Dear Interested Reader,
Spotlighting a remarkable young woman's determination to become an American. Sgt. Juan Pichardo, another outstanding American, challenges Iraqi children to dream. IA assumes responsibility of COP 4. Q-West officials hold job fair for Iraqis. IP complete tactical training by 12th Cav. Regt Soldiers. In Afghanistan, the Rapid Equipping Force offers innovative tactical equipment and technologies. Army couple re-enlist as part of the Military Army Couples Program.
Joanna
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March 6, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Oath of a new life, end of a journey
Taking the last major step of naturalization, 2nd Lt. Memorina Edwin Barnes, recites the Oath of U.S. Citizenship, officially making her an American citizen.
(U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp)
VICTORY BASE COMPLEX - A flood of memories and emotion rushed through the mind of 2nd Lt. Memorina Edwin Barnes, EO, HQ Service Co, Div Special Troops Bn, 1st Cav Div, as she reflected on the sacrifices it took to achieve her dream of becoming an American citizen.
Along with 250 other service members - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines - who shared and sacrificed for that same dream, Barnes recited the Oath of U.S. Citizenship to become a naturalized citizen during the MNC-Iraq Naturalization Ceremony held March 3 at Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory.
Amid a sea of service members who represented many different countries and cultures, Barnes, a native of Pohnpei, an island of the Federated States of Micronesia, received a U.S. flag and her certificate of citizenship at the ceremony.
"I was overwhelmed and felt a surge of pride," said Barnes of the ceremony. "When I was presented the flag, a million things were floating through my head, so many memories about growing up and getting to where I am today. I couldn't believe this moment was actually here. I was trying hard not to cry, and wished my family could have been here to see this," Barnes added. "I could finally say, 'I'm fighting for 'my' country."'
Despite the fact that her husband, also a Soldier stationed back at Fort Hood, Texas; her 4-year-old son, Darren, and her 2-year-old daughter Olivia could not take part in the ceremony, Barnes said they were there in spirit, and that she leaned on support from her unit. "Although my husband and kids are in Killeen, Texas, I'm surrounded by people here who I call family," said Barnes. "Everyone has been very supportive, and almost my entire unit was there for the ceremony."
The significance of getting her citizenship in Iraq was not lost on Barnes. "I'm going to give 20 years of service to the U.S. Army, and I would give my life so my kids can be citizens of a free country," Barnes said. "This reinforces the reasons I'm here in Iraq in the first place. I'm doing my part for our country by being here, but it's not just me. I'm just a small part of this," she added. "Every Soldier who received their citizenship today took steps long before this to get their citizenship, and we all served our nation even before we could call it home."
Many years prior to her service in the Army, the seeds of Barnes seeking the American dream were first planted during her difficult early years as a child on Pohnpei. "Life in Micronesia was hard. We went to school, but not every day and we always wore hand-me-down clothes, but half the time we didn't have shoes," said Barnes. "We always had to share and food came in very small portions. There was no running water; we bathed by a creek," she added. "We had to live off the land-growing vegetables-and there was no money most of the time."
Along with this, Barnes walked 3 miles to school over rough terrain, where there were no paved roads. With all the hardships of living on the island, Barnes said her family saw something special in the U.S. and wanted to be part of it.
"My grandfather was always a great admirer of the U.S. and always spoke very highly of it," Barnes said. "He'd be really proud of me if he were still alive. Even before I was a U.S. citizen, every time I heard the U.S. national anthem, it would always give me a chill up my spine, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this nation," she added.
When she was 13, Barnes and her family left Pohnpei in 1988 for Kaneohe, Hawaii, where she spent her teenage years and first tasted the American dream-a dream that promised more freedom, and better opportunities for her family.
Through the years as an immigrant in Hawaii, Barnes said she overcame prejudice and unfair, false and negative stereotypes. "A lot of people don't understand that it's not money immigrants are seeking, but rather the opportunity to better themselves," said Barnes. "The majority of immigrants who come to the U.S. are hard-working people, willing to make sacrifices for the freedoms they don't have in their own country."
