Dear Interested Reader,
Yezidi Prince welcomes Brig. Gen. Brown to Temple in Lalish. IP train to better serve their community. Former Diyala Gov. celebrated for his service. Joint briefing held to discuss future of Ninewa. Iraqi and U.S. MP work together in Baghdad. Cmdrs. visit Kurdish Pres.
In Afghanistan, Gates seeks "ground level" view of ops. Getting prepared for an influx of troops. Combined forces detain 6 suspected militants in Logar Province.
Joanna
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May 11, 2009
145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment RSS
Yezidi Prince Welcomes Brig. Gen. Brown to Temple in Lalish
By Spc. Daniel Nelson
Brig. Gen. Robert Brown visits with Prince Tahsin Ali, the prince to all Yezidi people of the world, during his trip to Lalish.
FOB MAREZ, MOSUL - With a calendar that dates back 6,756 years, Yezidism is claimed to be the oldest religion in the world. However, with a history of persecution and constant attacks from other religions, the Yezidi's numbers dwindle near extinction, with an estimated 700,000 followers. The majority of these Yezidis are settled in the mountainous region of northern Iraq.
At the center of Yezidism is the temple in Lalish, where the tomb of Sheik Adi who reformed the religion during the 11th century, lies. It is expected for Yezidis to make a 6-day pilgrimage to the temple in Lalish at least once in their lifetime.
Also home to Lalish is the Prince to all Yezidis in the world, Prince Tahsin Ali, who on April 18, welcomed Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, the dep. comm. gen. (support), MND-N, and members of Command Post-North, TF Lightning.
Brown and the other Soldiers arrived in UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters that landed near an open field just outside of Lalish, where they met up with Alex Laskaris, the PRT leader for the Ninewa province of Iraq, and other members of the PRT. Having landed on the lower part of the mountain, the group decided to walk up the gradually inclined road that leads into the temple of Lalish.
Along the way they stopped to greet families from the area and hand out Beanie Baby toys to the children. They also came across an old building that was said to have been built sometime around 400 AD and used for religious gatherings and events. Prince Tahsin was finishing a religious service at the time, but other Yezidi key leaders from the area met with Brown and the rest of the visiting group, when they reached the entrance to the temple.
However, before leaving the area, Brown and a few of the CP-North Soldiers were given a tour of the temple and its many caverns. Inside the entrance of the temple lies the tomb of Sheik Adi, who had been buried there approx. 900 years ago. Also inside the first holy room of the temple are colorful cloths that have been hung by Yezidis who have completed their pilgrimage to the temple.
Brown and his aide-de-camp, 1st Lt. Melissa Lewis, took a turn tossing a rag on top of "wishing rock" that was inside another room of the temple. Prince Tahsin Ali told of how Yezidis believe a wish would come true if they could toss the rag with their eyes closed, and have it stay on the rock without sliding off. They were given 3 attempts to stick the rag to the rock, just like the Yezidis. Both Brown and Lewis were able to get the rag to not slide off the face of the smooth rock by their 3rd try. "I wished for plenty of safety during my tour here," said Lewis.
Due to the trip having been cut short, Brown and the rest of the CP-North team had to leave without getting to eat a customary lunch that Prince Tahsin Ali had prepared for their visit. The prince however, gave an open invitation to Brown to revisit the temple of Lalish another time. "The Yezidi temple in Lalish was truly fascinating," added Lewis, "especially with the various rituals that are followed within the temple, like tossing the silk rag on the rock, throwing money at holes symbolizing heaven and hell, and of course, the fresh water stream where all Yezidis are baptized."
Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, 1st Lt. Melissa Lewis, and Alex Laskaris, walk pass oil containers, which are used to light torches, during their tour of the temple in Lalish.
Soldiers from the Command Post - N, TF Lightning team, and Yezidi spiritual leaders look on as Brig. Gen. Robert Brown sets his stance to toss a rag on top of the "wishing rock" inside the temple of Lalish.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
Provincial police in Tikrit train to better serve Salah ad-Din citizens
Spc. Brandon Shaffer, combat medic, explains basic human anatomy to a group of IP.
(Army photos by Spc. Jazz Burney)
COBG BASE SPEICHER, TIKRIT - After 3 days of training and instruction, IP listened intently to questions about first aid, vehicle maintenance and driving tactical vehicles - questions they quickly met with enthusiastic answers, proving what they had learned.
The policemen trained with Soldiers of Co G, 3rd Bn, 7th FAR, 3rd IBCT, 25th ID at FOB Danger, during the last week of April. "The training was truly beneficial to me, because in these 3 days of training, I have learned things that I did not know before," said Rasool Esmail.
