The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 18

Volume 1, Issue 18 March 4, 2011

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Iraqi Army battalion demonstrates combat readiness during Tadreeb al Shamil exercise

Iraqi and U.S. leadership watched from an observa-

tion platform atop of a hill as Iraqi forces moved tactically through a valley, demonstrat-ing their newly honed skills.

Iraqi Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, con-ducted the first battalion live

fire exercise, Feb. 24, during Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training, at Ghu-zlani Warrior Training Center.

U.S Soldiers of 1st Squad-ron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division super-

vised the culminating training event for the IA unit during a 25-day training cycle known as Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi military initiative to modern-ize IA unit tactics and test Iraqi

Iraqi soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, assault their second objective during a battalion live fire ex-ercise at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 24, 2011. The LFX tested the IA unit’s cumulative skills taught by Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. Each company secured the objective, using tactics learned during Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclusive Training. Tadreeb al Shamil is an Iraqi military training program facilitated by U.S. Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn to increase IA unit proficiency and war fighting capabilities.

See GWTC, pg. 3

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N

GHUZLANI WARRIOR TRAINING CENTER, Iraq ─

Spc. Angel Washington4th AAB Public Affairs1st Cav. Div., USD-N

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The Ivy Leaf March 4, 2011

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Noncommissioned officers get the job done to the expectations of superiors and subordinates alike, overcoming difficult circum-stances to accomplish the mission.

Staff Sgt. Montral Ferguson, a combat engineer assigned to the Force Protection Vulnerability Assessment Team, Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, earned recognition as “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week for his re-solve to protect his comrades following an enemy attack in north-ern Iraq, Feb. 4.

When a convoy came under attack from extremists detonating

multiple Improvised Explosive Devices, Ferguson took charge of the security element of the convoy, establishing a cordon and con-ducting a follow-on search of nearby buildings that resulted in the detention of suspects.

“I thought the leadership and spirit Sgt. Ferguson displayed that day was inspirational,” said Master Sgt. Jim Meneley, noncom-missioned officer in charge of Force Protection for 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North.

Meneley said Ferguson, a native of Marion, La., has a good at-titude and his professional nature distinguishes him as one of the best Soldiers he has ever worked with.

“There is nothing I have seen that can get him in a bad mood or get him down,” said Meneley, who supervises Ferguson in the di-vision’s day-to-day force protection mission. “I’ve been with him in the best of circumstances and the worst of circumstances. He has been an even-keeled Soldier the entire time.”

After seven years service in the U.S. Army, and four deploy-ments with the “Ironhorse” Division, Ferguson said his reaction that day was second nature.

“When something happens, you have to react; you don’t even think about it,” said Ferguson. “It’s an honor to get recognized for that.”

Ferguson’s positive attitude makes him an outstanding part of the Ironhorse Team, said Sgt. 1st Class Lenard Thomas, NCOIC, Engineer section, 4th Inf. Div. and U.S. Division-North.

“He’s a seasoned, hard working NCO,” said Thomas. “There has been a lot to do since we got to Iraq, but any task that we give him, he does it without question and that is typical of a good NCO—NCOs get the mission done.”

THE Ivy LeafThe Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at [email protected]. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089.

Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. PerkinsCommand Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey

TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve WollmanTF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze

The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler

2nd Advise and Assist Brigade

25th Infantry Division

1st Advise and Assist Task Force

1st Infantry Division

4th Advise and Assist Brigade

1st Cavalry Division

Task Force Ironhorse

Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs

Page 4 Page 5 Page 9 Page 10

Security barrier removal in Samara indicates progress

for city's revival

Iraqi Security Forces, emergency responders graduate EMT course

A day in the life of an Infantryman

Soldiers, professional fighters face off at UFC

tour clinic

Staff Sgt. Montral Ferguson, a combat engineer assigned to the Force Protection Vulnerability Assessment Team, Company A, Division Spe-cial Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, inspects a defensive bar-rier for deficiencies at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, March 1, 2011. When a convoy came under attack from extremists det-onating multiple Improvised Explosive Devices, Ferguson established a cordon and led a follow-on search of nearby buildings that resulted in the detention of suspected IED emplacers. Ferguson earned recog-nition as the “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week for his actions.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

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soldiers’ capabilities. “This is the exact reason why (Iraqi soldiers) came to

GWTC,” said Lt. Col. John Cushing, commander of 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. “One month of training sets the foundation for great training in the future.”

“The soldiers leave here a more capable fighting force ready to defend their country,” said the native of Rochester, Mich.

Deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, “Head Hunter” Soldiers of 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., worked side-by-side with Iraqi soldiers during Tadreeb al Shamil, provid-ing the IA battalion a month of collective task training.

U.S. forces worked with Iraqi soldiers at GWTC to build light infantry skills, teaching IA units the fundamentals of defensive operations, urban operations, mortar training and how to conduct an ambush.

IA soldiers learned tactics at the squad level and pro-gressed to platoon and company-level operations before con-ducting the battalion live fire exercise.

