Dear Interested Reader,
Engrs. conduct overnight mission in Panjshir. From fighting fires, to fire fights at COP Zormat. FOB Thunder OCC-R unifies Afghan agencies. FOB Wright raises $6K for wounded warriors, cancer survivors. Operational Update: Oct. 5, 8.
Iraq: USF-1 re-enlistment ceremony at Al Faw Palace. Ft. Bliss "Diamondbacks" recognized for accomplishments. USF-I CSM welcomes son into NCO Corps at Camp Ramadi.
Joanna
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
RC-East, Bagram Media Center
Engineers conduct overnight mission in Panjshir
Members of the Panjshir PRT hike up the Murghabaden Valley. One goal of the overnight mission was for the Panjshir PRT engineering team to assess the source of a rockslide and potential for future rock slides, at a bridge site in section 6 of the Panjshir Highway. (Photo by U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Holly Hess, Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Affairs)
PANJSHIR PROVINCE – Members of the Panjshir PRT travelled to Paryan District on an overnight mission, Sept. 28 to assess multiple projects throughout the valley.
One goal of the mission was for the Panjshir PRT engineering team to assess the source of a rockslide and potential for future rockslides. The team hiked to 11,800' in elevation, approx 1,600' from where they started, to get a better view of the site.
“Glacier lakes in the mountains create problems when the natural dam gives way, creating a rapid flash flood,” said AF Capt. Phillip Baker, Panjshir PRT civil engr. “As the flood came down, it eroded tons of material to the valley floor where the bridge site is located.” Baker said, "the major rockslide happened this past winter and has completely changed the terrain." He said, "the bridge project is located on this changed terrain. “The mountains in the Hindu Kush are geologically young, and are like conveyer belts for the rocks,” Baker said. “This site is a prime example of some of the engineering challenges we overcome daily, while building the Panjshir highway.” The hike, scheduled to take 8 hours, was cut short when heavy snowfall hindered the team’s ability to continue the mission. “It's hard to predict the weather, as you move farther up in the valley,” Baker said. “As we hiked, it started snowing really hard, so we weren’t able to hike all the way to the potential source of the rock slide.” Even though the hike couldn’t be completed, the engrs were able to get a better view of the bridge site, and build their relationships with the ANP who escorted them on their mission. “Whenever we go on our missions to Paryan, we take ANP with us,” Baker said. “They know the area well and have a good connection with the people.” “When you spend hours travelling to different sites, and hiking to remote areas with them, I think they appreciate that we're trying hard to help and develop their prov.,” said Baker. “You can tell by the way they come up to our campfire at night, even though there isn’t always an interpreter around. They'll still sit with us, and communicate with hand gestures.” “Going on these missions is good training for the Afghan and American Soldiers,” said Lt. Mohabullah, ANP, through an interpreter. “It also helps us build our relationships between us and the U.S. forces.” Later that evening, the team camped at the Paryan ANP station, where some ANP shared a meal with PRT members and assisted in providing overnight security.
AF Capt. Phillip Baker, Panjshir PRT engr, along with AF 1st Lt. Jason Adams, Panjshir PRT engr, assemble an antenna in order to communicate with the Panjshir Tactical Ops Center.
An ANP leads AF Capt. Baker down the Murghabaden Valley.
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
From fighting fires, to fire fights
Army Capt. Dan Newman (right), comm. officer of Co C, 3rd Bn, 172nd Inf Regt, with the assistance of a local Afghan man (center) and Army Staff Sgt. Carryl Davis, the squad leader of 2nd squad, 3rd Plt., Co. C, use shovels to move dirt, as they try to locate an Afghan man who became trapped when a portion of the local village well collapsed. Newman, a firefighter in Merrimack, N.H., put his rescue skills to work during the op.
In the civilian world, one of Marsella’s responsibilities is training newly recruited firefighters. In fact, 2 of the firefighters he trained are also members of Charlie Co – Sgt. 1st Class Mike Keirnan, who was sent home after a sniper hit him in the foot, and Capt. Dan Newman.