The IP force will be issued vehicles at a later time, according to 2nd Lt. Dan Smith, a plt leader who helped organize the training. "Upon receiving the vehicles, they will have a familiarization of how to operate these vehicles safely. They know what the abilities of the vehicles are, and also the limitations. This will enable them to use these assets to complete their missions in Tikrit," said SSgt. Jason Sanford, one of the co's plt sgts.
"It's important ... to explain not just how to perform the medical procedures but why - so I incorporate basic human anatomy into the course to increase their understanding on these techniques," said Spc. Brandon Shaffer, a medic who taught the first aid classes.
"This training is very useful because we'll be capable of controlling situations that present themselves while we are performing our job," added Esmail.
Spc. James Halford, wheeled vehicle mechanic, identifies and explains parts of a humvee to 2 IP.
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
Former Diyala Governor celebrated for service
Col. Burt Thompson presents Ra'ad Al-Tamimi, a gift of appreciation for his many years of service to the people, communities, and cities of the province and Iraq.
(Photos by Staff Sgt. Allie Flisek)
FOB WARHORSE, DIYALA - Coalition leadership gathered to wish farewell to former Diyala provincial gov. Ra'ad Al-Tamimi, April 29.
Brig. Gen. James Nixon, dep. comm. gen. of ops for MND-N, Col. Burt Thompson, cmdr of 1st Stryker BCT, 25th ID, along with 1-25 SBCT bn cmdrs and Iraqi SF leaders from around the province attended.
The event was planned as a way to thank Ra'ad Al Tamimi for his service to the province and country, while serving as the Diyala gov. for the past 4 years. Soldiers from the 1-25th worked for the last 7 months with Ra'ad Al Tamimi, who has also partnered with 4 other CF bdes and interacted with countless CF servicemen and women, as well as members of the State Dept, during his tenure as gov.
The night's festivities included dinner and the presentation of several gifts to show appreciation for his many accomplishments as Diyala's head-of-state.
Ra'ad Al Tamimi thanked the members of the bde for their hard work, and offered thanks to those who gave their lives in the service of Iraq and Diyala province.
Brig. Gen. James Nixon presents a gift of appreciation to Ra'ad Al-Tamimi.
Lt. Col. Matthew Anderson (left), cmdr of 2nd Bn, 8th FAR, presents Ra'ad Al-Tamimi, a gift.
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145th Mobile Pubilc Affairs Detachment RSS
Joint Briefing Conducted to Discuss the Future of Ninewa
By Spc. Daniel Nelson
Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., Comm. Gen., MND-N (left), and Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, Comm. Gen., MNC-I (center) listen as Gen. Odierno, Comm. Gen., MNF-I, speaks with them during a joint assessment briefing held at FOB Diamondback, Mosul, May 2.
FOB DIAMONDBACK, MOSUL - Maj. Gen. Hassan Karim, Cmdr, Ninewa Ops Command, hosted a joint assessment briefing to discuss current ops in the Ninewa province of Iraq, and the upcoming date of June 30, in which combat forces must be out of the cities of Iraq.
During the meeting, the MoD expressed the need to defeat the terrorist's network. He included the importance of having Hassan and the NOC support requests from Najafi. In addition, he stated that he would have an assessment made by an administrative team from the MoD to determine if additional forces are needed in Mosul. Najafi commented on how govt economic improvement can help provide security.
Reminding everyone of the security agreement, Odierno stated that for CF to remain inside cities beyond June 30, it would have be requested by the GoI. "It's a political decision, not a military one," added Odierno. He also explained that, if ordered to leave the cities, the relationship between CF and Iraqi SF would require a closer partnership to continue to support the ISF through training teams and reconstruction projects.
Concluding the briefing, the MoD made a commitment to those attending to emplace a Ministry of Interior cell that will focus on breaking down extortion and the illegal financing of terrorist cells.
Gen. Raymond Odierno speaks to the Iraqi MoD, Abd Al-Qadir, and other U.S. and Iraqi key leaders.
Gen. Raymond Odierno talks to Col. Gary Volesky, Cmdr, 3rd HBCT, 1st Cav Div (far left), Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, Dep. Comm. Gen. (Support), MND-N (left), Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, Comm. Gen., MNC-I (right), and Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen Jr., Comm. Gen., MND-N (far right), following a joint assessment briefing.
