Dear Interested Reader,
Kudos to the 38th MP's successful mission and return home. Father and son team up for Iraq reconstruction. Combat camera troops record history at personal risk. Progress in Baghdad continues on all fronts. A water tower near Nasiriyah provides clean water. Basra gets a forensic lab upgrade. Lt. Gen. Sorenson stresses the importance in sharing of info, while GoI officials focus on better project mgt, budget prep. and execution, and a better understanding of costs. In Afghanistan, combined forces killed 10 militants and detained 6.
Joanna
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Feb. 27, 2009
Blackanthem Military News
38th MPs complete mission in Iraq
By Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana National Guard
Ricky McPherson III holds a sign while waiting for his uncle, Cpl. Kenny Barngrover, to return to Stout Field, Indianapolis, Ind., for a homecoming ceremony on Feb. 24.
(Indiana National Guard Photos by Staff Sgt. Tina Griffin)
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Approx. 170 Soldiers with the 38th ID MP Co., HQ in Danville, Ind., were greeted home by cheering family, friends and loved ones. "These Soldiers they sacrificed their normal lives here with us to help provide a better, more prosperous, life for 25 million Iraqi citizens," said Brig. Gen. Joseph Culver, 38th ID asst cmdr, before the Soldiers arrived. "They suffered the heat, the cold, the loneliness. A complete lifestyle change to bring hope to those citizens."
The 38th MP Co. worked with police transition teams to train Iraqi citizens to be police officers, and how to better perform their ops. "There has been a dramatic increase in IP competency from the time we landed in May from when we towed in February," said 38th MP Co cmdr, Capt. William McGray. "The IP are quite capable in executing their mission and protecting the Iraqi civilians that they're duty bound to secure." According to McGray, the 38th MP Co Soldiers were responsible for police development in approx. 15 locations and 2 districts in the vicinity in and around the Baghdad area.
"We were very successful, I believe," said 1st Sgt. Johnny Madden, top enlisted Soldier for the 38th MP Co. Madden said from the time they arrived to the time the unit left there was a immense difference in the police force as a whole. "It was very rewarding," added Madden.
Corp. Daniel Weesner embraces his mother, Kimbra, and father, Gary, during a welcome home ceremony.
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Blackanthem Military News
Face of Defense: Father, Son Team Up for Iraq Reconstruction
By Norris Jones, USACE Gulf Region South district
Eric Gillespie and his father, Denver Gillespie, both Navy veterans and ACE employees from Arkansas, are serving together on a 6-month deployment with ACE's Gulf Region South district overseeing construction projects in Iraq.
TALLIL AIR BASE - What made the deployment so special was meeting, working with and getting to know the Iraqi people, they said. The Gillespies are construction reps with the Adder Area Office here. Denver is overseeing projects, including the expansion of the Tallil airfield, the new Ur Location Command for the IA, and upgrading 2 electrical substations in Dhi Qar province.
Eric is helping to 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.
One of the highlights of the tour, they said, was visiting Al Haboosh Primary School in December to hand out toys, soccer balls and school supplies to the 225 students there. The school is 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, said residents there historically had just pumped raw water out of the local canal for household use. "It's very bad water," he said. "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 sons, Drake, 7, and Caleb, 6. "It was great to see their smiles," he said. "They were so appreciative of what we're trying to do."
Denver said he's grateful to get an opportunity to see this part of the world and get a first-hand look at 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 also helped to 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 veterans. Denver was a boiler technician on the aircraft carrier USS Midway during the Vietnam War. Eric was a machinist mate on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation. Denver also spent time as an anti-submarine warfare operator. Denver plans to retire soon after returning stateside. He says the Iraq deployment was a great way to finish his 34-year career with USACE, where he 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 for 9 years and is an operator and diver at Murray Lock and Dam near Little Rock. He said hopes to get an opportunity to relocate to Greers Ferry to become the third generation of Gillespies to work there.
"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."
Denver Gillespie poses with Iraqi children and a camel.
Eric Gillespie distributes toys to Iraqi children.
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US Air Forces Central
Combat Camera Troops Record History
(By Staff Sgt. Tim Beckham)
In this file photo, AF Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Brammer documents a joint patrol between U.S. and IA Soldiers in Muhandiseen, Oct. 30, 2008.
