Dear Interested Reader,
Soccer Tournament showcases fun and even a reenlistment. Women soldiers make their mark in Delta Co., 949th BSB. IP investigators train on FOB Warrior. Detainees at Camp Bucca learn useful trades.
In Afghanistan, troops become citizens on Memorial Day. Military working dogs make troops safer. Combined forces continue offensive ops in Helmand, and in Logar Province. Army 1st Lt. Alex Chester III makes a difference at Kandahar Airfield.
Joanna
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June 4, 2009
Special to American Forces Press Service
Tournament Showcases Fun, Unity in Baghdad District
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea
Army Col. Timothy McGuire administers the oath of re-enlistment to Army Spc. John MacMurray at halftime of a combined forces soccer match at Shaab Stadium in the Rusafa district of eastern Baghdad, May 23, 2009.
(Army photos by Staff Sgt. James Selesnick)
BAGHDAD, May 27, 2009 – Cheers, music and fun filled Shaab stadium during a soccer tournament, May 22 and 23 here in Rusafa district. In a month-long effort, the London-based soccer org. FC Unity, in cooperation with U.S. and Iraqi officials, provided the people of Iraq a platform for development and education through a series of soccer programs.
As a sense of normalcy continues to fill the Iraqi capital, U.S. officials, along with their Iraqi partners, wanted to show that security is here to stay. FC Unity officials, along with MND Baghdad paratroopers of the 82nd Abn Div’s 3rd BCT, and ISF, wanted to bring part of their culture to the Iraqi people as a gesture of partnership.
“It's a normality of life that we can all come out here and play, Americans and Iraqis together, and also Iraqis of different backgrounds -- regardless of their religious, ethnic and social backgrounds -- can come together and play football,” said Yamam Nabeel, chief executive of FC Unity. “If people around the world can see how the U.S. military interacts with the Iraqi people, it shows a different picture to the world, that the U.S. Army is here to help the Iraqis build a strong and viable society,” he said. “We're here to bring smiles to the faces of the young people.”
The tournament, which was open to the public, consisted of 32 community games and 4 games combining American soldiers and ISF. Paratroopers handed out soccer jerseys and other equipment to children who participated in the event. "We want to give the Iraqi people their culture back, and a big part of that culture is sports, and in Iraq, sports means soccer,” Army Lt. Col. Michael Shinners said in a television interview. Shinners, is dep. cmdr of the 3rd Bde, which is deployed from Fort Bragg, N.C.
For American paratroopers participating in the event, playing soccer in a combat zone is something they could never have envisioned when they deployed to Baghdad late last year. “This is a huge step in what we're doing here,” said Army Spc. John MacMurray, an intel specialist assigned to the bde’s HHC. “This event has really helped us earn the trust of the Iraqi citizens.” During halftime, MacMurray took a break from the action and re-enlisted in the middle of the field for an additional 4 years of military service. He said the experience of re-enlisting in front of so many people is something he always will treasure.
“We had a lot of fun this weekend, and we built great friendships with the American soldiers,” an INP officer said. “That was the point of this weekend: to have fun and have a great time.”
Yamam Nabeel, left, chief executive of FC Unity, holds a soccer ball donated by the “Kick for Nick” org. during the beginning of the final game of a combined forces tournament. The org. was founded in honor of Army Pfc. Nick Madaras, whose wish was to collect soccer balls and give them to the children of Iraq. Madaras was killed by a roadside bomb Sept. 3, 2006.
MND Baghdad paratroopers run to gain control of the ball during the finals of a combined forces soccer match.
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10th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office RSS
Women Soldiers
Spc. Rhonda Friedrichsen, takes a break from drivers training at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. She currently serves as an MRAP driver for Delta Co, 949th BSB, 553rd CSSB, 10th Sust Bde.
CAMP LIBERTY – When the 56th IBCT, Texas Army National Guard deployed last summer, hundreds of Soldiers were activated to fight the war on terrorism, and women were not overlooked.
The women who serve with the 56th IBCT have been classified as non-combat arms. However, many of the female Soldiers currently serving have found themselves in situations very similar to that of combat arms Soldiers. The women called up for duty these days serve in positions such as drivers, gunners, and medics, all of whom can be directly engaged by the enemy.
Almost daily, Spc. Doris Campos, mother of 2 and grandmother of 2, assumes her role behind the wheel of a MRAP Vehicle, navigating the streets of Baghdad, and placing herself on the forefront of the battle. By going outside the wire, Campos takes the risk of engaging in life-threatening situations. This is Campos' 4th deployment. During her first 3, she served in her primary Military Occupational Specialty as an Automated Supply Specialist. When she heard that Delta Co, 949th BSB, was going to be tasked with convoy security, she not only volunteered to be deployed, but also requested to serve in a line company where she would be in closer contact with the enemy.
