Dear Interested Reader,
Independence Day celebrations with Greywolf Brigade. Fraternity brothers give back to fellow soldiers and children. Clean water flows in Mosul rural areas.
In Afghanistan, troops at Bagram Airfield celebrate 4th of July. Marines gauge progress in Farah. Riggers make a difference one drop at a time. Forces detain militants, destroy weapons.
Joanna
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July 10, 2009
Blackanthem Military News
Greywolf Brigade takes time to celebrate Independence Day
By Pfc. Sharla Perrin, MND - North PAO
Troops with G Fwd Support Co, 2nd Bn, 82nd FAR, 3rd HBCT "Greywolf," 1st Cav Div enjoy a barbeque at their company HQ, July 3 on FOB Diamondback in Mosul.
MOSUL - Full bellies, fun games and festive decorations sprawled to all corners of FOBs Marez and Diamondback in Mosul, the July 4th weekend.
Ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs and steaks provided by the bn's fwd support co, F Co., topped the plates of Batteries A and B, and A Co., 1st Bn, 12th Cav Regt, an attached inf co from Tal Al Far.
3rd Bn, 8th Cav Regt held an organizational day July 4th, complete with table games, sports and a barbeque, and finishing with a game of tug-of-war. With activities spread across an eighth of a square mile, Soldiers enjoyed cold drinks in the shade of awnings and trees as a refuge from the 107-degree heat.
Soldiers with 3rd Bn, 8th Cav Regt, 3rd HBCT "Greywolf," 1st Cav Div enjoy a game of spades July 4, as part of their bn organizational day.
Soldiers with 3rd HBCT "Greywolf," provide motivation for their comrades who participate in a game of tug-of-war July 4, on FOB Marez in Mosul.
"Greywolf" Soldiers display awards won in various activities.
Soldiers with C Medical Co, 215th BSB, 3rd HBCT "Greywolf," 1st Cav Div smile for the camera at their company barbeque.
Spc. Estevan Azocar, a medic with C Medical Co, struggles to procure a whistle through a mouthful of saltine crackers for Maj. Kohji Kure of Honolulu, Hawaii, the bn's physician's asst, during a relay race. 1st Sgt. Zachary Harmon operates the stop watch for the race.
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Blackanthem Military News
Greywolf and ISF leaders celebrate July 4th together in Mosul
By Spc. Jared Sollars
Col. Gary Volesky, cmdr of the 3rd HBCT, 1st Cav Div welcomes officers from all the branches of the ISF at a luncheon held, July 4, at FOB Diamondback. The event was a celebration of Independence Day, and the handover of security in Mosul to ISF.
MOSUL - "I'm very happy to be celebrating your (America's) Independence Day with you. It's very important that we honor our holidays and traditions," said IA Brig Gen Abdull Mahdi, cmdr.
The lunch, hosted by Col. Gary Volesky and bn cmdrs from the bde, was attended by Iraqi leaders from the Ninewa Ops Command, IA, INP, and local IP.
Three long banquet tables were covered in a wide array of Iraqi dishes. U.S. and Iraqi leaders stood side-by-side as Volesky welcomed all the leaders and provided opening remarks for the special occasion. "We've been celebrating democracy for 233 years now," Volesky said to the crowd, "and for Iraq, June 30, 2009 is just another great example of their own sovereignty."
"This event symbolizes the beginning of a new phase of the U.S.-Iraqi Security Agreement," said Volesky. "I'm very happy for them. This is another step towards us accomplishing our mission here."
Col. Volesky welcomes officers from all the branches of the ISF and U.S. Forces.
U.S. and Iraqi Forces converse at the luncheon.
Col. Volesky speaks with senior ISF officers during the luncheon.
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MNC-I
Fraternity Brothers Give Back to Fellow Soldiers and Iraqi Children
By Lt. Col. Pat Simon
Members of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity teach first aid to Iraqi Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts during a recent partnership session.
(Photo by Lt. Col. Pat Simon)
BAGHDAD — "From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." That quote from former tennis great Arthur Ashe is not just a famous saying, it's a way of life for a unique group of Soldiers deployed here. They are members of the college fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi, who meet every week at the Pegasus dining facility on Camp Liberty. They are fraternity "brothers in arms" and part of a time honored tradition of service on the battlefield.
"Achievement is the premise of everything we do," echoed Maj. Kent Broussard, environmental science officer for the 1st Cav. Div. Every other week, Berry, Hall, Broussard and other members of the fraternity reach out to the local community of Baghdad and spend quality time with Iraqi Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Last week they taught the children first aid.
In the past, they've hosted soccer and basketball games. They've even taken the children on field trips to fire stations, and gave them a chance to try on firefighter's gear. "It's very rewarding to give back to the community and mentor, when there is an opportunity to make a difference by educating and empowering our youth," said Broussard.
Their fraternity mission of making a difference does not stop there. They also go the extra mile helping fellow Soldiers. The group sponsors poetry readings to give Soldiers a chance to express themselves, and jazz socials where Soldiers can kick back and enjoy soothing music. It's a chance for everyone to escape from the stress of combat life.
