Dear Interested Reader,
An unusual AF firefighter rescue of a baby camel! The Iraqi Railroad has a successful run. IP take control of the last Fallujah checkpoint. Cherry Street Fish Market reopens. An inspiring story of a father and son teaming up in Iraq for reconstruction efforts. Weapons caches are seized and suspected criminals detained. In Afghanistan, the 45th Sust. Bde. assumed responsibility of the Joint Logistics Command, from the 101st Sust. Bde.
Joanna
____________________________
Feb. 12, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Air Force Firefighters Rescue Baby Camel Trapped in Manhole
Firefighters with the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engr Sqdrn (ECES) rescues a baby camel trapped in a manhole, Feb. 9, 2009.
(Photo and story by Staff Sgt. Kenya Shiloh)
ALI BASE — Many people associate firefighters with rescuing cats out of trees. For the firefighters assigned to the 407th ECES, they weren't expecting this animal rescue call where a baby camel was trapped in a manhole, Feb. 9. "This was the weirdest call I've ever been on," said SSgt. Bryan Senecal, 407th ECES Fire and Rescue Services crew chief. "The situation happened so fast. My first thought when we saw him stuck in there was 'how are we going to get him out of here?"
Senecal and fellow firefighter, Airman 1st Class Nicholas Gallagher, went down into the hole with some rope to secure the camel and get it safely out of danger. However, there were a few obstacles they had to overcome. The camel was stuck in a foot-and-a-half of mud and wedged between a valve pipe and wall, Senecal said.
Gallagher said the rescue started a bit rough with the camel being uncooperative. "It was moving its neck a lot, leaning left and right," he said. "I've never been around a baby camel before, so I thought it was broken at first. We tried to be as gentle as possible, but finally we had to just get down there and lift it up."
Senecal said after wrestling the camel from between the valve-pipe and the wall, and dislodging his legs, they realized he was bigger than they thought. They secured the rope around him and tossed the other end of the rope to the engine crew topside. They hoisted the camel out of the shaft without further injury. "I'm glad we were successful, and he didn't get seriously injured," Senecal said.
The camel sustained a minor injury on his left hind leg and was shaken up from the ordeal. The crew, along with staff members from the entomology clinic, cleaned and bandaged him up and sent him on his way. Senecal said the camel's owner thanked them as best she could, despite their language barrier. "I definitely think events like this help us build a better relationship and trust with the locals because they realize we are here to help them," Senecal said.
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Iraqi Railroad rolls back into Taji
An Iraqi Railroad locomotive arrives at Camp Taji on Feb. 10, 2009, to begin a rail op moving 40 containers.
(Army photo by Sgt 1st Class Mike Brantley)
CAMP TAJI - Iraqi national distribution capability took a big step forward Feb. 10, as the Iraqi Railroad successfully picked up cargo from Iraqi Transportation Network trucks at Camp Taji and moved it to the Port of Umm Qasr.
The rail spur at Taji opened for cargo movement for the first time since 2004. A 20-car IRR train owned and operated by the GoI picked up 40 empty containers for movement to the port of Umm Qasr. The op was an important step in an effort to linking Iraqi trucking, Iraqi rail, and Iraqi port ops.
The IRR is a key piece of transportation infrastructure for Iraq according to Maj. Scott D. Meyer, Strategic Mobility - IRR Program Officer, MNF-Iraq. Meyer said that Iraq has a geographic advantage to turn it into a hub for moving cargo from the port at Umm Qasr to Turkey, Syria and Jordan. The rail lines themselves are in good repair and Iraq has experienced operators for running the trains, Meyer added.
Upon arrival in Umm Qasr, the IRR will load cargo and move it back through Iraq. Sustainers and transportation experts from the 10th Sust Bde provided partnership and planning for the op. Maj. Peter P. Vien, Bde Engr, 10th Sust. Bde. said that coordination involved all echelons of command starting at MNF-I, through the 3rd Sust Command (Expeditionary), the 10th Sust. Bde.'s higher command. "I think it was very successful, because this will be the first time we had the Iraqis come into Taji and pick-up stuff and move it out, Vien said.
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Iraqi Police Hold Last Fallujah Checkpoint
By Cpl. Ryan Turnage
FALLUJAH — Iraqi’s independent security capabilities continued to expand throughout eastern Anbar province, as the comm. officer of the 1st Bn, 4th Marine Regt, recently turned over command of the bn’s final entry control point, ECP 1, to the Fallujah District Chief of Police, Feb. 5.
Entry control points are manned security positions that screen persons attempting to enter specific areas for weapons, contraband and a criminal history. They are often used as a security measure around cities to protect the population.
