Chaplain of the Marine Corps Meets Incoming Female Engagement Team
CAMP LEATHERNECK – Kibben, a native of Pa., and the first female to hold the Marine Corps’ highest chaplain’s billet, took time during her tour of RC-SW to visit the servicewomen, to show them how important she finds the mission of engaging Afghan women to be. “I feel very strongly about what the mission of the FET team is,” Kibben said. “It’s a different element of military engagement.”
Kibben explained that she feels it's crucial to the counterinsurgency (COIN) mission, for troops to build relationships with Afghans. This is one of the biggest parts of the FET mission - to go out in local villages and build relationships with Afghan women, by talking with them and helping address their needs. “It’s going to help that transition from a military environment to a diplomatic environment, where in fact the Afghans will be able to sustain themselves,” she explained. During her visit with the nearly 40 female Marines and sailors of the group known as FET 11.2, Kibben talked with them about adapting to their new way of life, and her faith in the great things they're about to do. She told them that she looks up to the women of the engagement team.“There are 2 kinds of courage,” said Kibben. “There’s the courage that enables a Marine to put on their uniform and all the gear that goes with it, and to walk into a hostile territory, and to perform what in fact is a very kinetic mission. That takes an awful lot of courage. “Then there’s this other level of courage. That’s the courage that enables them to kind of step back from that role, and go into somebody else’s environment and get to know who they are. That takes an awful lot of personal courage, because you’re actually sharing a part of yourself.”This visit with the incoming team was not Kibben’s first time sitting down and talking with a FET. In October 2010, Kibben met with the women of FET 11.1, the team 11.2 is getting ready to replace, during a tour of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. After seeing FET 11.1 prepare to deploy, and now preparing to see them at the end of their tour, Kibben explained that she feels as though she has come full circle in how critical the FET mission is. “She was very comforting, genuine, and I believe she really lifted their spirits,” said GySgt. Nicole van Loo, the FET company GySgt. and linguist mgr., a native of Calif. “It was really appreciated.”BAGRAM AIR FIELD – Staff Sgt. James McCullough deployed to the Persian Gulf with the 101st AD in support of Op Desert Storm nearly 21 years ago. His son, Ryan, was born the day after he arrived back from his combat tour.
Fast forward to OEF in Afghanistan: James and his first son, Spc. Ryan McCullough, are both providing convoy security in the same unit. The company resupplies service members in eastern Afghanistan, where the roads range from the urban center in Kabul to steep mountainsides. Both the father and son ride in gun trucks through these roads. James serves as convoy cmdr., in charge of all the gun trucks in the convoy, while Ryan drives the scout truck, the first gun truck in the line of vehicles. The McCulloughs, natives of Miss., are in different plts., so they're never in the same convoy together. However, they both drive the same roads. “I go on the same routes that he does; I know the dangers,” James said. “It’s made me better on purpose. I think to myself, ‘what would I want my son’s convoy cmdr. to do to optimize his safety, the whole convoy’s security?’ I take that mentality and drill it into my platform.” While the unit learned the rigors of driving in Afghanistan before deploying, James applied some of his knowledge from his previous deployment in support of OIF. The terrains of the 2 countries are different, but the mission remains the same.“Seeing a lot of these guys grow has been phenomenal,” James said, “and seeing my son alongside them is just incredible.” For the Soldiers of the 1138th Trans. Co., there's little down time. There’s always another mission on tap when they return to Bagram Air Field. With just a few days in between convoys, both McCulloughs load into their own gun trucks, and they roll out in different directions.
“There’s times when he’s on the road and I’m on the road, so we don’t see each other that much,” Ryan said. “I’m always saying that I talk to my family back home more than to him.”
Their family in Missouri is no stranger to the co. James’s father served in the unit, and worked his way up to become a plt. sgt. When he was a young soldier, James learned from his father while both were in the unit. The fatherly wisdom and advice were the products of years in the co., and a tour in Vietnam with the 101st AD. “I learned a lot from my father,” James said. “Whether I wanted to or not, I absorbed how my father ran his plt., and how he did things. Some of those things I didn’t understand until later in my military career.” Just as James learned from his father in the company, Ryan got up to speed on the essentials of running convoys in the months leading up to the unit’s deployment. When they both arrived here this past spring, James had no choice but to watch his son drive off. “He had to become his own man,” he said. “I couldn’t build him.”LASHKAR GAH – In preparation for the eventual drawdown of coalition SecFor, coalition mentor teams are busy imparting their skills to the ANSF responsible for keeping law and order. On any given day in Afghanistan, teams of mentors train various components of Afghan forces, building a foundation and taking steps to improve upon standard operating procedures.
