Dear Interested Reader,
Brothers in arms are reunited. U.S. forces build schools and provide job training. Combined forces patrol together, build friendships in Noafla. Ministry of Interior's new court system is helping to build trust. Trauma training prepares Iraqis for medical service. Iraqi SOF conduct their first MEDEVAC with Iraqi AF. In Afghanistan, Bagram peacekeepers ready to defend. Humanitarian aid is given outside FOB Altimur.
Joanna
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April 4, 1009
50th Infantry BCT Public Affairs RSS
Brothers in Arms Reunited
Sgt. Matthew Becker, right, Alpha Troop, 1-102nd Cav Sqdrn, 50th IBCT, N.J. Army National Guard with his brother, Pfc. Phillip Becker, as they stand proudly with a U.S. flag at Camp Virginia, Kuwait, Dec. 28. They were reunited after a 2 year separation.
Soldiers have been called “brothers in arms.” This phrase usually indicates the closeness combat veterans share with one another. However, there are some cases in which brothers stand, not side by side, but separated and duty-bound to the cause of peace and security. Two brothers, separated by war, may be reunited.
Sgt. Matthew Becker serves at Camp Bucca, while younger brother Pfc. Phillip Becker served in Baghdad at FOB Loyalty recently, until late December. These brothers are bred to service like bird dogs. Their father served in the Army as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown in Wash., D.C. and finished his Army service as a corporal.
Having instilled a sense of duty in his children, it is in no way surprising these brothers followed their father’s example, and find themselves serving in Iraq. While they have the Army in common, each has a unique story in his journey to Iraq.
Phillip’s unit was assigned near Sadr City – near Baghdad. It was here Phillip experienced his baptism by fire where, while traveling in a convoy, Philip’s vehicle was struck by an IED. One month later, while on mission, Phillip’s Humvee was struck by an EFP, a type of IED. The EFP sliced through the up-armored Humvee and struck, and set off an AT-4 rocket launcher in the crew compartment. Phillip suffered from extreme hearing loss, and traumatic brain injury as a result of the blast. “I was always worried about him,” said Matthew, upon hearing about brother Phillip’s encounters and injuries. After 12 hazardous and eventful months of service, Phillip redeployed to Fort Polk in late Dec.
Far to the south of Sadr City, Phillip’s brother, Matthew’s story is being written. Matthew’s time in the Army started before his brother’s. Acting on personal commitment, Matthew enlisted in the Army after the attacks of September 11. After completing Infantry basic training and Abn School, Matthew was assigned to the prestigious 82nd Abn Div, 3/325 Abn Inf Regt in Fort Bragg, N.C. A year after his arrival to his unit, he deployed. His time in Iraq would be fraught with peril. Fire fights, riots and combat patrols were the norm. Searches and raids from Baghdad to Samawa filled his days. After spending a year in Iraq, Matthew returned to Fort Bragg.
After 4 years of civilian life Matthew was once again called to active duty, awakened from his stand-by status in the individual ready reserve in early 2008. He was assigned to Alpha Troop, 1-102nd Cav Regt, 50th IBCT, N.J. Army National Guard. As a result of his combat experience and leadership ability, Matthew was soon promoted to sergeant. After re-enlisting at Camp Bucca during this deployment, Sgt. Becker looks forward to enlistment in the Oregon National Guard and hopes to serve as a recruiter in the Active Guard Reserve program. “I like the guys I'm with; I ended up reenlisting,” said Matthew.
The brothers served together, though separated by miles of hazardous roads – until Dec. 27, when their 2-year separation ended and wishes to reunite finally came true. Through extensive coordination and planning by the chains of command of both brothers, Matthew was authorized a pass to depart from Camp Bucca on Christmas Day to meet up with Phillip, as his Baghdad-based unit redeployed through Camp Virginia, Kuwait.
“This is a 4 to 5 day ‘get-out-of-here pass’,” said 1st Sgt. Mark Rizzo, senior NCO for Alpha Troop. “He [Matthew] was ecstatic that we were able to pull this off; he knows he has responsibilities as a team leader. If we did not get them together, they would not be able to get together until 2010.”
The meeting was a surprise to Phillip, who was not sure if Matthew could make it. “We hugged; it was great; I loved it,” reflected Matthew, upon the initial reuniting. “It was 3-o’clock in the morning [before they went to sleep], and I had been up since 8 [a.m.],” added Matthew.
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American Forces Press Service
(MNC-I and Mike Scheck, of USACE’s Gulf Region North district contributed to this report.)
U.S. Forces in Iraq Build Schools, Provide Job Training
Former “SoI” civilian security group members learn basic mechanical skills while attending a demobilization, demilitarization and reintegration center in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad, March 12, 2009.
