Dear Interested Reader,
Education: the key to the future. Soldiers meet with Wardak locals. Afghan Soldiers offer perspectives on violence in Afghanistan. 3/7 welcomes Alpha Co. resupply.
Iraq: IA security improvements enable successful medical engagement. Challenge Coins: more than just metal. Former welder finds job to support 'passion.' Suspected JAM criminal assocs. arrested in Baghdad.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
Education; the Key to the Future
Story and photos by Cpl. Ned Johnson
Capt. Phillip Noack, a civil affairs team leader with 1st Bn, 2nd Marine Regt, RCT 2, talks to elders in a local village about building a new school, June 10. The elders promised to donate their land to the govt, so a school can be built in the village.
FOB MUSA QAL’EH – Afghanistan’s improved security was earned by the men and women who put their lives on the line daily, but Afghans and Marines know that education is the key to Afghanistan’s future success. Musa Qal’eh contains 24 schools, but only 4 of them are open for classes, according to Ghulam Ali, the Musa Qal’eh District minister of education. He's hoping to change that. “The long-term goal is to have established schools from primary to secondary education that are funded and run by the GoA,” said Capt. Phillip Noack. “We would like those schools to feed into higher education or trade schools.” Marines are not the only ones who want to build schools. “The people here really want education,” Noack said. “They're willing to give their time, money, and their land so their sons and even daughters can go to school.” Noack said the process will not happen overnight, but a few of the schools are already being planned. One of the up-coming schools is in a local village where the elders have already picked a location, and donated it to the ministry of education. Once a village wants a school, the Marines can help in several ways. “They know what education can do for them, but the Taliban makes it tough on them,” said Noack, 29. “That's where we can help them by providing security. We can also provide buildings, help train teachers and complete the long-term projects,” Noack said. The desire for education trickles down to the youngest level: the children. “We've talked to many of the kids here and asked them what they want to be when they grow up,” said Noack, a graduate of Texas A&M University. “They say they want to be doctors, lawyers and engrs, and they know that requires education.”The facts prove these children are not kidding because the largest school in Musa Qal’eh has 700 students. Still, that's not enough. “As they say, ‘build it and they'll come,’” Noack said.For the Marines, there's more behind education in Afghanistan. “It's been shown that the Taliban preys on the uneducated,” Noack said. “What the teachers are trying to do here is show the kids there are better options.”What matters most to Marines in Afghanistan is leaving the country in better shape than it was when they arrived. "To have long-term stability you absolutely have to have education,” Noack said. “It's definitely the future: one book at a time, one day at a time.”
Capt. Phillip Noack takes photos of a school that's not completely built. Civil Affairs Marines are hoping to pay the locals to finish building the school.
The elders of a local village pose with Ghulam Ali (3rd from right), the Musa Qal'eh minster of education, for a picture in front of the area where they want a school built, June 10. Ghulam Ali travelled with Marines around the area to look at schools in Musa Qal'eh District.
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Joint Combat Camera Afghanistan
Soldiers Meet With Wardak Locals (Army photos by Jon Rosa)
Army Soldier from 3rd Plt, Chosen Co, 2nd Bn, 503rd Inf, 173rd Abn, meets a village leader to discuss his needs in a village near COP Conlon, Wardak prov., June 8.
Soldier from 3rd Plt tries to communicate with the local Afghan kids.
Soldiers move through the village.
A Soldier from 3rd Plt pulls security, while the local Afghan kids observes him.
A Soldier meets a village leader to discuss his needs.
