Dear Interested Reader,
'Put the Vermonters Ahead' dates back to the battle of Gettysburg. Key Leadership Engagement with Charikar Mayor. TF Panther welcomed to Nangarar prov. Combined forces attacked in Helmand. FOB Zeegrugge in Kajaki takes indirect fire, forces enemy to flee.
Iraq: 9/11 Memorial Run in Basra. American flags fly over Hussein's 'Victory over America Palace' on 9/11. Combat Stress Clinic named after fallen Soldier in Basra.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
DVIDS
‘Put the Vermonters Ahead’
Story by Staff Sgt. Whitney Hughes
Army Chaplain (Capt.) Kurt Geib with HC, 3rd Bn, 172nd Inf Regt (Mtn), reads a prayer as Soldiers bow their heads in prayer during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at FOB Gardez, Sept. 11.
PAKTYA PROVINCE – When Union Gen. John Sedgwick gave the order “Put the Vermonters ahead,” at the battle of Gettysburg almost 150 years ago, he etched the legacy of the Green Mountain Boys into the pages of history. Since then, “ahead” is exactly where the Vermont NG is most likely to be found in any historic event. During their state’s largest deployment since World War II, and one week before the country’s first Afghan-led elections, the Soldiers also had the opportunity to reflect on being in Afghanistan on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Nine years after the attacks that sparked OEF, the Soldiers of the 3rd Bn, find themselves in the middle of a living history, serving in the prov. where Op Anaconda, the first and largest op in Afghanistan, was conducted. Some are at FOB Gardez, where the mission was planned in response to the 9/11 attacks. “We are maintaining a presence in these areas that the Coalition fought for and won 8 years ago. The Sept. 11th attacks originated from Afghanistan, and we're still here today because of those attacks,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Edwards, the senior NCO for the bn. “All Vermonters have a reason to be proud of what we're doing here, and the role that we're playing in the war,” he added.Soldiers of the 3-172 held a memorial ceremony in front of the Wall of Hero’s, a memorial to the Soldiers lost at FOB Gardez. Although the Soldiers had to return to duty after the ceremony, the significance of the day was not lost on them, especially combined with their own personal experiences. “I consider it a privilege to be here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mac Broich, the plt. sgt. for the bn cmdr’s personal security detail. “I'm especially happy to be assigned to Paktya with the Mtn Inf,” added Broich who's on his 2nd deployment. “It seems surreal to think that 10 years have gone by,” said Maj. Gregg Langevine, the bn. ops officer. Langevine was a member of the Vermont Guard during the attacks, but also worked full-time for a financial services firm. On the day the attacks occurred, Langevine was scheduled to be training on the 61st Floor of Tower 2, but he switched with a co-worker at the last minute. “I think the strength of the American people is our resiliency, and our ability to move beyond things,” he said. For Edwards, the day reminded him of when he was serving in Iraq, and Colin Powell, the former U.S. Secretary of State, addressed him and his fellow Soldiers, reminding them that they weren't only a part history, but also making it. Edwards said the speech made him realize that it's easy to lose perspective of the gravity of these events, as you experience them on a daily basis, but made him stop and think about the truth to Powell’s words. “As [Edwards] does on more than a few occasions, he just redirected us. He said, ‘Hey, 9 years ago today something horrible happened, so we had to take action.’ It’s nice to have a finite thing to concentrate on; it’s nice to be able to say that this single event is why I’m here 9 years later, and in that way it’s an important day,” said Staff Sgt. Ross Thibodeau, a medical plt. sgt.
The American and Green Mountain Boy Battle flags fly at FOB Gardez, at sunset, Sept. 11.
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DVIDS
Key Leader Engagement With Charikar Mayor
Photos by Spc. Kristina Gupton
CHARIKAR - Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Charles White, the maintenance NCO-in-charge with the Civil Military Support Team (CMST) provides security, Sept. 13, during a Key Leader Engagement (KLE). The CMST and Republic of Korea PRT members visited the Charikar mayor to address some concerns he has within the city.
The mayor of Charikar, Ghulam Sediq, speaks with John Nowacki, U.S. Rule of Law attorney, members of the CMST and Republic of Korea PRT, about a sanitation project to clean the city of Charikar, due to the overflow of trash on the streets.
