Dear Interested Reader,
Joint Security Academy corpsman save AUP's life. ANA soldiers demonstrate readiness during live-fire exercise. Delivering ammo from Bagram to the mountains. ANA, ISAF leaders visit western Afghan SECFOR. FOB Payne Marine leads team to safety. Op. Spartan Strike: Combat air assault.
Iraq: IA training event at Bardia Training Range. Construction of new police station in Al Jemea.
Joanna
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Story and photo by Spc. Michael Vanpool
BAGRAM AIR FIELD - According to Sgt. 1st Class Fred Fischer, soldiers can live without water and without food for a few days, but the soldiers in the mountains cannot live for a minute without ammo. The journey of ordnance to the thousands of service members throughout Northern and Eastern Afghanistan rests in the hands of a small company on Bagram Air Field. These soldiers are the ones who deploy bullets, mortars, and countless other ordnance throughout the rugged mountains of Afghanistan.The 592nd operates the Bagram Ammunition Supply Point (ASP). "Most ASPs in Afghanistan are user units," Fischer said. "They do inventory of the ordnance, track which unit comes into the depot, and give ammo to the unit. What makes this ASP unique is we ship to other FOBs and give ammo to the units here, as well as shipping munitions to and from Kuwait," he said."When they receive a shipment, the 592nd inventories all the ammo with the paperwork, and sends it to the holding yard," said Spc. Delany Hedricks, an ammo supply specialist. As the ammo is pulled from the yard, the soldiers inspect every piece of ordnance during the final inventory here. They check the pallets of ammo for any defects or contamination before it reaches the warfighter's barrel."We're making sure not just the guys get the ammo they need when they need it," Hedricks said, "but we also make sure it's in good condition. I don't think we could live with ourselves if we gave them bad ammo." Shipping the ordnance takes on the bde's 3-dimensional approach to logistics in Afghanistan. Depending on the terrain of the final destination and urgency, the whopping amounts of ammo can move by ground, air, or air-dropped directly into a FOB."In the conexs, there are certain ordnances that cannot be mixed with any other munitions," Fischer said. "We have to separate ordnance from ordnance to avoid explosions." Ammo moving by air presents the same hazards. Heights and weights are checked, double-checked and checked again to guarantee a safe journey. Each pallet is loaded and netted with precision to avoid any combustion during the flight.Soldiers of the 592nd team up with the riggers of the 11th QM Co, when ammunition is dropped from the sky. The riggers are the air-drop experts, and they use their skills to secure each bundle of ammo for its eventual fall hundreds of feet above a FOB.The process of counting, storing and loading is a never-ending job for the platoon-sized co. from Montana. "They work around the clock every day, and every soldier in the yard is trained on every aspect of ammo movement," Hedricks said. "I think we all feel responsible for helping all the soldiers," Hedricks said.
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AFGHANISTAN STORIES:
Regional Command-SW
Joint Security Academy Corpsman Save AUP’s Life
Story by Lance Cpl. Bryan Nygaard
Samd Mamhd, a student at the Joint Security Academy SW (JSAS), aboard Camp Leatherneck, poses with Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Gray, JSAS’s senior medical dept. rep., April 27. JSAS corpsmen were able to quickly diagnose Mamhd with appendicitis, and transport him to the nearest medical facility for treatment, essentially saving his life, April 16.