“This advanced training will enable the Iraqi Army to de-feat any threat—internal or external,” said staff Brig. Gen. Muhsen Sulman, the operations officer of Ninewa Opera-tions Center.

During the LFX, the IA battalion, composed of three com-panies, moved from objective to objective, working together, using tactics learned during Tadreeb al Shamil, to engage tar-gets and complete the mission.

As each Iraqi soldier moved closer to their final objective, U.S. Soldiers followed behind, ensuring their IA counter-parts completed the task successfully.

“Having an actual live fire exercise is good because it in-tegrates live rounds into the training, making it more real-istic,” said Pfc. Joshua Jensen, cavalry scout, Troop C, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., currently serving his first deployment.

During the 25-day training cycle at GWTC, U.S. forces led eight-hour training days with their Iraqi counterparts, six days-per-week, in preparation for the battalion exercise.

Head Hunter Soldiers are training the Iraqi soldiers to be-come proficient in their infantry skills and operations, while also working to make the IA a self-sustaining force, said Jen-sen, a native of Sturbridge, Mass.

“From day one (of their training) to now, they have im-proved ten-fold,” said Spc. Walter Moeller, a scout assigned to Troop A. “When they first got here, they couldn’t maneu-ver as a squad correctly but now they can move as a platoon.”

“This training instills confidence knowing they can coor-dinate within each fighting position and not get hurt,” said Moeller, an El Paso, Texas native. “It shows their attention to detail.”

Squadron troopers continue to train Iraqi units at GWTC as part of Tadreeb al Shamil, leading Iraq’s soldiers to in-crease the proficiency of their units combat readiness in a controlled, yet realistic environment.

Each Iraqi battalion that leaves GWTC takes away valu-able skills that will enhance their war fighting skills and build their confidence in securing their country.

Continued from GWTC, pg. 1

Iraqi Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi-sion, get on line during training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Feb. 22, 2011. U.S. Soldiers led IA units of 3rd IA Div. during the second iteration of training at GWTC, part of Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi training initiative to modernize IA division capabilities through collective unit-level training. Dur-ing the 25-day training rotation at GWTC, Iraqi soldiers trained with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, in preparation for a battalion live fire exercise, Feb. 24, 2011, the culminating training event for the training cycle.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N

“This advanced training will enable the Iraqi Army to defeat any threat—internal or external.”

─ staff Brig. Gen. Muhsen Sulman, operations officer of Ninewa Operations Center.

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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Two days before the fifth an-niversary of the bombing of Al Askari “Golden” Mosque, the security barriers protecting one of the holiest Shia shrines in Iraq came down.

“This is a great day for Sa-marra, and a great day for all of Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Andy Pres-ton, commander, Task Force 2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan-try Division.

“I’m happy for the citizens of Samarra, who will finally see their city restored,” said Pres-ton, who hails from Edmond, Okla.

Following the bombing of the Al Askari Mosque Feb. 22, 2006, U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces implemented enhanced security measures to protect the mosque and the Shia pilgrims who visit each year.

"T-walls," tall expediently emplaced concrete barriers were erected throughout the city to reinforce security in Sa-marra and prevent further acts of insurgent violence against Iraqis.

After Iraqis rebuilt the mosque, the T-walls remained, blocking pilgrims from the once vibrant marketplaces which colored the streets lead-ing to the holy site.

Iraqi Security Forces re-quired visitors to be escorted through blockaded T-wall chan-nels to and from the mosque, a process which drastically im-paired the tourism-based econ-omy of Samarra.

“We have been working

so hard on this project for so long, it is hard to believe it is fi-nally happening,” said Lt. Col. Ghayath, director of the Samar-ra Joint Coordination Center, a site designed to synchronize the security efforts of U.S. forces, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, Fed-eral Police and the Sons of Iraq.

“The people of Samarra wanted this for a very long time, and the security forces made it possible,” said Ghayath, who serves as the primary liaison between U.S. forces and the Samarra Operations Center.

The Samarra Operations Center, the command that over-sees all Iraqi Security Forces in Samarra and much of southern Salah ad Din, developed the plan to leave T-walls around the mosque in place until a new permanent protective structure is built, said Ghayath.

ISF will maintain the re-established security in Samarra using additional police, secu-rity cameras, X-ray machines and better control of the site, he said.

Although the combined planning team primarily fo-cused on security for pilgrims, local citizens and the mosque, other issues played an impor-tant role.

“One of the biggest prob-lems we faced in Samarra was the lack of available employ-ment,” Preston said. “No mat-ter where you are in the world, people with no money and no prospects are more likely to turn to crime and violence than those who have the ability to make a way for themselves le-gitimately. Re-opening these markets by taking down the T-walls will provide that legiti-mate opportunity.”

Preston and his task force

are not the first to attempt res-toration of Samarra to its po-tential.

