Dear Interested Reader,
Currahee Soldiers get well deserved rest at COP Munoz. Kapisa PRT opens courthouse in key terrain district. Operational Update: Sept. 29, 30. JSC-A hosts first naturalization service at KAF. BN holds reflagging ceremony at Camp Delaram II.
Iraq: Cook-off heats up morale among Soldiers at COB Speicher. AF, Army EOD train Iraqi CET to operate new equipment at COB Warrior. "Golden Dragons" mission ends with 4 detainees, ammo cache.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
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Currahee Soldiers get well deserved rest
Story by Army Spc. Luther Boothe Jr.
Lt. Col. David Preston, cmdr of 801st BSB, 4th BCT, 101st AD, rotates food on the grill as Sgt. Alison Macdonald, a food service specialist and class 1 NCO-in-charge, places another round of steaks on the grill. They were grilling the steaks to provide Co D, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf Regt soldiers with a steak dinner, Sept. 26. COP MUNOZ - Long, hot days and few amenities are all things some soldiers must grow accustomed to, but sometimes there are special moments that they can hold on to, to keep them going. The Soldiers of COP Munoz receive 2 hot meals a day, but they lack running water for a typical shower, and must wash their clothes by hand, but their focus on the mission was clear.“These guys are so focused on combat ops that you could feed them anything, and they would be happy, but we wanted to do this for them in hopes of boosting morale,” said Lt. Col. Preston. “We wanted to give the guys a chance to relax, get a little rest and eat some good food.”Steak, mashed potatoes, potato salad, corn, fresh fruit, various pies and ice cream were all flown in and prepared for the soldiers. They were even given a brand new grill to use for the rest of the deployment. “We just wanted to show them that we're here for them,” said 1st Sgt. Patrick Pope, Co S, 2nd Bn. “We wanted to take the opportunity to reward them for their hard work ,and putting up with these living conditions.”"This trip to COP Munoz was completely about boosting morale for the soldiers," said Capt. Lindsay Hansen, cmdr of Co S. “Our hearts go out to the guys at these smaller COPs, because we know they don’t have some of the luxuries that we have at the bigger FOBs.”Hot chow for lunch is out of the norm for the soldiers, and that alone could have provided the entire morale boost needed. “As I was sitting with the guys eating, you could see the expression on their faces, and how happy it made them,” said Spc. Jonathan Lounds, a squad automatic weapon gunner for 1st Squad, 2nd Plt, Co D. “Normally, it's pretty loud in the chow hall with everyone talking, but today nobody really had to say a thing. You could just tell in everyone’s faces what a big difference this made.”The day meant more to the Currahees than just a hot meal. It reminded them how their chain of command is thinking about them, and how much the chain appreciates what they do. “It's cool to see the higher-ups come out here, and tell us what a good job we're doing,” said Lounds. “It really encourages us to keep on fighting and working hard.”“Guys enjoy a good piece of steak; the topping on the cake is just knowing that the command is thinking about us,” said Spc. James Kolasiniski, a team leader for Team A, 1st Sqd., 3rd Plt., Co D. “It wasn’t just the next thing on the menu, it was specially brought to us by the command to help boost our morale.”"A gesture like this from the unit leadership really keeps soldiers focused and restores confidence," said Kolasiniski. “I will probably go up to the observation point tonight, and the guys will talk about it for the rest of the night. “We really appreciate the thoughtfulness of all this,” he added. “It means a lot to know that people beyond these mountains are thinking about us, see our hard work, and want to give us a little reward for our efforts.”For those who organized the event, it was about getting the resources to those who truly need them. “The soldiers deserve something like this more than we do,” said Sgt. Alison Macdonald. “They are the ones out there in the fight, risking their lives on a daily basis. “As support, it's my job to make sure that they get anything and everything they need,” said Macdonald. “If I can get it for them, I will beg, plead, steal, or borrow to make sure that they get it.”“It makes me glad that I'm a logistician, because it's all about supporting people,” said Hansen. “Seeing the morale instantly lifted by just cooking a steak, or scooping some ice cream, makes me glad I do my job and makes everything that we do worth it.”The command plans to make the “steak and ice cream express” mission more often in the future, in hopes of spreading a boost in moral across Paktika prov. “We're going to try to do this 2 times a month,” said Preston. “The goal is to do one trip to east Paktika and one to west Paktika.” Any little thing leadership can do for these guys is a bonus, he said. “Just seeing them smile, as we were unloading the food from the truck made my whole day.”