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MNF-I
Clean Water Flows in Mosul Rural Areas
By Pfc. Jared Sollars
Lt. Col. Michael Fadden, 1st Bn, 12th Cav Regt cmdr, speaks with civilians hired to assist with the renovations of one of the water stations his civil affairs unit just finished renovating.
MOSUL — In the rural areas outside this city, U.S. Soldiers are helping local villagers obtain running water by repairing and building water pumping stations in 8 different locations of the Qayyarah Sub-District in Ninewa prov.
"This is a happy day and I'm proud to work with CF on this and all the projects," said Mayor Saleh Ali, the mayor of Qayyarah. "We appreciate all the work CF did in working with the Qayyarah City Council to renovate these stations."
Throughout 1/12’s area of responsibility, villages have recently experienced droughts and water shortages, due to an increase in population. The improved pumping stations have increased the volume capacity to deliver water throughout most of the villages now.
These missions were also used to provide local economical stimulus by employing 115 local residents to fix and operate the water pumping stations. Projects like these show the Iraqi people that their govt is stepping in to look out for them.
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MNF-I
Pen Pals
Army Sgt. Christopher Sommer, 56th Stryker BCT, attracts local kids while giving out pens, as leaders meet with a shaykh near Abu Asif, June 25.
(Army photo by Spc. Neil Stanfield)
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Troops celebrate America's 233rd birthday
By Army Capt. Michael Greenberger
Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti administers the oath of enlistment to a group of servicemembers re-enlisting at Bagram Airfield, during a ceremony July 4.
BAGRAM AIRFIELD - U.S. Forces kicked off the 4th of July with a rockin' ceremony marking America's 233rd birthday. Two service members each from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, 8 in all, headlined the event by re-enlisting in their respective branches to extend their tours of duty. On hand to administer their oath of enlistment was Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Comm. Gen., Combined Joint TF-82 and Regional Command East.
"It was very special," said Navy Yeoman 3rd Class Marquell Vance, one of the servicemembers re-enlisting. "How many E-4s can say they were re-enlisted by the comm. gen. on the 4th of July?"
Following the re-enlistment ceremony Army Sgt. Jeannie Tauala took the stage to sing "America the Beautiful". As her voice filled the red, white and blue-clad "clamshell" tent, members of the audience, flushed with pride, burst into thunderous applause when she completed her song. "It was a huge honor to sing that song on this day," Tauala said. "It was an honor not only to sing for the cmdr but for all the service members not in our homeland on this day. I feel blessed."
Following Tauala's patriotic song, several service members read poems to the audience, such as Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Phillis Noiseaux's recitation dubbed "Wake the Memory of the Dead". "The spirit of the poem itself captured my personal spirit" said Noiseaux. "Pride does not come at any particular moment or opportunity. I was humbled today and my heart delivered."
After the ceremony concluded, the CJTF-82 Band relinquished the musical atmosphere to "No Reserve", a rock ensemble also provided by CJTF-82.
The military 5-piece rock band belted out hits ranging from Led Zeppelin to Fall Out Boy. Among their sets, an original song composed by guitarist Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Quinones called "Fallen Comrades". "I was inspired by 2 fallen comrade ceremonies," Quinones said. "In one ceremony, an AF sgt was overwhelmed with tears because she lost a buddy, and it just hit me."
Maj. Gen. Scaparrotti congratulates Army Staff Sgt. Shance Jeffries, after she re-enlisted.
Army Sgt. Jeannie Tauala sings "America the Beautiful."
Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Phillis Noiseaux recites a poem.
(left to right) Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Quinones, guitarist for the Combined Joint TF-82 rock band "No Reserve" plays while vocalist Spc. Christine Permenter sings to the beat of band-leader Sgt. 1st Class James Donahue.
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Blackanthem Military News
MEB-Afghanistan Gauges Progress in Farah
By Cpl. Aaron Rooks, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Navy Cmdr. Benjamin Nicholson, cmdr of PRT-Farah, talks to Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, comm. gen. of MEB-A, about the billeting and dining areas located at the ANA compound. The buildings featured crisp white walls with sparkling, clean white floors.
FARAH PROVINCE - "Everyone always looks forward to going outside the wire on missions," said Army Staff Sgt. John Smith, an infantryman who provides security for PRT-Farah. "They enjoy meeting the local population and watching the children play. That's our motivation, to see how happy the children are, and that they now have a future ahead of them."
Smith continued to express satisfaction with the accomplishments made by his team and the PRT they've supported throughout their deployment, as his humvee led a convoy down Highway 517 near the Farah District. "We've made a lot of improvements for the local population in the province," he said, pointing out that the highway they were driving along was built by the PRT. "The local population has become very supportive of us being here. I think it's because they see how we're helping them, and realize we're here to help make their lives better."
Smith said the PRT has built new roadways, medical facilities and schools for the Afghan populace, as well as facilities to support ANSF. What used to be a 2-hour drive along a goat trail has turned into a 30-minute drive along paved roads.