(Army photo by 1st Lt. Scott Lewis)
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2009 – U.S. forces in Iraq increasingly are focused on educating Iraqis as they move toward returning Iraq to national sovereignty. In recent days, they have overseen job skills training of former “SoI” civilian security group members, and taken part in the reopening of 2 schools.
In Baghdad’s Adhamiyah neighborhood, former members of the SoI, the civilian security group that worked alongside coalition and Iraqi forces to secure the country, are filling the classrooms at centers opened by the coalition to provide job training. "We in Adhamiyah are so happy CF are supporting this project. The project helps the people of Adhamiyah by providing trade skills to local, unemployed people. After graduating the program, they continue to assist the people of Adhamiyah by providing a local work force," Mokdad Hassan, a local tribal support council member, said.
Under the program, each neighborhood may nominate 10 people for attendance to each cycle of the program. Each of the 4 DDR centers in the district of focuses on a different trade skill. While attending a 6-month class rotation, each student receives a monthly stipend of $350. At the end of the program, after passing the final exam, the students are awarded certificates of completion.
Since 2005, USACE has managed school construction projects in Iraq’s Dahuk province. Those projects include 94 school renovations and 17 new school construction projects, according to Terry Samson, the USACE resident engr in Dahuk. Samson said the renovation and new school projects provide educational facilities for more than 10,000 students. These new schools also will give an economic boost to the area by offering 500 new jobs for teachers, administrators, janitorial and security personnel, he added. “These new educational institutions increase the scope and quality of education for Dahuk area students,” Samson said. “This, in turn, will better prepare students for the future and improve their employability, lifestyle and the living conditions of all residents. It also demonstrates that the U.S. is a caring nation and is extremely interested in the educational process in Dahuk, and in the future of the region.”
A plaque at the front of the Shindokha School in Dahuk, pays tribute to Americans for their help in the reconstruction process in northern Iraq.
(Army photo by Hassan Mohammad)
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
IA, U.S. forces patrol together, build friendships
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - Iraqi SF patrols with the U.S. Army in a supporting role are becoming routine, since the historic January 1, 2009 Security Agreement signed by Iraq and the U.S. What is noteworthy is just how routine they have become.
Recently, IA Soldiers and U.S. 2nd BCT, 1st Cav Div, conducted one of these routine combined patrols in Noafla, March 20. The patrols provide security and protection for Iraqi citizens and are also used to train the IA and IP. "We use the patrols as a tool to evaluate the skills the IA have been learning," explained 1st Lt. Travis Allard, plt leader with 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. According to Allard, the patrols also build confidence and trust of the IA and IP among the local population. "After many patrols, the local residents begin to recognize the same IA Soldiers and will strike up a conversation or just politely wave and greet them," Allard said.
The 15th IA Bn. is focused on improving patrol techniques, such as proper movement formations, situational awareness and command and control. "They [IA soldiers] have come a long way, but still have plenty to learn," said SSgt. Paul Vazquez, squad leader in 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. "Fortunately, they have the determination to continue training to better themselves, which is an important trait that will ensure they continue protecting the local populace in the future."
Following the patrol, ISF and U.S. Soldiers gathered for lunch to share ideas. "It's during these lunches that everyone gets to know each other, which forms good working relationships," Allard said.
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
MoI Courts Enforce Rule of Law
BAGHDAD – The Ministry of Interior’s new Internal Security Forces (ISF) Court system is helping build trust in the IP and the Ministry of Interior (MoI).
The ISF Penal Code and the Procedural Law of the ISF were both passed by the Iraqi Parliament last year and signed into law in April 2008. The 2 laws established a court system for the MoI. “If there is justice, the right is then returned to whom it belongs, the people” said Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Abdul Jodha, Chief Judge of the Cassation Court, which reviews all cases.
The MoI Court System now has 5 regional courts in Irbil, Mosul, Baghdad, Hilla and Basra, with the Court of Cassation, or Appeals, also in Baghdad. These courts were established to focus on crimes committed by policemen. Since the inception of the courts system a total of 1315 cases have been reviewed, and 309 police officers and MoI officials have been sentenced to detention centers.
“No one is above the law and we must enforce this concept in all our dealings,”said Dr. Jodha. “You know during the time of the old regime there was zero confidence or trust in the police force. No one could trust the police with his life. Now the police work to serve all the people, and we have seen this trust level increase greatly.”
Dr. Jodha added that the ISF Court has made great progress in the past year, and more plans are being considered to handle the increased caseload of the courts. “This country which has suffered so much needs its legal system to be built up in the right way, in the honest way, so the people respect the court,” he said.
Dr. Jodha also highlighted the progress the courts have achieved in regards to supporting evidence. “We will not convict on confession alone now. Now there must be supporting evidence, and the judge will review this evidence thoroughly. This shows we are moving away from the old judicial system of a confessionary based system, to one based on evidence and the truth,” he said.