CAMP LEATHERNECK – April 16 was another day of training for Samd Mamhd. The 3-year veteran of the AUP was learning patrolling techniques, when he started feeling intense pain in his upper abdomen. After several hours, the pain had moved into the lower right portion of his abdomen, and simple tasks such as walking became unbearable. “I thought I was going to die,” said Mamhd. Upon arriving at the basic aid station, Mamhd was examined by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brent Williams, a general duty corpsman with JSAS. Williams normally treats students for ailments as simple as headaches, body aches and dehydration. The corpsman knew this was different. “He came up to me and said he could barely walk,” said Williams. “He couldn’t eat anything. He kept getting into the fetal position, so we decided to perform a rebound test.” In a rebound test, a doctor uses his hands to apply pressure to the abdomen. If the pain increases once the doctor removes his hands, then the patient probably has appendicitis. For Mamhd, the test was positive. “That’s a hallmark sign of appendicitis,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Terry Gray. “I felt it was pertinent to push it to the next level and have a surgeon take a look at it.” Gray then had Williams drive Mamhd to Camp Bastion’s trauma hospital. Mamhd’s attending physician confirmed that it was appendicitis. He was scheduled for surgery the next day. Gray visited Mamhd after he woke up from surgery. Mamhd was very happy to see him. He gave him the thumbs up and even showed him the scar. “He was a trooper,” said Gray. “He was complaining about the pain, but he didn’t let it get him down.” Gray said that patients who have their appendix removed usually spend a week on bed rest and light duty. Mamhd didn’t play that card. He was released from the hospital the next day. “I will never leave my job,” said Mamhd. “I will always do my part. I can now walk, run and shoot without any pain. I’m ready to go back to fighting the Taliban. Gray is my friend. He and the other doctors help us like a brother helps out another brother.” Gray feels that if Mamhd had not been attending classes at JSAS when this happened, he more than likely would have died. Mamhd visits Gray every day to have his dressings changed. Gray attributes the quick diagnosis and trust gained by Mamhd to his fellow corpsmen. “I’m very proud of how my team came together and was able to provide Mamhd with the help he needed,” said Gray. “It makes me feel good. It reaffirms why I became a corpsman in the first place.”
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RC-East, Bagram Media Center
ANA soldiers demonstrate readiness during live-fire exercise
PAKTIKA PROVINCE - TF Glory Soldiers from HHB, 4th Bn, 320th FAR, 4th BCT, 101st AD, TF Currahee, worked alongside and trained the class of ANA artillery soldiers for 2 months. The live-fire exercise allowed the ANA artillery soldiers to physically put into practice the specific elements of firing the D-30 Howitzers that they've been studying with the TF Glory Soldiers.
“During the live-fire exercise the ANA Soldiers utilized the skills they learned in their training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Calvin Hampton, a D-30 trainer from HHB, 4th Bn., 320th FAR, 4th BCT, 101st AD. “They learned how to properly use the guns by completing emplacement drills (putting the guns into position), setting up aiming and safety circles, learning how to properly prepare ammo and processing fire missions.”
“The Soldiers were motivated and eager to fire,” said Hampton.
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Blackanthem Military News
Delivering Ammo From Bagram to the mountains
Story and photo by Spc. Michael Vanpool
Sgt. 1st Class Fred Fischer, an ammo plt. sgt. for the 592nd Ordnance Co, a reserve unit from Billings, Mont., attached to the 17th CSSB, 101st Sust Bde, talk with riggers of the 11th QM Det., 101st Sust. Bde., as bundles of ordnance are prepared for an air drop to outlying FOBs, April 25. Air-drops are 1 of 3 ways the 592nd resupplies ammo to every service member in northern, central, and eastern Afghanistan.
DVIDS
ANA, ISAF Leaders Visit Western Afghanistan Security Forces
Photos by Staff Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke
Photos by Staff Sgt. Brandon Pomrenke
FARAH - ABA Brig. Gen. Sameh greets ANA soldiers at Camp Sayer in Farah, April 27. Sameh met with other Afghan leaders, and Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez, cmdr. of ISAF Joint Command, and Brig. Gen. Carmin Masiello, cmdr of RC - West, to discuss the efforts of SECFOR going into what many are calling the fighting season.
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez (right), meets several ANA officers upon his arrival to Camp Sayer. Rodriguez met with coalition and ANSF leadership to determine the gains made recently in security, stability, governance and development by the combined team. The partnered effort has been responsible for creating a safer environment for Afghans in the area.
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez is greeted by ANA Brig. Gen. Saleh.
Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez (right), walks with Lt. Col. Craig Berryman, cmdr. of TF Arrow, as they make their way to a convoy of U.S. and Italian armored vehicles, on their way to Camp Sayer.