Spc. Jian Guo Wang, a food service specialist with HC, 801st grills steaks.
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Kapisa PRT Opens Courthouse in Key Terrain District
Story by Capt. Kirsten Udd
Afghan contractor, Kapisa Kohnadi Construction Co, TF La Fayette, and the Kapisa PRT co-hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Tagab District Courthouse, Sept. 25. The Tagab District Courthouse includes a justice center, residential quarters, generator room, jail facility, guard shack, and restrooms. (Photo by AF Tech. Sgt. Joe Laws)
KAPISA PROVINCE - As part of the ceremony, Mohammad Safi, the acting gov. of Kapisa, along with the sub-gov., the head judge of Kapisa, and other key leaders from Kapisa prov. and Tagab District addressed the participants. Since the area is so dangerous, this was the first time in at least 7 months that members of the provincial govt had traveled to Tagab.ISAF recently designated Tagab District as a Key Terrain District, which is an area identified as critical to stabilizing and supporting the GoA. The Tagab District Courthouse project is one of the development projects Kapisa PRT is using to connect the govt to the people, and improve quality of life in the prov. Kapisa PRT assists GoA in providing a secure, stable environment for reconstruction efforts, by increasing govt officials’ capabilities and capacities.“Every speaker noted, with certainty, that the reason Tagab District is somewhat isolated from the provincial govt., has to do with the lack of security in the region, and that without security, development can't take place,” said Maj. Mike Brockway, Kapisa PRT dep. cmdr. “They also iterated that security is as much the responsibility of the local leaders and people, as it is the ANSF.”As if to emphasize the security issues in the area, CF received intel a few minutes prior to the ceremony, that there were 2 potential suicide bombers on their way to disrupt the ceremony. ANF, ANA and CF successfully defended the ceremony participants."People are happy because the judge will be here for us, and there's no need to travel to the governor’s compound," said Asad Agha, a villager from the area, through an interpreter.
Currently, because of the security situation in the area, there's been no judge or court, and the people must risk their safety to travel to an area where a judge can hear their case. The courthouse project is intended to support the GoA, by providing the people a legitimate alternative to the Taliban vigilante style justice system.
Currently, because of the security situation in the area, there's been no judge or court, and the people must risk their safety to travel to an area where a judge can hear their case. The courthouse project is intended to support the GoA, by providing the people a legitimate alternative to the Taliban vigilante style justice system.
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IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- RC-North
Operational Update: Sept. 29, 30
KANDAHAR PROVINCE - CF discovered more than 1,100-kgs of ammonium nitrate in the courtyard of a compound in the Arghandab district, Sept. 30. CF estimate more than 50 IEDs could have been made with the amount of banned material discovered.
---Afghan and CF captured a Taliban senior leader based in the Panjwa'i District, Sept. 29.
Based on intel tips, the SECFOR tracked the targeted individual traveling in a vehicle SE of the city of Kandahar. They interdicted the vehicle peacefully, secured the area, identified and detained the senior leader. The targeted Taliban facilitated weapons, IED components, training and bed-down locations for Taliban leadership. KHOST PROVINCE - An Afghan and coalition SECFOR captured a Haqqani Network facilitator, known to endanger the Afghan populace through his indiscriminate IED attacks, Sept. 29. He also provided support to Taliban insurgents operating in the area. After initial questioning at the scene, the SECFOR identified and detained the facilitator, along with 3 of his assocs. They also found an automatic weapon, ammo, and a hand grenade at the scene.