“People ask me all the time if it’s weird; it’s not. He’s a professional Soldier and a professional firefighter,” said Marsella. As a cmdr and a team leader, Newman and Marsella’s distance in the chain of command prevent them from spending much time together, but they still have the occasional cigar together at night. Newman and Kiernan had just come home from their first deployment to Iraq with Charlie Co in 2005. “I came off active duty, and I missed that camaraderie,” said Newman, who started out on the rescue squad, and then became a firefighter. “Once getting into fire fighting, I knew it was something I wanted to do as a career.” Once they were all on board as fulltime firefighters, Marsella learned more from them about the NG, and saw the opportunity to fulfill a lifetime goal. In 2007, at age 30, he decided to become a citizen Soldier. “I joined to deploy,” said Marsella. “I didn’t want to go through life knowing that I had never served my country in a time of war,” said Marsella.For Newman, the transition in 2005 from the responsibility of platoon leader, in combat in Iraq, to a rookie firefighter was almost seamless. “It wasn’t weird at all; it was a good transition. We’re a small dept., so you’re depended on to make decisions, just like you are in the military,” said Newman. Marsella had a few more growing pains in his transition in 2007. He admitted that the transition from his leadership role in the fire dept to his role as a pfc in the company was difficult for him, "not for the need to be in charge, but rather a desire to contribute more," said Marsella. “It was a bit of a struggle; I wanted more responsibility, and to show how I could be a better Soldier,” said Marsella. He sought advice from Kiernan, who was a staff sgt. at the time, and helped him understand how to play his role as an enlisted Soldier. After about 7 months at COP Zormat in eastern Afghanistan, as their tour begins to wind down, both Newman and Marsella are glad they all had the opportunity not only to deploy, but to do it together. “Us going to combat together, no matter what happens, we'll still always have that bond,” said Marsella. Newman also pointed out that they're not the only members of Charlie Co who also serve in the civil service, deployed to Afghanistan. He guessed the company has about 30 police, fire, and rescue workers. “What draws you to be a police officer and a firefighter is probably the same thing that draws you into being mountain infantry,” said Newman. “Whenever there’s an emergency somewhere, these are the guys who are running in, while everyone else is running out.”
From right: Sgt. Jason Marsella, Capt. Dan Newman, and Sgt. 1st Class Mike Kiernan, pose for a photo at COP Zormat.
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RC-Bagram Media Center
FOB Thunder OCC-R unifies Afghan agencies
ABP Lt. Col. Salim, an intel officer, presents his morning briefing daily at the Operational Coordination Center-Regional on FOB Thunder, Oct. 5. Part emergency mgt. center, part military intel hub, the OCC-R is the central coordination center for the ANA, the ANP, the ABP and the National Directorate of Security at Paktya, Paktika, Khowst, Logar and Ghazni provs. “We have coordination here,” Salim said. “If we don’t communicate, the enemy will be successful."
PAKTYA PROVINCE – In the center of the room is a 7-by-8 feet plastic relief map of Paktya and surrounding Afghan provs., surrounded by tables and about a dozen desktop computers. Above the map, a mounted television broadcasts Pashto-language news.
Lt. Col. Jon Stephenson, a senior partner at the OCC-R, is one of only a handful of U.S. troops tasked with advising the Afghans at the OCC-R. Stephenson said that the creation of the OCC-R filled a major vacuum in Afghan info coordination.
