Dear Interested Reader,
Ramadi citizens and Marines from RCT-6 help rebuild school. FOB Rustamiyah handed over to GoI. TF Muleskinners win big at 3rd ESC Sustainer Challenge. Combined forces conduct clearance ops in Shuzayf. In Afghanistan, TF Catamount Soldiers remove weapons cache and build relations in Molakhel. A Taliban cell is brought down in Kandahar.
Joanna
__________________________________
April 10, 2009
Mnfwest.usmc.mil
Ramadi citizens help rebuild local school after fire
Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
RAMADI – In January 2009, fire engulfed the Al Yemen School for Boys in Ramadi, destroying a wing of the school containing classrooms, furniture and ceiling fixtures. The fire galvanized Ramadi citizens and a group of Marines from RCT 6, who worked together to put the school back into business.
1st Lt Jean Paul Rivera, a plt cmdr with Co E, TF 2nd Bn, 9th Marines, RCT-6, was a catalyst in this humanitarian op for the Marines, and he partnered with Captain Omar Aveda, police chief of Al Hussein Police Station.
Visiting the school with Capt. Omar, Rivera saw the damage that resulted from the fire. Because of their small budget, the school administration was unable to make repairs and the children were forced to study in classrooms with no windows to block the cold winter wind. Seeing this, Capt. Omar and Rivera set a plan in motion to get the wing repaired.
CF drafted a contract that outlined the needed repairs, and when the contract was announced, Capt. Omar’s brother, Sheikh Muhammed Ayeda accepted the terms set forth by CF, and began construction.
Both brothers were raised in the area and attended Al Yemen School for Boys during their childhood and were eager to begin the rebuilding process and restore the school’s prestige within the community. “All they were supposed to do was clean the soot, repair any fire damage to the wing and paint,” said Rivera. He was pleased when he visited the school March 24, and saw that Sheikh Muhammed not only met, but exceeded his expectations.
Students ran to greet Marines as they arrived and followed them into the school. Eager to see the results of recent construction, Rivera proceeded inside and took a long look at the new wing. A week after the incident, Rivera was witness to the destruction the fire caused. Today, there are new ceiling fans spinning, a brand new generator donated by Sheikh Muhammed, and an additional classroom. “This product shows me how dedicated this family is to helping out the school,” said Rivera.
Captain Omar also made an appearance at the school. “I thought this was very important for the community as well as the kids,” said Capt. Omar. “I am grateful to CF for their efforts and supporting the school.”
-30-
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
FOB Rustamiyah officially handed over to GoI
BAGHDAD -
An Iraqi official and Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, cmdr of the 1st Cav Div and MND - Baghdad, sign a document to officially hand FOB Rustamiyah back over to the GoI during a transfer ceremony on the FOB, March 31 in eastern Baghdad. Since the U.S. and GoI signed the security agreement late last year, Rustamiyah is the first main compound to be run by the GoI again.
(Army photo by Georges Aboumrad)
-30-
Blackanthem Military News
TF Muleskinners win, place at 3rd ESC Sustainer Challenge
All 10th Sust Bde teams with their respective cmdrs and command sergeants major, and the bde command.
(Photos taken by Spc. Brian A. Barbour, 123rd MPAD, 3rd ESC, PAO)
JOINT BASE BALAD - Hard work, determination, and a sense of relief was seen on the faces of Soldiers as they crossed the finish line at the end of the 5-mile road march, the first of 7 events during the 3rd Sust Command (Expeditionary) Sustainer Challenge, held March 18-19.
The 4 bn teams from the 10th Sust Bde (SBDE), from Fort Drum, N.Y., performed at the top of their games, and when it was all said and done, all ranked in the top 6 out of 23 teams participating from around Iraq.
The brigade’s 398th CSSB based at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, took first place overall, while Drum’s own 10th Sust Bde Troops Bn based at Camp Taji earned second place. The bde’s 553rd CSSB also based at Camp Liberty, placed 4th and the 419th CSSB, based at Camp Taji, placed 6th.
The bde cmdr, Col. Mark E. Drake, the bde command sgt maj, and Command Sgt. Maj. Allen G. Fritzsching, were on-hand along with the cmdrs and command sergeants major of the battalions to witness this great moment.
