TROOP SCOOP

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-30

Dear Interested Reader,

Vermont NG conducts historic air assault/uncovers largest weapons cache.  Khost PRT visits provincial hospital.  ANP graduate immersion training in Panjshir.  ANSF/3-187 air assault into Spina Village.

Iraq:  Diverse 'Archangel' team unites for life-saving ops.  Joint cache search in Zaidon.  U.S. Ambassador visits Balad's leadership and PRT.

Joanna

________________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Vermont NG conducts historic air assault

Story by Army Staff Sgt. Jimmy Norris 

 

Soldiers from Co C, 3rd Bn, 172nd Inf Regt, Vermont NG, and the 203rd ANA Corps watch as the CH-47 Chinook helicopter that brought them to the village of Mengal Kheyl, Zormat district, lands at the completion of an air assault mission, April 22. The mission, which resulted in the capture of the district’s largest weapons cache in 3 years, was the first combat air assault mission in the history of the Vermont NG.

 

PAKTYA PROVINCE – A shocked group of insurgents looked up from the grounds of their supposed “safe house” to see a pair of twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook helicopters bearing down on them.  

“The enemy were completely surprised by our air assault,” said C Co spokesman 2nd Lt. Mark Fazio. “As the aircraft landed we could see them drop their weapons and run away as fast as they could.” The "cordon and search” mission was conducted in response to Soldiers from the 3-172nd INF and the ANA collecting intel centering around an insurgents’ safe house and logistical staging point, Fazio said.

During the mission Soldiers captured the largest weapons cache in the district in 3 years, Fazio said. The co. was also the 1st unit in the bn to capture a foreign fighter.
“This was a great opportunity for our co. to be part of history, and to showcase our abilities and versatility in combat,” said Capt. Daniel Newman, Co. C cmdr.

Participants in the historic mission called it a success and look forward to repeating the experience. “This was by far the most gratifying mission we have conducted, with an outcome that left us wanting more,” said Sgt. Billy Whitcher, a team leader.

Fazio said the mission sent a message to the enemies of Afghanistan. “The success of the mission showed the value of using air assaults in this area to gain surprise and catch the enemy when they aren’t expecting us to be able to reach them,” Fazio said.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Khost PRT visits provincial hospital

Story and photos by AF Senior Amn. Julianne Showalter 

KHOST PROVINCE – Navy Cmdr. Cynthia Kuehner, Khost PRT senior medical officer, walks through the Khost Provincial Hospital grounds with the Provincial Public Health Dir. and Provincial Health Advisor, April 26.  PRT Members surveyed the hospital in preparation for a shift in care of the new facility. 

 

Navy Cmdr. Cynthia Kuehner talks to one of the lead doctors (center) about some challenges he faces each day, April 26. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANP graduate immersion training in Panjshir

Story by Army Capt. Benjamin Fitting

A member of the ANP celebrates his graduation of the Military Professional Resources, Inc.’s 10-day Immersion Training Program.  33 graduates were presented certificates at the Panjshir Operational Command Center, April 26. (Photo by Sgt. Maj. Scott Doyon)

PANJSHIR PROVINCE –  “With 1 finger, you can do a little damage,” said Army Lt. Col. Jay Briggs, TF Wolverine Panjshir OCC-P eTT cmdr. “With 2, you can do a little more. With 3, more still. But with all the fingers together, you can make a powerful fist to strike Afghanistan’s enemies. Together, you are a lot more powerful, and I see that here.”

Two MPRI civilians,1 ISAF rep from the Operational Command Center (regional), and an interpreter, provided the training that included map reading, operational terms and graphics, intel preparation of the battlefield, info flow and crisis planning.

During the pre-certificate speeches, Joe Woody, an MPRI instructor, said he was impressed by the students, and their eagerness to participate in the training. “I can’t think of anywhere that our students have learned faster,” said Woody. “Your warrior spirit is an inspiration to all of us.”

The OCC-P commander, ANA Col. Khan, thanked the MPRI trainers and ISAF personnel in attendance.  He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the OCC-P, and Afghanistan as a whole.

“When people work together, no enemy can defeat them,” said Rajab through an interpreter.  “Panjshiris know this from our own past. We must bring peace, stability and coordination to the other provs also.”  Rajab concluded by saying that the OCC-P staff and newest graduates of the training, have the responsibility of helping bring stability to all of Afghanistan.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANSF, 3-187 Air Assault into Spina Village

Story by Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek

Soldiers form Co A, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt pull security as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter lands to extract Soldiers from Spina Village, Omna District, following an air assault mission, April 26.  In conjunction with talking to the villagers, A Co. medics provided medical treatment for several villagers with significant injuries and illnesses.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE –The ANP, and Co. A Soldiers flew on CH-47 Chinook helicopters to 3 locations around the village.  Upon landing, they isolated Spina village by blocking the routes, which insurgents would likely use to flee the area, then searched more than 100 homes and compounds around the village.

After searching the houses and compounds and finding no evidence of insurgents, bn cmdr, Army Lt. Col. David Fivecoat, and Co. A cmdr, Army Capt. Josh Powers, shifted the focus of the op, to talk to the people of the village about the GoA and the prov’s new Gov. Samim’s priorities for improving Paktika. 

 

Samim’s priorities are education, establishing governmental systems, fighting corruption, reconciling with insurgents, security and working with tribal elders, said Fivecoat. “Now that our medics treated some of you, we've demonstrated that we're here to help you and the Afghanistan population,” Fivecoat told the villagers. “When was the last time the Taliban provided medical treatment for you?”  His question was answered with silence; finally the people confessed, “never.”

Although the op didn't capture any militants, the cmdrs still considered it worthwhile. “The mission was an overall success because it showed everyone, friendly and enemy, that GoA’s reach is not limited by terrain and that ANSF and TF Iron can conduct ops anywhere in Paktika prov.,” Powers said. “It also solidified our ability to conduct complex combined action with ANP, and our Soldiers.”

Lt. Col. David Fivecoat talks to a group of locals.

Combined forces leave Spina Village.

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

Diverse 'Archangel' team unites for life-saving ops 

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Alberts 

Task Force Wings' Personnel Recovery Force (PRF) Soldiers are transported in northern Iraq by a Hawaii-based UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter operated, and maintained by air crews of 2nd Bn, 25th Aviation Regt, TF Diamond Head, April 1.

COB SPEICHER - The Soldier's Creed is Army dogma which every Soldier strives to adhere by.  Among its core beliefs is the commitment to "never leave a fallen comrade."
In northern Iraq, TF Wings' "Archangel" is the personnel recovery force, hand selected to ensure that no Soldier is left behind.

According to Capt. Zachary Seidel, cmdr, TF Wings' PRF, 2nd Assault Helicopter Bn, 25th Aviation Regt, 25th CAB, "Team Archangel" is designed to recover personnel on the battlefield, regardless of circumstance or environmental conditions.

"We are a team of Soldiers designed to recover isolated personnel," said Capt. Seidel. "It doesn't matter whether that isolation is the result of a downed aircraft, a mechanical issue with a vehicle or helicopter, or even enemy contact. Our mission is to recover that individual or individuals."

Team Archangel is an air mobile force that travels by helicopter virtually anywhere on the battlefield in U.S. Div-N. Their value is in their mobility, speed and wealth of expertise.

The unit integrates aviation Soldiers from 2nd Assault Bn., with an inf "Blues" Plt from 1st Bn, 64th AR Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID.  According to Capt. Seidel, it's a complimentary mix perfectly suited for their unique mission set.

Two of Capt. Seidel's senior leaders are 1st Lt. Stephen Bennie, plt leader, Blues Plt Assault Force, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Cornwallis, ops NCO, Team Archangel.  Both agreed that the diversity of Team Archangel, and its tireless commitment to training are its greatest strengths.

"The most challenging aspect of the mission from an inf assault force perspective was simply understanding how aviation operates.  We anticipated the challenge, trained for aviation ops before we arrived, and we continue to train to close the gap between aviation and inf culture," explained 1st Lt. Bennie. "The combination works really well. In that sense, our greatest advantage is that we have a ton of varied experience within the unit, and a great maturity in our Soldiers," he said.

"Our mission is definitely uniquely dynamic," added Staff Sgt. Cornwallis. "We must have expertise in all areas of aviation ops. That need for expertise demands that our Soldiers are diverse and that our training is continual and comprehensive.

Sgt Timothy Robison and Spc. David Harrington are examples of the team's diversity. Sgt Timothy Robison is a fire support specialist from the Blues Plt, while Spc. Harrington is a medic with the aviation rescue team element.  

"I have previous experience working with inf units during my last deployment, and honestly thought it would be really tough integrating aviation with inf, but it's worked really well, and to get to be a part of such a high profile mission is really exceptional,"

said Harrington.

"I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Archangel mission," said Sgt. Robison. "I wanted to come back to Iraq to make a difference.  Our team has that opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our own - to save lives.  All of our Soldiers are proud of that."

TF Wings' PRF Soldiers exit a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter operated and maintained by air crews of 2nd Bn, during a mission in northern Iraq, April 4.

1st Lt Stephen Bennie (pictured center with notebook), collects info from a ground force unit working in conjunction with an Iraqi ERU near Kirkuk, April 4. 

 

TF Wings' PRF Soldiers await extraction from a landing zone by a Hawaii-based UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter.

Staff Sgt Andrew Cornwallis awaits extraction with his team. 

 

-30-

DVIDS

A Joint Cache Search in Zaidon

(Photos by Spc. Luisito Brooks)

ZAIDON - Staff Sgt. Yulier Gonzalez, a plt sgt with Co C, 4th Bn, 9th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, and IA Soldier Pvt. Muhamid, put their shovels to work during a joint cache search, April 12.  

During a joint cache search, Sgt. Dustin Carden, a team leader with Co C, uses a hand-held mine detector to search for a suspected cache site with IA Soldiers.

-30-

United States Forces-Iraq

U.S. Ambassador visits Balad's leadership and PRT

JOINT BASE BALAD -- One year after being appointed to the position of U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Amb. Christopher Hill visited JBB, April 23, 2010. Hill made the trip to visit with base leadership, to better understand the work that Balad's PRT is doing to prepare Iraq for its future.  "One cannot imagine our presence in this country without JBB," Ambassador Hill said. "This is absolutely a key node for a lot of issues in Iraq."

While visiting with base leaders, Hill received an update of many programs and missions civilians and servicemembers perform every day. "There's no doubt that Balad will remain robust until the last moments of the drawdown," Hill said. "Balad represents the civilian military op we have going on in Iraq.  If we succeed in Iraq, and I do believe we will, it will be because U.S. civilians and U.S. military members came together to make one team and one mission."

As one of the largest bases in Iraq, Balad and its PRT will play a key role in the country's future.  During his visit, Hill was able to see the team's work first hand, as he met with many Iraqi community leaders.

"The Ambassador's visit was great," said Ben Fluhart, PRT team lead. "It gave him the opportunity to see firsthand what we are doing to prepare for the eventual handover of this base to the Iraqis. At the same time, it gave the Iraqi leaders, with whom he met, the chance to hear a perspective on their country from our senior diplomat."

As the drawdown is underway, PRT is working around the clock to prepare Iraq for its post drawdown future.  "This is a country with enormous potential,"  Hill said. "Through the outreach that the base does through the PRT, we can see a much better future for this country."

The hope is that Iraq's future involves a long-standing relationship with the U.S. "Good neighbor" programs like Iraqi Kids Day, Iraqi firefighter training, and offering continuing education for the Iraqi medical health professionals, not only betters the country today, but leaves the possibility of a better tomorrow.

"We want to have a long term relationship with Iraq," Hill said. "It's not easy. There's an economic dimension, a political dimension and also a human dimension. These kinds of outreach programs, where you bring in kids onto the base - for many kids it's a very exciting moment in their lives.  They'll remember Americans from these engagements."

"It puts a lot of pressure on Americans,"  Hill said. "One Iraqi's experience with the entire USA is based on one meeting with one U.S. civilian or service member."

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-29

Dear Interested Reader,

"Said M Amin Fateme Comprehensive Health Clinic" opens in Kunar prov.  TF White Eagle changes command at FOB Ghazni.  Tourists in Panjshir now have a place to stay.  Combined ops throughout Afghanistan targets terrorists and weapons caches.

Iraq:  JEFF Lab grand opening in Baghdad.  407th AEG transfers authority to 321st.  'Black Lions' return FOB Paliwoda to GoI.  Suspected AQI leaders and assocs. arrested.

Joanna

_______________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan 

Said M Amin Fateme Comprehensive Health Clinic 

(Photos by Sgt. Corey Idleburg)

KUNAR PROVINCE -  Army 1st Lt. Nicholas Eidemiller, Plt Leader, 1st Plt, Able Co., 2/503 Infantry (Abn) and 1st Lt. Clay Johnson, Team Leader, Civil Affairs Team-Alpha, HQ 405th Civil Affairs (Abn) speak with Dr. Fazli, Health Dir. of Konar Prov., during a village medical outreach held at Said M Amin Fateme Comprehensive Health Clinic, April 18.   

1st Lt. Eidemiller is greeted by the doctors and nurses.

Army Capt. David Lewis, Public Health Functional Specialty Team, HQ 405th Civil Affairs (Abn) speaks with nurses of the clinic, before assisting one of the head doctors during a Village Medical Outreach.  

1st Lt. Eidemiller and Capt. Lewis meet with doctors and nurses.  

1st Lt. Eidemiller greets DDA members who have come for a meeting.    

1st Lt. Eidemiller greets other DDA members. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

TF White Eagle changes command at FOB Ghazni

Story and photos by AF Force Tech Sgt. J.T. May III 

GHAZNI PROVINCE - Left to right, Polish Brig. Gen. Bronowicz, former TF White Eagle cmdr; Brig. Gen. Przekwas, incoming TF White Eagle cmdr; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparotti, Combined Joint TF-82 and RC East cmdr, signed papers transferring the rank of authority during the TF White Eagle change-of-command ceremony at FOB Ghazni, April 26.

 

Polish soldiers face right and stand in the position of attention. The ceremony was attended by Afghan, Polish and American Soldiers. 

 

 

A Polish, American, and Afghan soldier carry their national flags.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Tourists in Panjshir have a place to stay 

Story and photo by AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

Deputy Gov. Kabiri, with help from Bazarak Municipality Mayor Khabir; U.S. AF Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez, Panjshir PRT cmdr; James DeHart, U.S. State Dept and Panjshir PRT dir.; Elizabeth Smithwick, U.S. Agency for Int'l Development field officer at Panjshir PRT; officially opens the newest guest house in the Panjshir Prov., April 26.  Khabir said national and int'l guests now have a place to stay the night, that is near the Panjshir Provincial Center.

PANJSHIR PROVINCE – Panjshir Prov. is known for its scenic terrain, fast-flowing river, permissive environment, and mujahedeen resistance of both the Soviets and Taliban.
The provincial govt is hoping to add tourism to the list of things people think about when pondering Panjshir.

The modern facility boasts 15 rooms with flat screen televisions.  Eleven of the rooms are single beds, and 4 have 2 beds. The guest house also has a conference room. “Having a guest house close to the provincial center provides a huge benefit by increasing provincial center capacity,” said Velasquez.  “People can come here to conduct business rather than staying somewhere far away, or not coming at all.  It enhances the ability to entertain govt guests, thus increasing capacity of the provincial govt.”

“This is the first municipality-run guest house in the country, and it’s an opportunity to expand the services of the municipality, by having available an attractive, clean and pleasant place to stay in the center of the provincial capital,” said Smithwick. “It means individuals will no longer be tied to a limited schedule, but will be able to stay for extended periods of time. This means they'll be able to meet with a greater number of govt officials to help meet the needs of the Panjshir people.”

The guest house is now open for business. Tourists hoping to travel to Afghanistan should book rooms soon as space is limited, and Khabir expects to be very busy.

-30- 

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs 

Afghan-ISAF Ops throughout Afghanistan

KUNDUZ PROVINCE - A senior militant cmdr, and 2 of his top advisors were killed in a precision air strike in northern Kunduz, April 26, military officials reported. The senior insurgents were driving through a rural desert area NE of Kunduz City, when they were struck by precision air fire. The senior Taliban cmdr was involved in all aspects of insurgent ops in Kunduz prov., officials said.  He was responsible for setting target priorities, weapons distribution and directing attacks against coalition and Afghan forces. 

In Archi District the night of April 23, a combined Afghan-ISAF was engaged with small-arms fire. The combined force returned fire, killing several insurgents and detaining a few others. Two of those killed were Taliban cmds, one of them being the target of the raid, who was responsible for distributing insurgent funds, designating targets and planning bombings. Though women and children were in the compound buildings, none were injured during the op. The homeowner told the patrol the Taliban had forced their way into the compound for the night.  ISAF will reimburse the homeowner for minor damage to his property.  A search of the buildings yielded automatic rifles, a machine gun, an RPG, hand grenades and other weapons. 

-- KANDAHAR PROVINCE - April 26, a combined Afghan-ISAF detained several suspected insurgents for questioning. 

-- HELMAND PROVINCE - In Nad-e Ali District April 25, a combined patrol found an assault rifle, mags, 130 rounds of ammo and 30-lbs of homemade explosives. 

In other ops April 24, a combined force tried to stop a vehicle driven by suspected militants. The driver didn't comply and tried to escape.  Shots were exchanged, and 3 insurgents were killed, including a Taliban cmdr responsible for assigning fighters and setting attack priorities in his area. He also was involved in weapons delivery and battle-damage assessments after attacks on CF.  A search of the vehicle uncovered an automatic rifle and multiple grenades. 

An Afghan civilian directed a combined patrol in Washer District to a cache containing 25-lbs of refined opium, an assault rifle, several mags, and a chest-bomb rig. 

In Nad-e Ali District, an Afghan-ISAF patrol found and destroyed 5-60 mm mortar rounds. Also found were 2 shotguns, 40-lbs of opium, small-arms ammo, and various electrical components.  Another cache consisted of 2 pressure plate initiation devices and 40-lbs of homemade explosives. 

The night of April 22, in Reg-e Khan Neshin District, a combined force found a roadside bomb, 3 roadside-bomb power sources, 5 spools of copper wire, an intel radio, 2 assault rifles with ammo, brass knuckles and 88-lbs of raw opium.  After coordination with the village elder, the combined force detained more than 20 men in the compound. 

In Garm Ser District that same night, an Afghan-ISAF patrol acting on a tip from an Afghan civilian, found 50 chest rigs and 19 mags. 

-- PAKTIA PROVINCE - CF patrolling in the Dzadran District April 25 found 17 RPGs, 9 fuses, 4 rear stabilizers and 300 heavy machine gun rounds.  One individual was detained. 

--LOGAR PROVINCE - A combined Afghan-ISAF captured a Taliban sub-cmdr and a suspected insurgent, and killed several other insurgents, April 24. As the assault force conducted a call-out, they were confronted by armed men, who were shot and killed. The Taliban sub-cmdr, believed to be involved in planning suicide attacks, surrendered. A search of the area found several weapons, including an automatic rifle and pistols. 

A combined SECFOR in Pul-e Alam District killed 5 insurgents the night of April 22, after receiving sustained heavy gunfire from a compound.  A search yielded multiple automatic rifles, armor-piercing rounds, bomb-making materials and blasting caps.  A Taliban suicide attack cmdr with ties to the Haqqani network was killed in the firefight, along with 4 other insurgents. 

-- KHOST PROVINCE -  April 24, a combined force detained a suspected insurgent while hunting for a Haqqani terrorist network cmdr. 

On the night of April 22, a combined force in Terezai District captured a Haqqani network bombing-attack facilitator and another suspected insurgent.  Ammonium nitrate, aluminum powder and rifles were found on site. 

-- GHAZNI PROVINCE - One militant was killed and several others captured by an Afghan-ISAF pursuing a Taliban facilitator, April 22.  As the force approached the targeted compound, several men ran away.  One insurgent moved toward the SECFOR in a hostile manner and was shot and killed.  Several other suspected insurgents were captured. 

-- NANGARHAR PROVINCE -  In Khogyani District the night of April 22, a combined force captured a Taliban sub-cmdr responsible for directing roadside-bomb and RPG attacks on CF, along with another suspected insurgent. 

-- URUZGAN PROVINCE - A combined patrol found 9 grenades, 4 RPGs, small-arms ammo, homemade explosives, a timer and detonation cord in the Chorah District, April 22. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

USF-I

JEFF Lab Grand Opening 

(Photos by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall)

BAGHDAD - Solders and DoD Civilians gathered to attend the 22 MP Bn, Criminal Investigation Div, Joint Expeditionary Forensics Facility 3 (JEFF), grand opening ceremony, April 20. The JEFF lab recently moved locations on Camp Victory, Baghdad. The lab is responsible for collection of forensic evidence through DNA, ballistics, and fingerprinting.   

1st Lt Alicia Anast is the master of ceremonies.  

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq PAO

407th Air Expeditionary Group transfers authority to 321st 

(Photos by Master Sgt. Patricia Bunting)

AF Maj. Gen. Joseph Reynes, Jr. (left), dir., Air Component Coordination Element, hands the guidon to Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, cmdr of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, during a transfer of authority from the 332nd AEW to the 321st, AEW, April 24. The mission of the 321st AEW is to train and advise the IqAF in order to advance the foundational airpower capabilities of Iraqi Airmen.   

ALI AIR BASE -- A transfer of authority ceremony was held April 24, realigning the 407th AEG from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) to the 321st.

Maj. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr., dir., Air Component Coordination Element USF-I, was the presiding officer of the ceremony.  Brig. Gen. Craig Franklin, cmdr, 332nd AEW relinquished command of the 407 AEG to Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson, cmdr, 321st AEW.

"Although our overall footprint in Iraq will become smaller, our current partnership with the IqAF will become more robust in the role of advising, assisting and training, all the while continuing our operational mission," said General Reynes.  "This partnership will help establish the foundation for our lasting relationships with the Iraqi people, as we enter a new dawn in our strategic partnership."

Ali Base is now home to the 407th AEG, the Army's COB Adder, and the IqAF's Sqdrn 7.

AF Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson (left), cmdr of the 321st AEW, hands the guidon to Col. James Linder, incoming cmdr of the 407th AEG. 

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq

April 27, 2010

‘Black Lions’ return FOB Paliwoda to GoI

BALAD – During a signing ceremony, April 25, Army Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman, cmdr of the 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID, out of Fort Riley, Kan., signed over the FOB to Samir Al-Hadad, the receivership secretariat for the GoI.

The return of the base was a significant milestone not only for the Soldiers of 1/28 Inf., but for the IA as well. “It continues to show the progress that our Iraqi counterparts have made, not only in word but also in deed,” Lt. Col. Timmerman said. “It shows that they are in charge of their own security.  It’s a good day, and it’s an opportunity for them to set their own course and do what they need to do to secure their country, in order for them to be prosperous and free.”

Once the former training ground for Saddam Hussein’s guerilla fighters and the target of numerous mortar attacks, the return of FOB Paliwoda to the GOI shows the tremendous strides and sacrifices that U.S. forces and its Iraqi counterparts have made in securing the base and the surrounding area.

It’s a bit of a sad day too, because many lives have been lost here, Lt. Col. Timmerman said. This is the 5th FOB that the ‘Black Lions’ bn has returned to the GoI. “I guess I share in their emotion of happiness, and their emotion of being fully responsible for their security,” Lt. Col. Timmerman concluded. “We’ll remain good partners and friends.”

-30-

USF-I

Suspected AQI member and eight associates arrested 

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested a suspected AQI member, who is an alleged IED facilitator, and 8 suspected AQI assocs during joint security ops conducted in Baghdad and Baqubah, April 26.

-30-

USF-I

Suspected AQI leader, associate arrested

BAGHDAD - Approx 40 km west of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building, April 27, for a suspected AQI leader, who is allegedly responsible for assassinations and bank robberies in the Mansour area.

Inf and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the wanted AQI leader and one criminal associate.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-28

Dear Interested Reader,

New Nawa Pass offers economic opportunities in Kunar prov.  PRT Panjshir hosts AEW cmdr.  Joint medical effort saves lives at FOB Ghazni.  Farmers transition to different crops in Marjah.  Forces secure bazaar in Helmand prov.

Iraq:  A partnership with 'Man's Best Friend.'  Georgian Support Unit passes torch to Texans.  Op Apache Blanket covers palm groves in Diyala.  Lions, Destroyers merge to tackle threats.

Joanna

_____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

New Nawa Pass offers economic opportunities 

Story and photos by AF 2nd Lt. Amy Abbott

Kunar PRT Public Affairs

Fazlullah Wahidi, Gov. of Kunar prov., joined Navy Cmdr. Mark Edwards, Kunar PRT cmdr, in a ribbon cutting ceremony, April 22, to mark the opening of Nawa Pass, a 13km paved road from Sarkini to Nawa Pass road. 

KUNAR PROVINCE – The Pass is the second major commercial crossing from Afghanistan to Pakistan, with Khyber Pass being the first. The road to Nawa Pass is the next closest commercial link, from the nearest deep water port of Karachi, Pakistan, to Kunar prov.  

“It's expected that long-term economic benefits will be derived by improving import and export of int'l goods,” said Navy Lt. Jessica Brick, an engr with the Kunar PRT.  “The Nawa Pass enables int'l trade with Pakistan.  It also strengthens the ties from the local populace to the GoA.”

The project began August 2008 after being determined a priority by the local govt. Work was contracted to the Nooraga Toryalli Construction Co., while the PRT provided quality oversight via regular quality checks. The PRT also managed the contract and ensured that the contractor was meeting its terms.

“The purpose of the Nawa Pass is to improve the growth and sustainability of the Kunar prov., along with their govt,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Vittorio Loredo, Kunar PRT engr mission planning rep. “This is just one example of many ongoing developments for the future of the Afghans here.”  In addition to the pass, over one dozen schools throughout Kunar prov. are currently under construction, as well as other bridges and roads.

Gov. Wahidi unveils a plaque at Nawa Pass, commemorating the orgs. that made the construction possible.  He was joined by Navy Cmdr. Mark Edwards, Kunar PRT.

A young boy sweeps clean a portion of the Nawa Pass prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Gov. Wahidi, greets guests.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Panjshir hosts AEW commander

Story and photos by AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

 

AF Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez (front, left), PRT Panjshir cmdr., and James DeHart, U.S. Dept of State and PRT Panjshir dir. (second on right), host a traditional Afghan lunch with visitors from Bagram Air Field, April 25.  A local restaurant served the meal that included kabobs, rice, vegetables and nan, or Afghan bread. To wash the meal down, the group was served Panjshir water, which is locally produced and bottled. 

PANJSHIR PROVINCE – During his visit, AF Col. Jack Briggs II, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing cmdr said that Panjshir PRT members represent the best of America.  Briggs, AF Col. James Meersman, 755th Air Expeditionary Group cmdr., Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Cui, 455 AEW command chief, and other AF guests were among the visiting group.

The group discussed many aspects of the PRT, including the pending appointment of a new governor for the province. “You never want to put your guard down,” said Briggs. “It’s a new environment all of the time.  Feed your leadership with info.  Be observant. For this first part of the leadership change, you need to be on your toes.”

The group then visited the tomb of Ahmad Shah Massoud, “hero of the Afghan Nation,” who was killed in 2001. They said a prayer at the tomb and then toured the construction site of the Massoud Tomb Complex, which when completed will include a Mosque, museum and library.

After returning to the FOB, Briggs briefed all of the military PRT members. He said how proud he and the rest of America are of the men and women of the PRT. “Be proud because we’re doing something bigger than ourselves,” said Briggs. “It’s something sacrificial, and it’s important.”

While the PRT mission is important, it’s equally important to take care of each other, said Briggs. “Protect each other. Defend each other. Look each other in the eye when it’s not a good day and ask, ‘what’s going on?’” 

Velasquez said he’s glad the 455 AEW cmdr visited the PRT, because it gave him a chance to show off the great work his people are doing to support the prov. “Panjshir is the model prov. for Afghanistan,” said Velasquez. “I’m proud of the work the PRT is doing, and it’s always a pleasure for me to get a chance to show senior leadership.”

Briggs too showed his appreciation for the PRT by presenting 3 cmdr’s coins before departing on a helicopter back to BAF.

AF Capt. Phillip Baker (front), PRT Panjshir civil engr, greets Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Cui, at the helicopter landing zone. 

-30-

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Joint Medical Effort Saves Lives at FOB Ghazni

Story by 2nd Lt. Katherine Roling

Left to right, a Polish medic, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zaradhe Yach, Ghazni PRT senior medical officer, and Dr. Masoud, a local Afghan doctor, assess an ANA soldier, April 22 at FOB Ghazni. 

GHAZNI PROVINCE - The 655th Forward Surgical Team (FST) received a call, April 22, that an Afghan ambulance carrying 10 ANA soldiers was on its way for urgent care.
The soldiers, who were injured in a traffic collision during a patrol, would normally be taken to the Ghazni Provincial Hospital, but due to space issues at the hospital and the extent of their injuries, which included possible head trauma, only 6 went to the hospital, and the other 4 came to FOB Ghazni.

In addition to treating the 4 ANA soldiers, 2 more patients required treatment later that day: a U.S. soldier and a Polish soldier. "We're only capable of handling 4 patients, and anything after that, we have to pull from different places," said AF Senior Airman Penny Barker, a medical tech. 

Those who answered the call were 13 Polish medics, 3 medical personnel from the Ghazni PRT, and 2 medics from the Texas ADT.  Everyone dropped what they were doing and ran to the FST to help.

Together, the 4 units were able to treat 6 patients simultaneously without a hiccup, even when the FOB came under an insurgent rocket attack, and all personnel had to find protection in the bunkers.  Faced with possible danger, the medics banded together and stayed with their patients, while the sirens sounded their warning throughout the base.

"This is truly a joint environment," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zaradhe Yach. "We have AF, Navy, Army and Polish medical teams, and Afghan medical providers who act as interpreters and assist where needed."

The 6 patients had ailments ranging from cuts and broken bones, possible head trauma, a gunshot wound, and a fall injury. "It was very intense and controlled," said AF Capt. Anne Staley, FST registered nurse. Over the next 4 hours, she tirelessly worked on 3 different patients.

The patients, both ANA and CF, all received equal care. "When they come in, you go into autopilot as far as medical care is concerned," said Staley. "An injured patient is an injured patient."

For some, this was a new experience working with medics from other countries. "This was my first time working hand in hand with the Polish today, and watching them was amazing to me," said Barker. "I learned a lot from them."

All of the patients left the FST in stable condition. The 19 AF members of the 655th FST, the 1st AF forward surgical team in Afghanistan, relieved their Army counterparts March 12, and have seen at least 84 patients at FOB Ghazni in 43 days.

At the end of the day, the different units discovered they were bound by a common thread, held together by their medical backgrounds. "Languages spoken at the bedside were English, Polish, Pashto and Dari, but throughout it all, the common language was medicine," said Yach.

AF Capt. Lindo Dillette, intensive care unit nurse, charts vital signs as AF Capt. Chad Stuckey, certified registered nurse anaesthetist, draws medicine for an ANA soldier. 

AF Senior Airman Austin Hess, Ghazni Forward Surgical Team medical tech, and AF Staff Sgt. Shante Lopez carry a litter with an American Soldier.

-30-

DVIDS

Farmers Transition to Different Crops

(Photos by Lance Cpl. James Clark)

FOB MARJAH - Cpl. Timothy Stark, a squad leader with Weapon's Co., 1st Bn, 6th Marine Regt meets with a farmer and his family, in order to verify whether or not he's successfully changed his crop from poppy, April 23. While out on patrol, Marine and Afghan forces met with local farmers and landowners, who are participating in the Marjah Accelerated Agricultural Transition program.    

An Afghan boy wearing a Marine's Kevlar helmet and sunglasses poses for a photo with his sister. 

Cpl. Stark meets with a farmer and his family in order to verify whether or not he's successfully changed his crop from poppy.

Cpl. Stark meets with another farmer. 

A Marine with Weapon's Co.,  jokes with an Afghan boy while out on patrol. 

-30-

DVIDS

Marines, ANA Secure Bazaar, Speak With Village Elders

(Photos by Cpl. Daniel Blatter)

HELMAND PROVINCE - While ridding the Salam Bazaar of known Taliban activity, April 14, the Marines of Co A, 1st Bn, 2nd Marine Regt, RCT 2, along with the ANA and the ANP encountered heavy resistance from insurgent forces.  Once the Marines and the ANSF successfully cleared the bazaar, they conversed with the local people, receiving valuable info on insurgent activity from the town elders. 

Marines work with the ANA and ANP to clear the Salam Bazaar.  Marines post security as the ANSF question a local about insurgent activity. They later proceeded to clear the bazaar and rid the area of illegal activity, including drugs and homemade explosives.  

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

DVIDS

A Partnership With 'Man's Best Friend'

(Photos by Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh)

BAGHDAD - Pfc. Justin Kintz praises Elco, a military tracking dog, after the dog found a ball that was hidden from him.  Elco had to track the exact path Kintz had walked at COB Nasir Wa Salam in order to find the ball.  Kintz is assigned to 4th Bn, 9th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, U.S. Div - Center, as a tracking dog handler.

Pfc. Kintz prepares a harness for Elco. The team works on rotations to COB Nasir Wa Salam, and conducts ops in western Baghdad.   

-30-

DVIDS

Georgian Support Unit Passes Torch to Texans

(Photos by Sgt. Matthew Cooley)

CAMP LIBERTY - Sgt. Maj. Dwight Williams, command sgt maj of 260th CSSB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, from Savannah, Ga., and Lt. Col. Joe Dixon, the unit's cmdr., case their unit's colors at a transfer of authority ceremony, with the incoming 373rd CSSB in front of the bn's HQ, April 22.    

Lt. Col. Giulia Giacoppe, cmdr. of the 373rd CSSB, speaks at a transfer of authority ceremony with the outgoing 260th CSSB. 

-30-

DVIDS

Op Apache Blanket Covers Iraqi Palm Groves

(Photos by Pfc. Adrian Muehe)

DIYALA - Sgt. Joshua Roelle, 1st squad leader for 3rd Plt, Apache Co, 1st Bn, 23rd Inf Regt, 3rd Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, searches a flower bush with a metal detector in a palm grove near Mahudiya, as part of Op Apache Blanket, April 23. This mission was a clearing op searching for weapons caches in Diyala prov.   

Sgt. Alex Pryzbylowski 3rd Plt, pictured right, points out something of interest to Sgt. Adam Beach.

Pfc. Jack Hansbro, a radio telephone operator for 3rd Plt, takes a knee and waits for other Soldiers to get on line, before continuing on to clear palm groves.

Spc. Jeffery Michaud an MP military working dog handler for Warhorse Kennels, walks his Patrol/Explosive Detector dog to a pile of rubble near a palm grove.  Dogs were used as part of Op Apache Blanket.

  

-30-

U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs

Lions, Destroyers Merge to Tackle Threats

(Photos by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ)

JOINT BASE BALAD - AF SECFOR defenders perform a dismounted patrol on the outskirts of JBB, April 14. The patrol was a joint effort between Army and AF defenders looking for a weapons cache.   

Airman Jonathen Gonzalez scans the countryside. Gonzalez is forward deployed to the 532nd Expeditionary SECFOR Sqdrn from Vandenberg AFB, Calif.   

A young Iraqi girl herds sheep. 

AF and Army personnel return to their MRAP vehicle after conducting a dismounted patrol. 

AF gunner Airman 1st Class Andrew Koss checks the connection to his headset in a MRAP vehicle.  Koss is forward deployed to the 532nd Expeditionary SECFOR Sqdrn from Eielson AFB, Alaska. 

AF Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson patrols a village on the outskirts of JBB. 

Personnel take a break along the Tigris river, while conducting a dismounted patrol. 

-30-

USF-I

With Help From 'Blackhawks,' IA Delivers Supplies 

(Photo by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs)

KIRKUK - Army 1st Lt. Robert Cline, plt leader for 1st Plt Bravo Troop, 6th Sqdrn, 1st Cav Regt, 1st BCT, 1st AR Div out of Fort Bliss, Texas, talks to Capt. Azad, IA plt leader, before handing out much needed supplies to citizens of Doskushman, near Kirkuk, April 22. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-27

Dear Interested Reader,

Human Terrain System gathers info from locals.  Three Pfcs make a first class mortar team.  Cmdrs' Conference addresses reintegration, at FOB Shank.  Project updates presented to Ghazni Provincial Council.

Iraq:  'Dragon' Bde Soldiers, PRT help boost Iraqi economy through agriculture.  Public landfill opens on Earth Day in Diyala prov.  ISF shown helicopter insertion methods.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Human Terrain System gathers info from locals

Story and photos by Army Staff Sgt. Donald Reeves 

 

Dr. Richard Boone interviews local residents of the Baraki Barak district, to find out about their attitudes and daily lives, April 17.  Boone is a psychologist and DoD civilian, deployed as a member of a Human Terrain System.  Boone says that by gathering this info from average people, HTS members can save lives on a civilian-oriented battlefield. 

LOGAR PROVINCE -  Boone is part of the HTS, and his job is to create a map of the map of the Afghanistan people, to give to cmdrs so they can navigate the complex Afghan culture. “We’re looking at the regular people, the average people and we’re trying to figure out how they view their own lives; what issues do they think are important; what attitudes do they have toward their own national govt.; what attitudes they have towards the enemy,” Boone said. 

Boone served 2 tours in Iraq as part of a combat stress team.  Now, he finds himself deployed to Afghanistan on patrols with Stryker teams and Abn BCTs.  “I was with a Stryker Bde, and we were always out in Stryker vehicles.  It was always a mounted patrol.  We’d drive to a village and we would come right up to the edge, get out and walk into the village,” Boone said.

“In Logar and Wardak we do dismounted patrols much more frequently,” Boone said.
Currently embedded with the 173rd Abn BCT, Boone sleeps in the desert valley alongside the Soldiers. They conduct long foot patrols into villages where Boone gathers data.

Boone, at age 55, has to keep up with Soldiers who are sometimes more than 35 years his junior.  In the Baraki Barak valley, he found a major concern to be roads.  “Here, what I’ve discovered is that a lot of people want their roads to be improved,” said Boone.  

As a psychologist, Boone looks to children as the future of Afghanistan.  He hopes that some of his findings may lead to children centered ops. “I think that if there was some way to reach them (Afghans) culturally and socially, and get them to embrace some of our values, while still holding true to their own cultural values, the country could go a long way toward achieving some sort of democratic system,” said Boone.

Boone says his mission is not to come up with programs and plans.  He will chart his piece of the map and leave it to others to find the way.

Dr. Boone and a Soldier talk to local villagers.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

A First Class Mortar Team

Story and photos by Army Staff Sgt. Donald Reeves

 

Army Pfcs, Jacob Wheat, Richie Jimenez, and Adam Zach assemble a mortar in the Baraki Barak valley. The 3 Soldiers are Indirect Fire Infantrymen, deployed with Anvil Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 91st Cav Regt, 173rd Abn BCT. 

LOGAR PROVINCE – On the valley floor of the Baraki Barak Valley a patrol base has been established.  Army Soldiers stand watch on the Squad Automatic Weapons, scanning the distance dotted by herds of sheep and goats.  Soldiers not on watch have given up finding any shade, made dramatically scarce by the midday sun beating down on them.

At the southern end of the patrol base, Pfc. Jacob Wheat says, “Let’s run through it again.” Pfc’s Richie Jimenez and Adam Zach enter new numbers into a handheld computer, plot new points, and run through fire drills on the mortar cannon that they have lugged into the desert.

As part of a 3-man mortar team deployed with Anvil Troop, the privates take their job as Indirect Fire Infantrymen seriously. They push each other to train on all aspects of the job. “Every single one of us has to learn each other’s job, in case one of us goes down,” said Zach. 

A mortar can launch high explosive projectiles (HE) in close support of troops.  Mortar teams open up more options to cmdrs of units in contact with enemy forces, because the HE rounds have a wide kill zone and can reach places otherwise difficult to target, due to their high trajectory.

“It’s a bad boy,” said Jimenez. “It’ll push out a lot of rounds in a short amount of time too. If our guys got in a tic, we could suppress the enemy real quick,” said Jimenez, using the common acronym for ‘troops in contact.’

It takes a lot of skill to fire the mortar accurately. “There’s a lot of stuff that could go wrong,” Wheat said. “We have the LHMBC, the light handheld computer, that you put all the info in,” said Jimenez. “If it goes down we have to break out the plotting board. That’s why we always carry a plotting board.  It basically does the same thing; it just takes a little bit longer,” said Jimenez.  According to Jimenez a well-trained team should be able to adjust fire and launch a new round within 30 seconds to a minute.

“Another thing you have to be proficient at is map reading.  You’ve got to be good at math and you also have got to know how to plot points,” said Zach.  He also said that map reading is something his ANA counterparts, who they train with, excel at. “They’re real good at finding points on the map,” said Zach.

“Whenever I’m plotting my targets out, the ANA sgt will come over, and he’ll do some of it himself too,” said Jimenez. “They come out, and we have them hang rounds,” said Jimenez. “They do gun drills with us,” he said.

The team thought they would get to put their skills to the test recently. A patrol heard an explosion and reported contact over the radio. “I yelled 'contact' and instantly started grabbing for stuff,” said Jimenez.  “We had the LHMBC; I started grabbing the rounds out, popped the top off of the mortar, and got the mortar ready to fire.”

“Everything we do, we have to do it quickly, proficiently, calm, cool and collectively,” said Wheat.  Zach agreed. “The main point about it is that you’ve got to stay calm.  If you get too excited, everything could go wrong,” he said.

The complete mortar can weigh in excess of 4-lbs. The rounds, depending on the type, can weigh as much as 15-lbs apiece.  Getting to fire the mortar is what makes it worth carrying the extra weight out into the field. “That’s the exciting part of our job, when we get to shoot,” Jimenez said.

“It sucks carrying it around because it’s a lot of weight on your shoulders, but once you finally get it set up you feel content because you can do your job well,” Zach said. “Being 3 PFCs out here as part of white plt, makes you feel pretty good to know that your sgts can trust you,” Zach continued.  The mortar team attributes that confidence to their intensive training. “Ever since we got to Anvil Troop 1/91, it’s been practicing, practicing, practicing. That’s how we’re out here today,” said Zach.

“One more time,” said Wheat and the team started the drill again.

Pfc.’s Jimenez and Zach run through gun drills with their ANA counterparts.  

Pfc Zach sets up a mortar at a patrol base in Baraki Barak valley. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Cmdrs’ Conference Addresses Reintegration

Story and photo by Army Spc. Daniel Haun

FOB SHANK – Lt. Col. Curtis Johnson, cmdr 173rd BSB, looks over his notes during a Cmdrs’ Conference, April 20. “Reintegration is a community-focused process, meaning we’re bringing everyone from the community, and involving them in this very important process,” said Maj. Stephen Wisniew, the TF Bayonet chief of plans.

LOGAR PROVINCE -- Leaders of the Logar and Wardak Provs’ ANA, ANP forces and  TF Bayonet Cmdrs and Command Sgts Maj met to discuss upcoming elections, the forthcoming national peace jirga, and progress with the reintegration process.

“We must work at this peace process, how to bring peace, and how to reintegrate those individuals who are against the GoA,” said Alhaj Shouja, dep. gov. “We're working through the tribe elders, and we'll have the tribe elders and the gov. talk with them, raising the issues that are the most crucial steps.  We have to bring the people’s support to the GoA,” he said.

Army Maj. Stephen Wisniew, TF Bayonet chief of plans, addressed the members of the conference concerning one of the major components of the peace process, reintegration.

The first 2 phases of reintegration are planning and Malmastia, or hospitality, in which the community is informed. The next phases are Nanawati, Ghayrat, and Dostee, or sanctuary, honor, and trusted friend.  In these phases, the fighters are brought to the table, publically reintegrated, and re-evaluated.

“In phase 3, we want to bring the combatants or fighters to the table.  In phase 4 we want to have a public reintegration, a community reintegration, and for phase 5, we want to follow up with those who want to come to the govt, who want to be a part of Afghanistan,” Wisniew said.

Lt. Col. Matthew McFarlane, TF Talon cmdr, said that many insurgents are looking to begin the process. “It’s important to note many low level insurgents are looking for jobs, and have approached either CF, leadership in the GoA, or ANSF leadership recently to talk about how they can stop fighting,” McFarlane said.

Wisniew noted that job creation is a large part of this process. “We need to have a procedure for the peace reintegration, and it should involve some sort of job creation for those who would come to the govt,” said Wisniew.

Lt. Col. Kyle Lear, TF Bayonet dep. comm. officer, agreed.  “Reward successful businessmen. You want successful businessmen to bring on those individuals reintegrated as an apprentice, and train them, and then the govt can reward the businessman,” said Lear.

Lt. Col. William Brown, cmdr STB, shared the same sentiment. “Take your regular businessman, the one who’s out there running a sheep farm, the one who’s out there  running his own welding shop, the one who's out there making clothes, the one who’s out there making shoes, and have them take one apprentice.  If you do it with small businessmen, they can touch many people, one at a time, and you can encourage their growth,” Brown said.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Project updates presented to Ghazni Provincial Council

Story and photos by Capt. Jennifer Bocanegra

GHAZNI PROVINCE – Faizulla Paia, Chairman of the Ghazni Provincial Council from Qarabagh district, listens to Ghazni PRT and ADT members, April 25, at FOB Ghazni. He and 5 other Provincial Council members visited to learn about the different projects currently ongoing within Ghazni’s 19 districts.  On the list for discussion were roads, clinics, schools, vocational and feeding programs, agricultural development, hydropower, poultry and livestock training, and more. This was the first time the PRT and ADT, along with members from the U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, and the USACE met with the council to explain ongoing projects in the prov. The presentation will allow council members to inform their people about the different projects that are being done to help them stabilize the country. 

 

(Left to right), Qasi Shah from Nawur district, Safar Saqib, Hamidullah Danesh and Hamidullah Nawroz, all from Jaghori district, listen to a brief by the Ghazni PRT and ADT Team. The Provincial Council members learned about the current and ongoing projects that the Afghans were working on with the PRT, both U.S. and Polish, and the Texas ADT. “This was a PRT and ADT effort in helping the Provincial Council, the only elected reps from the people in the prov., to help plan and understand what the development priorities are,” said Mark Fleming, Dept of State rep. “They have an important role to play in making sure the govt is accountable to the people.” 

(Left to right), Navy Cmdr. Jeremy van Frank, Ghazni PRT EO; Faizullah Paia, Chairman of the Ghazni Provincial Council, and Amanullah Kamrani, dep. chairman, pay attention to a brief about current projects. The presentation will allow council members to inform their people about the different projects that are being done to help them stabilize the country. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

'Dragon' Bde Soldiers, PRT help boost Iraqi economy

Story and photos by Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Captain Pailey Eapen, the 4th IBCT's projects mgr, inspects a facility at the Samarra Silo, April 20. 

SAMARRA - Soldiers of the 4th IBCT, 1st ID, out of Fort Riley, Kan., and PRT members conducted a final inspection of the Samarra Silo, April 20. The silo, or grain storage facility is one of 8 agricultural projects that have been completed in Salah ad-Din prov., since the 'Dragon' bde deployed to the prov. last fall.
    
According to Capt. Pailey Eapen, the bde projects mgr, the renovation of the Samarra Silo, which used to be a CF FOB in 2003, is a project that will help to better the economy in Samarra, by boosting the production of grain and jobs in the area. 

"To build in the agricultural economic infrastructure will assist many farmers, so that when they harvest their crops, they'll have a place to store them, and they won't have to sell them all at the same time," he added.
    
There are currently 9 other projects in progress throughout the Salah ad-Din prov. that are all aimed to strengthen the agricultural economy, and promoting a better quality of life for the local citizens.
    
"Agriculture is the backbone to the Iraqi economy, and the more we can do to support that and have it functioning well, then the more potential it has to multiply throughout the economy," said Tom Pick, the agricultural advisor for the Salah ad-Din PRT. 

    .

Capt. Pailey Eapen finishes the inspection of a facility at the Samarra Silo. 

-30-

USF-I

Public landfill opens on Earth Day

Story and photo by Capt. Meghan Keefe

The Iraqi Dir. Gen. of Municipalities, Kadim Hayder, explains the layout of the Baqubah Landfill to the Diyala Provincial Gov., Dr. Nair, during the grand opening celebration of this first environmentally safe location for city residents to dispose of solid waste, on Earth Day, April 22, 2010. 

DIYALA PROVINCE – Solid waste mgt throughout Diyala had remained a relatively consistent problem, and became a serious health risk for residents. The landfill quickly became a top priority for Diyala provincial leaders, and construction began, Oct. 22.

"At the present moment, other than the one we've built in Baqubah, there are no other functioning landfills in the prov.," said Capt. Greg Sablan, the TF Eagle Cmdr's ERP project mgr, and Guam native. "This is the GoI's first stab at completing the loop on solid waste mgt.  Because Baqubah is the capitol of Diyala, it sets the example for all other future programs like this in other cities."

Once completed, March 6, the team ensured the official opening was timed perfectly with other essential services fostered throughout the Diyala prov., such as trash dumpsters and dump trucks.  The projects have proven very successful in providing jobs and keeping city streets clean."

The construction of the Baqubah Landfill has supported improvements in the overall health and living conditions, as well as employment, for Iraqis who live in Diyala.  Hayder says that the ribbon cutting ceremony sets a milestone for the Provincial Govt of Diyala. "Other places in the world have systems in order to clean up and collect trash; we are now starting ours,” he said. “The Baqubah Landfill is a stepping stone for a cleaner and safer Diyala."

 -30-

USF-I

ISF shown helicopter insertion methods

Story and photo by Cody Harding

An Iraqi Commando dismounts to provide security during Air Assault Training with the 12th CAB at COB Adder, April 13, 2010. The training teaches select ISF techniques they can then pass to their units. 

COB ADDER – As the U.S. continues to prepare for the eventual withdraw of forces from Iraq, its service members are focused on training ISF to assume the responsibility of securing their nation.

To that end, a group of Iraqi Commandos and members of the Iraqi Tactical Support Unit received training throughout April, when Soldiers with the 12th CAB provided instruction on helicopter insertion techniques.

The training, conducted with the help of 2 SF Soldiers, was supervised by the 12th CAB's plans section.  Capt. Igan O'Reilly, a coordinator for the section, said the training gave a new tool to the Iraqis to help them act quickly against hostile targets and prevent enemy escape.

