“I’m out here just doing my job, you know, and I’ve seen what these insurgents are capable of. They harass the local people; they threaten them, steal from them. So by us getting rid of them, it makes these people’s lives easier,” said the 20-year-old squad automatic weapon gunner with the unit. “Me and the guys just want to make this a better place for these people to live, and I'll continue to pursue this for the guys who gave everything trying to do the same.”
Wilcox’s unit has been out here for more than 4 months and has put in more than 600 hours of dismounted and mounted patrols, and stood watch in excess of 125 days. One considerable accomplishment for them was building an observation post (OP) atop a hill about a mile and a half from their original patrol base (PB). The post was built with 3 wooden watch towers and a berthing area for the Marines to rest in. One Marine said he takes great pride in it, because it was built with nothing but small combat shovels, barriers, wood and sweat. “We’ve done a lot of great things, and one of those things was building a new OP,” explained Lance Cpl. Dustin Summerville. “It helps us push the insurgents out more, and provides better security for the land, and for the people of Afghanistan.”MRAP vehicles are staged in formation, and ready to roll for the following day of mounted patrols. Marines patrol throughout the area of ops (AOs) to provide security and prevent insurgent activities.
-30-
DVIDS
Oklahoma native fuels security in Kajaki
FOB KAJAKI, Helmand prov. — There may not be many people who would give up a job they love, to make about one-fourth the money, simply to become a better person, but that was exactly the case for Cpl. Israel Owens. After graduating from college Owens secured himself a good-paying job with a petroleum company. Owens said the paycheck was nothing to complain about, but it wasn’t enough. He knew it took something more than just going to a 9-to-5 job and a lot of money, to fill the gap of what was missing in his life.
“The money was good, but there is only so much happiness with money,” said the University of Oklahoma graduate. “I still wanted to do something more.” The Marine Corps is something he said he always aspired to, even during his 4 years of employment as a petroleum engr. Owens explained that he came to one of those times in life in which a decision had to be made. Standing at a crossroads, it was now or never. He was only going off of his limited knowledge of the Marine Corps … and he took a leap of faith. “I always looked at the Marines as gentlemen,” explained Owens. “They know how to treat a lady, but if you mess with them, they aren’t afraid to show their teeth.”Owens attended Field Artillery Radar Operator’s course at Fort Sill, Okla., before reporting to Hawaii to check into his current unit. He was assigned to the Target Acquisition Plt., which is responsible for installing, maintaining and operating all field artillery radar equipment used to support 2/12, as well as providing the local security for FOB Kajaki, while they're deployed.
“His role in the plt. was initially a post stander, having those responsibilities of guarding the gates, manning the OPs, and various other tasks to support the mission here at Kajaki,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Wilborn, the staff NCO-in-charge of Owens’ plt. Owens has used his personal drive to excel among his peers and earned a meritorious promotion to his current rank, with less than 2 years in the Marine Corps. Wilborn said that with Owens’ promotion, he has greater responsibility and continues to perform above his rank. “His actions kind of caught my eye and made me believe he was a good candidate for meritorious promotion,” Wilborn stated. “He is the easiest person in the world to get along with; he's very compliant with his responsibilities.”Owens added that it meant a lot to him to be selected for the meritorious board because it showed that his senior leadership was recognizing all of the things he was doing. “I felt like they were giving me a chance. Even if it was just that, it was still a chance,” said Owens. “But, on the day of my promotion, I didn’t believe them. The 1st sgt. and Staff Sgt. Wilborn did a pretty good job at keeping it from me. Even right before the promotion ceremony, it took them a good 5 minutes to convince me I was getting promoted.”
Owens has been promoted not only in rank, but also in his billet. He has gone from a watch stander to the Sgt. of the Guard (SOG), where he's managing and employing the watch standers and gate guards, to ensure the safety and security of the Marines within the bn. It's his Marines who are the first line of defense from the world beyond the gates. More than 100 Marines put their safety in his hands, but this responsibility doesn’t shake Owens. “Putting on the uniform every day makes me feel like Superman,” said Owens. “The role of SOG is vital to the mission, because it gives people the feeling they're safe." Owens’ goal of becoming a better person, and obtaining that gentlemen status is a continuous process. He said that he believes everyone can be better, and the Marine Corps is just the place to expand his life experience. Owens’ leadership said that he'll continue to carve a path for others in the bn. to follow, demonstrating all aspects of being an exceptional Marine. “He was a great Marine to begin with — he was more mature and brought a lot more to the table than the average lance cpl. Since his promotion to cpl., he has really stepped up to the plate,” said Wilborn. “He has maintained what he already possessed, and willingly accepted additional responsibilities, exercising good judgment. Cpl. Owens is a good representation of how Marines can easily be successful with a little bit of hard work, a little bit of determination, and just following the basics from the Marine Corps Leadership Traits.”GHAZNI PROVINCE – The PRT met the new sub-gov. Shams at the district center, and made arrangements for future cooperation between CF and local authorities. "Thank you very much for your support for our region," said Sub-gov. Shams. "People of my district have different needs. Some want bridges and other drains. However, initially, the most important thing is to identify priorities and consider future projects."
