontinued. “As long as the Sol-diers are good and relaxed,that’s all that matters to us.”

Madison Avenue’s electricpresence had the crowd of Sol-diers dancing the night away,letting go of old demons andpartying like there was no to-morrow. For the boys of “MadAve”, this was just what thedoctor ordered.

“This experience, it’s won-derful,” said lead guitarist, Spc.Brandon Couch, 571st MPs. “Itreally is because you’re overhere fighting a war, and we getto use our gift. To see everyonehere jamming out to what welove to do, it’s touching.”

“Morale is very importantto me,” added Gonzo. “Withoutour morale, without us feelingsome type of feeling here, wecan’t do our jobs. Doing thiskind of stuff really brings up themorale and makes us feel likewe’re doing something goodhere.”

As the night drew to a closes, a feeling was in the air. A re-laxed glow shown on the facesof the Soldiers, proof thatmorale was raised and the Sol-diers stationed at FOB Warhorsewere relieved, tired, yet re-freshed.

“Events like these make meenjoy being here a little moreinstead of being so down all thetime,” said Bridges about thenight’s events. “I really dothink this helps the Soldiers alot.

Two Soldiers try desperately to pour cold peas into awater bottle without the use of their hands during theFear Factor Baqouba competition at Wood Dining Facil-ity, Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Oct. 31.



Far left, the sun sets on ForwardOperating Base Warhorse.

Left, footprints fill the sands ofFOB Warhorse.

EAGLE CASH CARD

Photos From the FOB...

Photos by1st Lt. Jonathan Blauvelt, Co. A, 3BSTB

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