Dear Interested Reader,
A reenlistment to remember for Spc Patrick Horton.  Soldiers sort more than half a million books for Iraqi children.  Op Bull Chisel creates trust and security.  Iraqi SF seize huge cache in Maysan province.  In Afghanistan, combined forces kill 20 militants in Helmand.  8th Marine Regt work to increase security in Farah province.  The 100th BSB is the first to deploy to southern Afghanistan from Iraq.
Joanna
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April 8, 2009

145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment RSS

Reenlistment to Remember; 25th Infantry Division Soldier Reenlists on Battlefield

Story by Spc. Daniel Nelson

Spc. Patrick Horton, 23, recites the oath-of-office with Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, during his reenlistment ceremony in Dohuk, March 21.

Dohuk - The vivid red, white and blue colors of the American flag were proudly displayed during a reenlistment ceremony for a Soldier from the 25th ID. Spc. Patrick Horton raised his right hand and took the oath-of-office with Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, 49, of Hawaii, administering it while in Dohuk for the Newroz celebration.  Horton, who is the acting intel NCO-in-charge for Command Post-North, 25th ID and TF Lightning, was nearing the end of his first contract of 4 years while in Iraq. He re-enlisted for 6 more years of service to the Army.
The ceremony was conducted with the American flag hastily hung in front of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, with an audience including members of the Kurdish regional govt and Soldiers from the CP-North team.
Brig. Gen. Brown, the MND-N Dep. Comm. Gen. (Support), spoke about the honor of being able to do the ceremony for such a “top-notch” individual such as Horton. “It’s an unbelievable privilege, being a general officer, to be able to do promotions and re-enlistment for Soldiers,” said Brown. “It’s one of the best things you get to do.”
Horton had the pleasure of addressing the group after reciting the oath and receiving his certificate of reenlistment.  He spoke with references to being proud to serve in the Army, and how he’s getting to see the work he has done during his previous deployment.  “I want to stay in until they kick me out of the Army,” added Horton to the Soldiers from the CP-North team and members of the KRG during his reenlistment.
Thereafter, people from the audience lined up and shook hands with Horton to congratulate him on his reenlistment. “You always hear stories of people having great reenlistments when they’re deployed,” Horton added following his ceremony. “It made it that much sweeter to have Brig. Gen. Brown reenlisting me into the 25th.  That was probably the most impressive thing I’ve had my whole career to this moment.”

Brig. Gen. Robert Brown presents a certificate of reenlistment to Spc. Patrick Horton.

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3rd BCT, 25th ID Public Affairs RSS

Soldiers Sort Half a Million School Books for Iraqi Children

Story by Spc. Jazz Burney

Pfc. Aaron Boatright, supply specialist, HHC, 3rd IBCT, 25th ID, and Pvt. Temira Dunn, supply specialist, HHC, 325th Bde. Support Bn., 3rd IBCT, wrap a pallet of books, March 28. 

COB SPEICHER, TIKRIT – Do you remember coming to class, sitting at the desk with your name written on it, and listening to the teacher as she told you to take out your new school book?  Do you remember the excitement of opening the book and turning the pages with eagerness to begin learning?
Soldiers of 325th BSB helped bring that excitement to Iraq as they packaged and prepared the first shipment of more than 600,000 “My Arabic Library” by Scholastic books, to be delivered to Iraqi schools throughout the Salah ad-Din province, in a combined effort to introduce and establish better learning environments and library systems for Iraqi children, March 28.
“Giving children something that they can actually sit, read and hold, gives them hope for their future. I think that giving the children of Iraq hope is an important focus for CF due to the lack of hope that is prevalent in this area,” said Sgt. Suzanne Sippel, PRT member, 425th CAB.  “I have 3 children of my own, and I know that there were influential people in their lives who made a significant impact on them.  I know that their children will be the ones making the decisions for the U.S., and the Iraqi children who will receive these supplies will eventually be the ones making the decisions for all of Iraq 25 years down the road,” she added.
The distribution project started in April 2008, following an initiative from the GoI and the U.S. State Dept.  Iraqi officials spotted the need to start library programs within the schools for Iraqi children to use.  “An additional purpose for establishing a library system within the Iraqi schools is to identify those schools that have an interest in teaching the English language.  This will also lead to starting a Pen Pal program with children of the U.S., and establish more awareness for the situation here in Iraq,” said Capt. Miguel Benzor-Anaya, health service support officer, HHC, 325th BSB.  In addition to the pen pal program and schoolbook delivery, the PRT is also working on an overall education initiative that includes building and refurbishing public libraries, and creating schools of excellence.
“If these children will remember the school supplies and other initiatives that we have provided, it will start a positive ripple effect --that by doing one thing for these children, whether it be providing a book, shoes or a pencil, that one thing could eventually be the action that makes a difference in the world,” said Sippel.  A teacher training program to enhance Iraqi teachers’ ability to instruct their students will be a part of the initiative to be established, by combined efforts from CF and the GoI, according to Sippel.