One member of the Iraqi TSU and a Police Trainer, Sgt. Hraade, said the students are held to a high standard to ensure they perform real-world ops without making mistakes.
"I would like them to be patient with us, because we've asked them to do a lot of stuff," he said. "The thing is, it's a short training course, only 4 weeks, so there's a lot of info we need to give them, and it's not easy for them. We appreciate them."

As part of the overall Train the Trainer concept, the students can return to their units and train fellow Iraqis on the skills they first learned from U.S. forces.        

-30-

flickr

(Army photo by Pfc. Adrian Muehe)

An Iraqi Policeman and Spc. Michael McQueen, 2nd ID, take cover while searching a palm grove for terrorists or their tools in Mahudiya, April 23, 2010. 

-30-

flickr

(Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Manhea Kim) 

A U.S. Army 1-41 FA Soldier playfully interacts with children during a PRT mission near Baghdad, April 20, 2010. 

-30-

flickr

(Army photo by Maj. Myles Caggins) 

IP patrol the Tigris River in southern Maysan with U.S. Navy advisors from Det 2, Riverine Sqdrn 3, April 11, 2010. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-26

Dear Interested Reader,

Parwan PRT prepares for mission, and ensures that projects remain on time.  MP mentoring team conducts joint patrols from COP Castle.  Marjah ACT program in Kandahar.  Plans being made for 2013 Center for Islamic Culture celebration in Ghazni.

Iraq:  Air Controllers learn modern ways at Taji Army Airfield.  Troops see IA Commandos excel at COB Gary Owen.  Capt. Guy Girouard helps Iraqis work together. IA, IFP lead largest joint Op Stalking Wolf.

Joanna

______________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Parwan PRT Prepares for Mission

Story and photos by AF Master Sgt. Kelley Stewart 

PARWAN PROVINCE – Army Sgt. Joey Linnen, a truck cmdr with the Parwan PRT, loads a MRAP All Terrain Vehicle with ammo, in preparation for a 2-day mission to western Parwan Prov., April 16. The PRT’s mission to Sheikh Ali and Surkeh Parsa districts, was to assess the condition of the roads and villages in the are, as well as to meet with the sub-govs. 

Spc. Edward Ellison, a driver with the Parwan PRT, ties down a tow bar on a MRAP All Terrain Vehicle. 

Spc. Charlie Brown, driver, and Spc. James Moss, gunner, remove a tow bar from the back of a MRAP Vehicle, to install it on the front.

-30-

Police Mentoring Team, ANP Conduct Joint Patrols

Story by Sgt. Shawn Coolman

Two Police Mentoring Team members, and 2 members of the ANP stop to talk with a family during a joint patrol near COP Castle, Helmand province, March 29.  PMT and the ANP stop and speak with the locals routinely to find out if they have any concerns or problems, while PMT monitors the ANP to be self-reliant to conduct their own patrols.   

COP CASTLE - It wasn't quite yet noon, but the sun was sweltering down on the PMT and ANP, as they set out for a presence patrol of the surrounding area.  As the coalition partners exited the COP they passed dozens of Afghans at the local bazaar, stopping frequently to speak with them before continuing on. 

The mentoring team conducts daily patrols searching for IEDs, looking for Taliban influence, and interacting with the local populace, while mentoring the ANP. "We monitor the ANP to get them ready to go out on patrols on their own, so they don't have to rely on us," said Cpl. Brian Jenkins, 22, an MP.

"We're now letting them take the lead, so maybe the next PMT will let them go out on patrol by themselves, which makes them look better and have a good face with the locals," said Jenkins.

"By patrolling with the PMT and working with other Marines, I've become a better listener and better at finding out what the peoples' problems are," said Tazah Gul, 30, after the patrol returned to the COP.  "I spent 2 months at the police academy and 2 months patrolling with the PMT," he said. "I studied at the academy, and now I'm implementing what I've learned while out on patrol."

A noticeable difference between the old ANP and the ones that now serve is prevalent.
"The old ANP used to steal from the people, and most of them got fired for testing positive for opium on drug tests," said Jenkins. "The new ANP are a lot more professional in the peoples eyes now, and they take their job a little more serious."

The patrols have light-hearted moments when the ANP and PMT come to rough terrain, explains Jenkins as he recounts a previous patrol with the ANP. "We came to a wide canal that was very hard to cross on foot," Jenkins recalled. "One ANP tried to cross but fell in.  He laughed and dropped his rifle; instead of getting out on the other side he tried again, and he made it that time."

Tazah Gul, an ANP, 1 of 4 ANP patrolling with PMT Marines lets a motorist pass during a presence patrol.

-30-

1st Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs 

Marjah Accelerated Agricultural Transition Program 

(Photos by Lance Cpl. Jerrick Griffin)

KANDAHAR - Chief Warrant Officer Jason Sheets (left), fiscal and ops officer for the Disbursing Section, Leatherneck Det, HSC, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), procures Afghan currency from Army 1st Lt. Manuel Jimenez at the Army Disbursing Office, April 7.  The currency will be used as part of the Marjah Accelerated Agricultural Transition Program (AATP) to encourage Afghan farmers to grow licit crops, like wheat, instead of opium poppies, which fuel the Taliban's war campaign against CF. 

Cpl. David Che (right), supply warehouse clerk for HSC, hands Afghan currency to Army 1st Lt. Manuel Jimenez. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Plans being made for 2013 Center for Islamic Culture celebration

By AF 2nd Lt. Katherine Roling 

Old Ghazni City lies at the bottom of an overhanging cliff face, which offers onlookers a chance to see the artifacts of a country filled with a rich history. (AF photo by Tech. Sgt. J.T. May III)

GHAZNI PROVINCE - Preparation plans were shared at a meeting at the gov’s compound in Ghazni city, April 18, which will be the future site of the 2013 Center for Islamic Culture.

April 18, internationally known as World Heritage Day, was a good day for the Ministry of Urban Development, and the Ministry of Info and Culture from Kabul, to meet with local Ghazni business leaders and the Ghazni PRT for a round-table discussion. 

“Today is a celebration around the world for World Heritage Day,” said Navy Cmdr. Jeremy van Frank, Ghazni PRT EO. “The PRT is here to assist with the efforts of both the govt of Kabul, and the govt of Ghazni to work together for the 2013 Islamic Culture celebration.”

World Heritage Day encourages public awareness of the world’s diversity of cultural heritage.  Ghazni city has a rich past and is peppered with historical sites.  Ghazni city was selected as the Asian capital of Islamic civilization for 2013, by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Org., at a conference in Tripoli, Libya, in 2007. 

At the provincial level, there are 13 projects that have been recognized to highlight the cultural significance of Ghazni.  Of those 13 projects, the group plans to create an informational website for the event and a newspaper that publishes poetry by Ghazni writers.  

Another big project on the list is to reopen the Ghazni Museum, which has been closed for 20 years. The museum will house many artifacts that have been kept in Kabul since the Soviet occupation.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Parwan PRT Continues to Ensure Projects Remain on Time

Story and photos by AF Senior Airman Jim Araos

PARWAN PROVINCE – Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Jason Campbell (left),  Parwan PRT aviation vehicle maintenance, and Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Diego-Mendez, Parwan PRT truck cmdr, fix an antenna on a MRAP All Terrain Vehicle. Parwan PRT conducted an assessment of the western region of Parwan Prov., as well as assessed the Parwan to Bayman Road construction project, April 18 -19. 

Army 1st Sgt. James Herrington, Parwan PRT convoy cmdr and unit 1st sgt, scans his sector with binoculars while engrs assess a culvert. 

Army Sgt. Julian Marlowe, Parwan PRT truck cmdr, stands guard during an assessment of a hospital in western Parwan. 

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan 

Soldiers Conduct Operation Bayonet Kaman 

Photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

FOB SHANK - Col. James Johnson, cmdr of the 173rd Abn BCT speaks with 1st Lt. Kirsten Miller, as she takes notes regarding various aspects of the bazaar she is patrolling in the village of Powraq, Pole-Elam District, Logar prov., April 6. The purpose of this mission is to check on humanitarian conditions in the village.  

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

USF-I

Iraqi air controllers learn modern ways

Story and photo by Spc. Roland Hale

Sgt. Douglas Miller, an air traffic controller with CAB, 1st ID, and 1st Lt. Murtada, an air traffic controller with the IqAF, monitor one of the tracking systems in Taji Army Airfield’s control tower, April 21, 2010. 

CAMP TAJI – Working with Soldiers from Co F, 2nd GSAB, 1st Aviation Regt, the Iraqi personnel are learning how to effectively manage the air traffic control tower on Taji Army Airfield. “We’re trying to move ourselves, the IqAF, forward,” said Lt. Yassen, an Iraqi air traffic controller. “The IqAF used old rules for air traffic control; the Americans are teaching us the modern, new ways to do it.”

The job requires intensive training and an intermediate understanding of the English language – the universal language of air traffic control.  So, in addition to working with the CAB Soldiers, the Iraqis also attend basic aviation mgt courses and aviation-specific English classes.

“It’s a big team op up, now between us, the Iraqis and the U.S. Soldiers,” said Patsy Thomas, a civilian trainer from Washington Consulting Group.  Thomas, and several other civilians, are responsible for the certification of the Iraqi air traffic controllers.

Under supervision, the Iraqis are currently operating a large portion of the systems in the tower.  However, there is still a need for the presence of the CAB Soldiers, said Staff Sgt. Mark Flater, with Co. F. “We help them out, and are also required to monitor equipment systems, that they aren’t yet authorized to operate,” said Flater.

As the 2 forces work side by side in the tower, they face the biggest challenge posed to any Iraqi-American partnership:  the language barrier. “It’s probably the biggest difficulty we’ve had so far, but we practice with them all day, and you see that they catch on,” said Flater. “I’ve seen a big improvement in their capabilities just in the time I’ve been here.”

In addition to making progress in the tower, Flater says the Soldiers of Co. F have made personal ties with the Iraqis.  During their down-time, they sit and talk about things  – from differences in culture, to the similarities of their military careers.

-30-

USF-I

Troops see Iraqi Commandos excel

By Capt. Rafael Acevedo

Iraqi Commandos and U.S. Army Scouts from HHC, 4th Bn, 6th Inf Regt, conduct joint pre-combat checks before a recent mission in Maysan prov.

COB GARY OWEN – IA Commandos continue to train and conduct successful ops  with the Scout Plt. Over a 7-month period, the Iraqi Commandos have grown in their technical and tactical proficiency, building a more professional and independent fighting force.

Using the traditional coach, teach and mentor approach, the Commandos now control much of their own training, and even started teaching classes to the Army Scout Plt.
"It’s amazing how far they've come.  I feel comfortable when they're teaching me a class and running missions with them," said Staff Sgt. James Tsosie, a section sgt, during one Commando training exercise.

"The Iraqis have taken the initiative in training their Soldiers, and at times start before their scheduled training time," said Sgt. Brian Mallon, a squad leader.  Recently the Commandos found rockets in their area of ops and managed to detain the individuals who emplaced them.

"I can go back home and proudly tell my family and friends that we did make a difference here," said Sgt. James Markham, a squad leader.

-30-

USF-I

Army officer helps Iraqis work together

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh

Iraqi Maj Abood, greets Capt. Guy Girouard, cmdr of Co C, 4th Bn, 9th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, in Anbar prov., April 15, 2010.  Girouard recently devised a plan to build stronger bonds and levels of communication between IA units, to help them better fight pockets of insurgency across the Anbar and Baghdad provs. 

BAGHDAD – The 1st IA Div leads the security effort in eastern Anbar prov., while the bordering area of western Baghdad provi., falls under the 6th IA Div.  With the help of Girouard, the Iraqi cmdrs are realizing the need for both divisions to work together.

“Every division has their own sectors, so there're some gaps, and we’re trying to close them right now,” said Maj. Abood, 1st IA Div.

The ultimate goal is to create a bond from the div cmdrs, all the way down to the company level, said Girouard. Then the company cmdrs can work out border issues on the ground and start sharing intel, resources, and conducting joint patrols.

“I’m looking forward to doing a lot of things together,” said Abood. “We're holding a lot of meetings, and we hope in the future things will come together.” Progress may take a while to be clearly seen.  However, Girouard said that within a few weeks, cohesion between the IA divs should be moving along smoothly.

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq

Iraqi Army, Federal Police lead joint operation

BAGHDAD - Soldiers from 3/69 AR Bn, 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 3rd ID, recently played a key advise and assist role in Op Stalking Wolf, the largest joint op led by ISF to date.  The U.S. forces performed an outer cordon for the op, which was conducted in the early morning hours of April 17 in Islah, Gumaryah and Shiek Saad.

"We were there to advise and assist with any help the ISF might need, but overall, this was their mission," said Cpt. Melvin Lowe, cmdr of Co A, 3/69 AR Bn.

The joint op included members from IFP, and the IA, with the ISF outnumbering U.S. Soldiers 10-1 ratio.  More than 1,060 ISF conducted door-to-door searches and combined clearing ops, while detaining 3 individuals on Article 4 terrorism warrants. 

"Missions like Op Stalking Wolf set the ground work for future joint ops between the IA and the IP," said Lt. Col. Hugh O'Connor, Security Training TT chief, 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 3rd ID.

The overall reaction to the op by local Iraqis was one of cooperation, and the close coordination between the 2-1 FP and the 11th IA made everything flow smoothly, O'Connor said. O'Connor said the mission helped to instill the confidence the ISF needed in each other's capabilities.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-25

Dear Interested Reader,

Border Patrol leader inspects outpost, meets locals.  Bermel district hosts "1,000-man Shura in Paktika prov.  TF Destroyer continues fitness training in combat zone.  Local bazaar stimulated by Marines at COP Castle.

Iraq:  573rd Clearance Co. deny access for IED placement, while clearing a culvert.  Zac Brown Band performs for troops at Kirkuk during ACM Awards.  JSS Salie transferred to IFP.  AQI assocs. arrested in Mosul and Baghdad.

Joanna

________________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

ABP leader inspects outpost, meets local villagers

Story and photos by MC1(SW) Michael Howlett

Army Specialist Denoah Randolph, a member of the Border Mgt TF, gives candy to children while touring a village near the ABP outpost in Shurabak district.  Randolph and his team escorted Colonel Sharif, Cmdr, 3rd Zone, ABP, during a visit to the outpost and village to assess troop and village needs. The ABP has partnered with the ISAF TF to increase troop numbers and learn tactics for securing the Afghan border.

KABUL - Hoping to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to secure the border while discerning the needs of local villagers, a senior ABP leader inspected the 5th Kandak HQ, April 15th.  Colonel Sharif, inspected the complex, located along the rugged Afghanistan/Pakistan border.

The visit provided Sharif, and his ISAF advisors an opportunity to deliver supplies and equipment to his troops, and meet with the elders of the local village. The official party arrived by helicopter to the remote and mountainous station, where there are nearby caves frequently occupied by the Taliban. Troops were waiting to offload bags of flour, building supplies, new ATVs and other military supplies.

"This station is the most important in the Kandahar district," said Sharif. "It's closest to the border crossing with Pakistan. There's lots of enemy movement in the area, and we're the fence providing security for our country."

While speaking with the village elders, Lt. Col. William Clark, 8-1 Cav cmdr at Spin Buldak, also on the Pakistan border, asked them about the construction of a water system, and made note to get them more help in completing the project.  During this conversation the elders brought up their newest concern - IEDs.

According to villagers, insurgents are planting IEDs along the roads, aimed at stopping the border patrol from carrying out their duties. The villagers specifically requested help from ISAF forces to remove the IEDs from local roads.

The meeting allowed Sharif an opportunity to strengthen ties with his fellow Afghans by discerning what steps his forces could take to assist them. As the number of available troops increase, Sharif is looking to expand his unit's services to the locals.

Sharif spoke highly of his troops and praised the training they received from the Border Mgt TF, and specifically of the work done by the SECFOR Advisory Team manned by members of the 4th BCT and civilian instructors.

"We're here to help them train their troops and secure their own borders," said Capt. Greg Spears. "They're hard workers. We've given them the training they need, and the right equipment to do their jobs."

"The troops have had good training, and it's a pleasure to see my advisors who came here with me," said Sharif of the advisory team. "I appreciate the help and advice from our partners. This was a good use of time to have these meetings, and we ended up with good results."

Members of the ABP and their ISAF partners descend from a mountain-top outpost along the border with Pakistan, during a tour of outposts and villages in the Shurabak district. 

Afghan Soldier Kareem speaks with children while touring a village. 

 

Soldiers of the ABP and their ISAF partners unload a helicopter full of supplies.

 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Bermel District hosts “1,000-man shura”

Story and photos by AF 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane

Village elders listen to the proceedings of the “1,000-man shura” held in Bermel district, April 22.  Newly-appointed Gov. Samim attended the shura and detailed to local citizens his plans and priorities for the prov. 

PAKTIKA PROVINCE - Less than 24 hours after his inauguration ceremony, the event, primarily a security shura organized by ABP Maj. Gen. Mullahkhel, gave Samim a chance to highlight several of his governing priorities, to a crowd of about 300 Bermel citizens.

The name “1,000 man” shura reflects the Waziri tribal elders’ hope that someday this shura will have a thousand Paktika citizens from Bermel and the surrounding districts, to affirm their commitment to peace and security.

Samim called upon the Waziri tribal elders, the dominant tribe in Bermel, to work with the GoA to bring security and development to their villages. During his remarks, Samim called himself a “servant for Paktika's citizens.”  Noting that the enemy is seeking to destroy the country, Samim charged the audience with supporting "your sons" in the ANSF.  According to Samim, after 30 years of war, the country and prov. are improving, but more can be done. 

“CF came to Afghanistan to build your country, not to destroy it,” said Samim.  He then highlighted, as he had in his inauguration speech, the importance of education, pledging to seek more development support from the Paktika PRT, and to specifically focus on building schools.

 

Gov. Samim (second from left), along with other provincial and district officials, wait to address the estimated 300 village elders and citizens of Bermel District.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Soldiers continue fitness training in combat zone

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Gary Witte

 

Army Sgt. Adam Reddinger, a team leader with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, does box jumps as part of his unit’s tactical fitness workout. COP Bari Alai, where the unit is stationed, has limited room and equipment for exercising. 

KUNAR PROVINCE – Staying fit can be a challenge when you're stuck on a mountaintop. Their tactical fitness workout, which is modeled after the TF Mtn Warrior CrossFit program, uses a repetitive circuit of exercises to focus on core muscle groups, and increase cardio fitness.

“It doesn’t make me great at anything, but it makes me good at everything,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Donnelly. “Everything I do as a Soldier has gotten better.”  Donnelly, the unit plt sgt, has been involved with CrossFit for 5 years and started the tactical fitness program partly as a way to prepare for the unit’s return to Fort Carson, Colo.

The day after their first workout was a painful education for many of the Soldiers.  “I couldn’t move my arms for a couple of days,”  said Sgt. Joshuah Koboldt, a squad leader. Nonetheless he began seeing improvements just a couple of weeks after starting the program. “I’m trying to learn more about it so I can do it with my squad,” he said.

A typical tactical workout for one day – after a warmup – included 5 rounds of the following exercises for time:  30 squats, 25 pushups, 20 situps, 15 kettlebell swings, 10 burpees, 5 deadlifts and one rope climb. “If your body isn’t used to it, it’s a shock,” said Donnelley.

Proper form, however, is more important than time or speed, partly because it helps avoid injuries, Donnelley said.  In turn, the cycle of repetitions and varied exercises helps build the cardio strength the Soldiers are not getting, because they're not running.
“I have a program where I can manipulate the heart rate as needed,” Donnelley said. “We can do the workout at different levels and have the same effects.”

The shorter workout times also make it easier to fit into a busy schedule.  Koboldt said he is exercised more with the tactical fitness program than he did when he had access to a gym.  As much as he is getting out of it, Koboldt said his favorite part of the workout is when it's over. “It definitely sucks while you’re doing it,” he said, smiling.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Donnelly keeps track of exercise repetitions, as Sgt. Adam Reddinger, a team leader, does pullups. 

-30- 

DVIDS

 

Local Bazaar Stimulated by Marines

Story and pictures by Sgt. Shawn Coolman

An Afghan shopkeeper pushes a recently purchased lamb from the local bazaar to the entry control point at COP Castle, March 31. The 4th Light Armored Recon Marines purchase goods from the stores, helping the local Afghan economy and improving their quality of life.   

COP CASTLE - The U.S. dollar is a powerful ally in improving the local Afghan economy and the Marines quality of life. The 4th LAR Bn Marines manning the COP frequent the bazaar (local market) to buy produce, livestock and commodities that normally wouldn't be available to them. 

"It's a good relationship that we have with the Marines. They buy most of the things we sell here, which helps us a lot," said Nyaamatula, a local bazaar shopkeeper. 

"When we got here in Nov., 2nd LAR Bn told us about the bazaar," said Cpl. Jesse Hurtado, 23, a food service specialist with 4th LAR. "There wasn't much out there when we got here. Not a lot of the shops were open, but we still could buy a few personal items from the shops."

Now with more Marines coming from the COP, the shops are open to more Afghans and Marines, with a wide selection of goods to be bought. "There's a lot of variety now. We can go out to the bazaar and buy fresh produce, lambs and chickens, which are much more available," said Hurtado. "I think a good 60% of the Marines here don't eat at the chow hall. They buy all their food from the bazaar," said Hurtado, father of one. 

Cpl. Jesse Hurtado, speaking through an Afghan interpreter, buys some produce from the local bazaar. 

Lance Cpl. Justin McKee, cooks a chicken and lamb that was recently purchased at bazaar.

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

Engineers deny enemy access for IED placement

Story and photos by Sgt. Chad Nelson

Sgt 1st Class Joseph Preski, the plt sgt for 3rd Plt, 573rd Clearance Co, 1st Engr Bn, 130th Engr Bde, clears away concertina wire surrounding a Hesco barrier, April 18. The Hesco barrier is a hasty culvert denial system placed by engrs at a time when the threat of IEDs was much higher than the current threat level. 

COB MAREZ - On a humid, overcast spring day, 6 trucks driven by the combat engrs of 3rd Plt, roll down a main supply route, scanning the sides of the road for their next mission.  
   
While still dangerous, these roads are now relatively safer.  This is due, in part, to the efforts of previously deployed engr bdes denying access to culverts - tubes that run underneath roads, which allow water to flow. In their haste to protect fellow service members and innocent civilians, the engrs often installed denial systems that stopped the water flow through the culvert.  This was the case with 3rd plt's most recent mission.  A large Hesco barrier filled with earth - surrounded by concertina wire and barbed wire - completely blocked the culvert, reducing the water flow to a mere trickle.
   
To improve water flow and decrease flooding in the area, the engrs brought an arsenal of tools to combat this project.  A high mobility engr excavator first ripped the Hesco barrier to pieces and pushed the mountains of dirt away from the culvert.  Once exposed, the culvert presented a new challenge: earth and tar plugged the hole.
   
The engrs used everything they had to clear the dirt and tar. The sound of shovels, jackhammers and a cement saw pierced the humid air, as cars raced by on the nearby highway.  Large globs of oily, putrid tar mixed with mud and dirt came out in awkward clumps as the engrs took turns on the excavation project. Sweaty, exhausted and covered in tar and mud, the Soldiers took turns digging, encouraging their comrades.
   
While the threat of IED placement is lower than in the past, the threat still exists, and the engrs must deny access to the concrete tubes that run underneath the road, while still allowing water flow.  They accomplish this one of 2 ways: constructing and installing a grate or placing a new, specifically designed "Lapeer kit."
   
The hope for the mission was to use the new Lapeer kits. The kit is pre-fabricated and completely covers the culvert.  Holes are large enough to allow water to flow, but small enough to deny access to the tube.  Bright purple in color, the kit looks like it would belong in a carnival or children's museum, instead of on the side of an Iraqi road protecting Soldiers and Iraqi civilians from IED blasts.  While the kits and grates are equally effective at denying access to culverts, the kits are far more efficient to install, according to 1st Lt. O'Shea.
   
After hours of digging, pounding and sawing their way through the tar and muck, the engrs discovered the tube was too small to support the Lapeer kit. The engrs have the capability to weld on site. Still hoping to capitalize on the efficiency of the Lapeer kit, the engrs tried to widen the tube further so that the kit could fit.  After attempting this for more than an hour, the plt leader decided to take measurements of the culvert and fabricate the grate at the engr's motor pool on COB Speicher.

"Pre-fabricating means better quality and stronger welds," said 1st Lt. O'Shea, plt leader.  Normally, the engrs recon the site and take measurements so they can pre-fabricate before going to the site.  This was impossible for this site, as the Hesco barrier denied all access - even to the engrs' measuring tapes.

After a hasty denial system consisting of a huge pile of dirt was in place, the engrs headed home to construct the grate, and an already long day turned even longer. It took hours to construct, but the resulting grate was very effective: a large square of iron covered horizontally by iron rebar.  The bars are less than 6" apart, denying access to the culvert, but allowing large amounts of water to flow through uninterrupted.

While this project may seem finished, the engrs will return to this site and other culverts they have denied, to make sure no one tampers with them.  They'll also be refitting and improving additional culvert denial systems that previous engrs have hastily emplaced - no less than 20 projects.  During the height of the war in Iraq, engrs placed countless hasty denial systems.  Now, as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Iraq, they take special care to leave things right.  In this case, they are leaving things improved - offering an opportunity for irrigation while still protecting citizens from danger.

1st Lt Matthew O'Shea observes the destruction of a Hesco barrier. 

Sgt 1st Class Joseph Preski observes the destruction of a Hesco barrier. 

Pvt 1st Class Anthony Arcabascio further destroys a Hesco barrier, so he and his fellow engrs can clear the wreckage from a culvert. 

Spc Calan Olson uses a concrete saw to loosen up the concrete in a culvert. 

Spc Ryan Thomas clears out mud and tar from a culvert. 

Staff Sgt James Eric uses a jackhammer to loosen up the concrete in a culvert. 

Spct Ryan Thomas creates a metal grate with arc welds. 

Pvt Matthew Davis cuts metal rebar to size. The rebar was used to create a metal grate that now covers a culvert on a main supply route.

 

Spc Ryan Thomas, left, and Pvt. Michael Berry create a metal grate with arc welds. 

Spc Ryan Thomas begins assembling a Lapeer kit.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Zac Brown Band performs for troops during ACM Awards

By Pfc. Jessica Luhrs

While country music stars were preparing for the 45th Annual American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Zac Brown and Chris Fryar, of the Zac Brown Band, performed in Kirkuk, for servicemembers on FOB Warrior, April 17. The band was nominated for the entertainer of the year, top vocal group of the year, album of the year and single record of the year.  However they skipped the CMA ceremony for a 9-day USO /Armed Forces Entertainment Tour across Kuwait and Iraq. 

(Army photo by Sgt. Steven Livingston)

KIRKUK - It's no coincidence that the Zac Brown Band was performing for servicemembers during one of the biggest country music ceremonies, according to the members of the band, Zac Brown, Coy Bowles, Clay Cook, Jimmy De Martini, Chris Fryar and John Hopkins.
   
"We decided to come at this time, because we want to remind people that you're still over here sleeping in sandstorms, sipping on near-beer, and giving up months of your lives to fight for freedom," Brown said to a crowd of cheering troops.  Brown is the lead vocalist and guitarist in the Zac Brown Band.
   
Even though the band is on the other side of the world, those who watch the ACM Awards will be able to see the band perform for the troops.  During the 2-hour long concert, on FOB Warrior, the band played hit songs "Highway 20 Ride," "Whatever It Is," and a crowd favorite, "Chicken Fried," that had troops in the crowd holding their hands high with their near-beer.
   
The band also preformed one of their newest songs, "Free," and dedicated it to the servicemembers.  According to band members, the song "Free" will also serve as a reminder of the concert to the troops since footage shot during the performances will be used in a music video.

Following the concert the band took pictures and signed autographs for the troops.
"Words can't even describe how unbelievable this concert was," said Sgt. Dennis Diver, an NCO with Bravo Co., 501st BSB, 1st BCT, 1st AR Div out of Fort Bliss, Texas.

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq

April 22, 2010

US Soldiers transfer JSS Salie to Federal Police

(Army photos by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sabin)

Col. Mohsin, cmdr IFP; Sameer Haddad, receivership secretary for the GoI, and Capt. Matthew Bandi, cmdr of C Troop, 1st Sqdrn, 89th Cav Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, sign documents completing the transfer of JSS Salie from U.S. forces to ISF at JSS Salie, April 20. 

BAGHDAD - As the U.S. draws down forces in Iraq in accordance with the security agreement, JSS facilities are being transferred to ISF or GoI ministries.  JSS Salie is the 3rd JSS to be transferred to the ISF in 2nd BCT's Operational Environment.

 "The work was mutual. We worked together in terms of patrols in our sector. We worked together all the time," said Iraqi Col. Mohsin, cmdr. "In our area, we were able to control and make peace, and get rid of the militia."

"The enemy is thinking the American forces are leaving, so that is great. We can operate a lot easier and quicker - wrong," said Brig. Gen Uqabi, 3-1 FP cmdr. "We're going to show them how they're going to face the law.  Now it's a different ball game, and we're in control.  We're going to show them what we're made of."

Capt. Matthew Bandi shakes hands with Col. Mohsin, after completing the transfer. 

-30-

USF-I

Nine suspected AQI associates arrested

April 22, in north Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected senior AQI leader allegedly responsible for directing attacks, assassinations, suicide bombers and beheadings in that region. Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest 6 assocs. of the warranted senior AQI leader.

During a 2nd op in west Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI leader, allegedly responsible for a number of high profile attacks in Baghdad and the Al-Anbar region.  Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest 3 assocs. of the warranted AQI leader.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-24

Dear Interested Reader,

Kunar PRT begins "Cash for Work" program.  Panjshir PRT busy with projects.  Father/son serving their country.  Patrol kills insurgents who threatened convoy in Khost prov., while more insurgents and weapons caches captured in other provs.

Iraq:  JCC Abu Ghraib transferred to IP.  Suspected AQI leaders, assoc., arrested in Mosul.  Raid nets lethal aid smugglers in Wasit.

Joanna

_____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

Kunar PRT Public Affairs

Cash for Work program employs local Afghan villagers

Story and photos by AF 2nd Lt. Amy Abbott

Various village elders from Yargul discuss a new Cash for Work program with Army Sgt. 1st Class Christina LeMond, the Kunar PRT Civil Affairs Team, civil military ops center NCO-in-charge. 

KUNAR PROVINCE—The Kunar PRT has begun a new initiative to work with local Afghans’ who live in the communities surrounding FOB Wright, to keep trash from polluting the river and piling up in the nearby covert denial grates. The Cash for Work program utilizes the Cmdr’s Emergency Response Program bulk funds, and is the first of its kind to be used by the new PRT, who took command March 11.

According to Sgt. 1st Class Christina LeMond, the program is 2-fold. “For one, it ensures that the culvert denial is a benefit and not a hindrance to the locals, and secondly, it gave them the tools to help put more money into their village, by working to keep it clean,” she said.

Previous U.S. forces built the culvert denial, a grate at the entrance and exit of the culvert, to prevent the placement of IEDs within the water ways. Trash running down the river was getting caught in the grate and building up, creating a make shift dam and in turn, flooding out the crops of some of the villages, and blocking the water from running its course.

“If somebody stuck an IED in there, where the kids play, a lot of people would be hurt,” LeMond said. “They’re targeting us, but it would hurt them too. That’s what the culvert denial grate is primarily in place for, for both of us, but it’s hard to convey that.  We’re giving them the tools to also help protect themselves.”

As the water was building up some of the locals wanted to remove the grates.  In this situation, since the excess water was impeding the local’s ability to grow their crops, the PRT cmdr, along with his civil affairs team and engrs, came up with the idea of utilizing CERP bulk funding. These funds are a specified resource each cmdr has that can be used in cases that provide help to people.

“Giving the support to the elders empowers the Afghan people, enables them to take care of their own village,” said 1st Lt. Joseph Ladisic, Kunar PRT Civil Affairs Team program mgr.

It also allowed the money to be dispersed throughout the village, and not just to one hired person or contractor.  LeMond met with the elders and proposed the plan.  The elders later returned with a list of workers and supplies they would need to complete the job.

“They were very, very appreciative once we worked out the details,” LeMond said. “At first they thought we were going to tell them how to do their jobs.  Instead, we want to keep it as transparent as possible.  We want everybody to see that the money is going to the elders; let them figure it out and come up with their own plan.”

Additionally, since this is the first project of its kind this team has implemented, they'll continue to visit the villagers to make sure they're satisfied, and try and get feedback on how the program's working. “From what I gathered they were very pleased,” Ladisic said. “They were excited we're taking an interest in them, and trying to help them better their village.”

Many of the more than 100 local workers on Camp Wright come from the nearby villages.  According to LeMond, continuing to build good relations with our neighbors is the base’s “first line defense.”

“In our general area, the villagers around here are very appreciative,” LeMond said. “They thank us every day, every time they see us.  Now, we just want to continue making the relationship better.  They know when things are going to happen,” Ladisic added. “Hopefully they'll help us in turn, like we're helping them.”

In addition to Cash for Work programs, which include cleaning trash from the nearby university, several other relationship building projects are in the works.  For LeMond, her next mission is to check in on the local school kids, where they're going to school and making sure that the buildings built for them are actually being utilized by them. The civil affairs team will also be continuing a pen pal program between the children here and children in the U.S., a previous military unit had been running.

Sher Khan, the Yargul Village Chief, signs a contract alongside members of the Kunar PRT to begin a new Cash for Work program. 

Sher Khan sits with Sgt. 1st Class Christina LeMond, to discuss a new Cash for Work program. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Rebuilding Afghanistan, one project at a time

Story and photos by AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE – AF 2nd Lt. Jason Adams, civil engr, Panjshir PRT, deployed from Davis-Monthan AF Base, Ariz., gives a mission briefing prior to departing FOB Lion, April 19. Adams and other PRT engrs visited 5 work sites throughout the prov., and held 2 meetings in what Adams called a “successful day.” 

 

AF Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Louk (front), civil engr, Panjshir PRT, deployed from Barksdale AF Base, La., measures rebar during a quality-control visit to the Anaba District Court work site, April 19. 

AF 2nd Lt. Jason Adams (left), civil engineer, Panjshir PRT, Davis-Monthan AF Base, Ariz., inspects a retaining wall at Pyawusht village, April 19. 

Scott Davis, construction rep, USACE, Panjshir PRT, takes notes during a quality control visit to the Froj School, April 19.

-30-

U.S. Air Forces Central

Face of Defense: Father, Son Serve in Afghanistan

By AF Tech. Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Benjamin Boera, left, and his father, AF Brig. Gen. Michael Boera, share a laugh aboard an ANA Air Corps C-27A Spartan aircraft, March 28, 2010, at Camp Bastion.

(AF photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel Martinez)  

CAMP BASTION, April 20, 2010 – An ANA Air Corps C-27A Spartan cargo aircraft took off from Kabul Int'l Airport, to conduct an ISAF mission transporting weapons and cargo for ANP.

Marine Corps 1st Lt. Benjamin Boera, a 5th Bn, 11th Marines High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Tango Battery plt cmdr here, watched the cargo plane land.  He swelled up with pride, because one of the pilots on the mission was his father, AF Brig. Gen. Michael Boera, cmdr of the NATO training mission’s Combined Air Power Transition Force, and the AF’s 438th Air Expeditionary Wing.

As the doors of the C-27 opened, Lt Boera entered the aircraft and said something he has uttered countless times: "Hey, Dad." His father answered, "How you doing, Ben?" The Boeras are on the front lines of transition and kinetic ops.

Since Sept., Gen. Boera has led a joint and combined org. to mentor, train and to assist Afghan aviation units.  He conducts strategic-level coordination with U.S. Central Command, ISAF, and Afghan defense and interior ministry officials, to develop the presidential airlift, battlefield mobility, attack, command and control, counter-narcotics, police aviation, security and recon capabilities of the Afghan air forces.

Lt Boera, deployed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in Jan. His unit has been an active participant in Op Moshtarek, a NATO-Afghan offensive involving 15,000 Afghan, Canadian, American and British troops.  His plt directly supports the 1st Marine Div and provisional rifle companies with artillery.

The Marine lt and the AF gen. drove off to share some private time, now just father and son, before returning to the flightline and the waiting C-27.  "I'm proud of you,” Gen. Boera said to his son.  “Keep up the good work and stand tall."

 -30-

ISAF Joint Command News Releases

Patrol Kills Insurgents Who Threatened Convoy

KHOST PROVINCE  - ISAF troops killed 4 occupants of a vehicle that threatened their convoy, April 19, military officials reported.

The convoy was returning to its base camp after clearing a roadside bomb, when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction approached the lead truck. The ISAF forces tried to flag the vehicle down and flashed the lead truck's lights.

The driver of the unidentified vehicle responded by turning off his headlights and accelerating toward the convoy.  ISAF personnel then fired warning shots, but the vehicle continued to accelerate.  Several rounds were fired in an attempt to disable the vehicle, and finally shots were fired into the vehicle itself.

ASF were immediately called to secure the site.  After the incident, 2 of the men in the vehicle were identified as known insurgents.

In other news from Afghanistan:

KANDAHAR PROVINCE -- An Afghan-ISAF captured a suspected Taliban cmdr and several other insurgents in the Kandahar district, April 19. The suspected Taliban cmdr is believed to be responsible for buying and distributing weapons, and for handling militant cell financial responsibilities.

KABUL PROVINCE -- In the Qalat district, April 19, a combined force captured a suspected Taliban roadside-bomb facilitator, believed to be responsible for attacks on CF, and to have close ties to other insurgent networks.  When confronted, the facilitator identified himself and surrendered.  A few other suspected insurgents also were detained.

HELMAND PROVINCE -- In the Now Zad district, April 19, an ISAF patrol found a roadside bomb consisting of more than 100-lbs of homemade explosives, and a pressure-plate initiation device.

An Afghan-ISAF patrol found 4 roadside bombs in Nad-e Ali district, April 19. Two of the bombs consisted of pressure-plate initiation devices and 20-lbs of homemade explosive each. The others had remote-controlled detonators and 40-lbs of homemade explosive each.

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

United States Forces - Iraq

JCC Abu Ghraib transferred to Iraqi Police

(Army photos by Sgt. Bryce Dubee)

Sameer Al-Haddad of the MoI, and Capt. Joshua Betty, cmdr of Co C, 1st Bn, 38th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, sign documents transferring authority of JCC Abu Ghraib from U.S. forces to the GoI, April 20.

ABU GHRAIB - Since arriving in Iraq last fall, Soldiers from 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Reg. had maintained a 24-hour presence at the JCC.  They planned ops and conducted missions alongside their IP partners, to improve security in the area.  In total, more than 100 combined patrols have been enabled during the past 6 months.

"Even though we're turning over the JCC today, we're still going to remain partners," said Lt. Col John Leffers, cmdr of 1st Bn., adding that this transfer is another step toward the responsible reduction of U.S. forces, while ensuring that the 2 nations remain strong strategic partners.

"The transfer strongly reinforces the confidence of the GoI and the people of Abu Ghraib, in their IP," said Leffers. "They're ready to lead."

Sameer Al-Haddad and Capt. Joshua Betty shake hands after signing over JCC Abu Ghraib.

Col. Falah, the Abu Ghraib district police chief, and Lt. Col. John Leffers, cmdr of 1st Bn sign a ceremonial certificate. 

-30-

USF-I

ISF arrest suspected AQI leaders, one criminal associate

BAGHDAD - In Mosul, April 19, ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple buildings for a suspected AQI leader, allegedly responsible for utilizing couriers from Mosul to Baghdad, connecting all aspects of the terrorist org.  Info and evidence gathered at the scene, led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the warranted AQI leader and a criminal associate.

In another op in Mosul April 20, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for a suspected senior AQI leader, allegedly responsible for the consolidation and distribution of northern Iraq funds that support the AQI network.  Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the warranted AQI leader.

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq PAO

ISF raid nets lethal aid smugglers in Wasit

BASRAH - ISF led a joint raid with U.S. advisors in Wasit Prov., to apprehend suspected lethal aid smugglers, April 22.  The team secured federal warrants for each of the targeted individuals who allegedly have direct ties to Kata'ib Hezbollah.  The targeted individuals surrendered to Iraqi officials without incident, and were taken to a nearby holding facility where they'll await arraignment.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-23

Dear Interested Reader,

Parwan PRT visits Dander to assess needs.  Conference at FOB Vulcan to discuss NCO development.  Vermont NG adjusts to changing mission at FOB Herrera.  Flying with the heroes of Aeromedical evacuation.

Iraq:  Sgt. Holly Burke becomes member of an elite club.  Staff Sgt Justin Thompson leads with humor.  'Ranger' Mortarmen illuminate strategic oil pipeline.  River police force increases with latest graduation.

Joanna

_____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

Parwan PRT visits Kohe Safi

By Bagram Media Center

Army Spc. Richard Cusack, Parwan PRT security element, provides security during a key leader engagement in Dandar, Kohe Safi, April 15. The PRT conducted the mission to meet the sub-gov., and assess the district's needs. 

(Photo by AF Senior Airman Jim Araos)

PARWAN PROVINCE - For the most part, the needs of the sub-governor parallel those of the 9 other Parwan sub-govs.  The district needs roads, wells, irrigation and water.
Unlike some of the other districts the PRT has visited, the terrain was extremely rugged, which made the drive difficult for some of the vehicles.

"The drive was nerve wracking," said Sgt. Julian Marlowe, PRT security element and truck cmdr. A lot of the switchbacks on the route were on inclines.  His vehicle had to be put into 4-wheel drive, and "I would have to help my driver, Spc. Charlie Brown turn the wheel," he said. 

While Navy Cmdr. Kyle Higgins, Parwan PRT cmdr, and Ethan Glick, Parwan PRT's Dept of State rep, met with the provincial sub-gov., and the chief of police to discuss their issues, the rest of the team pulled security and tried to engage with some of the local Afghans.

"I was with the civil affairs team, and we tried to talk to some folks," Marlowe said. The first place they went to was a school.  The students were in class, so the group decided to do a foot patrol up the side of a hill about 300 meters up.  The group stopped at an ANP observation point, and tried to engage with the ANP there. "We didn't have an interpreter, so the language barrier got in the way," he said.  "We did see a lot of the villages in the valley, which was a good thing."

What stands out the most in Marlowe's mind about Kohe Safi is the terrain. "It's just rough terrain," he said. "The people out there are living ruggedly to me.  To get to school, children have to walk over hills and mountains.  You can actually see the trails they have to walk."

One of the many lessons learned on this trip was that some of the members aren't as fit as they thought they were. "Going up that 300-meter hill whipped our butts," Marlowe said.

Navy Master at Arms 1st Class Anthony Russell, Parwan PRT armorer, provides security. 

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

ANA, U.S. Soldiers meet to discuss NCO development

By Army Sgt. Andrew Reagan 

ANA Sgt. Maj. Wazir, personnel sgt maj, addresses the attendees of a conference on the development of the ANA's NCO program at FOB Vulcan in Ghazni prov., April 14. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE - Indiana NG Soldiers stationed at FOB Lightning, along with senior leaders from the ANA's 203rd Thunder Corps, attended a conference at FOB Vulcan in Ghazni prov., on the development of the ANA's NCO program.

The U.S. personnel and their 203rd Corps partners met with senior enlisted personnel from across the 203rd Corps, to discuss ways to improve the ANA's NCO training program, and address related issues, including unfilled NCO positions in the 203rd Corps, and inefficiencies in the promotion process.

The conference began with the attendees discussing the importance of sending more Soldiers and NCOs to team and squad leader development courses, as well as increasing the availability of English and computer skills courses.

"We have to plan carefully before conducting a mission. This starts with proper (NCO) training. Good training leads to successful missions," said ANA Col. Hasan, the NCO personnel mgr for the 203rd Corps.

"We must do paperwork on time to get Soldiers to training. If we don't, then we can't train and we can't promote.  With no promotions, we have unhappy Soldiers," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Brown, command sgt maj for the Indiana NG's Regional Core TT 2, who spoke at the conference.

ANA Sgt. Maj. Wazir announced plans to hold regular promotion boards, as well as special boards to promote deserving Soldiers. Wazir said that promoting strong Soldiers and NCOs will provide a solid foundation for the future of the ANA.

Brown also spoke about the need to promote and retain good NCOs, not just for the future of the ANA but for the future of Afghanistan. "If you don't like the Army, you have to stay in and change it to the Army you want it to be.  I see it in your eyes that you love this new army, this idea of a new Afghanistan. When you're old, the young people will say, 'thank you,'" said Brown.

ANA Col. Hasan addresses the attendees.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Brown speaks with ANA Sgt. Maj. Sherzad.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Vermont Guard unit adjusts to changing mission

By Bagram Media Center

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith, a vehicle operator and section leader with the Vermont NG's 172nd ID, 3rd Bn, Echo Co, Distribution Plt, from Morrisville, Vt., adjusts a strap before attempting to remove a rock from the tire of a MRAP vehicle at FOB Herrera, April 12. 

(Photo by Army Sgt. Andrew Reagan)

PAKTYA PROVINCE - After less than a month at FOB Lightning, the unit has already run more than 10 missions hauling invaluable supplies to FOBs all across Paktya prov. While they're constantly adjusting to last-minute changes prior to missions, the Soldiers of the Distribution Plt still find time to take pride in helping Soldiers at remote outposts, and focus on their ultimate goal:  partnering with the ANSF to protect the Afghan people.

It wasn't until the night before a recent mission that the Soldiers learned they'd be hauling 2 pallets of bottled water to FOB Don Baton.  Without missing a beat, they quickly added an extra vehicle and 2 personnel to their convoy, and were ready to go on time the next morning.

"We've brought everything we were supposed to bring," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith, a vehicle operator and section leader with the unit. There's been last minute things in every mission we've done, but we've been able to fit everything we've had to on a load."

"It's cool when we roll in and those guys really appreciate what we do for them. They've shown us a lot of respect and understand what we do," said Pfc. Michael Tatro, a vehicle operator with the plt. "When we bring mail, guys also really appreciate it because for a lot of us, getting mail and care packages keeps us going."

"We see our mission partnering with the ANSF, and we see nothing but a successful forward movement towards them being able to secure their own nation," said Staff Sgt. Shawn Warren, an infantryman and dismount squad leader with the unit. "We want to see the Afghan people take their country back, so we can head home, and hopefully we created another partner."

(from left) Sgt. 1st Class Duane French, Spc. Christopher Baker, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith attempt to remove a rock from the tire of a MRAP vehicle.

Sgt. Warren Burnor adjusts straps to tie down equipment during a resupply mission. 

-30-

DVIDS

Flying With the Heroes of Aeromedical Evacuation

By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams

AF Tech. Sgt. Kim Price, 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, checks on the condition of a wounded ANA soldier during a medical evacuation at Camp Bastion,  March 26. The 774th Expeditionary Airlift Sqdrn in Bagram flies C-130 Hercules aeromedical evacuations across Afghanistan. Price is deployed from Maxwell AF Base, Ala.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD -- Effective medical care in a combat zone can be a challenge. Remote locations and unsafe driving conditions can become almost overwhelming difficulties, when trying to get patients from a field hospital at one of the FOBs to the medical care they need. 

"Aeromedical evacuation is the movement of patients injured and sick, combat and noncombat related, from the area of responsibility to a higher echelon of care," said Maj. Richard Foote, 455th EAEF, flight nurse. "Whether it's from Camp Bastion to Kandahar Airfield or from Bagram to Landstuhl Regional Medical Facility, Germany, we try to get our most serious patients from here to home in 72 hours."

Maj. John Jordan, 455th EAEF, medical crew director added, "When we say patients, they're not just U.S. servicemembers; we provide care for coalition military, local and foreign nationals as well." 

"Once the medical crew director gets the call from the AEOT, he contacts the on-call crew, who have one hour to report for pre flight preparations, which could include a standard AE crew, a critical care team, or even a plus up in crew, based upon patient numbers," said Tech. Sgt. Kim Price, 455th EAEF, flight medical tech. 

"We all deployed because we want to help people," added Price, who works at a mental health clinic when she's not performing AE for the AF. "We chose our job because we love what we do.  I just reenlisted, because I want to continue what I'm doing." 

Foote summed the Aeromedical mission up when he said, "we take people home who have been injured serving their country, and get them home to their family."  

AF Maj. Richard Foote checks on the condition of a wounded servicemember in a C-130. 

AF Tech. Sgt. Chris Hines, 455th EAEF, sets up an oxygen system.

AF Maj. Richard Foote (left) and Tech. Sgt. Chris Hines, give medication to a wounded  service member. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

NCO sets the example, becomes a member of an elite club

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Sgt Holly Burke, a health care NCO and squad leader with Co C, 701st BSB, 4th IBCT, 1st ID out of Fort Riley, Kan., was recognized for her exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, when she became an official member of the Sgt Audie Murphy Club, April 10.

TIKRIT - The Sgt Audie Murphy Club is an org. of NCOs whose performance and leadership qualities mirror those of Sgt Audie Murphy, the most highly decorated Soldier in American history.

      
"It's surreal. It hasn't hit me yet," said Burke of her achievement. "It's like you want to expect something, but you don't want to be disappointed in it.  I was telling myself that I'm going to take the time, and if I don't get it then I don't get it, but I'll keep going back."
      
First Sgt David Dixon, top NCO of Co. C, said he's exceptionally proud of his Soldier and her accomplishment. "I had no doubt at all that Sgt Burke would be able to accomplish what she was going to do," he said. "She has a way about her that always projects confidence, and the things that NCOs are supposed to be. Going to the board was just a step process for her."
      
Since the start of her military career, Burke has deployed 3 times to Iraq, and said that one of the most fulfilling aspects of being in the military is growing up. "We're in a time of war, and as much as people don't like deployments, I've learned a lot from them.  I know that I'm helping my family by coming over here, and I'm serving my country."
      
As a leader, Burke said that she values the time she spends with her Soldiers, and hopes that her examples are ones they will one day choose to follow.  The future looks promising for Burke who plans to retire from the military, and become a registered nurse.  When asked about the rank she would like to retire with, she smiled and replied, "The highest that I can."