"What a tremendous success the Muleskinners had placing first, second, fourth, and sixth, and having the all-around female high-performer," said Col. Drake. "The teams were well-coached, trained, motivated and performed superbly. Each Soldier gave everything they had to each event ... it was an incredible feeling to witness, and be around the high energy levels of our Soldiers. I know that every Muleskinner who participated learned a little more about themselves, and what it truly means to be part of a team."
"Each Soldier worked as a member of the team all pulling together for each other and their units towards a common goal-to be the best! It was their dedication to each other, selfless service, team work and esprit-de-corps that made them successful. They embody the Warrior Ethos," said Command Sgt. Maj. Fritzsching.
The 2-day competition began with a 5-mile road march, conducted at 0500, and would be the start of 2 days of competition that would test all the Soldiers’ mental and physical abilities. Immediately following was weapons qualification and knowledge, and the humvee tire change, a timed event that challenged teams to change a humvee tire with speed and accuracy. The 500 meter litter-carry, with medical tasks, such as perform first aid for bleeding of extremities, open chest and abdominal wound, a suspected fracture and shock, was a timed event that kicked off the afternoon.
And if that was not enough to get them motivated, the last event of the day was the Army physical fitness test. The fitness test is how many push-ups and sit-ups can a Soldier do in 2 minutes, and then a timed 2-mile run. Soldiers performed this event in their uniform and running shoes, and at the end of day one, all were tired and pumped for day 2.
On day 2, teams went head-to-head in an event everyone was looking forward to, level one combatives. Combatives competition is hand-to-hand combat, mixed with grappling and submission techniques, and was the perfect event to end the Sustainer Challenge. By the end of day 2, H and H, 398th CSSB’s MSgt. Steven Russell, said "in my eyes, my team has done an outstanding job, giving 110% throughout the entire competition, and I am proud to be their coach".
Individual awards were also given out to the top male and female Soldiers of the competition, with the 10th SBDE’s Capt. Sara Zerr, a bde support ops officer winning as the top female Soldier for the Sustainer Challenge.
Zerr said, "The training definitely helped my overall physical condition and strength. But more than the training it was the spirit of the team that made me push myself in each event."
"The competition showed the pride that all of the participants have in their units, and the bond that they all share as Soldiers," said Command Sgt. Maj. Fritzsching. "It enhanced the morale and esprit-de-corps across the entire Bde. Everyone was a WINNER and we are better unit for having participated in this event."
(From left to right) SSgt. Daniel Hewett, SSgt. Janelle Jackson, Sgt. Brett Jefferson, Sgt. Antonio Lopez, a native of Hunacao, Puerto Rico, 1st Lt. Timothy Koenig, and MSgt. Steven Russell, the coach. After 2 days of grueling events the 553rd were crowned champions of the Sustainer Challenge, and awarded the Cmdr’s Cup.
(From left to right, back to front) SSgt. Katie Kuiper, Lt. Col. David E. Jones, Capt. Sara Zerr, Spc. Crystal Lumbar, Capt. Saul Arroyo, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Mosier, Spc. Ricky Johnson, Spc. Ryan Borjas, and Pfc. Shelby Lytle.
(Photos taken by Sgt. Leonard Sparks, 10th SBDE PAO)
(From left to right, back to front) Capt. Kemielle Smith, Sgt. Willfredo Estrada, Sgt. Kendrick Carroll, Spc. Byron Murry, Sgt. Nicole Carroll, Sgt. Willie Trappier, and Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando McMurry. Before executing the humvee tire change, the 553rd team comes together for a group shot.
(From left to right, back to front) Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Swanson, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Camarena, Lt. Col. Kristan Hericks, 1st Lt. Bronwyn Ladd, Spc. Adam Williams, Spc. Marcus Hall, Sgt Jeremy Bowden, and Spc. Michael Clark. Command and members of the 419th team take time out before the 5-mile road march to get a photo with their colors.
(From left to right) Capt. Sara Zerr, Spc. Ryan Borjas, Capt. Saul Arroyo, Spc. Ricky Johnson, and Pfc. Shelby Lytle, near the finish line of the 5-mile road march.
Spc. Adam Williams, and Spc. Marcus Hall, wait for the tire to be removed, so they can place the spare tire on during the humvee tire change event. Williams is currently deployed with the 776th Maintenance Co, 419th, and Hall with the 1538th Transportation Co, 419th.