Army Sgt. Harold McFadden, a SECFOR member with the CMST provides security, during a visit to the mayor’s compound.
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DVIDS
Task Force Panther Welcomed to Nangarhar
Story by Spc. Richard Daniels Jr.
The 1st Sqdrn, 61st Cav Regt, TF Panther held a transfer of authority ceremony, where Army Lt. Col. William Johnson, TF Panther cmdr, and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Broadhead, uncased their bn colors at FOB Connolly, Sept. 14. Included in the ceremony was a combat patch ceremony recognizing the soldiers first 30 days in theater.
NANGARHAR PROVINCE – TF Bastogne welcomed 1st Sqdrn to their area of ops. “We look forward to working shoulder to shoulder, 'shonna ba shonna,' with our Afghan partners, and will take the fight to the enemy to enhance security in this region; while bringing development, supporting governance, and expanding opportunity for the people of this historic land,” said Army Lt. Col. William Johnson, TF Panther cmdr.Task Force Panther also used the ceremony as an opportunity to don their combat patches. “This patch marks a significant milestone in a soldier’s career and life, signifying that you've answered our nation’s call to go in harm’s way, and serve in her hour of greatest need,” said Johnson. “The donning of our new patch today binds us together as members of 1-61 Cav of the historic 101st AD, all proudly wearing the ‘Screaming Eagle’– a talisman that strikes fear into the hearts of our enemies, and provides hope to our partners and the people we're here to serve.”With conditions steadily improving within eastern Afghanistan, TF Panther will assist with security and development, especially with the upcoming elections later this month. “It's an honor to serve as part of TF Bastogne, where we know we'll make a significant and demonstrable improvement to the conditions here in Western Nangarhar,” he said. “It's an honor for us to write the next chapter in our Sqdrn’s continued “Rendezvous with Destiny.”
Lt. Col. William Johnson, TF Panther cmdr, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Broadhead, uncased their bn colors.
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DVIDS
Afghan, Coalition Forces Attacked in Helmand
ISAF Joint Command
HELMAND PROVINCE - Insurgents attacked Afghan and CF conducting a combined dismounted patrol on 3 separate occasions, in the Sangin district, Sept 13. The ensuing engagements resulted in several coalition kinetic strikes against insurgent positions, with up to 23 insurgents killed in action. During the first engagement, Afghan and CF returned fire with machine guns, mortars and a light anti-armor weapon. When the insurgent fire continued, the force called for artillery rocket fire, and successfully suppressed the threat. During several additional small-arms engagements with insurgents, CF called for artillery rocket fire and air support. Over the course of the engagements, CF struck 3 insurgent firing positions located inside compounds, one with an aircraft-fired precision-guided munition and 2 with artillery rocket fire. The combined force ceased fire when women and children moved into the area from where the insurgent fire had originated. According to initial reports, up to 14 insurgents were killed in the first engagement. In the 2nd incident, insurgents attacked a combined Afghan and coalition patrol with small-arms, machine gun and mortar fire from a tree line. The patrol positively identified the insurgent's firing positions, and responded with small-arms, machine gun and mortar fire. When insurgent firing continued, the patrol fired artillery rockets. According to initial reports, up to 5 insurgents were killed in the engagement. In the 3rd incident, insurgents attacked a coalition patrol base with small-arms fire. CF positively identified the insurgent firing positions, and returned the insurgent's fire with small-arms, machine gun fire, and mortar fire. The forces also fired a man-portable missile at an insurgent firing position in a compound. When the insurgent fire continued from multiple firing positions, CF called for air support. A coalition aircraft struck an insurgent position that had been used on 3 separate occasions throughout the engagement with a precision-guided munition. The insurgent fire ceased following the air strike. Initial coalition reports indicate up to 5 insurgents were killed in the 3rd engagement.
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DVIDS
FOB Zeegrugge in Kajaki Takes Indirect Fire
Story by Cpl. Daniel Blatter
A squad of Marines cross the Helmand River after FOB Zeegrugge in Kajaki was attacked with indirect fire, Sept. 12. Marines with India Btry, 3rd Bn, 12th Marine Regt, RCT 2, pushed a patrol out to search for possible spotters involved in the enemy mortar attack. The patrol, led by Sgt. Philip Percesepe, the squad leader for 1st Plt, 3rd Squad, entered several compounds searching for evidence of Taliban, and any weapons, or improvised explosive materials left behind.