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Rangers' NCO leads with a laugh

By Spc. Richard Colletta

Staff Sgt Justin Thompson, a signal support systems specialist with HHC, 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID, says his sense of humor is part of being approachable to Soldiers, and being a good leader. 

FOB SUMMERALL - Soldiers are often called on to step up and to fill in for duties above their current pay grade. That's exactly what Staff Sgt Justin Thompson has been doing since he was a sgt.  Promoted just prior to the unit's current deployment, he's been filling a sgt 1st class position. "I'm responsible for the bn's communications, both voice and data, anything really that leaves our base," Thompson said.

Thompson said that throughout the deployment his family continues to be an important part of his life.  He's 33 years old and married with 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys.  His wife received the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award in October 2008, for her outstanding volunteer work as a co-leader of his unit's Family Readiness Group.
   
"My wife is really strong. She can handle it. She raises all 5 kids, and that's not an easy job to do when you're doing it by yourself, but she's got it," he said. Thompson said that while the deployments can be rough, his children understand. "Everyone understands this is what Daddy does for a living, and it's to help people," he said.
   
One of Thompson's striking qualities is his natural sense of humor. "I want my Soldiers to come to me when they have problems, and when they don't have problems.  If I can make the mood lighter by cracking everybody up once in a while, then that's a bonus for me," Thompson said.
   
He said it is also important for good leaders to listen to their Soldiers.  "I think it's a great style of leadership to show Soldiers that you're actually addressing their issues, and that you care," he said.
   
"If you just want to come and do your time, and go home you can do that, but you're only going to get out of the Army what you put into it.  If you come in with an open mind, and try to do one thing and do it really well, you'll go far," Staff Sergeant Thompson said.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Ranger' Mortarmen illuminate strategic oil pipeline

First Lt. Tim Kuppler contributed to this story

Soldiers with the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan., participate in Op White Lightning to combat oil smuggling along a 40 km stretch of pipeline, April 1.

SHARQAT - Throughout the night, mortarmen lit up the sky with 52 illumination rounds over the pipeline, exposing terrain to Iraqi Soldiers on the ground, so they could prevent smugglers from gaining access to the pipeline. 

According to Capt Paul Godson, cmdr of Co D, 2-16 Inf., the pipeline is a significant piece of infrastructure in the area. "The purpose of this mission was to assist the IA in deterring and disrupting criminal activity along the Strategic Oil Pipeline," he said. "One of the greatest challenges the IA faces is securing this vast area at night."

The op brought together each of the "Rangers" co. mortar sections.  Each section trained and rehearsed to ensure the effectiveness of the illumination rounds. "It's a very coordinated and synchronized set of events, that has to happen before a round leaves a tube," said Staff Sgt. Justin Harper, a mortar team chief.  As rounds illuminated, adjustments were made on the 60mm mortars to ensure accuracy, before the crew was able to provide 5 full minutes of illumination for the IA.

"It takes a lot of training in order to sustain an illumination mission without a break in effects; it's always impressive to see," said IA Maj. Sa'ad, as he observed the mortar fire. "This was a great opportunity for us to compare the mortar firing techniques of our 2 armies."

The op also served as a training event for the "Rangers" and the 14th IA.  To prepare, leaders in both units examined maps, terrain and developed a plan. "We taught the IA how to utilize enablers, such as fire support, to supplement their security ops.  Now they're more aware of what tools are available, and different ways to integrate them into their missions," said Godson.

Pvt 1st Class Alex Johnson and Pvt. 1st Class Gage McKeag, both mortarmen with Co. B, 2-16 Inf., were eager to fire with their mortar sections. "We fired in basic training, but today was the first time we fired a real fire mission in combat," Johnson said. 

1st Lt Tim Kuppler, an infantryman with 2nd Bn, along with IA Lt. Col. Riyad and Maj. Khalid observe mortarmen firing a 60mm Illumination mission.

-30-

USF-I

River Police Force Increases with Latest Graduation

BAGHDAD - More than 2 dozen Arab and Kurdish IP officers graduated from the Outboard Maintenance and Water Bourne Ops courses, April 20.

Eleven Kurdish officers and 13 Arab officers completed the intense courses that challenged them both mentally and physically. Senior Iraqi and U.S. officers congratulated the graduates and praised the teamwork that these officers displayed as the courses progressed.

Iraqi Brig. Gen. Bilal Hussain, representing Iraqi Maj. Gen. Ali Al Esawi, director of the Baghdad River Police Training Center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Smith, director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Police attended the ceremony.

In his opening speech, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Hussain, representing Iraqi Maj. Gen. Ali Esawi, dir. of the Baghdad River Police Training Center, thanked the Iraqi instructors and the U.S. counterparts for their valuable work, and expressed his hope that the BRPTC will continue to graduate river police heroes. "These graduates have achieved a great success in completing these courses," he said.

Fifty new boats have arrived in Basra and the GoI will be dispersing these boats throughout the provs., said Army Brig. Gen. Michael Smith, dir. of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Police.  It will be these boats that the newly graduated officers will be working with.  "River police have a significant role in Iraq's security," he said.

As Iraq moves toward national unity, courses with both Arab and Kurd students are becoming more prevalent.  These training courses demonstrate one of the ways Iraq is moving past sectarianism toward a more cohesive, secure and stable country.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-23

Dear Interested Reader,

Parwan PRT visits Dander to assess needs.  Conference at FOB Vulcan to discuss NCO development.  Vermont NG adjusts to changing mission at FOB Herrera.  Flying with the heroes of Aeromedical evacuation.

Iraq:  Sgt. Holly Burke becomes member of an elite club.  Staff Sgt Justin Thompson leads with humor.  'Ranger' Mortarmen illuminate strategic oil pipeline.  River police force increases with latest graduation.

Joanna

_____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

Parwan PRT visits Kohe Safi

By Bagram Media Center

Army Spc. Richard Cusack, Parwan PRT security element, provides security during a key leader engagement in Dandar, Kohe Safi, April 15. The PRT conducted the mission to meet the sub-gov., and assess the district's needs. 

(Photo by AF Senior Airman Jim Araos)

PARWAN PROVINCE - For the most part, the needs of the sub-governor parallel those of the 9 other Parwan sub-govs.  The district needs roads, wells, irrigation and water.
Unlike some of the other districts the PRT has visited, the terrain was extremely rugged, which made the drive difficult for some of the vehicles.

"The drive was nerve wracking," said Sgt. Julian Marlowe, PRT security element and truck cmdr. A lot of the switchbacks on the route were on inclines.  His vehicle had to be put into 4-wheel drive, and "I would have to help my driver, Spc. Charlie Brown turn the wheel," he said. 

While Navy Cmdr. Kyle Higgins, Parwan PRT cmdr, and Ethan Glick, Parwan PRT's Dept of State rep, met with the provincial sub-gov., and the chief of police to discuss their issues, the rest of the team pulled security and tried to engage with some of the local Afghans.

"I was with the civil affairs team, and we tried to talk to some folks," Marlowe said. The first place they went to was a school.  The students were in class, so the group decided to do a foot patrol up the side of a hill about 300 meters up.  The group stopped at an ANP observation point, and tried to engage with the ANP there. "We didn't have an interpreter, so the language barrier got in the way," he said.  "We did see a lot of the villages in the valley, which was a good thing."

What stands out the most in Marlowe's mind about Kohe Safi is the terrain. "It's just rough terrain," he said. "The people out there are living ruggedly to me.  To get to school, children have to walk over hills and mountains.  You can actually see the trails they have to walk."

One of the many lessons learned on this trip was that some of the members aren't as fit as they thought they were. "Going up that 300-meter hill whipped our butts," Marlowe said.

Navy Master at Arms 1st Class Anthony Russell, Parwan PRT armorer, provides security. 

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

ANA, U.S. Soldiers meet to discuss NCO development

By Army Sgt. Andrew Reagan 

ANA Sgt. Maj. Wazir, personnel sgt maj, addresses the attendees of a conference on the development of the ANA's NCO program at FOB Vulcan in Ghazni prov., April 14. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE - Indiana NG Soldiers stationed at FOB Lightning, along with senior leaders from the ANA's 203rd Thunder Corps, attended a conference at FOB Vulcan in Ghazni prov., on the development of the ANA's NCO program.

The U.S. personnel and their 203rd Corps partners met with senior enlisted personnel from across the 203rd Corps, to discuss ways to improve the ANA's NCO training program, and address related issues, including unfilled NCO positions in the 203rd Corps, and inefficiencies in the promotion process.

The conference began with the attendees discussing the importance of sending more Soldiers and NCOs to team and squad leader development courses, as well as increasing the availability of English and computer skills courses.

"We have to plan carefully before conducting a mission. This starts with proper (NCO) training. Good training leads to successful missions," said ANA Col. Hasan, the NCO personnel mgr for the 203rd Corps.

"We must do paperwork on time to get Soldiers to training. If we don't, then we can't train and we can't promote.  With no promotions, we have unhappy Soldiers," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Brown, command sgt maj for the Indiana NG's Regional Core TT 2, who spoke at the conference.

ANA Sgt. Maj. Wazir announced plans to hold regular promotion boards, as well as special boards to promote deserving Soldiers. Wazir said that promoting strong Soldiers and NCOs will provide a solid foundation for the future of the ANA.

Brown also spoke about the need to promote and retain good NCOs, not just for the future of the ANA but for the future of Afghanistan. "If you don't like the Army, you have to stay in and change it to the Army you want it to be.  I see it in your eyes that you love this new army, this idea of a new Afghanistan. When you're old, the young people will say, 'thank you,'" said Brown.

ANA Col. Hasan addresses the attendees.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Brown speaks with ANA Sgt. Maj. Sherzad.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Vermont Guard unit adjusts to changing mission

By Bagram Media Center

Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith, a vehicle operator and section leader with the Vermont NG's 172nd ID, 3rd Bn, Echo Co, Distribution Plt, from Morrisville, Vt., adjusts a strap before attempting to remove a rock from the tire of a MRAP vehicle at FOB Herrera, April 12. 

(Photo by Army Sgt. Andrew Reagan)

PAKTYA PROVINCE - After less than a month at FOB Lightning, the unit has already run more than 10 missions hauling invaluable supplies to FOBs all across Paktya prov. While they're constantly adjusting to last-minute changes prior to missions, the Soldiers of the Distribution Plt still find time to take pride in helping Soldiers at remote outposts, and focus on their ultimate goal:  partnering with the ANSF to protect the Afghan people.

It wasn't until the night before a recent mission that the Soldiers learned they'd be hauling 2 pallets of bottled water to FOB Don Baton.  Without missing a beat, they quickly added an extra vehicle and 2 personnel to their convoy, and were ready to go on time the next morning.

"We've brought everything we were supposed to bring," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith, a vehicle operator and section leader with the unit. There's been last minute things in every mission we've done, but we've been able to fit everything we've had to on a load."

"It's cool when we roll in and those guys really appreciate what we do for them. They've shown us a lot of respect and understand what we do," said Pfc. Michael Tatro, a vehicle operator with the plt. "When we bring mail, guys also really appreciate it because for a lot of us, getting mail and care packages keeps us going."

"We see our mission partnering with the ANSF, and we see nothing but a successful forward movement towards them being able to secure their own nation," said Staff Sgt. Shawn Warren, an infantryman and dismount squad leader with the unit. "We want to see the Afghan people take their country back, so we can head home, and hopefully we created another partner."

(from left) Sgt. 1st Class Duane French, Spc. Christopher Baker, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Smith attempt to remove a rock from the tire of a MRAP vehicle.

Sgt. Warren Burnor adjusts straps to tie down equipment during a resupply mission. 

-30-

DVIDS

Flying With the Heroes of Aeromedical Evacuation

By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams

AF Tech. Sgt. Kim Price, 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, checks on the condition of a wounded ANA soldier during a medical evacuation at Camp Bastion,  March 26. The 774th Expeditionary Airlift Sqdrn in Bagram flies C-130 Hercules aeromedical evacuations across Afghanistan. Price is deployed from Maxwell AF Base, Ala.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD -- Effective medical care in a combat zone can be a challenge. Remote locations and unsafe driving conditions can become almost overwhelming difficulties, when trying to get patients from a field hospital at one of the FOBs to the medical care they need. 

"Aeromedical evacuation is the movement of patients injured and sick, combat and noncombat related, from the area of responsibility to a higher echelon of care," said Maj. Richard Foote, 455th EAEF, flight nurse. "Whether it's from Camp Bastion to Kandahar Airfield or from Bagram to Landstuhl Regional Medical Facility, Germany, we try to get our most serious patients from here to home in 72 hours."

Maj. John Jordan, 455th EAEF, medical crew director added, "When we say patients, they're not just U.S. servicemembers; we provide care for coalition military, local and foreign nationals as well." 

"Once the medical crew director gets the call from the AEOT, he contacts the on-call crew, who have one hour to report for pre flight preparations, which could include a standard AE crew, a critical care team, or even a plus up in crew, based upon patient numbers," said Tech. Sgt. Kim Price, 455th EAEF, flight medical tech. 

"We all deployed because we want to help people," added Price, who works at a mental health clinic when she's not performing AE for the AF. "We chose our job because we love what we do.  I just reenlisted, because I want to continue what I'm doing." 

Foote summed the Aeromedical mission up when he said, "we take people home who have been injured serving their country, and get them home to their family."  

AF Maj. Richard Foote checks on the condition of a wounded servicemember in a C-130. 

AF Tech. Sgt. Chris Hines, 455th EAEF, sets up an oxygen system.

AF Maj. Richard Foote (left) and Tech. Sgt. Chris Hines, give medication to a wounded  service member. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

NCO sets the example, becomes a member of an elite club

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Sgt Holly Burke, a health care NCO and squad leader with Co C, 701st BSB, 4th IBCT, 1st ID out of Fort Riley, Kan., was recognized for her exemplary leadership and dedication to duty, when she became an official member of the Sgt Audie Murphy Club, April 10.

TIKRIT - The Sgt Audie Murphy Club is an org. of NCOs whose performance and leadership qualities mirror those of Sgt Audie Murphy, the most highly decorated Soldier in American history.

      
"It's surreal. It hasn't hit me yet," said Burke of her achievement. "It's like you want to expect something, but you don't want to be disappointed in it.  I was telling myself that I'm going to take the time, and if I don't get it then I don't get it, but I'll keep going back."
      
First Sgt David Dixon, top NCO of Co. C, said he's exceptionally proud of his Soldier and her accomplishment. "I had no doubt at all that Sgt Burke would be able to accomplish what she was going to do," he said. "She has a way about her that always projects confidence, and the things that NCOs are supposed to be. Going to the board was just a step process for her."
      
Since the start of her military career, Burke has deployed 3 times to Iraq, and said that one of the most fulfilling aspects of being in the military is growing up. "We're in a time of war, and as much as people don't like deployments, I've learned a lot from them.  I know that I'm helping my family by coming over here, and I'm serving my country."
      
As a leader, Burke said that she values the time she spends with her Soldiers, and hopes that her examples are ones they will one day choose to follow.  The future looks promising for Burke who plans to retire from the military, and become a registered nurse.  When asked about the rank she would like to retire with, she smiled and replied, "The highest that I can."

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Rangers' NCO leads with a laugh

By Spc. Richard Colletta

Staff Sgt Justin Thompson, a signal support systems specialist with HHC, 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID, says his sense of humor is part of being approachable to Soldiers, and being a good leader. 

FOB SUMMERALL - Soldiers are often called on to step up and to fill in for duties above their current pay grade. That's exactly what Staff Sgt Justin Thompson has been doing since he was a sgt.  Promoted just prior to the unit's current deployment, he's been filling a sgt 1st class position. "I'm responsible for the bn's communications, both voice and data, anything really that leaves our base," Thompson said.

Thompson said that throughout the deployment his family continues to be an important part of his life.  He's 33 years old and married with 5 children, 3 girls and 2 boys.  His wife received the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award in October 2008, for her outstanding volunteer work as a co-leader of his unit's Family Readiness Group.
   
"My wife is really strong. She can handle it. She raises all 5 kids, and that's not an easy job to do when you're doing it by yourself, but she's got it," he said. Thompson said that while the deployments can be rough, his children understand. "Everyone understands this is what Daddy does for a living, and it's to help people," he said.
   
One of Thompson's striking qualities is his natural sense of humor. "I want my Soldiers to come to me when they have problems, and when they don't have problems.  If I can make the mood lighter by cracking everybody up once in a while, then that's a bonus for me," Thompson said.
   
He said it is also important for good leaders to listen to their Soldiers.  "I think it's a great style of leadership to show Soldiers that you're actually addressing their issues, and that you care," he said.
   
"If you just want to come and do your time, and go home you can do that, but you're only going to get out of the Army what you put into it.  If you come in with an open mind, and try to do one thing and do it really well, you'll go far," Staff Sergeant Thompson said.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Ranger' Mortarmen illuminate strategic oil pipeline

First Lt. Tim Kuppler contributed to this story

Soldiers with the 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan., participate in Op White Lightning to combat oil smuggling along a 40 km stretch of pipeline, April 1.

SHARQAT - Throughout the night, mortarmen lit up the sky with 52 illumination rounds over the pipeline, exposing terrain to Iraqi Soldiers on the ground, so they could prevent smugglers from gaining access to the pipeline. 

According to Capt Paul Godson, cmdr of Co D, 2-16 Inf., the pipeline is a significant piece of infrastructure in the area. "The purpose of this mission was to assist the IA in deterring and disrupting criminal activity along the Strategic Oil Pipeline," he said. "One of the greatest challenges the IA faces is securing this vast area at night."

The op brought together each of the "Rangers" co. mortar sections.  Each section trained and rehearsed to ensure the effectiveness of the illumination rounds. "It's a very coordinated and synchronized set of events, that has to happen before a round leaves a tube," said Staff Sgt. Justin Harper, a mortar team chief.  As rounds illuminated, adjustments were made on the 60mm mortars to ensure accuracy, before the crew was able to provide 5 full minutes of illumination for the IA.

"It takes a lot of training in order to sustain an illumination mission without a break in effects; it's always impressive to see," said IA Maj. Sa'ad, as he observed the mortar fire. "This was a great opportunity for us to compare the mortar firing techniques of our 2 armies."

The op also served as a training event for the "Rangers" and the 14th IA.  To prepare, leaders in both units examined maps, terrain and developed a plan. "We taught the IA how to utilize enablers, such as fire support, to supplement their security ops.  Now they're more aware of what tools are available, and different ways to integrate them into their missions," said Godson.

Pvt 1st Class Alex Johnson and Pvt. 1st Class Gage McKeag, both mortarmen with Co. B, 2-16 Inf., were eager to fire with their mortar sections. "We fired in basic training, but today was the first time we fired a real fire mission in combat," Johnson said. 

1st Lt Tim Kuppler, an infantryman with 2nd Bn, along with IA Lt. Col. Riyad and Maj. Khalid observe mortarmen firing a 60mm Illumination mission.

-30-

USF-I

River Police Force Increases with Latest Graduation

BAGHDAD - More than 2 dozen Arab and Kurdish IP officers graduated from the Outboard Maintenance and Water Bourne Ops courses, April 20.

Eleven Kurdish officers and 13 Arab officers completed the intense courses that challenged them both mentally and physically. Senior Iraqi and U.S. officers congratulated the graduates and praised the teamwork that these officers displayed as the courses progressed.

Iraqi Brig. Gen. Bilal Hussain, representing Iraqi Maj. Gen. Ali Al Esawi, director of the Baghdad River Police Training Center, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Smith, director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Police attended the ceremony.

In his opening speech, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Hussain, representing Iraqi Maj. Gen. Ali Esawi, dir. of the Baghdad River Police Training Center, thanked the Iraqi instructors and the U.S. counterparts for their valuable work, and expressed his hope that the BRPTC will continue to graduate river police heroes. "These graduates have achieved a great success in completing these courses," he said.

Fifty new boats have arrived in Basra and the GoI will be dispersing these boats throughout the provs., said Army Brig. Gen. Michael Smith, dir. of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Police.  It will be these boats that the newly graduated officers will be working with.  "River police have a significant role in Iraq's security," he said.

As Iraq moves toward national unity, courses with both Arab and Kurd students are becoming more prevalent.  These training courses demonstrate one of the ways Iraq is moving past sectarianism toward a more cohesive, secure and stable country.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-22

Dear Interested Reader,

Isolated mountain COP Bari Alai, a sentinel for Kunar prov.  ANSF, Iron Rakkasans air assault into Jarkana.  Paktika PRT provides overwatch, stay prepared.

Iraq:  New weapon system keeps soldiers safer.  MRT 3 operates largest material recovery team site at Victory Base Complex.  JSS SUJ transfered to ISF.  AQI leaders killed in Mosul.

Joanna

__________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Mountain outpost a sentinel for Kunar Province

By Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte 

Army soldiers with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, return to COP Bari Alai, after accompanying an ANA patrol to overwatch a mission to Nishigam village, April 6. The ANA-led mission involved meeting with villagers in important community gathering places, such as the school and local bazaar.  COP Bari Alai often helps prevent anti-Afghan forces from attacking ANSF, as they work with residents.

KUNAR PROVINCE – Anti-Afghan forces call it “Sinful Base,” while a message painted above the doorway to the command post reads “Welcome to the New Alamo.”

This is Combat Outpost Bari Alai -

 

Hostile sniper and automatic weapon fire is a normal part of life here, provided by an enemy who strains to dislodge ANA and ISAF from the mountaintop.  For example, in a 74-day period starting in Feb., there were more than 50 recorded attacks against the base, officials said. The Soldiers who live here are well aware of how contested the base is.

The base – 3,000' above sea level – oversees 3 valleys and at least 10 major villages, providing a vast overlook of the surrounding territory, according to 1st Lt. Richard Rowe, 2nd plt’s leader. “It’s all about terrain,” Rowe said. “It’s a pretty volatile stretch.  We have a good partnership between the ANA and ANP,” Rowe said. “Now that it’s established, I can’t imagine not having it.”

Although there are taller mountains nearby, the post’s position is high enough to protect the Soldiers and low enough to help protect the community, Rowe said. This coverage is key to allow the govt breathing space to build their institutions and community cohesion in the area. “That’s why we’re here,” Rowe said. “We allow them to do that safely.”  This, however, requires a lot of time and a lot of watching from the mountaintop.

All along the watchtower -

For the Soldiers at Bari Alai, days and nights are parcelled out in constant guard shifts, work details, and the single hot meal served each afternoon.  Flies are constant companions to everybody on base.  Traps help, but a person can kill 2 dozen flies in an area, and not see a difference an hour later.

Compared to the previous year, living conditions have improved, said Spc. Colin McTamaney. Previously, Soldiers stayed in an area covered only by dirt-filled Hesco barriers and a tarp.  Now they have huts to sleep in. “It’s not that bad,” said McTamaney, a team leader, of the Spartan environment. “You pretty much get used to it.”

Stone walls and overhead cover give much of the base the atmosphere of a true fortress, including tunnel-like passageways lined by boxes of food rations and stacks of bottled water. Army plts with TF Destroyer have rotated through the post every 4 months or so, while many of the attached personnel have been there longer.

While boredom can sometimes be more common than enemy fire here, Soldiers learn to deal with both.  Conversations roam through all manner of topics – relationships, food, family, life at home, movies, weapons and the absurd.

Spc. Shawn Hufford, who has been stationed at Bari Alai for 11 months, said during one 3-day stretch in Jan., all personnel were required to stay full-time in their battle positions, and in their protective gear.  Soldiers spent the time asking each other “would you rather” questions.  For instance, would you rather be bitten in the stomach by a bulldog, or have a bee sting your eye?  “If you can’t laugh about it, you aren’t going to be able to handle it,” Hufford said.

Battle rhythm -

Soldiers at Bari Alai normally answer the whistle of missed enemy shots, with the rapid percussion of .50 caliber machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. Then come the massive hammer blows of 120 mm mortar shells. This can be followed by the thunder of 155 mm artillery support from FOB Bostick, or 2,000-pound bombs called in by Bari Ali’s AF Tactical Air Control Party that shake the mountainside.

Sgt. Rory Davis, who serves as both the cook and an asst gunner in the mortar pit, said everyone here concentrates on 2 goals – destroying the enemy, and looking out for their fellow Soldiers. He said that it doesn't matter what your military specialty is. “You better stick to your guns and be ready,” Davis said.

ANA 1st Lt. Hazim, the Kandak cmdr, said through a translator that he appreciated the help ISAF provide the area.  He said his men stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Soldiers.

Spc. Joseph Cleveland, a sniper, uses his scope to scan a nearby hillside, after his position took small arms fire April 9.

Spc. Josh Hastings, a gunner, eats his rations just prior to an April 6 patrol from COP Bari Alai. 

ANA soldiers disassemble and check a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, April 3. 

Spc. Jacob Janowski, a squad designated marksman, pauses while returning fire against anti-Afghan forces, with an automatic grenade launcher, April 6. 

ANA Soldiers prepare to fire their 82mm mortar, during an April 15 attack.  During the attack, 3 to 5 anti-Afghan forces used precision small arms fire, but were suppressed by ANA and ISAF.  No ANA or ISAF personnel were injured during the assault. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANSF, Iron Rakkasans Air Assault into Jarkana

By Army 1st Lt. R.J. Peek

PAKTYA PROVINCE -- Staff Sgt. Erik Padilla, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt scans the area near the village of Jakarna, as members of his unit exit CH-47 helicopters during an air assault op, April 13. 

FOB SALERNO – The mountains west of the Yousef Khel District are a reputed safe haven for Anti-Afghan Forces in the eastern part of the country.  However, on April 13, Soldiers from Co A,  and the ANSF partners air assaulted into the village of Jarkana.  On this day the area was anything but safe for insurgents.

In the pre-dawn hours, ANP, members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), and A Co Soldiers arrived in 3 locations around the village, riding in twin-rotored CH-47 helicopters.  Upon landing, the ANP and A Co. searched the area, and found a Kalashnikova machinegun, and other weapons and equipment.

ANP and NDS personnel detained 2 suspected insurgents for their connections with the material. “The ANP and NDS have demonstrated today that the insurgents can be hit anywhere and anytime,” said A Co. Cmdr, Capt. Josh Powers. “Even in the mountains, insurgents are not safe from the justice brought by ANSF.”

As part of the op, Powers, Lt. Col. David Fivecoat and Mohammed Ebrahim, sub-governor of Yosef Khel held a shura with the men of the village.  During the discussion, the leaders told villagers they had to take responsibility for their reputation as an insurgent stronghold, and had to stop the insurgents from using their village for storing weapons.

The men of the village acknowledged that they had to make a choice between supporting the Taliban and supporting the GoA, said Powers. As a gesture of goodwill towards the village, medics treated several villagers for their injuries and illnesses. “This op demonstrated to the insurgents that we'll relentlessly pursue them in areas that they believe to be safe havens,” said Fivecoat. “There's no part of Paktika in which the insurgents can safely hide from the ANP, NDS, and Iron Rakkasans.”

Spc. Denar Atwood a medic with Co A,  gives medical attention to a citizen of the village of Jakarna.

 -30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team provides overwatch

By AF Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – An Afghan child walks along the road in front of a Paktika PRT MRAP vehicle during a mission in Orgun, April 14. The PRT were on hand to discuss crop failures, safety, economic conditions and irrigation concerns with the local population. 

Sgt. Terrance Ray (left) and Staff Sgt. Bryan Hollifield provide security during a shura.  Both members work for the SECFOR element of the Paktika PRT’s Orgun det. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Staying prepared

By AF Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Members of the SECFOR element for the Paktika PRT’s Orgun det receive their mission briefing, April 14. The SECFOR element provides security for the PRT’s civil affairs team. The SECFOR team is made up entirely of members from the S. Carolina Army NG. 

Pfc. Joshua Sitton (left) and Spc. Brabham Garrick, members of Paktika PRT, prepare their MRAP vehicle for a mission.  Sitton and Garrick are part of the SECFOR element. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Blackanthem Military News

New weapon system keeps Soldiers safer on road

By 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs

Spc. Christopher Baird, and Spc. Graham Binkley, both gunners with F Co, 2nd Sqdrn, 278th ACR, 13th ESC, attach the M-2 .50-caliber machine gun to the Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS), before a mission April 7, at JBB.

JOINT BASE BALAD - The CROWS helps keep Soldiers safe on the road, by increasing accuracy and keeping the gunner inside of the protected vehicle.  Capt. Colby Tippens, the cmdr of F Co, said that he believes his gunners are safer, now that his unit uses the CROWS on its Humvees.

"The gunner is way more protected," he said. "It's not a MRAP vehicle, but you do have a guy who is sitting up there behind a couple pieces of rolled steel and ballistic glass."

Tippens said that the 3 cameras used by the CROWS helps the accuracy of his gunners. "This is a combat multiplier, like having a sniper team," he said. "This is an additional tool in our kit that we can pull out and use to help protect ourselves. This is absolutely an asset."

Spc. Christopher Baird, a gunner with F Co, out of McMinnville, Tenn., graduated at the top of the 5-day CROWS training course. Baird said that he likes that the CROWS is compatible with 4 weapons, which allows him to choose the weapon that is appropriate for each mission. "We like the M-2 on top, because it's pretty reliable, same with the 240," he said. "You've got that accuracy and reliability factor, and that's pretty important when you're outside the wire."

Baird said another feature he appreciates is surveillance mode, in which the barrel of the weapon elevates and the cameras can be moved independently of the weapon. "Our mission out there is to win hearts and minds," he said. "Surveillance mode is definitely a good thing when you're rolling out there; you don't want to be flagging people all the time."

Baird said overall he believes he's more effective and secure on the road when using the CROWS. "It gives you a pretty good sense of security," he said. "You are within the confinements of your armor, and you can look out pretty far even when it's pitch black outside.  We're pretty confident with our gunnery skills, but this weapon system takes all the thinking out of it."

The CROWS is shown attached to an M-2 .50-caliber machine gun without the barrel mounted.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Providers operate largest material recovery team site in Iraq

By 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs

Spc. Mario Perez, a Material Recovery Team (MRT) 3 supply specialist with the 812th Quartermaster Co, 260th CSSB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, and Spc. Travis Fowler, a MRT 3 supply specialist with the 296th Trans Co, 260th CSSB, process cargo in tri-wall containers at the MRT 3 site, April 6, at Victory Base Complex. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Camacho)

VICTORY BASE COMPLEX - MRTs are spread throughout Iraq, able to move to any base to process retrograde materials for redistribution into the Army supply system. Unlike other teams, MRT 3 stays at a fixed location at Victory Base Complex, where units bring containers filled with cargo, said 1st Lt. Guadalupe Solano, the officer-in-charge of MRT 3 with the 812th.

"Our mission here is to receive, identify and segregate excess serviceable and unserviceable materials from units leaving the theater of ops," said Solano. "This is to assist them in focusing on higher priority missions." MRT 3 has recovered roughly $24 million worth of serviceable equipment within the last 6 months it has operated, said Solano. 

Roughly 80% of the items processed by MRT 3 are transported to Kuwait to be redistributed, said Solano. The remainder of the items are sent to a local supply support activity, or to units that requested them, he said.
   
The MRT processes roughly 15, 20-foot containers a day, operating in 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, said Sgt. Juan Degollado, the container mgr. The amount of retrograde cargo is expected to increase as bases close and units redeploy without replacements, said Degollado.

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq

JSS SUJ transferred to Iraqi Security Forces

BAGHDAD - Soldiers with 2nd Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, transferred responsibility of JSS Shawra Wa Umjidir to IFP during a ceremony there April 15. The U.S. unit has worked with the IFP over the past 6 months, by conducting partnership training, patrols and humanitarian assistance missions.

"It's clear that 2-14 had a great partnership with the IFP bde. They've gotten to the point where they don't need U.S. presence anymore," said Col. Mark Calvert, the chief of staff for U.S. Div-Center.

 "The U.S. gave us all the support, all the time. We'll always remember and appreciate every drop of blood they spilled. These casualties made Iraq what it is now," said Col. Samir Aziz, the IFP cmdr.  "We're now more confident; we can stand on our feet, and can do everything on our own."

U.S. forces remain prepared to assist the ISF in accordance with the Security Agreement and will continue to work hand-in-hand with their Iraqi partners.

-30-

USF-I

Apr. 21, 2010

ISF kill suspected AQI senior leader in Mosul

BAGHDAD - April 20, ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple buildings for Ahmad Ali Abbas Dahir al-Ubayd also known as Abu Suhaib, the suspected Military Emir of Northern Iraq, who is  allegedly responsible for oversight of both vehicle-borne and non-VBIED attacks.

During the op, the suspected AQI leader refused to leave the building in which he was hiding, and fired at ISF, who engaged the warranted AQI leader, killing him. 

-30-

ISF kill suspected AQI leader in Mosul

BAGHDAD - ISF killed Hazim Ilyas Abdallah al-Khafaji aka Yasir al-Hambali, a suspected AQI leader and an associate, during a joint security op conducted approx 7 km NE of Mosul April 19.

The SECFOR arrested a 3rd suspect during the operation.

-30-

USF-I

Vehicle stop leads to one AQI criminal-associate arrest

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested a suspected AQI associate during a joint security op conducted approx 5km west of Baghdad April 19.  Acting upon a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge, ISF and U.S. advisors conducted a vehicle stop in search of a suspected mid-level AQI leader who allegedly has experience in the construction and facilitation of VBIEDs.  Info and evidence gathered at the scene, led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest a suspected criminal associate of the warranted individual.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-21

Dear Interested Reader,

Forces donate supplies to students in Paktya prov.  Midwives graduate in Parwan prov.  The 86th IBCT patrols in Charikar.  TF Wolverine recovers rockets in Parwan.

Iraq:  Army engrs, IP build 'O Course.'  Plans made at FOB Marez for 150 school renovations in 100 days.  AQI suspected criminals arrested in Baghdad.

Joanna

__________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANSF, 3 STB Soldiers donate supplies to students

By Staff Sgt. Jimmy Norris 

 

Army Sgt. Stacy Hector, HHC, 3rd STB, 101st Abn Div, spends time with a group of female students at the Road-e-Ahmad High School in Qadar Khail village, during a shura and humanitarian aid distribution, April 15.  The event was the bn’s 2nd humanitarian aid distribution at the school in 3 days. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE - The first event took place April 13 when members of the 3rd STB accompanied by ABP and ANP went to the School to conduct a shura with students, teachers and other villagers. The shura was held for the purpose of gaining support for the GoA and recruiting for ANSF, said Army Maj. Mike Peeler, 3rd STB ops officer.

Following the shura, ANSF personnel distributed humanitarian aid supplies including food, radios, soccer balls, hygiene kits, writing kits, clothing, shoes and toys. "ABP and ANP (personnel) took the lead in all aspects in front of the villagers and students," said Lt. Col. Paul Sarat, 3rd STB cmdr. "We appeared as observers only. This seems to be the way ahead."

According to Peeler, 3rd STB personnel had believed the school was male only. Upon arrival, they learned the school had 50 female students.  While the bn was able to distribute generic supplies to the girls, there was nothing "female specific" for them.

To rectify the oversight, ANSF and 3rd STB conducted a 2nd event at the school, April 15. This event, which included female Soldiers from the 3rd BCT Provost Marshal and Engr sections, was held for the female students of the school, Sarat said.

According to Peeler, Ahmad Abad district officials sent between 50 and 75 girls from other schools to participate.  While 3rd BCT personnel appeared only as observers during the first event, the 2nd time around they were invited to participate, Peeler said.

At the end of the event, students presented veils to 4 female Soldiers, and sang the Afghan National Anthem. "The entire event was truly inspirational with all the girls interacting with the female Soldiers," said 3rd BCT Provost Marshal, Capt. Jill Glasenapp, who was 1 of the 4 to be presented with a veil. "It was amazing seeing all the smiles, colors of the veils, and true happiness."

Army Capt. Faamao Umali (left) and Army Sgt. Stacy Hector, both HHC, 3rd STB; Army Capt. Cherie Skilinski and Army Capt. Jill Glasnapp, HQ, 3rd BCT, try on the veils. 

 

A group of female students sing the Afghan national anthem. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Midwives Deliver Hope for Afghan Women

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes

 

PARWAN PROVINCE – Women at the midwife academy in Charikar take their oath to become midwives at their graduation ceremony, April 10. The 29 graduates studied for 18 months to complete the program, and will now serve as midwives for the next 5 years. 

With all of the changes to her body and life, there is much for a pregnant woman to worry about.  However, in Afghanistan, the country with the world’s 4th highest maternal mortality rate, women must first worry about their very survival.

In remote areas of the country, away from state of the art technology, medications and hospitals, women are especially at risk. This harsh reality motivated the class of 29 women from Kapisa, Parwan, and Panjshir provs., who graduated as midwives, to become an essential part of Afghanistan’s medical community. 

“If a woman becomes sick (during pregnancy) she can't tell a male doctor the real problem.  Now they have somebody to go to. The midwife is a champion for Afghan women; they have bravery and zeal,” said Abdul Salangi, the Gov. of Parwan. 

Salangi was one of the many govt officials, including the Gov. of Kapisa, and Health Ministry Officials, who showed up to congratulate the midwives on their momentous achievement.  The graduation ceremony was the culmination of 18 months of training, all of which was to Int'l Midwifery Standards, and included studying in labs, libraries, and hospitals.  

According to Dr. Hamidi Shahgowl, Charikar Midwife Academy program dir., this is the 3rd class to graduate from the academy. The academy is funded by USAID and the Parwan PRT.  In addition to providing funding, the PRT also oversees the midwife program and ensures that it's running smoothly. Their goal is to ensure the system runs smoothly, so that more women in the future can be in the same position as the 29 women were on their graduation day, said Chris Robbins, the Ops Officer for the PRT. 

Although the ceremony marked the end of their formal schooling, it marks the beginning of their education in healthcare.  At the end of the ceremony, the women took an oath and entered into a 5-year service commitment as midwives.

 “Serving for a mother is serving for Afghanistan,” said Khoja Abubaker, the Gov. of Kapisa.  In Afghanistan, 16 of every 1,000 women die during childbirth.  In 2005 there were 26,000 maternal deaths in Afghanistan, compared to 440 in the U.S., (according to the World Health Organization).

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Patrolling in Charikar

(Photos by Army Sgt. John Young

PARWAN PROVINCE – Army Spc. Christopher Muller, gunner, 86th IBCT (Mtn), prepares for convoy duty, April 5.  Muller is preparing a MRAP vehicle, by completing a communication check before a mission to the Parwan Ops Coordination Center.  The OCC-P is a place where the ANP and CF coordinate and conduct ops. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Task Force Wolverine recovers rockets in Parwan

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes

CHARIKAR - Army Master Sgt. Donald Demar, the NCO-in-charge at Parwan Operational Coordination Center - Provincial, 86th IBCT (Mtn), measures the size of the 2 122 mm rockets brought into the OCC-P, April 10. The rockets were recovered by the Anti-Terrorism Officer of the Criminal Investigative Div of the ANP, and turned over to the Soldiers at the OCCP to be coordinated for destruction.

PARWAN PROVINCE - “The rockets were pointed directly at Bagram Airbase,” said Army Maj. Timothy Mccollum, the EO at the OCCP. “By turning them in, they definitely prevented an indirect fire attack, and probably saved lives,” he added.

 -30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest, Army)

LOGAR PROVINCE - An Army medic treats an Afghan child for sunburn in the village of Meryanay in the Kherwar district, April 9, 2010.  CF are conducting a mission to check on humanitarian conditions of area villages, and help maintain security.                

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

USF-I

Army engineers, Iraqi Police build ‘O course’

By Capt. Marc Allerdt

Maj. Eric Hanes, 2nd Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, demonstrates to IFP how to maneuver through the obstacle course they built together at JSS Beladiyat in Baghdad, April 2, 2010. 

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 2nd Bn worked side by side with IFP, digging through the compacted Iraqi soil. Initially, the project called for an inverted wall with a 20-foot rope climb.  However, because of high maintenance and an unforgiving climate, the engrs decided to reduce the number of obstacles in the course.

"I wanted to build it with low maintenance," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Plumb, a combat engr with 2-14. "This way they will be able to use it whenever they want to, and not have to worry about rebuilding and purchasing materials."

Once the course was complete, 4 FP showed up for instruction on how to properly execute each station and test the course. They all completed the course breathing heavily, with smiles on their faces.

When compared to the vast infrastructure projects the U.S. has completed for the Iraqi people, an obstacle course may seem small.  However, for the FP here, the course will stand as a monument to the teamwork they shared with U.S. Soldiers.

-30-

USF-I

Task: 150 school renovations in 100 days

By Spc. Crystal O'Neal

Staff Sgt. Bryan Lightfoot (left), Co C, 422nd CAB, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, speaks to a child as he and his team visit schools to be renovated throughout Ninewa prov., April 17, 2010. 

FOB MAREZ – Two Soldiers are in the process of composing contracts to renovate nearly 150 schools in just 100 days.  Staff Sgt. Bryan Lightfoot and Spc. Joe Winebarger are doing what Soldiers do best – making a challenging task seem like a piece-of-cake.

Lightfoot said getting the contracts done so the schools can be upgraded, thereby providing better education facilities for Iraqi children, is no doubt a priority. "All across Ninewa prov. there are a lot of infrastructure-like schools.  They've been neglected for years and need to be refurbished," he said. "After these contracts are finished, new wiring, playgrounds, running water and more efficient classrooms will be something children can look forward to."

Before the 2 Soldiers were assigned to the task, March 5, they were on the ground almost daily, going out with teams to sites where school renovations were being made.  They both have seen, first-hand, the bad shape the schools were in, making it easier to understand the importance of the mission.

"We've seen bullet holes in the windows of the schools.  We've known personally how hot it gets in those buildings. They're often overcrowded and unsanitary," said Winebarger.  "Having seen all this, it definitely gives a somewhat personal sense of urgency, and makes us even more dedicated to the job."

"Right now we've generated about 100 contracts,” Winebarger said.  “We've about 50 more to do.  Once all the contracts are approved, we're hoping that contractors can be on the ground in 6 to 8 weeks, putting the plans into action.”

The Iraqi Cmdr’s ERP will fund the renovations and local Iraqi contractors will perform the work, providing an economic stimulus for the local area. Winebarger said he feels truly honored to be a part of it all.  "Altogether, this is a very original approach to civil military ops,” he said.  “No one else has accomplished a feat like this before. All the long, late nights of work are totally worth it.  Doing this makes me feel as if I've contributed to the welfare of the Iraqi people, and things like this definitely put a very positive spin on OIF," he concluded.

-30-

USF-I

ISF arrest three suspected AQI criminal associates

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 3 suspected AQI assocs. during a joint security op, conducted approx 27 km north of Baghdad, April 18.  ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple locations for an AQI member suspected of supporting terror cells in Baghdad, by building VBIEDs, and having ties to other AQI leaders.  Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the 3 suspected criminal assocs. of the warranted individual.

-30-

USF-I

ISF arrest two suspected AQI criminal associates

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 2 suspected AQI associates during a joint security op conducted approx 27 km NW of Baghdad,  April 19.  ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple buildings for a suspected AQI leader, allegedly responsible for several IED detonations, RPG, small arms attacks, and kidnappings.

Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the warranted individual.

-30-

DoD Imagery

An Iraqi girl exits a butterfly-decorated gate, as U.S. Army Soldiers pass through her

neighborhood in Al Qurna.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-20

Dear Interested Reader,

Paktika PRT SECFOR pull security in local villages.  TF Falcon conduct airlifts from Korengal Valley.  Guardians of convoys in Paktya prov.  Students getting green thumbs in Ghazni prov.

Iraq:  Two Senior AQI leaders killed in joint op. Rebuild of destroyed footbridge begins in Abu Ghraib.  Deployed Army couple renew vows.  JSS Yusifiyah signed over to GoI.  Suspected cell leader, high-value terrorist arrested.

Joanna

______________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Paktika PRT security forces pull security in local villages

By AF Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester 

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Children watch as an MRAP vehicle slowly drives through the village of Warjana Kalay in Orgun district, April 12.  Members of the SECFOR element for the Paktika PRT’s Orgun det. were on hand to provide security for the PRT’s civil affairs team, during a key leader engagement,  discussing the village’s most pressing needs and concerns. The children were receptive to the PRT’s arrival and tried to shake as many hands as possible. 

 

Army Pfc. James Crosby performs checks on his weapons before going out on a mission in Orgun.  Crosby is a member of the SECFOR element for the Paktika PRT’s Orgun det.  Crosby is deployed from the Btry B, 1st Bn, 178th FAR, S. Carolina Army NG. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

TF Falcon Conducts Airlifts from Korengal Valley

By Army Spc. Monica Smith 

Army Soldiers with Co F, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, TF Lethal Warrior, link cables to a Chinook with Co F, TF Lighthorse, 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, in order to conduct an airlift out of the Korengal Outpost, as part of Op Mountain Descent II, April 9.  During Op Mountain Descent II, more than 500 Soldiers and nearly half a million pounds of equipment were airlifted out of the Korengal valley. This was the large-scale movement of U.S. forces out of the valley, which was completed on the morning of April 14. (Photos by Army Spc. Victor Egorov)

KUNAR PROVINCE – The sound of rotor blades broke the silence of night as air crews descended on a COP blanketed in darkness.  Staring through their night vision goggles, crew chiefs guided Chinooks to their landing zones, ready to receive Soldiers and equipment as U.S. forces pulled out of the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan.

“TF Mtn Warrior had multiple bases in areas in the Korengal Valley where villages were sporadic and the population uncondensed,” said Maj. Mike Reyburn, plans officer for the 3rd CAB, TF Falcon. “TF Falcon worked in support of (RC- E) in relocating TF Mtn Warrior Soldiers, as part of efforts to focus on areas of higher Afghan populace.  We assisted by being the main transport element, moving equipment and personnel out of the various COPs swiftly and safely from the so-called ‘valley of death.’”  The terrain conditions of the Korengal valley are so treacherous that many of the locations can only be reached by air, making TF Falcon’s aviation assets essential to the success of relocating personnel and equipment.

 

“We suspected that we would be in for a tough fight,” said Lt. Col. Thomas von Eschenbach, cmdr of TF Lighthorse. “Taking every measure possible, our planners dedicated an enormous amount of time and work in planning and synchronizing an incredible array of assets to support the conduct of the Op. Flying helicopters around the clock, TF Lighthorse executed flawless aviation ops over a 4-day period, ending with a single Chinook departing with the last load of Soldiers at 3 a.m., April 14.”

 

The Korengal valley is 6 miles long, with one way in and one way out, and the enemy owns the high ground, said Col. Don Galli, cmdr of TF Falcon. The valley maintains a reputation of being one of the most dangerous locations in Afghanistan, and for aviators the conditions were made more perilous due to what is called, “red illum” conditions.

 

Red illum conditions occur when illumination is less than 25%.  For aviators who operate with night vision goggles (NVGs), this poses a problem, because NVG’s heighten ambient light, such as starlight or moonlight, enabling them to see. With a lack of light, air crews must strain to see the faint outlines of small landing zones and towering mountains, making their missions increasingly hazardous.

To deter the enemy from firing, attack and scout teams of Apaches and Kiowa Warriors flew around the clock, prepared to defend the air and ground units as they withdrew.  “During the day we worked to deter movement and flooded the valley with attack assets, making it incredibly difficult for the enemy to move around and set up for an ambush,” said Maj. Daniel Rice, plans officer for TF  Knighthawk, another subordinate bn of TF Falcon.

 

TF Knighthawk provided extra muscle to TF Lighthorse, who led the overall missions from FOB Jalalabad.  Plans were synced each night ensuring the flight crews understood the intent of each mission. “I was up there every night and saw firsthand what my crews did,” said Galli. “Words cannot explain the skill and bravery of our aircrews. They knew the danger, and I've never been more proud in my military career, than to see what Lighthorse and Knighthawk did in the Korengal valley.”

A Chinook with Co F, TF Lighthorse, 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, carries a cargo container from the Korengal Outpost.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, cmdr of ISAF, exits a Black Hawk with Co A, 3rd Bn, 238th Aviation Regt, Delaware NG, TF Knighthawk, 3rd CAB, TF Falcon, to greet an ANA cmdr during his visit to the Korengal outpost, April 8.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Guardians of convoys

By AF Airman 1st Class Laura Goodgame 

Master Sgt. Karen Stevens, peers out of a school window as the children gather outside during a medical outreach, April 14. CF provided medical aid to over 343 patients in a village outside Gardez.  Stevens is a lab tech assigned to the AF Academy Colorado Springs, Colo. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE – As we roll through the streets of Gardez in our MRAP vehicles, the buildings lining the street tell stories of gun fights, suicide bombers, and IEDs.  When in the middle of a potentially dangerous situation, one of the people you learn to trust is your gunner, who has a bird’s eye view of everything from the vehicle’s turret.
 
Spc. Florante Rivera, 30, is sitting in the gunner’s seat, exposed to nearly all the external danger in the convoy while protecting fellow servicemembers.  Rivera is in the middle of his 2nd deployment.  During his first tour he was an infantryman in Iraq.  However this current deployment he's a logistics supply specialist, not a gunner.  However, it was a job that needed to be filled once he arrived in Afghanistan.  

“Rivera was more than excited to go back to his infantry roots,” said Army Spc. Ari Konovitz, a medic assigned to the 5-3 alpha btry bn out of Fort Lewis, Wash. 

“He's been ‘gunning’ the entire time we’ve been deployed to Afghanistan, and has not let anyone sneak up on our convoy,” said Staff Sgt. Dawn Thomas.
Rivera keeps family photos of his wife and 2 kids in his wallet when he rolls out.

“I think about lots of things before we leave the wire; mainly I think about my wife though” said Rivera. “I arrived in country later than the rest of my team.  My command let me stay behind to watch the birth of my daughter Deanna in Jan.” 

Not only does Rivera endure all the stress of being a convoy gunner, he also faces off against the harsh Afghan climate.  However, with that sacrifice and sitting in the gunners turret, he's allowed to view the country in ways many servicemembers do not.

“The weather here can really make you exhausted. There were times it seemed like it was blizzarding back in Jan.  Fortunately the turret has a shield and shade keep the elements outside; the dust will get to you after a long day of riding outside though” says Rivera.

“Afghanistan is beautiful; the winter has lots of snow, and in the spring the passes are full of vegetation and livestock, as well as camels and monkeys.   Unfortunately amongst all the beauty lies danger.  I just want to keep my fellow soldiers safe during every mission, and bring everyone home in Oct.