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Regional Command-SW
FOB Payne Marine Engages Enemy, Leads Team to Safety
Story by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker
Lance Cpl. Jesse Knerr, section leader for 3rd plt, E Co, 3rd LAR Bn, poses for a photo at FOB Payne, in Helmand prov., April 25. Knerr successfully led a fire team of 5 troops to safety during an ambush.
FOB PAYNE – For much of their deployment, Marines of 3rd LAR have found an insurgent force which was reluctant to fight them toe to toe. Rather, the enemy has relied more on IEDs and indirect fire. However, on April 20, Lance Cpl. Jesse Knerr found that when insurgents have their backs against the wall, they're left with no choice but to fight. The mission of the day was to conduct a search of an area that hadn’t been explored by CF, but was suspected of being a site for possible insurgent fighting positions. When Knerr and his fire team patrolled the area, they found structures made of rock, which blended into the ridge of the mountain. This was different than the buildings they were accustomed to seeing, which were mainly mud huts. Knerr signaled for his team to search the structures, where they found battery packs, RPGs, enemy propaganda and half-eaten meals that were still warm. After radioing in the intel, Knerr and his fire team followed a trail outside the buildings, which led up the ridge of the mountain to a small cave with an even bigger cave about 100 meters above it. As they walked up the ridge, the fire team found fighting positions all along the ridge. Suddenly, they began taking small-arms fire from insurgents in the bigger cave, only about a football length away from their positions. The fire team immediately found cover. It was around 4:30 p.m. when Staff Sgt. Yobani Tejada, plt. sgt. for 3rd Plt, received a radio call from Knerr stating that his team was engaged by enemy fire on the mountain ridge. Tejada, who was in a Light Armored Vehicle 25 at the bottom of the mountain, told the Marines to find cover so they could provide fire from their turret and call in air support. Knerr realized he had to come up with a plan which would get his Marines out of there safely. Spotting an area which supplied sufficient cover, Knerr directed the Marines to suppress the enemy’s fire while each of them advanced toward the area. After the Marines were clear, Knerr radioed back to Tejada, who had 2 vehicles simultaneously suppressing the enemy’s fire. The insurgents returned fire with RPGs, but came no closer than 100 meters of the vehicles. Air support arrived in the form of F-18s, which destroyed the enemy positions. Afterward, Knerr was thankful that he and his fire team made it out safely. “I knew that we all had to come together at that very moment when we were under fire, and execute my plan perfectly or lives could be lost,” said Knerr. “In a situation like that, there's no room for error.” Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua White, a corpsman who was with the fire team, said that he and the other fire team members give credit to Tejada for preparing them for the situation. “He’s always told us to strengthen our mind, or we’ll lose it,” said White. In this particular battle, the strong mental awareness of Knerr and his fire team made all the difference in successfully getting the team out of a dangerous situation.
Members of 3rd Plt stand in front of their Light Armored Vehicle 25, at FOB Payne. From left to right: Staff Sgt. Yobani Tejada, 3rd plt sgt; Cpl. Samuel Sirman, combat engr; Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua White, corpsman; Lance Cpl. Luis Maldonado-Santiago, LAV 25 gunner; Pfc. Tyler Nikkel, LAV 25 driver; Lance Cpl. Levi Hale, rifleman; and Lance Cpl. Jesse K. Knerr (center), section leader.
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ISAF Regional Command-S
Operation Spartan Strike: Combat Air Assault
Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Coffman
During Op Spartan Strike, 2nd Plt, Co C, 2nd Bn, 502nd Inf Regt, 101st AD (AASLT), and service members of the ANA, April 21, cleared houses and questioned residents about Taliban activities, and locations of weapons cashes.
ZHARAY DISTRICT - Deep in the territory where the Taliban still maintain significant influence, on the southern border of Zharay District, Charlie Co, which goes by "Charger" Co, were tasked with searching for IEDs and clearing houses, buildings and ruins throughout an area about a mile across. During "Op Spartan Strike," Capt. Gary Flowers, cmdr. of Co C, led the men of 2nd Plt on a mission of importance. Flowers' primary objective was to combat air assault into a hostile landing zone, and search for Taliban high-value targets.
