Dear Interested Reader,
AF mechanics keep mission moving. Locals treated at free clinic in Zormat. Khost PRT Sailors go "over the side." 3-187 conducts air assault into Atah Khel.
Iraq: Crew Chiefs invaluable to pilots. 308th's goal-oriented cmdr breeds success in unit. Father and daughter redeploy together back to Conn. Suspected AQI leader, criminal assocs. arrested.
Joanna
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Air Force mechanics keep mission moving
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Zormat District Locals Treated in Free Clinic
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
Khost PRT Sailors go ‘Over the Side’
Army 1st Lt. Aaron Croft, Khost PRT civil affairs, salutes Navy Cmdr. Willie Billingslea, Khost PRT cmdr, for the last time during an over the side ceremony. The ceremony honored the departure of 3 Khost PRT civil affairs personnel as they loaded up for their last convoy.
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CJTF-82 in Afghanistan, Bagram Media Center
3-187 conducts air assault into Atah Khel
PAKTIKA PROVINCE – ANP combined with Co A, 3rd Bn, 187th Inf Regt, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div conducted an air-assault op into Atah Khel village, May 19. The air assault op was conducted according to plan, said Army Capt. Joshua Powers, cmdr of Co A.
As the village search was conducted, 2 unregistered motorcycles were found sitting outside a mosque. The ANP conducted a more thorough search of the mosque and the surrounding area, where they found several RPG rounds, an RPG launcher, binoculars, handheld radios and a wig. A suspected insurgent was seen fleeing the area and was quickly detained by the ANP.
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IRAQI STORIES:
Blackanthem Military News
Crew chiefs Invaluable to pilots
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry
Army Spc. Tim Matthews, a C Co, 3rd Bn, 158th Aviation Regt UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief, wraps a rope around his arm to begin a pre-flight inspection, May 14, 2010.
First-time deployer, Mansueto, a 7-year Army veteran and former turbine engine mechanic, has been flying for 2 years. "They make my job a lot easier," he said of crew chiefs, who were on the lookout for obstacles like trees, towers, buildings and other aircraft. "Most of the crew chiefs have been around longer than the pilots, so crew chiefs keep pilots from messing up."
Another C Co crew chief and first-time deployer, Army Spc. Zachary Butler, agreed with his fellow Soldiers that crew chiefs helped the pilots. "You learn to constantly scan as far left and as far right and up and down as you can. So that way everybody knows and has constant awareness of our flight path," said Butler.
While the crew chiefs checked and guided the aircraft, secured passengers and payload during flights, they also maintained the aircraft before and after flights. "They really work hard. Their day starts before ours and ends after ours," said Mansueto of the crew chiefs.
"We're the only people keeping the helicopter running on a day-to-day basis," said Matthews. According to Butler, crew chiefs checked for corrosion, broken parts, missing pieces and adjusted torque on nuts and bolts. "Maintenance is always happening. That's our job," said Butler.
Spc. Tim Matthews checks the engine on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of his pre-flight inspection.
Spc. Zachary Butler checks a cotter pin on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter tail. Co C deployed to Iraq in Dec., as part of TF Storm.
Spc. Butler tightens a screw on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter tail.
Spc. Butler inspects a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter tail rotor.
DVIDS
308th's Goal-oriented Commander Breeds Success in Unit
Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, 308th BSB cmdr, recalls the beginning steps of his goal to run 10,000 miles. "I can remember my first Army run vividly. I was in the University of Dequesne ROTC program. The downpour of rain and the icy wind made for the worst possible conditions imaginable. As I thought to myself how much I hated the cold, hated the rain and especially hated running, I will never forget the words that broke my train of thought," said Phillips. "You have to be out here and you're going to run, so you might as well get something out of it," said the instructor."That day the only goal I could think of was finishing that run and getting out of the freezing rain," Phillips said.
Phillips's soon developed a passion for running, which has turned into a goal-oriented philosophy that has trickled down through his bn, known for its motto, 'Pride in Performance.'"We encourage our Soldiers to set goals for themselves and to strive for development," said 1st Sgt. Vinson Washington, Bravo Co, 308th BSB 1st Sgt. Washington said that during counseling, each Soldier is asked to list goals, and to develop a detailed plan to achieve them. "Our leaders are assisting each Soldier in their goals, whether its getting their associate's degree, or achieving the maximum score on the physical fitness test," said Washington.The 308th BSB approaches their deployment to Basrah prov. with that same goal-oriented mentality. Phillips said he asked each section in his bn to evaluate their goals for the mission, and the response was remarkable.The unit completed over 1300 missions, drove over 65,000 accident-free miles, moved 8 million bottles of water, 6 million pounds of ice, and 3 million pounds of other supplies such as vehicles, medical supplies, and mail throughout the Thunderbolt bde's operational environment. The Red Lion bn accomplished this on top of managing a dining facility that has served over 1.8 million meals at the dining facility.Phillips said he approached every run with the mentality that it would draw him closer to his goal. "I set bench marks for myself in my running which keeps me focused. I applied these techniques towards our deployment, which allowed us to achieve so much," said Phillips.Phillips's reward is only the satisfaction of knowing he accomplished his long-awaited goal. The 308th however, received a more tangible reward. The unit was recognized in September 2009 by the Navy Theater Electronic Warfare, as the best Electronic Warfare Team in Iraq, and was selected as the 2010 Quartermaster Corps Distinguished Unit of Regt.