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JSC-A Hosts Naturalization Service at KAF
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Cashion
Service members take the Oath of Allegiance during their naturalization ceremony, Oct. 1. Approx 90 service members became U.S. citizens during the first such ceremony to be held at KAF. (Army photo by Sgt. James Burroughs)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD - Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream for many, and for approx 90 Servicemembers serving on the battlefields of Afghanistan, that dream was realized. The service was coordinated and hosted by the Joint Sustainment Command – Afghanistan, in conjunction with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. The JSC-A cmdr, Brig. Gen. Reynold Hoover, set the tone for the event. “It’s a great day here in Kandahar, and it’s especially a great day to become an American,” Hoover said.“This is very exciting,” said Steve Bucher of the USCIS. “During the rehearsals, you could see where those becoming citizens were getting more and more excited,” added Bucher.
Servicemembers from 37 countries were represented, forming a diverse and unique group. The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Maj. Gen. Timothy McHale, noted that diversity in his remarks.“Diversity is our strength and yours will strengthen this country,” said McHale, the Dep. Cmdr for Support, U.S. Forces-A. “Savor the moment,” continued McHale. “Congratulate each other. You've already proven your passion to this country.”The daunting logistical task of naturalizing nearly 90 new U.S. citizens was not easy to accomplish, according to Bucher. “These ceremonies dwarf wedding planning,” Bucher said. “The amount of logistics involved is enormous. We're pulling these individuals from their units and their missions. Also, traveling here is not ideal, so getting a person from ‘point A’ to ‘point B’ can take several days. It takes a lot of paperwork, interviews, and phone calls back to the U.S.,” Bucher concluded. Among the large group naturalized were 9 service members under the JSC-A. Pfc. Vince Brackett, currently assigned to the 82nd Sust. Bde as a Finance tech, and originally born in Jamaica, summed up the feelings of many. “I'm honored and humbled to say the least,” he said. “I've been dying to become a U.S. citizen.”For his part, McHale gave the newest citizens of the U.S. some words to remember. “With hard work, you can make your dreams come true,” McHale said. “You'll be an inspiration to others who follow.”
Servicemembers from 37 countries were represented, forming a diverse and unique group. The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Maj. Gen. Timothy McHale, noted that diversity in his remarks.“Diversity is our strength and yours will strengthen this country,” said McHale, the Dep. Cmdr for Support, U.S. Forces-A. “Savor the moment,” continued McHale. “Congratulate each other. You've already proven your passion to this country.”The daunting logistical task of naturalizing nearly 90 new U.S. citizens was not easy to accomplish, according to Bucher. “These ceremonies dwarf wedding planning,” Bucher said. “The amount of logistics involved is enormous. We're pulling these individuals from their units and their missions. Also, traveling here is not ideal, so getting a person from ‘point A’ to ‘point B’ can take several days. It takes a lot of paperwork, interviews, and phone calls back to the U.S.,” Bucher concluded. Among the large group naturalized were 9 service members under the JSC-A. Pfc. Vince Brackett, currently assigned to the 82nd Sust. Bde as a Finance tech, and originally born in Jamaica, summed up the feelings of many. “I'm honored and humbled to say the least,” he said. “I've been dying to become a U.S. citizen.”For his part, McHale gave the newest citizens of the U.S. some words to remember. “With hard work, you can make your dreams come true,” McHale said. “You'll be an inspiration to others who follow.”
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Battalion holds reflagging ceremony at Camp Delaram II
Story by Sgt. Dorian Gardner
Brig. Gen. Abdul Wasea, comm. gen. of 2nd Bde, 215 Corps, approaches the audience during the unit’s reflagging ceremony held aboard Camp Delaram II, Sept. 25. Brig. Gen. Wasea and his soldiers have been operating alongside CF since their arrival in March.