When asked about her experience on this deployment, Campos stated, "It's been a great experience--there's nothing any woman can't do here. The gender lines are fading. A Soldier is a Soldier, and when called upon to perform a duty they must perform."
Another Delta Co Soldier, Spc. Rhonda Friedrichsen, mother of a teenage daughter, is a Medical Equipment Repairer, who also serves as a driver for the lead gun truck in her convoy. She stated that the hardest part of deploying to Iraq was the train-up. "I wasn't used to having to wear the body armor and the Kevlar helmet for such long periods of time. Also, I had to work harder at getting the men to respect me, both as a woman and as a Soldier, who is typically labeled non-combat arms," she said. "But they saw how hard I worked and how seriously I took my job. I mean, as the lead gun truck driver, if I make a wrong turn or roll on to a black route unknowingly, I not only endanger my life, but the lives of my crew and the entire convoy."
While these women may not be categorized as combat arms, their responsibilities are sometimes the same. When the call came for them to leave their husbands and children for their year-long tour in Iraq, they carried out their duties with little hesitation.
Spc. Doris Campos, a native of Cuero Texas, prepares for weapons qualification at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. She currently serves as an MRAP driver for Delta Company, 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad.
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Multi-National Division - North PAO
Iraqi Police investigators train on FOB Warrior
FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - The rule of law is the foundation of any free nation. Artistotle said that "law should govern," and those in power should be "servants of the laws" nearly 2,500 years ago.
In the spirit of ensuring a fair application of its laws, IP officers responsible for investigating crimes travelled to FOB Warrior, May 23 to hone their unique skills and get new ideas on evidence processing. "We want to improve our officers' ability to investigate crimes and crime scenes," said Brig. Gen. Razaq Hussein, one of the head officers at the Kirkuk police academy, and an instructor during the training.
According to Razaq, officers working evidence on a daily basis sometimes have old habits that are hard to break, and new skills can improve their investigative work. "They need to know to do the systems of investigating that we taught them every time they get a case," Razaq said. "But, we're also teaching them new info. These classes are how we keep the wheels rolling." A major point of discussion during the course of the class revolved around proper crime scene investigating.
Brig. Gen. Awad, cmdr of the Criminal Evidence Unit, explained to the policemen the need to keep the crime scene pure of any new material. He also went in more detail about videotape and photographing the scene, and how to find hard evidence. "If you follow the right steps, you will get answers," assured Awad.
For Maj. Ahmar Issad, a police investigator, the class was essential. "You cannot finish an investigation without this type of training," he explained. "Every investigator needs to know this. You will never catch and arrest a criminal without it." Issad went on to explain that although the methods of investigating are nearly the same as when he first learned, technology has continued to improve. For Issad, this was especially true when CF brought new equipment to the IP investigators that allowed them to gain a more detailed picture from crime scenes. "You can find out exactly what happened while you are still standing at the crime scene," he explained.
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq
Detainees Hone Agricultural, Art Skills
By Sgt. Lindsey Bradford
UMM QASR — Mention the words "detention facility" or "detainee," and images of single-room cells, bars and cots may come to mind. But what if these words brought to mind vibrant, colorful images splashed across a canvas; wood carvings; and fresh fields of corn and tomatoes?
For detainees at Camp Bucca's Theater Internment Facility (TIF), these words may produce images of hope, and help shine a new light on service members in Iraq. "We're hoping to give detainees a different perspective on CF," said Staff Sgt. Steven Cotton, 66th Fwd Support Co. Cotton oversees the Bucca Enrichment School, which opened in October 2007, as part of the TIF’s reconciliation center. At any given time, it affords roughly 45 detainees a chance to improve carpentry skills or enroll in agriculture vocational-technical programs.
"It's a really great program that offers them a creative outlet and the opportunity to learn skills that will be useful to them outside of the camp," Cotton said. A portion of the program shows detainees how to use the soil for crop rotation. "We teach them to use the land to turn around and produce green growth," said 66th FSC 1st Sgt. Hector Vasquez. Vasquez said that on a small scale, trainees could produce enough food to feed their families, but on a larger scale, they would be able to farm and make a profit.
In addition to cultivating crops, detainees carve lumber to form benches, stools, ping-pong tables and soccer goals. Some of the finished pieces are used at military compounds, and others are used by the detainees themselves for recreation purposes.
Cotton and Vasquez say the detainees are eager to learn, and both are firm believers that the enrichment program will help detainees see a different side of CF. Cotton said, "If out of 45 guys, one of them decides not to place an IED because they had a good experience here, then we did something right."