PRT specialist team chief Polish army Lt. Col. Cezary Kiszkowiak said that the PRT is planning their budget for the upcoming year, so the next few meetings will concentrate on shaping a development plan for Khwaja Omari. "I'm pleased that the administration cares about the CF to feel safe in their district. Both the previous and current sub-govs don't allow insurgents freedom of movement, and the chief of police is doing everything to prevent Taliban migration to Khwaja Omari," Kiszkowiak said. After the meeting with district authorities, the PRT assessed several projects, including the construction of a flood wall, and relocation of a school. The Polish in the district are not confined to infrastructure development. The team also organized a series of training classes for women of the villages in Khwaja Omari. The PRT established 15 centers in which women learn how to weave carpets. “After the learning phase, the women will manufacture carpets. We hired the company that will provide products for weaving, and will sell and export carpets," explained PRT specialist Katarzyna Wojtusik.TF White Eagle, Ghazni PRT reps met with Khwaja Omari sub-gov. to discuss future cooperation between CF and local authorities.
Ghazni PRT SECFOR Polish army Sgt. Wojciech Włudarczyk provides security for the PRT specialists in Daulat Deh village.
-30-
Regional Command Southwest
Calif. Twins Serve Together at Camp Leatherneck
CAMP LEATHERNECK — Sallee is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force HQ Group’s Maintenance Plt as a clerk, while Gastelum is a construction wireman with Alpha Co, 8th Communication Bn. “I got here in late January and Ashley got here in February,” said Gastelum. “I was glad when I heard she was coming out here. It was a nice surprise.”
“We usually work out and eat lunch together,” Sallee explained. “And Saturdays we usually get together for breakfast. It’s nice being able to talk with my sister about work and stuff going on at home. It helps a lot.” The 2 sisters ended up being deployed together by chance. “I wanted to do a deployment here,” said Gastelum. “I wanted to try something different.” “I knew my sister was going over here, but I was initially told I wouldn’t be deploying,” Sallee said. “Then out of the blue, my chain of command told me I was going to Camp Leatherneck, and I couldn’t believe it.” Both sisters have found their work here tough, but rewarding. “I enjoy it,” Gastelum said. “I get to crawl around in ceiling vents, and dig trenches for the telephone lines. Somehow we make it fun.” “My job has ups and downs,” Sallee added. “But for the most part, I enjoy it. I think it’s been a good experience.” Gastelum was the first of the pair to join the military. “I joined about 3-1/2 years ago,” she explained. “I joined because I wanted to do something new.” “I joined about a year later,” added Sallee. “Kim talked me into joining the Marines, because initially I was thinking of going to the AF. I’m glad she talked me out of that.” The two sisters have always had a close relationship. “We were both in choir and band together when we were kids,” Sallee said. “We would even fool our grade school teachers into thinking we were the other sister.” Even when deployed, the sisters can’t seem to avoid being mistaken for one another. “When we first moved into our new office, Kimberly came here to install the phone wiring for us, but I mistook her for Ashley,” said 1st Sgt. Matthew Grither, 1st sgt. for TF Belleau Wood’s HQ and Service Co. “Even after she explained to me who she was I was still skeptical. I had to call over to her shop to verify who she was.” The sisters have used their bond to overcome the hardships and deal with deployed life. “She’s a good emotional outlet,” said Sallee. “She lets me vent about things that are troubling me. It’s like when we’re home together.” “She’s definitely helped me deal with my homesickness,” said Gastelum. “I’m really glad that she’s here. It wouldn’t be the same without her.”-30-
Regional Command Southwest
Improvements to Kajaki Dam power potential
KAJAKI - The installed equipment, known as a primary switch center, marks the first major improvement in a series planned by Afghan and U.S. govt agencies, to increase reliability and capacity on the Southeastern Electrical Power System (SEPS) in Helmand and Kandahar provs. The power plant services a number of key areas of southern Afghanistan including Sangin, Lashkar Gah, Kandahar city and Tangi. At Tangi, the line voltage is increased to 20kV to provide service to Musa Qal’ah.