The area had a small community that included about 30 houses, compounds and abandoned buildings, centered on ruins that appeared to have been hundreds of years old, and it was set in scenic farm land of grape vineyards, wheat fields, and poppy fields in full bloom, interwoven with the vineyards and also in vast fields of their own. The mission actually began before Charger Co soldiers landed on the objective. It involved the planning stage, the rehearsals, and the oversized "rock drill," which resembled a large map laid out in the dirt behind the HQ building. It included all the map features, including rivers, roads, every house and the helicopter landing zones (HLZs), complete with blast cards that were dropped on the HLZs during the proper timing, during the briefing to simulate airdropping ordnance to clear an area for the helos to land, and yet provide a clearing for Charlie Co to safely disembark, and taking up a fighting position until daybreak. Two days before the actual mission, the key elements were rehearsed on a field next to the airfield on the FOB. Beginning with a short briefing by Flowers, an Airborne Ranger, who set the tone of the mission with the words, "If it sounds commando, it is what it is." From there, they began the daylight rehearsals with a walk through that included disembarking mock Chinook helicopters. That evening, they repeated the exercise by using actual Chinooks. Soldiers of the ANA were interwoven within the ranks of the co., conducting the rehearsals side-by-side, despite the language barriers, their interpreter never far away. Shortly after midnight, Flowers met with his NCOs just outside their tent, and gave one last go/no go on the mission. They would be leaving within hours; all they had to do now was wait for the Chinooks to arrive. All geared up for a 24-hour mission, including enough water to get through what would turn out to be temps that reached 114 degrees, they were ready and headed to the airfield. The approach of the Chinooks in the distance confirmed that the mission was on, and Charger Co was ready. Filling in on both side seats first, to follow up with a row sitting tightly on the floor, the Chinook was now full, to include one military working dog named Blackie and his handler. Minutes later, the tail gunner took his seat and the helicopter lifted off to their objective. Before long, the tail gunner turned, holding up 5 fingers and yelled, "5 minutes," which was echoed throughout the helicopter. "3 minutes"…"1 minute." The gunner lowered the rear deck in preparation for the landing. As fast as the Chinook landed, within seconds, after everyone was off, it lifted off. The soldiers with mine detectors began their work of widening the area and dropping orange chemlights everywhere they found something, expanding all the way to the clay wall, which would serve as cover until daybreak. Communications were established and fighting positions were taken up along the wall. Flowers advised command that they had arrived and were setting up as planned, to make contact on the first compound as soon as lighting permitted. Just before sunrise, Flowers ordered the grass field in front of the house to be cleared of possible mines, with the use of minefield clearing explosives. It was set up on the edge of the field and launched over it resulting in clearing an area equivalent to a football field, while everyone listened for sympathetic detonations produced by hidden IEDs. None were heard, but the field was now cleared. Shortly after the detonation, a helicopter flew overhead to check for activity from what was for the residents a wake up call, and to alert the group to any reaction or hostile threat. First out were the soldiers from the ANA, working their way through the irrigation rows of the poppy fields to the front door of the first house of the day. Using a bullhorn, they advised everyone to come out of the house. Initially, the father came out and was searched, and then he called for his 3 sons to join him outside. Charger Co approached the house, clearing very narrow pathways to walk, while no one deviated from the invisible cleared path until the residence walked around and eventually led the column through his property, and to the next nearest house. This process continued, until they reached the middle of the village. Safely escorted to the next house by the elderly gentleman, he knocked on the front door and introduced Flowers with the aid of an Afghan interpreter. This appeared to be the center of the village. The middle- aged man, with a thick black beard, black vest and long dark turban spoke of the importance of the ruins in the distance, in between being questioned about Taliban activity, weapons caches and IEDs. The rest of the community came out to see what was taking place. Several boys joined the men by the stream, while the girls maintained their distance. Initially shy and peeking around corners, it wasn’t long before they were all smiles and heading for the soldiers. With nearly a dozen children running around, having depleted everyone’s supply of bubble gum, Charger Co was a little more at ease, while exploring the edge of the ruins. The man from the 2nd house who was escorting Flowers and his men, made his way to a high mound on the edge of the ruins, as if he was giving a speech, and was joined by some of the Afghan soldiers and the interpreter. Off to the north, one could make out the mountain fort built by Alexander the Great, around 330 B.C. The fort was built on Kataw Ghar or Kataw Mountain. This was the region where Alexander married a local chief’s daughter named Rokhsana and established his empire in Afghanistan. Charger Co now made it’s way to one of the more fortified compounds, while the poppy fields now started to transition into vineyards. The compound looked like a mini fort, complete with flags flying from the four corners of the structure. The group was invited in to stay through the hottest part of the day. Security was quickly established around the house, as it provided protected observation points from the roof, and additionally around the perimeter. Flowers, joined by his senior leadership, sat in the shade with the men from the surrounding houses and had tea as they held a discussion about Taliban activity and the possible locations of weapons. All the while, the children were watching from a distance or walking about, taking care of chores or minding the infants. Prior to leaving, all the adult males were photographed and their fingerprints scanned for biometric enrollments. With the majority of the mission being complete, it was now time to start making their way to the pickup point, where they would wait until darkness fell. Out of the north, the first of 4 Chinooks quickly landed in the far corner of the field and was rapidly followed by 3 more taking up opposite corners. All soldiers safely boarded the Chinook, which indicated the mission was successfully complete.