One of these advisers is 2nd Lt. Drew Miller. “We show the ANCOP the Marines’ way of doing business, which provides guidelines for them to learn and incorporate new methods and procedures in their bn.,” said Miller. The ANCOP are a localized arm of the national police force, established to provide security within cities and villages. The average recruit has a 6th grade education, and they are usually recruited to specially trained elite units, ready to provide force protection or crises and antiterrorism response.
The Marines conduct hands-on training of the policemen in marksmanship, medical, map reading, and basic force protection skills. “We're helping the ANCOP stand on their own two feet, taking the best of both Marines’ and ANCOP’s ways of doing business, and developing a fresh approach that sometimes leads to a unique solution when both methods are merged,” said Miller. Miller’s team of Marines spends every day living and operating alongside the ANCOP they advise. The Marines and Afghans build bonds by exchanging ideas and tapping into common interests, such as sports and cultural events.Millers’ mentor team supports, guides and develops the Afghans’ administrative, ops, logistics, and communications expertise and capabilities. "Building a close relationship between the mentors and the police is the cornerstone of the transferability of skills throughout the police force," Miller explained. “The ANCOP are motivated and care about their country,” said Miller. “They are strong people and right now they're in a difficult situation; however, that has made them more resilient.” “This has been a rewarding experience working hand in hand with the ANCOP,” he continued. “They're willing to persevere and see it through to the end, in order to have the ability to provide security on their own for Afghanistan.”
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DVIDS
Airman Uses Soldier Skills to Save Lives
KABUL – After more than 8 months without any direct insurgent activity, service members at Camp Phoenix didn't think this day would be different from any other; however it was. On April 2, Capt. Darrel DeLeon, a Mont. native, was walking into work on Camp Phoenix when he heard exploding hand grenades and small-arms fire.
He recalled moments later hearing 2 more large additional explosions, bringing with it clouds of black smoke and a hail of gun fire, indicating a complex attack. “I kicked into soldier mode,” said DeLeon. “My first reaction was to grab my body armor, my extra ammo, and quickly get to the gate.” Little did he know that 3 suicide bombers had rushed the main gate of Camp Phoenix, in an attempt to pave the way for multiple incoming offensive fighting forces. Two of the insurgents were able to successfully detonate their personal borne IEDs. The third suicide bomber was fatally wounded, rendering him unsuccessful. DeLeon ran as fast as he could for more than 600 meters in full battle rattle to join the fight, without hesitation and regard for his own personal safety. “All I could think at that time was that those were my soldiers fighting, and I needed to be there with my soldiers, to protect them,” said DeLeon. With so much intense, fierce firing between the Camp Phoenix soldiers and the insurgents, he was quick to realize that some soldiers needed medical attention.“I was working my shift at the Camp Phoenix entry control point,” said Spc. Stephen Leon, HHC 1-181 Inf, and native of Puerto Rico. “I saw an insurgent reach for his detonator, and I yelled to take cover. The blast was so intense that I was knocked against a jersey barrier. Once I regained consciousness, Capt. DeLeon was pulling me from harm’s way. He took me behind a barrier and started to evaluate me; telling me to breathe and calm down,” he added. As DeLeon was assisting Leon, he looked around and saw that there were wounded soldiers still fighting to protect their base, fellow service members and civilians.
“I remember calming down and catching my breath,” said Leon. “Capt. DeLeon told me that I would be okay, as he proceeded to run back into open areas, providing first aid and emergency transportation to soldiers that were severely wounded in the ongoing fire fight, to the nearby troop medical center.” DeLeon put himself in harm’s way many times that day, rendering first aid to “his soldiers,” saving the lives of 3 U.S. Soldiers under direct threat of enemy fire. “The 'Dustoff' community has the motto, 'So others may live,'” said DeLeon. “I still live by this every day I breathe new breath into my lungs. “Living up to that selfless motto is exceptionally rewarding to me.” DeLeon goes on to say, “I believe everything happens for a reason, and that day was no exception. God placed me in the right place at the right time to help my brothers in need.” Leon is truly blessed that God placed DeLeon in the right place at the right time. “I truly believe Capt. DeLeon is an invaluable asset to not only his unit, but also to all service members that work in this unpredictable, and sometimes hostile environment on a daily basis,” said Leon. “His acts reiterate the pride I feel in this uniform, and the faith I have in my battle buddies.” Not many know this about the AF captain, but he is a former Army sgt. first class who served 14 years as a combat medic. He credits his acts of heroism to his previous career experiences. “My service as an Army combat and flight medic was the most rewarding time of my career,” said DeLeon. DeLeon said that he takes his hat off to his fellow medics, from all branches of service, who put their lives on the line everyday in this chaotic conflict. Just recently, Gen. John Allen, awarded DeLeon the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor for his courage under fire, swift actions and selfless service. As his eyes began to fill with water, he paused, took a deep breath and said, “this medal is for Matt.” DeLeon is referring to Army Sgt. Matthew David Hunter, who was a dear friend, a fellow combat medic, and a soldier who worked for him in 2/3 Armored Cav Regt. He was killed by an IED blast January 23, 2006, in Baghdad. As he reflected on the events of that day, DeLeon had a few words for all service members. “Whatever you do don’t get complacent in this type of environment,” he said. “Take all the training that you have learned throughout your career seriously, because you never know when you'll have to use it.” DeLeon ended with these words, “I am a space and missile officer for the AF now, but I'll always be a combat medic and a soldier.”Leon, who has already returned back to his home unit in the U.S., had one last word for DeLeon. “There won't be a day that goes by that I don't thank God for the life I have, and for his [Deleon’s] selfless service,” said Leon. “He's truly an embodiment of the soldier’s creed.”Gen. Allen pins the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor on AF Capt. Darrel DeLeon.