Local Afghan’s line up for free medical treatment.  CF provided a medical outreach to a village that had no doctor. The outreach was able to provide over 500 immunizations, treated over 343 patients, and handed out over 979 prescriptions. 

-30-

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Students Getting Green Thumbs in Ghazni Province

By 2nd Lt. Katherine Roling

Afghan teenagers pay attention during class at Sanayee high school, April 8. The Texas ADT and Ghazni PRT visited the school to check on current projects, and determine the need for future ones.   

GHAZNI PROVINCE – Approx 5,000 Afghan students at Sanayee High School are learning not only about math, history and geography, but also about agriculture.

The ADT in Ghazni, whose members are from the 36th ID of the Texas Army NG, led a small team of service members to the all-male high school, where they spoke to the asst principal to verify the completion of a school project.

The project, which is similar to Future Farmers of America, uses small square-foot gardens, and aims to give students a chance to work with the soil. "Once we show the students physically how to plant trees and seeds, it will encourage them," said Abdul Sabur, the school asst principle. 

The ADT also learned that agricultural teachers were scarce. They offered to train the current agricultural teachers, and suggested a field trip for the students to Jungal Bagh farms, where they could see the work of agricultural experts in progress.

"Really, what it comes down to, is that agriculture is very important to the Afghan people, and we need to reach them at a very young age," said 1st Lt. Rodney Robinson, agribusiness marketing specialist . "What better way to reach them than through high school, because agriculture is one of the main sources of income for the Afghan people. 

"About 350 students will graduate this year, and 90% will be going to a university," said Sabur. "About 7 students from here who went to the university, came back here to teach," said Sabur. "We've some students who teach at the university in Ghazni now."

However, the faculty faces challenges inherent to a war-torn country. During the time of the Soviet occupation, their library books were burned, said Sabur.  The library is now used as a classroom to accommodate overcrowding.  Despite these challenges, the school, maintains its popularity and prestige.

"This is a very popular school in Ghazni City," said Sabur. "When people graduate from here and go to Kabul, they'll ask the students if they graduated from Sanayee High School."  

Capt. Charles Peters, Texas ADT ops officer, inspects the condition of a green house, during a site survey at Jungal Bagh Farm. Texas ADT works closely with farmers to achieve the best growing conditions for crops. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

BBC Breaking News

Senior Iraqi al-Qaeda leaders killed

PM Nouri Maliki said the men had been hiding in a hole in the ground.  PM Maliki said on national TV that the AQI leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, who led an affiliate group, were dead, in a joint Iraqi-US op, April 19.

"The attack was carried out by ground forces which surrounded the house, and also through the use of missiles," PM Maliki said. "During the op, computers were seized with e-mails and messages to the 2 biggest terrorists, Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri," Maliki added.

In a statement, the cmdr of US forces in Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno, said: "The death of these terrorists is potentially the most significant blow to AQI, since the beginning of the insurgency."

A US statement said Iraqi forces with US support had mounted a night-time raid on the al-Qaeda leaders' safe-house.  It said the men were killed "after engaging the security team" and that al-Masri's asst along with the son of al-Baghdadi were also killed.

Masri was purported to have formed al-Qaeda's first cell in Baghdad.

-30-

USF-I

Rebuild of destroyed footbridge begins

By Spc. Luisito Brooks

Once this footbridge in Abu Ghrab is refurbished, the bridge will provide a safer way for pedestrians, especially children, to cross the heavily trafficked street. 

ABU GHRAIB – A U.S. Soldier visited the site of a destroyed pedestrian footbridge, to meet with Iraqi reps to discuss reconstructing the once-busy thoroughfare, April 6.

Capt. Talgin Cannon, a member of the Joint Project Mgt Office of the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, knows traveling to school should be a fun and safe experience for children.  However, in this neighborhood, the journey for a good education has become treacherous without the footbridge.

According to several sources, including local IP and District Area Council members, at least 5 children have been killed while trying to cross the busy road this year alone.

"I do a lot of traveling on this road, and it really concerns me to see small kids run across this road," said Sgt. Reginald Chretien, a team leader with the MP plt, HHC.  "There are vendors on the sides of the road; they attract a lot of people walking across this busy road, and there's a school right there."

"For the people in this community, this bridge means a lot," said Cannon. "I'm just glad that we're able to get this project going now."

Spc. Anthony Keeton, an MP with HHC, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, provides security as U.S. and Iraqi reps discuss a destroyed footbridge.

-30-

USF-I

Deployed Army couple says ‘I do’ again

By Staff Sgt. Rob Strain

Sgt. Christopher Jones and Spc. Elyse Jones, both with HHC, STB, 15th Sust Bde, renew their wedding vows in front of Capt. Brent Crosswhite, the STB's chaplain, April 13, 2010. 

COB Q-WEST – Wedding bells were ringing at the chapel, when 2 deployed Army Soldiers renewed their vows to mark their 1-year anniversary.  Instead of a white gown for the bride and a tuxedo for the groom, both were dressed in Army green, just like the guests and the chaplain.  In lieu of a band or organist, a digital player provided the music.

The couple met in 2008 while stationed in Daegu, South Korea, and got married in a courthouse in Killeen, Texas, April 13, 2008, said Christopher.

According to Staff Sgt. Jennifer Hutton, the bn's supply NCO-in-charge, Elyse mentioned renewing their vows when they returned, but Hutton suggested doing it here. "I told her, 'why not do it here?'" Hutton said.

The renewal ceremony was a first for Capt. Brent Crosswhite, the bn's chaplain. He'd done renewal ceremonies before, but never while deployed. "It's a good way to help a marriage become stronger," Crosswhite said. "It's another tool we can use to encourage long-lasting relationships."

Renewing their vows was important to Elyse, because they didn't get to write their own for their wedding last year. "We didn't have our own vows the first time," Elyse said. "It was a treat to actually speak what we felt."

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq PAO

2/7 Infantry signs over JSS Yusifiyah to Iraqis

Yusifiyah - U.S. forces transferred a base previously used by the U.S. military to Iraqi authorities, April 10.  JSS Yusifiyah, located SW of Baghdad, was officially signed over to the GoI.  Capt. Dustin Knaus, cmdr of Co C, 2nd Bn, 7th Inf, and Sameer Al Haddad, a rep of the GOI, exchanged signatures on a record of return that exchanges and returns control of JSS Yusifiyah, from American to Iraqi control.

The base was previously inhabited by the inf unit while advising and assisting a brigade from the 17th Iraqi Army Division.

-30-

United States Forces - Iraq

Suspected cell leader, high-value terrorist detained

FOB WARRIOR, KIRKUK - ISF from the Abassi IP Station, near Hawijah, along with assistance from 1st Bn, 37th Armor, 1st BCT, 1st AR Div out of Fort Bliss, Texas, detained a high-value target at a checkpoint outside of Abassi, April 11.

The alleged terrorist, a suspected leader of an IED cell in Hawijah, is suspected of involvement with numerous murders and bombings.  After the Abassi police received intel of the suspect being in the area, they set-up a checkpoint outside the village and detained the suspect that morning.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-19

Dear Interested Reader,

Sgt. Terrance Ray changes hearts and minds, one child at a time.  Blue Diamond Marines partner with ANA SECFOR.  Livestock nursery construction begins in Asadabad.  Forces capture militants, evacuate civilians, seize weapons.

Iraq:  Medical team saves severely wounded boy at JBB.  Vietnam Vet serves at COB Adder.  Schools receive supplies in Diyala prov.  AQI leader killed, JAM leader and assocs. arrested.

Joanna

____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Sgt Terrance Ray changes hearts and minds

(Photos by AF Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Army Sgt. Terrance Ray reads a book to local children while on a mission in Orgun, April 11.  Ray is a member of the SECFOR element for the Paktika PRT’s Orgun det.  Ray is deployed from Btry B, 1st Bn, 178rd FAR of the S. Carolina NG. 

 

Sgt. Ray receives a sling-shot lesson from local children.

 

 

Sgt. Ray provides security during a key leader engagement, as they discussed the village’s most pressing needs and concerns. 

-30-

DVIDS

Blue Diamond Marines Partner With SECFOR 

Story by Sgt. Dean Davis

(Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Sarah Novotny)   

Lance Cpl. Joseph Fritz, an intel specialist with the 1st Marine Div Fwd, off a C-17 aircraft at Bastion Airfield near Camp Leatherneck, March 24. The 1st Marine Div (Fwd) will control all Marine ground forces in southern Afghanistan, as they operate both independently and alongside their Afghan counterparts.

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province – Arriving in late March, the Div Marines and sailors have already made significant progress in the fight against the Taliban, by uniting with Afghan SECFOR to help the Afghan people secure peace and freedom, explained Brig. Gen. Joseph Osterman, comm. gen. 

"It's really impressive to see the young Marine out there, able to handle such a wide scope of responsibility," Osterman said. "They're able to apply the appropriate judgment, so that they can do the right thing all the time."

"We've established a partnership with the ANA, which has been very positive," Osterman said. "They're learning a lot from us; we're learning a lot from them, and it creates a synergistic effect that allows us to get the most out of both forces to fight the insurgency." 

The ANA 215th Corps, a unit comprised of more 1,000 soldiers, is the first to be activated in nearly 6 years.  The Marines of the "Blue Diamond" and Afghan forces will aggressively target Taliban insurgents, but the road ahead won't be trouble free, explained Sgt. Maj. Phillip Fascetti, sgt maj of 1st Marine Div (Fwd).

"There're going to be a lot of challenges ahead" Fascetti said. "Marines are resilient and I know we're up for the challenge.  We're going to accomplish great things here.  We must never forget why we're here.  This is important not only for what's presently going on here in Afghanistan, but also throughout the world. What we accomplish here will have an effect on terrorism everywhere."   

Corp. Tyler Rousselle, an instructor with the Joint Security Academy Shorabak, marks shots for police recruits during a marksmanship class given by Marines, April 5. 

Sgt. Thomas Paidousis, an instructor with 2nd MEB gives an IED Counter Measures class to the Marines with 1st Marine Div (Fwd), during an IED lane training exercise held in Camp Leatherneck, March 29. The training exercise was designed to sharpen the Marines skills prior to stepping out of Camp Leatherneck in support of the ISAF. 

(Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel Kitandwe)  

-30-

DVIDS

Forces Capture Militants, Evacuate Civilians, Seize Weapons

(ISAF Joint Command News Release)

KABUL, April 16, 2010 - Afghan/ISAF captured several insurgents, evacuated civilians after an explosion, and seized enemy weapons stockpiles in recent ops, military officials reported.

HELMAND PROVINCE - A combined Afghan-ISAF detained several suspected militants in a rural area of NE Marjah, April 16.

-- In Marja April 15, Afghan/ISAF partners surrounded a compound where a Taliban cmdr was located.  When people inside the compound refused to answer the Afghan forces calling for them to come out, Afghan special police led the combined force into the compound.  One insurgent presented a threat to the combined force and was killed.  Another insurgent was detained by Afghan authorities.  Three women and 4 children were protected throughout this op, and no civilians were injured, officials said.

-- In Nad-e Ali district April 15, a combined patrol found 10 anti-personnel mines, a claymore mine, 7 mortar rounds and small-arms ammo.

-- On April 13, a combined force located and killed a suicide-bomb facilitator NE of Lashkar Gah. 

-- In Kandahar City April 15, the ISAF helped Afghan forces in evacuating and treating wounded civilians after a large explosion.  ISAF forces airlifted 9 civilians to a medical treatment facility at Kandahar Airfield.

-- Also in Kandahar April 15, a combined force in the Panjwayi district was met with small-arms fire when approaching a compound where militant activity was reported. The combined force returned fire and killed one insurgent in the initial engagement.  Later, another armed insurgent attempted to maneuver on the combined force and was killed. The SECFOR captured a Taliban bombing cell leader, responsible for building and emplacing roadside bombs in the area, who surrendered when confronted.  Several other suspects also were detained.  A search uncovered an RPG and 2,000 rounds of small-arms ammo.

URUZGAN PROVINCE - In the Tarini Kot district April 16, a combined force found a 105 mm artillery round, a grenade and 4 mortar rounds.

-30-

DVIDS

Forces Capture Militants, Seize Weapons Stockpiles

(ISAF Joint Command News Releases)

NANGARHAR PROVINCE - An Afghan-ISAF captured a Taliban bomb expert and 2 other militants during an op conducted in the Khogyani district, April 14, military officials reported.

As the combined force approached the compound, an armed combatant was spotted climbing onto a roof. The combatant displayed hostile intent and was shot and killed.  After securing the area the combined force discovered the combatant was a woman.

During a search of the compound, the force captured a Taliban sub-cmdr, who is a bomb expert believed to be responsible for manufacturing, emplacing and training other militants in roadside-bomb tactics. Two other militants also were captured, and the SECFOR recovered automatic rifles and ammo.

GHAZNI PROVINCE - April 14, a joint patrol found a weapons cache containing 37 RPGs, 27 RPG fuses and 24 grenades.

HELMAND PROVINCE - Nad-e Ali district, April 14, a combined patrol found an 82mm mortar base plate, a chest rig for carrying ammo, an assault rifle, ammo mags, and ammo.

In 3 separate incidents April 14, combined Afghan/ISAF patrols discovered significant insurgent weapon caches. The first, consisting of 108 107 mm rockets and about 200 feet of wire, was found in Kandahar's Arghandab district.

A 2nd cache in Nad-e Ali district included 2 machine guns, mags, more than 12,000 rounds of ammo, and 3 chest rigs for carrying assault-rifle mags.  Also found was a bag of rubber, often used in pressure-plate-operated roadside bombs.

URUZGAN PROVINCE - The 3rd cache an Afghan civilian turned over 5 anti-tank mines, 38 RPGs, 20 launchers and 6 boxes of 7.62 mm ammo to int'l forces.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Livestock Nursery construction begins in Asadabad

KUNAR PROVINCE – Provincial Gov. Wahidi, provincial agricultural dir. Khan, and CF leadership, participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Asadabad Nursery Fence Project in Asadabad district, April 15. The nursery, which will house livestock, is part of a larger development project that aims to increase opportunities for local women. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

DVIDS

Medical team saves severely wounded boy

By Airman 1st Class Allison Boehm

Sajad Mahmud plays with a birthday gift with his father as they celebrate his 6th birthday, while recovering at the AF Theater Hospital at JBB.  Sajad received multiple presents and birthday wishes from the medical staff that has taken care of him during his 72-day stay at the hospital. 

JOINT BASE BALAD -- Sajad Mahmud was involved in an IED attack near here, Jan. 24.  He had just climbed into a vehicle for a short trip when the IED detonated.  Sajad, however, has no known enemies, disputes, business conflicts or political aspirations.  He's only 6.

Sajad is still recovering from the blast that killed his grandfather and left him with multiple burns to his legs, a right arm fracture, and a severely fractured left leg, which had to be amputated from below the knee. The constant care and close-knit bonds he formed with the medical staff at the AF Theater Hospital, helped pull him through.

"I remember wondering if this boy was ever going to have a normal life again," said 1st Lt. Emily Adams, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Ops Sqdrn intermediate care ward nurse. "I remember taking care of him his first night on the unit, and it was horrible - horrible for Sajad, his father and the staff.  It's been amazing to see him transform throughout his stay here."

For weeks, the inconsolable child constantly cried out, pulled at his hair, screamed and regularly awoke during the night from nightmares.  However, as the weeks went on, he formed close relationships with his caregivers, and he began to feel more comfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings.  Medical staff went out of their way to make one of their youngest patients feel loved and cared for, in a time that he needed it the most.

"We always would try to make him smile and for the longest time he wouldn't," said 2nd Lt. Sarah Marks, 332nd EMDOS intermediate care ward nurse. "One day we were racing around in his wheelchair, and he finally smiled.  It was so exciting to finally see him laughing again."

Over the last 72 days, the bonds shared between the medical staff and Sajad have proven valuable, as a deep trust ensued. This trust is displayed when Sajad gives the medical staff, which he knows by name, hugs and kisses - referring to many as "Habebe" which means “my love” in Arabic.

The staff in turn has learned many words in Arabic to better communicate with Sajad, and their compassion shows. "Gradually this little boy no longer looked at you with sheer terror in his eyes," said Adams. "His personality began to shine through, and you started to believe this kid could have a normal life again, after such a tragedy.  He's grown to trust us, and we've grown to love him."

The smiles and laughing continued as the medical staff celebrated his 6th birthday with him and his father.  Hospital staff and fellow patients gathered around his bedside, as he received numerous birthday wishes, gifts and even a cake.

"They care about Sajad, and I'm very appreciative for this celebration -- nobody can do this for him at home,” said Sajad's father, Hany Mahmud.  “All the ranks came to tell my son happy birthday, and I can't forget what they're doing here.  I will leave with a lot of good memories of the Americans.  I don't know how I will ever repay them for what they've done for my son. What I saw here -- it's something you can't dream of."

"It's a privilege and honor to care for the kids, who have undeservingly suffered from this conflict," said Adams. "To see him off will be bittersweet, but mostly sweet.  We'll miss his bright eyes and smile, but we're thankful that through all the hard work and dedication by the amazing health care team, he'll be able to live life to the fullest."

-30-

DVIDS

Face of Defense: Vietnam Vet to Return from Iraq Duty

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher DeHart 

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Halevy recreates a pose from a 1971 photograph of himself taken in Vietnam.  The photo depicted was taken March 25, 2010, at COB Adder, where Halevy is presently serving. 

COB ADDER, April 16, 2010 - It's a heady résumé: war hero, veteran pilot, commercial pilot, safety officer, father, grandfather, husband – and most recently - projects officer.  

"My primary role is the mgt of the ongoing construction projects and facilities mgt for the continued morale and welfare of the troops," he said.  "I had a full scholarship to play baseball," Halevy said. "I was in the post office one day and saw the recruiting poster for Army Aviation.  It said you just need a high school education and a desire to fly.  I went from basic training to flight school as a warrant officer candidate."

He since has established himself as a beacon of knowledge and respect within the Army. Throughout his 36 years of military service, he's been a member of Army Reserve and NG units in N.J., Penn., and Florida, holding positions ranging from a civilian emergency medical services pilot and aviation safety officer, to his current position as an Army Forces Command aviation resource mgt survey inspector.

Halevy continues his custom of offering quality workmanship, and an unending cheerful attitude in his current position, planning and supervising various construction projects intended to improve quality of life and facilitate greater capability for all aspects of the TF's mission.

He's about to finish his time in Iraq but, but true to his work ethic, he has a few things he'd like to be able to stick around for if he can. "I would like to see the chapel through completion, and throw the first pitch on the ball field," he said. "A day off would be nice, but I don't think I'll be able to work it in."

A veteran of the Vietnam War, Halevy also is a distinguished helicopter pilot, both militarily and commercially, flying more than 6,270 accident-free hours.  Still, despite his vast experience and notable success as an aviator, Halevy's focus has centered on safety. "I did it. I don't miss it," Halevy said of his days as a pilot. "I've moved on, and I've focused on safety. I came here to help."

Halevy recalled where his career started, and how things could have been back when he was flying over and through jungle canopies in Vietnam.  "I dedicate my continued service to Sgt. Gary Lee Westphal, who died 13 June 1971, while serving as my scout crew chief/gunner, when he was hit by an enemy machine gun at close range, while we were searching for a reported N. Vietnamese army position, north of Quang Tri," Halevy said.  "He kept me alive through months of hostile fire with D Troop, 3rd Sqdrn, 5th Cav, 5th ID."

Halevy, who will turn 61 this year, has no plans on slowing down after retirement.  "I just don't want to get sedentary after I retire," he said with a chuckle.

(This article includes portions of a previous unpublished article by Army Sgt. Brandon T. Metroka of the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.) 
 

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Halevy, then a 19-year-old helicopter pilot with D Troop, 3/5 Cav, poses for a photo in Quang Tri, Vietnam, in 1971. 

-30-

USF-I

14th Cav., Iraqi Police supply 2 schools

By Spc. Ry Norris

Staff Sgt. Mike Woodward, 2nd ID, hands out rulers to students at the Andleab school in Diyala, April 7, 2010. U.S. troops joined IP to deliver pencils, notebooks, calculators and more. 

DIYALA PROVINCE – Soldiers with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 1st Sqdrn, 14th Cav Regt, and IP visited students at 2 schools; the Andleab school, in the Albulatif village, and the Abn Baitars school, in the Jamaylia village. 

School faculty had no prior knowledge, nor knew the purpose, of the visit. "It's an unexpected surprise," said Vice Principal Raad Mahmouad of the Abn Baitars school. "Anything that will help us is very much appreciated." This is the 2nd time his school has received donations.

The schools run 2 sessions to accommodate a vast number of students.  Andleab has more than 160 children in attendance between the ages of 5 and 12.  Abn Baitars is a secondary school with approx 220 in attendance between the ages 13 and 18.

Each school received approx $1,000 in school supplies this year. The faculty chose one class to receive the 1st of the supplies. The IP handed each child in the classroom a calculator, ruler, pencil, and notebook. "The children are happy. That's what's important," said Mahmouad.

The schools were also given white boards, markers, highlighters, and pens. These will be used and distributed throughout the school at the faculty's discretion.

"When we establish this repertoire, the people are more willing to assist us in helping them," said Spc. Mikal Rogers, a Soldier with Troop C, 1/14 Cav., attached to the 3rd Stryker BCT, 2nd ID. "Not only will this help the kids of Iraq, it will help the country as a whole. We're here to help the future of Iraq. These kids are a part of that future."

The IP and Troop C, 1/14 Cav. have conducted just a few humanitarian missions to date, but hope to do more in the near future, in an effort to establish a better relationship with the people of the region.

"The mission was a success," said Lt. Ghassan with the IP. "The children are happy. We're happy. They're a part of our community.  We'll continue to look after them and protect them."

-30-

USF-I

ISF kill AQI leader, arrest JAM leader, 4 suspected terrorists 

BAGHDAD – ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple buildings for a suspected AQI leader allegedly linked to oil extortion in the northern Iraqi city, April 15.  In the process of executing the arrest, the SECFOR discovered the suspect was armed. Perceiving an immediate threat to their safety, members of the security team shot and killed the gunman, who was later identified as the warranted individual.

During another op, April 16, 50 km north of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residential building for a wanted Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) leader, who is allegedly responsible for transporting weapons into the Qwaylis area, and suspected of being an active participant in attacks on CF.

Information and evidence gathered at the scene led IP to identify and arrest the wanted JAM leader and 4 suspected criminal assocs.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-18

Dear Interested Reader,

Nangahar PRT helps first Boy Scout Troop.  Laghman PRT conducts key leader engagement at FOB Mehtar Lam.  S. Carolina Army NG brothers roommates at FOB Orgun.  "Sky Soldiers" at FOB Shank, honored.

Iraq:  More than 1,000 Zerevani graduate in Kurdistan.  Soldiers deliver tons of supplies for orphans.  Army father awards combat patch to son at JBB.  AQI criminals arrested in Baghdad.

Joanna

_____________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Nangarhar PRT helps first Boy Scout Troop

By AF Master Sgt. Bill Gomez 

 

NANGARHAR PROVINCE –  Army Capt. Glenn Battschinger, a civil affairs Soldier with the Nangarhar PRT, teaches the “Scout Oath” to the newly established Afghan Boy Scout Troop 1, outside of FOB Finley-Shields, April 10. The Nangarhar PRT civil affairs team has organized a weekly gathering of approx 60 youths to participate in the scout program. 

Akhtar Kamawal, the Afghan Gen. Sec. of Ministry of Ed., recites the Boy Scout oath.

AF 1st Lt. Jason Baker, the medical officer for the Nangarhar PRT, teaches Afghan Boy Scouts how to master tying different types of knots.

Army Spc. Carvin Tam, a civil affairs team member for the Nangarhar PRT, shows Afghan Boy Scouts how to tie different types of knots. Tam volunteers to mentor the Afghan Scouts. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Lagman PRT in key leader engagement at FOB Mehtar Lam

By Army Spc. Albert Kelley 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE –  Army Sgt. Sherrita Hall, a civil affairs team sgt with the Laghman PRT, and Binafsha Shahkari, a cultural advisor for the PRT, conducts a key leader engagement in the Oraakhil village, March 24. The PRT was there to discuss the Army’s Go Green program, which rewards locals that are proactive in keeping anti-Afghan forces out their village, by helping them with public works projects. 

Army Pvt Joshua Kopowitz, a medic with HHC, 1st Bn, 102nd Inf Regt, TF Iron Grays, treats the water at FOB Mehtar Lam for germs and bacteria, March 26. Kopowitz volunteered to take on this extra duty every morning, including checking chlorine levels and filling water tanks if needed. 

Sgt. 1st. Class Ronald Maffucci, an ops NCO with HHC, gives a young girl fresh fruit and snacks, March 30.  Occasionally, Maffucci’s Soldiers will deliver fresh fruits and other snacks to the children in the area. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

S. Carolina Army NG brothers pull double duty

By AF 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane 

Army Spc. Brandon Sitton helps his brother, Army Pvt 1st Class Joshua Sitton, strap on a harness before a mission at FOB Orgun, April 12.  Brandon, a gunner, and his brother Joshua, a driver, are currently deployed together as members of the SECFOR element for the PRT’s Orgun detachment. Paktika PRT is a joint team whose mission is to help legitimize the GoA through development, governance and agricultural initiatives. The Sitton brothers are deployed from the 1/178 FA B Btry, S. Carolina NG. (Photos by AF Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester)

PAKTIKA PROVINCE - “In the Army, everyone’s like a brother to you,” said Joshua, the younger brother by 3 years. “In my case, having someone that actually is blood-related serving right next to me is really special.”

Brandon joined the S. Carolina NG in Dec., 2001. “I always wanted to join the military as a kid, but I tried the college thing first and it really wasn’t for me.  I joined the NG and it’s been great for me.”

Fittingly, the actions of the older brother altered the life path of his younger sibling. “When Brandon got back from one of his deployments to Iraq, he told me all about being in different countries, and seeing things not a lot of people get to see in their lifetime,” Joshua said. “It sounded great, so that’s basically why I joined.  Now I get to see lots of cool places and have stories to tell my kids when I‘m older.”

Upon arrival to Orgun, the Sitton brothers were told they’d be roommates for the duration of their tour.  Often, brothers who are together almost every day don’t always appreciate the arrangement. Not the Sitton boys.

“When we’re not deployed, we hang out with each other every day anyway,” said Brandon. “We live in the same house back home, and we have pretty much the same friends and hobbies.  It’s kind of neat. We’re real close, and not all brothers are.  We do everything together, so it’s cool to do this together too.”

For many parents, having a deployed servicemember can be a difficult thing to deal with. The Sitton family has 2 to worry about at once. “We're the only kids in our family, so it’s difficult for them, but they understand it,” said Joshua. “My mom is a very proud, very patriotic person.  She says as long as I am serving with my brother, it’s a good thing.  We can see the same stuff and have the same experiences.”

“She’s actually more comfortable with both of us here,” said Brandon. “I had a choice whether or not to deploy with this unit.  My mom said she’d feel better if we were both here together. I was going to come anyway, but I’m glad she agreed with me.”

"The Sitton brothers are 2 of my best soldiers,” said Army Master Sgt. Charles Coleman, the plt sgt for the Paktika PRT detachment. “They work very hard to accomplish the mission, and keep morale high.  During stressful times they pull together and pull others with them, and are always highly motivated."

Spc. Brandon plays the guitar, while his brother Joshua sings along.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

CJTF-82 CSM Capel Honors Sky Soldiers

By Army Spc. Daniel Haun 

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Capel, Combined Joint TF-82 command sgt maj, presented a select group of ‘Sky Soldiers’, from the 173rd Abn Bde BCT HHC, STB, and BSB with challenge coins, bearing the 82nd Abn Div’s insignia, signifying his appreciation for Sky Soldiers’ service at FOB Shank, April 13. Capel also took this opportunity to offer encouraging words to the Sky Soldiers and thank them for their service. 

LOGAR PROVINCE - “We can live a free life because of men and women like you, who put your boots on the ground in Afghanistan, Iraq, and places where the terrorist network trains and tries to operate,” said Capel.

“I’ve been working with TF Bayonet for years, right here in Afghanistan.  I know your capabilities; I know how you fight; I know how you trained before you came here, and it was hard. It was tough; you sweated a lot, and you hurt a lot, but it was just to make you better for this op,” said Capel. “I know what you’ve been through, and I just want to say thank you for what you've done to help defend and protect our country.”

Before the CJTF-82 command sgt. maj. concluded his visit, he offered more encouraging words to the Sky Soldiers. “We'll continue to fight this war to protect the freedom of the USA, and to protect the freedom of the Afghan people. You’re building a country that was torn down to rock bottom,” said Capel.

Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Capel honored a select group of ‘Sky Soldiers.’ 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

April 15, 2010

More than 1,000 Zerevani graduate in Dahuk Province

DAHUK - Two courses in the Dahuk Prov. graduated, April 9.  The Sustainment Training Course had 960 Zerevani graduates, and the Basic Recruit Training Course had more than 200 graduates.

The classroom portion of the course covered job-related skills such as checkpoint security, explosive hazards awareness and vehicle searches, while the practical exercises included building entry, static security, personal security, live fire and obstacle courses.

Gen. Khoshnaw, a rep of Kurdish PM Barzani, was the guest speaker at the event.  He congratulated the graduates and thanked them for their commitment to the security of Kurdistan.

Maj. Gen. Bani, the Zerevani cmdr, congratulated the graduates and told them they should be proud of their achievements in Kurdistan. "Let's say 'enough' to terrorists and their activities," he said. "Let democracy be developed in Iraq."

-30-

USF-I

Soldiers deliver tons of supplies for orphans

By Sgt. Bryce Dubee

Shaykh Majid of the Iraqi capital’s Jamia Support Council helps deliver supplies to area orphans.  Majid, who is responsible for providing assistance to the orphans, coordinated the drop with Soldiers from the 422nd CAB, and the 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID. 

BAGHDAD – Nearly 75 Iraqi orphans recently received some much-needed aid. While most waited in orderly lines, one group of children performed a song welcoming the members of the 422nd CAB, and Co F, 52nd Inf Regt, who were there to deliver humanitarian assistance goods, March 29.

The delivery was part of an overall shipment of 20 tons of humanitarian assistance goods to the 422nd, donated by a stateside nongovernmental org. (NGO). "It was a big success," said 1st Sgt. Joe Winchester, 1st sgt for Co B, 422nd CAB, explaining that the mission was the result of several months of planning and hard work.

Shaykh Majid from the JSC was involved in providing material support to local orphans, and approached the civil affairs Soldiers about the possibility of getting some supplies for the children.  However, Winchester explained that process was easier said than done. "It's not a simple thing to say we're going to go on in and deliver some humanitarian assistance," he said.

During his last deployment, Winchester had worked with a U.S. based NGO, Op Give, which had provided humanitarian assistance supplies to his unit. Contacting them again, he was able to arrange for 20 tons of supplies to be donated and sent to Iraq for distribution.

Some of those humanitarian supplies were divided into care packages, broken down by age and gender, boxed up and handed out to the orphans, or handed out at other locations.

"Today established some credibility that we're able to deliver," he said. "What we're doing here is trying to develop some follow-on support."  During the humanitarian drop, Winchester was able to meet with members of an Iraqi NGO that, if properly vetted, could be able to work directly with U.S. based NGOs like Op Give, through something known as the Denton Program.  Under the program, he explained, the U.S. govt will pay for the transportation of humanitarian supplies between credentialed NGOs. This would enable the orphans and other Iraqis in need, to continue receiving aid long after Winchester and other U.S. Soldiers have left Iraq. 

-30-

USF-I

Army father awards combat patch to son

By Sgt. John Stimac

Col. Jeff Holmes, cmdr, 278th ACR, 13th ESC, places the combat patch on his son, Spc. Hulon Holmes, a gunner with 3rd Plt, F Troop, 2nd Sqdrn, 278th ACR, during a ceremony at JBB, April 8, 2010. 

JOINT BASE BALAD – Receiving the combat patch is a milestone in any Soldier’s career.  On April 8, a father placed the storied patch on his son's right shoulder here, making the moment even more special for both.

The elder Holmes said it was an honor to put a combat patch on his son, and he was glad he was able to make it for the ceremony.  "I haven't been able to attend all the regt's subordinate combat patch ceremonies, but it was very special for me, and I wanted to make sure I was here for it," he said.

This is Hulon Holmes' first deployment, and he said receiving the combat patch is special. "It's kind of an honor to be able to receive something like this, knowing that I've been here with these guys making a difference," he said.

He said it was an honor to be patched by his father. "I didn't expect that this would be able to happen," he said. "It was nice to see him in general, but for him to be able to put the patch on me, was a great moment."

-30-

USF-I

ISF arrest 11 AQI criminal associates during joint operation

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 11 suspected AQI members and assocs., April 15,  during joint security ops conducted in multiple locations including a rural area located approx 13 kms NW of Baghdad.

The IA and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI leader believed to be the mastermind behind multiple VBIED explosions in the Baghdad area.  After preliminary questioning and examining the evidence at the scene, ISF arrested 11 criminal assocs of the wanted AQI member.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-17

Dear Interested Reader,

Chief WO 2 Jeremy Piasecki builds Olympic dreams.  Marines depart Iraq early to mentor ANA at Camp Leatherneck.  Gen. McChrystal patrols with Czech PRT.  Militants detained, weapons seized.

Iraq:  Traditional building makes comeback.  Troops bring books to Baghdad schools.  66th MP Co training a friendly force of IP.  Isolated troops get MEDEVAC training at JSS Chilat.

Joanna

______________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

DVIDS

Chief WO 2 Jeremy Piasecki Builds Olympic Dreams 

By Lance Cpl. Megan Sindelar

Dozens of spectators gather around the outside of the pool, all wanting to see the newly formed water polo team practice, April 7, in Camp Shorabak.  A joint effort is being made between Marines and the ANA, to initiate the first water polo team throughout Helmand prov., in order to continue to improve morale, bridge cultural gaps and to create local heroes, in support of the ISAF.   

CAMP LEATHERNECK – Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Piasecki, the readiness and reports officer with 2nd MEB-A, created and coached Afghanistan's first water polo team in Pol-e-Charki,  from June to Sept. 2008, and has been the coach for the national team since Oct. 2008. 

Piasecki had no plans to begin another water polo team when he began this deployment to Afghanistan in November 2009, but after about 3 months a friend came to him and informed him about the pool that had been built in Camp Shorabak about a year ago. Piasecki moved forward in his vision, and created the second water polo team. 

Piasecki said the team was officially formed about a month ago and their first practice was, March 13.  He juggled his job and coaching the team at the same time, working hours that no one would want, but the ANA greatly took to him, and what he was trying to do.

"This is the first team that the soldiers and officers are willing to participate in," said Col. Ahmad. He describes the physical and moral benefits with great excitement. "At first I couldn't do more than 6 push-ups.  Now I can do more than 30," exclaimed Ahmed.

Water polo is gaining popularity around the region, and many more want to join, but the facilities cannot support them just yet. They do, however, attend practices, and the spectators line the outside of the pool, all trying to find places to see and take photos of their fellow soldiers playing this Olympic sport.

Piasecki said most of the soldiers have never swam in a pool before, so it's a great experience for them, as well as giving others an incentive to train. "This is a concept they can take back to their local villages, and want to start their own leagues; not necessarily water polo, but any sport," said Piasecki.

He singlehandedly created the provincial team in Pol-e-Charki and Camp Shorabak, as well as the national team in Kabul.  As he's getting ready to head home, Piasecki has taken care of every pivotal part necessary to keep this sport going without him. 

He planned to bring the national team to the U.S. for about 10 months, and coordinated for the Afghan's lodging, food, facilities and competitions. He has found teachers who will teach them basic classes, and how to read and write in their own language, as well as other languages of countries that they may visit to conduct their training.  He's planning on taking them to places that they've never seen or heard of before, such as zoos and museums.  The team will be able to speak at schools, and be able to tell their story to Americans who've never had the opportunity to really see how the Afghan people are.  He wants to create heroes, expand worldly education and to build cultural bridges.

Ahmad said that he will keep pushing this sport as well as other programs and is trying to build proper places for training as well as a new, more reliable swimming pool. "The Marines encourage us and we're very happy," said Ahmad. "I appreciate the USA." 

Maj. Bartosz Lesniewicz, foreign disclosure officer with 2nd MEB-A, and 1st Sgt. Shreef, of Shorabak Garrison ANA spend the first part of their water polo practice stretching to get loose before entering the pool. 

The newly created ANA water polo team, with coaches Maj. Bartosz Lesniewicz and Chief Warrent Officer 2 Jeremy Piasecki take team photos. 

-30-

DVIDS

Marines Depart Iraq Early to Mentor ANA 

Story by Sgt. Heidi Agostini

Sgt. Daniel Scannell, a motarman assigned to the embedded mentoring team for the ANA, watches closesly as an Afghan soldier fires his M-16 on the rifle range, March 27. The team is responsible for mentoring and training the ANA to function on their own to take over security in Helmand prov.

CAMP LEATHERNECK – Closely monitoring the situation were Marines assigned to the eTT for a newly activated Corps of the ANA, based at Camp Leatherneck.  The mentoring group, comprised of active and reserve duty Marines from 3rd Bn, 24th Marines and Combat Logistics Bn 46, was sent from their deployment in Al Asad, Iraq to Afghanistan to help form part of the new ANA Corps. The Marines filled a critical gap on short notice, with 13 Marines with varying military occupational specialties. 

Some of the Marines mentored the Afghan bn in fields outside their military occupational specialty.  KC-130 pilot, Capt. Eric Brown, officer-in-charge of the mentoring team, fulfilled a spot meant for a combat arms maj.  Prior to landing in Afghanistan, Brown was the forward air controller for 3/24. 

Lance Cpl. Daniel Gierling fulfilled the job of 2 captains.  Although an intel specialist by trade, Gierling was tasked to train the entire kandak (bn) on communications as well. "It wasn't easy," smiled Gierling.  "Most of the Afghan soldiers are illiterate, and they don't all speak just one language.  So I had to figure out how I was going to teach them using translators.  I had the interpreters relay everything I said to the class, but it was time consuming.  Some of the soldiers spoke languages that my interpreters didn't know."

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brian Sheppard, who originally deployed to Iraq as an individual augment assigned to the detention center, was transferred to Afghanistan to serve as the mentoring team ops and EO. 

The task wasn't easy for the Marines. The ratio between Marines and the men they mentored was 50 to 1. The team would stay up late after training to plan where each Marine and interpreter would be at the following day. "It was very challenging," said Brown. "We had to plan which company was going to do what, and which Marine and interpreter would be best for that mission.  Sometimes I had one Marine for 3 companies, and sometimes I had one Marine per co." 

Their days were long, filled with frustration and challenges, but were equally rewarding. The largest challenge the Marines faced was the language barrier.  Armed with 5 interpreters who had never spoken to Americans before, the mentoring team had to clean up their English. 

The Marines did their best to maintain composure, amidst the frustrations of negligent discharges, soldiers who would go on unauthorized absence, and no sense of time.  A large amount of their success is invested in personal relationships with the Afghans.  "We give our heart and soul to this job, and they can see it.  We were never the limiting factor, and the soldiers sensed that," said Brown.

Maj. Yasin, an Afghan soldier with 22 years of military experience, appreciates the mentors' patience, and said that the respect is mutual.  Although he would like to see more Marines on the team, Yasin said he is grateful for the mentors.  Fellow Afghan officer, Maj. Alkozay, is content with the training and mentoring.  He is receptive to his trainers, and hopes his soldiers are successful on the battlefield.

The bn will soon be evaluated on their performance.  Once the soldiers are certified, they'll join RCT 2, and be partnered with Marine combat units. 

Sgt. Daniel Scannell, a motorman assigned to the mentoring team, corrects an Afghan soldier on the proper handling of his M-16.  

Capt. Eric Brown shares a friendly moment with an ANA logistics officer, affectionately known as 'Nitro.'  

Sgt. Daniel Scannell clears out a jam in a rifle belonging to an Afghan soldier.

Maj. Yasin corrects 2 of his soldiers while at the rifle range.  

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ISAF commander patrols with Czech PRT

By Army Pfc. Michael Sword

ISAF cmdr, Gen. Stanley McChrystal; Col. Rudolf Honzak, cmdr of the Logar PRT from the Czech Republic; and Matyas Zrno, head of the civilian element of the PRT (from left to right), talk on their way to the ANP training compound at FOB Shank, April 9.   McChrystal was at FOB Shank to visit with the Logar PRT, and see some of the projects the PRT are currently working on. 

LOGAR PROVINCE – After arriving to FOB Shank, McChrystal greeted and gave coins to a group of 20 troops from the PRT, met with ANP trainees, and watched a demonstration of the ANP training obstacle course, before being taken to view some of the PRT’s ongoing projects in the prov.

The op was in control of the Czech PRT, whose troops provided security for McChrystal, the ISAF command sgt maj; Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall; and  Army Lt. Col. Kyle Lear, dep. cmdr of the 173rd Abn BCT, who were among the only American Soldiers present.

“It was an honor for us to provide his security on our own,” said Czech Army Capt. Peter Siler, PAO for the Czech PRT.  Members of the PRT, including Czech Army Col. Honzak, cmdr of the Czech PRT, briefed McChrystal on some of their ongoing projects in Tanghjy Waghjan, including an ANP checkpoint that was reconstructed last year, and 3 road bridges.

The bridges not only provide a road between the ANP checkpoint and an ANA/ANP outpost on a nearby hill, but also improve travel between the nearby villages, said Jan Pejril, the dep. chief of the civilian element of the PRT. 

Upon returning to FOB Shank, McChrystal thanked the members of the Czech PRT, military and civilian, for their work in Logar, and helping to improve security and quality of life for the people of the prov.  He also appreciated the cooperation between the Czech civilians, troops and the Soldiers of TF Bayonet. “It was a big honor for us to have the ISAF commander here,” said Zrno. 

 

Gen. McChrystal, shakes the hand of an ANP recruit. 

-30-

DVIDS

Troops Detain Militants, Find Weapons

(An ISAF Joint Command News Release)

GHAZNI PROVINCE - Afghan-ASAF pursuing a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator, detained 2 suspected militants, April 14.

April 13, an ANA patrol in the Muqer district, found a homemade bomb consisting of 2 RPGs, a 72 mm artillery shell, and homemade explosives.

PAKTIA PROVINCE - Orgun district April 13, a combined force detained a few suspected militants for further questioning, after a search prompted by intel info.

KABUL PROVINCE - Afghan forces in Bagrami district found 34 RPGs, April 13.

HELMAND PROVINCE - In Nad-e Ali district, April 13, an Afghan civilian turned in a homemade bomb containing more than 10-lbs of explosives to members of the ISAF.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE - In Zarghun Shahr district April 13, an Afghan patrol found a bomb made from 4 100 mm artillery rounds. An ISAF EOD team destroyed it.

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

USF-I

Traditional Iraqi building makes comeback

By Maj. Eric Russell, and C. Brandt Smith, Jr.

Local contractors construct the main reed arches of a marsh Arab mudhif. The house is a blend of adobe and reed building materials, used frequently by marsh Arabs in SE Iraq. Construction of the model adobe house was coordinated with TF Pathfinder and the Dhi Qar PRT. 

COB ADDER – Local architecture plays an important role in the culture of the marsh Arabs of southern Iraq.  No structure captures the lifestyle and traditions of the region more than the “mudhif,” a traditional structure making a comeback in modern construction, thanks to a little outside help.

First built in the marshes of what is now southern Iraq over 5,000 years ago, the mudhif is a unique local meeting place constructed entirely of reeds, straw and other natural materials. Over time, the building process hasn't changed greatly.

The design of the mudhif reflects local traditions.  For instance, there're always an odd number of reed pillars in the mudhif, allowing the host of a meeting to sit along one side wall with an equal number of guests to his right and left.  This ensures that the tribal shaykh remains at the center of decision-making when conducting business, and reinforces his position of prestige in the area.

Building on this traditional form of construction,  Soldiers with TF Pathfinder embarked on a program to incorporate local building materials and techniques, into present-day construction projects.  In a military-sponsored training program entitled "The Modernization of the Traditional Marsh Arab Mudhif," local builders used readily available, and generally free, raw materials, along with ancient building techniques to construct a model adobe house in Chubayish City.

The ancient and the modern meet in this single location--a marsh reed home outfitted with electricity, running water and conveniences, that usher in an architectural concept found throughout the 4th BCT, 1st AR Div's operating environment.

The use of inexpensive marsh reeds, whether as mats or support columns, a soil foundation, and modern adobe bricks, are the basic elements needed to build the houses, promoting sustainability, and allowing locals to replicate the buildings without much expenditures on construction materials.

"The concept and design of the house are intended to showcase the cultural significance of the mudhifs and reed huts, that have been used in the area since recorded history, bearing in mind the climate of the area," explained Maj. Eric Russell, an Army engr and ops officer for TF Pathfinder. "Each of the houses has a modern service module that includes a bathroom and a kitchen."

There is a tremendous need for housing projects in the Marshlands to accommodate returning refugees, as well as the growing population of villages and cities in and around the marshes.
A new govt system is in place with the tender shoots of democracy beginning to emerge from this desert-dwelling nation.  Like this mudhif, an ancient structure rebuilt to reflect modernization, the people of Iraq are embracing a new time and place in the world.

Local contractors construct the inner walls, using reeds gathered from marshlands near the Euphrates River.

-30-

USF-I

Troops bring books to Baghdad schools

By Spc. Jared Eastman

An IFP carries boxes of books for distribution to Baghdad’s Fursan Primary School, during a delivery conducted by the ISF and B Troop, 5th Sqdrn, 7th Cav Regt, April 11, 2010.

BAGHDAD – Three schools in the Iraqi capital received a special visit recently, welcoming both Iraq and U.S. forces delivering a slew of books for the eager children. "Today we went on a book drop mission to try and give the Iraqi schools English-Arabic books," said Sgt. Alexander Hudson. "The benefit is that the Iraqis see the U.S. and ISF working together to help Iraq as a whole."

With the atmosphere of a “bring-your-child-to-work-day,” Soldiers found the situation reversed, and sat with Iraqi school kids, and rehearsed vocabulary. Their whole-hearted attempts caused laughter amongst the children.

"I feel like this is an important mission," said Spc. James Shapiro, of B Troop. "As this is my first deployment, I was expecting a lot more firefights, but stuff like this is important. It not only shows the Iraqi kids that we care about them and their future, but it also helps give them an education."

Soldiers and ISF members alike carried in the Arabic Scholastic books to each headmaster's office.  Members of the school thanked the ISF and U.S. Soldiers profusely, for providing the books. For the scouts of the sqdrn, this was a scenario that required both security and friendly behavior.

"All my guys are professionals, and they're trained," said Hudson. "That's my focal point.  When we go out – let's say for a book drop – our discipline level is so high that we can hold our weapons down. You don't always have to be in an offensive position, but we're always watching our sectors. You can greet and smile, but you are always on guard."  Hudson, who's been on 4 deployments, 3 to Iraq, pinpointed the changes he has seen in the nation.

"I was here when the war started, and for the first elections, so, I've seen a lot of differences.  We used to have IEDs popping off all the time. You really don't see that stuff as much here," he said. Hudson's viewpoints have passed on to Shapiro, who could be seen pulling security, playing with children and hauling books into the mission.

"I think this transition from combat to assisting ops is important, because this country will finally stabilize, and there'll be less violent actions against one another," said Shapiro. "If we can help stabilize the nation, younger generations will have a better life."

For a brief moment in a once war-torn country, a glimpse of the future brought nothing but smiles to Iraqi youth.

"It was heartwarming to see the kids' smiles," said Shapiro. "I get a feeling of accomplishment out of these missions. When I can go and see a result like that, I know that this deployment was worth it to me."

An Iraqi girl looks out a window from the Arbed Primary School in Baghdad. 

-30-

USF-I

MP training a friendly force of Iraqi Police

By Pvt. Zach Zuber

Children from the Jalula neighborhood in Diyala talk with IP as they patrol the community, April 14, 2010. With guidance from 3rd Plt, 66th MP Co, the IP force is showing a greater presence in the communities they serve. 

DIYALA – A new training program here at FOB Cobra has the 66th MP Co encouraging IP from the surrounding areas to have a stronger presence.  A series of shops spanning multiple blocks,  are visited by thousands of patrons each day looking for items, ranging from fresh fish to new clothing styles.  In a bustling environment like this, it’s easy for situations to arise needing the attention of the IP.

The 66th MP, attached to the 3rd Stryker BCT, 2nd ID, is fostering the desire the IP have to get out and mingle with the population. "The underlying premise of the class is to get these guys out there, and be the main independent SECFOR at the community level," said 1st Lt. Alicia Mienko, 3rd plt leader. "The IA has done a great job of securing Iraq; now it's time for the police to take over, and transition from combat ops to stability ops."

As the IP walk through the markets, they talk to anyone with a question or concern.  During this time, the IP were able to resolve a conflict between 2 merchants, and make friends with local children. "The other day at the market I saw a sgt pick up a small child, and while he was holding him, I could tell it was something the people weren't used to," said Spc. Ryan Greenzwieg, a driver for 3rd Plt. "That made the child happy, and the expression on the parents' faces showed they were glad to see him taking interest."

-30-

USF-I

Isolated Iraqi troops get MEDEVAC training

By Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Moore

Sgt. Carey Atkins, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief assigned to Co C, 3rd Bn, 238th Aviation Regt, waves an Iraqi Dept of Border Enforcement litter team up to load a mock casualty, during recent MEDEVAC training. The DBE is advised by Border Transition Team Phoenix, attached to 4th BCT, 1st AR Div.

JSS CHILAT – In a war zone, the ability to quickly transport injured personnel for treatment is critical for all, but especially for those serving at remote forts along the Iran-Iraq border in northern Maysan prov.

To that end, members of U.S. Border Transition Team Phoenix (BTT), and the flight crew and medics of Co C, recently assisted their Iraqi medical partners by providing basic MEDEVAC training.  Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Moore, BTT Phoenix medic, assisted in the teaching of several techniques, including 9-line MEDEVAC transmission, litter carries and improvised litter construction.