"I'd like to see how this place looks in 5 years," said Smith as the vehicle he was in came to a halt inside the local ANA compound. "With the number of improvements we've made in such a short time, I'd like to see how it looks by then."
Highway 515, which is still currently under construction, will eventually provide a path of travel from the Iranian border all the way through Farah to the Delaram District at the eastern edge, near where Marines operate in the vicinities of Bakwa, Golestan and Par Chaman, said Maj. Wayne Bodine, MEB-Afghanistan's liaison officer to PRT-Farah. Bodine said Marines in those locations will continue to provide security and develop relationships as PRT-Farah continues efforts to complete Highway 515, which he said will open routes for economic growth for the Afghan populace.
"With the Afghans feeling their security is stable, road networks and other projects will spread prosperity into the districts and allow the Afghans to be able to stand on their own," Bodine said. Cmdr. Nicholson said the PRT also plans to create a tougher pavement that'll prevent insurgents from emplacing IEDs, a measure that will greatly increase protection for both locals and ISAF.
Army National Guard soldiers provide security for Marines with MEB-A as they make their way to their humvees.
Farah prov. Gov. Roohul Amin speaks with Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson about the status of his province. At the end of their meeting, Amin informed Nicholson that construction of roadways remained the top priority for the province.
A convoy travels down a recently-built roadway to FOB Farah. The convoy was traveling from the Farah District city limits where MEB-A leaders toured the area to gauge progress made by PRT-Farah.
Marines exit an AF C-130 after arriving in Farah province, June 8.
An Afghan boy stands outside a technical school inside the city limits of the Farah District. Most local people appeared happy as they walked about outside their homes.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Soldiers make a difference one drop at a time
By Army Spc. Matt Flores
Staff Sgt. Marshall Peterson, a rigger with 725th BSB, prepares the bottom straps for a supply palate, June 24. Once built, these straps will help keep the items on the pallet from shifting in flight or upon landing.
FOB SALERNO - Resupplying Soldiers is a very important aspect of modern warfare. Those supplies can extend the amount of time a unit can stay in the field. Ammo, food and water are just a few of the items that can be packed and dropped into a unit's battle space.
Building, packing and rigging a pallet of supplies is a process that requires attention to detail. "When you pack these pallets you have to keep in mind the speed at which they are hitting the ground," said Army Staff Sgt. Marshall Peterson, a rigger with HHC, 725th BSB, 4th BCT, 25th ID. "Three-hundred pounds can hit the ground pretty hard and without the proper packing it can destroy the supplies that these Soldiers need."
The base of these pallets is made out of plywood with a thick cardboard padding attached. These pieces are designed to take the brunt of the impact and keep the supplies intact.
After a pallet has been completed and strapped down, the certified riggers will add parachutes to the top. Each parachute is rated to handle up to 150 pounds, and is made for only one use. If the pallet weighs more than the rating, additional parachutes can be attached. "These parachutes are not designed for extended flight. They're only made to quickly slow down the pallet before impact," Peterson added.
"We're flying as low as 150 to 300 feet and moving at up to 100 knots," said Army Chief Warrant Officer Mark Chojnacky, a CH-47 Chinook pilot with Co B, 2nd Bn, 238th Aviation Regt. "With speeds like that, these supplies have to be put together correctly."
The pallet is connected to a static line, similar to a paratrooper, in order to automatically deploy the chute at a predetermined height. The chinook uses a series of rollers on the floor to deploy the pallets quickly and ensure they all land in the same area. "We do what we call a "quick pass," which lasts no more than a few seconds," said Chojnacky. "By being able to drop the supplies quickly, we don't expose the aircraft anymore than we have to, and we can get the supplies right where they need to be."
"These drops are a high priority to us because it allows the Soldiers to go on a mission with limited supplies," said Chojnacky. "Having less weight ultimately gives them a tactical advantage."
Staff Sgt. Marshall Peterson, a rigger, cuts a piece of cardboard padding to
place on the supply pallet.
Staff Sgt. Peterson ties down the water on a supply pallet while Army Pfc. Michael Hunt, in the background, prepares a piece of cardboard padding to go on top.
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American Forces Press Service
Forces Detain Militants, Destroy Weapons in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2009 – Afghan and CF detained suspected militants and destroyed homemade bombs in ops July 7th and 8th, military officials reported.
In Ghazni province, Afghan and CF detained suspected militants July 7 during ops aimed at disrupting Haqqani terrorist activities, including attacks on coalition bases by a key Haqqani cmdr, assassination attempts of Afghan govt officials and the flow of foreign fighters and weapons into the region.
The forces assaulted 3 compounds south of Ghazni city. In one of the compounds, the forces engaged a suspected militant who did not comply with instructions to stop moving toward them. The forces killed several armed enemy combatants, detained 6 suspected militants and seized grenades and rifles.
Elsewhere, ANP, assisted by CF, discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs in Oruzgan prov. July 7th and 8th. The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat recon patrol when the patrol was fired on from a wooded area. The force returned fire, killing a militant. The force discovered and destroyed 21 homemade bombs.
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