Story and photos by Spc. Maurice Galloway
"Giddy Up!," Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, runs at COB Barsah, as he takes the final steps of his 20-year journey towards achieving his goal to reach 10,000 miles.
COB BASRAH – The U.S. Military has a long-standing reputation of excelling while reaching its goals. Many service members join the military to give themselves a sense of direction. Twenty years ago, one Soldier embarked on a journey that would contribute to the success of his decision-making process.
Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, 308th BSB cmdr, recalls the beginning steps of his goal to run 10,000 miles. "I can remember my first Army run vividly. I was in the University of Dequesne ROTC program. The downpour of rain and the icy wind made for the worst possible conditions imaginable. As I thought to myself how much I hated the cold, hated the rain and especially hated running, I will never forget the words that broke my train of thought," said Phillips. "You have to be out here and you're going to run, so you might as well get something out of it," said the instructor."That day the only goal I could think of was finishing that run and getting out of the freezing rain," Phillips said.
Phillips's soon developed a passion for running, which has turned into a goal-oriented philosophy that has trickled down through his bn, known for its motto, 'Pride in Performance.'"We encourage our Soldiers to set goals for themselves and to strive for development," said 1st Sgt. Vinson Washington, Bravo Co, 308th BSB 1st Sgt. Washington said that during counseling, each Soldier is asked to list goals, and to develop a detailed plan to achieve them. "Our leaders are assisting each Soldier in their goals, whether its getting their associate's degree, or achieving the maximum score on the physical fitness test," said Washington.The 308th BSB approaches their deployment to Basrah prov. with that same goal-oriented mentality. Phillips said he asked each section in his bn to evaluate their goals for the mission, and the response was remarkable.The unit completed over 1300 missions, drove over 65,000 accident-free miles, moved 8 million bottles of water, 6 million pounds of ice, and 3 million pounds of other supplies such as vehicles, medical supplies, and mail throughout the Thunderbolt bde's operational environment. The Red Lion bn accomplished this on top of managing a dining facility that has served over 1.8 million meals at the dining facility.Phillips said he approached every run with the mentality that it would draw him closer to his goal. "I set bench marks for myself in my running which keeps me focused. I applied these techniques towards our deployment, which allowed us to achieve so much," said Phillips.Phillips's reward is only the satisfaction of knowing he accomplished his long-awaited goal. The 308th however, received a more tangible reward. The unit was recognized in September 2009 by the Navy Theater Electronic Warfare, as the best Electronic Warfare Team in Iraq, and was selected as the 2010 Quartermaster Corps Distinguished Unit of Regt.
Spc. Kayla Shortt, Bravo Co, 308th BSB, Communications and Electronics Shop production control clerk, works on a humvee radio.
Spc. Charles McGee Jr., HHC, 308th BSB food specialist, verifies the food at the Thunderbolt Dining Facility is being served at the proper temperatures.
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DVIDS
Father and Daughter Redeploy Together
Story by Spc. Laquita Shepard
Sgt. 1st Class Brian Young, 192nd MP Bn Ops NCOIC, poses with his daughter Spc. Samantha Young, 192nd MP BN supply clerk after the conclusion of a transfer of authority ceremony welcoming the 105th MP Bn.
CAMP CROPPER - May 3 - Sgt. 1st Class Brian Young and Spc. Samantha Young, both Soldiers of the Connecticut NG's 192nd MP Bn, are re-deploying back to Connecticut this month. The father and daughter were part of the 89th MP Bde, which was responsible for the command and control of detention ops at Camp Cropper."My dad is my hero. He has a lot of life experience, and maintains his composure regardless of the mission," said Samantha. She enlisted in May 2008 to serve alongside her father, and is the eldest and first of Young's 2 children to join the military. "I watched her grow from a young, giddy teen-age girl to a responsible person and Soldier," said Young. Young was in charge of the development and implementation of training operations for the 192nd. Young explained that knowing his daughter was nearby throughout the deployment gave him peace of mind. "It was always good to hear her name during roll calls; I knew she was safe," he said. "I pray every day for the safety of my wife and children," added Young. Prior to leaving Iraq, the 192nd held an awards ceremony on May 3. Both Soldiers were commended for displaying their support and dedication to the unit.
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USF-I
May 25, 2010
ISF arrest suspected AQI leader, member and 16 criminal associates
BAGHDAD - ISF arrested a suspected AQI leader, another warranted individual and 16 criminal assocs during a joint security op conducted approx 85kms NW of Baghdad, May 25.
ISF and U.S. advisors searched several buildings for the suspected AQI leader, allegedly linked to attacks in the Tigris River Valley and Baghdad over the past 2 years. He's also allegedly involved in IED attacks, assassinations, and is associated with other Tigris River Valley AQI members.
Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the warranted AQI leader, another warranted individual, and 16 suspected criminal assocs.
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