Moore, a veteran of multiple combat tours, emphasized the importance of remaining calm during emergency situations.  One of the main training objectives was to familiarize Iraqi DBE Soldiers with both hot and cold helicopter loading procedures, so that the first time they're exposed to working under a hot rotor system, is not in a combat situation.

This training opportunity also gave the DBE a chance to learn verbal commands and hand-and-arm signals. This training is very important because normal communication is not possible under a turning rotor system.  The UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC procedures are much the same as the procedures for the IqAF's UH-1 helicopter.

"The aviation crew assisted them on how to set up landing zones, guide the helicopters in, and how to load patients, but the Iraqi's lead the training," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Ferrell, a flight medic with the unit.  The team said that the best part of the training was the fact that 2 Iraqi medics, recent graduates of the MoD Medical Train-the-Trainer Course in Taji, were training their own Soldiers with minimal help from U.S. forces.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-16

Dear Interested Reader,

Combined patrol protects meeting in Kunar prov.  ANA, TF Repel, graduate first warrior leaders in Logar.  Gen. McChrystal awards 4 Silver Stars at FOB Fenty.  Panjshir PRT cmdr interviewed at Radio Khurasan.  Forces capture militants, seize caches.

Iraq:  16th Engrs meet with partners in Baghdad.  Water Treatment Plant opening.  Congressional Medal of Honor memorial ceremony at Camp Liberty.  PB Shaibah returned to Iraqi control.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Combined Patrol Protects Meeting in Kunar Province

By Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte 

KUNAR PROVINCE - Army Soldiers with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, accompany an ANA patrol, securing the area near the Nishigam village, April 6. The ANA-led mission involved meeting with villagers at important community gathering places, such as the school and local bazaar. The over watch position near COP Bari Alai is used to prevent insurgents from attacking ANSF as they work with residents.  ISAF provided support during the mission. 

An ANA Soldier points out where he will place his men to provide security for a foot patrol to the Nishigam village.

Army Pvt. Michael Walters, a forward observer with 2nd Plt, monitors an ANA visit to Nishigam village. 

Army Spc. Colin McTamaney, a team leader with 2nd Plt, uses his rifle scope to monitor an ANA visit to the Nishigam village.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANA, TF Repel, Graduate First Warrior Leaders in Logar

By Army Spc. Daniel Haun

FOB SHANK – Graduates of the 1st Combined Action NCO Academy prepare to receive their diplomas, April 8. The academy is charged with the official duty of training, coaching and teaching future ANA NCOs assigned to the 4th Kandak (Bn), and their combined action partners from the BSB. 

LOGAR PROVINCE -- Due to a shortage of trained and certified junior NCOs in the 4th Kandak, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, 173rd BSB Command Sgt. Maj., and ANA Command Sgt. Maj. Qadar, 4th Kandak, command sgt maj, developed and implemented the institution for the purpose of training NCOs.

The 1st class enrolled on March 27, with  Army Master Sgt. Sean Wilson as the commandant.  At its inception, the Academy occupied 2 adjoining bases, Camp Maiwan and FOB Shank.  The 1st class graduated April 8, with over a dozen Warriors Leader Course honorees.

ANA Staff Sgt. Malager, a recon NCO said at the graduation that he learned both tactical and medical guidance throughout the course. “The ANA cmdrs and CF set up classes for us.  We would start with physical training, and after that they would teach us in the field. We learned a lot about tactics, and received medical training. We learned how to save a life and how to protect ourselves,” Malager said. “I feel very good right now; we’ve been through the classes; we know how to lead.  I’m ready for the challenge,” Malager said.

Army 1st Sgt. Richard Carullo, Alpha Co., 173rd BSB 1st sgt, spoke to the graduates about the importance of their training and the importance of leadership.
“The course you just completed is a culmination of nearly 10 years of partnering between our 2 countries,” he said. “It's understood in militaries around the globe that NCOs are the backbone of an army. The fact that TF Repel and the 4th Kandak are taking the time to establish an NCO education system, speaks volumes of the dedication these commands have to the success of our partnership,” he said.
   
Carullo said that the graduates were now given the responsibility of young Soldiers lives under their guidance.  There’s no greater gift that a nation can bestow on an individual, than to place the lives of its soldiers in your hands,” he said.  He left them by saying that the adventure of leadership had just begun for them.

"From this day forward you're a leader: one that can be counted on to do what is right legally, morally, and ethically; one that can be counted on to be technically and tactically proficient; one that stands for a cause that is greater than their own; one that leads Soldiers by providing purpose direction and motivation, while accomplishing any mission, at any time, in any weather, with minimal resources,” said Carullo.

 

A Soldier from the 4th Kandak, lifts his diploma after graduating, to show he is ready to serve the people of Afghanistan.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Gen. McChrystal awards four Silver Stars for valor

By Army Pfc. Beth Raney 

 

NANGARHAR PROVINCE – Army Capt. Christopher Cordova, with HHT, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the cmdr of the ISAF and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at FOB Fenty, April 9.  Cordova was recognized for displaying mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 U.S. and ANSF casualties, and an additional 27 “walking wounded” during a violent engagement with enemy forces last Oct.

Army 1st Lt. Andrew Bundermann, with Troop B, 3rd Sqdrn, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Bundermann orchestrated the defense of COP Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of a Taliban force of more than 400 fighters. 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Hill, with Troop B, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout, while leading his plt, in the plt leader’s absence, during the battle of COP Keating.  Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire, and organized multiple efforts to recover fallen Soldiers under effective, accurate fire. 

Army Sgt. Thomas Rasmussen, with Troop B, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammo supply point and establish a stronghold at COP, after it was overrun by more than 400 insurgent fighters. He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to a battle position, and recovered 2 American Heroes. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Panjshir PRT Cmdr Interviewed at Radio Khurasan

By AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE - AF Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez (left), the Panjshir PRT cmdr, is interviewed at Radio Khurasan.  During his introductory interview, Velasquez talked about projects the previous PRT completed, and some of the projects his PRT will be working on during the coming months.  Velasquez said he wants to build on the successes of previous PRTs, and he is thankful to the people of Panjshir for their cooperation and positive relationship with the PRT. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Coalition, Afghan Forces Capture Militants, Find Weapons

(From an ISAF Joint Command news release) 

KHOST PROVINCE - An Afghan-ISAF detained several suspected militants, April 13, while pursuing a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in the Terezai district. Haqqani cmdrs have sought to establish strongholds in the prov., disrupting the local govt and facilitating the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country, officials said.

HELMAND PROVINCE - In the Lashkar Gah district, April 13, an ISAF patrol found a suicide vest, and an EOD team destroyed it.

An Afghan-ISAF in Nahr Surkh district, located a wanted man who was believed to be a Taliban sub-cmdr who facilitated bombing attacks.  He was shot and killed after threatening the SECFOR.

In Nad-e Ali district, a combined patrol found a recoilless rifle, an assault rifle, a sniper rifle and hundreds of rounds of small-arms ammo.

ZABUL PROVINCE - April 12, an Afghan-ISAF in Qalat district detained 2 suspected militants for further questioning.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE - In Daman district April 12, a combined patrol found more than 1,000 anti-aircraft rounds, 9 105 mm artillery rounds, 2 120 mm artillery rounds, 20 mortar rounds, 6 anti-personnel mines, several grenades, RPGs, 100 cans of 30 mm rounds, 10 ANA uniforms, and 4 ANP uniforms.

KUNDUZ PROVINCE - An Afghan-ISAF killed 2 militants, and discovered 60-lbs  of drugs, April 12. The combined force, while pursuing a Taliban cmdr in the Archi district, stopped a suspect vehicle. The 2 occupants came out of the vehicle, and the SECFOR shot and killed them, after assessing their actions as hostile.  A search of the vehicle revealed 60-lbs of opium gum.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

16th Engrs Meet With Partners in Baghdad

Col. Tris Cooper, dep. bde cmdr of 16th Engr Bde, meets with Gen. Halem, the EOD dir. of IFP, and Col. Falleh, the IA EOD regimental cmdr, at the IFP EOD HQ, March 31. Their meeting addressed the importance of collecting and preserving evidence, as well as addressing equipment issues, and other problems the IA and IP EOD units face.   

BAGHDAD -- ISF leaders in charge of responding to the scene of IEDs and EFPs met with 16th Engr Bde leaders met in downtown Baghdad. "The Army EOD frequently arrives at the crime scene to find that the scene is all cleaned up and hosed down; all the evidence is washed away," said EOD adviser, Maj. Emerson Long. "By keeping the scene from being contaminated, it lets us get the evidence that we need to figure out who the perpetrator or bomb maker is."

The meeting took place as the 16th Engr Bde is preparing to redeploy as part of an Iraq-wide responsible drawdown, leaving the job of maintaining safety and security to capable Iraqi counterparts.

Both the IA and IP understand the importance of collecting the evidence, and are willing to work together, but they've some obstacles standing in their way. "We're fighting an invisible enemy:  the lack of equipment and resources," said the Federal Police EOD dir., Gen. Halem.

The IP officers have trained and continue to train with U.S. EOD Soldiers, but without the proper equipment or the right resources, it's made it harder to collect the evidence needed to do their jobs correctly and effectively.

The meeting also addressed a plan to split the areas between the different EOD units. Currently, the IA, the IP, and the fire dept all share the same areas. Whoever arrives on the scene first takes control of the op. They expressed they'd like to set up designated areas to alleviate any confusion and allow units to run ops as they see fit.  

As a result, Col. Tris Cooper, dep. cmdr, said that the 16th will continue building the relationship they have with their Iraqi counterparts. "We'll continue working together to ensure there is progress made on these problems."   

Col. Tris Cooper accepts a token of appreciation from Gen. Halem, at the conclusion of the conference.

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Water Treatment Plant Opening 

Photos by Spc. Jesse Gross

JSS SUJ - Army Capt. Andrew Lewis, comm. officer for Bravo Co, 2nd Inf Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, greets Col. Kareem, comm. officer of the 8-2 Iraqi FPB during an opening ceremony for a water treatment plant, March 23. The treatment plant is one of many that have been opened to aid in efforts to bring clean water to the local community.

Maj. Jacob Peterson, EO for 2nd Inf Bn, talks with local Iraqi villagers.

-30-

DVIDS

Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Ceremony

(Army photos by Spc. Jared Eastman)  

BAGHDAD - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, 3rd ID cmdr, speaks during Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith's Memorial Ceremony on Camp Liberty, April 4. Smith was mortally wounded April 4, 2003, at the same spot the ceremony took place.  His actions helped defeat enemy attacks, resulting in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded U.S. Soldiers. 

Army Capt. Steven Jackowski, the HHC, 1st BCT-Augmented cmdr, looks at the Camp Liberty, battle-site where Sgt.1st Class Smith was mortally wounded. The 3rd ID held the ceremony to honor his sacrifice protecting his Soldiers.

-30-

DVIDS

USD-S Returns Property to Iraqi Control 

(Photos by Sgt. Benjamin Kibbey)

BASRA - Sgt. 1st Class Sherry Ellithorpe, Patrol Base Shaibah Logistics Military Advisory Team NCO-in-charge; Sgt. Joshua Garriott, PB Shaibah LMAT fuel advisor; and Staff Sgt. Alejandro Montano, fold the U.S. flag after lowering it for the final time at PB Shaibah, March 30. The base was returned to full Iraqi control during a March 30, ceremony.  

The Iraqi flag is raised over Contingency Operating Station Hunter, signifying the full return of the base to Iraqi control, March 26. 

Sameer Alhaddad, the rep for receivership of the chief of staff of the Iraqi PM, and Lt. Col. William Walski, cmdr, 2nd Sqdrn, 13th Cav Regt, sign papers officially transferring Contingency Operating Station Hunter to Iraqi control, at COS Hunter, March 26.   

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-16

Dear Interested Reader,

Combined patrol protects meeting in Kunar prov.  ANA, TF Repel, graduate first warrior leaders in Logar.  Gen. McChrystal awards 4 Silver Stars at FOB Fenty.  Panjshir PRT cmdr interviewed at Radio Khurasan.  Forces capture militants, seize caches.

Iraq:  16th Engrs meet with partners in Baghdad.  Water Treatment Plant opening.  Congressional Medal of Honor memorial ceremony at Camp Liberty.  PB Shaibah returned to Iraqi control.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Combined Patrol Protects Meeting in Kunar Province

By Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte 

KUNAR PROVINCE - Army Soldiers with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, accompany an ANA patrol, securing the area near the Nishigam village, April 6. The ANA-led mission involved meeting with villagers at important community gathering places, such as the school and local bazaar. The over watch position near COP Bari Alai is used to prevent insurgents from attacking ANSF as they work with residents.  ISAF provided support during the mission. 

An ANA Soldier points out where he will place his men to provide security for a foot patrol to the Nishigam village.

Army Pvt. Michael Walters, a forward observer with 2nd Plt, monitors an ANA visit to Nishigam village. 

Army Spc. Colin McTamaney, a team leader with 2nd Plt, uses his rifle scope to monitor an ANA visit to the Nishigam village.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANA, TF Repel, Graduate First Warrior Leaders in Logar

By Army Spc. Daniel Haun

FOB SHANK – Graduates of the 1st Combined Action NCO Academy prepare to receive their diplomas, April 8. The academy is charged with the official duty of training, coaching and teaching future ANA NCOs assigned to the 4th Kandak (Bn), and their combined action partners from the BSB. 

LOGAR PROVINCE -- Due to a shortage of trained and certified junior NCOs in the 4th Kandak, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Sellers, 173rd BSB Command Sgt. Maj., and ANA Command Sgt. Maj. Qadar, 4th Kandak, command sgt maj, developed and implemented the institution for the purpose of training NCOs.

The 1st class enrolled on March 27, with  Army Master Sgt. Sean Wilson as the commandant.  At its inception, the Academy occupied 2 adjoining bases, Camp Maiwan and FOB Shank.  The 1st class graduated April 8, with over a dozen Warriors Leader Course honorees.

ANA Staff Sgt. Malager, a recon NCO said at the graduation that he learned both tactical and medical guidance throughout the course. “The ANA cmdrs and CF set up classes for us.  We would start with physical training, and after that they would teach us in the field. We learned a lot about tactics, and received medical training. We learned how to save a life and how to protect ourselves,” Malager said. “I feel very good right now; we’ve been through the classes; we know how to lead.  I’m ready for the challenge,” Malager said.

Army 1st Sgt. Richard Carullo, Alpha Co., 173rd BSB 1st sgt, spoke to the graduates about the importance of their training and the importance of leadership.
“The course you just completed is a culmination of nearly 10 years of partnering between our 2 countries,” he said. “It's understood in militaries around the globe that NCOs are the backbone of an army. The fact that TF Repel and the 4th Kandak are taking the time to establish an NCO education system, speaks volumes of the dedication these commands have to the success of our partnership,” he said.
   
Carullo said that the graduates were now given the responsibility of young Soldiers lives under their guidance.  There’s no greater gift that a nation can bestow on an individual, than to place the lives of its soldiers in your hands,” he said.  He left them by saying that the adventure of leadership had just begun for them.

"From this day forward you're a leader: one that can be counted on to do what is right legally, morally, and ethically; one that can be counted on to be technically and tactically proficient; one that stands for a cause that is greater than their own; one that leads Soldiers by providing purpose direction and motivation, while accomplishing any mission, at any time, in any weather, with minimal resources,” said Carullo.

 

A Soldier from the 4th Kandak, lifts his diploma after graduating, to show he is ready to serve the people of Afghanistan.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Gen. McChrystal awards four Silver Stars for valor

By Army Pfc. Beth Raney 

 

NANGARHAR PROVINCE – Army Capt. Christopher Cordova, with HHT, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the cmdr of the ISAF and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, at FOB Fenty, April 9.  Cordova was recognized for displaying mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 U.S. and ANSF casualties, and an additional 27 “walking wounded” during a violent engagement with enemy forces last Oct.

Army 1st Lt. Andrew Bundermann, with Troop B, 3rd Sqdrn, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Bundermann orchestrated the defense of COP Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of a Taliban force of more than 400 fighters. 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Hill, with Troop B, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout, while leading his plt, in the plt leader’s absence, during the battle of COP Keating.  Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire, and organized multiple efforts to recover fallen Soldiers under effective, accurate fire. 

Army Sgt. Thomas Rasmussen, with Troop B, receives a Silver Star for exceptional valor from Gen. McChrystal.  Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammo supply point and establish a stronghold at COP, after it was overrun by more than 400 insurgent fighters. He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to a battle position, and recovered 2 American Heroes. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Panjshir PRT Cmdr Interviewed at Radio Khurasan

By AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE - AF Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez (left), the Panjshir PRT cmdr, is interviewed at Radio Khurasan.  During his introductory interview, Velasquez talked about projects the previous PRT completed, and some of the projects his PRT will be working on during the coming months.  Velasquez said he wants to build on the successes of previous PRTs, and he is thankful to the people of Panjshir for their cooperation and positive relationship with the PRT. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Coalition, Afghan Forces Capture Militants, Find Weapons

(From an ISAF Joint Command news release) 

KHOST PROVINCE - An Afghan-ISAF detained several suspected militants, April 13, while pursuing a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in the Terezai district. Haqqani cmdrs have sought to establish strongholds in the prov., disrupting the local govt and facilitating the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country, officials said.

HELMAND PROVINCE - In the Lashkar Gah district, April 13, an ISAF patrol found a suicide vest, and an EOD team destroyed it.

An Afghan-ISAF in Nahr Surkh district, located a wanted man who was believed to be a Taliban sub-cmdr who facilitated bombing attacks.  He was shot and killed after threatening the SECFOR.

In Nad-e Ali district, a combined patrol found a recoilless rifle, an assault rifle, a sniper rifle and hundreds of rounds of small-arms ammo.

ZABUL PROVINCE - April 12, an Afghan-ISAF in Qalat district detained 2 suspected militants for further questioning.

KANDAHAR PROVINCE - In Daman district April 12, a combined patrol found more than 1,000 anti-aircraft rounds, 9 105 mm artillery rounds, 2 120 mm artillery rounds, 20 mortar rounds, 6 anti-personnel mines, several grenades, RPGs, 100 cans of 30 mm rounds, 10 ANA uniforms, and 4 ANP uniforms.

KUNDUZ PROVINCE - An Afghan-ISAF killed 2 militants, and discovered 60-lbs  of drugs, April 12. The combined force, while pursuing a Taliban cmdr in the Archi district, stopped a suspect vehicle. The 2 occupants came out of the vehicle, and the SECFOR shot and killed them, after assessing their actions as hostile.  A search of the vehicle revealed 60-lbs of opium gum.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

16th Engrs Meet With Partners in Baghdad

Col. Tris Cooper, dep. bde cmdr of 16th Engr Bde, meets with Gen. Halem, the EOD dir. of IFP, and Col. Falleh, the IA EOD regimental cmdr, at the IFP EOD HQ, March 31. Their meeting addressed the importance of collecting and preserving evidence, as well as addressing equipment issues, and other problems the IA and IP EOD units face.   

BAGHDAD -- ISF leaders in charge of responding to the scene of IEDs and EFPs met with 16th Engr Bde leaders met in downtown Baghdad. "The Army EOD frequently arrives at the crime scene to find that the scene is all cleaned up and hosed down; all the evidence is washed away," said EOD adviser, Maj. Emerson Long. "By keeping the scene from being contaminated, it lets us get the evidence that we need to figure out who the perpetrator or bomb maker is."

The meeting took place as the 16th Engr Bde is preparing to redeploy as part of an Iraq-wide responsible drawdown, leaving the job of maintaining safety and security to capable Iraqi counterparts.

Both the IA and IP understand the importance of collecting the evidence, and are willing to work together, but they've some obstacles standing in their way. "We're fighting an invisible enemy:  the lack of equipment and resources," said the Federal Police EOD dir., Gen. Halem.

The IP officers have trained and continue to train with U.S. EOD Soldiers, but without the proper equipment or the right resources, it's made it harder to collect the evidence needed to do their jobs correctly and effectively.

The meeting also addressed a plan to split the areas between the different EOD units. Currently, the IA, the IP, and the fire dept all share the same areas. Whoever arrives on the scene first takes control of the op. They expressed they'd like to set up designated areas to alleviate any confusion and allow units to run ops as they see fit.  

As a result, Col. Tris Cooper, dep. cmdr, said that the 16th will continue building the relationship they have with their Iraqi counterparts. "We'll continue working together to ensure there is progress made on these problems."   

Col. Tris Cooper accepts a token of appreciation from Gen. Halem, at the conclusion of the conference.

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Water Treatment Plant Opening 

Photos by Spc. Jesse Gross

JSS SUJ - Army Capt. Andrew Lewis, comm. officer for Bravo Co, 2nd Inf Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, greets Col. Kareem, comm. officer of the 8-2 Iraqi FPB during an opening ceremony for a water treatment plant, March 23. The treatment plant is one of many that have been opened to aid in efforts to bring clean water to the local community.

Maj. Jacob Peterson, EO for 2nd Inf Bn, talks with local Iraqi villagers.

-30-

DVIDS

Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial Ceremony

(Army photos by Spc. Jared Eastman)  

BAGHDAD - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, 3rd ID cmdr, speaks during Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith's Memorial Ceremony on Camp Liberty, April 4. Smith was mortally wounded April 4, 2003, at the same spot the ceremony took place.  His actions helped defeat enemy attacks, resulting in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded U.S. Soldiers. 

Army Capt. Steven Jackowski, the HHC, 1st BCT-Augmented cmdr, looks at the Camp Liberty, battle-site where Sgt.1st Class Smith was mortally wounded. The 3rd ID held the ceremony to honor his sacrifice protecting his Soldiers.

-30-

DVIDS

USD-S Returns Property to Iraqi Control 

(Photos by Sgt. Benjamin Kibbey)

BASRA - Sgt. 1st Class Sherry Ellithorpe, Patrol Base Shaibah Logistics Military Advisory Team NCO-in-charge; Sgt. Joshua Garriott, PB Shaibah LMAT fuel advisor; and Staff Sgt. Alejandro Montano, fold the U.S. flag after lowering it for the final time at PB Shaibah, March 30. The base was returned to full Iraqi control during a March 30, ceremony.  

The Iraqi flag is raised over Contingency Operating Station Hunter, signifying the full return of the base to Iraqi control, March 26. 

Sameer Alhaddad, the rep for receivership of the chief of staff of the Iraqi PM, and Lt. Col. William Walski, cmdr, 2nd Sqdrn, 13th Cav Regt, sign papers officially transferring Contingency Operating Station Hunter to Iraqi control, at COS Hunter, March 26.   

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-15

Dear Interested Reader,

ISAF units pull out of Korengal Valley.  SECFOR suppress attack in Kunar prov.  Four stars/2 parents make for a special reenlistment.  CJTF-82 donates treats, toys to base hospital.  

Iraq:  3-1 Combat Bde conduct walk-around in Saydiyah.  3-73 Cav Soldiers patrol Zumar.  Joe Hubenak Elem. School donates school supplies.  Senior Airman Kayla Manning brings a "pink" touch to her MRAP.

Joanna

___________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

ISAF HQ Public Affairs

ISAF Units Pull out of Korengal Valley

(Army photos by Spc. David Jackson)   

Army Capt. Mark Moretti, cmdr of Co B, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, TF Lethal Warrior, sits hand-in-hand with Shamshir Khan, one of the most senior Korengal Valley elders, April 13, at the Korengal Outpost.  Moretti, who has led the Soldiers of Baker Co at the KOP since 2009, welcomed Khan and the rest of the Korengali elders onto the KOP to provide them an orientation of all the buildings and equipment that would be left behind for the people of the valley to utilize. 

KUNAR PROVINCE – ISAF continued their realignment with more populated areas in accordance with the ISAF counterinsurgency strategy.  Forces repositioned out of the isolated Korengal Valley, early April 14. These deliberate moves began in March.

"This repositioning in partnership with the ANSF, responds to the requirements of the new population-centric counterinsurgency strategy," said Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, cmdr, ISAF Joint Command. "The move does not prevent forces from rapidly responding, as necessary, to crises there in the Korengal, and in other parts of the region, as well," Rodriguez said.

"Repositioning forces from the Korengal valley to more populated areas will allow us to have greater flexibility," said Army Col. Randy George, cmdr of TF Mtn Warrior. "The area was once very operationally important, but appropriate to the new strategy, we're focusing our efforts on population centers.  We're still able to conduct operations there, even without a base, like we do in other remote valleys."

Army Lt. Col. Brian Pearl, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt cmdr; Shamshir Khan, senior Korengal Valley elder, and ANA Lt. Col. Kohistani, 1st Commando Kandak cmdr, walk with local elders, ANSF and ISAF through the KOP. 

Lt. Col. Pearl and ANA Lt. Col. Kohistani, sit down with elders to discuss the future of the area and the realignment of ISAF Soldiers out of the valley, April 10. 

The KOP, established in 2006, can be seen from a mountain ridgeline in the Korengal Valley, April 10, 2010.  

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Security forces suppress complex attack in Kunar

(Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte)

KUNAR PROVINCE – An ANA Soldier returns fire during a complex attack against COP Bari Alai, April 10.  ANA and ISAF fought off anti-Afghan Forces throughout the afternoon.  An estimated 30 insurgents fired on a dismounted patrol, wounding 3, near Nishigam village, and attacked the outpost with small arms and heavy machine gun fire from the surrounding territory.  ANA and ISAF suppressed the attackers with direct and indirect fires, as well as air-to-ground missiles and bombs. 

 

Army Spc. Brandon Mullins, a squad-designated marksman with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, returns fire.

 

Pfc. Rex Davis, a gunner with 2nd Plt, fires an automatic grenade launcher against insurgent positions.  

 

A U.S. Army helicopter checks the area near COP Bari Alai after firing air-to-ground missiles into a cave during an extended complex attack. 

 

Pfc. Rex Davis watches while a bomb is dropped on anti-Afghan positions. 

Pfc. Timothy Prescott, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 2nd Plt, returns fire. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Four stars/two parents make for a special reenlistment 

Story and photos by Beth E. Sherman, Combined Joint TF 82 PA

Mr. Anthony Ralph and wife, Mrs. Beth Moore look on as Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Combined Joint TF-82 comm. gen., reenlists Mrs. Moore’s son, Army Spc. Alexander Moore at COP Wilderness, April 10. Moore’s mother and step-father are govt contractors at Bagram Airfield, and were able to attend the ceremony.  Moore, an artilleryman, serves with Bravo Co, 3rd Bn, 320nd FAR, 101st Abn Div. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE – Spc. Alexander Moore’s mother and step-father didn’t get a chance to see him enlist in the Army 2 years ago.  However, they more than made up for it, when they watched him re-enlist in an unlikely place, Afghanistan.

“I feel very fortunate, surprised and privileged that I've parents that do what they do, and can see me on this special occasion,” said Moore, 29.

 

“Words cannot begin to express the joy and pride we feel being here,” said Mrs. Moore, a retired Army master sgt. “It truly is a very special day for us.” Moore’s step-father is a retired Army sgt 1st class, and was thrilled to be by Alexander’s side. “It’s an exciting day, an important day, and a milestone. This one is special,” he said.

 

While Moore was thrilled to have family at COP Wilderness, he also had star power at his reenlistment.  Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, re-enlisted Moore and 2 other soldiers.  Moore was touched the comm. gen. would take the time to be there. “It makes us feel important,” said Moore with a smile. “It says what we do really matters, and is making a difference in the long-run. “

 

For Scaparrotti, it was an opportunity to connect with those carrying out the mission. “It makes my day. It’s why we’re here. They’re doing the hard work. You have to go out to see them, and despite all of our intel on the battlefield, I always learn a lot,” he said, about the fight.

 

The men and women of Moore’s unit also saw how much the Afghans cared about the fight, when Comm. Gen., 203rd ANA Thunder Corps, Maj. Gen., Abdul Khaliq, said a few words at the ceremony. “I think it’s truly amazing, that such great Americans, with such great American families, would re-enlist to help the cause for Afghanistan.”  

 

Moore’s family said they felt at home at COP Wilderness. With only enough soldiers to field a few football teams, Moore says it still reminds them of Sierra Vista, Ariz. “It reminds me of Arizona, except there are no mesquite trees and the dirt is gray instead of red,” he said. 

 

While other moms may not know all the risks their soldiers face, Mrs. Moore is all too familiar.  As a contractor, providing full motion video feeds to the Joint Ops Center, she sees the dangers of war every day. Yet, she says she’d rather know than wonder.  “Sometimes your imagination can be far worse than reality,” Mrs. Moore said. “It also provides a great deal of comfort to his wife and grandparents, knowing I can keep an eye on what’s happening in his area.”

 

For Mr. Ralph, faith in his step-son’s training, his unit and his survival instincts, also brings some peace of mind. “It helps to be a phone call, e-mail or rotary flight away.”  While Moore’s wife, Andrea and 2 children couldn’t be at his ceremony, the 3rd generation soldier admits, this re-enlistment may be tough to top.

Spc. Alexander Moore reenlists.

Maj. Gen. Scaparrotti signs an oath of re-enlistment for Spc. Alexander Moore.

Maj. Gen. Scaparrotti talks with troops after a re-enlistment ceremony. The comm. gen. of the 203rd ANA "Thunder" Corps, Maj. Gen. Khaliq, also attended, where he thanked soldiers for helping the cause for Afghanistan.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

CJTF-82 donates treats, toys to base hospital

Story and photos by Army Capt. Jennifer Bocanegra, CJTF-82 PA

BAGRAM AIRFIELD - An Afghan boy sits with a stuffed rabbit he received from CJTF-82 servicemembers, at the Egyptian Hospital on Bagram Airfield, April 11. The visit was part of a charity event by a community to help out a young girl who's suffering from Leukemia, back in Fayetteville, N.C.  One of the servicemember’s spouses sent 1,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, and other items collected, to CJTF-82 to donate to children at the hospital. 

 

A civilian working for CJTF-82, talks to a hospitalized Afghan boy.  

 

 

Army Staff Sgt. Paul Pressley and AF Tech Sgt. David Lewis, both from CJTF-82, unload boxes of cookies and toys for local national patients at the Egyptian Hospital.

 

 

AF Tech Sgt. Lewis pulls a tag from a stuffed animal, while Navy Petty Officer Mary Almquist stands in line waiting to enter the Egyptian Hospital to pass out toys and cookies to patients. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan forces learn desktop publishing

PAKTIYA PROVINCE – CF taught the ANA soldiers layout and design techniques for newspapers and magazines at FOB Lightning, April 4. The ANA Soldiers quickly acquired the desktop publishing skills, and were showing proficiency on the first day. 

 -30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson, Army)         

Army Spc. Patrick McDougall, of 2nd Sqdrn, Bravo Co, 7th Cav Regt, uses a Hand-held Interagency Identity Detection Equipment System to record info on a local Iraqi man near Mahmudiyah, Apr. 3, 2010. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Saydiyah Walk-around 

(Army photos by Spc. Bryan Rankin)  

FALCON - The command group of 3-1 Combat Bde stop for fruit smoothies and drinks, during a walk around of the Market district in Saydiyah, March 22.  CF were conducting a walk-around of the area to assess the quality of life for Iraqi citizens. 

Army Lt Col. Kyle Kouri, 3rd ID, 187th Abn Corps, buys a fruit smoothie. 

Col. Roger Coultier, 3rd ID, tries on a robe in a local shop.

Col. Coultier speaks to Brig. Gen. Fasao during a dinner. 

Lt Col. Kyle Kouri, 3rd ID, speaks to a shop owner in Saydiyah.

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Soldiers Patrol Zumar 

(Photos by Spc. Jillian Munyon)

ZUMAR - Army 1st Lt. Charles Smith, Charlie Troop, 3-73 Cav, 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Regt, conduct a dismounted patrol through Zumar, March 20. They met with a few locals to discuss violence happening within the town.   

Spc. Timothy Freshcorn, Charlie Troop, 3-73 Cav, 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Regt, works with CF during a dismounted patrol.  

1st Lt. Charles Smith conducts a dismounted patrol. 

1st Lt. Charles Smith works with the Peshmerga Army.

-30-

DVIDS

Iraqi ERU and US Soldiers Support Local Schools 

(Photos by 1st Lt. Meghan Keefe)

SALAH AD DIN - Maj. Khan and 1st Lt. Josh Morris pose with school boys who'll receive backpacks.  Morris's sister-in-law is an elementary school teacher, whose school donated the school supplies to fill 120 backpacks. 

A classroom full of smiles!  Young Iraqi school girls thank the Soldiers for providing backpacks to classmates in need.  Many students didn't have the basic necessities to get their books to and from school.   

This young boy was all smiles after being given a backpack to replace his torn one.   

Mrs. Erin Jones is the teacher for the 3rd Grade Class of the Joe Hubenak Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Erin Jones)   

The school dir., Maj. Khan of the ISF; school teachers; and Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Behnke of the 37th Engr Bn, Joint TF Eagle, talk about current events and the school program, in hopes of continuing to support this school system and others like it in the future. 

-30-

DVIDS

Face of Defense: Airman Brings Personal Touch to MRAP

By AF Senior Airman Jarrod Chavana

Senior Airman Kayla Manning sits at the wheel of her MRAP before heading out on a mission, March 27, 2010, at Camp Stryker. 

(AF photo by Master Sgt. Trish Bunting)  

BAGHDAD, April 13, 2010 – An MRAP vehicle towers to nearly the height of an 18-wheeler. Weighing in at more than 20 tons each, MRAPs are designed to survive blasts from roadside bombs and small-arms fire. They can transport airmen, Marines, soldiers and sailors in and out of the battlefield, without hesitation and at amazing speed. The gunner and the driver are in sync, as they relay commands to each other via internal communication systems.

Behind the wheel is AF Senior Airman Kayla Manning, from Det 2 of the 732nd ESFS.  Before missions, she almost doubles her weight when she dons her battle gear. While climbing into this life-saving vehicle, Manning has to place one knee on the MRAP's steps to hoist her weight upward to climb into the vehicle.  Despite a stature of just over 5' 2", she possesses the power, control and confidence of someone twice her size.

"This is my Big Bertha," said Manning, who is deployed from Edwards AF Base, Calif. "Before arriving in Iraq, we were trained on smaller vehicles. Once we arrived here, I was assigned to drive this big beast.  Believe it or not, I drive better in this vehicle than the smaller ones."

Since Manning's in control of the vehicle and its occupants, she decided to add a few personal touches of her own. "My favorite color is pink, so I tried to put in a pink steering wheel cover, but it wouldn't fit, so I sewed some pink fabric to the steering wheel,” she said. The mother of one of Manning’s teammates sent a pink-painted gear shift knob.

Those unconventional touches haven’t gone unnoticed. "Sometimes the guys tease me -- 'We can't drive around with all this pink in the truck,'" she said. "Then I have to tell them, ‘It's OK. It's my truck.’"

AF Senior Airman James Matthews, a gunner deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., said Manning is quite clear about her “my house, my rules” attitude. “It fits,” he said, “because she takes great care of the truck." She may get picked on about her pink steering wheel, but when it comes to a mission, Manning is all business.

"Once you get into the MRAP and you're ready to go out, you have to get into a proper mindset," Manning said. "That's probably the last thing I do before I drive outside the gates.  I pray not only to come home safe, but also to be aware, and for my family in case something was to happen."

Being attacked isn’t her biggest fear, she said. The possibility of making a mistake and hurting those inside the vehicle is what scares her. "I've been here since December 2009, and we've done at least two to three missions per week since we got here," Manning said. "I'm at the point where I know the roads and where it dips, so I know what to do and where. Some roads, you hope and pray you don't roll over. That's my biggest concern. I follow the soccer mom rule: I tend to be more worried of hurting those inside than myself.  If someone gets hurt because I rolled it, I would feel horrible.  I'm very protective of my guys."

One of the biggest dynamics within the vehicle is the communication between the gunner, who scans from the turret, and the driver, who scans the roads while driving. "The gunner/driver relationship is the most communication 2 people will ever have, because what the gunner sees, I need to see, and what I see, he needs to see. You need to be each other's eyes. They can see things further out that I can't see, and I can see things closer to the ground that they can't see," Manning said.

Her truck mates admitted they may have had doubts at first about Manning being their driver. "She isn't what I expected," said Matthews. "I thought she would be frail and timid, and I didn't think she would be able to handle this type of machine.  Now, I think she's one of the best drivers in the fleet."

 -30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Leistikow, Navy)    

An Army soldier from Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID hands bags of supplies to members of the Combined SECFOR, to give to local villagers in Hassad, March 28, 2010. The Golden Lions of the Combined SECFOR delivered bags of supplies and toys for children in 2 villages to demonstrate good will and maintain a positive relationship with local citizens. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-16

Dear Interested Reader,

ISAF units pull out of Korengal Valley.  SECFOR suppress attack in Kunar prov.  Four stars/2 parents make for a special reenlistment.  CJTF-82 donates treats, toys to base hospital.  

Iraq:  3-1 Combat Bde conduct walk-around in Saydiyah.  3-73 Cav Soldiers patrol Zumar.  Joe Hubenak Elem. School donates school supplies.  Senior Airman Kayla Manning brings a "pink" touch to her MRAP.

Joanna

___________________________

AFGHANISTAN STORIES:

ISAF HQ Public Affairs

ISAF Units Pull out of Korengal Valley

(Army photos by Spc. David Jackson)   

Army Capt. Mark Moretti, cmdr of Co B, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt, TF Lethal Warrior, sits hand-in-hand with Shamshir Khan, one of the most senior Korengal Valley elders, April 13, at the Korengal Outpost.  Moretti, who has led the Soldiers of Baker Co at the KOP since 2009, welcomed Khan and the rest of the Korengali elders onto the KOP to provide them an orientation of all the buildings and equipment that would be left behind for the people of the valley to utilize. 

KUNAR PROVINCE – ISAF continued their realignment with more populated areas in accordance with the ISAF counterinsurgency strategy.  Forces repositioned out of the isolated Korengal Valley, early April 14. These deliberate moves began in March.

"This repositioning in partnership with the ANSF, responds to the requirements of the new population-centric counterinsurgency strategy," said Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, cmdr, ISAF Joint Command. "The move does not prevent forces from rapidly responding, as necessary, to crises there in the Korengal, and in other parts of the region, as well," Rodriguez said.

"Repositioning forces from the Korengal valley to more populated areas will allow us to have greater flexibility," said Army Col. Randy George, cmdr of TF Mtn Warrior. "The area was once very operationally important, but appropriate to the new strategy, we're focusing our efforts on population centers.  We're still able to conduct operations there, even without a base, like we do in other remote valleys."

Army Lt. Col. Brian Pearl, 2nd Bn, 12th Inf Regt cmdr; Shamshir Khan, senior Korengal Valley elder, and ANA Lt. Col. Kohistani, 1st Commando Kandak cmdr, walk with local elders, ANSF and ISAF through the KOP. 

Lt. Col. Pearl and ANA Lt. Col. Kohistani, sit down with elders to discuss the future of the area and the realignment of ISAF Soldiers out of the valley, April 10. 

The KOP, established in 2006, can be seen from a mountain ridgeline in the Korengal Valley, April 10, 2010.  

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Security forces suppress complex attack in Kunar

(Photos by Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte)

KUNAR PROVINCE – An ANA Soldier returns fire during a complex attack against COP Bari Alai, April 10.  ANA and ISAF fought off anti-Afghan Forces throughout the afternoon.  An estimated 30 insurgents fired on a dismounted patrol, wounding 3, near Nishigam village, and attacked the outpost with small arms and heavy machine gun fire from the surrounding territory.  ANA and ISAF suppressed the attackers with direct and indirect fires, as well as air-to-ground missiles and bombs. 

 

Army Spc. Brandon Mullins, a squad-designated marksman with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, returns fire.

 

Pfc. Rex Davis, a gunner with 2nd Plt, fires an automatic grenade launcher against insurgent positions.  

 

A U.S. Army helicopter checks the area near COP Bari Alai after firing air-to-ground missiles into a cave during an extended complex attack. 

 

Pfc. Rex Davis watches while a bomb is dropped on anti-Afghan positions. 

Pfc. Timothy Prescott, a squad automatic weapon gunner with 2nd Plt, returns fire. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Four stars/two parents make for a special reenlistment 

Story and photos by Beth E. Sherman, Combined Joint TF 82 PA

Mr. Anthony Ralph and wife, Mrs. Beth Moore look on as Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Combined Joint TF-82 comm. gen., reenlists Mrs. Moore’s son, Army Spc. Alexander Moore at COP Wilderness, April 10. Moore’s mother and step-father are govt contractors at Bagram Airfield, and were able to attend the ceremony.  Moore, an artilleryman, serves with Bravo Co, 3rd Bn, 320nd FAR, 101st Abn Div. 

PAKTYA PROVINCE – Spc. Alexander Moore’s mother and step-father didn’t get a chance to see him enlist in the Army 2 years ago.  However, they more than made up for it, when they watched him re-enlist in an unlikely place, Afghanistan.

“I feel very fortunate, surprised and privileged that I've parents that do what they do, and can see me on this special occasion,” said Moore, 29.

 

“Words cannot begin to express the joy and pride we feel being here,” said Mrs. Moore, a retired Army master sgt. “It truly is a very special day for us.” Moore’s step-father is a retired Army sgt 1st class, and was thrilled to be by Alexander’s side. “It’s an exciting day, an important day, and a milestone. This one is special,” he said.

 

While Moore was thrilled to have family at COP Wilderness, he also had star power at his reenlistment.  Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, re-enlisted Moore and 2 other soldiers.  Moore was touched the comm. gen. would take the time to be there. “It makes us feel important,” said Moore with a smile. “It says what we do really matters, and is making a difference in the long-run. “

 

For Scaparrotti, it was an opportunity to connect with those carrying out the mission. “It makes my day. It’s why we’re here. They’re doing the hard work. You have to go out to see them, and despite all of our intel on the battlefield, I always learn a lot,” he said, about the fight.

 

The men and women of Moore’s unit also saw how much the Afghans cared about the fight, when Comm. Gen., 203rd ANA Thunder Corps, Maj. Gen., Abdul Khaliq, said a few words at the ceremony. “I think it’s truly amazing, that such great Americans, with such great American families, would re-enlist to help the cause for Afghanistan.”  

 

Moore’s family said they felt at home at COP Wilderness. With only enough soldiers to field a few football teams, Moore says it still reminds them of Sierra Vista, Ariz. “It reminds me of Arizona, except there are no mesquite trees and the dirt is gray instead of red,” he said. 

 

While other moms may not know all the risks their soldiers face, Mrs. Moore is all too familiar.  As a contractor, providing full motion video feeds to the Joint Ops Center, she sees the dangers of war every day. Yet, she says she’d rather know than wonder.  “Sometimes your imagination can be far worse than reality,” Mrs. Moore said. “It also provides a great deal of comfort to his wife and grandparents, knowing I can keep an eye on what’s happening in his area.”

 

For Mr. Ralph, faith in his step-son’s training, his unit and his survival instincts, also brings some peace of mind. “It helps to be a phone call, e-mail or rotary flight away.”  While Moore’s wife, Andrea and 2 children couldn’t be at his ceremony, the 3rd generation soldier admits, this re-enlistment may be tough to top.

Spc. Alexander Moore reenlists.

Maj. Gen. Scaparrotti signs an oath of re-enlistment for Spc. Alexander Moore.

Maj. Gen. Scaparrotti talks with troops after a re-enlistment ceremony. The comm. gen. of the 203rd ANA "Thunder" Corps, Maj. Gen. Khaliq, also attended, where he thanked soldiers for helping the cause for Afghanistan.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

CJTF-82 donates treats, toys to base hospital

Story and photos by Army Capt. Jennifer Bocanegra, CJTF-82 PA

BAGRAM AIRFIELD - An Afghan boy sits with a stuffed rabbit he received from CJTF-82 servicemembers, at the Egyptian Hospital on Bagram Airfield, April 11. The visit was part of a charity event by a community to help out a young girl who's suffering from Leukemia, back in Fayetteville, N.C.  One of the servicemember’s spouses sent 1,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, and other items collected, to CJTF-82 to donate to children at the hospital. 

 

A civilian working for CJTF-82, talks to a hospitalized Afghan boy.  

 

 

Army Staff Sgt. Paul Pressley and AF Tech Sgt. David Lewis, both from CJTF-82, unload boxes of cookies and toys for local national patients at the Egyptian Hospital.

 

 

AF Tech Sgt. Lewis pulls a tag from a stuffed animal, while Navy Petty Officer Mary Almquist stands in line waiting to enter the Egyptian Hospital to pass out toys and cookies to patients. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan forces learn desktop publishing

PAKTIYA PROVINCE – CF taught the ANA soldiers layout and design techniques for newspapers and magazines at FOB Lightning, April 4. The ANA Soldiers quickly acquired the desktop publishing skills, and were showing proficiency on the first day. 

 -30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson, Army)         

Army Spc. Patrick McDougall, of 2nd Sqdrn, Bravo Co, 7th Cav Regt, uses a Hand-held Interagency Identity Detection Equipment System to record info on a local Iraqi man near Mahmudiyah, Apr. 3, 2010. 

-30-

IRAQI STORIES:

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Saydiyah Walk-around 

(Army photos by Spc. Bryan Rankin)  

FALCON - The command group of 3-1 Combat Bde stop for fruit smoothies and drinks, during a walk around of the Market district in Saydiyah, March 22.  CF were conducting a walk-around of the area to assess the quality of life for Iraqi citizens. 

Army Lt Col. Kyle Kouri, 3rd ID, 187th Abn Corps, buys a fruit smoothie. 

Col. Roger Coultier, 3rd ID, tries on a robe in a local shop.

Col. Coultier speaks to Brig. Gen. Fasao during a dinner. 

Lt Col. Kyle Kouri, 3rd ID, speaks to a shop owner in Saydiyah.

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq 

Soldiers Patrol Zumar 

(Photos by Spc. Jillian Munyon)

ZUMAR - Army 1st Lt. Charles Smith, Charlie Troop, 3-73 Cav, 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Regt, conduct a dismounted patrol through Zumar, March 20. They met with a few locals to discuss violence happening within the town.   

Spc. Timothy Freshcorn, Charlie Troop, 3-73 Cav, 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Regt, works with CF during a dismounted patrol.  

1st Lt. Charles Smith conducts a dismounted patrol. 

1st Lt. Charles Smith works with the Peshmerga Army.

-30-

DVIDS

Iraqi ERU and US Soldiers Support Local Schools 

(Photos by 1st Lt. Meghan Keefe)

SALAH AD DIN - Maj. Khan and 1st Lt. Josh Morris pose with school boys who'll receive backpacks.  Morris's sister-in-law is an elementary school teacher, whose school donated the school supplies to fill 120 backpacks. 

A classroom full of smiles!  Young Iraqi school girls thank the Soldiers for providing backpacks to classmates in need.  Many students didn't have the basic necessities to get their books to and from school.   

This young boy was all smiles after being given a backpack to replace his torn one.   

Mrs. Erin Jones is the teacher for the 3rd Grade Class of the Joe Hubenak Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Erin Jones)   

The school dir., Maj. Khan of the ISF; school teachers; and Chaplain (Capt.) Tim Behnke of the 37th Engr Bn, Joint TF Eagle, talk about current events and the school program, in hopes of continuing to support this school system and others like it in the future. 

-30-

DVIDS

Face of Defense: Airman Brings Personal Touch to MRAP

By AF Senior Airman Jarrod Chavana

Senior Airman Kayla Manning sits at the wheel of her MRAP before heading out on a mission, March 27, 2010, at Camp Stryker. 

(AF photo by Master Sgt. Trish Bunting)  

BAGHDAD, April 13, 2010 – An MRAP vehicle towers to nearly the height of an 18-wheeler. Weighing in at more than 20 tons each, MRAPs are designed to survive blasts from roadside bombs and small-arms fire. They can transport airmen, Marines, soldiers and sailors in and out of the battlefield, without hesitation and at amazing speed. The gunner and the driver are in sync, as they relay commands to each other via internal communication systems.

Behind the wheel is AF Senior Airman Kayla Manning, from Det 2 of the 732nd ESFS.  Before missions, she almost doubles her weight when she dons her battle gear. While climbing into this life-saving vehicle, Manning has to place one knee on the MRAP's steps to hoist her weight upward to climb into the vehicle.  Despite a stature of just over 5' 2", she possesses the power, control and confidence of someone twice her size.

"This is my Big Bertha," said Manning, who is deployed from Edwards AF Base, Calif. "Before arriving in Iraq, we were trained on smaller vehicles. Once we arrived here, I was assigned to drive this big beast.  Believe it or not, I drive better in this vehicle than the smaller ones."

Since Manning's in control of the vehicle and its occupants, she decided to add a few personal touches of her own. "My favorite color is pink, so I tried to put in a pink steering wheel cover, but it wouldn't fit, so I sewed some pink fabric to the steering wheel,” she said. The mother of one of Manning’s teammates sent a pink-painted gear shift knob.

Those unconventional touches haven’t gone unnoticed. "Sometimes the guys tease me -- 'We can't drive around with all this pink in the truck,'" she said. "Then I have to tell them, ‘It's OK. It's my truck.’"

AF Senior Airman James Matthews, a gunner deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., said Manning is quite clear about her “my house, my rules” attitude. “It fits,” he said, “because she takes great care of the truck." She may get picked on about her pink steering wheel, but when it comes to a mission, Manning is all business.

"Once you get into the MRAP and you're ready to go out, you have to get into a proper mindset," Manning said. "That's probably the last thing I do before I drive outside the gates.  I pray not only to come home safe, but also to be aware, and for my family in case something was to happen."

Being attacked isn’t her biggest fear, she said. The possibility of making a mistake and hurting those inside the vehicle is what scares her. "I've been here since December 2009, and we've done at least two to three missions per week since we got here," Manning said. "I'm at the point where I know the roads and where it dips, so I know what to do and where. Some roads, you hope and pray you don't roll over. That's my biggest concern. I follow the soccer mom rule: I tend to be more worried of hurting those inside than myself.  If someone gets hurt because I rolled it, I would feel horrible.  I'm very protective of my guys."

One of the biggest dynamics within the vehicle is the communication between the gunner, who scans from the turret, and the driver, who scans the roads while driving. "The gunner/driver relationship is the most communication 2 people will ever have, because what the gunner sees, I need to see, and what I see, he needs to see. You need to be each other's eyes. They can see things further out that I can't see, and I can see things closer to the ground that they can't see," Manning said.