Now that Iraqi SF control all entry control points in the Fallujah area, CF will be seen less in the cities, said Lt. Col. Eric C. Hastings, comm. officer of 1/4. ECPs 3, 5 and 7 have already been signed over and are manned by IP. “We are still here for support. So when our assistance is requested, we will show,” Hastings added.
CF have been slowly stepping back from an overt security role in the Anbar province, as IP and Army units increase their own security posture and assume greater responsibility for the safety of their fellow citizens.
The passing of security ops from Coalition to Iraqi forces helps demonstrate the Iraqi SF’s increasing dominance over insurgent elements, explained Col. Makhmud, Fallujah District chief of police. IP have been gradually taking over ops, such as patrols, convoys, organized arrests, and now maintaining ECPs throughout eastern Anbar province. “We have been preparing for independent ops for some time now, and it’s all falling into place.”
Marines and Sailors who formerly controlled the ECPs have packed up, moved to surrounding bases and are contributing to another high priority mission – supporting Iraqi SF. “Along with a successful election, this ECP is another symbol of Iraq’s ability to conduct independent ops,” concluded Hastings.
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Cherry Street Fish Market Opens Doors
By Maj. Dave Olson
Iraqi Brig. Gen. al-Talall cuts the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony of the Saydiyah Fish Market on Cherry Street, Feb. 9, 2009.
(Photo by Maj. Dave Olson)
FOB FALCON — For thousands of years, fishermen near the Ma Baynaa Al-Nahreen, the Land Between the Two Rivers, sold their catch to others to sustain their existence. Today, the Saydiyah Fish Market stands as a classic example of where Iraqi fishermen sell their wares to their neighbors from across Iraq.
Muzhir Ali Salman, the General Cooperative Union chairman, welcomed the attendees to the market’s compound. Muzhir thanked the CF for starting the project to rejuvenate the fish market and the cmdrs. who worked on the project. “This is the main fish market in all of Iraq, not just Baghdad,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Faiswl al-Talall, cmdr. of the 5th Bde, recognized the importance of the market and the eagerness of the community. “We thank CF for their contribution to this project. I appreciate the readiness of the people and their ideas to embrace progress,” he said.
The 1st BCT’s ePRT displayed a tremendous effort using the co-ops in Baghdad and the neighborhood councils to come up with this fantastic opportunity, said Col. Ted Martin, cmdr., 1st BCT, 4th ID. “We are priming the pump to bring a better life back to the Cherry Street Market,” said Martin. “The only reason we can do a project like this is because of the increase in security in Saydiyah. It was a hot spot for insurgent activity, but now all the sects get along to live together peacefully.”
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Father, son team-up in Iraq reconstruction efforts (Tallil)
By Norris Jones
TALLIL AIR BASE – An Arkansas father and son team are part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACE) massive rebuilding efforts in Iraq. Denver and Eric Gillespie will soon be completing their 6-month tours and say what made the deployment so special was meeting, working with, and getting to know the Iraqi people.
Shortly after returning stateside, Denver will be retiring. He says the Iraq deployment was a great way to finish his 34-year career with USACE, where he currently serves as the senior electrician at the Greers Ferry hydroelectric power station; the same facility where his father worked and also retired.
Eric has been with USACE 9 years and currently is an operator and diver at Murray Lock and Dam near Little Rock. He says he’s hopeful at some point he gets an opportunity to relocate to Greers Ferry to become the third-generation Gillespie to work there.
In Iraq, the Gillespies are construction reps with the Adder Area Office at Tallil Air Base. Eric is helping ensure quality work at 7 projects, including the new 80-bed Maysan Surgical Hospital, the IA’s new Maymona Location Command, expansion of 2 roads, and the upgrade of the Amarah Landfill with a new incinerator, all in Maysan Province.
Denver is overseeing the expansion of the Tallil airfield, the new Ur Location Command for the IA, and upgrading 2 electrical substations in Dhi Qar Province.
One of the highlights of the tour, they say, was visiting Al Haboosh Primary School in December to hand out toys, soccer balls and school supplies to the 225 students there. That school is located next to a new water treatment plant that will provide access to clean water to that community for the first time. The local tribal leader, Sheik Razak, says residents there had historically just pumped raw water out of the local canal for household use. “It's very bad water. This project is important for the health of everyone who lives here. It’s a great sign of progress.”
Eric noted many of the students at that school were the same age as his 2 sons, Drake 7, and Caleb 6. “It was great to see their smiles. They were so appreciative of what we’re trying to do.’