Barnes, who has 15 years of military service under her belt, said she worked hard throughout high school, pursuing the American dream, and then entered the Army at the age of 19 as a private. "I worked my way up through the ranks, and I did a lot of the jobs no one else wanted to do," said Barnes. "I didn't have a plush job and just had to keep soldiering on."
By the time Barnes reached 13 years of service in the Army, she achieved the rank of sgt 1st class, completed a bachelor's degree, and turned in a packet to become an officer. In 2007, Barnes received her commission as a 2nd lt in the Army's chemical branch.
According to Lt. Col. Matthew Karres, comm. officer, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div., Barnes exudes the spirit of an American patriot, and is someone who definitely deserves U.S. citizenship, especially when looking at all her hard work and sacrifices she made over the years. "As a second generation American who is a grandson of immigrants, I think this is awesome," said Karres, reflecting on Barnes receiving her citizenship. "We're all really proud of her. She's also getting promoted this month, so March is a big month for her."
Along with having pride in being an American citizen, Barnes will also never forget her Pohnpeian culture and will pass that down to her children. With both her children being native-born U.S. citizens, she will also remind them of the sacrifices immigrants and others have made for them to have their freedom - a freedom that many people living in other countries around the world might never experience. "I'll definitely tell them to never take the country they live in for granted, and to be proud of and loyal to the United States."
A smiling 2nd Lt. Memorina Edwin Barnes (center), chats with a fellow Soldier just prior to a Naturalization Ceremony.
(Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp)
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Blackanthem Military News
New York teacher challenges Iraqi children to dream
By Capt. Paul L. Greenberg
RCT 8
Sgt. Juan L. Pichardo of 2nd Bn, 25th Marine Regt, RCT 8, gives stuffed animals to students at Shahira al-Joulan Girls Primary School in Rutbah, during a visit by one of the bn's patrols, Feb. 16, 2009. The stuffed animals were sent to the Marines by Beanies for Baghdad, an official military 501(c) non-profit member of the Dept of Defense's America Supports You program.
RUTBAH - Dreams were difficult to imagine for more than 300 girls at Shahira al-Joulan Girls Primary School in western Iraq, who have grown up in a world plagued with poverty, a dearth of basic essential services, violent insurgent battles, and constant U.S. military presence in the city. But things have changed drastically in Rutbah over the past year. Since the Reserve Marines arrived in the area in October, there has been very little violence. Not one Marine has fired a shot in the city for more than 6 months, and CF are working arduously with the U.S. State Dept, and local GoI officials to provide reliable electric and water services to local citizens, and spearhead a host of initiatives to improve the city's infrastructure and quality of life.
On Feb. 16, 2009, the Marines of the 2nd Bn. conducted their 6th Rutbah-area school visit at Shahira al-Joulan. The event included an interview with the principal, an inspection of the school's infrastructure, and the distribution of more than 400 stuffed animals. The city mayor and dir. of engineering projects also accompanied the Marines.
More important than just bringing toys, the Marines came with an abundance of smiles and a message of hope. "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Bedard to a class of 6th grade students. "Before a dream is realized, the soul of the world tests everything that was learned along the way," continued Bedard, quoting author Paulo Coelho through the help of an Arabic interpreter. "The world does this not because it's evil, but so that we can, in addition to realizing our dreams, master the lessons we've learned, as we've moved toward that dream."
"It's an exciting time to be a young lady in Iraq," continued Bedard now using his own words. "I challenge you to set goals and have dreams for your future. Don't be afraid and don't let anyone tell you your dreams can't come true. You must not quit, as there will be setbacks along the way. As you get closer, the difficulty will increase. Like when you walk into the wind, right before you get to your destination, the wind will always be the strongest. Don't give up, because you never know what the next day will bring."