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International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs
Afghan Soldiers Offer Perspectives on Violence in Afghanistan
“Put down your guns and join our efforts to make Afghanistan safe and secure for everyone,” Muhammad Nasir, an ANSF said. Nasir’s uncle was executed by the Taliban for non-compliance when he was a child. He says he’ll never forget, but he says ending the violence outweighs any abhorrence he may feel towards those who murdered his relative. “I just want unity. We need to join forces—Afghans are responsible for the fate of Afghanistan,” he said. “It's our responsibility to establish security here.”However, Afghan disgust and contempt for the anti-GoA militants’ methods are prominent among the ANSF ranks. “These foreign leaders and fighters from Pakistan abuse the poor, uneducated people here,” ANSF Soldier Said Karim said. “The foreign leaders of the Taliban are not Muslim. Muslims do not ask their fellow Muslim to kill and scare innocent people. They don’t care about Afghanistan--they don’t care about our people.”Wahab, another soldier continued, “I don’t understand the minds of these Taliban. We're soldiers—we protect our civilians. The CF protect Afghans.” As a Muslim, Wahab said his only hope is for peace.ANSF soldiers live and work alongside CF, fighting and capturing Taliban, and other foreign fighters in southern Afghanistan. Since the beginning of May, SECFOR have conducted several clearing ops, capturing more than 75 suspected insurgents, including 8 Taliban cmdrs, and a Taliban IED expert. CF also killed 2 Taliban cmdrs, including Hajji Amir, who was in charge of operating throughout Dand, Zharay and Panjwa’I districts, May 30.The team has also discovered and destroyed 2 IED factories, and a large number of IED's and automatic weapons.
KABUL - 6-20-10 - Peace jirgas, talks of reconciliation, and reintegration efforts are topics of high-level political and military discussions throughout Afghanistan. In Kandahar prov., ANSF soldiers involved in clearing ops daily, say they want their enemies to quit doing the bidding of foreigner leaders who don’t want peace.
“Put down your guns and join our efforts to make Afghanistan safe and secure for everyone,” Muhammad Nasir, an ANSF said. Nasir’s uncle was executed by the Taliban for non-compliance when he was a child. He says he’ll never forget, but he says ending the violence outweighs any abhorrence he may feel towards those who murdered his relative. “I just want unity. We need to join forces—Afghans are responsible for the fate of Afghanistan,” he said. “It's our responsibility to establish security here.”However, Afghan disgust and contempt for the anti-GoA militants’ methods are prominent among the ANSF ranks. “These foreign leaders and fighters from Pakistan abuse the poor, uneducated people here,” ANSF Soldier Said Karim said. “The foreign leaders of the Taliban are not Muslim. Muslims do not ask their fellow Muslim to kill and scare innocent people. They don’t care about Afghanistan--they don’t care about our people.”Wahab, another soldier continued, “I don’t understand the minds of these Taliban. We're soldiers—we protect our civilians. The CF protect Afghans.” As a Muslim, Wahab said his only hope is for peace.ANSF soldiers live and work alongside CF, fighting and capturing Taliban, and other foreign fighters in southern Afghanistan. Since the beginning of May, SECFOR have conducted several clearing ops, capturing more than 75 suspected insurgents, including 8 Taliban cmdrs, and a Taliban IED expert. CF also killed 2 Taliban cmdrs, including Hajji Amir, who was in charge of operating throughout Dand, Zharay and Panjwa’I districts, May 30.The team has also discovered and destroyed 2 IED factories, and a large number of IED's and automatic weapons.
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DVIDS
3/7 Welcomes Alpha Company Resupply
Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski
Lance Cpl. Brice Williams, a wrecker operator; and Cpl. Philip Cook, a motor transportation mechanic, both with Alpha Co, Combat Logistics Bn 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Fwd), load pieces of a damaged equipment onto the bed of a Logistics Vehicle System Replacement, during a resupply and recovery mission in support of Lima Co, 3rd Bn, 7th Marine Regt, May 22.