Her truck mates admitted they may have had doubts at first about Manning being their driver. "She isn't what I expected," said Matthews. "I thought she would be frail and timid, and I didn't think she would be able to handle this type of machine.  Now, I think she's one of the best drivers in the fleet."

 -30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Leistikow, Navy)    

An Army soldier from Alpha Co, 1st Bn, 30th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 3rd ID hands bags of supplies to members of the Combined SECFOR, to give to local villagers in Hassad, March 28, 2010. The Golden Lions of the Combined SECFOR delivered bags of supplies and toys for children in 2 villages to demonstrate good will and maintain a positive relationship with local citizens. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-14

Dear Interested Reader,

The 173rd conduct Op Bayonet Kaman.  S. Carolina ADT dons 173rd Abn BCT combat patch.  Self-sustained canal project completed in Farah prov.  Marines keep critical base operational at Camp Dwyer.

Iraq:  Ugandan provides guard duty at COB Speicher.  "Daddy's Girl" visits 1/82 Advise and Assist Bde.  IP training at Camp Ramadi by Alaska MP.  PRT meeting in Baghdad.

Joanna

_________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan

Soldiers Conduct Operation Bayonet Kaman 

Photos by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

FOB SHANK, LOGAR PROVINCE - Col. James Johnson, cmdr of the 173rd Abn BCT speaks with 1st Lt. Kirsten Miller, as she takes notes regarding various aspects of the bazaar she is patrolling in the village of Powraq, Pole-Elam District, April 6.  The purpose of this mission is to check on humanitarian conditions in the village. 

Col. Johnson speaks with shopkeepers and other locals at the bazaar.  

Col. Johnson takes a look at some bags of potatoes being sold at the bazaar.

Col. Johnson, Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Rolling, (Senior enlisted advisor to Col.Johnson), and Staff Sgt. Steven Tenney, (member of Col. Johnson's personal security detail), prepare to mount back in their vehicles after a patrol through the village.

-30-

Combined Joint TF - 82 PAO

S. Carolina ADT dons 173rd Abn BCT Combat Patch

By Spc. Daniel Haun

Members of the S. Carolina ADT deployed to Logar prov., prepare to don the 173rd Abn BCT's Patch for the first time in a combat patch ceremony, April 9.   

LOGAR PROVINCE - "It shows you've served alongside other Soldiers, for other Soldiers, and for your country, and state. There's a certain level of pride to wearing the patch," said Army Sgt. Frederic Moore, a team leader with the S. Carolina ADT SECFOR.  "These people (Afghans) are learning different skills and, more important than anything, they're learning how to put their govt into place," Moore said. 

Sgt. Kimberly Dixon, large animal specialist with the development team, said a lot of the pride comes from being able to represent her state. "I'm full of pride because I was born and raised in S. Carolina, so I'm very proud to be able to represent the state here," Dixon said.  "One of the main reasons I joined originally was to deploy, so I could help people over here who really need the help," Dixon said.

Sgt. Eddie Creel, team leader with the Development Team SECFOR, shared the same sentiment. "We're giving people here a future, a future to sustain themselves, and a future to get away from those who've oppressed them for years. It's important for us to build an agricultural base, so they can actually feed themselves and be self-sufficient," Creel said. 

Col. Michael Dunn, cmdr of the S. Carolina ADT thanked the team at the patch ceremony for their dedication. "It's hard for me to find the words to express the pride I have in each of you, and the team as a whole," said Dunn. "As I've mentioned so many times before, it's an honor to be a part of this team. You have excelled at every task, and proven your professionalism and dedication under adverse conditions, and enemy contact." 

"We fall under an elite org. that has a tremendous history throughout the 20th century, with extended participation in major wars and conflicts, like Vietnam, and in today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," Dunn said. "Be proud of your accomplishments; wear the combat patch proudly; understand that we've a long way to go, and as you've already proven, be diligent in every task and mission," Dunn said.

Members of the S. Carolina ADT don the 173rd Abn BCT's Patch for the first time.

-30-

DVIDS

Self-sustained Canal Project Completed in Farah Province 

By Senior Airman Rylan Albright

Engrs and civil affairs members from the Farah PRT met with leadership from the Kineske Council, to visit a completed canal cleaning project in Kineske, April 8, in an effort to improve the agricultural development in Farah prov.

FARAH PROVINCE - The canal project will provide clean irrigation for crops, such as wheat, for residents in Kineske.  Financial funding was provided by the PRT, but labor and security were supported by the locals orchestrating the project, eliminating the need for further costs typically needed for contractors, and allowing Afghans to run reconstruction projects under their own discretion, with minimal oversight from CF.

Navy Lt. Levi Nunley, PRT engineering officer, said, "it's the leadership that's there in Kineske.  It seems like they've a lot of pride, and it gets passed on to the rest of the people." Nunley also said the Kineske leadership insisted on doing all the work themselves, from the very beginning of the project in January of this year.

The Kaneske Canal is part of between 15 and 20 canal projects currently being worked on by Afghans, as a push to focus on agricultural stability for the people.  Most projects are overseen by U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, where they've plans to begin another 15 or 20 canal projects in the near future.

Darren Richardson, U.S. Dept of Ag., and agricultural advisor to the PRT, says that the need for Afghans living in the Farah prov. to be successful at producing crops is essential, but because of the dry summers, agricultural development is often tough.  With an average of 3 to 4 inches of rain per year, it's highly necessary to utilize the canals which flow from the Farah River, a source of water derived from the melting snow in nearby mountain areas.

-30-

DVIDS

MWSS-274 Keeps Critical Base Operational

Story by Cpl. Ryan Rholes

Marines from Marine Wing Support Sqdrn (MWSS) 274 work together to unload 1,500 90-lb bags of concrete mix. The Marines were completely caked in concrete powder by the end of the day. 

CAMP DWYER - This is Camp Dwyer, where a vast expanse of nothingness stretches to the horizon. The only activities across this deserted landscape are aircraft buzzing in and out, and the Marines who live on this patch of desert, supporting the base.  Approx. 115 devil dogs with MWSS- 274 live and work in this austere environment.  Their work building and maintaining the flight line is as critical to the war, as the aircraft they support.  Recently, the Marines began a project to repair a portion of an expeditionary airfield that supports the camp's main fueling point, which will soon see a flux of activity, now that the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) has taken over for Marine Aircraft Group 40. 

Ironically, in middle of this vast desert, the problem all started with water.  Rain trapped under the matting that makes up the expeditionary airfield, mixed with dirt and formed pockets of mud. Pressure from aircraft taxiing across the flight line, caused that mud to seep to its surface leaving small voids under the matting, and creating dangerous debris.  Slowly, the matt began to slant inward on the center taxi line, creating an uneven and unsafe surface. 

Approx 20 Marines from the detachment spent a backbreaking day removing a section of matting that measured 580' long by 72' wide. The Marines then graded the soil, added gravel to help stabilize it, and trucked in 1,500 90-lb bags of cement, which they spread by hand. 

The Marines then used a road grader to mix the cement with the top 4 or 5 inches of soil, used a water truck, sporting a 2,500-gallon tank, to wet the mixture and then used 2 compactors to pack it tight and remove air pockets.  After the surface dries, the Marines will use the road grader once again, let the surface re-harden and then replace the matting. The hard-working Marines will undoubtedly finish this estimated 17-day process a few days early. 

Their handiwork will pay dividends. Not only did the Marines get hands-on experience that will aide them in future projects as 3rd MAW (Fwd) extends its reach throughout Helmand prov., it will also keep Dwyer, a strategic staging area for dispersing ground units, and a perfectly placed refueling location for air assets, in the fight. 

"This base is surrounded by hot spots, so we get a lot of infantry units stopping here before pushing out, and we've a lot of aircraft who need to refuel so they can stay on station longer, and be closer to where they're needed," said 1st Lt. Andrew "Mike" Lowry, the officer-in-charge of the detachment. 

Even though they're living in a desolate region in spartan conditions, thousands of miles from their families, they do it without complaint.  Without these men, troop transports would be severely limited in the area, support aircraft would arrive later and have to leave earlier, because of fuel issues. Medical evacuation aircraft would lose critical time getting to and from calls.  So, although they're not the trigger pullers on the front lines, they're an absolute and unarguable necessity in the war.   

Pfc. Cory Precher, a heavy equipment operator, uses a road grader. 

Marines remove about 350 pieces of AM2 matting.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

Guard Duty at COB Speicher

By Spc. Richard Colletta

Cpl. Onyango Nicholas is from Kampala, Uganda, and works side-by-side with Soldiers of the 4th IBCT, 1st ID.  He's a security guard for Triple Canopy, a private security company, and says that his experiences working with U.S. Soldiers have changed his life.   

COB SPEICHER – In Iraq, most Triple Canopy members come from Uganda like Nicholas. They provide security at checkpoints, conduct patrols, and perform individual and vehicle searches throughout the base.  Nicholas, who speaks 3 different languages including English, says that taking a job with Triple Canopy was about taking a chance to improve his life.

"It's an opportunity to make better money for a lot of Ugandans, and it's better than sitting at home," Nicholas chuckled. "Working hard and being prosperous is the only way we can fight poverty in our country."  He said that he's made a lot of friends, and had the opportunity to meet people from around the world.  He says he misses his family, but they're proud of him and what he does.

While on guard at various security checkpoints, Nicholas works daily with American Soldiers. While manning their checkpoints, they talk with each other about their lives, and share personal experiences.  Nicholas says that he has enjoyed working with the American Soldiers. "They're dedicated and good people, and many of my friends are Soldiers," he said. "Togetherness and working as a team is what makes my day great.  We're able to achieve goals because of teamwork.  When you have a collective of minds, you have the energy to achieve your goals."

-30-

DVIDS

'Daddy's Girl' Visits 1/82 Advise and Assist Bde 

By Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh

Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir, a liaison officer for 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 82nd Abn Div, lifts dumbbells, as his daughter spots him at the Iron Gym on Camp Liberty, April 8.  Sgt. Siobhan Eastman, the supply sgt with Co B, 37th Engr Bn, 20th Engr Bde, 18th Abn Div, is currently stationed in Joint Air Base Balad. 

BAGHDAD – Years after Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir joined the military, his oldest daughter Siobhan followed in his footsteps.  Eastman received a supply mission to Camp Liberty.  While there, she made good on a tradition the 2 of them have maintained for years:  father-daughter date night. "We went to the PX, got manicures; I got a facial, and then we went by the dining facility for some delicious lasagna," said Eastman.

This was a typical date night – minus the PX – that started when Eastman was an early teen. They usually kick back, watch movies and just laugh together. "We literally just make up stuff to laugh about like 2 kids," said Shakir. "We're clowns together."

"Ever since she was 5 years old, we could never be away from each other for too long," said Shakir.  Throughout their military careers, they've always managed to be stationed close together, and had commands that supported them.  "If we go longer than 2 days without phoning each other, then somebody's in trouble," said Eastman.

The longest stretch of time they have ever gone without seeing each other was when Eastman attended basic and advanced training for the military, which lasted about 6 months. "She can't live without me!" Shakir said smiling.

They phone often just to talk, but she also seeks his advice in leading Soldiers. "My first answer is always as an NCO," said Shakir.  She sees how hard he works, and says that is her motivation to go to the next level, to want to do better.

Shakir is proud of his daughter, despite his initial feelings of discomfort about permitting her to join the Army, saying he is happy she did something for herself.  With her serving in Iraq, he has grown closer to her, and a bit more protective.  Shakir has become acquainted with several of the Soldiers in Eastman's co. "Daddy's eyes are everywhere," jokes Shakir.

Their relationship is as close as a father and daughter can be, said Shakir.  As a child, he didn't receive a lot of love, and decided at a young age that he wanted a child, so he would have someone who would always love him.  She does: "I will always be my daddy's baby."   

Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir and his daughter, Sgt. Siobhan Eastman exit the new shopping center at Camp Liberty, April 8. 

-30-

DVIDS

IP Training in Ramadi by Alaska Military Police

By Sgt. Mike MacLeod

IP participating in a force protection skills refresher course at the Ramadi Training Center (RTC), search a vehicle, April 8. The course is taught alongside a VIP personnel security detail (PSD) course, both of which are being taught by Soldiers of the 472nd MP Co, attached to 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Div (Advise and Assist Bde).   

CAMP RAMADI – Bad habits are like dirty laundry. The longer they stay, the worse they smell.
Bad habits in the IP who guard the Provincial Govt Center (PGC) in Ramadi, can result in the deaths of civil and political leaders, who have been key to the ever-increasing stability of Al Anbar prov., once home to the most violent insurgency in Iraq.

Misidentify a threat, fail to see the sniper, let the car bomb past the entry control point (ECP) – any number of missed opportunities to derail the attempts of violent extremists, can allow for a terrorist act.

In police work, bad habits are removed by refresher training.  Following the double-bombing incident, staff Maj. Gen. Hassan, the acting provincial chief of police, requested U.S. forces to provide refresher training to IP in a number of specialties, including what's known in security jargon as force protection and personnel security detail.  In more common terms, these mean protecting VIPs, and protecting themselves and their buildings.

DETERGENT NEEDED

Directions: To remove bad habits, take a training center run by the provincial Iraqi SWAT cmdr, add IP from the PGC.  Pour in an Alaskan MP Co., attached to 82nd Abn Div, and spin for 5 days.

Since early March, Soldiers with 472nd MP Co., out of Fairbanks, Alaska, have been retraining IP at the RTC, running parallel 5-day courses in force protection and PSD, that merge on the final day for a series of practical exercises.  "They understand these skills are perishable," said Staff Sgt. William Melton, squad leader in charge of the force protection instruction.

The PSD training, run by fellow MP, Staff Sgt. Eric Armstrong, includes identifying threats such as snipers and IEDs, working in formations and moving VIPs, unarmed self defense using pressure points and joint manipulation, motorcade ops including what to do in case of an IED or broken vehicle, and command center ops.

According to their plt leader, 1st Lt. Andrew Wedmeyer, the course emphasizes identifying and searching female threats, a rising problem as terrorists shift their tactics.  On the 2nd day of the 1st week, Pfc. LeAnn Balderamos, a slightly-built part Sioux Native American, slipped through the IP's simulated ECP, with a water bottle "bomb."  Culturally sensitive to females being searched by males, the IP let her slide by the search area.  "Boom!" she hollered. "You're all dead."

AGITATING THE FORCE

"In Anbar, including the army, we've about 34,000 soldiers," counseled Col. Ubaidi, cmdr of the RTC, and former Baghdad police chief, who himself was wounded by an IED in 2006. "If we've only 1,000 soldiers who work with the love of his country in his heart, we'll have no terrorists in Anbar," he said.

One of Ubaidi's brothers was killed by terrorists, and another lost a leg to an IED.  One of his houses was blown up. He's had a bounty on his head by insurgent elements for years, yet he wears the IP uniform proudly, and asks his men to do the same.

"Learn as much as you can from the U.S. trainers," he said, "and when the training is done, remember to always be clean shaven, smell good, and wear the right uniform so that people will see that we look professional, and call upon us for help when they need it."  He asked the IP always to show respect for the civilians whom they serve.

RINSING CLEAN

By the 3rd rotation of the courses, the female "insurgents" were having much less luck getting past the front gate of the ECP.  Pfc. Krystal Cuellar played the role of a local female to be searched on the final practical exercise. "I didn't really mind it," she said. "I feel like it really helps prepare the IP to do their job, and they really did a professional job searching.  They use the backs of their hands and other techniques we teach them."  However, her role-playing "husband" was very angry.  "Next time, ask the brother or husband before you search," suggested Melton to the IP.

The final exercise included the security detail moving their VIP through the ECP for a "meeting" with Spc. Michael Weymouth, who was playing "chief."  The PSD was late arriving.  "Where is Shakira? She should be in my office by now," hollered Weymouth.

A motorcade crawled through the ECP; each vehicle was thoroughly searched; each passenger frisked and identified. Once permitted to move forward, they safely delivered the pop singer Shakira, or her IP surrogate, to Weymouth.  Everyone was safe: VIP, guards, civilians and IP.
Following a group critique of the day's training, each IP was awarded a certificate of completion.

TUMBLE DRY

"We retrained on how to protect our cmdr, how to search vehicles and personnel, and how to medically evacuate our comrade, if he is injured at a checkpoint," said 40-year-old Brash, a local Ramadi IP who said he's seen great improvements in the 4 years he's been with the force. "I was in Saddam's army, but I chose to serve my country as a policeman, so that I can keep safe the people in the immediate area of where I live," he said. His 3 young children are very proud their father protects their neighborhood, he said.

"They're very professional now," said Melton. "It's a huge change since last time we were over here.  Now the IP are really interested in grasping the concepts behind the skills. They love what they do," he added.  "It's too dangerous not to like it.  These guys run the risk every day, especially where they work at the PGC.  Every day may be the day they never get to see their family again."

Col. Ubaidi addresses IP enrolled in a skills refresher course. 

Col. Ubaidi displays a leaflet printed and distributed by violent extremists that offers a reward for killing him.

Staff Sgt. William Melton hands a certificate of completion to an IP. 

An IP uses a back-of-hand technique to search Pfc. Krystal Cuellar. 

Pfc. Travis Eliason is detained by IP. 

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Provincial Reconstruction Team Meeting 

(Photos by Spc. Venessa Hernandez)

BAGHDAD - Franklin Morris from the PRT meets with Sheik Fayed, March 27. The meeting was held to discuss and assess Fayed's agricultural needs, and how the PRT can help.    

Soldiers from Alpha Btry, 1st Bn, 41st FA, 3rd ID, and a PRT have dessert with Sheik Fayed, and IA Soldiers.

Soldiers have lunch with Sheik Fayed. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-14

Dear Interested Reader,

The 173rd conduct Op Bayonet Kaman.  S. Carolina ADT dons 173rd Abn BCT combat patch.  Self-sustained canal project completed in Farah prov.  Marines keep critical base operational at Camp Dwyer.

Iraq:  Ugandan provides guard duty at COB Speicher.  "Daddy's Girl" visits 1/82 Advise and Assist Bde.  IP training at Camp Ramadi by Alaska MP.  PRT meeting in Baghdad.

Joanna

_________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan

Soldiers Conduct Operation Bayonet Kaman 

Photos by Sgt. Russell Gilchrest

FOB SHANK, LOGAR PROVINCE - Col. James Johnson, cmdr of the 173rd Abn BCT speaks with 1st Lt. Kirsten Miller, as she takes notes regarding various aspects of the bazaar she is patrolling in the village of Powraq, Pole-Elam District, April 6.  The purpose of this mission is to check on humanitarian conditions in the village. 

Col. Johnson speaks with shopkeepers and other locals at the bazaar.  

Col. Johnson takes a look at some bags of potatoes being sold at the bazaar.

Col. Johnson, Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Rolling, (Senior enlisted advisor to Col.Johnson), and Staff Sgt. Steven Tenney, (member of Col. Johnson's personal security detail), prepare to mount back in their vehicles after a patrol through the village.

-30-

Combined Joint TF - 82 PAO

S. Carolina ADT dons 173rd Abn BCT Combat Patch

By Spc. Daniel Haun

Members of the S. Carolina ADT deployed to Logar prov., prepare to don the 173rd Abn BCT's Patch for the first time in a combat patch ceremony, April 9.   

LOGAR PROVINCE - "It shows you've served alongside other Soldiers, for other Soldiers, and for your country, and state. There's a certain level of pride to wearing the patch," said Army Sgt. Frederic Moore, a team leader with the S. Carolina ADT SECFOR.  "These people (Afghans) are learning different skills and, more important than anything, they're learning how to put their govt into place," Moore said. 

Sgt. Kimberly Dixon, large animal specialist with the development team, said a lot of the pride comes from being able to represent her state. "I'm full of pride because I was born and raised in S. Carolina, so I'm very proud to be able to represent the state here," Dixon said.  "One of the main reasons I joined originally was to deploy, so I could help people over here who really need the help," Dixon said.

Sgt. Eddie Creel, team leader with the Development Team SECFOR, shared the same sentiment. "We're giving people here a future, a future to sustain themselves, and a future to get away from those who've oppressed them for years. It's important for us to build an agricultural base, so they can actually feed themselves and be self-sufficient," Creel said. 

Col. Michael Dunn, cmdr of the S. Carolina ADT thanked the team at the patch ceremony for their dedication. "It's hard for me to find the words to express the pride I have in each of you, and the team as a whole," said Dunn. "As I've mentioned so many times before, it's an honor to be a part of this team. You have excelled at every task, and proven your professionalism and dedication under adverse conditions, and enemy contact." 

"We fall under an elite org. that has a tremendous history throughout the 20th century, with extended participation in major wars and conflicts, like Vietnam, and in today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," Dunn said. "Be proud of your accomplishments; wear the combat patch proudly; understand that we've a long way to go, and as you've already proven, be diligent in every task and mission," Dunn said.

Members of the S. Carolina ADT don the 173rd Abn BCT's Patch for the first time.

-30-

DVIDS

Self-sustained Canal Project Completed in Farah Province 

By Senior Airman Rylan Albright

Engrs and civil affairs members from the Farah PRT met with leadership from the Kineske Council, to visit a completed canal cleaning project in Kineske, April 8, in an effort to improve the agricultural development in Farah prov.

FARAH PROVINCE - The canal project will provide clean irrigation for crops, such as wheat, for residents in Kineske.  Financial funding was provided by the PRT, but labor and security were supported by the locals orchestrating the project, eliminating the need for further costs typically needed for contractors, and allowing Afghans to run reconstruction projects under their own discretion, with minimal oversight from CF.

Navy Lt. Levi Nunley, PRT engineering officer, said, "it's the leadership that's there in Kineske.  It seems like they've a lot of pride, and it gets passed on to the rest of the people." Nunley also said the Kineske leadership insisted on doing all the work themselves, from the very beginning of the project in January of this year.

The Kaneske Canal is part of between 15 and 20 canal projects currently being worked on by Afghans, as a push to focus on agricultural stability for the people.  Most projects are overseen by U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, where they've plans to begin another 15 or 20 canal projects in the near future.

Darren Richardson, U.S. Dept of Ag., and agricultural advisor to the PRT, says that the need for Afghans living in the Farah prov. to be successful at producing crops is essential, but because of the dry summers, agricultural development is often tough.  With an average of 3 to 4 inches of rain per year, it's highly necessary to utilize the canals which flow from the Farah River, a source of water derived from the melting snow in nearby mountain areas.

-30-

DVIDS

MWSS-274 Keeps Critical Base Operational

Story by Cpl. Ryan Rholes

Marines from Marine Wing Support Sqdrn (MWSS) 274 work together to unload 1,500 90-lb bags of concrete mix. The Marines were completely caked in concrete powder by the end of the day. 

CAMP DWYER - This is Camp Dwyer, where a vast expanse of nothingness stretches to the horizon. The only activities across this deserted landscape are aircraft buzzing in and out, and the Marines who live on this patch of desert, supporting the base.  Approx. 115 devil dogs with MWSS- 274 live and work in this austere environment.  Their work building and maintaining the flight line is as critical to the war, as the aircraft they support.  Recently, the Marines began a project to repair a portion of an expeditionary airfield that supports the camp's main fueling point, which will soon see a flux of activity, now that the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) has taken over for Marine Aircraft Group 40. 

Ironically, in middle of this vast desert, the problem all started with water.  Rain trapped under the matting that makes up the expeditionary airfield, mixed with dirt and formed pockets of mud. Pressure from aircraft taxiing across the flight line, caused that mud to seep to its surface leaving small voids under the matting, and creating dangerous debris.  Slowly, the matt began to slant inward on the center taxi line, creating an uneven and unsafe surface. 

Approx 20 Marines from the detachment spent a backbreaking day removing a section of matting that measured 580' long by 72' wide. The Marines then graded the soil, added gravel to help stabilize it, and trucked in 1,500 90-lb bags of cement, which they spread by hand. 

The Marines then used a road grader to mix the cement with the top 4 or 5 inches of soil, used a water truck, sporting a 2,500-gallon tank, to wet the mixture and then used 2 compactors to pack it tight and remove air pockets.  After the surface dries, the Marines will use the road grader once again, let the surface re-harden and then replace the matting. The hard-working Marines will undoubtedly finish this estimated 17-day process a few days early. 

Their handiwork will pay dividends. Not only did the Marines get hands-on experience that will aide them in future projects as 3rd MAW (Fwd) extends its reach throughout Helmand prov., it will also keep Dwyer, a strategic staging area for dispersing ground units, and a perfectly placed refueling location for air assets, in the fight. 

"This base is surrounded by hot spots, so we get a lot of infantry units stopping here before pushing out, and we've a lot of aircraft who need to refuel so they can stay on station longer, and be closer to where they're needed," said 1st Lt. Andrew "Mike" Lowry, the officer-in-charge of the detachment. 

Even though they're living in a desolate region in spartan conditions, thousands of miles from their families, they do it without complaint.  Without these men, troop transports would be severely limited in the area, support aircraft would arrive later and have to leave earlier, because of fuel issues. Medical evacuation aircraft would lose critical time getting to and from calls.  So, although they're not the trigger pullers on the front lines, they're an absolute and unarguable necessity in the war.   

Pfc. Cory Precher, a heavy equipment operator, uses a road grader. 

Marines remove about 350 pieces of AM2 matting.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

Guard Duty at COB Speicher

By Spc. Richard Colletta

Cpl. Onyango Nicholas is from Kampala, Uganda, and works side-by-side with Soldiers of the 4th IBCT, 1st ID.  He's a security guard for Triple Canopy, a private security company, and says that his experiences working with U.S. Soldiers have changed his life.   

COB SPEICHER – In Iraq, most Triple Canopy members come from Uganda like Nicholas. They provide security at checkpoints, conduct patrols, and perform individual and vehicle searches throughout the base.  Nicholas, who speaks 3 different languages including English, says that taking a job with Triple Canopy was about taking a chance to improve his life.

"It's an opportunity to make better money for a lot of Ugandans, and it's better than sitting at home," Nicholas chuckled. "Working hard and being prosperous is the only way we can fight poverty in our country."  He said that he's made a lot of friends, and had the opportunity to meet people from around the world.  He says he misses his family, but they're proud of him and what he does.

While on guard at various security checkpoints, Nicholas works daily with American Soldiers. While manning their checkpoints, they talk with each other about their lives, and share personal experiences.  Nicholas says that he has enjoyed working with the American Soldiers. "They're dedicated and good people, and many of my friends are Soldiers," he said. "Togetherness and working as a team is what makes my day great.  We're able to achieve goals because of teamwork.  When you have a collective of minds, you have the energy to achieve your goals."

-30-

DVIDS

'Daddy's Girl' Visits 1/82 Advise and Assist Bde 

By Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh

Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir, a liaison officer for 1st Advise and Assist Bde, 82nd Abn Div, lifts dumbbells, as his daughter spots him at the Iron Gym on Camp Liberty, April 8.  Sgt. Siobhan Eastman, the supply sgt with Co B, 37th Engr Bn, 20th Engr Bde, 18th Abn Div, is currently stationed in Joint Air Base Balad. 

BAGHDAD – Years after Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir joined the military, his oldest daughter Siobhan followed in his footsteps.  Eastman received a supply mission to Camp Liberty.  While there, she made good on a tradition the 2 of them have maintained for years:  father-daughter date night. "We went to the PX, got manicures; I got a facial, and then we went by the dining facility for some delicious lasagna," said Eastman.

This was a typical date night – minus the PX – that started when Eastman was an early teen. They usually kick back, watch movies and just laugh together. "We literally just make up stuff to laugh about like 2 kids," said Shakir. "We're clowns together."

"Ever since she was 5 years old, we could never be away from each other for too long," said Shakir.  Throughout their military careers, they've always managed to be stationed close together, and had commands that supported them.  "If we go longer than 2 days without phoning each other, then somebody's in trouble," said Eastman.

The longest stretch of time they have ever gone without seeing each other was when Eastman attended basic and advanced training for the military, which lasted about 6 months. "She can't live without me!" Shakir said smiling.

They phone often just to talk, but she also seeks his advice in leading Soldiers. "My first answer is always as an NCO," said Shakir.  She sees how hard he works, and says that is her motivation to go to the next level, to want to do better.

Shakir is proud of his daughter, despite his initial feelings of discomfort about permitting her to join the Army, saying he is happy she did something for herself.  With her serving in Iraq, he has grown closer to her, and a bit more protective.  Shakir has become acquainted with several of the Soldiers in Eastman's co. "Daddy's eyes are everywhere," jokes Shakir.

Their relationship is as close as a father and daughter can be, said Shakir.  As a child, he didn't receive a lot of love, and decided at a young age that he wanted a child, so he would have someone who would always love him.  She does: "I will always be my daddy's baby."   

Sgt. 1st Class Shaheed Shakir and his daughter, Sgt. Siobhan Eastman exit the new shopping center at Camp Liberty, April 8. 

-30-

DVIDS

IP Training in Ramadi by Alaska Military Police

By Sgt. Mike MacLeod

IP participating in a force protection skills refresher course at the Ramadi Training Center (RTC), search a vehicle, April 8. The course is taught alongside a VIP personnel security detail (PSD) course, both of which are being taught by Soldiers of the 472nd MP Co, attached to 1st Bde, 82nd Abn Div (Advise and Assist Bde).   

CAMP RAMADI – Bad habits are like dirty laundry. The longer they stay, the worse they smell.
Bad habits in the IP who guard the Provincial Govt Center (PGC) in Ramadi, can result in the deaths of civil and political leaders, who have been key to the ever-increasing stability of Al Anbar prov., once home to the most violent insurgency in Iraq.

Misidentify a threat, fail to see the sniper, let the car bomb past the entry control point (ECP) – any number of missed opportunities to derail the attempts of violent extremists, can allow for a terrorist act.

In police work, bad habits are removed by refresher training.  Following the double-bombing incident, staff Maj. Gen. Hassan, the acting provincial chief of police, requested U.S. forces to provide refresher training to IP in a number of specialties, including what's known in security jargon as force protection and personnel security detail.  In more common terms, these mean protecting VIPs, and protecting themselves and their buildings.

DETERGENT NEEDED

Directions: To remove bad habits, take a training center run by the provincial Iraqi SWAT cmdr, add IP from the PGC.  Pour in an Alaskan MP Co., attached to 82nd Abn Div, and spin for 5 days.

Since early March, Soldiers with 472nd MP Co., out of Fairbanks, Alaska, have been retraining IP at the RTC, running parallel 5-day courses in force protection and PSD, that merge on the final day for a series of practical exercises.  "They understand these skills are perishable," said Staff Sgt. William Melton, squad leader in charge of the force protection instruction.

The PSD training, run by fellow MP, Staff Sgt. Eric Armstrong, includes identifying threats such as snipers and IEDs, working in formations and moving VIPs, unarmed self defense using pressure points and joint manipulation, motorcade ops including what to do in case of an IED or broken vehicle, and command center ops.

According to their plt leader, 1st Lt. Andrew Wedmeyer, the course emphasizes identifying and searching female threats, a rising problem as terrorists shift their tactics.  On the 2nd day of the 1st week, Pfc. LeAnn Balderamos, a slightly-built part Sioux Native American, slipped through the IP's simulated ECP, with a water bottle "bomb."  Culturally sensitive to females being searched by males, the IP let her slide by the search area.  "Boom!" she hollered. "You're all dead."

AGITATING THE FORCE

"In Anbar, including the army, we've about 34,000 soldiers," counseled Col. Ubaidi, cmdr of the RTC, and former Baghdad police chief, who himself was wounded by an IED in 2006. "If we've only 1,000 soldiers who work with the love of his country in his heart, we'll have no terrorists in Anbar," he said.

One of Ubaidi's brothers was killed by terrorists, and another lost a leg to an IED.  One of his houses was blown up. He's had a bounty on his head by insurgent elements for years, yet he wears the IP uniform proudly, and asks his men to do the same.

"Learn as much as you can from the U.S. trainers," he said, "and when the training is done, remember to always be clean shaven, smell good, and wear the right uniform so that people will see that we look professional, and call upon us for help when they need it."  He asked the IP always to show respect for the civilians whom they serve.

RINSING CLEAN

By the 3rd rotation of the courses, the female "insurgents" were having much less luck getting past the front gate of the ECP.  Pfc. Krystal Cuellar played the role of a local female to be searched on the final practical exercise. "I didn't really mind it," she said. "I feel like it really helps prepare the IP to do their job, and they really did a professional job searching.  They use the backs of their hands and other techniques we teach them."  However, her role-playing "husband" was very angry.  "Next time, ask the brother or husband before you search," suggested Melton to the IP.

The final exercise included the security detail moving their VIP through the ECP for a "meeting" with Spc. Michael Weymouth, who was playing "chief."  The PSD was late arriving.  "Where is Shakira? She should be in my office by now," hollered Weymouth.

A motorcade crawled through the ECP; each vehicle was thoroughly searched; each passenger frisked and identified. Once permitted to move forward, they safely delivered the pop singer Shakira, or her IP surrogate, to Weymouth.  Everyone was safe: VIP, guards, civilians and IP.
Following a group critique of the day's training, each IP was awarded a certificate of completion.

TUMBLE DRY

"We retrained on how to protect our cmdr, how to search vehicles and personnel, and how to medically evacuate our comrade, if he is injured at a checkpoint," said 40-year-old Brash, a local Ramadi IP who said he's seen great improvements in the 4 years he's been with the force. "I was in Saddam's army, but I chose to serve my country as a policeman, so that I can keep safe the people in the immediate area of where I live," he said. His 3 young children are very proud their father protects their neighborhood, he said.

"They're very professional now," said Melton. "It's a huge change since last time we were over here.  Now the IP are really interested in grasping the concepts behind the skills. They love what they do," he added.  "It's too dangerous not to like it.  These guys run the risk every day, especially where they work at the PGC.  Every day may be the day they never get to see their family again."

Col. Ubaidi addresses IP enrolled in a skills refresher course. 

Col. Ubaidi displays a leaflet printed and distributed by violent extremists that offers a reward for killing him.

Staff Sgt. William Melton hands a certificate of completion to an IP. 

An IP uses a back-of-hand technique to search Pfc. Krystal Cuellar. 

Pfc. Travis Eliason is detained by IP. 

-30-

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Provincial Reconstruction Team Meeting 

(Photos by Spc. Venessa Hernandez)

BAGHDAD - Franklin Morris from the PRT meets with Sheik Fayed, March 27. The meeting was held to discuss and assess Fayed's agricultural needs, and how the PRT can help.    

Soldiers from Alpha Btry, 1st Bn, 41st FA, 3rd ID, and a PRT have dessert with Sheik Fayed, and IA Soldiers.

Soldiers have lunch with Sheik Fayed. 

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-13 (nogallery))

Dear Interested Reader,

Maternal Health Center opens in Panjshir.  Kentucky ADT teaches crop growth to university students.  Khost PRT hosts hospital construction meeting.  Sgt Adam Morris trains ANA in combat life saving.  Kunar PRT donates uniforms to youth cricket league.  Insurgents killed, caches seized in Helmand prov.

Iraq:  Servicemembers celebrate Jewish Passover service at COB Speicher.  Air Cav bids IqAF 'farewell.'  Four fuelers prepare FOB Summerall for closure.  AQI network targeted in Baghdad.

Joanna

__________________________ 

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

New Maternal Health Center opens in Panjshir 

By AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

Panjshir Prov. Acting Gov. Kabiri (with scissors), along with Army Col. Thomas Drew (far left), TF Wolverine dep. cmdr, and AF Lt. Col. Curtis Velasquez (center), the cmdr of the Panjshir PRT, cut the ribbon on a new Maternal Health Center, complete with a trained midwife, April 7. (AF photos by Capt. Phillip Baker)

PANJSHIR PROVINCE - Pregnant women in the Paryan District have a new option when the time comes to give birth. The project has been in the works for more than 2 years.  “Until now,  women giving birth would either go to the Basic Health Clinic, or give birth at home,” said AF Capt. Michael Calnicean, a physician asst with the Panjshir PRT. “They might have a midwife come to the house, but most of them don’t have any formal training. This is a big improvement.”

“The clinic will serve approx 2,000 families,” said  AF Capt. Phillip Baker, a civil engr with the Panjshir PRT. “This is the only mother-child clinic for the northern 2/3 of Paryan.  It serves a very remote region of Afghanistan.”

 

During his speech, Kabiri said, through an interpreter that most of the projects in the valley, just like the MHC, are completed because of the support of the PRT. “The people need this,” said Kabiri. “We built this here to meet the needs of the people with the help of the PRT. You can see a lot of construction in Panjshir, and most of it has been done with help from the PRT.”

 

“After the Taliban fell, we finally have security here,” said Kabiri. “We lost a lot of people, but now we’re secure.  In 30 years of fighting, Panjshir was always the prov. that stayed together.  Right now we need to stay together. We need to be with our friends, not our enemies.”

 

Velasquez also gave a speech, thanking the Panjshiris for being great hosts. “I’m thankful we’ve been able to build a strong partnership with the provincial government,” said Velasquez. “We couldn't have done this without the support of all of the people. We're here because of you and because we have your support.”

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Agriculture students learn valuable lessons

By Army Sgt 1st class Peter Ferrell 

KAPISIA PROVINCE – AF Lt. Col. Carney Jackson and Army Maj. Jim Rush, from the Kentucky ADT, explain to students at Al Bironi University methods of crop growth for grazing. They also explain the importance of not overgrazing, which would lead to the destruction of the crop. The Kentucky ADT has been conducting classes at Al Bironi University to help students better understand the use of feed crops and grazing procedures, to produce larger and healthier livestock. 

Maj. Jim Rush and AF Lt. Col. Carney Jackson, work with Al Bironi University, Dean of Agriculture, Nassir. The 3 men developed a list of teaching aids needed in the classrooms, to project teaching material that explains better agriculture and animal husbandry methods. 

Lt. Col. Carney Jackson gets an enthustastic response from agriculture students.  Jackson is an animal pathologist with the University of Kentucky, and is instructing students on how to control animal disease. 

Lt. Col. Jackson has agriculture students' undivided attention as he explaines how to mitigate disease in livestock.  

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Khost PRT hosts hospital construction meeting

By AF Senior Airman Julianne Showalter 

 

KHOST PROVINCE – Infantrymen of the Khost PRT, Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Pringle (kneeling),  and Pvt 1st Class David Lasher, provide security at the new hospital construction site, April 8. 

Navy Cmdr. Willie Billingslea, Khost PRT cmdr, points out key sections of the new hospital construction to Abdul Naeemi, Khost provincial gov., and other Khost officials. The team discussed progress and future developments on the hospital project. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

How to save a life: medic trains ANA in combat aid

By Army Spc. Eugene Cushing 

Army Sgt. Adam Morris, a civil affairs medic assigned to the 412th Civil Affairs Co., TF Rock, observes 2 ANA soldiers during a Combat Life Saver course at COP Penich, April 5.  Morris was the instructor of the course, and provided the ANA soldiers with the same training offered to U.S. servicemembers.

KUNAR PROVINCE – “They fight beside us, the American Soldiers,” Morris said. “It’s important they be able to fix themselves.” As Morris taught the class, the ANA Soldiers paid close attention. One of their comrades had died recently, because the ANA soldiers lacked the medical training that they're now receiving. “An Afghan soldier was shot in the foot,” Morris explained. “They pulled him to the truck, but he bled out, because no one knew how to put on a tourniquet.”

 

During the training, Morris took the opportunity to sit down and have lunch with ANA Sgt. Noorullah, the team leader of the ANA soldiers in the CLS class.  Noorullah, assigned to the 2nd Co, 4th Bn, 2nd Bde, felt strongly about the training Morris was conducting, and said he felt good having him there.  “I want my soldiers to take it seriously, and learn as much as they can to save their lives, to save their buddies’ lives,” he said.

 

Although Morris felt the language barrier made things challenging, he found that the soldiers were very interested and learned a great deal. “Hopefully they’ll spread the things they learned here,” Morris said.

An ANA soldier learns to check a pulse.

Sgt. Morris demonstrates how to use a tourniquet.  Many of the soldiers Morris trained had little to no first-aid knowledge, and did not know how to use tourniquets prior to the training.

Sgt. Morris demonstrates how to lift a casualty into a position where they can be carried.

-30-

Kunar Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs

Uniforms bring pride to Afghan youth cricket league

By AF Senior Airman Nathan Lipscomb

KUNAR PROVINCE – Members of the Asadabad Youth Cricket League pass up boxes of uniforms and athletic shoes from a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, April 7.  Since sports are no longer banned as they were under Taliban law, games like cricket have become a popular past-time for the people of Afghanistan. 

Members of the Asadabad Youth Cricket League go through boxes of uniforms and athletic shoes donated by the Kunar PRT at the Asadabad Youth Sports Center.

Army Spc. John Wilson, Kunar PRT SECFOR member, watches as children play volleyball at the Youth Sports Center. 

Army 1st Lt. Joseph Ladisic, Kunar PRT Civil Affairs officer, passes out athletic shoes. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, International Forces Kill Insurgents, Seize Caches

HELMAND PROVINCE - An Afghan/ISAF patrol found 2,500 lbs of marijuana seeds in the Reg-e Khan Neshin district, April 9.  Officials said the marijuana seeds would be destroyed.

A combined patrol in Nad-e Ali district found a 51 mm rocket April 8, and a cache consisting of a 107 mm rocket, 5 82 mm mortar rounds, 5 RPGs, 2 recoilless rifle rounds, 5 anti-personnel rounds, a 12.7 mm machine gun, 25 rounds of .50-caliber ammo, and an Afghan forces uniform, April 7.

On April 7, a combined unit captured 2 insurgents near Kajaki Sofla. The op was conducted to capture a senior Taliban cmdr., suspected of procuring materials used in roadside bombs. The combined force received small-arms fire from insurgents, and killed several during the fighting.

The force seized weapons, including RPGs, at the site. 

In other ops:

URUZGAN PROVINCE -- An int'l patrol in the Tarin Kot district April 8, found a 107 mm rocket and 3 mortar rounds in an aqueduct. 

FARAH PROVINCE - In the Bala Boluk district, April 7, int'l forces received a report from the Afghan army about a possible roadside-bomb manufacturing site.  When a patrol investigated, they found 2 warheads about 200 mm in size, and 2 small rockets. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Mayor visits Parwan Provincial Reconstruction Team

By AF Senior Airman Jim Araos

PARWAN PROVINCE – Navy Cmdr. Kyle Higgins, cmdr of the Parwan PRT, greets Ghulam Sediq, the Charikar mayor, during a meeting , April 7.  The mayor and cmdr met to discuss landfill issues, women’s affairs, and road work being done around the Charikar District. 

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

Servicemembers Celebrate Jewish Passover Service

(Photos by Spc. Cassandra Monroe)

COB SPEICHER - Lt. Col. Matthew Mednick, who is in charge of all aviation ops in the USD-North area of ops, Div. STB, 3rd ID, speaks to Soldiers and civilians at a Jewish Passover celebration and dinner, March 29, at the Freedom Rest.

Capt. Douglas Bransfield, a member of the staff judge advocate team with Div. STB, reaches for food from the Sedar plate.

Spc. Brian Lankin fills Capt. Richard Tackett's glass with wine.

Soldiers load their plates with food during the Jewish Passover ceremony.

Lt. Col. Mednick discusses a homemade Sedar plate, made by a school child, with Rhonna Bohton, a Kellog-Brown and Root employee.

-30-

DVIDS

Air Cav. Bids Iraqi Air Force 'farewell'

By Staff Sgt. Nathan Hoskins

CAMP TAJI – Leaders from 1st ACB, 1st Cav Div, U.S. Div–Center, joined with their IqAF counterparts, April 4, to bid each other farewell.  The event brought a year-long partnership to an end, but solidified a lasting friendship.

"I feel that you're becoming a part of Iraq," said IqAF Brig. Gen. Agwadi, cmdr, al-Taji Air Field. "We have a saying in Arabic that when you've spent 40 days with the guys, you learn their habits – you become one of them. "You have just spent one year in Iraq.  I feel that you are like Iraq, like the people of Iraq and, at last, you are like the people of Taji," added Agwadi.

The bonds that were created in the year started off with some apprehensions and preconceptions on both sides, said Nazim.  He explained that when the Soldiers hear things about the Iraqi people and culture from the media, and the Iraqis hear things about Americans from their media, confusion and misunderstanding can create problems.  "But when we mix together. and we see your culture, and you do the same, we see something different than what the propaganda said," Agwadi said.

Col. Douglas Gabram, cmdr of 1st ACB, echoed Agwadi's sentiments.  He explained that nearly a year ago, in front of Agwadi's HQ, they signed papers on a partnership plan.  Now, with multiple joint missions and joint exercises behind them, they stood together, where the partnership began, to say goodbye.

"The paper is only important to get things going," Gabram said. "From there, it takes – we have an equation – mutual trust plus personal relationship equals friendship and partnership. "Together, we've provided the climate, the atmosphere, and the environment for the leadership to do a lot of great things," Gabram added.

Though 1st ACB helped cultivate a war-fighting IqAF at Taji, they wouldn't have been as successful without the help of the U.S. AF, who trained the Iraqi pilots in basic and advanced flying techniques, he said.  Also in attendance was Col. Frank Muth, cmdr, CAB, 1st ID, whose team will replace 1st ACB at Camp Taji.

With the transfer of authority close at hand, Muth and his team have already been developing the partnership that 1st ACB established. "It's clear that the partnership that has been established over the last year with these 2 great teams, and the U.S. AF is incredible; it's a strong bond," Muth said. "We look forward to not only joining your team in our partnership and growing those bonds stronger, but continuing this great relationship over the next year."    

-30-

DVIDS

Four Fuelers Prepare for FOB Closure

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Spc. Larry Bayles and Spc. Richard Meckler, both fuelers with Co F, 2nd Bn, 16th Inf Regt, 4th IBCT, 1st ID out of Fort Riley, Kan., work on creating a more efficient fuel point, by increasing the number of available fuel hoses, March 24, at FOB Summerall.   

BAYJ – In the distance, the sound of a forklift lingers in the air. You follow the sound and turn to see a Soldier working to fill up what seems like a large crater in the ground.  As you get closer, you're met by the smell of fuel, and the sight of 4 young Soldiers, whose profession relies on it. 
Along with counting every Hesco barrier and consolidating equipment, another major aspect in a base closure is the proper handling of the fuel point. 

Since December 2009, the fuelers with Co F, have been formulating a plan of how to close down the fuel point at FOB Summerall, which is scheduled to be returned to the GoI later this month.
"We have to make sure that as we're turning the FOB over, that we still have enough fuel on hand to complete the missions that we still have," said Staff Sgt. Terry Coffindaffer, NCO-in- charge of the fuel point. 

Before turning over the fuel point, anything that qualifies as hazardous material that isn't mechanical, such as fuel bags, berms and liners, must be burned or destroyed.  All fuel must be distributed and disposed of properly, and all equipment must be cleaned before it's taken to COB Speicher for turn in. The land has to also be dozed and cleaned properly before returning it.

"People just don't understand just how much work and knowledge they have," said Coffindaffer about his 4 Soldiers. "It's not an easy job for them, but with their knowledge and their abilities, the work they do is fantastic.  If it weren't for these Soldiers out here, we'd be lost."

According Cpl. Andrew Bannister, a motor transport operator and fueler with Co F., the breakdown has supplied the fuelers with the equipment needed to create a more efficient retail point.  "As we're closing the FOB down, the convoys are getting bigger and bigger, with trying to retrograde all of this equipment," said Bannister. "So, we're setting up this point, so that we can better cater to the time frame of the missions, refuel the trucks, and get them back on the road, instead of sitting there in a line of 50 trucks trying to refuel with 2 or 3 hoses. Now, we can do it with 7 or 8 hoses."

As the date draws closer for the closure of FOB Summerall, the Soldiers said they're proud of what's been accomplished with the base, and Spc. Richard Meckler, a motor transport operator who is now helping with the fuel point, said that he has developed a respect for the fuelers and the work they do. "I have a whole new viewpoint of the fuelers, because they do a whole lot of stuff down here that people don't see," Meckler said. "It's really pretty amazing."

Cpl. Andrew Bannister and Spc. Allen Grebas, load fuel pumps.

-30-

USF-I

ISF target AQI network, arrest two suspects

BAGHDAD - ISF and U.S. advisors searched a residence approx 13 km west of Baghdad, for a suspected member of AQI, who is part of a security element within the terrorist group.  After conducting preliminary questioning and examining evidence at the scene, ISF arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted individual, April 11.

-30-

USF-I

ISF arrest four AQI suspects in Baghdad

BAGHDAD - In western Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors arrested the suspected assoc. of an alleged member of AQI, suspected to be involved in financing and implementing VBIED attacks.

ISF searched a building in the capital city for the warranted individual, who was not present. Based on preliminary questioning, and an initial examination of the evidence at the scene, ISF arrested an individual suspected to be a criminal associ. of the warranted individual, April 11.

During another op approx 12 km west of Baghdad, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for an alleged AQI Baghdad leader, who is suspected of facilitating VBIED attacks against civilians and SECFOR in the capital city.  Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF arrested 3 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted individual.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-12

Dear Interested Reader,

Kentucky ADT help the Kapisa Bee Project for women.  TF Destroyer repels repeated attacks on COP Bar Alai.  86th IBCT welcomes Macedonian Soldiers.  Parwan PRT meets with Korean Ambassador.

Iraq:  Mechanics with the 2101st maintain standard of safety.  "Dragon" Bde Soldiers welcome Wounded Warriors in Tikrit.  Forces continue crackdown on terrorists.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky ADT help the Kapisa Bee Project for women

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

 

Army Sgt. Jo Ashley, a member of the Kentucky ADT, attached to the 86th IBCT, helps Suhaila Kohistani, dir. of Women’s Affairs, fill out paperwork for the Kapisa Bee Project, April 6. 

KAPISA PROVINCE - Anybody that has seen Afghan women caring for their families, trekking up and down mountainous roads, and toiling in the fields knows that they're not strangers to playing the role of worker bee.  However, with the help of TF Wolverine’s Kentucky ADT, Afghan women are now putting the bees to work for them. The Kapisa Honeybee project began by supplying 4 beehives each to 25 women in Kapisa, and teaching them how to manage, care for, and harvest the honey from the hives.  