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Multi-National Division - Baghdad
Iraqi, U.S. Military Police Work Together
By Sgt. Joshua Risner
Spc. Jaclyn Guzman (left), a U.S. MP, pulls security with an Iraqi counterpart in the Amariyah neighborhood of Baghdad, April 29.
BAGHDAD — The heat of the day is rising as Iraqi and U.S. MP move through a market. They move through an intersection that looks just like the others they have encountered during the day, but this one has significance, according to SSgt. Preston O'Neal, a squad leader assigned to the 463rd MP Co. "You see this intersection here? There used to be a lot of IEDs at this intersection," he said. "Now people let us know if they see somebody placing something."
This peaceful intersection is indicative of the security progress made in Amariyah, said O'Neal, who attributes it to the increased competence of the IP. "One thing a lot of the people wanted to know today was the phone number to the police station, so they could call them in the future if something bad happens," he said.
The market patrol was not just about keeping the bad guys at bay, O'Neal explained. It was also about letting the IP take the lead to establish a presence in the community, and to be involved with the concerns of the local populace.
The IP, along with the 463rd MP, stopped by several shops to talk with shop owners. "We just asked them, you know, how business is and how things are going in the community," said O'Neal. "It helps show the people that we care and that we're concerned with their well-being." When children would happen past, the IP handed them boxes of colored pencils and other items, to cultivate good will. But gifts were not all that was handed out today. Part of the mission involved the distribution of anti-RKG-3 anti-tank grenade fliers.
"It has a picture of an RKG-3 on it; what to do if a local sees one lying around and how to identify if somebody is carrying one around," O'Neal explained. "That way they can notify the Iraq SF, and hopefully we can get it before it's deployed."
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145th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Commanders Visit Kurdish President
By Spc. Daniel Nelson
Brig. Gen. Robert Brown (right), dep. comm. gen. (support), and Lt. Col. Stephen Myers, dep. comm. officer, Command Post-North, lay a wreath on the wall that surrounds the grave site of Mustafa Barzani, the most prominent political leader in Kurdish history, during their visit to Barzan, April 20.
MOSUL — When most people think of Iraq they probably don't think of lush, green valleys, twisting ravines, rushing rivers and snow covered mountaintops. Usually, people think of miles and miles of empty desert, with no water in sight.
For Brig. Gen. Robert Brown, and TF Lightning Soldiers, the greener landscape was the reality during their recent trip to Barzan. Brown met with the pres. of the Kurdish regional govt (KRG), Massoud Barzani, to discuss the current relationship between the new govt of Ninewa province, the GoI, and the KRG.
Barzani had a traditional Kurdish lunch prepared for Brown and the Soldiers. As customs here dictate, the men enjoyed the food, a cup of tea and friendly conversation before getting into the purpose of the meeting.
Brown also visited the local cemetery to pay respect to Barzani's father, who's buried here, and the approx. 500 Kurdish men and boys who were killed during the early years of Saddam Hussein's regime. Prior to leaving for the cemetery and grave site, Brown was given a copy of the book "Mustafa Barzani," which was signed and written by President Barzani himself.
The group was first taken to the cemetery where they were told of how the families of the people buried there weren't sure of which grave was that of their loved ones, because they'd been killed so long ago. ID wasn't possible for every person when they unearthed the mass grave site in the desert near Bussia. "The families who visit believe that their relatives are buried in the cemetery," said Maj. Michael Corley, the engagements officer for CP-North. "It gives them some kind of closure with knowing that their loved ones are somewhere in the cemetery."
Before leaving the area, Brown took time to write a message in a book that is left for visitors to sign.
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American Forces Press Service
Gates Seeks ‘Ground Level’ View of Afghanistan Operations
By Donna Miles
KABUL, May 6, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates arrived here today for a surprise visit “to get a sense from the ground level” about how ops are going in Afghanistan.
Speaking to reporters before taking off from Saudi Arabia, Gates said he’ll spend most of his visit in Afghanistan not in govt conference rooms, but with troops in the field.
“I just want to go out and see for myself how they're doing,” he said. “I … want to get a sense from the ground level of what the needs are, what the challenges are, what the solutions to some of the problems are from people who -- it has been my experience -- are more likely to have the solutions than some of the folks back in Washington.”
Gates said he plans to ask troops directly: “What do you need out here that you're not getting?”
He’ll check out progress in getting the infrastructure ready to accommodate additional combat and support troops, and find out how the new suspensions on mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles being dispatched here are working out, and if more MRAPs are needed.
He said he’ll also look into progress in ramping up medevac capabilities, so they’re more in line with those available for U.S. troops in Iraq. Gates ordered about a dozen additional helicopters to Afghanistan, as well as additional field hospitals, to ensure wounded troops are able to receive advanced care within the so-called “golden hour” after they’re injured.