Pvt. Temira Dunn places a box of books into a pallet.

Spc. Colie Floyd, supply specialist, Co. A, 325th moves a pallet of books. The BSB sorted and repackaged more than 600,000 books.

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Multi-National Division Baghdad RSS

Operation ‘Bull Chisel’ Creates Trust, Safer Neighborhood

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Burrell

Spc. Martin Aguilar (right), a cannon crewmember assigned to Btry B, 1st Bn, 319th Abn FAR, watches over the shoulder of an Iraqi national policeman, as they prepare to enter a house during Op Bull Chisel. The op was organized and run by the Iraqi NPs with support from CF, March 30.

BAGHDAD – Dogs bark and children play in the trash-littered streets before going to school in a neighborhood in eastern Baghdad just like any other morning.  Pungent odors from the street mix with sweet smells of flatbread cooking in wood-fire ovens.  Iraqis go about their daily routine, but this isn’t any ordinary muhalla, or neighborhood.
“We got tips that there were weapons caches in the muhalla,” said Capt. Ken Cosgriff, cmdr of the Btry B 'Bulls.'  “Our mission was to establish a cordon rapidly, clear the area and confirm or deny if caches were in the muhalla.”
Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles and blue Ford pick-up trucks belonging to IP arrived on the outskirts of the neighborhood for Op Bull Chisel, an Iraqi NP run cordon and clearing mission, in Zafaraniyah.
More than 70 Soldiers from Btry B and 60 NP used Iraqi and U.S. vehicles to cordon off and sweep a neighborhood for explosives and weapons caches.  Though no explosives were found, 21 AK-47 assault rifles were confiscated during the sweep.  Under Iraqi law, households or business may keep 1 registered weapon for self defense.
“The NPs are very proactive about giving memorandums that state, ‘we didn’t destroy anything,’” said Cosgriff. “They also document whatever is taken, and the owners of the house sign a document.” The document is proof that any weapons confiscated can be reclaimed through the right govt process, and gives people more trust in the NPs and U.S. Soldiers.
“They're friendly toward us because the NPs would explain, ‘these are Americans and they are going to search your home with us,’” explained Spc. Michael Ingles, a cannon crewmember assigned to Btry. B.  “They're really willing to work with us, and not so much against us,” he added.
Though some Iraqis’ lives were inconvenienced for a few minutes, the overwhelming feeling in the community was of understanding, said 2nd Lt. Asaad Mejafiy, an NP motor pool officer who assisted in the op.
“I think the NPs go about their business the right way,” said Cosgriff. “They are respectful and not kicking in doors.”  This is important in an environment where a simple “thank you” can help shape future relationships.
“They’re willing to understand what we’re here to do,” said Spc. Michael Ingles, a Btry. B cannon crew member.
Getting weapons registered in the neighborhood is a big concern for the CF, and also brings relief for the members in the community.  “Overall it was a successful mission,” stated an exhausted Ingles. “We did what we went there to do and completed it.”

An Iraqi NP and Spc. Michael Ingles take a break from searching houses.

Spc. Michael Ingles (forground) and Spc. Martin Aguilar, both cannon crewmembers check a man's ID card.

Spc. Martin Aguilar (left) gets ready to enter a house with his Iraqi NP partners.

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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

ISF seize huge cache in Maysan province

COB ADDER - Maysan's Tactical SWAT Unit (TSU) seized a huge cache of explosives and small arms ammo in the province, March 28.
Acting on tips from various local citizens, the TSU took control of 22 bags of C-4 explosives, which weighed between 50 and 70 pounds each. The cache also contained approximately 20,000 rounds of 7.62mm small arms ammo.
"The loss of this particular cache will seriously hinder the criminals' ability to do their work in southern Iraq," said Maj. Chad Carroll, 4th BCT spokesperson.  "It was especially encouraging to see the number of local citizens come forward to tell their SF about the cache location."
Most of the explosives were manufactured in 2007 and were packaged in brand new condition.