(Photo by SSgt. JoAnn S. Makinano)
SATHER AIR BASE — When thinking of the word combat, many have visions of fire fights, violent conflicts and warfare. For a few Airmen and Soldiers, the word combat means being armed with a camera. For these members of the MNC - Iraq C39 Joint Combat Camera (ComCam) team, based out of Baghdad, taking still and motion imagery isn’t just a hobby … it's their mission.
“My job documents history in the making and shows folks at home what’s going on here,” said SSgt. Joann Makinano, MNC-I combat photojournalist. “We are unfiltered and unbiased. What we see is what you get.”
“Our job brings the mission home to people around the world,” added Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Brammer, MNC-I combat videographer, and member of the 1st ComCam Sqdrn at Charleston AF Base, S.C. “It makes it accessible to people. Plus, a comcam team gets to go where a lot of people don’t get to go.”
Many people have probably seen imagery from the war in a magazine, newspaper, online or on television, but may have failed to realize that behind every great photo, behind every great video, stands a person behind a lens. “After 7 with ComCam and this being my 3rd deployment, it’s become second nature,” said Makinano, who is also deployed from the 1st CCS. “Most of the units I’ve gone out with think we’re crazy, but we are Airmen and Soldiers first. And being a member of a team means that protecting your battle buddies is a higher priority, regardless of the job.”
“There are a lot of support functions on a base that never get to see the Soldiers they are supporting in action,” said Brammer. “Families in the States don’t know what it’s about and neither do taxpayers. They never really know what those Soldiers do on a mission, but we do. And we get to tell everyone about it, good or bad.”
Being armed with a camera may not sound like the ideal way to go into combat, but these comcam personnel wouldn’t have it any other way. Makinano said sometimes it feels surreal to be behind the lens and that in her 3 deployments she has seen firsthand the progression the country of Iraq has made. “During my last deployment in 2007, there was a lot of action and I covered combat ops like raids. It was nerve-racking, and I was always anticipating the worst. This deployment, we’ve covered humanitarian aid drops, and dismounted patrols with Iraqi counterparts. Things have since calmed down. But you still have to maintain situational awareness because you never know what may happen that day.”
So the next time you see a photo or video from the war, don’t forget about the person who took it. Don’t forget about the person behind the lens.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Progress in Baghdad Continues on all Fronts, Commander Reports
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Almost 2 months after the new status-of-forces and strategic framework agreements took effect in Iraq, a bde cmdr in Baghdad Feb. 23, reported record-low violence as Iraqi SF assume ever-increasing responsibilities.
“We’ve been constantly amazed at the changes that have occurred in just the last 4 months since we arrived,” Army Col. Joseph Martin, cmdr of the 1st ID’s 2nd BCT, told Pentagon reporters during a video teleconference from Camp Victory. The Dagger Bde’s 3,800-plus Soldiers operate in an area in northwestern Baghdad that Martin said is seeing steady improvement in security, economic growth and building projects. “Violence is at an all-time low since 2004, with record-low attacks against Coalition and Iraqi SF,” he said. Martin credited the growing partnership between his Soldiers and the 6th Iraqi Div. and 5 IP districts with ensuring the positive trend has continued.
The Dagger Brigade has embraced the partnership, which was solidified in the security agreement that took effect Jan. 1, Martin said. “Our role is to fully support and assist our Iraqi counterparts,” he said. “We’re seeing U.S. forces move out of selected sites within Baghdad, transferring them to the Iraqi govt ministries or SF as designated by the GoI.”
But despite this progress, Martin cautioned against declaring victory over the insurgency. “The enemy is severely disrupted, but still present and evolving,” he said. “And our partner Iraqi forces take nothing for granted when it comes to the security of Iraqi citizens.”
Martin praised his Soldiers for their instrumental role in the continued progress. “We can’t thank them enough,” he said. “We can’t train them hard enough. We can’t provide them enough of the best equipment on the face of the Earth, because they are at the heart of the mission every day. They are amongst the Iraqi people, standing guard, on point, on patrol, with their security counterparts, ensuring that every Iraqi has the possibility of a bright future.”
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U.S. Engineers Survey Water System
By Spc. Creighton Holub
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs
A water tower near Nasiriyah provides clean water for citizens of southern Iraq. The structure is part of a new supply system that also supports 4 smaller towns nearby.
COB ADDER — American military and civilian engrs recently took to the sky for an eagle’s-eye view of the water systems of Nasiriyah and 4 smaller surrounding cities. The final project, will provide water to the citizens of 5 cities in the Dhi-qar province of southern Iraq. The current system includes a treatment plant and elevated water towers that were installed in 2007 and subsequently turned over to the GoI.