Currently serving as a senior watch officer with the bn, Bedard, accompanies the infantrymen on patrols into the city whenever his schedule will permit.
When speaking with the school principal, Wajda Habib, the Marine leaders on the patrol realized this serendipitous event provided them the opportunity to not only get to know the students, but also rebuild bridges with the school staff.
Habib explained that prior to this visit, her only impression of CF was from the U.S. military unit which came into the school while it was closed during heavy fighting in 2003 and 2004 to search for insurgents.
With the assistance of the U.S. State Dept PRT, they are facilitating the construction of 2 new classrooms at al-Joulan to repair damages sustained by the school earlier in the war. The Rutbah citizens' collective view of CF began to change dramatically in mid-2007, explained Qasim Awwad, the mayor of Rutbah, with the assistance of an interpreter.
Awwad, who served in the IA for 20 years and fought against the Americans in 2003, said that because of the Coalition's work alongside Iraqi SF "to separate the terrorists from the citizens" during the height of the insurgency, the city is now a safer place. "The building projects, the school visits; these have helped to change perceptions in the minds of the Iraqi people," said Awwad, who metaphorically described the relationship between the Americans and the Iraqis as 2 soldiers on a battlefield. "If a soldier sees an enemy he has injured in battle, he can leave him to die, or he can go and help him," stated Awwad. "The Americans have chosen to help."
As the Coalition draws down their forces in the Al Anbar region, and hands over many security responsibilities to Iraqi SF, Awwad added a caveat that some Coalition security assistance is still vital to the success of the fledgling democracy here, which he described as a baby struggling for life. "We can't make any development or progress without your help," said Awwad. "Things are better than before. The people, they have freedom now…. But we need time to grow."
Qasim Awwad, the mayor of Rutbah, and Sgt. Juan L. Pichardo distribute stuffed animals to children.
Qasim Awwad and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Bedard speak to a classroom of students. Bedard, a retired Marine who volunteered to come back onto active duty for this deployment, is a full-time high school teacher in Westbury, N.Y.
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8th IA Div. assumes responsibility of COP 4
Col. Butch Kievenaar and Lt. Gen. Oothman, 8th IA Div. cmdr shake hands as Kievenaar hands over the key.
(Army photos by Sgt. Rodney Foliente)
CAMP ECHO - The 8th IA Div received responsibility for COP 4 from the 2nd BCT, 4th ID, Warhorse Bde during a transfer of authority ceremony, Mar. 3.
"The transition of COP 4 is a very important event to Iraqis, showing that America and Iraq are following the terms of the Security Agreement, which was signed on Jan. 1," said Iraqi Lt. Gen. Oothman, cmdr. The COP is very crucial to maintaining security and ensuring the insurgency, which destabilized the area in the past, is kept from doing the same again, said Oothman. He praised the efforts of U.S. and CF "to help stabilize the area and train the IA."
"CF have worked closely with the IA. We have seen a dramatic improvement in the skill, effectiveness and professionalism of this unit. The people of this great province and country should be proud of the IA and the fine Soldiers it has produced," said Lt. Col. Doug Cardinale, 2nd CAB, 8th Inf Regt cmdr. "I am confident that the 8th IA Div, under the guidance of Lt. Gen. Oothman, can use this COP as another effective tool in keeping Diwaniya as one of the safest provinces in all of Iraq." Cardinale said. "You cannot build a strong country without ensuring it has a strong army. Iraq is building for the future and its proud Army is leading the way."
"The 8th IA has been operating independently for more than 3 years, and was the first to provide a safe and secure environment to the Iraqi people," said Col. Butch Kievenaar, 2nd BCT cmdr. "It's been our privilege to partner with you, and to continue to help in that development as you continue to move forward in securing Iraq. When Soldiers perform in battle together, they are bonded by something more than blood. And this bde, with the 8th IA - not only during this rotation but on previous rotations - have served together and formed a brotherhood. Rest assured, our brotherhood will remain strong, and we will continue to always be there to support. While I don't think you will need it, we will always answer the call if you require us to be there," said Kievenaar. "This is not an end; this is a continuation of our mission and a continuation of our partnership as we continue to move forward in securing Iraq," said Kievenaar.