Two battalion commanders who preceded Preston worked alongside the leadership of Samarra through partnered ef-forts aimed at repairing dam-aged sections of the city and providing small business grants to shopkeepers to help prepare their stores for the day when the T-walls would come down.

“I wish I could see the faces of (Lt. Col.) Sam Whitehurst and (Lt. Col.) Eric Timmer-man when they hear the news,” Preston said of the commanders of the last two U.S. units in Sa-marra—both personal friends. “I know that they truly cared about the people of Samarra and that they would love to be able to celebrate with their old friends.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Berk Parsons, senior enlisted leader of Task Force 2-11, conveyed the significance of the T-wall removal as an indication of progress in Samarra in terms of security.

“The city of Samarra holds a significant place in the history of Iraq,” he said. “Unfortunate-ly, what most know about the city’s role is its contemporary history, specifically concerning its connection to the sectarian violence.”

“The progress of the Samar-ran government and the Iraqi Security Forces set the condi-tions which allow the city to begin its return to its former prestige,” Parsons said. “The removal of the T-walls is a tan-gible symbol and a phenomenal progression towards the city’s restoration.”

Security barrier removal in Samarra indicates progress for city’s revivalCapt. Pete Cox2nd AAB Public Affairs25th Inf. Div., USD-N

Soldiers of Battery A, Task Force 2-11, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artil-lery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, converse with Iraqi Army soldiers while maintaining security during T-wall removal in the city of Samarra, Salah ad Din province, Iraq. Lt. Col. Andy Preston, commander, Task Force 2-11, and Lt. Col. Ghayath, director of the Samarra Joint Coordination Center, led the planning team that developed the Samarra security project, which includes the removing T-walls on the streets leading to the mosque, revitalizing markets on those streets, and installing new security equipment to maintain security for pilgrims, Samarra citizens and the mosque itself. The removal of the security barriers signified vast improvements in security for a once embattled city.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Pete Cox, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N

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ery one of you my colleague,” said 1st Lt. Jordan King, platoon leader of the “Thun-derhorse” medics assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., acknowl-edging the achievements of 38 men in front of him.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you and I look forward to our strong partner-ship,” King continued at a graduation cer-emony honoring members of Kirkuk prov-ince’s Iraqi Police, Emergency Response Unit and fire departments.

The graduation ceremony concluded the four-week training, the first Emergency Medical Technician course held at Kirkuk Training Center in Iraq, Feb. 28.

During the month-long course, U.S. troops mentored Iraqi police officers, first responders and fire fighters with the pur-pose of increasing Iraqi Security Forces’ medical proficiency when responding to emergencies.

The training centered on evacuations, tactical combat casualty care and emer-gency medicine, said King, a Hudson, Ohio native

“This course was an improvement from the previous EMT training of the various emergency response units, because it was completely Iraqi-ran,” said King. “We used Iraqi supplies, conducted the training at their training center and the instruction came from the Iraqis.”

King said his primary responsibility was to advise the instructors, assist with plan-ning and supervise training.

“We need this training in all the centers throughout the city, but for now I’m thank-ful we have proficient members of the ISF to promote this city’s safety and security,” he said.

During the ceremony, ISF students watched a video highlighting training dur-ing the four-week course, which was su-pervised by medics of 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

The video featured ISF emergency ser-vices personnel conducting training exer-cises and working together as a unit, prac-ticing emergency medical care to increase their proficiency with the newly acquired knowledge.

The Iraqi emergency service personnel received good training that will make ISF more proficient in providing the city with security and safety, said Brig. Gen. Kawa, Dean of the Police Training Center.

“I am thankful to Gen. Jamal for his ad-vice and cooperation as well as the coali-tion forces for this training,” said Kawa.

Kawa continued his praise of the gradu-ates who received hands-on training from the U.S. forces and the joint cooperation between the various ISF, who work to maintain the peace in the city of Kirkuk.

“We are all here to help our families and our community,” explained Kawa in both Arabic and Kurdish. “What you’ve learned, pass it on to the public—to our brothers and other members of the IP.”

Concluding the ceremony, Kawa and King presented the EMT graduates with certificates of completion and combat life-saver bags complete with fresh medical supplies.

During the ceremony, King thanked the instructors for their dedication and the new EMT graduates for a job well done.

Iraqi Security Forces, emergency responders graduate Emergency Medical Technician courseSpc. Kandi Huggins1st AATF Public Affairs1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North

1st Lt. Jordan King, medic platoon leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Bat-talion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Divi-sion, returns a salute to an Iraqi Police officer before presenting a certificate of completion to the graduate for finishing a four-week Emergency Medical Technician course, Feb. 28, 2011.

Lt. Col. Joseph Holland, commander of 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan-try Division, presents an Iraqi Police officer a certificate of completion for graduating a four-week Emergency Medical Technician course during a graduation ceremony at Kirkuk Training Center, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2011.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq ─ “I’m proud to call ev-

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Support Soldiers of Task Force 225, 2nd Brigade Support Bat-talion began a hands-on “train the trainer” program with Iraqi soldiers at Kirkush Military Training Base during February.