“There are existing water networks, but they’re in terrible shape,” said James Thompson, a mechanical engr working in the public works div of the ACEs’ Gulf Region Div based here. “This new network is going to have a greater effect per person. This is a project that the people are going to see and experience immediately. They are going to get water, where they’ve never had water before.” The Iraqi govt is funding the project and is receiving guidance from the engrs, in order to make the system as sturdy as possible.
The engrs traveled by helicopter for an aerial view of the water pipelines, water treatment plants and water towers in the Dhi Qar province, which is currently the 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div’s area of ops. According to Thompson, the upcoming pipeline system will serve the 500,000 citizens in the Dhi Qar province, and will reduce the number and amount of leaks; providing more water for the citizens to use.
“I have a better understanding of the topography and soil structure where the water distribution project is taking place,” said Maj. Thomas McBroom, a Cmdr’s Emergency Relief Program project mgr assigned to 602nd Engineering Detachment. “We’re going to be running water distribution pipes through 5 cities. While we were out there, we saw several CERP projects to include the Nasiriyah tree nursery and a few schools. They are all small projects in comparison to the water distribution project.”
Even if the water project is not complete before the summer, the 4th BCT commander explained that returning to the U.S. does not mean the Iraqi people will be left behind with unfinished business. “We will be redeploying before we know it,” said Col. Philip Battaglia, the bde’s cmdr, “but we’re setting the conditions for success.”
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Basra CSI forensic lab upgrade
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South district
BASRA – Basra crime scene investigators are now working in a modernized forensic lab thanks to a renovation completed Feb. 22. “I’m very pleased with the new capabilities our renovated Basra Criminal Evidence Department Laboratory offers,” said IP Capt. Bassim. “This is the first time in 10 years our facility has been upgraded.” The 5-month project improves investigators ability to effectively analyze crime scene evidence and solve crimes, he explained.
“The completed project provides Basra a great facility to conduct criminal forensics,” said Arthur Davey, project engr with the USACE Gulf Region Div, the agency charged with managing the facility’s construction. “The evidence they collect at a crime scene, such as DNA, fingerprints, fiber and ballistics, can now be processed in a clean, efficient workplace with improved equipment and fixtures safeguarding the integrity of their findings.”
Robert Vanoer, the USACE Basra area engr, said this project represents an important step toward developing a strong rule of law in Basra and throughout Iraq. The Gulf Region Div has completed more than 300 other projects related to security and justice, including border posts, point of entry facilities, fire stations, courthouses and correctional facilities. In all, more than 4,400 projects are complete, including water supply and treatment projects, electricity infrastructure, healthcare facilities and schools.
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Sorenson addresses AFCEA meeting
BAGHDAD – Army Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Sorenson, Chief Info Officer for the Secretary of the Army, spoke at the monthly Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Assn (AFCEA) meeting, Feb. 26.
The event was joined via video teleconference by other AFCEA members and guests from Victory Base, including communications officers from the Army, AF, Navy, Marines and DoD civilians.
Lt. Gen. Sorenson began by saying to the group, “When it comes to info, it is not what you know, it is what you share.” He added, “The U.S. Army is transforming what its IT network will look like by developing a better expeditionary capability, and by having the ability to establish collaboration as a way of doing business. The Army will be transitioning a lot of independent networks into a single network enterprise. In order to be effective, we in the United States have to be able to communicate with all our expeditionary forces. The current network we have is not a single enterprise, and we have to do a lot to make it function to the expeditionary level.”
Sorenson summarized by saying, “We want to get to a universal data storage point, with one phone number, e-mail, and one set of collaborative tools that will not change, even when one physically moves, and will be effective anywhere in the world.”
Dr. Taresh asked if the Coalition faced any obstacles that the Ministry of Defense could learn from to achieve the same level of network capability. Sorenson replied, “Getting people to come to agreement on the governance, protocol and the network structure was a challenge. We now have a process where we have one single group that looks at the network structure.”
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Deveon Sudduth from MNSTC-I, J-6, said, “The info Lt. Gen. Sorenson shared was very enlightening. It was very good to see what the Army’s way forward is. I can’t wait to see this process and structure work.”