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Q-West officials hold job fair for Iraqis
Lt. Col. Alan Dorow (standing), cmdr, 181st BSB, and Q-West Mayor, addresses local Iraqi leaders. IA Brig. Gen. Zeidan, cmdr, 7th Bde; Lt. Col. Eric Fleming, dep. cmdr, 16th Sust Bde; and Lt. Col. Kenneth Garrison, were all on hand to talk with provincial leaders.
(Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Kirsten Froelich)
COB ADDER - In an effort to encourage more Iraqis to take jobs on base, Iraqi and Coalition leaders met with sheiks and civic leaders from the Ninawa province during a job fair held, Feb. 23.
The base already employs many Iraqis, but will increase this number with new jobs being offered to Iraqis in nearby villages. "The job fair is the first step in what I hope will be a long and continued relationship between COB Q-West leadership, contractors, and the local people around Q-West," said Lt. Col. Alan Dorow, cmdr, 181st BSB, and Q-West Mayor. "This area is a farming community and has been hit very hard by the drought for the past 3 to 4 years. The lack of rain has created a huge need for jobs to support local families. We won't be able to help everyone of course, but every little bit helps, and employment opportunities foster the great working relationships and security for this area."
Sheiks and Iraqi civic leaders at the job fair were asked to provide a list of individuals who would be willing to work on the logistics base, along with basic contact info and skill summaries for the prospective contractors. Iraqi leaders were asked to complete an "order of merit" list that will be utilized by Q-West employers to help prioritize potential applicants.
Lt. Col. Kenneth Garrison, cmdr, 81st Bde Special Troops Bn, and base defense ops cell cmdr. said the key to the success of the initiative is to find the right balance among all the competing interests in the local area. "This requires an understanding of the local demographics, as well as 'buy-in' and cooperation among the local leaders," said Garrison. "This has to be an Iraqi solution."
Dorow said that companies that operate on Q-West will go down the lists and fill positions as they come available. Job vacancies will be filled gradually over the next few months until all positions are filled.
Local Iraqi leaders from the Ninawa province meet with Army leaders.
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Iraqi Policemen Complete Tactical Training
By Pfc. Terence Ewings
An Iraqi policeman provides combat casualty care to an American Soldier acting as an injured detainee during a 2-week training exercise near COB Adder, Feb. 28.
(Photo by Pfc. Terence Ewings)
COB ADDER — Six IP were tactically positioned outside the home of suspected criminals, preparing to burst into the structure during a room-clearing training exercise here, Feb. 28. The class, taught by U.S. Soldiers at Combat Support Center Cedar near the base, was part of an on-going partnership with the Muthanna Province’s Tactical Security Unit (TSU) in southern Iraq.
“This training has helped my Police get vital situational training from experienced leaders,” said Capt. Majid, the co cmdr. of the TSU Policemen. During the training, 2nd Bn, 12th Cav Regt Soldiers instructed the IP in combat life-saver techniques, react to contact, escalation of force, reflexive fire and room clearance procedures.
“The Iraqis were focused and approached every obstacle like it was as important as the last,” said Capt. Mike Flynn, a co cmdr. “We challenged the IP’s and their leadership to be more involved, and it was interesting to see how they worked through it. Their emphasis on providing and maintaining security was impressive.”
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Combined Joint TF 101 - Afghanistan
REF helps support Soldiers
By Army Pfc. Cody Thompson
BAGRAM AIR FIELD (February 23, 2009) – Located inside of the Joint TF Paladin Complex, the Rapid Equipping Force (REF) offers innovative tactical equipment and technologies.
