Dear Interested Reader,
Family of KIA 1st Lt. Daniel Hyde open hearts to school children. 41st Fires Bde conduct Kut Medical engagement. COB Speicher stands up Iraqi Facility Engr. Team. Basra hospital gets new wastewater treatment plant. ERB arrests 11 suspected terrorists. In Afghanistan, Catamount Soldiers visit villages of Wardak. Work commences on road linking Badakshan. Army, AF prevail in Servicemember competition.
Joanna
__________________________
April 13, 2009
Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Family of slain Soldier open hearts to school children
A young Iraqi boy holds a backpack.
FOB BRASSFIELD-MORA, SAMARRA - March 26, Soldiers from 3rd IBCT, 25th ID delivered more than 300 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to children in Taraysha.
The backpacks, filled not only with school supplies, but also with treats and toys, were sent on behalf of the family of 1st Lt. Daniel Hyde who was a plt leader in Co A, and was killed March 7 by an insurgent attack in Samarra.
Moa'tusm is an area not accustomed to receiving humanitarian aid from Coalition or Iraqi forces. "The people here feel neglected," said 1st Lt. Nicholas Stavros, 2nd plt leader in Co A. "We're hoping to reshape their opinion of Iraqi and CF, and I think we're on a good path to that objective."
Sgt. 1st Class Omar Mosely, 2nd plt's plt sgt, expounded on Stavros' statement by saying, "We're at a point in this conflict where more and more people are beginning to warm up to us. They used to see us doing the door-kicking thing, but for the last several months, our mission has been primarily humanitarian aid. The people, as well as our Soldiers, definitely prefer the new method."
"The commitment the Hyde family has shown to achievement of the long-term goal in Iraq, despite their tragic loss, is exemplary," said Lt. Col. Sam Whitehurst, the bn cmdr. "It's that type of support for the mission that makes all the difference, and keeps our Soldiers' heads in the game."
The Majd Al-Arab School is the latest in a long line of schools to receive such aid. Citizens from all across the U.S. continually donate care packages destined for U.S. Soldiers, as well as the Iraqi people. Capt. Kevin Clarke, the co cmdr, has already earmarked some 1,000 more backpacks for delivery to additional schools in the area.
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Multi-National Division - South East
Forces Join for Kut Medical Engagement
By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Thompson
More than 180 Iraqi patients were seen and treated during a combined medical engagement in Kut, April 2.
FOB DELTA — The combined medical engagement team of 41st Fires Bde visited the Hawraa Clinic in Kut to share knowledge and conduct joint medical screenings with Iraqi medical personnel.
The visit is part of Op Gunner Med, a joint medical civil-military op between the Wasit Dir. Gen. of Health and 41st Fires Bde, designed to restore medical service capacity in Wasit, and bring medical care up to the regional health care standard.
“It’s very rewarding to know that we're going out and helping people with their problems,” said Maj. Deydre Teyhen, a physical therapist with the 10th Combat Support Hospital here. The visit was Teyhen’s first trip to an Iraqi clinic in support of Op Gunner Med, and she said she brings a different type of medicine to patients.
“Medication may not always provide the answer to pain problems,” said Teyhen. “Sometimes manipulating the spine can relieve the pain.” Along with helping people with their backs, Teyhen says that one of the areas she also helps patients with is determining what kind of assistive device a patient might need to help them with a muscular or skeletal problem. “We try to identify what solutions we can provide to them for long term health problems that will enable them to get around in their communities,” she said.
During this visit, the CME team delivered 2 wheelchairs to the Hawraa clinic and, according to Teyhen, the team has just received around 500 more to distribute to clinics throughout Wasit.
Wasit province has suffered a critical shortage of female medical practitioners since many physicians fled Iraq in 2003. “Treating the women was very rewarding – being able to help them with their neck, back and knee pain – it was nice to be able to help,” said Teyhen. The CME team and Iraqi doctors discussed clinical practice standards, patient info, and saw over 180 Iraqi citizens during the visit.