U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th In-fantry Division led Iraqi Army officers and noncommissioned officers in conducting individu-al and collective support train-ing as part of a 25-day training cycle in support of Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclu-sive Training.

The training curriculum, ranging from vehicle mainte-nance and driver’s training to medical support operations, is part of the task force’s mission to advise and assist Iraqi Army units building an enduring ca-pacity for the Iraqi military to sustain itself following the departure of U.S. forces, said Maj. John Tulifua, battalion op-erations officer, 2nd BSB, 25th Inf. Div.

The goal of the training pro-gram led by Task Force 225 Stability Transition Team is to create a sustainable support system at KMTB, while en-hancing IA units’ capabilities, said Tulifua.

The train the trainer course, focusing on maintenance and support operations, is not the first time TF 225 partnered with soldiers of 5th Iraqi Army Divi-sion for training.

Since the beginning of train-ing efforts in support of Opera-tion New Dawn, the battalion

has executed four iterations of technical training in mainte-nance, medical tasks and com-munications skills for Iraqi Army soldiers and their units.

In mid-February, Soldiers of Company B and the TF 225 Stability Transition Team re-located to KMTB to support Tadreeb al Shamil, an Iraqi-led initiative to train Iraqi Army units in an effort to develop Iraq’s conventional army, mod-ernizing its capability to defend the country.

“Now, we will be managing and educating the Iraqis in their facilities and in their operating area,” said 1st Lt. David Rey-man, maintenance operations officer in charge, Company B, Task Force 225, who works alongside the maintenance of-ficer from Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th IA Division. “Now we’re going to (observe) their maintenance op-erations in full effect.”

The maintenance training program began with proper preventive maintenance checks and services, ordering parts, trouble-shooting and establish-ing systems in the motor pool that ensure work is completed to the proper standard, said Sgt. Maj. Darren Hargrove, battal-ion STT noncommissioned of-ficer in charge.

The maintenance training will show IA units how to track and receive parts, and build trust in confidence in their sup-port systems, said Maj. Ra-sheed Muwwakkil, team lead for the STT, TF 225.

“A successful outcome is

Iraqi leaders at the first and second levels of maintenance, communicating their needs to each other and executing,” he explained.

By focusing on where main-tenance issues originate, the STT hopes to eliminate cycles that impede progress, said Mu-wwakkil.

“The final iteration will be Iraqi trainers and those at the second level of maintenance sustaining the entire fleet for the 5th IA,” he said. “If we focus on these key problems we’ve identified, we’ll make a difference.”

Muwwakkil said by the last iteration of instruction in May, Task Force 225 hopes to dem-onstrate to senior leaders, 5th IA Div. maintenance operations functioning independently.

‘Warrior’ Support Battalion builds sustainment operations at KMTB1st Lt. Jay JonesTF 225, Brigade Support Bn. 2nd AAB Public Affairs25th Inf. Div. USD-N

Sgt. Douglas Kahala, right, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic from Company B, Task Force 225, Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, instructs Iraqi Army soldiers on proper preventive maintenance checks and services, Feb. 9, 2011, during Tadreeb al Shamil, Arabic for All Inclu-sive Training, at Kirkush Military Training Base in the Diyala province of Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Jay Jones, TF225, BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N

KIRKUSH MILITARY TRAINING BASE, Iraq ─

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office as people made the decision to burn or jump from the World Trade Center win-dows on 9\11,” described Spc. Natalie Al-cee, an Ozone Park, N.Y. native, serving with 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infan-try Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., who worked at a law firm a few blocks down the street from the two towering buildings.

“That day I knew I was going to serve for what our nation stands for, our free-dom,” continued Alcee.

Sitting in the conference room of 101st BSB at Contingency Operating Site War-rior, Kirkuk, Iraq, Feb. 24, Natalie Alcee shared her life experiences; illustrating the events that gave her the ambition and desire to continuously broaden her knowl-edge and fight for her nation.

With a rigid New York accent, Alcee

described the struggles of being a teenage parent and how she overcame obstacles to obtain her goals and dreams.

“I had a beautiful daughter at the age of 16,” explained Alcee, “and there was a time when I wanted to give up—not finish school, but one day, I woke up and realized that I didn’t want to be a statistic; that I was going to make something of myself.”

Alcee not only completed high school with her graduating class but also received acceptance to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In just three and a half years, Alcee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a double mi-nor in English and Law while maintaining two jobs and raising her daughter.

“I was the first person in my Family to go through high school here in the United States, the first to go to college and gradu-ate, and the first to serve my country,” said Alcee.

“I always wanted to join the service and I knew I was going to, but as a mother I had obligations to wait until my daughter was of age before I could join,” she said.

Alcee said she wanted to dedicate her service to those who died during the terror-ist attacks in the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, and to the men and women who dedi-cated their lives to ensuring that Americans can live in freedom.