The REF is comprised of Soldiers working with contractors to provide equipment in limited quantities to units for specific capability shortfalls. This increases Soldier's safety and combat effectiveness on the battlefield. “The REF is allowing me to take logistics to the next level,” said El Hadji Ndiaye, REF contract logistics analyst, whose previous experience as an Army logistics specialist helps to push the logistics envelope. “What we do is important because it creates an impact on how we fight the war by inserting new technology that’s extremely useful to the war fighter in a very short time frame.”
REF, HQ out of Fort Belvoir, Va., is part of the Army logistics org. which consists of ops, intel, requirement validations, acquisition and technology mgt. However, REF isn’t under the same constraints as a regular logistics unit. Something that would take logistics 8 or 9 months to create only takes the REF 8 or 9 weeks, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard Manley, REF ops NCO in charge.
The REF’s origin began in 2002 when Col. Bruce Jette, REF founder met with Gen. John Keane, Army Vice Chief of Staff at the time, and discussed the possibility of using robots instead of Soldiers to search caves in Afghanistan.
Jette developed a remote controlled robot using commercial technology and brought it to Afghanistan, where it was hailed as a success. Unlike the Central Issuing Facility and the Rapid Fielding Initiative, REF specializes in rapidly fielding specific equipment from govt or commercial off-the-shelf purchases.
According to the REF’s official website, cmdrs or Soldiers first have to go through a 10-Liner form, similar to an Operational Needs Statement, to acquire equipment. “The process begins and ends with the Soldier,” said Manley.
Dr. Dan Kingsley, REF managing theater engr contractor, said the contractors provide in-theater engineering support with advice and gather requirements. REF equips Soldiers and units with counter-IEDs, forward operating base security systems, camera systems, individual Soldier systems, personal protection and lightweight equipment.
Flight medics of the 1-168 Gen. Support Aviation Bn units utilize a small, compact hands-free ventilation system provided by the REF. “We used it on a patient that required ventilation and had complications through the intubation. My partner successfully navigated the tube down the patient’s trachea on the first attempt and proceeded to apply a rapid sequence of intubation, and once tapered, we transferred him to the emergency room,” said Army Sgt. Ruben Higgins, flight medic, Co C, 1-168.
“REF equipment is very useful. I like the idea that they’re encouraging companies to let us use some of this stuff to try and get improvements for it,” said Army Sgt. Christopher P. Thompson, 2nd team leader, 2nd plt, Co B, 1st Bn, 26th Inf Regt, Korengal Valley COB, Afghanistan.
“The future of the REF looks bright and if one piece of REF equipment saves one Soldier’s life, then we’ve done our job,” said Manley. “Anywhere there’s a Soldier deployed, the REF will be there.”
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Army couple re-enlists in combat zone
By Army Sgt. Amber Robinson
BAGRAM AIR FIELD (February 25, 2009) – Two Army Soldiers of HHC, TF Spartan, 10th Mtn Div, took a step toward an Army life together during a re-enlistment ceremony earlier this month.
Army Sgt. Ladondra Lyons, supply NCO, and Army Spc. Marvin Pearson, resource specialist, recently re-enlisted for 4 more years at Fort Hood, Texas, once their combat tour is over. The couple are on the Military Army Couples Program.
Currently, the couple share what many Soldiers’ must do without during a deployment, and that is time with each other. Although deployment is stressful and the hours are long, Lyons and Pearson make the time to spend with each other. “We at least try and eat chow together,” said Pearson. “We write each other letters when we don’t get to talk to each other,” said Lyons. “If I need to talk to her and she’s busy I just write her a letter about what’s on my mind,” said Pearson. “I also like to leave her little gifts to let her know that I’m thinking of her.”
Both Soldiers feel lucky to have the time that they have during the day. Their future looks bright and both are positive about where their decision will take them.
“In my last unit at Fort Sill, our cmdr would let us take a 4-day weekend prior to making the decision to re-enlist,” said Lyons. “But I had a real positive mind about this from the beginning; I like my job and feel good about this.”
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