Denver says he’s grateful to get an opportunity to see this part of the world — geographical landmarks mentioned in the Bible – such as the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, and the ancient city of Ur where Abraham was raised. Denver has been a volunteer minister for the past 15 years and when he retires April 1, will become the full-time pastor at the McJester Baptist Church in Pangburn, Ark. “In Iraq, family is everything” Denver explained. “Whether the father is a truck driver or a camel herder, you see their sons close by – learning the trade, being mentored, getting schooled about life. It’s a bond that I admire.”
They both also helped barbecue steaks and hamburgers to recognize Adder Area Office’s Iraqi engrs who visit those construction sites daily. “They are on our staff and do a tremendous job, Eric said. “These individuals all have college degrees, are very knowledgeable about our procedures, and they are willing to risk their lives every day to try to make their community a better place for their children and grandchildren. They’ve earned our utmost respect.”
Denver and Eric are Navy vets. Denver was a boiler technician on the aircraft carrier USS Midway during Vietnam. Eric was a machinist mate on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. Denver also spent time as an anti-submarine warfare operator.
“It’s been awesome getting this chance to serve with Dad – being part of his last hurrah before he closes this chapter on his life,” Eric said. “We’re both very proud to be members of the USACE team here – seeing how appreciative the Iraqi people are of our efforts. We are making a difference,” he concluded.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers discover caches, UXO in Rashid
BAGHDAD - Feb. 9, during a patrol, police officers, partnered with Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 505th PIR, attached to 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered 200 to 300 linked 7.62mm machine gun rounds and a 60mm mortar round while conducting ops in the Abu T-Shir community.
IP partnered with Airmen from Detachment 3, 732nd Expeditionary SF Sqdrn, attached to 1st BCT, 4th ID, responded to a tip from a concerned Iraqi citizen, and discovered 5 bags of ammo in a canal, while conducting ops in the Arab Jabour area.
Later in the afternoon, IP officers partnered with Soldiers from Co B, 1st Bn., 505th PIR, discovered a mine and a mortar round, while conducting ops in the Masafee community.
IP officers partnered with Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a 107mm rocket while conducting ops in the Bayaa community.
While on a joint patrol, INP officers partnered with Soldiers from Troop B, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, seized 16 AK-47 assault rifles and 4 60mm mortar rounds, while conducting ops in the Risalah community.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers confiscate weapons, discover EFP
BAGHDAD - Iraqi SF partnered with MND-Baghdad Soldiers confiscated 4 AK-47 assault rifles, an SKS assault rifle and 2 pistols Feb. 10, while conducting ops in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The weapons were transported to ISF facilities.
Additionally, IP officers partnered with Soldiers from Troop A, 7th Sqdrn, 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered an Explosively Formed Penetrator while conducting ops in the Hadar community at approx. 9:15 p.m.
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ISF detain suspected criminals in Mansour
BAGHDAD - Feb. 10, at noon, IA Soldiers arrested 3 criminals, who had outstanding warrants for participating in terrorist activities.
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Entourage
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ramone Delgado talks to a group of Iraqi children while walking down a road during a patrol with IP to conduct post-election surveys in Al Iman, Feb. 3, 2009. Delgado is assigned to the 4th ID's 10th Cal Regt, 2nd BCT.
(Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class James Wagner)
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Looking Up
Local children take a rare opportunity to pose for a picture in Jsir Dyala, Jan. 27.
(Photo by Spc. Chase Kincaid)
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Combined Joint Task Force 101 RSS
45th Sust Bde Assumes Command of Joint Logistics Command in Afghanistan
Story by Sgt. Jennifer Premer
BAGRAM AIR FIELD – The 45th Sust Bde assumed responsibility of the Joint Logistics Command from 101st Sust Bde, during a transfer-of-authority ceremony, Feb. 7.
Army Col. Clay Hatcher, cmdr. of the 45th, will oversee the org., which is responsible for providing logistical support to CF throughout Afghanistan; ensuring troops in the combined joint area of ops are fully supplied.
“The opportunity for the 45th to step forward and assume responsibility for the Joint Logistics Command is a privilege,” said Hatcher. “We recognize that much remains to be done, and we do not underestimate the significant task to which we have committed ourselves.”
As troop strength is expected to increase in the next few months, the command’s responsibilities will continue to grow. “We are expanding our footprint in Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, the Combined Joint TF-101 cmdr. “I know that the team we have here is up to the task,” he continued.
Hatcher also expressed confidence in the assignment. “We have a great year ahead of us as we continue to build on the outstanding legacy of the JLCs of the past.”
The 45th is based in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and will be augmented next month by the 286th CSSB, out of Bangor, Maine, and by the 484th Movement Control Bn out of Springfield, Mo., in April.
Several members of the brigade executed the 2004 JLC mission while assigned to the 25th ID Support Command, which is linked to the 45th’s heritage.
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