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Multi-National Division - South PAO

10th IA locates cache, detains 8 during rocket attack at Majarr al-Kabir

COB ADDER - Iraqi soldiers quelled a small artillery attack at an American COP in the southern Iraqi town of Majarr al-Kabir, March 30.
According to U.S. Army officials, IA Soldiers recovered 3 rockets and a pair of mortar tubes, after 2 rockets flew over the outpost at approx. 10 p.m.  The Iraqis also detained 8 suspects during the incident.
"This is what we've been working toward all year long - getting the Iraqi SF to the point at which they are truly leading from the front," said Lt. Col. Nathan Cook, 4th BCT, 1st Cav Div EO. "Our Soldiers did the right thing by supporting them with our artillery assets.  We will do everything we can to help the IA put these criminals behind bars.  Keeping the Maysan province free of criminals will only bring a slow, but lasting, prosperity to Maysan's citizens."

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U.S. Army Sgt. Justin Parks and others from 3rd Bn, 5th Cav Regt, 1st Cav Div question a bus driver while patrolling through a market near JSS War Eagle in Baghdad, March 16, 2009.
(DoD photo by Spc. Joshua E. Powell, U.S. Army)

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All Smiles

Iraqi girls from Zambraniyah, Iraq, smile and watch as U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, pass by during a visit to the neighborhood on March 2, 2009. Photo by Sgt. Kani Ronningen.

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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS

Afghan National Army, Coalition Forces Kill 20 Militants in Helmand

KABUL – Afghan NA, advised by CF, killed 20 armed militants in Kajaki District, Helmand province, April 1. In a continuous effort to deny militant freedom of movement, the ANA-led force conducted a combat recon patrol in an area of known militant presence. While conducting a dismounted patrol, the combined elements were attacked by dozens of armed militants with small-arms and RPG fire. The ANA-led force returned fire, causing the enemy to withdraw to secondary fighting positions.
The ANA and CF positively identified the enemy fighting position as the militants regrouped. Once the combined elements ensured there were no non-combatants in the area, a precision strike was called to neutralize the enemy.
“The ANA soldiers and CF work side-by-side in pursuit of militants who are quickly losing their ability to operate in Helmand province,” said Col. Greg Julian, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesperson.

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Special Purpose Marine Air Ground TF - Afghanistan RSS

Actions in Farah Province

(Photos by Chief Warrant Officer Philippe E. Chasse)

Lt. Col. David L Odom, comm. officer, 3rd Bn, 8th Marine Regt talks to Colonel Abdul Qadoss, Afghan NP chief cmdr for Delaram District, Farah province. The 2 cmdrs discussed several issues to include increased security measures, and the bravery recently displayed by the Afghan NP during an attack by an insurgent VBIED on March 20. The Afghan NP and Marines are partnered and actively are routing out insurgents in the Delaram area. Odom is the comm. officer for the Ground Combat Element for the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground TF-Afghanistan, who is providing security, reconstruction and development for the people of the southern part of Afghanistan.

A Marine from 3rd Bn, and an Afghan NP provide overwatch in Delaram.

Sgt. Maj. David Bradford, 3rd Bn, and SSgt. Justin Bradley talk about recent security improvements implemented in Delaram.  Bradford and Bradley are coordinating with the Afghan NP to increase security for Delaram citizens.  Recently, insurgents have been targeting the area using suicide attacks and attempting to harm civilians by planting IEDs in the bazaar area.

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3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs

Sustainers deploy to OEF from Iraq

JOINT BASE BALAD - The 100th BSB was repositioned to southern Afghanistan on March 28, where they will provide sustainment and distribution support to CF.
The 100th BSB has the distinction of being among the first Army units to deploy to Afghanistan from Iraq. The move comes as a result of the increased capabilities of Iraqi SF.  According to the Army's 44th Military History Detachment, this is also the first time a logistics unit has deployed from one combat theater to another, while remaining unattached to a larger formation.
Lt. Col. Brent D. Bush, bn cmdr of the 100th BSB, said he is excited about his unit's move to Afghanistan and appreciates the opportunity to command it.  Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant D. Williams, the senior NCO of the 100th BSB, said he is also excited for the move to Afghanistan.  Williams explained that his Soldiers are excited to see the impact their work is going to have in Afghanistan, and the unit has kept busy training for the new mission. Training included physical conditioning aimed at preparing Soldiers for new environmental changes they will face in Afghanistan.  "Altitude is going to place some challenges on our Soldiers," Williams said.

Sgt. 1st Class Mathew T. Greene, support ops fuel NCO-in-charge with the 100th BSB, relaxes prior to leaving on a flight to Afghanistan with other unit Soldiers at the passenger terminal at Joint Base Balad, March 28.
(Army photos by Sgt. Alex Snyder)

Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, the comm. gen. for the 3rd Sust Command (Expeditionary) talks with Soldiers of the 100th BSB.

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