In 2009, Alcee enlisted in the U.S. Army with a four-year contract as a human re-sources specialist.

The duties and responsibilities of a hu-man resources specialist include managing the readiness, health and welfare of all Sol-diers and providing postal and personnel accountability support. Alcee also retains the responsibility of maintaining emergen-cy notification data and preparing casualty reports.

Aside from fulfilling her daily duties as a Soldier, she manages her time to continue expanding her knowledge.

Attending Trident University Interna-tional online, with a focus in Business Ad-ministration, Alcee hopes to receive her first master’s degree in Business Manage-ment and graduate with a 3.9 grade point average.

“Even though I have a full-time load at work, I manage my time to study, com-plete homework, and still have the time to sit back and relax,” said Alcee. “One way I like to get away from everything is (play-ing disc jockey) at Salsa night.”

Alcee’s story inspired her peers and mo-tivated her leaders to strive for excellence beyond the call of duty.

Inspired to broaden her educational horizons, Alcee’s mentor, Staff Sgt. Erica Ortiz-Burgado, a native of San Juan, Puer-to Rico and military intelligence sergeant assigned to 101st BSB, 1st AATF, enrolled into online classes.

“Her motivation is contagious,” said Ortiz-Burgado. “She pushed me to stop talking about my dreams and to get up and make those dreams reality.”

Ortiz-Burgado explained her feelings of how Alcee is a great asset to the Army and to 101st BSB.

“As a Soldier she has accomplished so much, and as a person she has accom-plished even more,” said Ortiz-Burgado. “She is always striving to better herself, and in the process she inspires the people around her to do the same.”

A ‘Devil’ Soldier’s fight of firstsPfc. Alyxandra McChesney1st Advise and Assist Task Force PAO1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North

Spc. Natalie Alcee, a human resources specialist assigned to 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan., manages the readiness, health and welfare of all 1st AATF Soldiers and provides postal and personnel ac-countability support for the Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn. Along with accomplishing her duties as a Soldier, Alcee is attending Trident University International online working on a master’s degree in Business Management.

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq ─ “I watched from my

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CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – As Af-rican American History Month neared an end, service members and civilians gathered to celebrate African American history and culture at the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Center on Contin-gency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 26.

During the African American History Month Celebration, ser-vice members related stories of African American heroes, such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recited poetry written by renowned African American wordsmiths like Maya Angelou, and shared personal musical talents.

“This month is important,” said keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Keith Hayes, deputy information operations officer, 4th Infantry Divi-sion and U.S. Division-North.

“Our future is shaped by our past; Black History Month gives us the opportunity to learn the stories of those we may not have

known much about until now,” said Hayes, who led the observance titled “Living Up to Your Potential.”

Hayes, a native of Columbia, S.C., shared stories of largely unsung African American military milestones, such as the 369th Infantry Regiment, known as “Harlem Hell Fighters,” a New York National Guard unit that fought alongside the French in the trench-es of World War I, and the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, “Triple Nickel,” the first African American paratrooper company formed in 1944.

Hayes also told the story of his father Melvin Hayes, who after six months in Vietnam found out he was sent in the place of an-other Melvin Hayes due to a clerical error.

Hayes explained his father decided to finish his tour to stand in place of his brother, Keith's uncle, who was slated for deployment to the front lines later that year.

“It is that spirit, camaraderie and closeness we share with our fellow Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, that bind us together regardless of color, gender, religion, heritage or financial status,” he said.

The U.S. military saw the need to foster a diverse culture within its communities to overcome widespread bigotry and racial segre-gation, said Hayes.

“Today’s military is one in which every individual gets to play on an increasingly level field,” he said.

The men and women serving at COB Speicher attended the event to show more than just their appreciation of African Ameri-can history; they came together to remember their home, said Capt. Larry Burney, U.S. Division-North, a working group action officer, Company B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infan-try Division.

“Some friends of mine and I decided we wanted to formally celebrate this month,” said the New Orleans native. “This was par-ticularly important to me, because it is African American History Month, but we hope to have more events like this to give everyone a break from the monotony of work, gym and sleep.”

It is important to remember the struggles that history’s forefa-thers went through, said Spc. Darnell Crater, vocalist, Ivy Division Band, DSTB, 4th Inf. Div.

Crater, who hails from Lynwood, Ill., said without the efforts of those who came before, the U.S. would not have the best military in the world.

Following the ceremony service members of many races and creeds ate together, relaxed and fellowshipped as a unified force.

‘Living Up to Your Potential’

Spc. Andrew IngramU.S. Division-North Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Keith Hayes, deputy information operations officer, 4th Infan-try Division and U.S. Division-North, addresses an audience with his speech, “Living Up to Your Potential,” during an African American His-tory Month Celebration at the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Center on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 26, 2011. During his speech Hayes, who hails from Columbia, S.C., shared the story of the African American’s struggle to become fully integrated and ac-cepted as part of the U.S. military. Hayes shared the stories of the “Black Rangers” of the 2nd Ranger Infantry Company, and the 555th Parachute Infantry Company, “Triple Nickel,” the first African Ameri-can paratrooper company and many others.


TF Ironhorse celebrates African American heritage

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Monday morning Soldiers of 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon, “Black Sheep,” Company A, 1st Bat-talion, 27th Infantry Regiment, woke up at 5:30 a.m., heading to the gym at Contingency Op-erating Base Speicher. After two hours pumping iron, the in-fantrymen proceeded to break-fast at the dining facility, then made their way to the Stryker Armored Vehicles lined up near their containerized housing units.

“We don’t have a very excit-ing mission today,” said Spc. Fredrick White, infantryman and a squad automatic weapon gunner, Company A. “We’re going out to provide security for a Provincial Reconstruction Team inspection. It should be pretty simple, but we can’t get complacent.”

The Black Sheep picked up members of the Salah ad Din Provincial Reconstruction Team and headed north to a Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs vocational school near Tikrit.

On site, the Black Sheep in-

spected the school for potential threats and guarded the com-pound’s perimeter as the PRT representatives met with teach-ers and administrators.

Once the mission was com-plete, the platoon returned to COB Speicher.

This is just a typical morn-ing for 3rd Platoon, said White, who hails from Chicago.

White’s squad mates agreed that despite doing similar rou-tines and missions day after day, solid training and constant vigilance keeps the troops sharp and ready for action.

“Most of us were expecting a lot more action this deploy-ment than we’ve seen so far,” said Spc. Kurt Brown, an in-fantryman from Atlanta. “But in Iraq things could change in a heartbeat, and we have to be ready for anything.”

After the platoon returned from mission, they set about cleaning the vehicles, and then it was back to the dining facility and onto the company area.

Leaders of Company A and 3rd Platoon make training and education a high priority, said Cpl. Jeffrey Heparnold, team leader, 2nd Squad, 3rd Platoon.

“After we get back from mission every day, I make sure

my guys get chow, and then we get on our correspondence courses, training or PT,” said the Cheney, Wash. native.

Heparnold said he makes Army education a priority for his Soldiers, because he be-lieves it is the best way for troops to gain the technical and tactical competency to further their military careers, and the promotion points to become noncommissioned officers.

By 6 p.m., the Soldiers be-gin drifting off in different di-rections. Some head back to the gym, others their rooms to relax

with a movie or talk to loved ones online.

Time to unwind maintains morale and helps keep the 2nd Squad Soldiers focused and motivated during missions, Heparnold said.

Each squad member spends his free time a little differently, and all agreed it is necessary to get away from the comrades they eat, work, train and sleep around nearly 24 hours-a-day.

“Sometimes it gets tough being around everybody all the time. You really don’t get a lot of privacy, and you get sick of each other,” said West Palm Beach, Fla. native, Spc. Trevor Legg. “But at the end of the day, they are still your friends, and we all care about each other.”

Legg said most of the friend-ships stretch back to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where the 2nd Squad Soldiers met and trained for the deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.

Friends or not, Spc. Rob-ert Wright explained rivalries and competition between the squads and platoons is a small

A day in the life of an infantrymanSpc. Andrew IngramUSD-N Public Affairs

Spc. Fredrick White, infantry-man, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Ad-vise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, trains his eye through the scope of his M249 squad automatic weapon, searching for potential threats while providing security for a Provincial Reconstruction Team visiting an Iraqi Ministry of La-bor and Social Affairs vocational school north of Tikrit, Feb. 28, 2011. After mission, White, A Chicago-native and fellow Sol-diers of 3rd Platoon, Company A, returned to Contingency Operat-ing Base Speicher, ate lunch and spent the afternoon conducting physical training and furthering their education. See Life, pg. 11

First Lt. Ty Lin, platoon leader, and Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Maney, platoon sergeant, 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infan-try Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, explain the route and security precautions for the day’s mission in support of the Tikrit Pro-vincial Reconstruction Team during a mission brief at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2011.



CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq ─

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – “So who wants to roll?” asked Ultimate Fighting Champion-ship welterweight Mike Swick, surrounded by Soldiers de-ployed to northern Iraq in sup-port of Operation New Dawn.

Eager to test their mettle on the mat against two of the UFC’s top fighters, several Soldiers jumped at the opportu-

nity to grapple with Swick and mixed martial arts fighter Kyle Kingsbury during the UFC Tour at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Feb. 24.

Swick and Kingsbury, ac-companied by Octagon Girls Amber Miller and Natasha Wicks, met with service mem-bers and civilian contractors during a workshop hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recre-ation.

The UFC fighters held an open discussion with the au-dience about nutrition, fitness

and fighting techniques, before signing autographs and posing for photos.

“Fighters have to be in tip-top shape, and obviously what-ever they’re doing is working for them,” said Sgt. John Dean from 34th Engineer Company (Sapper), attached to 326th En-gineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade.