“When I embarked on being the senior partner for the OCC-R, I ended up finding out that there was no agency within Afghanistan that actually brings together the ANSF, govt agencies, non-governmental agencies and also lower-level provincial and tribal leadership,” said Stephenson. The facility began under the direction of 82nd AD dep. cmdr., U.S. Brig. Gen. Kurt Fuller, as an extension of the Joint Ops Center at FOB Thunder. When the 101st AD replaced the 82nd AD as the battle space owner of RC-East in May, Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend, dep. cmdr of the 101st AD, encouraged the facility to become independent. “They wanted to separate (the OCC-R) from the tactical command post, so it isn’t an ANA facility,” said Capt. Urayoan Pomales of 3rd Bde, 101st AD, the TF Rakkasan liaison officer at the FOB Thunder OCC-R. Since then, things have accelerated rapidly. “In the last 7 weeks, we went from nothing, to being about 40 or 50% closer to achieving our goals, which is pretty good for 7 weeks,” said Staff Sgt. Samuel Guimbellot, HHB, 101st AD, and an intel advisor at the OCC-R . "At the beginning of the 7-week period, the Afghan partners often showed up late," said Guimbellot. Now, Afghan intel officers show up on time, and accurately report significant incidents in their respective areas. ANA Brig. Gen. Daud, acting cmdr of the OCC-R, said that he was proud his troops handled the situation, so no coalition and few civilian casualties occurred during the Sept. 18 parliamentary elections. “I'm very pleased and very happy that, on the day of the election, our troops did an outstanding job, and the election took place under good conditions,” Daud said. He added that he didn't think the election would've gone as smoothly in the 203rd Thunder Corps area without the OCC-R."It is hoped the OCC-R will eventually move off base to a local district center, where it can incorporate non-military agencies and even village elders," Stephenson said. In the meantime, however, those working at the OCC-R are willing to take things one step at a time. “Everything in Afghanistan moves relatively slowly,” Stephenson said. “In America, our culture moves fast and we want instant results. It’s not that way here. It’s evolved to the point where they're functioning, but they're not where we want or need them to be right now. But, they've a functioning facility.”
ANA Brig. Gen. Daud sits in on a briefing, Oct. 5.
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
FOB Wright raises $6k for wounded warriors, cancer survivors
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Rahkeem Daniels, Kunar PRT administrative asst., performs the 20-inch box-jump during Fight Gone Bad 5, Sept. 25. The group of 10 raised more than $6,000 for wounded warriors and cancer survivors.
“I saw it advertised on one of the CrossFit websites, and thought it would be a good idea to do it here,” said Osburn. “So, I went around and looked for at least 5 people to participate, but managed to get 10, which is more than I expected. I just thought it was really cool that the money was going to benefit the wounded Soldiers and cancer survivors. I wanted to be a part of that.”
According to CrossFit’s website, the first 4 editions of the Fight Gone Bad fundraising event raised more than $2 million. This year’s event took place Sept. 25 at more than 500 locations throughout the U.S., and around the world. Not only was Osburn’s expectation exceeded by the local turnout, but also the amount of funds raised by the group. “It was surprising to us that we were able to raise almost as much as the Int'l Region,” said Osburn. “We ended up about $3,000 shy of what all the CrossFit gyms outside the U.S. were able to raise. I thought that was cool, considering there are only 10 of us.” This was the fifth Fight Gone Bad hosted by the CrossFit foundation, but the first time many of these Soldiers, Sailors and civilians have been a part of it. The foundation also boasts that it's the most brutal workout in their CrossFit menu. “That 17-minute workout is the worst pain I’ve ever felt,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Rahkeem Daniels, after completing the Fight Gone Bad event. “I was hurting from my neck down afterwards. If someone told me you couldn’t get a workout in less than 20 minutes, I would tell them to try this.” The event comprised 5 exercise stations where members rotate every minute, taking only a 60-second break after completing all five, then continuing for 3 rounds. Stations included throwing a 20-lb medicine ball up 10' against a wall, a sumo deadlift high-pull of 75-lbs, a 20" box-jump, or, in this case sandbag-jump, a push-press of 75-lbs, and the row machine.Members from the FOB congregated around the outdoor setup to cheer the athletes on. But, according to the participants, it wasn’t about doing better than everyone else, it was about personal improvement, and helping out wounded warriors and cancer survivors, even so far from home.
Mike Osburn push-presses 75-lbs during the third round of Fight Gone Bad 5.
Participants of Fight Gone Bad 5 take a break after completing the workout.
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IJC Public Affairs Advisory Team- Regional Command North
Operational Update: Oct. 5, 8
KABUL PROVINCE - Afghan and CF targeted a Taliban senior leader involved in the production, planning, and execution of IED attacks along Highway 1, Oct. 8. Intel info led the SECFOR to a series of compounds in Qalat District to search for the targeted individual. After initial questioning at the scene, the targeted leader and assocs. were detained. KHOST PROVINCE - A separate SECFOR targeted a Haqqani network mid-level leader, Oct. 8, detaining suspected insurgent and assocs. without incident. The targeted individual coordinates and conducts attacks against ANA and CF.HELMAND PROVINCE - Intel tips led the Afghan and CF to a remote compound in Lashkar Gah District to search for the targeted Taliban military and civil commissioner for Nahr-e Saraj District, who was responsible for providing finances and weapons to Taliban fighters, Oct 7. After initial questioning at the scene, the SECFOR identified and detained the targeted individual, along with one of his assocs.