The area had a small community that included about 30 houses, compounds and abandoned buildings, centered on ruins that appeared to have been hundreds of years old, and it was set in scenic farm land of grape vineyards, wheat fields, and poppy fields in full bloom, interwoven with the vineyards and also in vast fields of their own. The mission actually began before Charger Co soldiers landed on the objective. It involved the planning stage, the rehearsals, and the oversized "rock drill," which resembled a large map laid out in the dirt behind the HQ building. It included all the map features, including rivers, roads, every house and the helicopter landing zones (HLZs), complete with blast cards that were dropped on the HLZs during the proper timing, during the briefing to simulate airdropping ordnance to clear an area for the helos to land, and yet provide a clearing for Charlie Co to safely disembark, and taking up a fighting position until daybreak. Two days before the actual mission, the key elements were rehearsed on a field next to the airfield on the FOB. Beginning with a short briefing by Flowers, an Airborne Ranger, who set the tone of the mission with the words, "If it sounds commando, it is what it is." From there, they began the daylight rehearsals with a walk through that included disembarking mock Chinook helicopters. That evening, they repeated the exercise by using actual Chinooks. Soldiers of the ANA were interwoven within the ranks of the co., conducting the rehearsals side-by-side, despite the language barriers, their interpreter never far away. Shortly after midnight, Flowers met with his NCOs just outside their tent, and gave one last go/no go on the mission. They would be leaving within hours; all they had to do now was wait for the Chinooks to arrive. All geared up for a 24-hour mission, including enough water to get through what would turn out to be temps that reached 114 degrees, they were ready and headed to the airfield. The approach of the Chinooks in the distance confirmed that the mission was on, and Charger Co was ready. Filling in on both side seats first, to follow up with a row sitting tightly on the floor, the Chinook was now full, to include one military working dog named Blackie and his handler. Minutes later, the tail gunner took his seat and the helicopter lifted off to their objective. Before long, the tail gunner turned, holding up 5 fingers and yelled, "5 minutes," which was echoed throughout the helicopter. "3 minutes"…"1 minute." The gunner lowered the rear deck in preparation for the landing. As fast as the Chinook landed, within seconds, after everyone was off, it lifted off. The soldiers with mine detectors began their work of widening the area and dropping orange chemlights everywhere they found something, expanding all the way to the clay wall, which would serve as cover until daybreak. Communications were established and fighting positions were taken up along the wall. Flowers advised command that they had arrived and were setting up as planned, to make contact on the first compound as soon as lighting permitted. Just before sunrise, Flowers ordered the grass field in front of the house to be cleared of possible mines, with the use of minefield clearing explosives. It was set up on the edge of the field and launched over it resulting in clearing an area equivalent to a football field, while everyone listened for sympathetic detonations produced by hidden IEDs. None were heard, but the field was now cleared. Shortly after the detonation, a helicopter flew overhead to check for activity from what was for the residents a wake up call, and to alert the group to any reaction or hostile threat. First out were the soldiers from the ANA, working their way through the irrigation rows of the poppy fields to the front door of the first house of the day. Using a bullhorn, they advised everyone to come out of the house. Initially, the father came out and was searched, and then he called for his 3 sons to join him outside. Charger Co approached the house, clearing very narrow pathways to walk, while no one deviated from the invisible cleared path until the residence walked around and eventually led the column through his property, and to the next nearest house. This process continued, until they reached the middle of the village. Safely escorted to the next house by the elderly gentleman, he knocked on the front door