KAJAKI – While many were scrambling to find cover, a plan was being made to attack whoever was responsible for the FOB strike. Within moments a sniper team was dispatched to a rooftop searching for any possible enemy involved in the attack. The Marines kept a keen eye looking for an enemy spotter, or a suspicious farmer in the field; each and every individual was thoroughly examined. Immediately after the last incoming mortar impacted the ground, a team of Marines pushed out to investigate. “We did some counter btry, and we had eyes on a few possible spotters from camp,” said Sgt. Philip Percesepe. “We immediately punched a team out to go intercept those possible spotters. We then went out to see if we couldn’t find whoever was out there, and how they are coming in and out of the area.” The area around the Kajaki Dam is a valuable area to both friendly forces and the Taliban, as it provides power to nearly a million homes and irrigates more than a half million acres of farmland.
With many underground tunnels and daily suspicious activity, the Marines patrolling the area searched each compound they passed, looking for weapons, tunnels and Taliban. “We ended up pushing a little further to see if we could find any enemy egress and entrance routes into the area,” said 22-year-old Percesepe. “We're trying to find out where they're bringing and storing all their weapons and IED making materials.” Even while pursuing the enemy, the Marines understand their top priorities, securing the Kajaki dam and protecting the people. They know they'll have to take the fight to the enemy, but must always protect the innocent. “If we can show the locals that we're here to help and that we care, it will help us in the long run,” said Cpl. Jonathan Jackson, a motor transportation vehicle operator, and asst. squad leader. “They need to know that we want them to have electricity, and also that they don’t have to deal with the Taliban.” Although the patrol sent out didn’t find any weapons or IED making material, or return with the insurgents who threatened the base and crossed the line, they did show their presence and forced the enemy back from their positions. “We patrol on a daily basis,” Percesepe said, “and we're going to continue to patrol and force the enemy away from the dam as long as we're here. The further out we can get the Taliban, the safer the dam and local villagers are here. What we've been doing has been working so far, and hopefully soon, the Taliban will get the picture and realize that they can’t come in this area anymore,” Percesepe added. Several hours after the attack on the FOB, all Marines returned to base unharmed and untouched.
“We keep taking the fight to them no matter what they try to bring to us,” said Jackson. “Just like today, we did take incoming, yet we still pushed a patrol out to give that presence that we're still here. No matter what you do, we're going to be here taking the fight to you.”
With many underground tunnels and daily suspicious activity, the Marines patrolling the area searched each compound they passed, looking for weapons, tunnels and Taliban. “We ended up pushing a little further to see if we could find any enemy egress and entrance routes into the area,” said 22-year-old Percesepe. “We're trying to find out where they're bringing and storing all their weapons and IED making materials.” Even while pursuing the enemy, the Marines understand their top priorities, securing the Kajaki dam and protecting the people. They know they'll have to take the fight to the enemy, but must always protect the innocent. “If we can show the locals that we're here to help and that we care, it will help us in the long run,” said Cpl. Jonathan Jackson, a motor transportation vehicle operator, and asst. squad leader. “They need to know that we want them to have electricity, and also that they don’t have to deal with the Taliban.” Although the patrol sent out didn’t find any weapons or IED making material, or return with the insurgents who threatened the base and crossed the line, they did show their presence and forced the enemy back from their positions. “We patrol on a daily basis,” Percesepe said, “and we're going to continue to patrol and force the enemy away from the dam as long as we're here. The further out we can get the Taliban, the safer the dam and local villagers are here. What we've been doing has been working so far, and hopefully soon, the Taliban will get the picture and realize that they can’t come in this area anymore,” Percesepe added. Several hours after the attack on the FOB, all Marines returned to base unharmed and untouched.
“We keep taking the fight to them no matter what they try to bring to us,” said Jackson. “Just like today, we did take incoming, yet we still pushed a patrol out to give that presence that we're still here. No matter what you do, we're going to be here taking the fight to you.”