CAMP DELARAM II – ANA soldiers gathered together alongside soldiers with the 31st Georgian Bn, RCT 2, and various Afghan govt officials, elders and children to watch as the 2/215th Corps carried out its reflagging ceremony.“Traditionally, when a unit is established, the Corps bestows a flag,” said Col. Neshat, EO of 2nd Bde, 215 Corps. “This ceremony is very important, because I believe it holds a place in history for this unit.” In March of 2010, 2/215 arrived to Camp Delaram II, a newly established base, occupied by RCT-2. The ANA bde quickly set up their command post within the camp, and began operating alongside Marines and the Georgian soldiers. “Our unit was established here to bring security and defend the civilians,” Neshat added. Since their arrival in March, ANA soldiers have conducted partnered ops in Musa Qal’eh, Sangin and Marjah, according to Neshat. They've carried out a variety of ops, from security patrols throughout the Helmand, Nimruz and Farah provs., to delivering stuffed animals and radios to the local children. During the reflagging ceremony, many civilians were present, including about 30 students from local Delaram schools. “This next generation of soldiers is where you're going to see significant growth in the Afghan soldier,” said Lt. Col. Chris Steinhilber, the bde adviser team leader with RCT-2. "It was important for the kids to see what this new Afghan Army looks like," Steinhilber added. The guests watched as 32 Afghan soldiers were individually recognized for their accomplishments over the last 6 months. “They've some strong leadership. I think as they get more professional NCOs and officers, it will certainly lead them to success in the future,” said Steinhilber. The ANA will be operating alongside the ANP, and soon after, operate solely as a brigade.
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Marine Maintains Standards in Field Photo by Cpl. Ned Johnson
FIREBASE SEINZ - Sgt. Paul Morales, a section chief with Bravo Btry, 1st Bn, 11th Marine Regt, 1st Marine Div (Fwd), does a modified push-up using ammo cans, and the back of an M777 Lightweight Howitzer cannon, Sept. 29. Morales, 22, is responsible for 11 Marines who clean, load, and fire the artillery cannon, in support of units in northern Helmand prov. "This responsibility pushes me to stay on top of my game in every way," he said. “We don’t have a gym out here, so you have to stay in shape any way you can,” Morales said. “I try to do about a hundred push-ups a day with my flak on.”
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Cook-off Heats Up Morale Among Soldiers
SPEICHER – Grills sizzled and mouths watered, Sept. 19, as U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq prepared for their first ever cook-off. The competition pit personnel from several sections of an aviation company against each other in a barbecuing challenge. The company is stationed on COB Speicher as part of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Bde, 1st ID, an all-in-one Army aviation bde from Fort Riley, Kan. The unit deployed this March, and is now the only aviation bde deployed to Iraq. But, even with an increased work-load, the aviators still have time for a bit of fun.The company 1st sgt, 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Dran, said that platoons had been grilling throughout the deployment, often bragging about who had the best recipe. This gave him the idea to start a competition to “see who really had the best stuff,” he said. “We wanted to promote more esprit de corps, and boost morale throughout the company,” said Dran. The troops cooked a feast of steak, turkey, chicken, shrimp, lobster, and other treats. They kept the spirit of the deployment alive too, using paper plates and aluminum foil-lined ammo cans to hold their marinades. The troops grilled for nearly 2 hours before presenting their food to a panel of judges, comprised of some of the unit’s senior leadership. The judges scored the food on presentation, taste, and variety. The HQ platoon took first place, earning bragging rights and a trophy. Sgt.1st Class Timothy Marshall, who manned the grill the majority of the afternoon, accepted the trophy on behalf of the platoon. While the HQ platoon plans on keeping the trophy for a while, they may soon lose their bragging rights. Rival platoons are already planning a come-back.
Story and photos by Spc. Avian Carrasquillo
Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Marshall mans a grill during his company’s cook-off competition.