Dr. Jodha, who has served in the IP for more than 38 years, said he has seen many changes for the better. “I am proud to serve this country. It deserves our best for the future of Iraq.”
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Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Phoenix Base
APO AE 09348
Trauma training prepares Iraqis for medical service
BAGHDAD – Fourteen members of the IA under the MoD graduated from the Ibn Sina Trauma Training Class, sponsored by the 10th Combat Support Hospital and the Surgeon Gen. of Iraq, March 30, 2009.
Speaking to the new graduates first in Arabic and then in English, IA Maj. Gen. Samir, the surgeon gen. of Iraq, thanked everyone for their efforts in the course, and stressed the importance of taking care of and respecting all patients regardless of ethnicity and nationality.
“I have told my soldiers and civilians who are practicing medicine that Arabic and American cultures are different in many ways. Americans take care of all wounded and sick soldiers who have traveled a long way from their families to protect and defend Iraq. These soldiers deserve our respect and dignity. I want Iraqi soldiers who have this new trauma training to incorporate this idea into the way they do their jobs,” said Samir.
The Trauma Training Program is 8 weeks long and consists of didactic and hands-on instruction, written exams, mass casualty exercises and clinical rotations, according to U.S. Army Col. Rafael DeJesus, 10th Combat Support Hospital cmdr, “Topics range from patient assessment, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, trauma management to patient recovery,” he added. “I’m confident that when the time arises, each of these new graduates of the Trauma Training Program will apply the lessons they have learned here”, said DeJesus. “No greater call is there than those that take care of a fellow human being.”
Also speaking to the graduates and visitors attending was one of the graduates, IA 2nd Lt. Feras Hameed. “We have learned a lot of things that will help us in our daily live. We learned how to deal with serious injuries, bleeding, trauma and circulation as well as head, chest, abdomen and other injuries and how to assess the seriousness of the injury. Thank you to the trainers and fellow colleagues at the hospital. We are ready to work with you,” Hameed said.
This training will help to set a single standard and professionalize the medical personnel within the IA. This is an important part of the Security Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq. The ceremony concluded with DeJesus and Samir cutting the cake together and offering refreshments to all attendees.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
ISOF conducts first MEDEVAC with Iraqi Air Force
BAGHDAD - The Iraqi SOF and their Iraqi AF partners teamed up to conduct their first medical evacuation from the Iraqi capital, March 20. Flying newly-refurbished Mi-17s, the Iraqi AF pilots transported an Iraqi Lt from Baghdad to the Joint Base Balad (JBB) medical center to undergo surgery.
"Iraqis coming together for this mission means we are going forward to achieve our independence," said an ISOF officer assigned to the Iraqi medical center. The patient said it made him feel good knowing his ISOF and AF brothers were working together, because sooner or later Iraq is going to have to run things on its own.
On April 15, 2008, while driving in the Baghdad area in civilian attire, the ISOF officer was targeted by extremists who fired 7mm rounds in his direction. Although medical personnel were able to remove the round from the side of his neck, his vocal cords remained damaged. The Iraqi doctor in charge of the Lt's case said he worked tirelessly with the U.S. Ear, Nose and Throat specialists to get him on the surgery list. With everything in place at the JBB medical center, his Iraqi AF comrades were willing to help him get there.
Although he has been described as "a brave man" by others in his unit, the lt admitted he is a little nervous, since finding out he was scheduled for surgery. Nonetheless, when asked if he wanted to be able to sing after the surgery, he laughed and jokingly responded, "I can't wait to scream."
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Bagram peacekeepers ready to defend
By Army Capt. Michael Greenberger
Army Spc. Steven Rogers stands atop his Armored Security Vehicle while conducting check point ops outside Bagram Air Field, March 18.
(U.S. Army photos by Capt. Michael Greenberger)
BAGRAM AIR FIELD - The rising sun brought a flurry of activity in the 2nd Plt, Alpha Co, 101st Abn Div Special Troops Bn motor pool, March 19, as they prepared to run a "reverse option" - a joint checkpoint with Afghan NP outside Bagram's Entry Control Points (ECPs).
Just 2 weeks prior, one of the ECPs was attacked by a suicide bomber who was thwarted by local Afghan peacekeepers. The attack made things a little more real today; the attention to detail was a little more important. Everywhere in the 2nd Plt motor-pool, Alpha Co Slayers moved with a purpose, loading equipment, weapons and water into their up-armored humvees. After radio checks were complete, the Soldiers mounted up and rolled out to the ECPs.