---The ISAF confirmed the capture of a Taliban IED facilitator operating in Marjah District, during an overnight op, Oct. 5. The facilitator is directly linked to at least 3 pressure-plate IEDs in Nad 'Ali district. Intel tips led the joint SECFOR to a remote compound in Marjah District, where they cleared and secured the compound. The facilitator along with one of his assocs. was detained.
KANDAHAR PROVINCE - Intel tips led Afghan and CF to a compound in Kandahar City, during an overnight op, Oct. 8, to search for a Taliban weapons facilitator for Kandahar City and Dand District, who distributed weapons from Pakistan to cmdrs operating in Kandahar City. After initial questioning at the scene, the SECFOR identified and detained the facilitator, along with one of his assocs.
---The SECFOR then conducted a follow-on op at a compound nearby, targeting a Taliban senior leader, who commands an assassination cell in the city, and who may be linked to the assassination of the dep. mayor as well as a National Defense Service officer. The SECFOR conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the senior leader, and 6 of his assocs.
--- The ISAF confirmed the capture of a Taliban senior leader based in Dand District, during an op Oct. 5. The target coordinated IED attacks and commanded a kidnapping cell, targeting Afghan govt officials and local nationals supportive of CF. Based on intel reports, the SECFOR targeted a compound in the village of Bur Mohammad in Zharay District, to search for the targeted individual. As they began to clear the targeted compound, multiple grenades were thrown at them from a nearby wood line. The SECFOR engaged and killed one insurgent. After the area was secure, the targeted individual along with 4 of his assocs were detained.
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IRAQI STORIES:
DVIDS
USF-I Re-enlistment Ceremony
Photos by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall 
Photos by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yarnall
BAGHDAD - Service members gather in the rotunda of Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory, for a re-enlistment ceremony, in which 59 soldiers took the oath to continue serving their country. The oath was given by Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, USF-Iraq dep. comm. gen. of ops and III Corps cmdr, Oct. 5.
Lt. Gen. Bob Cone and Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Coleman Jr., the USF-Iraq senior enlisted advisor for Lt. Gen. Cone, stand in attendance as they prepare to participate in a re-enlistment ceremony.
Service members gather for a re-enlistment ceremony.
Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, USF – Iraq command sgt. maj., applauds Soldiers after they took the oath of re-enlistment.
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DVIDS
Ft. Bliss "Diamondbacks" Recognized for Accomplishments
The ceremony began with Lt. Col. Benjamin Di Maggio, EO of 1-1 AATF, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Daniels, command sgt. maj. of 1-1 AATF, recognizing 5 outstanding Soldiers for their accomplishments, by personally pinning the Soldiers with their awards.
The five recognized were Capt. John Lee, chaplain; 1st Lt. Adam Ramos; Sgt. 1st Class Michael Barron, all of whom received the Bronze Star Medal and the latter also awarded the Combat Action Badge; Sgt. Jonathan Cameron; and Spc. Erick Correa, both awarded with the Army Commendation Medal. After these soldiers were recognized, 20 Diamondbacks were awarded the Bronze Star Medal, 2 the Meritorious Service Medal, 67 the Army Commendation Medal, 12 the Army Achievement Medal, and 18 the Combat Action Badge for being engaged by the enemy. Command Sgt. Maj. Daniels also took a moment to thank and congratulate the Diamondbacks. “Thank you for all you've done during this deployment,” he said. “Now that we're getting ready to go home, remember to take care of one another, and stay safe. You've done a great job.”