SPEICHER – Grills sizzled and mouths watered, Sept. 19, as U.S. soldiers serving in Iraq prepared for their first ever cook-off. The competition pit personnel from several sections of an aviation company against each other in a barbecuing challenge. The company is stationed on COB Speicher as part of the Enhanced Combat Aviation Bde, 1st ID, an all-in-one Army aviation bde from Fort Riley, Kan. The unit deployed this March, and is now the only aviation bde deployed to Iraq. But, even with an increased work-load, the aviators still have time for a bit of fun.The company 1st sgt, 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Dran, said that platoons had been grilling throughout the deployment, often bragging about who had the best recipe. This gave him the idea to start a competition to “see who really had the best stuff,” he said. “We wanted to promote more esprit de corps, and boost morale throughout the company,” said Dran. The troops cooked a feast of steak, turkey, chicken, shrimp, lobster, and other treats. They kept the spirit of the deployment alive too, using paper plates and aluminum foil-lined ammo cans to hold their marinades. The troops grilled for nearly 2 hours before presenting their food to a panel of judges, comprised of some of the unit’s senior leadership. The judges scored the food on presentation, taste, and variety. The HQ platoon took first place, earning bragging rights and a trophy. Sgt.1st Class Timothy Marshall, who manned the grill the majority of the afternoon, accepted the trophy on behalf of the platoon. While the HQ platoon plans on keeping the trophy for a while, they may soon lose their bragging rights. Rival platoons are already planning a come-back.
Sgt. Daniel Snyder adds his secret ingredient to a marinade.
Sgt. Robert Patterson and Spc. Lateasha Edmonson, put the finishing touches on a signature dish.
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Air Force, Army EOD Train Iraqi CET to Operate New Equipment
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs
Explaining how to put together and operate an ANDROS robot, at the Kurdish Regional Guard Bde (KRGB) HQ in Qara Anjir, near Kirkuk, Aug. 23.
KIRKUK - Each of the IP, with the Kirkuk IP Counter Explosives Team (IPCET), paid close attention to the 2 Airmen who stood in the front of the classroom, showing them how to put together and operate an ANDROS robot, which will ultimately save their lives and the lives of Iraqi civilians.These 10 IPCET are a part of a 7-day long familiarization training program, which began Aug. 25, and is facilitated by EOD Airmen, with the 506th Expeditionary Ops Support Sqdrn, and Soldiers with 38th Ordnance Co., out of Fort Stewart, Ga., currently assigned to TF Troy-North, and deployed to COB Warrior, Kirkuk.The purpose of the training is to assist the IPCET with operating new equipment, and help them prepare to completely assume EOD duties, after the withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Kirkuk.
During the first part of the familiarization training, ANDROS robot ops, the IPCET excelled according to an EOD team leader with 7 years of experience and 3 deployments. AF Tech. Sgt. Jason Luckenbach, an EOD team leader, said he was very impressed with the IPCET.
"The level of knowledge the IPCET displayed today makes the EOD confident that this area will be left in good hands," he explained.
"The level of knowledge the IPCET displayed today makes the EOD confident that this area will be left in good hands," he explained.
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Mission Ends With 4 Detainees, Ammo Cache
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs
A soldier with HHC, 1st Bn, 14th Inf “Golden Dragons,” 2nd AAB, 25th ID out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, pulls security during a cordon and search in the Rashaad Valley near Kirkuk, Sept. 25. (Army photo by Spc. Charles Smith)
KIRKUK - Nearly 50 IA soldiers discovered a cache with more than 800 rounds of heavy machine gun ammo buried throughout a field, and detained 4 suspects.“The mission showcased the ability of the IA to plan, coordinate and execute a complex mission, almost entirely on their own. The plan was theirs; we merely gave input and provided enablers,” said 1st Lt. Dan Chapman, a plt leader with HHC.“We were definitely in the advise and assist role during this mission,” said 1st Lt. Chapman, who was the ground force cmdr for U.S. forces during the mission. The IA decided to search the site, because of a reliable tip they received of insurgent activity in the area, according to Lt. Col. Moufoq, the IA ground force cmdr during the mission. Chapman said that during the entire mission he was very impressed with the IA soldiers and their leadership.
Immediately after securing the ammo, detaining 4 individuals, and clearing the rest of the area, the IA once again impressed the Golden Dragons by visiting a nearby village to drop off humanitarian aid. “It's important to build relationships with the people in the village. When we do, we're able to detain insurgents and find their weapons,” said Lt. Col. Moufoq.
1st Lt. Dan Chapman pulls security during a cordon and search.
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