On April 1, the Kentucky ADT paid a visit to key leaders to discuss how to proceed now that spring, the peak honey season, is upon them.  "The beneficiaries or hive mgrs are contacting the DAIL and the Dir. Of Women’s Affairs offices with issues in apiculture.  This indicates they're seeing they need to rely on their govt,” said Army Sgt. Jo Ashley, the NCO-in-charge of aiding the women with the project.

The women will manage their 4 hives for 3 years, splitting them to increase production, and the number of hives. At the end of 3 years, they expect double the amount of hives, and be able to return the original 4 hives to the DAIL. The original 4 hives will then be redistributed to 25 other women, starting the process all over.

“I have a plan to help 1,000 women on this project,” said the dir. of women’s affairs for Kapisa, Suhaila Kohistani (through a translator), who has been involved with the project since its inception in 2009. “I have 10 to 15 women applying for this project each day,” added Kohastoni during a telephone interview while she had 3 applicants standing in her office.

Bees from a single hive can pollinate up to a 3-mile radius, so one woman with 4 hives can also have a significant impact on the agriculture on a larger scale. “The women are all excited about the project and their involvement.  From the DOWA to the children of the beneficiaries, all have gained knowledge that not only helps them manage their own hives, but also to allow them to teach others. They know they have a monumental role in Afghanistan's agriculture,” said Ashley.

“The women are rebuilding the self confidence that was lost in the 30 years of war, tearing their families and social status to pieces.  With projects such as this, the women are working their way back up via the country’s agriculture foundation, to show they too are instrumental in the reconstruction of a war-torn country,” she said.

Sgt. Jo Ashley displays a bee suit during training for the Kapisa Bee Project, April 6. 

Pictured are the active honeybee hives at the office of the Kapisa Dir. of Ag., Irrigation and Livestock compound. 

Local women receive training about how to manage bee hives. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky Soldiers aid local agricultural projects

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

KAPISA PROVINCE – Army Sgt. David Murley, a member of the ADT’s Personal Security Detail, provides security at the Kapisa Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Compound, April 5.  Murley and other members of the PSD team ensure the safety of the ADT team, while they discuss ongoing agricultural projects with the Kapisa Province’s DAIL and Dir. of Women’s Affairs.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

TF Destroyer repels repeated attacks on base

By Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte 

KUNAR PROVINCE – Army Pfc. Mark Weber, a gunner with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, serves as a spotter during a small arms attack on COP Bar Alai, April 5.  Multiple militants with automatic machine guns opened fire about 7 hours after a sniper also shot at the base. There were no injuries during the attacks. Insurgents have repeatedly targeted the base, in an unsuccessful campaign to drive ANA and ISAF from the area. 

Spc Colin McTamaney, a team leader with 2nd Plt, checks a nearby ridge following a small arms attack.

Spc. Greg Kenshalo, a rifleman with 2nd Plt, fires an automatic grenade launcher. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

86th IBCT welcomes Macedonian Soldiers to TF

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD – Macedonian soldiers in the Macedonian eTF listen as Zoran Konjanovski, the Macedonian MoD, gives a speech during a ceremony held to welcome the TF to Afghanistan, April 5.  The Macedonian soldiers on the eTT will serve with the 86th IBCT, based out of Vermont.  Macedonia and Vermont have had a partnership program since 1993, but this is the first time that they have served together in a combat zone. 

Konjanovski shakes the hand of a soldier serving in the Macedonian eTF, and presents him with a medal during a ceremony welcoming the TF.

Army Col. Will Roy, 86th IBCT cmdr, shakes hands with a soldier serving in the Macedonian eTF. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan school teachers working to provide safe environment 

KUNAR PROVINCE – A school teacher in the isolated mountain village of Muslimba, in Manogai district, greets a CF servicemember, April 6.  Due to security concerns in the area, 2 local teachers took it upon themselves to meet with CF to help increase security and development for Afghan children attending school. The teachers have also voiced their concerns with the govt, and is seeking coordination and assistance from them as well.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Playing catch in Paryan

By AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE - Spc. Allison Cherkosly, a civil affairs specialist of the Panjshir PRT, plays catch with a group of kids in the Paryan District, April 7. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Parwan PRT meets with Korean Ambassador

(Photo by AF Senior Airman Jim Araos)

BAGRAM AIRFIELD – Navy Cmdr Kyle Higgins, cmdr of the Parwan PRT, and Sonia Biswas, a rep for PRT’s U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, greet Park Hae-Yun, Amb. of the Republic of Korea, April 6. The amb. visited Bagram Airfield to visit the PRT, and discuss how the U.S. and Korean PRTs can consolidate on governance and development issues in the Parwan Prov. The Republic of Korea has agreed to stand up its own PRT in Parwan this year. 

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

Mechanics maintain standard of safety for traveling Soldiers

By Sgt. Ryan Twist

Pvt. Jacob Ray, a mechanic with the 2101st Trans. Co., out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st CSSB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, checks the hoses on a M915 line haul truck, for any leaks, April 2, during preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) at COB Speicher. Ray does PMCS before operating any military vehicle.

COB SPEICHER - A breakdown off base in a war zone stops an entire convoy, creating an opportunity for the enemy to attack.  Mechanics with the 2101st, ride along with convoys to provide assistance if a vehicle breaks down, or needs to be towed to another base.

Spc. Andrew Hilliman, a mechanic, said that he works on vehicles at the motor pool, and drives the wrecker as part of the unit's recovery team.  Hilliman said his job allows him to work with units, when they do preventive maintenance checks and services on their vehicles. If the Soldiers find problems with the trucks that require a mechanic, Hillman and his unit can assist them.

This is Hilliman's 3rd deployment to Iraq. "I've got quite a bit of experience as far as being down the road and at the motor pool," he said. "I love the job.  I love it more when we're outside the wire; just makes it a lot more exciting.  Every day is not the same, and you never know what you might encounter."

Spc. Amy Combs, also a mechanic with the 2101st, said she takes vehicles that are inoperable and does what she can to fix them.  Combs said that the mechanics don't just fix the vehicles until they're comfortable with them, but so that the drivers feel safe and confident about operating the vehicle.

"They used to throw posters up all the time that said, ‘we work on it as though our lives depend on it - theirs do.'  I don't think I quite understood that until I got here," she said.

Sgt. Gregory Garrett and Pvt. Jacob Ray, both mechanics, check the oil during preventive maintenance checks and services on M915 line haul trucks.

Sgt. Garrett and Pvt. Ray look at the technical manual to determine where to start their preventive maintenance checks and services on the M915 line haul truck.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Dragon' Brigade Soldiers welcome Wounded Warriors

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Soldiers of the 4th IBCT, 1st ID out of Fort Riley, Kan., welcome 8 wounded warriors, April 8. The veterans returned to Iraq through a warrior care initiative, called Op Proper Exit.

TIKRIT - This is a great opportunity for Soldiers of the 'Dragon' bde to welcome back some of our heroes who have sacrificed," said Lt. Col. L.J. Baker, EO of the 'Dragon' bde. "It's a great opportunity for us to show them our appreciation and give them a proper send off before they go back home."

Rick Kell, the EO of Troops First Foundation and creator of Op Proper Exit, said that the idea of the program came from wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, who would always talk about going back. "Their reasons for wanting to go back, so early in their recovery, is because they're upset with themselves for getting injured," Kell said. "They feel like they left their guys, and  want to get back into the fight. As time progresses through their recovery, the desire to go back doesn't change, but their reasoning changes to wanting to see the progress, and wanting to know that the work that was done in Iraq had validity and meaning."

This was the 3rd visit to Iraq for Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Schlitz, who suffered the loss of both hands and severe burns, when his vehicle was hit by an IED in February 2007. "To come back here, makes them feel like they finished their tour," said Schlitz about the service members who return. "They get to leave on their own 2 feet ,and leave the way they were supposed to leave the first time. A lot of these guys didn't get the welcome home ceremony that everybody else gets when they go home.  So, by coming here, talking to the Soldiers, and when we're walking into places and they clap - that's our welcome home ceremony."

Eight veterans return to Iraq. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Continue Crackdown on Terrorists in Iraq

BAGHDAD - ISF April 9, arrested a man suspected in vehicle-borne bombings in the Baghdad area, after a combined patrol searched a building just west of the capital city for another man believed to be his associate in the bombings.

MOSUL - April 7, a combined op with U.S. forces searched multiple buildings with a court warrant for the suspected AQI leader, who is believed to have played a key role in acquiring vehicles and weapons used to carry out assassinations in Mosul. After a preliminary investigation at the scene, Iraqi forces identified and arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted man.

-30-

USF-I

Apr 10, 2010

Suspected AQI assassination-cell associates arrested

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 4 assocs. of a suspected AQI illegal weapons dealer, and of facilitating VBIED attacks against civilians and SECFOR in the capital city, during a joint security op conducted outside of Baghdad, April 10.

-30-

USF-I

ISF kill three suspected AQI associates, arrest two

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces killed three suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) members and arrested two others during a joint security operation conducted in northern Iraq today.

In a rural area located approx 68 km NE of Tikrit, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI leader and illegal weapons facilitator, who may have ties to other senior weapons dealers in the region, April 10.

During the op, assocs. of the warranted AQI leader fired directly at ISF, who engaged the assailants, killing 3. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF also arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted individual.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-12

Dear Interested Reader,

Kentucky ADT help the Kapisa Bee Project for women.  TF Destroyer repels repeated attacks on COP Bar Alai.  86th IBCT welcomes Macedonian Soldiers.  Parwan PRT meets with Korean Ambassador.

Iraq:  Mechanics with the 2101st maintain standard of safety.  "Dragon" Bde Soldiers welcome Wounded Warriors in Tikrit.  Forces continue crackdown on terrorists.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky ADT help the Kapisa Bee Project for women

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

 

Army Sgt. Jo Ashley, a member of the Kentucky ADT, attached to the 86th IBCT, helps Suhaila Kohistani, dir. of Women’s Affairs, fill out paperwork for the Kapisa Bee Project, April 6. 

KAPISA PROVINCE - Anybody that has seen Afghan women caring for their families, trekking up and down mountainous roads, and toiling in the fields knows that they're not strangers to playing the role of worker bee.  However, with the help of TF Wolverine’s Kentucky ADT, Afghan women are now putting the bees to work for them. The Kapisa Honeybee project began by supplying 4 beehives each to 25 women in Kapisa, and teaching them how to manage, care for, and harvest the honey from the hives.  

On April 1, the Kentucky ADT paid a visit to key leaders to discuss how to proceed now that spring, the peak honey season, is upon them.  "The beneficiaries or hive mgrs are contacting the DAIL and the Dir. Of Women’s Affairs offices with issues in apiculture.  This indicates they're seeing they need to rely on their govt,” said Army Sgt. Jo Ashley, the NCO-in-charge of aiding the women with the project.

The women will manage their 4 hives for 3 years, splitting them to increase production, and the number of hives. At the end of 3 years, they expect double the amount of hives, and be able to return the original 4 hives to the DAIL. The original 4 hives will then be redistributed to 25 other women, starting the process all over.

“I have a plan to help 1,000 women on this project,” said the dir. of women’s affairs for Kapisa, Suhaila Kohistani (through a translator), who has been involved with the project since its inception in 2009. “I have 10 to 15 women applying for this project each day,” added Kohastoni during a telephone interview while she had 3 applicants standing in her office.

Bees from a single hive can pollinate up to a 3-mile radius, so one woman with 4 hives can also have a significant impact on the agriculture on a larger scale. “The women are all excited about the project and their involvement.  From the DOWA to the children of the beneficiaries, all have gained knowledge that not only helps them manage their own hives, but also to allow them to teach others. They know they have a monumental role in Afghanistan's agriculture,” said Ashley.

“The women are rebuilding the self confidence that was lost in the 30 years of war, tearing their families and social status to pieces.  With projects such as this, the women are working their way back up via the country’s agriculture foundation, to show they too are instrumental in the reconstruction of a war-torn country,” she said.

Sgt. Jo Ashley displays a bee suit during training for the Kapisa Bee Project, April 6. 

Pictured are the active honeybee hives at the office of the Kapisa Dir. of Ag., Irrigation and Livestock compound. 

Local women receive training about how to manage bee hives. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky Soldiers aid local agricultural projects

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

KAPISA PROVINCE – Army Sgt. David Murley, a member of the ADT’s Personal Security Detail, provides security at the Kapisa Director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Compound, April 5.  Murley and other members of the PSD team ensure the safety of the ADT team, while they discuss ongoing agricultural projects with the Kapisa Province’s DAIL and Dir. of Women’s Affairs.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

TF Destroyer repels repeated attacks on base

By Army Staff Sgt. Gary Witte 

KUNAR PROVINCE – Army Pfc. Mark Weber, a gunner with 2nd Plt, Troop C, 3rd Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Destroyer, serves as a spotter during a small arms attack on COP Bar Alai, April 5.  Multiple militants with automatic machine guns opened fire about 7 hours after a sniper also shot at the base. There were no injuries during the attacks. Insurgents have repeatedly targeted the base, in an unsuccessful campaign to drive ANA and ISAF from the area. 

Spc Colin McTamaney, a team leader with 2nd Plt, checks a nearby ridge following a small arms attack.

Spc. Greg Kenshalo, a rifleman with 2nd Plt, fires an automatic grenade launcher. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

86th IBCT welcomes Macedonian Soldiers to TF

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD – Macedonian soldiers in the Macedonian eTF listen as Zoran Konjanovski, the Macedonian MoD, gives a speech during a ceremony held to welcome the TF to Afghanistan, April 5.  The Macedonian soldiers on the eTT will serve with the 86th IBCT, based out of Vermont.  Macedonia and Vermont have had a partnership program since 1993, but this is the first time that they have served together in a combat zone. 

Konjanovski shakes the hand of a soldier serving in the Macedonian eTF, and presents him with a medal during a ceremony welcoming the TF.

Army Col. Will Roy, 86th IBCT cmdr, shakes hands with a soldier serving in the Macedonian eTF. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan school teachers working to provide safe environment 

KUNAR PROVINCE – A school teacher in the isolated mountain village of Muslimba, in Manogai district, greets a CF servicemember, April 6.  Due to security concerns in the area, 2 local teachers took it upon themselves to meet with CF to help increase security and development for Afghan children attending school. The teachers have also voiced their concerns with the govt, and is seeking coordination and assistance from them as well.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Playing catch in Paryan

By AF 2nd Lt. Jason Smith

PANJSHIR PROVINCE - Spc. Allison Cherkosly, a civil affairs specialist of the Panjshir PRT, plays catch with a group of kids in the Paryan District, April 7. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Parwan PRT meets with Korean Ambassador

(Photo by AF Senior Airman Jim Araos)

BAGRAM AIRFIELD – Navy Cmdr Kyle Higgins, cmdr of the Parwan PRT, and Sonia Biswas, a rep for PRT’s U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, greet Park Hae-Yun, Amb. of the Republic of Korea, April 6. The amb. visited Bagram Airfield to visit the PRT, and discuss how the U.S. and Korean PRTs can consolidate on governance and development issues in the Parwan Prov. The Republic of Korea has agreed to stand up its own PRT in Parwan this year. 

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

Mechanics maintain standard of safety for traveling Soldiers

By Sgt. Ryan Twist

Pvt. Jacob Ray, a mechanic with the 2101st Trans. Co., out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st CSSB, 15th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, checks the hoses on a M915 line haul truck, for any leaks, April 2, during preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) at COB Speicher. Ray does PMCS before operating any military vehicle.

COB SPEICHER - A breakdown off base in a war zone stops an entire convoy, creating an opportunity for the enemy to attack.  Mechanics with the 2101st, ride along with convoys to provide assistance if a vehicle breaks down, or needs to be towed to another base.

Spc. Andrew Hilliman, a mechanic, said that he works on vehicles at the motor pool, and drives the wrecker as part of the unit's recovery team.  Hilliman said his job allows him to work with units, when they do preventive maintenance checks and services on their vehicles. If the Soldiers find problems with the trucks that require a mechanic, Hillman and his unit can assist them.

This is Hilliman's 3rd deployment to Iraq. "I've got quite a bit of experience as far as being down the road and at the motor pool," he said. "I love the job.  I love it more when we're outside the wire; just makes it a lot more exciting.  Every day is not the same, and you never know what you might encounter."

Spc. Amy Combs, also a mechanic with the 2101st, said she takes vehicles that are inoperable and does what she can to fix them.  Combs said that the mechanics don't just fix the vehicles until they're comfortable with them, but so that the drivers feel safe and confident about operating the vehicle.

"They used to throw posters up all the time that said, ‘we work on it as though our lives depend on it - theirs do.'  I don't think I quite understood that until I got here," she said.

Sgt. Gregory Garrett and Pvt. Jacob Ray, both mechanics, check the oil during preventive maintenance checks and services on M915 line haul trucks.

Sgt. Garrett and Pvt. Ray look at the technical manual to determine where to start their preventive maintenance checks and services on the M915 line haul truck.

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

'Dragon' Brigade Soldiers welcome Wounded Warriors

By Spc. Shantelle Campbell

Soldiers of the 4th IBCT, 1st ID out of Fort Riley, Kan., welcome 8 wounded warriors, April 8. The veterans returned to Iraq through a warrior care initiative, called Op Proper Exit.

TIKRIT - This is a great opportunity for Soldiers of the 'Dragon' bde to welcome back some of our heroes who have sacrificed," said Lt. Col. L.J. Baker, EO of the 'Dragon' bde. "It's a great opportunity for us to show them our appreciation and give them a proper send off before they go back home."

Rick Kell, the EO of Troops First Foundation and creator of Op Proper Exit, said that the idea of the program came from wounded Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, who would always talk about going back. "Their reasons for wanting to go back, so early in their recovery, is because they're upset with themselves for getting injured," Kell said. "They feel like they left their guys, and  want to get back into the fight. As time progresses through their recovery, the desire to go back doesn't change, but their reasoning changes to wanting to see the progress, and wanting to know that the work that was done in Iraq had validity and meaning."

This was the 3rd visit to Iraq for Retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Schlitz, who suffered the loss of both hands and severe burns, when his vehicle was hit by an IED in February 2007. "To come back here, makes them feel like they finished their tour," said Schlitz about the service members who return. "They get to leave on their own 2 feet ,and leave the way they were supposed to leave the first time. A lot of these guys didn't get the welcome home ceremony that everybody else gets when they go home.  So, by coming here, talking to the Soldiers, and when we're walking into places and they clap - that's our welcome home ceremony."

Eight veterans return to Iraq. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Continue Crackdown on Terrorists in Iraq

BAGHDAD - ISF April 9, arrested a man suspected in vehicle-borne bombings in the Baghdad area, after a combined patrol searched a building just west of the capital city for another man believed to be his associate in the bombings.

MOSUL - April 7, a combined op with U.S. forces searched multiple buildings with a court warrant for the suspected AQI leader, who is believed to have played a key role in acquiring vehicles and weapons used to carry out assassinations in Mosul. After a preliminary investigation at the scene, Iraqi forces identified and arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted man.

-30-

USF-I

Apr 10, 2010

Suspected AQI assassination-cell associates arrested

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 4 assocs. of a suspected AQI illegal weapons dealer, and of facilitating VBIED attacks against civilians and SECFOR in the capital city, during a joint security op conducted outside of Baghdad, April 10.

-30-

USF-I

ISF kill three suspected AQI associates, arrest two

BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces killed three suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) members and arrested two others during a joint security operation conducted in northern Iraq today.

In a rural area located approx 68 km NE of Tikrit, ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI leader and illegal weapons facilitator, who may have ties to other senior weapons dealers in the region, April 10.

During the op, assocs. of the warranted AQI leader fired directly at ISF, who engaged the assailants, killing 3. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF also arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs. of the wanted individual.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-11

Dear Interested Reader,

Children receive medical care at FOB Methar Lam.  Khost PRT checks on progress of new road.  Gen. McCrystal visits the south of Tagab Valley.  Female Engagement Team encourages Afghan youth.  Radio popular in Laghman prov; census conducted.  Kentucky ADT meets with Parwan DAIL.

Iraq:  COB Adder JDC to be last in Iraq.  Michigan NG escort workers at JBB.  3 brothers reunite on COB Falcon.  AQI member arrested near Baghdad.

Joanna

_______________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Children receive medical treatment at FOB Methar Lam

By Army Spc. Albert Kelley 

A little girl from Mehtar Lam hugs her father as they depart the bn aid station at FOB Methar Lam, March 29. The father brought her to the aid station after receiving substandard care at a local hospital for second degree burns received on her feet, and a variety of other medical problems. 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – Last week, a father appeared at FOB Methar Lam’s front gate seeking medical assistance for his 2-year old daughter.  She had sustained 2nd-degree burns on her feet when one of her cousins pushed her too close to an open fire.

Army Pvt. Joshua Koplowitz, a medic with HHC, 1st Bn, 102nd Inf Regt, TF Iron Grays, assisted in her medical treatment the first day, as well as her follow-up visits. He vividly remembers the emotions of that first day. “When she first came in, I felt horrible,” Koplowitz said. “She was in tears and screaming.”

Initially, the family went to the Methar Lam hospital but received very basic service at best. Fortunately, the family found their way to FOB Methar Lam where they received proper treatment, including an offer for follow-up visits.  “If we hadn’t been here for them, it could've been a lot worse,” Kopowitz said. “She could've lost her feet, or she could have died from infection.”

During their most recent follow-up appointment, the family brought a neighbor with them. The neighbor was concerned because his son’s growth was stunted, and he couldn't walk despite being 6 years old.

AF Capt. Philip Hotchkiss, the senior medical officer with the Laghman PRT, gave the young boy an examination and diagnosed him with polio.  “Unfortunately, we can't undo the growth issues,” Hotchkiss said. “However, we are providing vitamin supplements to help him in the future, and are coordinating with "Operation Care" to obtain braces for his legs to help him walk." 

The medics are more than happy to treat the locals.  However, they're also committed to helping them develop and implement long-term solutions to their healthcare system.  After treating the 2 young patients, Hotchkiss met with the Laghman provincial line director of public health to discuss the capabilities of the local hospital.  During a tour of the Mehtar Lam hospital, the director pointed out factors that were limiting the hospital’s capabilities, such as an undersized sewage tank that prevented the entire hospital from being utilized.

The PRT now has engineers working with local engineers to develop a solution for the issue.
“Ideally, this will lead to improvements in their health care system, and the locals will have more options for timely care, independent of foreign assistance,” Hotchkiss said.

Capt. Philip Hotchkiss examines a young boy, diagnosed with polio.

 

Army Sgt. Cornel Sampson, a medic with HHC, carefully removes an old bandage from a young villager’s burned arm. 

Sgt. Sampson treats a young villager who recently suffered a foot injury. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Khost PRT checks on progress of new road

By AF Senior Airman Julianne Showalter

KHOST PROVINCE  – Army Cpl. Shane Rager, Khost PRT infantryman, provides security during a quality assurance check of the new road that extends from the Tani district center to Narizah village, April 5. The new road will provide a safer and more efficient route through the countryside. 

Navy Lt. j.g. Anthony Delgadillo, Khost PRT engr, and construction workers, measure the width of the new road. The road must be 7 meters wide and have a shoulder on either side, so it can hold large vehicles, and withstand extreme weather conditions. 

Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Glenn Niematalo, and Lt. j.g. Anthony Delgadillo, Khost PRT engrs, talk to the construction site engr about some of the villagers concerns, April 5. The road construction must not affect irrigation, or integrity of the buildings that run alongside it. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ISAF commander visits the south of Tagab Valley

(Photo by French Army Master Sgt. Sylvain Petremand)

Army Gen. Stanley McCrystal, ISAF cmdr, is welcomed by French Army Brig. Gen. Marcus Druart, TF La Fayette cmdr, and ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr. to COP 42 in Tagab valley, to see the success of Op’s Synapse and Gregale, March 30. While in the valley, McCrystal, the ANA and TF La Fayette leadership visited the village of Ghazik Han Khel, to meet with construction workers of a bridge, and local leaders of a school. 

KAPISA PROVINCE –  McCrystal said that he was proud of the work and progress that the ANA and French Soldiers have accomplished in the Tagab valley. “It’s a really good thing that General Mc Chrystal came to visit us,” said ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr. “He could see how the ANA was set-up in COP 42 and COP 46.  We took advantage of his visit to present the future ops that will be conducted with the French forces.”

After visit to the village, Mc Chrystal and Druart went to COP 46, which was just recently built in March. While there, McChrystal talked about the historical partnership between the French and the American forces.  He said that he expects the French soldiers, who are professional soldiers and have a good experience in the counter insurgency field, to share their knowledge with the ANA.

ANA soldiers patrol in Tagab valley to provide security during Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s visit of COP 42. 

Gen. McCrystal and ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr, speak with a teacher of a local school in the Ghaznik Han Khel village. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Coalition Female Engagement Team encourages Afghan youth

KUNAR PROVINCE – Members of a coalition Female Engagement Team pose with the Noorgal ANP chief outside the local police station, March 31. The FET is able to visit local Afghan girl’s schools to deliver supplies, and share personal experiences on education, future potential and the ambitions of the students. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan radio is a hit, coalition partners stand shoulder-to-shoulder

LAGHMAN PROVINCE - Laghman Radio interviewed 3 govt officials and a local citizen between  March 23-29.  Among the topics discussed were the importance of local media in eliminating corruption and the importance of women in society. 

 

Elements of the ANA, ANP, Afghan National Civil Order Police and National Directorate of Security pose together for a photo, March 23. These agencies are now working together at one location, as part of a new program to share intel and assess various threats in Qarghayi district. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky ADT meets with Parwan DAIL

By Army Sgt. John Young 

PARWAN PROVINCE – Shah Mirza Amiri, the Parwan Dir. of Ag., Irrigation, and Livestock (DAIL), explains to Army Lt. Col Ruth Graves, and Army Lt. Col. Toby Peterson, both team chiefs with the Kentucky ADT, the importance of using ECOBAGS to ensure that young trees receive the adequate amount of water and fertilizer, March 29. The ECOBAGS is a water savings device that automatically feeds the plants for up to one month, prevents evaporation, and increases the plants survival rate. 

 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ISAF conducts census in the eastern Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Albert Kelley

LAGHMAN PROVINCE –  Army Sgt. Jamie Stone, team leader, 102nd Inf Regt, TF Iron Grays, hands out chewing gum to children in the city of Mehtar Lam, March 25.  His unit was providing security for Soldiers, who were performing a census of shop owners operating in the city. 

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

COB Adder JDC to be last JDC in Iraq

By Pfc. Lisa Cope

Sgt. Tammie Cage, a first-shift NCO with the 368th Seaport Ops Co, 732nd CSSB, 36th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, ground guides a Humvee onto a flatbed trailer, to be taken through Kuwait, March 31, at COB Adder. 

COB ADDER - The Joint Distribution Center (JDC) at COB Adder, distributes supplies and equipment coming into and leaving the Iraq Joint Ops Area.

1st Lt. Christopher Kee, the officer-in-charge of the JDC with the 40th Quartermaster Co, 732nd CSSB, said that the JDC handles all forms of supplies except food, ammo and medical supplies.
Kee said the JDC at COB Adder will be the last functioning JDC in Iraq, and all of the equipment will funnel through Adder, and into Kuwait during the drawdown. "We have a major retrograde yard on the south side of COB Adder, and that is where we house the majority of our class 7 and class 9 items to be retrograded to Kuwait, or to be sent to Afghanistan," he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Dawadrain Clark, the NCO-in-charge of the JDC with the 40th QM Co. out of Schoffield Barracks, Hawaii, said "the Soldiers are responsible for uploading and downloading class 7 supplies that come in," he said. "They also store and keep accountability of those supplies."  Clark said the unit has moved more than 65,000 tons of class 3, 4 and 9 supply, and about 5,000 pieces of class 7 equipment in the last 4 months.

Kee said accountability of incoming and outgoing equipment is a high priority for his unit. "Our goal is maintaining full accountability of every piece of commodity that comes through the JDC, to ensure that it gets from the sender to the customer, and to do that as fast as possible," he said. "We try to turn items around within 72 hours, pushing onward to our next customer."

Sgt. Joseph Franklin, the mid-shift NCO-in-charge with the 40th Quartermaster Co, ground guides a Humvee onto a flatbed trailer. 

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Michigan NG escort Iraqi workers at JBB

By 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs

Spc. Karen Beekman, a Dept of Public Works employee escort with the 1073rd Maintenance Co, 2nd Sqdrn, 278th ACR, 13th ESC, supervises local national DPW employees, April 1 at JBB. (Army photo by Spc. Michael Camacho)

JOINT BASE BALAD - Almost every morning, Soldiers with the 1073rd Maintenance Co., out of Greenville, Mich., escort local nationals working with the Dept of Public Works, from the entry gate, onto the base.
   
These Soldiers escort roughly 140 to 160 Iraqis to their worksites to do post beautification, which can range from sidewalk sweeping to custodial upkeep, said 1st Lt. Joey Degrammont, the force protection plt leader with the 1073rd.  These jobs give the Iraqis a steady source of income, said Degrammont.

Despite the cultural and language differences, the Soldiers and Iraqi workers get along, said Degrammont, exhibiting a strong working relationship.  Both groups are simply doing a job, and they all understand that, he said. "There's a lot of cohesion built up between the American Soldiers and the local nationals," he said. "They've a good time; they're laughing and joking."
   
The Iraqis must be escorted because they don't have the proper authorization to be left alone, according to base security measures, said Sgt. 1st Class Kalvin Charania, the force protection plt sgt.  The Soldiers also take care of the Iraqis, ensuring they've water and food, and take breaks throughout the day, said Charania.
   
This is a joint effort between the 13th ESC out of Fort Hood, Texas, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and Noor Al-Belad Co., a local company, said AF Tech. Sgt. Patrick Galla, NCO-in-charge of Troops to Task, with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Sqdrn, 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 332nd AEW.

The project's long-term goal is to instill strong work habits and skills in local nationals, to assist them after the U.S. military drawdown, said Galla. "The local nationals work hard, and they do an excellent job on base," said Charania.

-30-

DVIDS

Face of Defense: Brothers Reunite in Iraq

By Army Pvt. Emily Knitter

Army Sgt. Joshua Harrison, Spc. Justin Harrison, and Sgt. Jeremiah Harrison grin for a photo April 5, 2010, on COB Falcon, moments after reuniting for the 1st time since their deployment began. 

BAGHDAD - Darkness falls as a Chinook helicopter lands on the rocky landing pad inside an Army camp south of here.  As soldiers walk down the ramp toward a small building close by, 2 sgts stand bathed in the yellow light of the building's overhang, peering excitedly into the darkness, and impatiently searching the faces coming off the aircraft. Then they both lock onto one shape coming toward them. "Whoop!" 1 of the 2 soldiers cries out as the target of their gaze comes out of the shadows.  All 3 soldiers grin from ear to ear as they exchange greetings and bear hugs. 

The 3 soldiers are brothers, and all are deployed in Iraq. It's the first time they've been together since leaving the U.S. 4 months ago. All are assigned to the 3rd ID's 1st HBCT. The youngest brother, Spc. Justin Harrison, is deployed west of Baghdad at Camp Striker with 1st Bn, 41st FA, and the older Harrison brothers – Sgts. Jeremiah and Joshua Harrison -- are based to the south at COB Falcon. 

For the past 14 years, the brothers have been raised solely by their father, a retired AF senior master sgt. "We've always been close, no matter what's happening in our family, and through our life," said Jeremiah, who has deployed 4 times. "We talk about it now, but there's been a lot of ups and downs. There's always been the 4 guys, no matter what, and when Dad was deployed, it was the 3 of us. There's nothing that breaks that up." 

Although Justin is assigned to a different base, knowing that his brothers are close has helped his 1st deployment in Iraq, he said. "My brothers are the best NCOs I've ever met," he said. "Jeremiah sacrifices himself 100% for his soldiers every day; that's my idol. If I were to become anything, I'd want to be him. And Josh is an amazing NCO, too."

Jeremiah and Joshua agreed that being apart has its moments of difficulty for all of them. "I always think about how he's doing, what he's doing, and if he's doing all right," Jeremiah said. "We talk a lot about the youngest one, but he's the baby.  We kind of support him in whatever he needs, but in the end, you have to leave it up to letting things fall into place as they should." 

Back at the landing pad as the soldiers embrace, it appears that at least for a few days while Justin visits, everything actually has fallen into place for 3 brothers in Iraq. 

 

-30-

USF-I

Iraqi Security Forces arrest AQI member near Baghdad

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested a suspected AQI member during a joint security op conducted west of Baghdad, April 9.

ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building 10 kms west of Baghdad for an alleged AQI member suspected of facilitating VBIED attacks against civilians and SECFOR in the capital city. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF arrested a suspected criminal assoc. of the wanted individual.

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Spc. Nashaunda Tilghman, Army)          

Army Sgt. Patricia Smith, with Forward Support Co., 2nd Bn, 69th AR, hands gifts to Iraqi women who are graduating from the "widow beekeeping program" at the Ibn Alhaytham Vocational School in Mussayibb, April 3, 2010.   A micro grant helps Iraqi widows start their own beekeeping businesses.

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead, Army) 

Sheik Emtyher Muja speaks to Army Capt. Jayne Strathe, of the 1314th Civil Affairs Co., attached to 17th Fires Bde, during a foot patrol through the neighborhood of Al Hayanniah, Mar. 31, 2010. The neighborhood is known as one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city of Basra.         

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-11

Dear Interested Reader,

Children receive medical care at FOB Methar Lam.  Khost PRT checks on progress of new road.  Gen. McCrystal visits the south of Tagab Valley.  Female Engagement Team encourages Afghan youth.  Radio popular in Laghman prov; census conducted.  Kentucky ADT meets with Parwan DAIL.

Iraq:  COB Adder JDC to be last in Iraq.  Michigan NG escort workers at JBB.  3 brothers reunite on COB Falcon.  AQI member arrested near Baghdad.

Joanna

_______________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Children receive medical treatment at FOB Methar Lam

By Army Spc. Albert Kelley 

A little girl from Mehtar Lam hugs her father as they depart the bn aid station at FOB Methar Lam, March 29. The father brought her to the aid station after receiving substandard care at a local hospital for second degree burns received on her feet, and a variety of other medical problems. 

LAGHMAN PROVINCE – Last week, a father appeared at FOB Methar Lam’s front gate seeking medical assistance for his 2-year old daughter.  She had sustained 2nd-degree burns on her feet when one of her cousins pushed her too close to an open fire.

Army Pvt. Joshua Koplowitz, a medic with HHC, 1st Bn, 102nd Inf Regt, TF Iron Grays, assisted in her medical treatment the first day, as well as her follow-up visits. He vividly remembers the emotions of that first day. “When she first came in, I felt horrible,” Koplowitz said. “She was in tears and screaming.”

Initially, the family went to the Methar Lam hospital but received very basic service at best. Fortunately, the family found their way to FOB Methar Lam where they received proper treatment, including an offer for follow-up visits.  “If we hadn’t been here for them, it could've been a lot worse,” Kopowitz said. “She could've lost her feet, or she could have died from infection.”

During their most recent follow-up appointment, the family brought a neighbor with them. The neighbor was concerned because his son’s growth was stunted, and he couldn't walk despite being 6 years old.

AF Capt. Philip Hotchkiss, the senior medical officer with the Laghman PRT, gave the young boy an examination and diagnosed him with polio.  “Unfortunately, we can't undo the growth issues,” Hotchkiss said. “However, we are providing vitamin supplements to help him in the future, and are coordinating with "Operation Care" to obtain braces for his legs to help him walk." 

The medics are more than happy to treat the locals.  However, they're also committed to helping them develop and implement long-term solutions to their healthcare system.  After treating the 2 young patients, Hotchkiss met with the Laghman provincial line director of public health to discuss the capabilities of the local hospital.  During a tour of the Mehtar Lam hospital, the director pointed out factors that were limiting the hospital’s capabilities, such as an undersized sewage tank that prevented the entire hospital from being utilized.

The PRT now has engineers working with local engineers to develop a solution for the issue.
“Ideally, this will lead to improvements in their health care system, and the locals will have more options for timely care, independent of foreign assistance,” Hotchkiss said.

Capt. Philip Hotchkiss examines a young boy, diagnosed with polio.

 

Army Sgt. Cornel Sampson, a medic with HHC, carefully removes an old bandage from a young villager’s burned arm. 

Sgt. Sampson treats a young villager who recently suffered a foot injury. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Khost PRT checks on progress of new road

By AF Senior Airman Julianne Showalter

KHOST PROVINCE  – Army Cpl. Shane Rager, Khost PRT infantryman, provides security during a quality assurance check of the new road that extends from the Tani district center to Narizah village, April 5. The new road will provide a safer and more efficient route through the countryside. 

Navy Lt. j.g. Anthony Delgadillo, Khost PRT engr, and construction workers, measure the width of the new road. The road must be 7 meters wide and have a shoulder on either side, so it can hold large vehicles, and withstand extreme weather conditions. 

Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Glenn Niematalo, and Lt. j.g. Anthony Delgadillo, Khost PRT engrs, talk to the construction site engr about some of the villagers concerns, April 5. The road construction must not affect irrigation, or integrity of the buildings that run alongside it. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ISAF commander visits the south of Tagab Valley

(Photo by French Army Master Sgt. Sylvain Petremand)

Army Gen. Stanley McCrystal, ISAF cmdr, is welcomed by French Army Brig. Gen. Marcus Druart, TF La Fayette cmdr, and ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr. to COP 42 in Tagab valley, to see the success of Op’s Synapse and Gregale, March 30. While in the valley, McCrystal, the ANA and TF La Fayette leadership visited the village of Ghazik Han Khel, to meet with construction workers of a bridge, and local leaders of a school. 

KAPISA PROVINCE –  McCrystal said that he was proud of the work and progress that the ANA and French Soldiers have accomplished in the Tagab valley. “It’s a really good thing that General Mc Chrystal came to visit us,” said ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr. “He could see how the ANA was set-up in COP 42 and COP 46.  We took advantage of his visit to present the future ops that will be conducted with the French forces.”

After visit to the village, Mc Chrystal and Druart went to COP 46, which was just recently built in March. While there, McChrystal talked about the historical partnership between the French and the American forces.  He said that he expects the French soldiers, who are professional soldiers and have a good experience in the counter insurgency field, to share their knowledge with the ANA.

ANA soldiers patrol in Tagab valley to provide security during Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s visit of COP 42. 

Gen. McCrystal and ANA Maj. Doud, cmdr, speak with a teacher of a local school in the Ghaznik Han Khel village. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Coalition Female Engagement Team encourages Afghan youth

KUNAR PROVINCE – Members of a coalition Female Engagement Team pose with the Noorgal ANP chief outside the local police station, March 31. The FET is able to visit local Afghan girl’s schools to deliver supplies, and share personal experiences on education, future potential and the ambitions of the students. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Afghan radio is a hit, coalition partners stand shoulder-to-shoulder

LAGHMAN PROVINCE - Laghman Radio interviewed 3 govt officials and a local citizen between  March 23-29.  Among the topics discussed were the importance of local media in eliminating corruption and the importance of women in society. 

 

Elements of the ANA, ANP, Afghan National Civil Order Police and National Directorate of Security pose together for a photo, March 23. These agencies are now working together at one location, as part of a new program to share intel and assess various threats in Qarghayi district. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kentucky ADT meets with Parwan DAIL

By Army Sgt. John Young 

PARWAN PROVINCE – Shah Mirza Amiri, the Parwan Dir. of Ag., Irrigation, and Livestock (DAIL), explains to Army Lt. Col Ruth Graves, and Army Lt. Col. Toby Peterson, both team chiefs with the Kentucky ADT, the importance of using ECOBAGS to ensure that young trees receive the adequate amount of water and fertilizer, March 29. The ECOBAGS is a water savings device that automatically feeds the plants for up to one month, prevents evaporation, and increases the plants survival rate. 

 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ISAF conducts census in the eastern Afghanistan

By Army Spc. Albert Kelley

LAGHMAN PROVINCE –  Army Sgt. Jamie Stone, team leader, 102nd Inf Regt, TF Iron Grays, hands out chewing gum to children in the city of Mehtar Lam, March 25.  His unit was providing security for Soldiers, who were performing a census of shop owners operating in the city. 

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

COB Adder JDC to be last JDC in Iraq

By Pfc. Lisa Cope

Sgt. Tammie Cage, a first-shift NCO with the 368th Seaport Ops Co, 732nd CSSB, 36th Sust Bde, 13th ESC, ground guides a Humvee onto a flatbed trailer, to be taken through Kuwait, March 31, at COB Adder. 

COB ADDER - The Joint Distribution Center (JDC) at COB Adder, distributes supplies and equipment coming into and leaving the Iraq Joint Ops Area.

1st Lt. Christopher Kee, the officer-in-charge of the JDC with the 40th Quartermaster Co, 732nd CSSB, said that the JDC handles all forms of supplies except food, ammo and medical supplies.
Kee said the JDC at COB Adder will be the last functioning JDC in Iraq, and all of the equipment will funnel through Adder, and into Kuwait during the drawdown. "We have a major retrograde yard on the south side of COB Adder, and that is where we house the majority of our class 7 and class 9 items to be retrograded to Kuwait, or to be sent to Afghanistan," he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Dawadrain Clark, the NCO-in-charge of the JDC with the 40th QM Co. out of Schoffield Barracks, Hawaii, said "the Soldiers are responsible for uploading and downloading class 7 supplies that come in," he said. "They also store and keep accountability of those supplies."  Clark said the unit has moved more than 65,000 tons of class 3, 4 and 9 supply, and about 5,000 pieces of class 7 equipment in the last 4 months.

Kee said accountability of incoming and outgoing equipment is a high priority for his unit. "Our goal is maintaining full accountability of every piece of commodity that comes through the JDC, to ensure that it gets from the sender to the customer, and to do that as fast as possible," he said. "We try to turn items around within 72 hours, pushing onward to our next customer."

Sgt. Joseph Franklin, the mid-shift NCO-in-charge with the 40th Quartermaster Co, ground guides a Humvee onto a flatbed trailer. 

-30-

Blackanthem Military News

Michigan NG escort Iraqi workers at JBB

By 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs

Spc. Karen Beekman, a Dept of Public Works employee escort with the 1073rd Maintenance Co, 2nd Sqdrn, 278th ACR, 13th ESC, supervises local national DPW employees, April 1 at JBB. (Army photo by Spc. Michael Camacho)

JOINT BASE BALAD - Almost every morning, Soldiers with the 1073rd Maintenance Co., out of Greenville, Mich., escort local nationals working with the Dept of Public Works, from the entry gate, onto the base.
   
These Soldiers escort roughly 140 to 160 Iraqis to their worksites to do post beautification, which can range from sidewalk sweeping to custodial upkeep, said 1st Lt. Joey Degrammont, the force protection plt leader with the 1073rd.  These jobs give the Iraqis a steady source of income, said Degrammont.

Despite the cultural and language differences, the Soldiers and Iraqi workers get along, said Degrammont, exhibiting a strong working relationship.  Both groups are simply doing a job, and they all understand that, he said. "There's a lot of cohesion built up between the American Soldiers and the local nationals," he said. "They've a good time; they're laughing and joking."
   
The Iraqis must be escorted because they don't have the proper authorization to be left alone, according to base security measures, said Sgt. 1st Class Kalvin Charania, the force protection plt sgt.  The Soldiers also take care of the Iraqis, ensuring they've water and food, and take breaks throughout the day, said Charania.
   
This is a joint effort between the 13th ESC out of Fort Hood, Texas, the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and Noor Al-Belad Co., a local company, said AF Tech. Sgt. Patrick Galla, NCO-in-charge of Troops to Task, with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineering Sqdrn, 332nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 332nd AEW.

The project's long-term goal is to instill strong work habits and skills in local nationals, to assist them after the U.S. military drawdown, said Galla. "The local nationals work hard, and they do an excellent job on base," said Charania.

-30-

DVIDS

Face of Defense: Brothers Reunite in Iraq

By Army Pvt. Emily Knitter

Army Sgt. Joshua Harrison, Spc. Justin Harrison, and Sgt. Jeremiah Harrison grin for a photo April 5, 2010, on COB Falcon, moments after reuniting for the 1st time since their deployment began. 

BAGHDAD - Darkness falls as a Chinook helicopter lands on the rocky landing pad inside an Army camp south of here.  As soldiers walk down the ramp toward a small building close by, 2 sgts stand bathed in the yellow light of the building's overhang, peering excitedly into the darkness, and impatiently searching the faces coming off the aircraft. Then they both lock onto one shape coming toward them. "Whoop!" 1 of the 2 soldiers cries out as the target of their gaze comes out of the shadows.  All 3 soldiers grin from ear to ear as they exchange greetings and bear hugs. 

The 3 soldiers are brothers, and all are deployed in Iraq. It's the first time they've been together since leaving the U.S. 4 months ago. All are assigned to the 3rd ID's 1st HBCT. The youngest brother, Spc. Justin Harrison, is deployed west of Baghdad at Camp Striker with 1st Bn, 41st FA, and the older Harrison brothers – Sgts. Jeremiah and Joshua Harrison -- are based to the south at COB Falcon. 

For the past 14 years, the brothers have been raised solely by their father, a retired AF senior master sgt. "We've always been close, no matter what's happening in our family, and through our life," said Jeremiah, who has deployed 4 times. "We talk about it now, but there's been a lot of ups and downs. There's always been the 4 guys, no matter what, and when Dad was deployed, it was the 3 of us. There's nothing that breaks that up." 

Although Justin is assigned to a different base, knowing that his brothers are close has helped his 1st deployment in Iraq, he said. "My brothers are the best NCOs I've ever met," he said. "Jeremiah sacrifices himself 100% for his soldiers every day; that's my idol. If I were to become anything, I'd want to be him. And Josh is an amazing NCO, too."

Jeremiah and Joshua agreed that being apart has its moments of difficulty for all of them. "I always think about how he's doing, what he's doing, and if he's doing all right," Jeremiah said. "We talk a lot about the youngest one, but he's the baby.  We kind of support him in whatever he needs, but in the end, you have to leave it up to letting things fall into place as they should." 

Back at the landing pad as the soldiers embrace, it appears that at least for a few days while Justin visits, everything actually has fallen into place for 3 brothers in Iraq. 

 

-30-

USF-I

Iraqi Security Forces arrest AQI member near Baghdad

BAGHDAD - ISF arrested a suspected AQI member during a joint security op conducted west of Baghdad, April 9.

ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building 10 kms west of Baghdad for an alleged AQI member suspected of facilitating VBIED attacks against civilians and SECFOR in the capital city. Based on evidence gathered at the scene, ISF arrested a suspected criminal assoc. of the wanted individual.

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Spc. Nashaunda Tilghman, Army)          

Army Sgt. Patricia Smith, with Forward Support Co., 2nd Bn, 69th AR, hands gifts to Iraqi women who are graduating from the "widow beekeeping program" at the Ibn Alhaytham Vocational School in Mussayibb, April 3, 2010.   A micro grant helps Iraqi widows start their own beekeeping businesses.

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead, Army) 

Sheik Emtyher Muja speaks to Army Capt. Jayne Strathe, of the 1314th Civil Affairs Co., attached to 17th Fires Bde, during a foot patrol through the neighborhood of Al Hayanniah, Mar. 31, 2010. The neighborhood is known as one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city of Basra.         

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-10

Dear Interested Reader,

TF Wolverine communicates with residents of Parwan Prov.  ANA recruits doing basic training in combat zone.  Kunar PRT patrols Asadabad.  Forces capture Taliban explosives expert/several militants.

Iraq:  2-15 FA bid farewell to Iraqi counterparts at JSS Shield.  89th Cav let IFP take over training at TF Nassir.  PRT officials observe Iraqi elections in Ninewa prov.  Suspected terrorists arrested in Mosul.

Joanna

___________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Soldiers get in touch with residents 

By Army Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes

PARWAN PROVINCE –  Army Master Sgt. John Huestis, an artilleryman with the HQ, HQ Co of the 86th IBCT, TF Wolverine, communicates with a child during a patrol in the village of Qal’eh ye Golay, April 4.

Sgt. John Young, an infantryman, greets a child in a local bazaar.

 

Spc. Brandon Evans, a combat cameramen with the 982 Signal Co, gives the traditional greeting by covering his heart and saying, “Salaam ailakum.”

 

 

2nd Lt. Llewelyn Hughes, a military police officer, speaks with a local boy. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANA recruits face doing basic training in combat zone

By Army Sgt. Spencer Case 

 

ANA Sgt. 1st Class Nabi, drill instructor, poses with his trainees at Camp Parsa, March 27. Of the six ANA basic training locations, Camp Parsa is unique in that it's the only major basic training center to exist in a location where the war rages at close proximity, said ANA Lt. Col. Ahmed, the EO. 

KHOST PROVINCE – The stress that accompanies the first few days in the armed services is familiar to most Soldiers, but few can identify with the ANA recruits at Camp Parsa, who undergo the transition from citizen to soldier in an active war zone.

Ahmed said that last year the installation received incoming attacks from insurgents almost daily, one of which killed a recruit. While security in the area has improved drastically since then, recruits still face sporadic incoming attacks, and hear outgoing artillery from U.S. Soldiers in the nearby Camp Clark.

Not every aspect of basic training in a war zone is negative, Ahmed said.  Once, he said, enemy forces fired on recruits who were clearing a training range, but seeing that the troops were armed, the enemy turned and ran. The trainee’s weapons weren’t loaded, Ahmed said. “I was laughing and I was so happy that the enemy was so weak that they couldn’t stand against us,” Ahmed said with the aid of an interpreter.

Sgt. 1st Class Derek Macleod, normally a drill sergeant at Fort Sill, is currently deployed to Camp Parsa as a combat training advisor.  He said despite the combat environment, there is much in Afghan basic training that U.S. troops would find familiar. “What they’ve done is pretty much taken our basic training and mirrored it,” he said.

Macleod said the military heritage part of the training provides positive reinforcement to Soldiers who might be committed to the goals of the ANSF, but joined for other motives such as a steady income.  Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Johnson, combat training advisor, said this reinforcement is an invaluable necessity.
“Not that anyone here is an enemy, but they might be indecisive, adding that the hope is that the indecisive can be tipped in the right direction. We try to guide them, let them know that they are part of something bigger than themselves,” he said.

ANA Staff Sgt. Parwiz, a drill instructor, said that he believes most of the troops come with the right intentions already in mind.