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American Forces Press Service
Troops Become Citizens at Bagram Air Field
By Army Pfc. Cody A. Thompson
106 servicemembers, including 94 soldiers, 10 Marines and 2 sailors, from countries from Mexico to Japan, celebrated their 1st Memorial Day as U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony, May 25, 2009 at Bagram Air Field.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD – After a long naturalization process, emotions ran high as the servicemembers’ journey finally came to an end. “It’s very overwhelming. I’m in harm’s way every day, and have worked very hard to get to this point,” said Army Spc. Rhett Cayobit, a Philippine native. “I was very lucky that my unit supported me from day one.” Cayobit is an engr with the 68th Combat Support Equipment Co, 62nd Engr Bn, 36th Engr Bde.
Servicemembers stood proud as they heard trumpets sound their new national anthem. After the last note fell and the servicemembers took their seats, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, comm. gen. for Combined Joint TF-101 spoke about what it means to be a U.S. citizen. “This is a privilege, but one you’ve earned,” Schloesser said.
Corinna Luna-Benavides, the field office dir. of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the Middle East spoke to the audience of about 325 people. “Historically this is the largest group to gain their citizenship in Afghanistan; hopefully on Veterans Day in November we will have even more.”
The naturalization process involves detailed applications, interviews, and reviews that normally takes 9 months. For Sgt. Young Kim, a S.Korea native and a transportation NCO with the 154th Transportation Co from Fort Hood, Texas, it took 8 years. “It’s so relieving, because now I can bring my family over to the U.S.,” said Kim. “I had to submit my packet 4 times, but now that I have my citizenship. I plan on getting my security clearance and going to Officer Candidate School.”
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CJTF-101 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Military Working Dogs makes Soldiers job easier
By Pfc. Andrya Hill
AF Staff Sgt. Adam Belward watches his explosive detection dog search the scene of a car bomb, May 13, which detonated at the gate of FOB Salerno.
(Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Marcus Butler)
FOB SALERNO - Could one wonder how a ferocious, snarling attack dog can transition from attack mode to a playful, panting puppy on the command of its handler?
The military working dogs of the TF Guardian K-9 team at FOB Salerno are deployed to eastern Afghanistan in support of the 4th BCT (Abn), 25th ID. They provide assets unattainable through human or mechanical forces.
"The dogs have the ability to find things that we can't, so instead of somebody going through and physically taking apart an entire qalat or house, we can go through with a dog to find what can't be seen," said AF Staff Sgt. Adam Belward, one of the military dog handlers.
Each dog in the unit is utilized according to his or her strength. They are classified for a specific purpose, although most of them are trained in several areas including explosive detection, narcotics detection, and personnel tracking. "Everybody's dog is different. It's all based on the dog team," said Belward.
Army Sgt. Mario Allen's dog, Saigo, fills a unique purpose on the team. "I've a combat tracker dog. He's used to find people. The other dogs find bombs, and then my dog tracks down the personnel that placed it," said Allen.
"We are so diverse in what we do, and can work with pretty much any unit. We've done air assaults here, and can go on the road," said Belward. "People usually need big tools and machines to find something. Instead, we can take one dog team to accomplish the same thing."
In addition to tracking skills, the dogs bring an extra level of protection, serving in an unofficial guard capacity. "They protect us when we're out in the field, because they alert us of anyone trying to sneak up on us," said Belward.
Sgt. Mario Allen runs as he gets attacked by Patrol Explosive Detection Dog, Kitti, during a training session, May 4, at FOB Salerno.
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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
Afghan, CF Continue Offensive Ops in Helmand
KABUL– Afghan and CF killed 3 men and detained 6 suspects early today during deliberate ops targeting militants in Helmand province.
In Nadi Ali District, Helmand province, approx. 130 kms west of Kandahar, forces conducted an op to apprehend a key Taliban cmdr responsible for directing attacks on CF, facilitating bomb-making ops, and violently intimidating local citizens to gain their cooperation.
In Lashkar Gah, Afghan and CF searched for a targeted individual, who was believed to be located at one of several compounds. Afghan forces verbally asked the residents to exit peacefully. At one compound, a man exited a building and walked toward the force. The man appeared to be wearing a suicide belt and was warned to halt. He was killed when he continued to approach forces.
At the same compound, Afghan forces issued verbal commands for occupants to exit 2 other buildings. Women and children who exited indicated no one else was inside. Forces entered one of the buildings and encountered a man shielding himself with a woman and children. When the man shouted a threat, forces shot him. A ricochet struck a woman and child, causing non-life threatening injuries.
Forces entered a 3rd building on the compound and encountered another man who was also using women and children as shields. Forces shot the man, ending the situation without harming the woman and children he had endangered. Three other men were detained without incident on this compound.
"We take the safety of Afghan civilians very seriously and sincerely regret that any civilians were injured in this op," said MoD spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Azimi. "Afghan and CF took extensive measures to protect civilians, but militants intentionally placed civilians in harm's way."