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally awards Capt. Sara Zerr, for being the top female Soldier in the competition.
(Photo taken by Spc. Brian A. Barbour, 123rd MPAD, 3rd ESC, PAO)
Sgt. Willie Trappier, the coach of the 553rd helps pace Sgt. Nicole Carroll, during the 2-mile run of the Army physical fitness test.
(Photos taken by Sgt. Leonard Sparks, 10th SBDE PAO)
Cadre and member of the 419th help motivate 1st Lt. Bronwyn Ladd, as she finishes the 2-mile run.
-30-
Clearance Ops in the village of Shuzayf
Army Cpl. Tim Garrett (left) and Spc. Jacob Collins from Recon Plt, 1st Bn, 24th Inf Regt, 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID provide sniper over watch during the clearance of the village of Shuzayf, March 26, 2009.
(DoD photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter J. Pels, U.S. Navy)
Army soldiers from Green Plt, 1st Bn, 24th Inf Regt, provide security while IA soldiers provide humanitarian aid to villagers in Shuzayf, March 27, 2009.
-30-
CJTF-101 in Afghanistan
TF Catamount Soldiers remove enemy cache site, build relations in Molakhel
By 1st Lt. Christopher Stachura
BAGRAM AIR FIELD - TF Spartan Soldiers partnered with French and Afghan NA soldiers to remove a sizable munitions cache in the village of Molakhel, March 22 in Jalrez Valley, Wardak province.
Molakhel is a secluded village located west of Kabul on the Jalrez highway, nested in an agrarian area of the Jalrez Valley. Afghan soldiers, partnered with 2nd Bn, 87th Inf Regt TF Catamount, and French soldiers, travelled to Molakhel from a nearby COP to remove weapons and explosive material buried there by insurgents.
"Today's op demonstrates the increased abilities of Afghan NA soldiers, and is a step forward in their development. It was a big success for them and the villagers of Molakhel," said Army SSgt. Joseph Lebron, TF Catamount counter-IED team NCO-in-charge.
"The development of ANSF is a top concern for TF Catamount leaders. Joint patrols and the refinement of mentoring programs are designed to increase ANSF effectiveness," says Lebron and his peers. "Recent successes in Wardak are a direct result of the mentoring programs and partnership between Coalition and Afghan Forces."
"The Afghan NA has shown significant progress," said Army Capt. Sean Gardner, TF Catamount info ops officer. "They took the lead, pursued their own sources, coordinated a joint-op, and secured the cache site. The fact that this was accomplished on their holiday [New Year's Day] shows remarkable dedication."
"Local villagers are becoming more confident in their SF," said Army 1st Lt. Silverio Gabriel, TF Catamount C-IED officer-in-charge. "Today's events show how far they've come in building trust with local villagers." Confidence in ANSF capabilities could lead to stable and long-term security. Molakhel residents have demonstrated appreciation of ANA soldier's efforts to protect them from the violence that they have suffered for so long.
"The great event was topped off when the children of Molakhel came out to watch the Afghan NA trucks carry off the cache material," said Army Maj. Jason Henneke, TF Catamount ops officer. "The children were all smiles to see the Afghan NA and CF, and cheered when the trucks with the cache material left the village. These munitions can't be used against the good people of Molakehl."
-30-
U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
One Militant Killed, Eight Suspects Detained in Kandahar
KABUL – One militant was killed and 8 suspected militants were detained in Kandahar province, April 4, during a joint op to bring down a Taliban cell directly linked to the March IED strikes that killed 4 Canadian troops.
In Arghandab District, Kandahar province, approx. 20 km northeast of Kandahar, Afghan and CF raided a compound where members of the Taliban were staying. Immediately upon their arrival, the assault force encountered an armed militant who engaged them. The assault force returned fire, killing the enemy combatant.
On the compound, Afghan forces called out for all women and children to peacefully exit multiple buildings. With women and children moved to safety, forces questioned 8 men suspected to be involved in bomb-making in Kandahar. All 8 suspects were detained.
When forces searched the compound, they found multiple weapons, munitions and bomb-making materials, all of which were destroyed a safe distance from the compound to prevent their use against Afghan civilians, Afghan national SF and CF.
Eleven women and 27 children were protected.
-30-