Army’s Sgt. 1st Class Derek Macleod and Staff Sgt. Christopher Johnson, are combat training advisors to the ANA.  Here they pose in front of Afghan basic trainees. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Kunar PRT patrols Asadabad, inspects projects

By AF Senior Airman Nathan Lipscomb 

KUNAR PROVINCE - Army Cpl. Levi Day and Cpl. Stanley Piecuch, Kunar PRT, make their way down a set of stairs in the city of Asadabad, March 29. The team performs a routine foot patrol through the city to find promising locations for future PRT projects.

Sgt. Brandon Kale and Cpl. Levi Day, Kunar PRT, make their way through the city of Asadabad. 

Members of the Kunar PRT inspect a completed PRT project during a routine foot patrol, to see if past projects have been completed successfully. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Capture Taliban Explosives Expert/ Several Militants

KANDAHAR PROVINCE - Afghan/ISAF, April 8, captured a Taliban explosives expert who is believed to be a leader for insurgent bomb-making efforts, military officials reported.  The combined force captured the man and several other militants just west of Kandahar City, while searching a compound. 

In other ops, a combined force searched a compound in the town of Bazar-e Pannivai, April 8, and detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

In Zharay district, April 8, a combined patrol found a booby-trapped cache containing 2 suicide vests, 6 grenades and 8 assault rifles.

WARDAK PROVINCE -  April 7, a combined force searched a compound in the Sayed Abad district, and captured a heavy weapons trafficker for the Haqqani terrorist group, and an associate. The man is believed to be responsible for the sale and distribution of weapons, ranging from heavy machine guns to sniper rifles. The combined force also found several automatic rifles and Taliban propaganda.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

DVIDS

2-15 FA Bid Farewell to Iraqi Counterparts at JSS Shield

By Staff Sgt. Ryan Sabin

Soldiers with Btry A, 2nd Bn, 15th FAR, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, receive a briefing, April 5, before leaving JSS Shield after giving farewells to their Iraqi counterparts. They conducted joint ops for more than 6 months. 

BAGHDAD – The Soldiers of Btry A packed up their gear to move out of JSS Shield after working with federal policemen for more than 6 months. They conducted everything from patrols to raids together.  Lately, the relationship has changed,  from joint missions to advising and assisting the police officers, when they were asked.

"I feel they are very prepared – more prepared than when we started working with them.  I have the utmost confidence they'll be fine once we leave," said 1st Lt. Scott Caflisch, 1st Plt leader, Btry A.

Btry A also worked with the Iraqi presidential bde and the National Iraqi Intel Agency in the Karada peninsula, by sharing intel info, which resulted in the capture of numerous insurgents and criminals.

"Today is the ending of our partnership with ISF in the Karada," said Capt. William Fisher, cmdr. "The dinner represents our thanks and gratitude to them for their help, and allows us to finalize our relationship with them in the peninsula."

Capt. William Fisher, cmdr, gives certificates of appreciation to Col. Nahead, the IFP dep. cmdr, and his EO, Lt. Col. Munther, for their dedication and hard work at JSS Shield.

-30-

DVIDS

Cav Soldiers Let IFP Take Over Training at TF Nassir

By Staff Sgt. Ryan Sabin

IFP practice drill and ceremony at the TF Nassir Training Academy, as they march to class during a training session at COB Cashe South, March 27.

BAGHDAD – Soldiers with 1st Bn, 89th Cav Regt, conducted their final session as primary instructors for a training center, known as TF Nassir.  Following the session, all primary instructors for the training center will come from the federal police.

"When we got here, it was pretty much 90% American led and 10% federal police cadre led," said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Bakehouse, mortar plt sgt for 1-89, and the TF Nassir NCO-in-charge. "In this last class, we've gone to where they teach every class.  We're just here to help with any problems they have, or just give tips on how to do it better."

The recruits also receive classroom work, hands-on training at marksmanship ranges, room-clearing drills in buildings and foot patrols before culminating with a field exercise.  Bakehouse said, while the training is extensive, every step is critical for the Iraqis. "I believe by the time we leave here," said Bakehouse, "they'll be able to continue on with this course themselves, and continue at the same standard that we've set."

IFP start the run portion of their physical fitness test. 

-30-

DVIDS

PRT Officials Observe Iraqi Elections in Ninewa Province

By Master Sgt. Duff McFadden

Mike Strang serves as the Tal Afar Branch Chief, PRT Ninewa.  His office recently fielded a 6-man team of election observers for the 2010 Iraqi elections in the Ninewa prov.   

FOB MAREZ – While Mike Strang's 10-person office, located at FOB Sykes, was in a "full-court press" as they covered the national elections, it was only one of their many missions. "Our section includes Reconstruction, Rule of Law, Governance, Economic Development, and Agriculture for the western Ninewa prov. These programs were all designed to increase the Iraqi capacity with sustainable programs," said Strang.

By hosting 2 observer teams in Ninewa, the U.S. Dept of State attempted to cover every minority area in the prov. With its Sunni and Arabic majority, as well as pockets of Kurdish, Christian, Yezidi, Shabaks and other religious minorities, they hoped to "cover every single color of the wheel."

Besides the FOB Sykes observer team, they also hosted a team from the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq.  Each polling site featured observers from the various political parties, inter-governmental agencies, as well as other countries. "Each time the Iraqis hold elections, they get better at it," said Richardson, a graduate in International Politics. "They now have the experience, as well as better safeguards to help prevent fraud on a mass scale."

-30-

USF-I

April 8, 2010

ISF arrest two suspected terrorists in western Mosul

BAGHDAD - In western Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched multiple buildings for the suspected AQI leader, believed to have played a key role in acquiring vehicles and weapons used to carry out assassinations in the northern-Iraqi city, April 8.

After conducting preliminary questioning and an initial examination of the evidence during the op, ISF identified and arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs of the wanted AQI leader.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-09

Dear Interested Reader,

AF/ANA bring medical care near Gardez.  World Trade Center I-Beam finds a home in Bagram.  Soldier dedicates career to fallen best friend.  Forces capture Taliban cmdr/militants.  Forces kill dozens in battle in Badghis prov.

Iraq:  TF Diamond Head's adaptability thwarts IND attacks.  Army beating estimate on equipment drawdown.  Forces arrest terrorism suspects in Mosul and Baghdad.

Joanna

______________________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANA, AF bring free medical care to village in Paktya

By AF Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D’Aurizio

Young Afghan boys line up outside a school to receive medical care, where the U.S. FOB Lightning-Thunder Medical ETT helped the ANA set up a day-clinic, off the Khost-Gardez Pass in Darreh village near Gardez, March 31. (Photo by Army Sgt. Tony Knouf)

PAKTYA PROVINCE – The event brought in more than 450 patients: men, women and children, including approx 200 children who received immunizations. “This is an opportunity to get the doctors at the ANA hospital to see and treat some of the villagers that don’t have access to medical care,” said AF Lt. Col. Bernard Vanpelt, pharmacist with the AF Medical ETT.

 

The medical team consisted of dentists, optometrists, ER doctors, pharmacists, nurses and medical techs who performed basic exams for current ailments. “This is comparable to a free clinic like we have in the states,” said AF Tech. Sgt. Ryan Harding, a medic with the MED ETT.

The most common reported ailment was chronic pain, followed by requests for toothpaste and toothbrushes, sunscreen, lotion, and protective lip balm. “Even though we may not be able to cure everyone that came in, they appreciated us taking the time to see them, and do what we could,” said AF Maj. Jana Kokkonen, a MED ETT emergency room physician. “It's not as easy for the women to get follow-up treatment.  I referred one woman to Kabul because at FOB Thunder, the ANA do not treat women,” added Kokkonen.

For security reasons the services could not be advertised in advance. This didn’t stop the ANA from getting the word out to the local villagers. They trekked up a mountain about 1.5 miles to spread the word about medical services offered, and to encourage them to come in for treatment. They were accompanied by Army 17th Fires Bde personnel from the Counter IED Unit, out of Fort Lewis, Wash., who waited outside the village for the dismounted patrol to return to the school.

 

Between 1/2 and 2/3 of the patients were from passing traffic. Once the word got out, people arrived by foot, taxi, shuttle, donkey, and whatever means possible.  Some, who could not make it on their own, were carried in on the back of their friends.

 

A local villager arrives at the Village Medical Outreach.  Staged at a local school, the outreach offered free medical care to the citizens, who have no permanent, local medical facility to access for any type of treatment. (Photo by AF Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D’Aurizio)

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

World Trade Center I-Beam finds home in Afghanistan

By Army Sgt. Spencer Case 

This beam from the World Trade Center, which is 9' long, 2' wide and weighs more than 950 lbs, was donated to the U.S. military by the residents of Breezy Point, New York, through an org. called Sons and Daughters of America, Breezy Point. 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD — An I-beam that was once a part of the World Trade Center now has a home in Afghanistan, where the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were first planned.  As a tribute to the beam’s arrival at Bargram Airfield, troops at Bagram flew a CH-47 Chinook helicopter around the installation, with the beam displayed hanging in a cargo net, March 31.  Several troops who were first responders to the attacks on the World Trade Center accompanied the TF Falcon troops on the half-hour flight. 

The U.S. flag that flew with the beam, along with another displayed from the back hatch of the helicopter, will be given as a token of appreciation to the residents of Breezy Point, New York, who shipped the beam at a cost of approx $5,000.

The City of N.Y. had given a number of beams to the residents of Breezy Point, after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that killed 29 residents from the small neighborhood in Queens.  After the residents erected a permanent monument facing Manhatten, Sons and Daughters of America donated the remaining 3 beams to the military.  One is at the recently opened infantry museum at Fort Benning, Ga., and the other is aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Nimitz, along with Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Quinn Jr., whose father was instrumental in organizing Sons and Daughters of America.

U.S. Army Maj. Stephen J. Ryan, a governance planner for Combined Joint TF-82 from Breezy Point, who responded to the attacks as an off-duty police officer, and was activated for 3 months with the N.Y. NG in recovery efforts, said the display of the 3rd beam in Afghanistan is “a fitting tribute.”

A ceremony for the beam’s arrival is tentatively scheduled for the first half of April.  In accordance with the org’s vision, the beam will remain at Bagram as long as U.S. troops are deployed to Afghanistan.  After that, it will most likely end up in a museum at Fort Bragg, N.C., similar to the beam at Fort Benning.

“I think this is going to be very symbolic to show our response and how we responded to the attacks, and how we’re helping the people of Afghanistan,”  said Army Maj. Lisandro Murphy, another  Sept. 11, 2001, responder who now works as info ops planner with CJTF-82 future ops.

Ryan, who had been working with Sons and Daughters, said the date of the flight was not significant, but that it was long in coming. “I just want, again, to thank the residents of Breezy Point, New York. 

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter flown by aviators from TF Falcon carry a sling-loaded I-beam from the World Trade Center, and display an American flag.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Face of Defense: Soldier Dedicates Career to Fallen Friend

By Air Force 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane

Army Spc. Joseph Carter holds a photo of his best friend, Anthony Owens, who was killed in combat action, Feb. 1, 2006, south of Baghdad. 

(AF photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester) 

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, April 8, 2010 - Army Spc. Joseph Carter's military life began when another's tragically ended.  Carter, an infantryman and scout with the 4/189th Inf Unit deployed with the S. Carolina NG's 1/178th FA Unit, had no real thoughts of joining the military until his best friend, Anthony Owens, enlisted and encouraged him to join the Army. 

"Anthony came home right after basic training and talked about how great the Army was," Carter said. "I was so impressed that before he left town, he took me down to the recruiting station and encouraged me to enlist.  Besides my dad, who told me to do what I felt was right, no one else in my family wanted me to join the Army, but, I knew it was the right thing to do." 

While Carter was in basic training, Owens received deployment orders to Iraq. Upon graduation from basic training, Carter was sent home to await advanced individual training, with high hopes of joining his best friend on the battlefield, serving the country they loved. 

"I was at work when his family called me and told me that Anthony had died," Carter said. "It surprises you, because you never expect that to happen. You think about all the soldiers who deploy and come home without a problem. You just don't think that one won't.  His death had a major effect on me and my family." 

Carter wanted to dedicate his young military career to his fallen friend; a gesture that he felt would be the highest honor he could personally bestow.  However, just as Carter's renewed focus for military service was on track, it went up in smoke -- literally.  He was burning trash in his backyard, and a hairspray can in the trash exploded in his face. 

In a flash, Carter went from soon to be fighting for his country to fighting for his own life.  He suffered burns to 85% of his face and hands, and received endless treatments of cadaver and pig skin replacements, but he continued fighting for his recovery.  Upon his first medical checkup after about a month of recovery, he'd exceeded doctors' expectations and was 90% healed, he said.  Carter healed enough to pass the Army physical, and the Army took him back.  However, because so much time had elapsed between his military schools, the Army asked Carter to go through basic training again, and serve in the NG to ensure he had the mental, physical and emotional stamina to still be a soldier. 

Today, he's a gunner inside his MRAP vehicle.  Through all the turmoil Carter has experienced, his promise to honor his friend's legacy has not been forgotten. To remind himself why he's doing what he's doing, Carter keeps a picture of Owens in his wallet, and it accompanies him wherever he goes.  Carter is a member of the PRT here. The team's mission is to assist in the stabilization and security of Paktika prov., through development, governance and agriculture initiatives. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, ISAF Troops Capture Taliban Commander/Militants

KANDAHAR PROVINCE - A combined Afghan-ISAF captured a Taliban cmdr during a search of a compound SW of Kandahar City, after intel indicated militant activity there, April 5. The man is suspected in a prison attack and assaults on CF, and is believed to be part of the Taliban's media efforts. Combined forces captured several other militants during that search, and others around the country. 

HELMAND PROVINCE - In the Nad-e Ali district, a combined force searched a series of compounds and detained several militants for further questioning.

In Khost, a combined force captured several militants while pursuing a Haqqani terrorist network sub-cmdr. The force searched a compound in the Sabari district after intel indicated militant activity, detained the militants, and found automatic rifles, grenades, fuses, ammo and a large amount of explosives.

In Kunduz, a combined force searched a compound NW of Kunduz City after intel indicated militant activity. The force detained 2 suspected militants for further questioning.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, NATO Troops Kill Dozens in Battle

BADGHIS PROVINCE - Afghan and NATO troops were involved in a 12-hour battle, April 6 with insurgents, killing dozens of enemy fighters, military officials reported.

The Afghan-led patrol was going to meet with local leaders to determine upcoming humanitarian projects, and conduct a security assessment of the rural area, when it came under attack from about 50 insurgents, who continuously fired from fortified positions in the village. 

The CF returned fire and, to avoid civilian casualties, began clearing the buildings and compounds from which the insurgents were firing.  During the clearing process, troops discovered an intricate system of tunnels and large stockpiles of weapons, bomb-making materials and other terrorist-related equipment.

While the partnered force provided medical treatment and transported wounded personnel from the area, an overwhelming number of insurgents continued to fire from cave entrances, various locations within the village, and from high ground surrounding the area.

The patrol leaders requested air support to minimize further risk to the community, and coalition aircraft dropped precision-guided munitions on multiple insurgent locations. Throughout the fight, Afghan and ISAF maintained contact with local govt leaders, who provided advice and support, and backed the use of close-air support.

In other news from Afghanistan:

In HELMAND PROVINCE, April 6, a combined force went into the Now Zad district in search of a Taliban weapons trafficker.  As the team approached a vehicle, one of the occupants pointed a weapon.  He was engaged and killed. 

In KUNDUZ, April 6, a combined force searched a compound west of Ludin and captured a Taliban facilitator believed to be a key member of a militant early warning system, who has participated in several attacks against CF.

In KABUL PROVINCE, April 5, Afghan soldiers discovered 170 mortar rounds behind a high school in the Shaker Darreh district. 

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Cpl. Mary E. Carlin, Marine Corps)

HELMAND PROVINCE - Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Raqual Painter gives candy to an Afghan girl, while her mother receives medical attention from Navy Lt. Michelle Lynch, as part of a medical outreach program in the village of Now Abad, March 15, 2010. The clinic is being conducted by the Female Engagement Team with MEB-A.         

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

TF Diamond Head's adaptability thwarts indirect attacks 

By Staff Sgt. Mike Alberts 

Lt. Col. David Francis, bn cmdr and UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, 2nd Bn, 25th Aviation Regt, TF Diamond Head, 25th CAB, conducts a final mission brief with infantryman assigned to 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt "Black Lions," 1st ID, moments before a March 25 mission near Balad.

COB SPEICHER - "Indirect fire" (IDF) refers to the firing of a weapon without a direct line-of-sight between the weapon and its target; it's indiscriminate and it's deadly.  Eliminating this threat near Balad, is a priority for aviation Soldiers of 2nd Bn, working in conjunction with ground force Soldiers of 1st Bn.
    
Balad is located in the heart of what was once considered the power-base of Saddam Hussein.  According to Lt. Col. David Francis, "the purpose of the mission-set is simple: defeat IDF, and we've had a demonstrable impact in and around Balad.  Since we began ARF ops, we've had record-level lows of IDF attacks," said Francis.

According to 1st Lt Beaux Lane, TF Diamond Head's senior intel officer who conducts enemy threat analysis, the number of attacks has decreased by over 60%.  ARF ops provide the capability of scouting, transporting, inserting and extracting Soldiers virtually anywhere on the battlefield. They also provide the capability of staying airborne with teams of Soldiers for extended periods of time.  It's fluid, adaptable, unpredictable, and requires highly experienced aviation crews.

"These ARF ops are the most demanding, complex and dynamic mission-set that TF Diamond Head currently conducts," said Capt. Paul Hanson, cmdr and pilot-in-command, UH-60 Black Hawk Pilot, Co C.  He's one of those well-versed aviators, who held a variety of maintenance and staff positions at the bn level.  

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joseph Roland is one of those seasoned aviators, a 23-year combat veteran of several deployments, the 25th CAB senior standardization instructor pilot, special staff to the Bde cmdr, and has held every standardization position in an aviation bde. 

"The current ground unit, that operates in and around Balad, identified IDF as a problem," he continued.  "Based on our experience in Afghanistan and previous Iraq deployments, we knew that we had something to offer to curb the threat, and we created a tailored ARF mission-set."

"We conduct ground patrols on a daily basis to counteract the IDF threat" said Sgt. 1st Class Fletcher, infantryman and plt sgt, 1-28th. "Having the aviation assets at our disposal allows us to respond and maneuver faster, and interdict the enemy much quicker. 

Pvt Shelby Webster, infantryman, 1st Bn, casts a look over his shoulder just prior to being inserted onto a farm near Balad with his squad, during an ARF op.

A squad of infantryman with 1st Bn, are inserted into a landing zone.

A squad of infantryman with 1st Bn, fight "rotor wash," as they are extracted from a landing zone. 

 

-30-

Army News Service

Army Beating Estimate on Equipment Drawdown

By C. Todd Lopez

Thousands of vehicles and equipment that have returned from Iraq, wait to be retrograded in a 3rd Army lot in Kuwait. The base receives hundreds of trailer-sized containers a week, filled with everything from medical supplies to ammo. 

(Army photo by Spc. Monte Swift) 

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2010 - The Army is now 35% complete in its effort to move equipment and materiel out of Iraq, as part of the U.S. withdrawal from that country.  Lt. Gen. William Webster Jr., cmdr of 3rd Army, spoke April 2 during a Pentagon news conference about the status of the drawdown in Iraq, and the buildup in Afghanistan. The Army began pulling equipment out of the country in May 2009. 

The Army also has retrograded more than 11,000 pieces of rolling stock -- tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles and trailers.  Additionally, more than 21,000 troops have redeployed from OIF. In all, more than $1.25 billion worth of materiel and equipment have left Iraq. 

Nearly half of the equipment coming out of Iraq has been marked to go to Afghanistan for the buildup there, Webster said.  Other equipment will go back to the U.S. to be reintegrated into the Army, sold to foreign militaries, or disposed of.  Much of the equipment the Army will keep, including that for buildup in Afghanistan, needs to be modified before going into the new environment, or repaired, due to excessive wear from use in Iraq. 

The general said through efficiencies, he expects the Army can beat its initial time estimates for moving necessary equipment into Afghanistan. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Arrest 9 Terrorism Suspects

American Forces Press Service

MOSUL - Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors arrested the suspected leader of the Mosul branch of AQI during a combined op, April 7.  Operating with a court warrant, they apprehended the man believed to be the suspected terrorist leader, along with 2 suspected criminal assocs, during a vehicle stop in western Mosul. 

The same day, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors arrested a man believed to be the top AQI leader for eastern Mosul, also during a vehicle stop, along with 2 suspected criminal assocs.

April 6, Iraqi forces arrested 3 suspects during 2 combined ops in NE Baghdad and Mosul targeting AQI's leadership. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI leader, believed to be involved in multiple terrorist activities, including bombing ops. A preliminary investigation led Iraqi forces to arrest a criminal associate of the wanted man.

During a second op, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a building in western Mosul for an AQI leader, and arrested 2 men suspected of being his criminal assocs. 

-30-

USF-I

Iraqi Security Forces arrest three suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD - ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for the suspected AQI leader, believed to be involved in multiple terrorist activities, including IED ops.  Preliminary questioning results, and evidence collected during the op led ISF to arrest a criminal assoc. of the wanted individual, April 6.

During a 2nd security op carried out west of Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI leader who is believed to be responsible for directing attacks and assassinations within the region. Preliminary questioning results and evidence collected during the op led ISF to arrest 2 criminal assocs. of the wanted individual.

-30-

April 6, 2010

ISF arrest suspected AQI leader, two terrorists

BAGHDAD - ISF and U.S. advisors conducted a vehicle stop on a public road and apprehended a suspected terrorist leader, who is believed to be the east Mosul Emir of the AQI.  After conducting preliminary questioning and examining the evidence at the scene, ISF also identified and arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-09

Dear Interested Reader,

AF/ANA bring medical care near Gardez.  World Trade Center I-Beam finds a home in Bagram.  Soldier dedicates career to fallen best friend.  Forces capture Taliban cmdr/militants.  Forces kill dozens in battle in Badghis prov.

Iraq:  TF Diamond Head's adaptability thwarts IND attacks.  Army beating estimate on equipment drawdown.  Forces arrest terrorism suspects in Mosul and Baghdad.

Joanna

______________________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

ANA, AF bring free medical care to village in Paktya

By AF Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D’Aurizio

Young Afghan boys line up outside a school to receive medical care, where the U.S. FOB Lightning-Thunder Medical ETT helped the ANA set up a day-clinic, off the Khost-Gardez Pass in Darreh village near Gardez, March 31. (Photo by Army Sgt. Tony Knouf)

PAKTYA PROVINCE – The event brought in more than 450 patients: men, women and children, including approx 200 children who received immunizations. “This is an opportunity to get the doctors at the ANA hospital to see and treat some of the villagers that don’t have access to medical care,” said AF Lt. Col. Bernard Vanpelt, pharmacist with the AF Medical ETT.

 

The medical team consisted of dentists, optometrists, ER doctors, pharmacists, nurses and medical techs who performed basic exams for current ailments. “This is comparable to a free clinic like we have in the states,” said AF Tech. Sgt. Ryan Harding, a medic with the MED ETT.

The most common reported ailment was chronic pain, followed by requests for toothpaste and toothbrushes, sunscreen, lotion, and protective lip balm. “Even though we may not be able to cure everyone that came in, they appreciated us taking the time to see them, and do what we could,” said AF Maj. Jana Kokkonen, a MED ETT emergency room physician. “It's not as easy for the women to get follow-up treatment.  I referred one woman to Kabul because at FOB Thunder, the ANA do not treat women,” added Kokkonen.

For security reasons the services could not be advertised in advance. This didn’t stop the ANA from getting the word out to the local villagers. They trekked up a mountain about 1.5 miles to spread the word about medical services offered, and to encourage them to come in for treatment. They were accompanied by Army 17th Fires Bde personnel from the Counter IED Unit, out of Fort Lewis, Wash., who waited outside the village for the dismounted patrol to return to the school.

 

Between 1/2 and 2/3 of the patients were from passing traffic. Once the word got out, people arrived by foot, taxi, shuttle, donkey, and whatever means possible.  Some, who could not make it on their own, were carried in on the back of their friends.

 

A local villager arrives at the Village Medical Outreach.  Staged at a local school, the outreach offered free medical care to the citizens, who have no permanent, local medical facility to access for any type of treatment. (Photo by AF Senior Master Sgt. Jessica D’Aurizio)

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

World Trade Center I-Beam finds home in Afghanistan

By Army Sgt. Spencer Case 

This beam from the World Trade Center, which is 9' long, 2' wide and weighs more than 950 lbs, was donated to the U.S. military by the residents of Breezy Point, New York, through an org. called Sons and Daughters of America, Breezy Point. 

BAGRAM AIRFIELD — An I-beam that was once a part of the World Trade Center now has a home in Afghanistan, where the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were first planned.  As a tribute to the beam’s arrival at Bargram Airfield, troops at Bagram flew a CH-47 Chinook helicopter around the installation, with the beam displayed hanging in a cargo net, March 31.  Several troops who were first responders to the attacks on the World Trade Center accompanied the TF Falcon troops on the half-hour flight. 

The U.S. flag that flew with the beam, along with another displayed from the back hatch of the helicopter, will be given as a token of appreciation to the residents of Breezy Point, New York, who shipped the beam at a cost of approx $5,000.

The City of N.Y. had given a number of beams to the residents of Breezy Point, after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks that killed 29 residents from the small neighborhood in Queens.  After the residents erected a permanent monument facing Manhatten, Sons and Daughters of America donated the remaining 3 beams to the military.  One is at the recently opened infantry museum at Fort Benning, Ga., and the other is aboard the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Nimitz, along with Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Quinn Jr., whose father was instrumental in organizing Sons and Daughters of America.

U.S. Army Maj. Stephen J. Ryan, a governance planner for Combined Joint TF-82 from Breezy Point, who responded to the attacks as an off-duty police officer, and was activated for 3 months with the N.Y. NG in recovery efforts, said the display of the 3rd beam in Afghanistan is “a fitting tribute.”

A ceremony for the beam’s arrival is tentatively scheduled for the first half of April.  In accordance with the org’s vision, the beam will remain at Bagram as long as U.S. troops are deployed to Afghanistan.  After that, it will most likely end up in a museum at Fort Bragg, N.C., similar to the beam at Fort Benning.

“I think this is going to be very symbolic to show our response and how we responded to the attacks, and how we’re helping the people of Afghanistan,”  said Army Maj. Lisandro Murphy, another  Sept. 11, 2001, responder who now works as info ops planner with CJTF-82 future ops.

Ryan, who had been working with Sons and Daughters, said the date of the flight was not significant, but that it was long in coming. “I just want, again, to thank the residents of Breezy Point, New York. 

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter flown by aviators from TF Falcon carry a sling-loaded I-beam from the World Trade Center, and display an American flag.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Face of Defense: Soldier Dedicates Career to Fallen Friend

By Air Force 2nd Lt. Mark Lazane

Army Spc. Joseph Carter holds a photo of his best friend, Anthony Owens, who was killed in combat action, Feb. 1, 2006, south of Baghdad. 

(AF photo by Master Sgt. Demetrius Lester) 

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, April 8, 2010 - Army Spc. Joseph Carter's military life began when another's tragically ended.  Carter, an infantryman and scout with the 4/189th Inf Unit deployed with the S. Carolina NG's 1/178th FA Unit, had no real thoughts of joining the military until his best friend, Anthony Owens, enlisted and encouraged him to join the Army. 

"Anthony came home right after basic training and talked about how great the Army was," Carter said. "I was so impressed that before he left town, he took me down to the recruiting station and encouraged me to enlist.  Besides my dad, who told me to do what I felt was right, no one else in my family wanted me to join the Army, but, I knew it was the right thing to do." 

While Carter was in basic training, Owens received deployment orders to Iraq. Upon graduation from basic training, Carter was sent home to await advanced individual training, with high hopes of joining his best friend on the battlefield, serving the country they loved. 

"I was at work when his family called me and told me that Anthony had died," Carter said. "It surprises you, because you never expect that to happen. You think about all the soldiers who deploy and come home without a problem. You just don't think that one won't.  His death had a major effect on me and my family." 

Carter wanted to dedicate his young military career to his fallen friend; a gesture that he felt would be the highest honor he could personally bestow.  However, just as Carter's renewed focus for military service was on track, it went up in smoke -- literally.  He was burning trash in his backyard, and a hairspray can in the trash exploded in his face. 

In a flash, Carter went from soon to be fighting for his country to fighting for his own life.  He suffered burns to 85% of his face and hands, and received endless treatments of cadaver and pig skin replacements, but he continued fighting for his recovery.  Upon his first medical checkup after about a month of recovery, he'd exceeded doctors' expectations and was 90% healed, he said.  Carter healed enough to pass the Army physical, and the Army took him back.  However, because so much time had elapsed between his military schools, the Army asked Carter to go through basic training again, and serve in the NG to ensure he had the mental, physical and emotional stamina to still be a soldier. 

Today, he's a gunner inside his MRAP vehicle.  Through all the turmoil Carter has experienced, his promise to honor his friend's legacy has not been forgotten. To remind himself why he's doing what he's doing, Carter keeps a picture of Owens in his wallet, and it accompanies him wherever he goes.  Carter is a member of the PRT here. The team's mission is to assist in the stabilization and security of Paktika prov., through development, governance and agriculture initiatives. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, ISAF Troops Capture Taliban Commander/Militants

KANDAHAR PROVINCE - A combined Afghan-ISAF captured a Taliban cmdr during a search of a compound SW of Kandahar City, after intel indicated militant activity there, April 5. The man is suspected in a prison attack and assaults on CF, and is believed to be part of the Taliban's media efforts. Combined forces captured several other militants during that search, and others around the country. 

HELMAND PROVINCE - In the Nad-e Ali district, a combined force searched a series of compounds and detained several militants for further questioning.

In Khost, a combined force captured several militants while pursuing a Haqqani terrorist network sub-cmdr. The force searched a compound in the Sabari district after intel indicated militant activity, detained the militants, and found automatic rifles, grenades, fuses, ammo and a large amount of explosives.

In Kunduz, a combined force searched a compound NW of Kunduz City after intel indicated militant activity. The force detained 2 suspected militants for further questioning.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, NATO Troops Kill Dozens in Battle

BADGHIS PROVINCE - Afghan and NATO troops were involved in a 12-hour battle, April 6 with insurgents, killing dozens of enemy fighters, military officials reported.

The Afghan-led patrol was going to meet with local leaders to determine upcoming humanitarian projects, and conduct a security assessment of the rural area, when it came under attack from about 50 insurgents, who continuously fired from fortified positions in the village. 

The CF returned fire and, to avoid civilian casualties, began clearing the buildings and compounds from which the insurgents were firing.  During the clearing process, troops discovered an intricate system of tunnels and large stockpiles of weapons, bomb-making materials and other terrorist-related equipment.

While the partnered force provided medical treatment and transported wounded personnel from the area, an overwhelming number of insurgents continued to fire from cave entrances, various locations within the village, and from high ground surrounding the area.

The patrol leaders requested air support to minimize further risk to the community, and coalition aircraft dropped precision-guided munitions on multiple insurgent locations. Throughout the fight, Afghan and ISAF maintained contact with local govt leaders, who provided advice and support, and backed the use of close-air support.

In other news from Afghanistan:

In HELMAND PROVINCE, April 6, a combined force went into the Now Zad district in search of a Taliban weapons trafficker.  As the team approached a vehicle, one of the occupants pointed a weapon.  He was engaged and killed. 

In KUNDUZ, April 6, a combined force searched a compound west of Ludin and captured a Taliban facilitator believed to be a key member of a militant early warning system, who has participated in several attacks against CF.

In KABUL PROVINCE, April 5, Afghan soldiers discovered 170 mortar rounds behind a high school in the Shaker Darreh district. 

-30-

DoD Imagery

(DoD photo by Cpl. Mary E. Carlin, Marine Corps)

HELMAND PROVINCE - Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Raqual Painter gives candy to an Afghan girl, while her mother receives medical attention from Navy Lt. Michelle Lynch, as part of a medical outreach program in the village of Now Abad, March 15, 2010. The clinic is being conducted by the Female Engagement Team with MEB-A.         

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

Blackanthem Military News

TF Diamond Head's adaptability thwarts indirect attacks 

By Staff Sgt. Mike Alberts 

Lt. Col. David Francis, bn cmdr and UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, 2nd Bn, 25th Aviation Regt, TF Diamond Head, 25th CAB, conducts a final mission brief with infantryman assigned to 1st Bn, 28th Inf Regt "Black Lions," 1st ID, moments before a March 25 mission near Balad.

COB SPEICHER - "Indirect fire" (IDF) refers to the firing of a weapon without a direct line-of-sight between the weapon and its target; it's indiscriminate and it's deadly.  Eliminating this threat near Balad, is a priority for aviation Soldiers of 2nd Bn, working in conjunction with ground force Soldiers of 1st Bn.
    
Balad is located in the heart of what was once considered the power-base of Saddam Hussein.  According to Lt. Col. David Francis, "the purpose of the mission-set is simple: defeat IDF, and we've had a demonstrable impact in and around Balad.  Since we began ARF ops, we've had record-level lows of IDF attacks," said Francis.

According to 1st Lt Beaux Lane, TF Diamond Head's senior intel officer who conducts enemy threat analysis, the number of attacks has decreased by over 60%.  ARF ops provide the capability of scouting, transporting, inserting and extracting Soldiers virtually anywhere on the battlefield. They also provide the capability of staying airborne with teams of Soldiers for extended periods of time.  It's fluid, adaptable, unpredictable, and requires highly experienced aviation crews.

"These ARF ops are the most demanding, complex and dynamic mission-set that TF Diamond Head currently conducts," said Capt. Paul Hanson, cmdr and pilot-in-command, UH-60 Black Hawk Pilot, Co C.  He's one of those well-versed aviators, who held a variety of maintenance and staff positions at the bn level.  

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Joseph Roland is one of those seasoned aviators, a 23-year combat veteran of several deployments, the 25th CAB senior standardization instructor pilot, special staff to the Bde cmdr, and has held every standardization position in an aviation bde. 

"The current ground unit, that operates in and around Balad, identified IDF as a problem," he continued.  "Based on our experience in Afghanistan and previous Iraq deployments, we knew that we had something to offer to curb the threat, and we created a tailored ARF mission-set."

"We conduct ground patrols on a daily basis to counteract the IDF threat" said Sgt. 1st Class Fletcher, infantryman and plt sgt, 1-28th. "Having the aviation assets at our disposal allows us to respond and maneuver faster, and interdict the enemy much quicker. 

Pvt Shelby Webster, infantryman, 1st Bn, casts a look over his shoulder just prior to being inserted onto a farm near Balad with his squad, during an ARF op.

A squad of infantryman with 1st Bn, are inserted into a landing zone.

A squad of infantryman with 1st Bn, fight "rotor wash," as they are extracted from a landing zone. 

 

-30-

Army News Service

Army Beating Estimate on Equipment Drawdown

By C. Todd Lopez

Thousands of vehicles and equipment that have returned from Iraq, wait to be retrograded in a 3rd Army lot in Kuwait. The base receives hundreds of trailer-sized containers a week, filled with everything from medical supplies to ammo. 

(Army photo by Spc. Monte Swift) 

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2010 - The Army is now 35% complete in its effort to move equipment and materiel out of Iraq, as part of the U.S. withdrawal from that country.  Lt. Gen. William Webster Jr., cmdr of 3rd Army, spoke April 2 during a Pentagon news conference about the status of the drawdown in Iraq, and the buildup in Afghanistan. The Army began pulling equipment out of the country in May 2009. 

The Army also has retrograded more than 11,000 pieces of rolling stock -- tracked vehicles, wheeled vehicles and trailers.  Additionally, more than 21,000 troops have redeployed from OIF. In all, more than $1.25 billion worth of materiel and equipment have left Iraq. 

Nearly half of the equipment coming out of Iraq has been marked to go to Afghanistan for the buildup there, Webster said.  Other equipment will go back to the U.S. to be reintegrated into the Army, sold to foreign militaries, or disposed of.  Much of the equipment the Army will keep, including that for buildup in Afghanistan, needs to be modified before going into the new environment, or repaired, due to excessive wear from use in Iraq. 

The general said through efficiencies, he expects the Army can beat its initial time estimates for moving necessary equipment into Afghanistan. 

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Arrest 9 Terrorism Suspects

American Forces Press Service

MOSUL - Iraqi forces working with U.S. advisors arrested the suspected leader of the Mosul branch of AQI during a combined op, April 7.  Operating with a court warrant, they apprehended the man believed to be the suspected terrorist leader, along with 2 suspected criminal assocs, during a vehicle stop in western Mosul. 

The same day, Iraqi forces with U.S. advisors arrested a man believed to be the top AQI leader for eastern Mosul, also during a vehicle stop, along with 2 suspected criminal assocs.

April 6, Iraqi forces arrested 3 suspects during 2 combined ops in NE Baghdad and Mosul targeting AQI's leadership. Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for a suspected AQI leader, believed to be involved in multiple terrorist activities, including bombing ops. A preliminary investigation led Iraqi forces to arrest a criminal associate of the wanted man.

During a second op, Iraqi forces and U.S. advisors searched a building in western Mosul for an AQI leader, and arrested 2 men suspected of being his criminal assocs. 

-30-

USF-I

Iraqi Security Forces arrest three suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD - ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for the suspected AQI leader, believed to be involved in multiple terrorist activities, including IED ops.  Preliminary questioning results, and evidence collected during the op led ISF to arrest a criminal assoc. of the wanted individual, April 6.

During a 2nd security op carried out west of Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors searched a building for a suspected AQI leader who is believed to be responsible for directing attacks and assassinations within the region. Preliminary questioning results and evidence collected during the op led ISF to arrest 2 criminal assocs. of the wanted individual.

-30-

April 6, 2010

ISF arrest suspected AQI leader, two terrorists

BAGHDAD - ISF and U.S. advisors conducted a vehicle stop on a public road and apprehended a suspected terrorist leader, who is believed to be the east Mosul Emir of the AQI.  After conducting preliminary questioning and examining the evidence at the scene, ISF also identified and arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous

Daily Afghan-Iraq Update/4-08

Dear Interested Reader,

Op Leader Zalaah II proves successful in Paktika prov.  Polish leaders meet CF in Ghazni prov.  Iron Rakkasans stay in touch with loved ones through reading program DVDs.  Forces kill/capture militants, seize weapons.

Iraq:  38th Inf trade bullets for pink backpacks.  New R&R facility at Camp Victory.   Forces arrest suspected AQI leader and assocs in Mosul, near Kirkuk and Baghdad.

Joanna

_____________________________

Afghanistan Stories:

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Operation Leader Zalaah II proves successful

By Army Pfc. Christopher McKenna

 

Army Staff Sgt. Arin Wilson, HHC, 1st Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div, info engagement NCO-in-charge, and Soldiers with the Orgun branch of the Paktika PRT, sit and meet with village elders in Pirkoti, March 26. The 1-187th INF and ANA Soldiers were there to find out the needs of the residents.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – The ANA and PRT went through the villages of Pirkoti and Bibycott, conducting an area recon, presence patrols, key leader engagements, and gathering intel from the locals while the 1-187th INF Soldiers provided security, March 23-28.  “While we were there the people told us what they feel their needs are,” said Staff Sgt. Arin Wilson, who leads the unit's info gathering efforts.

While at first stand-offish with the Soldiers, the people in Pirkoti eventually warmed up and told the PRT about their needs for a bigger medical clinic, paved roads and a bigger school.

“The area hasn’t had a big American presence,” said Spc. Brabham Garrick, 1-187th.  “The kids were both scared and interested at the same time, while I feel the adults were happy to see us for the most part.” This is the first assessment of Pirkoti and Wilson, and the PRT gained a lot of info to help determine where are the priorities for development.

ANA Capt. Ashaqullah, cmdr, said one of the most important strides toward progress would be to provide the people of Pirkoti with both jobs and projects.
“Two and three years ago these people weren’t interested in anything; now they are asking for things,” Ashaqullah said. “They understand that the coalition has done a lot of projects through Orgun, and they'd like to get projects too.”

It was an important point for the ANA not to make any promises that can’t be guaranteed, as to the people of Afghanistan, “a word is a man’s bond.” Ashaqullah said it's extremely important in circumstances such as in Pirkoti to be close to the people. “If you're close with them, then you can understand what they truly want, and they can understand what can actually be provided for them.” 

Ashaqullah said that the more the people see a military presence, the more they will trust the military.

ANA Soldiers with the Orgun branch of the Paktika PRT, conduct a presence patrol through Pirkoti Village, March 26.

ANA Capt. Ashaqullah speaks with a local in Pirkoti Village. 

 

Spc. Charlie Johnson, with the Orgun Branch of the Paktika PRT, walks in the wady during a presence patrol in Pirkoti Village.

Soldiers conduct a presence patrol through Bibycott village, March 27.

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Polish leaders meets coalition forces

By AF Tech. Sgt. J.T. May III

GHAZNI PROVINCE - Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, Combined Joint TF-82 and RC-East cmdr, speaks with Gen. Franciszek Gagor, Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, during a visit to the Polish hospital at FOB Ghazni, April 1. 

 

Mr. Bogdan Klich, Polish Minister of Defense, shakes hands with members of the Forward Surgical Team, April 1.  Bogdan was visiting FOB Ghazni and met with Polish and American troops. 

-30-

CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center

Iron Rakkasans stay in touch with loved ones through DVDs

By Army Capt. Matt Sraj 

 

Army Sgt. Matthew Schreiber, Co C, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf reads a book to his children using the ‘United Through Reading’ program, which enables Soldiers to record DVDs to send home.  

PAKTIKA PROVINCE – Soldiers may be more than 7,000 miles from their children, but that hasn’t stopped the Iron Rakkasans from reading the kids to sleep at night.

Bn chaplain, Capt. Erik Alfsen, said the program is “designed to help ease the fear, uncertainty and anxiety felt by children whose parent or loved one is deployed, by providing them with opportunities for emotional connections and relieving the stress of separation.  

Alfsen regularly travels Western Paktika, circulating through his unit’s area of ops with a camera, children’s books and blank DVDs, helping Soldiers read books to their families.  “United Through Reading enables Soldiers to share their love and support with their children by reading books aloud on DVD,” Alfsen said. “Soldiers can also read to younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members as well as to other children whom they mentor.”

While in past deployments, Alfsen said, Soldiers have been able to write letters, e-mail and send audio cassettes, United Through Reading offers children a chance to see their parent’s face, listen to their voice and read along as their parent reads them a children’s story.  It also allows them to spend as much time with the deployed parent as they wish by watching the DVD over and over again.

Pfc. David Sweeney reads a book to his children.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Afghan, ISAF Capture, Kill Militants, seize weapons

NANGARHAR PROVINCE - Afghan and ISAF in Khugyani district, responded to intel of militant activity in the area, and was fired on instantly, April 4. The force returned fire and killed 2 enemy fighters.  The troops then called for any remaining militants to come out of hiding.  After a period of no response, militants opened fire again;  8 more militants eventually were killed, and another wounded. 

In other ops April 4:

HELMAND PROVINCE - Afghan forces detained 2 suspected militants east of Marjah.

Several suspected militants were detained south of Kandahar City by Afghan and ISAF in pursuit of a Taliban bomb facilitator. 

A weapons stockpile was discovered after a tip from a local civilian identified a militant hideout.  The weapons included 300 machine-gun rounds and parts of a grenade launcher and rifle.

KHOST PROVINCE - A combined force captured a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator, responsible for bombing attacks on ISAF and Afghan border police. The facilitator surrendered without incident, and admitted his connection to several bombing networks in the area.

PAKATIA PROVINCE - Afghan and ISAF captured another alleged Haqqani facilitator, and another suspected militant. The alleged Haqqani facilitator is believed to be responsible for trafficking and purchasing weapons for enemy fighters in the region.

URUZGAN PROVINCE - An Afghan patrol in Chorah district netted a cache of RPGs and 8 mortar rounds.

In ops April 3:

HELMAND PROVINCE - NATO forces detained several people suspected of making and planting roadside bombs, after they tried to avoid a security checkpoint.  Each suspect was found with large amounts of cash and cell phones, officials said.

In Nad-e-Ali district, Afghan and ISAF captured 2 suspected militants while in pursuit of a Taliban leader in the area.  Another op in the area netted a weapons cache that consisted of a grenade launcher, more than 300 lbs of explosives and other bomb-making materials.  A third stockpile yielded 300 machine-gun rounds and 98 anti-aircraft rounds.

FARAH PROVINCE - Another weapons stockpile was found during a coalition patrol. More than 60 lbs of ammonium nitrate, 6 mortar rounds, an anti-personnel mine, and other bomb-making materials were found and taken to a nearby COP.

In other news in HELMAND PROVINCE, April 2, an Army SF patrol was struck by a roadside bomb. The troops dismounted their vehicles, found and dismantled 5 more roadside bombs.  No civilian or military injuries were reported, officials said.

An Afghan police chief in Gereskh arrested several individuals believed to be connected to a bombing cell responsible for attacks that wounded 3 SF soldiers the previous day.

-30-

Iraqi Stories:

USF-I

Infantrymen trade bullets for backpacks

By Sgt. Bryce Dubee

Army 1st Lt. Matt Sawdy, hands a backpack full of school supplies to a young Iraqi girl, during a humanitarian assistance drop in his area of ops, March 25, 2010.  Sawdy’s Soldiers delivered roughly 2,400 backpacks to needy students at learning centers located throughout their area of ops.

CAMP LIBERTY –  “It’s good to get out here and help the kids out,” said 1st Lt. Matt Sawdy, 1st plt, Co C, 1st Bn, 38th Inf Regt, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd ID. “As a father, it makes you feel good.”

Sawdy and his men met their Iraqi counterparts in one school’s courtyard, where they examined piles of bright pink backpacks.  Before long, teachers from the school led their eager girls into the courtyard where each received a new backpack.

“This deployment is different from the last,” said Sgt. 1st Class Adam Asclipiadis, explaining that even with the pre-deployment emphasis on supporting the ISF, citizens and govt, the amount of non-lethal missions he’s conducted this deployment came as a surprise.

“Even the non-kinetic ops at the Joint Readiness Training Center, the key leader engagements, and all that, didn't prepare my brain for this,” the inf plt sgt said, as smiling schoolchildren lined up to get their supplies.  “There’s a sense of satisfaction that the deployments we did before meant something.”

Participating in the mission that day, while on his first deployment, was Pfc. Benjamin Dodd, an M240 machine gunner.  He said that while it’s not what he expected, he’s embracing his new role. “It’s a totally different war now.  We’re trying to build the Iraqis up now as a country.”  Dodd also said that he’s appreciative of the real-world experience he’s gaining while deployed, and better understands the sacrifices of the Soldiers who came before him.

For Dodd, while he’s first and foremost an infantryman, he enjoys watching the Iraqi children running away with smiles on their faces, and arms full of school supplies. “If I had to do projects all the time,” he said, “these are the kind I’d want to do.”

-30-

USF-I

New R&R facility welcomes weary warriors

By Spc. Britney Bodner

A swimming pool is one of the many amenities awaiting service members at Camp Victory’s Freedom Rest, a new R&R center for troops here on a 4-day pass. (Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Roger Dey)

CAMP VICTORY – Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, USD-C and 1st AR Div command sgt maj, cut the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the facility, March 30.  The Freedom Rest complex consists of 2 buildings. The first is a 3-story guest residence that can house approx 36 guests, said Maj. Harry Foster, Camp Victory deputy mayor. 

The 2nd building, a former boathouse, has on the first floor a small billiard room with 2 pool tables, a gym with a view of a lake, and a furnished deck.  Green Beans Coffee and a Subway sandwich shop are also located on the grounds.

The 2nd floor boasts a large movie theatre with leather seats. The room can also be used for karaoke, Foster added. There is also a computer lab with Internet access, and a game room with several gaming systems. 

If the service members don't feel like staying inside, they can also enjoy an afternoon hanging out at the Freedom Rest swimming pool.  Future plans for Freedom Rest involve the addition of equipment for fishing, biking and a golf driving range, Foster said.  They're also looking at adding canoes and kayaks so service members can get out on the lake to relax, he added.

With expectations that Freedom Rest will soon become a destination of choice for service members here, Foster said that priority will be given to those who work away from the main bases. "USD-C will manage these slots with priority going to the service members that live in a more austere environment," said Johnson.

While a 4-day pass can be a great tool to help service members take a break from the daily grind while deployed, Maj. Sharon Trotter, Freedom Rest ops officer, said the Freedom Rest complex also allows units to put their troops on pass knowing they won't be away for an extended period of time.

Previously, Soldiers on a 4-day pass traveled to Qatar, which also meant additional travel days, sometimes taking a week or longer to move back to their units. "A 4-day pass won't stretch to nine days because of travel," Trotter said. "Here, you're in and out on time and for a 1/3 of the cost to the govt."

-30-

USF-I

April 6, 2010

ISF arrest suspected AQI leader, two others in joint operation

BAGHDAD - In western Mosul, ISF and U.S. advisors conducted a vehicle stop and apprehended a suspect believed to be the new leader of AQI in Mosul, April 5.  He's allegedly responsible for directing attacks and assassinations. 

After conducting preliminary questioning and examining the evidence at the scene, IP also arrested 2 suspected criminal assocs of the wanted AQI leader.

-30-

American Forces Press Service

Forces Detain Insurgent Leaders in Iraq

In western Baghdad April 5, Iraqi forces with their U.S. advisors arrested an alleged assoc. member of AQI. The suspect is believed to be "intimately involved" in planning and executing "high-profile attacks" in the area, officials said.  He was not the op's planned target, but info found during the searches linked him to the AQI leader, officials said. 

In other ops April 4: 

-- Near Kirkuk, Iraqi forces and their U.S. advisors captured a suspected AQI leader and 4 criminal accomplices who are believed to be responsible for coordinating multiple bombings on Iraqi forces. 

-- In western Baghdad, Iraqi forces detained an individual suspected to be connected to an AQI financier, who is believed to be a significant contributor to vehicle bombings against Iraqi forces.

-- Another individual with alleged ties to an AQI leader was arrested near Mosul, during a search for an AQI leader believed to be involved in bombing attacks on local SECFOR.  Info founding during the searches linked the detained individual to the AQI leader.

-30-

Posted via email from troopscoop's posterous