At the other compounds targeted during this op, Afghan forces used verbal commands to convince occupants to exit the buildings. Forces met similar resistance, resulting in an escalation using non-lethal force. One man sustained injuries in the escalation and is currently receiving care from coalition medical personnel. Forces detained 3 additional suspects without firing shots.
Forces found an assault rifle and a large bag of ammo.
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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
ANA, CF in Ongoing Ops in Logar Province
KABUL – ANA commandos with the 6th Kandak, advised by CF, have killed 13 militants in ongoing ops in Kharwar district, Logar province, May 26.
The Afghan-led force was clearing a compound to disrupt enemy activities, when they observed several small groups of armed men moving toward them. The combined force called in a precision air strike, which killed 4 militants.
Afghan and CF then received small arms and heavy machine-gun fire from a wooded area. They called in another precision air strike, which killed an additional 9 militants.
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Special to American Forces Press Service
Face of Defense: Soldier Fills Gap With Civilian Skills
By Army Pfc. Elisebet Freeburg
Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan engr, Army 1st Lt. Alex Chester III installs wiring while building the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) compound at Kandahar Airfield. Chester uses his civilian engineering skills to support the build-up of troops in Afghanistan.
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, May 27, 2009 – As thousands of additional troops arrive in Afghanistan, one concern has been having enough civilian experts to fill an increasing shortage in support roles. Last month, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he may ask reservists skilled in certain areas to deploy, and fill those roles until replacements arrive.
Months earlier, Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan already was putting soldiers’ civilian skills to use. Army engr 1st Lt. Alex Chester III originally filled an environmental science officer role with the 143rd ESC. Chester, who holds master’s degrees in structural engineering, civil engineering and electrical engineering, has worked in the engineering field for 22 years and owns his own company, TAK Environmental Services.
"Before we moved out here, they found out that I had some engineering degrees and backgrounds," he said. "They asked me to be part of the torch party, and come out here and fill that position, and start the building of the 143rd compound." The torch party deployed before the main body of the 143rd ESC, and ensured that living and work spaces were ready for the main body.
Chester said his current Army job is almost identical to his civilian job. "The only difference is that I don't have hazardous material to work with here," he said. About 60% of Chester's civilian job is engineering, he explained, removing hazardous materials, performing demolitions and rebuilding structures. Now that he works in an engineering role for the Army, Chester will continue in that role for the rest of his deployment. "It helps a lot," he said. "In the Army, you're basically training with a single military occupational specialty, whereas with my civilian background, I've had 22 years of work. I've been trained in a multitude of skills, and I can use those skills here."
As hundreds of soldiers arrive here weekly, Chester's expertise in engineering is an integral part of the build-up of forces, as he designs and builds for Joint Sustainment Command Afghanistan. He designed the compound for the 143rd ESC and will build it as well. The 143d ESC leads the command in controlling movement of supplies and personnel into and throughout Afghanistan.
"One of our issues at the 143rd is power issues with the generators," Chester said. "I'm up night and day fixing the power, keeping it running, which is exactly the kind of stuff I like to do. I love electrical stuff."
Besides working for the sustainment command, Chester -- the only licensed engineer on base -- volunteered his services to the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP), a U.S. enterprise that uses civilian contractors to support U.S. servicemembers. "I work a lot with LOGCAP," he said. "I do a lot with electricity. They come to me for advice on what to do."
Army Master Sgt. Albert Ouellette, the 143rd ESC engr NCO in-charge, works with Chester in building the 143rd ESC compound. The 2 soldiers have worked together since Feb. Besides building desks, walls, floors and chairs, they have worked on generators and electrical wiring. "He's willing to help pretty much anybody," Ouellette said of Chester. For example, Ouellette said, people will see Chester and stop to ask him for advice, or bring by sketches to review, or supply lists to check.
Chester helps contractors by rewiring buildings and planning structures. His skills have resulted in more bathrooms and showers for soldiers' living quarters. He also built the briefing and training office, and the personnel and reception center for soldiers arriving here as part of the build-up. Because of Chester, buildings and tents get built faster.
Chester enjoys using his civilian proficiencies to support the troops arriving in Afghanistan. "I think it's great, because I'm not sitting around a desk doing slideshows," he said. "I'm out doing hands-on work, which I like to do. It's helping the troops and helping the efforts out here that we're here to do."
Other soldiers have noticed his work ethic and skill. "He's willing to put out as much time necessary," Ouellette said. "He's relentless. It'll be pouring rain, or they'll call him at 3 AM to work on the generator, and he'll come on down."
After finishing the 143rd ESC compound, Chester plans to visit FOBs, using his expertise to further support the additional troops. "I'll be going out primarily to do some inspections and some rewiring and build-out," he said.
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