The switch center is made up of a combination of large, high voltage air switch disconnects, circuit breakers, and other protective circuitry. The switch equipment functions in a way similar to residential circuit breaker boxes — but on a much larger scale. “Before the installation of the switch center, people in Helmand and Kandahar experienced a number of electrical outages every day, generally lasting for fairly long periods of time,” explained Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Black, dep. cmdr. of TF Breshna Barq, a special TF under AED-S, charged with providing engineering and construction services to support projects for SEPS. “The switch center will reduce the length of time that the power is off with each outage, and it'll protect the turbines from the wear and tear caused by the hard shutdowns,” added Black. “The switch center was specifically requested by DABS (Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, the Afghan power utility co.), to protect the turbines. The Kajaki Dam stands 75 miles NW of Kandahar on the Helmand River. Originally built by the U.S. in 1953, the dam continues to fulfill its original purpose of providing downstream irrigation in the Helmand River Valley. During the mid-1970’s, an American-funded hydroelectric power plant with 2 16.5-megawatt generating units was installed at the foot of the dam. Two turbine generators were installed with space for a 3rd. “The plant was originally designed to put out 50 megawatts with each turbine, producing 16.5 megawatts of power,” said Sgt. Terry Dietrick, an electrician tech with AED-South. CF transported a third turbine to the dam in 2008, but because of setbacks and unstable security in the region, were unable to complete installation. According to Black, the equipment for the third turbine is now being inventoried and evaluated for installation under a contract managed by USAID. “If we waited for the installation of the last turbine before installing the switch center, a problem could possibly damage a turbine permanently,” Black explained. “These turbines are the primary source of power for the Helmand and Kandahar provs; protecting their lifespan and functionality is critical.” “The new substation that we've installed will protect the hydroelectric generators, prolonging their life,” added Dietrick. “When there was a fault in the system in the past, it would take an hour to get power back to that area. With the new substation it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to get power back. Fixing and restoring the major problems with the power plant, has created stability and reliable infrastructure for the Afghan people.”An overhead view of the Kajaki Hydroelectric Plant.
A series of power lines and substation connected to the Kajaki Dam’s Hydroelectric Powerplant.
Various switches and gauges on the control panel at the Kajaki Dam.
-30-
ISAF Joint Command- Afghanistan
HELMAND PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SECFOR killed several insurgents, July 13, during an op in Marjeh district. The force was searching for an insurgent facilitator, when a group of armed attackers engaged the force with small arms fire. The SECFOR returned fire, killing several insurgents. Following the exchange, multiple attackers were detained by Afghan authorities for further questioning.
----- Also in Marjeh, a combined Afghan and CF discovered a weapons cache, July 13. The cache included 6 RPGs, 880 rounds of small arms ammo, and several IED materials. In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan: South KANDAHAR PROVINCE -- An Afghan-led SECFOR detained 2 suspected insurgents, while searching for a Taliban facilitator in Ghorak district, July 13. The Taliban facilitator is responsible for distributing illicit goods and transporting materials from Pakistan to northern Helmand prov. A combined Afghan and coalition SECFOR detained a suspected insurgent, while searching for a Taliban leader in Daman district, July 13. The Taliban leader is responsible for several attacks against the ANA. ZABUL PROVINCE -- July 13, during a security op in Shajoy district, an Afghan-led SECFOR detained 2 suspected insurgents,. The force was searching for a Taliban leader responsible for roadside bomb attacks in the district. East LOGAR PROVINCE -- In Charkh district, an Afghan-led SECFOR detained 2 suspected insurgents ,while searching for a Taliban leader, July 13. The leader is the Taliban-appointed deputy governing official for ops in the area, and is responsible for attacks against ASF. KHOST PROVINCE -- In Musa Kehl district, an Afghan-led SECFOR detained several suspected insurgents, while searching for a Haqqani network leader, July 13. The Haqqani leader oversees and supports high-profile attacks in the area. ----- Finally, while searching for a Haqqani network leader in Sabari district, an Afghan-led SECFOR, July 13, detained numerous suspected insurgents. The Haqqani leader directs a cell of fighters to conduct roadside bomb attacks, and is involved in the distribution of weapons and explosives.IRAQI STORIES: