Dear Interested Reader,
Ann Dunwoody becomes the first female 4-Star General, not serving in Iraq or Afghan at the moment, but thought you'd enjoy this historic story. Lance Cpl Roger Burda and his fellow Marines bring donated toys to Iraqi school children. IP graduates first experts in DNA analysis. 1st Cav. soldiers provide wheat and barley seeds to grateful farmers. Basrah Provincial Ops Center officially opens. Dagger Bde replaces Strike Bde during Transfer of Authority ceremony. New Iraqi trucking co. starts up in COB Adder's Iraqi-based Industrial Zone. Terrorist bombing networks dismantled. Gen. Petraeus believes that Afghan tribes are needed to fight militants.
Joanna
____________________________
Nov. 23, 2008
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
WASHINGTON - Ann E. Dunwoody, after 33 years in the Army, ascended Friday to a peak never before reached by a woman in the U.S. military: four-star general.
"Thirty-three years after I took the oath as a 2nd lt, I have to tell you this is not exactly how I envisioned my life unfolding," she told a standing-room-only auditorium. "Even as a young kid, all I ever wanted to do was teach physical education and raise a family. "It was clear to me that my Army experience was just going to be a 2-year detour en route to my fitness profession," she added. "So when asked, `Ann, did you ever think you were going to be a general officer, to say nothing about a four-star?' I say, `Not in my wildest dreams.'" She added: "There is no one more surprised than I - except, of course, my husband. You know what they say, `Behind every successful woman there is an astonished man.'"
Dunwoody hails from a family of military men dating back to the 1800s. Her father, 89-year-old Hal Dunwoody - a decorated veteran of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam - was in the audience, along with the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, plus the Joint Chiefs chairman, Adm. Mike Mullen.
Dunwoody, whose husband, Craig Brotchie, served for 26 years in the Air Force, choked up at times during a speech in which she said she only recently realized how much her accomplishment means to others. "This promotion has taken me back in time like no other event in my entire life," she said. "And I didn't appreciate the enormity of the events until tidal waves of cards, letters, and e-mails started coming my way. "I've heard from men and women, from every branch of service, from every region of our country, and every corner of the world. I've heard from moms and dads who see this promotion as a beacon of home for their own daughters, and after affirmation that anything is possible through hard work and commitment."
"The recognition makes her a little bit uncomfortable from the standpoint of the gender aspect - that we're making a big deal she's the first female general officer," Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman, said in announcing that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would attend her promotion ceremony. When she was nominated by President George W. Bush in June for promotion to four-star rank, Dunwoody issued a statement saying she was humbled. "This nomination only reaffirms what I have known to be true about the military throughout my career - that the doors continue to open for men and women in uniform," she said at the time. Her nomination was confirmed by the Senate in July.
There are 21 female general officers in the Army - all but 4 at the one-star rank of brigadier. It was not until 1970 that the Army had its first one-star: Anna Mae Hays, chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Women now make up about 14% of the active-duty Army and are allowed to serve in a wide variety of assignments. They are still excluded from units designed primarily to engage in direct combat, such as infantry and tank units, but their opportunities have expanded over the past 2 decades.
After graduating from the Command and General Staff College in 1987, she was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where she became the 82nd Abn Div's first female bn cmdr. She has numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Defense Superior Service Medal.
-30-
U.S. Marine Facilitates Toy Donation to Iraqi School Children
Two young Iraqi girls build a wooden train donated by Lance Cpl. Roger Burda, a 25-year-old scout sniper with RCT 1. Burda coordinated with the Lowe's Home Improvement store in his home town, Daytona, Fla., to donate the toys to eager children.
Photo and story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt
SATTACK — Iraqi SF and Marine efforts have facilitated a continued lull in violence and increased the opportunity for an Iraqi infrastructure in al Anbar province. Lance Cpl. Roger Burda and other Marines in the unit took advantage of the area’s stability recently, visiting the Sattack Elementary School to spend time with Iraqi children. Marines helped the children build wooden trains and bird houses using material donated by a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in Burda’s hometown. Burda’s mother, who works at the store and spends volunteer hours building the same toys with American children, helped him arrange the donation. “We’ve made really good rapport with the locals, and I wanted to give the children something to lift their spirits,” explained Burda.
Burda planned the mission with 1st Sgt. Paul Costanzo, MAC 1st sgt, who said everyone was eager to take the toys to the children. “The co.'s always looking for opportunities to help the community,” said Costanzo. “This was one of the better chances we’ve had.”
“Things are much different from past deployments,” Burda said. “Some schools in the area weren’t even open, and the children had no place to learn.” Burda said it is important that Iraq’s children understand he and other CF are here to help. “We are here to make a difference. The children are Iraq’s future.” The day spent with the children, added Burda, left him with a feeling of accomplishment that will last long past this deployment.
-30-
Iraq Police Force Graduates First Experts in DNA Analysis
BAGHDAD — Thirteen IP reached a milestone Nov. 20 when they became the first graduates trained in DNA analysis in the history of Iraq. This first group to complete the DNA Analysis and Theory course at the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) National Forensics Training Center was comprised of hand-selected college graduates with degrees in chemistry, biology or bio-chemistry, and with experience as crime scene investigators.
"This training is wonderful for MoI, and we look forward to putting this knowledge into action to help solve crimes," said one of the graduates. "We were trained with the latest technology and went into each subject in-depth." Ted Smith, a DNA expert and former director of the W. Virginia State Police Forensic Lab., conducted the training. "I was amazed at how fast they learned. With the new equipment we are installing here they will have some of the most modern forensic labs," said Smith. "There have been so many advancements in this field over the past 20 years. DNA analysis used to take 3 months to get results. Now the results can be obtained in 3 days."
These graduates will continue their training in operational practice and will later train others. They will then be assigned to operate police forensic labs throughout the country. The main National Forensic Training Institute will remain in Baghdad to train future forensic scientists. The goal is to train at least 72 forensic scientists in Iraq to help support the Police and the judicial system in providing evidentiary info that will support the rule of law.
-30-
SoI, tip from local citizen lead CF to weapons caches
TIKRIT - At approx. 2:20 p.m., Nov. 19 in Samarra, a local citizen told the SoI about the cache, which contained 158 60 mm mortar rounds and 6 155 mm artillery rounds. The SoI member who led SF to the cache survived a previous VBIED attack at his home, in which his family was killed. "He has been deeply wounded by an insurgent attack, and is willing to go as far as is required to work hand-in-hand with U.S. and Iraqi forces to protect the people of Samarra," said Capt. Benjamin Boekestein, co cmdr. for Charlie Co, 2nd Bn, 35th Inf, 3rd BCT, 25th ID.
Another large cache, containing more than 215 munitions, was discovered by Iraqi SWAT team members at approx. 5 a.m. southwest of Mukayshfah, in Salah ad Din province, Nov. 20. The cache contained 3 120 mm rounds, 125 80 mm mortar rounds, 20 80 mm rounds, 25 82 mm rockets, 6 20 mm antiaircraft rounds and 4 cone-shaped explosives.
More than 30 caches have been discovered and safely disposed of during the month of November in Salah ad Din province.
-30-
1st Cav Soldiers provide seeds for a better Iraq
By Spc. Creighton Holub
COB ADDER - CF delivered 100 tons of wheat and barley seeds to farmers in the Dhi Qar province in November. Soldiers of the 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div provided the seeds to 4 tribal shaykhs, who distributed the seeds to 50 farmers throughout the province.
"These seeds were of a very good quality," said Maj. Herbert Joliat, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav Div civil affairs officer. "They will yield a better crop this year, increasing production for the whole community."
The seeds came at an opportune time, since this is the right season for planting in the province. "The Iraqi people were very happy and pleased with the continued support and efforts that the CF provide to the people of he Dhi Qar province," Joliat added.
-30-
Basrah provincial operations center officially opens
BASRA - Today marked a milestone for Iraqi security independence from CF as the Basrah provincial joint ops center (PJOC) officially opened. Iraqi SF leadership hosted a press conference today to demonstrate improved coordination of ops abilities for the Iraqi SF.
"With the efforts of the IA, the Iraqi SF, and cooperation of our friends in the MNF, today we deliver this joint ops center in which there is contemporary technology similar to other strong armies across the world," said Iraqi Maj. Gen. Hameidi, Basrah ops command cmdr. "We have to save and enjoy the security of Basrah in order to make this city the most important city in Iraq and the center of Iraq's economic and investment development," he said.
The event also commemorates the PJOC being handed over to Iraqi operational command. It will be operated by Iraqi personnel from all branches of the ISF, to provide an informational link to subordinate headquarters throughout the province. There is also an advisory team made up of British personnel based in the PJOC who provide recommendations to all of the command elements.
"We are here to mark the opening which will allow all of the different elements of forces of the Iraqi SF in Basrah to work closely together," said British Lt. Cmdr. William Young, the MND-South East Arabic spokesperson. The event also allowed leaders and Iraqi media to discuss challenges facing Basrah and to see the PJOC capabilities in action with a flyby by 3 Iraqi AF MI17 helicopters.
-30-
Dagger Bde replaces Strike Bde during TOA ceremony
By Spc. Dustin Roberts
BAGHDAD - The 2nd HBCT "Dagger," 1st ID, replaced the 2nd BCT "Strike," 101st Abn Div (AASLT), in a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 20 at the Camp Liberty Field House.
"It has truly been an honor for the Strike Bde to serve in MND - Baghdad and the 4th ID," said Col. Bill Hickman, cmdr. of the Strike Bde. "It's been an honor to be able to serve in Baghdad with the great Soldiers, who will always meet our nation's needs and our nation's mission."
The Soldiers of the Strike Bde worked in concert with Iraqi SF and govt officials in northwest Baghdad and helped reduce violence by denying AQI terrorists and other criminals' safe havens. "I'd say the future is bright for northwest Baghdad, and I've never seen a brigade transition go better," Hickman said. "I'm confident the Dagger Bde will continue to move forward with great ideas to take NW Baghdad to new heights."