CAMP LEATHERNECK – After days in the field and dwindling supplies, Lima Co welcomed the rumbling of more than a dozen gear and food laden tactical vehicles from CLB-6 headed toward their hilltop security position, May 22. In addition to items of subsistence, the Marines of Alpha Co, provided vehicle recovery assistance for several trucks and mine rollers, downed by IEDs. “We brought out everything these guys need to live on for the next 4 or 5 days,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mario Locklear, motor transportation ops chief for Alpha Co. This also included 4,800 gallons of fuel.“Less than 24 hours prior to stepping off, we had to make a few adjustments, add a few vehicles to support their request to pick up a few more downed vehicles, but it was nothing these guys couldn’t handle,” said Locklear. “My guys have a lot of experience under their belt out here, so they knew what they needed to do.”No sooner had the Marines of the “Red Cloud Bn” stopped their trucks, than the unloading and off loading of gear and supplies began aboard the occupied area, no larger than a couple of football fields laid side by side.The Marines of 3/7 were in the midst of making their way back to FOB Delaram, after canvassing the area in and around the Musa Qal’eh River Valley for several weeks. Self proclaimed nomads; the infantrymen welcomed the sight of trucks loaded with items to keep them going a bit longer.“We’ve moved around quite a bit; we’ve only been here for a day, so we typically only have enough food and water to keep us going to the next position,” said Lance Cpl. Harvey Calderon, an infantryman with Lima Co, 3/7. “It’s always nice to have this type of stuff show up.”
(From left to right) Lance Cpls. David Lee, Matthew Young, Brian Conom and Harvey Calderon of Lima Co, unwind on a hilltop security position, May 22.
Marines from Lima Co unload supplies from a Marine Corps "7-ton" Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, aboard their hilltop position on the outskirts of the Musa Qal'eh River Valley, May 22.
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IRAQI STORIES:
DVIDS
IA Security Improvements Enable Successful Medical Engagement
Story by Spc. Daniel Schneider
Spc. Matthew Mortenson, a medic with Co A, 2nd Bn, 14th Inf Regt, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn Div, looks at the swollen tonsils of an Iraqi man during a combined medical engagement, June 20. Soldiers teamed up with IA members to provide much-needed medical care to a secluded community near Yusifiyah.
BAGHDAD – The Iraqi soldiers provided security, while U.S. medics and doctors provided medical care. Upon arriving to an old schoolhouse, Co A Soldiers quickly turned 4 classrooms into separate exam rooms for males and females, and one pharmacy room to keep medicine. In a scenario that wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago, 220 Iraqis were seen and treated for colds, mumps, swollen tonsils and vitamin deficiencies, in just 5 hours. “One of the most amazing things about this location is 2nd Bn. served in this exact area in 2007,” said Lt. Col. John Petkosek, cmdr. In a testament to the advancements of the ISF, Petkosek saw Iraqi villagers travel freely to receive much needed medical care without fear of their lives. “In just the time I’ve been here, I can’t believe how big of a difference there is in 3 years.” The IA’s involvement in the event also strengthened their reputation among the population they serve, building trust within the hearts of residents who attend them.“We’re here to help connect the ISF with the local Iraqis,” said Petkosek. “If we can show the citizens of Iraq that the ISF are more than just a bunch of guys with guns, then they can start to trust them. The ISF have proven that they can work independently of U.S. forces,” Petkosek concluded. “After all that work the U.S. has done, we can now see the fruits of our labor – the past has paid off.”
Iraqi villagers gather at a search point to get medical treatment. Soldiers have been conducting these missions with IA support throughout the Yusifiyah area for the past month.
Soldiers listen to a local Iraqi kid excitedly tell them a story.
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DVIDS
Challenge Coins: More Than Just Metal
Story by Spc. Cassandra Monroe
Cpl. Eric Gillson, a chaplain asst, currently assigned under 3rd ID, holds up one of his favorite coins he has earned during his deployment at COB Speicher, Tikrit, June 23.