Troops who are treated at well-equipped medical facilities within the first 60 minutes of being wounded are far more likely to survive, medical officials report. However, Gates complained during congressional testimony in January, the standard in Afghanistan was closer to 2 hours.
Though an additional CAB to arrive in Afghanistan also will increase medevac capability, Gates said, he'll ask during his visit if that'll be enough over the long term. “I want to find out how that's all worked out,” he said. Gates said he’ll also ask about intel, surveillance and recon (ISR) capabilities -- what he called his “favorite subject.”
The fiscal 2010 defense budget includes a lot of new ISR items that Gates intends to roll out as quickly as possible to deployed forces. “I just want to make sure they're ready for it, will be able to absorb it and use it in an effective way,” he said.
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American Forces Press Service
Preparing for an Influx of Troops in Southern Afghanistan
Marines from the 371st Wing Support Command (WSC), FOB Leatherneck, lay matting to construct a helicopter landing pad, May 1, 2009.
(Army photo by MSgt. Kanessa R. Trent)
KABUL – Expansion efforts are well under way in southern Afghanistan, where most of the 21,000 troops deploying to the country this summer will be concentrated.
Leaders at every level are working around the clock to ensure basic infrastructure is in place to continue receiving troops in Kandahar before sending them out to the FOBs, which are in various stages of development throughout the region, U.S. Forces Afghanistan officials said.
“Every FOB we construct will be expeditionary,” Army Command Sgt. Maj. Iuniasolua Savusa said during a May 1 visit to the area. “Incoming troops will get the basics to maintain safety and do their missions. This expansion was meant to be austere.”
Savusa, command sgt maj for NATO’s Int'l Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and U.S. Forces Afghanistan, said that translates to basic life-support needs such as using tents for sleeping and work space, and setting up dining facilities, showers and toilets.
As FOB development continues, troops could remain in Kandahar for several weeks before deploying out to their final destinations throughout the summer months, he said.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mike Schultz, Joint Sust. Command Afghanistan’s command sgt maj, said it’s all about expectation mgt. He knows first-hand the importance of this, he noted. His own unit, the 143rd Expeditionary Sust. Command, was re-missioned from Kuwait to Afghanistan, and his command prepared the soldiers for what they could expect when arriving in Kandahar. “The reality of the life troops are going to have for the amount of time they are in Kandahar is that it will be overcrowded,” Schultz said. Depending on their expectations, troops either can be “pleasantly surprised that it’s not as bad as they expected, or it’ll be exactly what they thought it would be like,” Schultz said. He added that facilities such as gyms, small post exchanges and Internet cafes are being built as well, to give troops a place to unwind and be positively engaged. “The amount of U.S. troops coming in and the amount of space we’re trying to put them in is our biggest issue,” Schultz said. “It’s all dependent on the FOBs. We’re relying on a lot of contractors and a lot of other civilians to help build some of these FOBs. We can’t send the troops to the forward bases if there is no life support.”
It’s not just contractors who are doing the heavy lifting. The Navy Seabees and the Army’s 4th Engr Bde, which was just relocated from Iraq, are putting up buildings and life-support systems throughout southern Afghanistan. Marines are putting up tents and setting up cots they’ve just received in preparation for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Bde, which will arrive soon.
Plans are in the works to develop AF-approved landing strips for C-130s and other fixed-wing aircraft at several locations. This is vital for logistical support to the remote areas, officials said.
Resourcing the needs is the biggest issue, as supply systems are inundated with requests for everything from nails to electrical wire. A/C units for the sleep and work tents are on order and will be a welcome sight when they arrive, as temperatures in the south already are hovering in the high 90s most afternoons. Awaiting the arrival of those resources has caused some frustration, but at the same time has kept leaders engaged.
“There’s that point of frustration where we all learn and learn quick,” Savusa said. “We learn about each other, we learn about our mission, and we learn how to get along with each other, because if we don’t, we all fail with what we’re here to do to support our troops.”
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American Forces Press Service
Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Six Suspected Militants
KABUL, May 6, 2009 – Afghan and CF detained 6 suspected militants in Afghanistan’s Logar province during an op early this morning, to disrupt extremist activity in eastern Afghanistan.
The combined force, acting on intel info, searched several compounds in a village in the province’s Baraki Barak district, that is known to be a Taliban sanctuary. Forces detained 6 suspects believed to be connected to a foreign-fighter network operating in the eastern Afghan province.
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