"We will take the fight to the enemy," said Col. Joseph Martin, cmdr., 2nd HBCT, 1st ID. "We will support the GoI and encourage freedom every day." Martin said he and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, the bde's senior enlisted leader, have ensured that the Dagger Bde is well-trained, ready for the mission ahead and have looked forward to the ceremony for months. "Command Sgt. Maj. Battle and I are honored to join the Strike Bde today for another page in the storied history of these 2 great orgs., as we recognize the transfer of authority between us in NW Baghdad," he said. "As the Strike Brigade did, we will never back down; we will preserve the Iraqi democracy, and we will care for and secure its citizens."
Col. William Hickman and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder, the bde's senior enlisted leader, case the bde's colors.
(Army photos by Spc. Dustin Roberts)
Col. Joseph Martin and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle, the bde's senior enlisted leader, uncase the bde's colors.
-30-
I-BIZ rolls out new trucking company
COB ADDER - A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Iraqi transportation business was held Nov. 19. Sheik Jamel, the contractor of the al Gezy Trucking and General Contracting Company, attended with Soldiers of the 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div, and the 7th Sus Bde. The opening marked the first Iraqi trucking co. established in COB Adder's Iraqi-based Industrial Zone.
"We are just happy that we can help out here," said Jamel. The 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. and 7th Sus. Bde. Soldiers have been assisting him in the construction process for the last 2 months. "Our company is here to transport anything Soldiers need here."
This Iraqi business is just one of the many companies that will be used to help economic growth in this area as part of the I-BIZ. "This being one of the first Iraqi based companies here, it's going to be used as a model to stimulate the economy," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Darryl Whitley, the I-BIZ terrain mgr. and one of the Soldiers involved in helping the trucking company acquire its contract.
Maj. Tom Osborn, the I-BIZ mgr., said this program puts the Dhi Qar province's citizens in a position for success. "This program provides the Iraqis with a way to stabilize their economy and open up more opportunities at the same time," said Osborn, who has been working with the local citizens in this area to establish similar businesses at I-BIZ meetings and workshops.
Col. Mark Barbosa, 7th Sus Bde cmdr., Sheik Jamel, and Lt. Col. Mark Nelson, dep. cmdr. of the 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div, cut a ribbon at the opening ceremony.
(Army photo by Pfc. Terence Ewings)
-30-
Forces Dismantle Terrorist Bombing Networks, Detain 16 Suspects
BAGHDAD — One suspected terrorist assessed to be a Baghdad/Fallujah-area AQI car bomb and IED cell member was captured Nov. 21 near Al Yusifiyah, about 35 km southwest of Baghdad. The wanted man, who reports suggest has connections with AQI leaders in the Baghdad area, was detained with 3 additional men believed to be his associates.
Nov. 21 near Bayji, about 160 km south of Mosul, forces captured a wanted man believed to plant IEDs targeting CF along roads in and around the city. Reports suggest the suspected terrorist also threatens Iraqis who cooperate with CF. One additional man was detained for further questioning during the op.
An op Nov. 22 in Bayji also targeting terrorist bombing networks netted a wanted man believed to be an AQI IED cell leader in the region. Two more suspected terrorists were detained for further questioning.
Seven more suspects were detained by forces Nov. 22 in Baghdad during an op targeting a local AQI car bomb facilitator.
-30-
Afghan News Network
Petraeus: Afghan tribes needed to fight militants
By Fisnik Abrashi, AP
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan – Afghan tribes are needed as crucial battlefield allies against the Taliban and other extremists in the same way local militias rose up to oppose insurgents in Iraq, the new military overseer of America's 2 wars said Nov. 6.
The tactic has long been endorsed by Gen. David Petraeus — the former top U.S. cmdr. in Iraq whose outreach to Sunni sheiks helped oust al-Qaida-inspired militants from key areas and sharply decreased attacks. "This is a country in which support of the tribes, of the local communities, for the overall effort is essential," Petraeus told The AP at the massive Bagram Air Base, north of Kabul. He added that Afghanistan has not had "a tradition of central govt extending into the far reaches of its provinces and its districts."
"We will certainly support what Pres. Karzai decides to adopt," said Petraeus. "We traditionally have not armed tribes ... But again, we have to see how that evolves here and see what kinds of initiatives and structures might be looked at."
Gen. David McKiernan, the top U.S. general in Afghanistan, said in a recent interview with the AP that he is "absolutely ready" to reach out to tribes as an auxiliary force. He noted, however, that any deals would have to be in "connection with the Afghan govt."
In Afghanistan, U.S. and other foreign troops use local militiamen for security at some bases, but the efforts so far have concentrated on training the country's fledgling SF.
In the interview, Petraeus said the war in Afghanistan is closely intertwined with the fight in Pakistan, and they need to be tackled together. Petraeus said recent U.S. missiles have killed 3 of the top 20 extremist leaders in Pakistan's border zone. He did not identify the leaders killed, but described the attacks as "hugely important."
-30-
The Best Medicine
Sgt. Michael Malone takes an opportunity to laugh with Maj. Gen. Al Fotlaw during Malone's block of instruction as part of a chemical defense and detection equipment exhibition at Camp Taji, Nov. 19, 2008.
Photo by Sgt. Whitney Houston
-30-