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs
Army 1st Sgt. Robert Beattie, 1st sgt of HHC, “Diamondbacks,” 1-1 STB, 1st Advise and Assist TF, 1st AR Div out of Fort Bliss, Texas, pins Pfc. Alexandria Montevecchio, of the “Diamondback” MP platoon with a Combat Action Badge, during the Diamondback award ceremony, on COB Warrior, Kirkuk, Oct. 5. Pfc. Montevecchio also received the Army Achievement Medal, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal during the ceremony.
KIRKUK - During an awards ceremony, nearly 120 “Diamondback” Soldiers were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments during Op Iraqi Freedom and Op New Dawn.Before pinning the soldiers with their awards Col. Patricia Sellers, cmdr of 1-1 STB spoke to the Diamondbacks about how proud she is for what they've accomplished since deploying to Kirkuk in Nov. of 2009. “Diamondbacks, you've done a great job serving your country, and today we honor your accomplishments,” she said. “All of you have a lot to be proud of. This has been an outstanding mission accomplishment.”
The ceremony began with Lt. Col. Benjamin Di Maggio, EO of 1-1 AATF, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Daniels, command sgt. maj. of 1-1 AATF, recognizing 5 outstanding Soldiers for their accomplishments, by personally pinning the Soldiers with their awards.
The five recognized were Capt. John Lee, chaplain; 1st Lt. Adam Ramos; Sgt. 1st Class Michael Barron, all of whom received the Bronze Star Medal and the latter also awarded the Combat Action Badge; Sgt. Jonathan Cameron; and Spc. Erick Correa, both awarded with the Army Commendation Medal. After these soldiers were recognized, 20 Diamondbacks were awarded the Bronze Star Medal, 2 the Meritorious Service Medal, 67 the Army Commendation Medal, 12 the Army Achievement Medal, and 18 the Combat Action Badge for being engaged by the enemy. Command Sgt. Maj. Daniels also took a moment to thank and congratulate the Diamondbacks. “Thank you for all you've done during this deployment,” he said. “Now that we're getting ready to go home, remember to take care of one another, and stay safe. You've done a great job.”
Col. Patricia Sellers congratulates a “Diamondback” soldier for receiving an award.
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DVIDS
USF-I CSM Welcomes Deployed Son Into NCO Corps
Story by Staff Sgt. Tanya Thomas
Sgt. Jamaal Allen (left), a logistics supply specialist with BSTB, 4th AAB, 3rd ID, with his father Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen.
CAMP RAMADI — The top enlisted Soldier in Iraq visited Camp Ramadi, Oct. 1 to take part in a promotion that hit a little closer to home than most. “Growing up, my father was always there for me,” said Sgt. Jamaal Allen, who was inducted into the NCO corps by his father— Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen, command sgt. maj. of USF – Iraq—during a promotion ceremony. “He’s a family-first person, and that’s what I love about him.”“My father was assigned to MNC – Iraq, while I was deployed to FOB Kalsu with the 4th BCT, 3rd ID in 2007-2008,” Jamaal said. “I guess I’m kind of the abnormal Soldier. It makes me feel really good to be able to have my dad here.” Jamaal said he considers his father his hero, and that joining the Army was a decision he made to follow in his father’s footsteps. “As a child, I saw my dad touch the lives of a lot of people,” he said. “He helped out a lot of people, and I always wanted a job where I could help others.” The 27-year-old junior leader said he appreciates the life lessons his father taught him, as they directly relate to Army Values he embodies today. Jamaal said that he plans to use his father’s guidance from the past, to help him lead his Soldiers in the future. “Since I take my dad’s advice, I will offer the same advice to my soldiers,” he said. “Some soldiers don’t have a father figure, or a mother figure at that, so I think that I could provide them with the good advice my dad gave me. I just want to be the one who can help my soldiers, and like my dad, put my soldiers first.” The newly promoted NCO said he's proud of his father’s military accomplishments, especially his father’s recent tenure as the senior enlisted leader in Iraq. “I’m very proud of him,” Jamaal said. “I can only hope and wish that whatever I do in the future, I can amount to what he has done.” “My dad is really busy,” he said. “I know that he has a lot of stuff going on, and for him to take time out, and have his schedule revised to come out and pin me to the rank of sergeant means a lot to me. He didn’t have to do it, but he did, and I love him for that.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Allen pins his son Jamaal.
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