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
COB Speicher stands up Iraqi Facility Engineer Team
The Iraqi Engr Team stands at the newly constructed I-FET sign, symbolizing the transition from U.S. military engr led base construction projects to Iraqi designed and led projects.
(Army photo by Master Sgt. John McKinney)
COB SPEICHER - As a sign of increasing Iraqi participation in infrastructure and facility construction projects, the U.S. AF Facility Engr Team (FET) led the way for an Iraqi Facility Engr Team to take over base engineering design and construction project mgt.
"We are transitioning the efforts here to provide a more active role for Iraqi's infrastructure projects," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Kilbourn, cmdr, FET 1, Joint Base Balad (JBB). "This initiative gives engrs more experience, and allows them to train their own laborers, so when CF leave the country, they will be able to tackle their own problems."
The I-FET has taken an active role for project development on base by providing technical engineering support during the garrison weekly project validation meetings. Mr. Mustafa, the IFET civil engr and project leader said he is proud to work with US forces, and provide support to COB Speicher. "We are slowly rebuilding our country to make it a safer place," Mustafa said. "We have learned a lot from the AF FET and the garrison about how to develop and plan projects. We will be able to rebuild Iraq."
The 555th Engr Bde, HQ at JBB, has begun replacing military engr teams with Iraqi FETs. Leaders believe this initiative will provide vital skills for Iraqi's, as well as free military engr support for other critical missions.
The Garrison City Planning Office, led by Maj. Norman Morton, manages the day-to-day ops at COB Speicher. The team noted the change from AF to Iraqi engrs is having a positive effect on contractor projects, and resolves issues early in the project process.
"The Iraqi FET is teaching Iraqi contractors about quality construction methods, ensuring the base receives the best possible project", said MSgt. John McKinney, City Planning office NCO-in charge, 211 RSG. Mr. Khattab, a construction inspector with the I-FET, has also seen positive improvements in the conditions in Iraq. "Iraq has turned a corner, and it is better," said Khattab.
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Basra hospital gets new wastewater treatment plant
By A. Al Bahrani
Gulf Region South District
BASRA – For more than 15 years a Basra hospital has been discharging its raw sewage straight into the Shatt al-Arab River. With the assistance of Iraqi officials and CF that situation changed this month. During a ribbon cutting ceremony, April 2, the dir. of al-Sadr Teaching Hospital officially opened the hospital’s new wastewater treatment plant.
“Today we celebrate the completion of this critical project that will benefit everyone in our community,” said Dr. Mahdi al-Jumaah. He praised the partnership that made it happen – the efforts of the contractor, Basra Health Directorate, city leaders, and the USACE. Sadr Teaching Hospital is a 487-bed facility where approx. 500 patients are treated daily. “More than 100 people with life-threatening emergencies are rushed here daily for immediate care,” he noted.
Taha al-Qurashi, chief of Basra Environmental Directorate, said the new 40-cubic-meter-per-hour treatment facility uses modern technology and is an important step toward a cleaner, healthier community. “In general, Basra Province suffers from sewage problems and this plant demonstrates what is needed to reduce that pollution,” he added. “The hospital’s old wastewater treatment plant was non-operational,” said Mustafa Hamdan, a Basra Health Directorate rep. “This is the first hospital in our area to get this kind of modern equipment,” he pointed out. “The hospital is now discharging treated water – a great improvement for everyone.”
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
Iraqi ERB arrests 11 suspected terrorists in single mission
BAGHDAD - The Iraqi Emergency Response Brigade (ERB), with CF advisors, arrested 11 suspected terrorists in an Iraqi-planned and led op, March 31 in Baghdad. The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping and killing of civilians, emplacement of roadside bombs and conducting attacks against Iraqi Security and CF.