Just moments after FOB Zeegrugge, was attacked with mortars, Sept. 12, Cpl. Cody Scholes, a field artillery cannon crewman and spotter for the Special Application Scoped Rifle team, India Btry, stands on a rooftop observing suspicious activity just outside the base.
Sgt. Philip Percesepe analyzes a map, after searching a compound.
A squad of Marines cross the Helmand River.
After Mortar rounds were fired at FOB Zeegrugge, Cpl. Jonathan Jackson, a motor transportation vehicle operator, and asst. squad leader fires a smoke grenade out of his M203 grenade launcher, across the Helmand River into a thick tree line to smoke out any intruders. “We keep taking the fight to them no matter what they try to bring to us," said Jackson.
Marines enter a compound searching for suspicious activity.
Cpl. Jacob Hoag, the Motor Transportation maintenance chief and 50-caliber sniper, and Cpl. Cody Scholes a field artillery cannon crewman and spotter for Hoag, post on a rooftop inside FOB Zeegrugge, just moments after the FOB was attacked with indirect fire.
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IRAQI STORIES:
DVIDS
9/11 Continues the ‘drive’ in Soldiers
Story by Spc. Raymond Quintanilla
Service members and DoD civilians set out on the Sept. 11 13K Memorial Run in Basra. In addition to the run, Basra hosted a memorial ceremony at the post chapel to remember those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.
BASRA – In a remembrance ceremony held at the Army base in Basra’s chapel with service members and civilians in attendance, the traditional ringing of the bell echoed, a patriotic composition sung, spiritual readings read, and a painful experience evoked, brought tears to some, and some appeared to hold back.“It’s most fitting we would pause to remember Sept. 11, and reflect on what has come since,” said Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, comm. gen. of USD-South, and the 1st ID. “Days of great challenge, days of adversity and sadness,” Brooks said, “and yet, the resilience, the demonstration of the indomitable spirit that kept us moving forward, leading to where we are right now.”Lt. Col. Timothy Mallard, div. chaplain for the 1st ID said that although his experiences at the Pentagon in 2001, and the subsequent 3 tours has taken a toll on his family and himself, he finds hope. “Our society appears to run from pain,” Mallard said recalling the 17 days of recovering bodies at the Pentagon site. “Pain can be a tremendous means of re-experiencing a hope. It reminds us of our mortality, that who we are will not last. Hope – that is a great gift.”Mallard said that the war experiences could be used to develop positively. “Don’t let your experience define your life,” Mallard said. “You can grow from them; you can become stronger from them. Trust in God and he will lead you to hope.”“I'm glad to participate in the run with my American co-workers,” said Jalil Dheyal, a native of Baghdad, and a civil engr for the Iraqi Facilities Engineering Team on post. “Now we’re mixing culture, so that we can understand each other. We work for a better future.” For one soldier, the memorial run is symbolic to her joining the service. “It’s the reason why I joined the military,” said Spc. Michelle Crossan, a combat medic with the 162nd Area Support Medical Co, Texas NG. “It’s a big part of my life. It changed who I am now.” Paul Inman, the safety director for the 1st ID expressed his thoughts on those who continue to enlist in the military, regardless of the on-going war. “Thank you for stepping up to the plate,” Inman said. “When the enemy attacks us, you rally around the flag. You continue the legacy of the U.S.A.” This day has been embedded in history, and the lives lost, and those directly affected is a reminder of the freedom he cherishes, said one soldier on his 8th tour since joining the Army.
“What fuels me is pretty straightforward,” said Sgt. 1st Class Luis Torres III, a native of Sinajana, Guam, and the communication security NCO-in-charge for the 1st ID. “My father served for 30 years. It’s in my blood and my duty to continue the tradition, to defend our country’s ideals, which we enjoy today.”
“What fuels me is pretty straightforward,” said Sgt. 1st Class Luis Torres III, a native of Sinajana, Guam, and the communication security NCO-in-charge for the 1st ID. “My father served for 30 years. It’s in my blood and my duty to continue the tradition, to defend our country’s ideals, which we enjoy today.”
Sgt. Maj. William Sutton, the protection SGM for the 1st ID, comes in first in the male div.