“The more I can apply that to my own physical fitness it’s going to help me with my phys-ical training and my job,” said Dean, a resident of Nacogdo-

ches, Texas.Now on their second tour to

Iraq, Kingsbury and Swick said they enjoy spending time with the troops and helping in any way they can.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to come out here and rep-resent the UFC,” said Kings-bury. “We really enjoy getting to come out, especially down-range.”

Following the forum, Swick and Kingsbury demonstrated

Soldiers, professional fighters face off for UFC Tour clinic on COB Speicher

Sgt. Shawn Miller109th MPADUSD-N Public Affairs

Capt. Angel Vega, Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, bottom, grapples with Ultimate Fighting Championship star Kyle Kingsbury during a UFC-headlined workshop at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 24, 2011.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

see UFC, pg. 12

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Let me say right up front … I swear that what you are about to read is all true!

Years ago, I had a fascinating job work-ing at a drive-thru animal park. Most of us have driven through an animal park of one kind or another. Feeding the animals that come up to your car as you drive through is loads of fun. In my job, I did not work directly with the animals, but did advertis-ing and public relations—still it was a fun job!

Every autumn, the animal park held a big fall festival in the parking lot. We rented a large tent, set up tables, hired a band and had pony rides—the whole bit.

On the night before the festival began, we set out traditional fall decorations—lots of pumpkins, cornstalks and fall flow-ers, as well as a truck load of watermelons waiting to be put on ice the following morning.

It was a lot of work, but still a lot of fun! Yet, despite all the planning and preparation for the event, this one par-ticular year we made a critical error! The whole festival—with all the pumpkins, corn, flowers and watermelons—was set up right next to a large fenced area holding fifty Japanese Snow Macaques—those furry little monkeys you see on the cover of National Geographic with the snow on their heads.

The temptation was too much for them.

In the middle of the night, every single one of the Snow Monkeys went over the electric fence to raid our beautifully deco-rated festival tent. All night long they had a pumpkin orgy, gorging on pumpkin and watermelon, destroying everything. It was one of the worst messes I have ever seen. Trust me, Snow Monkeys can be unbeliev-ably destructive!

I was one of the first to arrive on the scene of the crime the following morning. As I rounded the corner in my truck, I saw the last couple of monkeys scramble back over the fence into their enclosure. What a mess! Pumpkin guts were everywhere!

As we set about the task of cleaning up the mess, we noticed that all the Snow Monkeys had gathered next to the fence—with their backs turned toward the mess they had created. They were making an obvious statement, but I had no clue what they were communicating.

I finally asked one of the animal keep-ers what it meant. She told me that when they all turned their back on the mess, it meant in their little minds the destruc-tion never happened. They ignored it, and therefore it just went away.

What a vivid and humorous illustration of what you and I call “denial.” Denial is when we lie to ourselves, or pretend that reality is one thing, when we know down deep inside that the opposite is true. I realized that the Snow Monkeys were perfectly happy to live in denial day in and day out, ready to climb an electric fence

to get to a watermelon or pumpkin every time they get the opportunity with no guilt or conscience.

People are far different from the Snow Monkeys; for people, living in denial is a frustrating and unhappy state. Unfortu-nately, all of us have, and will spend time in that little state we call “denial.”

The cure for living in denial is confes-sion. We confess to each other; more im-portantly, we can confess to ourselves, and most importantly, we can confess to God.

Interestingly enough, the word “con-fess” in the Bible does not mean that I am telling God something he does not already know. It is more of an acknowledgement that God has always known something about me, and now I am finally at a place where I agree with Him, admitting what God already knows. When I do that, I have immediately left the lonely and unhappy state of “denial.”

The Snow Monkeys had no conscience whatsoever, denying the “pumpkin orgy” was not a problem for them. We, however, have a conscience that can make us very unhappy when we continue to turn away from things in our lives that we very much need to face.

I encourage you to be honest with oth-ers, be honest with yourself and be honest with God. Some things are easy to face, other things are painful.

If you have things in your life that are difficult to face, talk to your Chaplain. Get help, and don’t live in denial.

Chaplain’s Corner:

Confession is good for the soul ...

Lt. Col. Jeffrey HoustonChaplain, U.S. Division-North

The Great Pumpkin Orgy

Continued from LIFE, pg. 9

but important dynamic for the deployed unit.“There is some rivalry that goes on between the squads and

more between the platoons in Company A,” he said. “Most of the time, it’s fun. Nothing too serious, but it keeps us busy.”

Rivalries motivate the Soldiers to do their best, whether the per-sonal competitions are physical training, weapons qualifications, combat drills or video games, Wright said.

Even if the rivalries are minor, 2nd Squad is the best squad in the company, said Pfc. Thomas Maroon, an infantryman from Wood River, Ill.