The ERB officers, acting on warrants issued by the MoI, divided into multiple teams to simultaneously breach and secure multiple buildings to quickly and safely capture the suspected terrorists. "We are always ready to conduct missions," said a colonel with the ERB. "Our training is continuous and the missions we conduct daily make us better."
The ERB received info from local citizens who were willing to step forward and positively identify the men who allegedly broke the law. "More people are coming to us and providing info that allows us to capture the criminals," added the colonel. "The people of Iraq understand how dangerous these terrorists are and that they bring nothing but death and destruction."
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Sweet Kids
U.S Army Spc. Vincent Fowler, attached to the 2nd Bde, 1st ID, hands out candy to Iraqi children in Abu Ghraib, March 31.
(Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert J. Whelan)
Security Check
U.S Army 1st Lt. Andrew Dacey reviews security check points with the IA in Abu Ghraib, March 31, 2009. Dacey is assigned to the 1st ID's 2nd Bde.
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CJTF-101 Public Affairs Office, Bagram Media Center
Catamount Soldiers visit villages of Wardak, establish relationships
By Army 1st Lt. Christopher Stachura and 1st Lt. Eric Thomsett
Army Capt. James McCune, Blackhawk Co cmdr, distributes pay to local workers in Dehayat (Mara), Nerkh District, Wardak province, for completion of an irrigation repair project, March 7.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (April 3, 2009) – Soldiers from TF Catamount recently met with village elders, addressing concerns and informing the local population about ongoing ops in the Wardak province.
Nerkh District is comprised of several remote areas, which are historically known as safe havens for Taliban. During a recent mission, Soldiers from Blackhawk Co, 2nd Bn, 87th Inf Regt expressed how building relationships with villagers in remote areas is a top concern.
“In the past, Taliban have found sanctuary in remote areas of Wardak province,” said Army Capt. James McCune, Blackhawk Co. cmdr. “The summer fighting season is approaching, and we've undertaken a proactive approach to combat the arrival of insurgents. We're developing relationships with local leaders throughout Nerkh and Mayden Shahr, letting them know we're here to bring peace and substantive economic improvements. The insurgent campaign of intimidation will be challenged at every turn.” Some villages confirmed a Taliban presence in their area, but were unwilling to elaborate out of fear. Villager elders stressed to the team that if they had access to jobs, the Taliban would lose local support.
TF Catamount is slated to commence an array of projects designed to improve the local economy. These projects include highway construction, bridge repair, construction of clinics and schools, well repair, irrigation construction, and solar panels installed for electricity. “The arrival of Catamount Soldiers marks a new beginning for all people in Wardak province,” said Army Sgt. Maj. Patrick T. Corcoran. “The security has improved and economic development is ongoing. We're highly trained and well-resourced to accomplish this type of mission.”
In early March, 3rd Plt Soldiers travelled to the secluded village of Qal eh-ye Jalal Boji to speak with villagers and discuss their concerns. Village elders asked for assistance irrigating their crops, fixing their water pump, and finding a way to provide water for the village during the summer months when the well dries up.
In western Mayden Shahr District, 1st Plt, Blackhawk Co., conducted patrols in the villages of Busraq, Mullakaka, and Torkhill. Unlike visits to villages in more secluded areas where villagers approach with caution, the villagers of Busraq warmly welcomed the Soldiers. “We're extremely pleased to have you visit our village,” said Busraq village elder Momad Jan. “It's the first time since American forces have been in Afghanistan that anyone has taken the time to stop and talk with us about our problems.”
With the initial steps of establishing positive relationships with villagers in remote areas accomplished, Blackhawk Co. plans to continue joint ops with Afghan National SF, ensuring the newly formed relationships with local villagers continue. “We're encouraged by your presence and look forward to your help,” said Anaitullah, a village elder of Torkhill.