The road outside the southern edge of Bagram Air Field is a stretch of muddy potholes, rocks and debris. With skill, precision and watchful eyes, the Slayers navigate their immense vehicles over the uneven terrain, constantly beeping their horns at civilian traffic to alert them to the Slayer's presence. "Our main goal is to keep everyone and the vehicles safe," said Army Sgt. Roberto Castillo, an Iraq veteran now serving in Afghanistan. "We do a lot to avoid civilians and their vehicles on the road, because we have to share it and want to maintain a better relationship with the locals."
Gunners constantly scan the terrain for threats while the vehicle bounces around the muddy mess. "We are always aware of our surroundings," said Army Spc. Todd Haskel. "When I first got here I was constantly scanning - constantly on edge. Now it's like second nature to me."
After a short but challenging trip, the Slayers roll onto the checkpoints in force. They move swiftly to cover the avenues of approach, laying down concertina wire and orange cones to block the roads while patrol leader Army 1st Lt. Jeremy Button makes contact with the Afghan NP already on the ground.
"We're very happy with these guys [the Slayers]," said Jalaludin, a captain with the ANP. "We have worked with them often and we work well together. The Army Soldiers are happy with us because they know when they call us for a joint mission, we will be here."
The town outside Bagram is a bustling hub of 2-story buildings, shops and shanties - people are everywhere. The Afghans watch the Soldiers intently as they go about their tasks, yet keep their distance. "We set up these blocking positions as an anti-terrorism measure," said Button. "It's a nice show of force for any bad guys who might be in the area."
The Slayers keep an eye out for anyone or anything that looks suspicious. "If we see a suspicious vehicle, the Afghan Police stop and search the vehicle and question the occupants," Button said. "We mainly serve in a support roll to back them up."
"We've been doing missions like these for 13 months," said Army Spc. Randall Preston. "We set up these positions and the Afghan people immediately adjust. They stay out of the way and try to help." The ANP are familiar with the people who congregate around the ECP and quickly recognize strangers.
"Before the Americans came there were a lot of bad people here," said Jalaludin. "These are good people here now though, and they are tired of all the fighting. They just want security and peace, and are glad the Americans are here to help."
"These ANP are really solid," Button said. "They do what you ask them to do and they show up and do a good job."
After an hour or so, the ANP cmdr gave the call to collapse the blocking positions, so the Slayers secured their equipment, said their goodbyes, and headed for home just in time for lunch, completing another mission - just an average morning for the Slayers.
Unique to the 101st Abn Div, the Slayers serve as a Mobile Reaction Force, or MRF, able to respond within minutes of being called. "We have infantrymen, signal Soldiers, a Mechanic - it makes us self-sufficient, adaptable, and flexible," Button said, adding that 2nd plt is a unique conglomerate of military occupational specialties.
Along with Alpha Co's 1st plt, 2nd plt's primary mission is patrolling, and the security of Bagram Air Field, Parwan and Kapisa,Provinces. "These are an extraordinary group of guys," said Button. "They never back down from a mission, and never got a mission they couldn't handle."
Army Spc. Steven Rogers mans the turret of his Armored Security Vehicle while conducting check point ops.
From left, Jalaludin, a captain with the Afghan NP briefs "Ali," an interpreter, and Army 1st Lt. Jeremy Button.
From left, Army Spc. Randall Preston and Spc. Jeremy Richards place concertina wire and orange cones to block the road during checkpoint ops.
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
By Army Spc. Matthew Thompson
Humanitarian Aid outside FOB Altimur
Army SSgt. David Fisher, a sniper with HHT, 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt, hands out blankets, clothing and food in Logar province, March 25.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD -- Christmas came early this year, Soldier style, for one Kuchi nomad family. Playing the role of Santa and his elves were Army SSgt. David Fisher and Soldiers with 3rd Sqdrn, 71st Cav Regt. The presents they delivered were humanitarian aid supplies.
"They don't get to see U.S. forces very often," said Fisher. "They're very thankful for the supplies we bring when we do these types of missions." The Soldiers met the nomads along the foothills of the mountains while on a patrol the day before. After talking with them, they found the nomads had a few basic needs, which the Soldiers learned they could supply.
"It's really all about bettering their life out here," said Army SSgt. Dwayne Hood, a forward observer attached to 3rd Sqdrn., 3rd Bde, 10th Mtn Div. Blankets, clothes and food were pulled from the trunk of the vehicle as the family looked on with smiles painted across their faces. The Soldiers also brought gifts for the children in the form of soccer balls. Hood said the children's faces lit up at the sight of the soccer balls. "It's a good feeling to know that I made their day."
As the supplies were off-loaded, the family repeatedly offered their thanks to the Soldiers who had delivered the materials. "The humanitarian aid missions help build a positive view of Americans, and an understanding that we are here to help make the Afghans' lives better," Hood said. "Hopefully we get to continue doing missions like this and helping more families."
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