The deployment to northern Iraq is teaching the Black Sheep Soldiers to appreciate what they have back home, said the Soldiers of 2nd Squad.

Both Legg and White agreed after months of walking to and

from the shower trailers and spotty heat, they would never take the amenities of home for granted again.

The freedom and security offered in the United States would never be far from Wright’s mind said the Sterling Heights, Mich. native, while Maroon and Brown said they are looking forward to returning to their Families and loved ones.

After two deployments to Iraq, Heparnold said he is content knowing that Iraqi Security Forces can competently take charge of the security of their nation.

“This is nothing like my last deployment where we did almost all the work,” he said. “The ISF knows how to do the job now; they just have to take the reins.”

Tuesday morning the Soldiers of 2nd Squad woke up at 5:30 a.m., went to the gym and began another day in Iraq.

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“Hey Doc: I want to get buff while deployed. Any tips?” – Signed “Gun Show”

Dear “Gun Show,” deployment is a perfect time to improve your fitness. You get free, unlimited carbohydrates and protein from the DFAC; the U.S. Army “foots” your gym membership; and you have less external demands for your time!

A good fitness program needs to include some important com-ponents. As a dietician and exercise physiologist, I have some ideas you can incorporate to make your workout more efficient and fun.

Don’t over train.During exercise, your muscle tissue is damaged. Muscle growth

occurs after the workout when your muscles are being repaired. You need a full day of rest between workouts for optimal muscle repair in order to maximize growth. Pay attention to which mus-cles are utilized in different workouts so you don’t inadvertently work on the same muscle on consecutive days. For instance, iso-lating biceps one day, then isolating back muscles the next may be counterproductive for biceps growth, as biceps are involved in pulling movements.

In addition to the day of rest between workouts pay attention to other rest you are getting, namely sleep. You should try to get eight hours of sleep each night as growth hormone is the highest and muscles are recovering during this time.

Keep a journal.Working out different muscles haphazardly, may not be the best

approach. A journal can help organize your workout schedule and make your workouts more effective. Keep track of what settings you use on each machine, how much weight you lift, how many repetitions you do, etc. These details provide information which helps you retain optimal form and remain consistent which facili-tates growth of muscle tissue. Additionally, you can review your past workouts and motivate yourself with objective evidence of growth.

Confuse your muscles.Your muscles do not like exercise. They will try to adapt and get

through the movement with as little damage to the muscle tissue as possible. If you do the same workout using the same routine, same weight, etc., your body adapts and you don’t get the muscle damage you need to grow. Sticking to predictable and consistent routines is a big reason a lot of people plateau in their growth. For this reason, consider mixing your exercises up a bit. You can mix the type and order of exercises you do. You can vary the repeti-tions, for example do five to seven repetition workouts one day then seven to 10 repetition workouts the next physical training ses-sion. You can also mix the use of free weights with machines, and change the angles of the movements.

Good nutrition.Proper nutrition is vital to ensuring a successful workout pro-

gram. If you do not fuel your muscles before and after workout, your body will have to work harder to convert glycogen to fuel.

Hydration is also important. Proper hydration facilitates the de-livery of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

Remember “Gun Show,” developing a plan and exercising dis-cipline is the biggest key to remaining healthy and physically fit.

See you in the gym Taskforce Ironhorse, and keep those ques-tions coming!

Hey Doc: How do I work out smartly?Capt. Stephen, Hill MS, RD, LDTask Force 256th Combat Support HospitalU.S. Division-North

Continued from UFC, pg. 10

various techniques and sub-mission moves used as part of their MMA regimen, similar to that of the U.S. Army’s Modern Army Combatives Program.

After the instructional phase, the UFC stars offered a chal-lenge to grapple with anyone willing to step in “the ring.”

Soldiers are warriors regard-less of duty position or rank, said Capt. Angel Vega of Com-pany B, Special Troops Bat-talion, 4th Infantry Division, who jumped at the opportunity to test his skills and learn new techniques.

“I’m a big fan of UFC, and I’ve been doing martial arts for over 18 years,” said Vega, who hails from Puerto Rico.

“Being able to have the

courage and the Warrior Ethos to meet against professional fighters on a mat proves to me that I’m able to meet any chal-lenge that I want to meet in the future,” he said. “If I can meet a professional fighter, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to be able to meet an enemy on the battle-field.”

Sharing knowledge and ex-perience with Soldiers is better than simply signing autographs and taking photos with the troops in Iraq, said Kingsbury.

“Something that separates us from the rest is we’ll actu-ally get on the mat and roll with the guys,” he said. “I think ev-erybody just wants to get out there, have a roll with us, and have a good time.”

Spc. Alexander Quebedeaux, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), bottom, grap-ples with Ultimate Fighting Championship star Kyle Kingsbury during a UFC Tour mixed martial arts workshop at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Feb. 24, 2011. Kingsbury and Swick invited ser-vice members to test their skills and learn new techniques on the mat.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 18

News & Politics

Transcript of The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 18