and introduced Flowers with the aid of an Afghan interpreter. This appeared to be the center of the village. The middle- aged man, with a thick black beard, black vest and long dark turban spoke of the importance of the ruins in the distance, in between being questioned about Taliban activity, weapons caches and IEDs. The rest of the community came out to see what was taking place. Several boys joined the men by the stream, while the girls maintained their distance. Initially shy and peeking around corners, it wasn’t long before they were all smiles and heading for the soldiers. With nearly a dozen children running around, having depleted everyone’s supply of bubble gum, Charger Co was a little more at ease, while exploring the edge of the ruins. The man from the 2nd house who was escorting Flowers and his men, made his way to a high mound on the edge of the ruins, as if he was giving a speech, and was joined by some of the Afghan soldiers and the interpreter. Off to the north, one could make out the mountain fort built by Alexander the Great, around 330 B.C. The fort was built on Kataw Ghar or Kataw Mountain. This was the region where Alexander married a local chief’s daughter named Rokhsana and established his empire in Afghanistan. Charger Co now made it’s way to one of the more fortified compounds, while the poppy fields now started to transition into vineyards. The compound looked like a mini fort, complete with flags flying from the four corners of the structure. The group was invited in to stay through the hottest part of the day. Security was quickly established around the house, as it provided protected observation points from the roof, and additionally around the perimeter. Flowers, joined by his senior leadership, sat in the shade with the men from the surrounding houses and had tea as they held a discussion about Taliban activity and the possible locations of weapons. All the while, the children were watching from a distance or walking about, taking care of chores or minding the infants. Prior to leaving, all the adult males were photographed and their fingerprints scanned for biometric enrollments. With the majority of the mission being complete, it was now time to start making their way to the pickup point, where they would wait until darkness fell. Out of the north, the first of 4 Chinooks quickly landed in the far corner of the field and was rapidly followed by 3 more taking up opposite corners. All soldiers safely boarded the Chinook, which indicated the mission was successfully complete.
A resident being questioned about Taliban activities and locations of weapons caches.
A fortified compound.
Invited to stay during the hottest part of the day.
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IRAQI STORIES:
Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq
10th IA Division Training Event at Bardia Training Range
Photos by Pfc. Ryan Hallgarth
BARDIA TRAINING RANGE - Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin, 36th ID cmdr., speaks to IA leaders about the progress they've made within the past year, during a 10th IA Div training event at Bardia Training Range, March 29, 2011. Maj. Gen. Spurgin visited the training event to evaluate IA progress.
Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin speaks to Iraqi soldiers about their living conditions and weapons qualifications.
Lt. Col. Edwin Callahan, Stability Transition Chief, TF 2nd Bn, 282nd FAR, speaks to IA leaders about the progress they've made.
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Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq
Construction of New Police Station in Al Jemea Photos by Spc. Jared Forsyth AL JAMEA - Maj. Kreie with 3rd AAB, 1-12 Cav Regt, 1 Cav Div, and 1st Lt. Adriana Gallardo-Martinez, 422 MP attached to C Co, 1-12 Cav Regt, discuss the ongoing construction of a new police station, March 13, 2011. The 1-12 Cav is heading out to local police stations to help in any way they can to ensure that the draw down in Iraq is a comfortable transition.
Sgt. Riccardo Gadsby, 422 MP Co, attached to C 1-12 Cav, pulls security at a new police station.
Lt. Col. Stokes, 1-12 Cav, offers some solutions to problems of the construction workers in charge of the new police building.
IP chief explains the design of a new police station to Lt. Col. Stokes, while walking to the new building.
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