U.S. AF Col. Jeffrey Kromer, MNSTC-I J6, said, “The Baghdad chapter of AFCEA has been active since Nov. 2008. There are over 140 AFCEA chapters worldwide with 19,000 members, 13,000 corporate associates, and 16,000 corporate members. The org. serves as a bridge between govt and industry communications professionals.”
MNSTC-I’s and AFCEA’s efforts in training and mentoring their GoI partners represents a vital step towards ensuring Iraq’s self-sufficiency for the future.
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
MNSTC-I hosts Resource Management and Budgeting Conference
by Petty Officer 1st Class Jim Bane, USN
BAGHDAD - Over 40 participants at the Defense Resource Mgt Institute’s Resource Mgt & Budgeting Conference were presented graduation certificates by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Charles Luckey, Multi-National Security Transition Command (MNSTC) - Iraq dep. comm. gen., Security Assistance Office, at the NATO Training Mission - Iraq complex, Feb. 25. Conference participants came from the Iraqi Ministries of Interior, Defense, Finance, and Justice, along with the Counter-Terrorism Bureau. The conference was a 9-day event designed as a follow-up to a conference held here in Aug. 2008, that focused on general resource mgt for the ministries and bureaus.
At MNSTC-I’s request, the February conference concentrated on life-cycle costing, effectiveness analysis and project mgt. The conference also facilitated inter-ministerial discussions on the budget preparation and execution process as well as the GoI’s ability to efficiently and effectively manage public resources, and on developing int'l best-practices in resource mgt for govt entities.
The conference was coordinated by U.S. AF Maj. Suzy Bogdan, MNSTC-I SAO. Bogdan said, “We had to coordinate the invitee list, get instructors and their materials here, plus arrange for their billeting.” She added, “This workshop has been a huge success, especially for the GoI, in that it gives them the tools necessary to improve their ministries.”
Stephen Hurst, senior lecturer with DRMI, said, “We bring all these ministries together in one room, where they can sit and talk to each other. There is a huge interaction that is likely as important as what we are presenting.”
DRMI instructor Louis Morales said, “We came here and asked the ministries what their shortcomings were with regard to education and training. Their reply to us was better project mgt, better budget preparation and execution, and a better understanding of costs.”
Sabah Al-Ibrahem, Budget Dir. for the Ministry of Finance, said “The workshop was very significant and important for us to help develop skills in our work. This is especially true in a time when we move towards democracy. Now we will apply the skills for our economy through budgeting. Finance will work for the military, which will help in the defense of our country. Because of the skills learned by the attendees of this workshop, we are all specialists in budget and finance. We are grateful for the continued support of the GoI."
Counter-Terrorism Bureau Dep. Dir. Mohamed said, “I now have additional info to put together a budget that will pass through stages before approval. When we execute the budget, we will put in our minds all the info from the instructors and from the other attendees of this conference.”
MNSTC-I’s efforts in training and mentoring its GoI partners represents a vital step towards ensuring Iraq’s self-sufficiency for the future.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals
BAGHDAD – While conducting ops in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, and acting on a tip from an Iraqi citizen, Iraqi NP captured 2 suspected bomb makers in possession of more than 70 timers, one remote control, 13 batteries, a soldering gun, one silicon glue gun, a video cassette recorder and a laptop computer, at approx. 12:45 p.m. Soldiers from 1st Bn, 505th PIR, responded to assist their NP partners in the investigation.
At approx. 6 a.m. ,Feb. 25, IP officers, and Soldiers from 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, used a Baghdad Ops Center warrant in the Shurta community to detain a suspected criminal accused of terrorist activities.
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Blackanthem Military News
Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 10 Militants, Detain Six
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Afghan NA and CF killed 10 militants Feb. 24 in the Shaheed Hasas district of Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. The combined forces were conducting a routine patrol when they came under small-arms, mortar and RPG fire. They returned fire, killing a militant. After ensuring no noncombatants were in the area, the combined forces called in a precision strike, which killed 9 insurgents. Afghan soldiers also seized a weapons cache containing bomb-making materials and machine gun ammo.
In Kandahar province Feb. 25, Afghan NP and CF detained 6 suspected militants.
In the province's Maywand district, combined forces conducted an op to disrupt a bomb network that targeted CF and facilitated the entry of foreign fighters into the province. During the op, forces called for noncombatants to exit the buildings. All women and children were moved to a safe location, and forces questioned the military-aged men. Six suspected insurgents were detained while forces protected 13 women and 14 children.
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