COB SPEICHER – Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”Excelling at a job or task is something that Soldiers continually strive to achieve in the military. Many try their hardest to go the extra mile, or give it their all when given a task. Hard work is expected out of Soldiers, and efficiency and productivity are noticed.Leaders and peers notice the extra effort of Soldiers. There are ways of distinguishing and honoring them from certificates of appreciation to a verbal “thank you.” One way leaders show gratitude and appreciation, is a unique way that will not expire or easily be replaced. That unique way often comes in different shapes, sizes, colors, and is often personalized. That way of showing appreciation is through a medallion, a coin that is earned through hard work and dedication to the job or mission at hand. “To me, a coin is like an Army Achievement Medal or award,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Byron Loyd, the command sgt maj for DSTB, 3rd ID. “There are 2 types of coins I give: the regular bn coin that represents the bn, and then my personal coin that has my name and rank on it. It symbolizes something solid from me as a senior leader. It’s my way of saying thank you for the hard work I see you do.“When I was a young Soldier, my first coin was given to me as a private by then Maj. Gen. Colin Powell. I said to myself, ‘Wow. This is a trinket to have.’ For Cpl. Eric Gillson, a chaplain asst, currently assigned under 3rd ID, receiving coins from distinguished individuals makes his job worthwhile. One coin, a circular medallion, its edges encrusted with a gold plate and the center filled with white paint and a Navy master chief’s rank, is one of his favorites. It's special because it came from someone who's not in his direct chain of command, but sees him often. Gillson was charged with maintaining the Chaplain’s Corner, a small office where service members would go to get their morning coffee, socialize and read the daily quotes and riddles on the board. The master chief would come in daily and Gillson’s hard work paid off.“He said to me, ‘I like your style, and I see the hard work you’re doing here.’ It meant a lot to me,” said Gillson. “I felt good, because I felt like I received a coin for just being me, just being who I am on a day-to-day basis.”Another one of Gillson’s favorite coins is one that he earned when he was a pvt 1st class. “I had arrived early to a spiritual retreat, and they needed help setting things up, so I helped them out, and continued to for the rest of the 4 days I was there,” he said. “At the end of it, I was coined by Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, who is the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains. Getting your 1st coin from a maj gen as a pvt 1st class was really cool.”For some Soldiers, a coin means more than a pat on the back or a certificate of appreciation; receiving a coin from a distinguished leader brings a boost of morale for the Soldiers. Hopefully, Soldiers who see their peers doing the right thing and getting rewarded for it will be encourage to excel in their work, duties and personal goals.
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DVIDS
Former Welder Finds Job to Support 'passion'
Story by Spc. Jessica Rohr
Sgt. Keith Wright, a chaplain asst for DSTB, 3rd ID, out of Fort Stewart, Ga., is currently serving on his 4th deployment, at COB Speicher, near Tikrit, June 23.
COB SPEICHER – Wright joined the Army to get some direction in life after high school. After completing basic combat training at Fort Sill, Okla., Aug. 1999, Wright graduated from the U.S. Army Ordnance Mechanical Maintenance School at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., as a metal worker, December 1999. “One job that came up was metal worker. In high school I did welding for a semester, so I was already familiar with it. I was like, ‘Hey I could do that,’” said Sgt. Wright. “They built up my confidence and skills.”From 2003 to 2006, Sgt. Wright served with the Georgia Army NG. While in the Guard, Sgt. Wright developed interest in a new occupational specialty. “During my transition from active duty to a civilian, I had a maturing experience mentally and coming into the faith. I am now a Christian,” said Wright. “When I got activated with the NG I found out about chaplain assts. That’s when I decided my desire or passion wasn’t for welding. If I could be in the Army and do something I love, and be closer to something I love, then I need to go and pursue it."Wright re-enlisted into the active duty Army, and re-classed to chaplain asst of the Army Chaplain Center and School, Fort Jackson, S.C., March 2009. Wright returned to 3rd ID and has been here for 8 years. Chaplain assts support all faiths, regardless of their own beliefs. Defending the constitution is one of many missions the Army is charged with. The 1st Amendment ensures freedom of religion, providing each Soldier the right to practice their religion. A chaplain asst helps facilitate the Soldiers’ free exercise of religion by providing services and assistance. Wright helps chaplains setup and prepare for any type of service necessary. To do this, Wright has learned about the different religious artifacts, and how to handle them properly in order not to offend anyone.
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USF-I
ISF arrest suspected JAM criminal associates in Baghdad
BAGHDAD - ISF arrested 3 suspected Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) criminal assocs during a joint security op in NW Baghdad, June 24. ISF and U.S. advisors searched 2 buildings for a suspected JAM leader who is allegedly involved in IED attacks against ISF and CF.
Info and evidence gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest 3 suspected JAM criminal assocs. All joint ops are conducted pursuant to a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge.
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