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Work commences on road linking Badakshan, Panjshir
By Army 1st Lt. Lory Stevens
TF Warrior PAO
Army Lt. Col. Mark Stratton speaks to a crowd of more than 5,000 Panjshir residents who attended the ground breaking ceremony for the road to Badakshan in Safied Shahir Village, Khenj District, March 30.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD (April 7, 2009) - This project will cover 70 km (43.5 miles) of rough terrain through the Panjshir Valley up to Badakshan Province. The road boasts a 12 cm thickness, is 9 meters wide, and is able to support heavy equipment carriers and traffic. "I think you'll see that over the next several years, Panjshir will become the best place in Afghanistan to visit because of this road," said Army Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, Panjshir PRT cmdr, who said he believes road development will lead to private investment in the area.
Panjshir Gov. Bahlol praised the PRT for the amount of work done, as well as the resulting improvements the road will make to the quality of life for people living in the area. "In the future, the road is going to enable the private investor to come here, because we have such great security. Investment will create more jobs, and residents now going to Kabul to work will be able to stay in their valley and still have a job," said Bahlol.
Five Mullahs spoke of the good that the road will bring to Khenj District. "Giving of your land will be good for future commerce," said Mullah Jillani, who also thanked the contractors for the good job they are doing for the people of Khenj.
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Army, Air Force prevail in Servicemember competition
By Pfc. Kimberly D. Cole
40th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM AIR FIELD (April 7, 2009) -- Fourteen servicemembers representing the Army, Air Force, and Navy gathered here March 25 to compete in NCO and junior enlisted divisions for the 2009 Joint Servicemember competition.
Coming out on top for the NCO group was AF SSgt. Dean Martinez, ops staff NCO, 455th Air Expeditionary Security Forces Sqdrn. Martinez said although the physical part of the competition was not a "piece of cake," the toughest part for him was the board, because he had only a week to prepare. "The weapons portion was less of a worry because of my background in security. I am very familiar with the mechanics of the weapons," said Martinez.
Weapons also seemed to be a breeze for the junior-enlisted winner, Army Pfc. Chris Baker, broadcast journalist, 3rd BCT, PAO. "It's an honor to get this award," Baker said. "It's good to have friendly competition between the services."
The services were well-represented with AF Senior Airman Steven Doty, PA journalist, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing PAO taking 2nd place, and Spc. Andrew Hein, gunner, 45th Sust Bde, securing 3rd place in the junior-enlisted div.
For the NCO group, 2nd place honors went to SSgt. Patrick Laughlin, bde aviation NCO, TF Spartan. 3rd place was taken by SSgt. Eboney Blancaneax-Williams, equal opportunity advisor, TF Lightning.
The day began with an orientation at 5 a.m., followed by an 8-mile run. Competition testing began after the run and personal hygiene were completed. The servicemembers were tested on their Code of Conduct knowledge and Combined Joint TF-101 history. The contestants then moved on to a Common Task Training hands-on exam. This consisted of handling weapons and first-aid lanes, where participants were tested on their lifesaving skills. The final test before the formal board was an orienteering course, similar to land navigation.
Deciding how many points to award per area, and what to actually test on was not an easy task, said Army MSgt. Michael Crawley, future ops NCO, CJTF-101, who put the competition together. "I talked to all the seniors NCOs across the 4 services to find a way to average what each service does every day, and find the best at it," Crawley said.
Doty said he had a lot of support in the training process leading up to the competition. "The physical aspect was quite different from the way I have become accustomed to, so with the help of fellow Airmen in the Force Protection flight, I was able to train on a daily basis," Doty said. Doty and Martinez also reached across service lines to get a better picture of what to expect. Doty said, "SSgt. Martinez and I knew this was an Army-based challenge; therefore, we sought assistance from the Army to gain a better perspective of what they would be looking for."
Martinez was enthusiastic about competing with other services. "As an NCO, I think it's vital to have joint competitions downrange, so we have communication and are all on the same page," Martinez said. When Martinez was asked what's next on the agenda for him, he said, "I'm going to get Iron Eagle-certified."
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