Sgt. Michelle Spinazzola, the ops NCO with the 1st ID Band, and Spc. Jonathan Akhondi, the info mgt officer for the band, paid tribute to victims of the 9/11 attacks. The 2 vocalists performed at the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Basra chapel.
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Service Members Fly Flags Over Palace for 9/11 Remembrance Photos by Pfc. Jared Eastman
BAGHDAD - Service members and contractors walk to Saddam Hussein's Victory over America palace, Sept. 11, to fly American flags in remembrance of those who died in the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, 9 years ago.
An American flag flies on top of Saddam Hussein’s Victory over America palace. Service members and govt contractors were given the opportunity to fly flags over the palace in remembrance of those who died on 9/11.
Two soldiers walk up a staircase in Saddam Hussein’s Victory over America palace.
A soldier carries an American flag through the rubble inside Saddam Hussein's Victory over America palace. U.S. forces destroyed the palace in 2003, after Saddam Hussein began construction to signify the "defeat" of America.
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DVIDS
Combat Stress Clinic Named After Fallen Soldier
Story by Sgt. Cody Harding
From left, Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks, the USD – South comm. gen., Lt. Col. Pamela Breedlove, the Combat Stress Clinic (CSC) comm. officer, and Capt. Lloyd Sporluck, cmdr of Btry A, 5th Bn, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regt, unveil the placard dedicating the facility to Sgt. Brandon Maggart, Sept. 10.
BASRA – Sgt Brandon Maggart, who served with Btry A, was killed in an Aug. 22 rocket attack.
The clinic, which was recently refurbished, provides a place for Soldiers to meet with mental health professionals, to deal with the stress that comes with operating in a combat zone. Controlling stress is an important part of the military’s overall fitness, and the support center aims to help Soldiers cope.The CSC renovations, under the direction of Sgt. Sonja Young, a behavioral health tech with the 162nd Area Medical Support Group, were completed the day before the attack. After helping the Soldiers in Maggart’s unit, Young advocated that the new CSC be named after him.Lt. Col. Pamela Breedlove said that Maggart’s leadership was the reason behind his name being placed on the clinic. “Sgt. Maggart truly exemplified the Army Values, Soldier Resiliency, and the tenets of combat stress control,” said Breedlove. Before the renovations, the CSC was an unattractive place for Soldiers to visit. The building would often become too hot inside to be comfortable, and thin walls kept many discussions from being confidential. The building was improved by adding new a/c units, increasing the thickness of the walls, and remodeling the inside of the clinic.Sgt. Jose Carrera, serving as the 1st ID behavioral health NCO, said that the improved atmosphere helps Soldiers open up to the staff. “Staff members are able to do their job better,” Carrera said. “Just by improving the environment of the clinic helps improve the Soldier’s ability to open up, and be able to disclose more things the staff can use to help.”
The clinic, which was recently refurbished, provides a place for Soldiers to meet with mental health professionals, to deal with the stress that comes with operating in a combat zone. Controlling stress is an important part of the military’s overall fitness, and the support center aims to help Soldiers cope.The CSC renovations, under the direction of Sgt. Sonja Young, a behavioral health tech with the 162nd Area Medical Support Group, were completed the day before the attack. After helping the Soldiers in Maggart’s unit, Young advocated that the new CSC be named after him.Lt. Col. Pamela Breedlove said that Maggart’s leadership was the reason behind his name being placed on the clinic. “Sgt. Maggart truly exemplified the Army Values, Soldier Resiliency, and the tenets of combat stress control,” said Breedlove. Before the renovations, the CSC was an unattractive place for Soldiers to visit. The building would often become too hot inside to be comfortable, and thin walls kept many discussions from being confidential. The building was improved by adding new a/c units, increasing the thickness of the walls, and remodeling the inside of the clinic.Sgt. Jose Carrera, serving as the 1st ID behavioral health NCO, said that the improved atmosphere helps Soldiers open up to the staff. “Staff members are able to do their job better,” Carrera said. “Just by improving the environment of the clinic helps improve the Soldier’s ability to open up, and be able to disclose more things the staff can use to help.”
Spc. Devin Swanson, a Soldier in Btry A, left, and Staff Sgt. Joshua Medina, also with 5-5 ADA, stand beside the plaque to commemorate the dedication.
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