Story and photos by Sgt. Ruth Pagan
North
JOWZJAN PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor conducted a security op in search of a Taliban leader in Faizabad district. The leader is responsible for acquiring weapons and roadside bomb components, as well as, facilitating suicide bombers, setting up bomb factories, and coordinating ambushes targeting Afghan forces. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the op. During the search, the SecFor also confiscated a roadside bomb and a RPG launcher with multiple rockets. SouthKANDAHAR PROVINCE -- In Kandahar district, yesterday, a combined Afghan and CF discovered a weapons cache, consisting of 2 AK-47 rifles, 4 pistols, 3 hand grenades, several 7.62 mm and 9 mm rounds, and IEDs making materials. ----- In Maiwand district, yesterday, a combined Afghan and CF seized a drug cache consisting of 101-lbs (46 kilos) of opium.----- Also in Maiwand district, a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor conducted a security op in search of a Taliban facilitator. The facilitator coordinates the movement of explosives, weapons, and fighters. Additionally, he provides reports to senior Taliban leaders following insurgent attacks against Afghan forces in the region. The SecFor detained multiple suspected insurgents during the op. EastGHAZNI PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and CF discovered a weapons cache in Wali Mohammad-e Shahid district, yesterday. The weapons cache consisted of 4 grenades, a rocket, 3 rocket engines and ammo.KHOST PROVINCE -- A Haqqani Network leader was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor during a security op in Sabari district. The leader directed a network of insurgent fighters, and was involved in the planning and facilitation of roadside bomb attacks throughout the region. The force also detained a suspected insurgent. PAKTIYA PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor conducted a security op in search of a senior Haqqani Network leader in Shwak district. The network’s senior leader manages insurgent ops in Khost and Paktiya provs, as well as, organizes the movement of fighters from Pakistan to Afghanistan. During the search, a male rushed toward the SecFor, assaulted one of its members and attempted to take his weapon. Responding to the immediate threat, the SecFor engaged the male, killing him. Multiple suspected insurgents were also detained.
1st Lt. Christopher Morrow, a plt. leader with B Troop, 6th Sqdn, 9th Cav Regt, 3rd AAB, 1st Cav Div, discusses the mission with IA Lt. Muhammad before they leave for an abandoned Iraqi firing point, near Al Kut, Sept. 5, 2011.
AL KUT – During a routine patrol Sept. 5, 1st Lt. Christopher Morrow, a native of Texas, spotted ordnance on the side of the road, outside of Al Kut. Upon investigation, the Soldiers in the platoon discovered an old, abandoned, Iraqi artillery firing point, containing multiple artillery rounds and approx 50 fuses.
However, the Soldiers didn’t have the equipment necessary to dispose of the unexploded ordnance, which is a potential risk to civilians, and could also be used by insurgents. Because of this risk, the platoon returned with an EOD team to dispose of the artillery rounds and fuses.These explosive remnants of war are dangerous, because it's unknown when the shells were made, what they are made of, the condition of the fuses, who left them, or how long they've been there. Patrolling platoons take explosives like these very seriously and treat each one as a potential threat.
“Executing the mission is always our first priority, but a key element of that mission is working with the ISF, because they are ultimately in charge of security in Wasit prov.,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dallas McKay. The Soldiers and their Iraqi Army partners escorted an EOD team to the old Iraqi firing point, and then secured the area for EOD to gather the explosives. The Soldiers spread out over a large area and began clearing several old firing points, uncovering several high explosive, illumination, and white phosphorus rounds, as well as numerous fuses. “Every mission is designed to prevent terrorists from harming innocent people or attacking Soldiers. The platoon showed a lot of awareness finding these rounds, and it supports our mission,” said Lt. Col. Cameron Cantlon, 6th Sqdn. cmdr., and a native of Wisc. EOD gathered all the explosives and took them back to COB Delta, and disposed of them using a controlled detonation.Pfc. Samuel Turner, of B Troop, and a native of Calif., pulls security near an abandoned Iraqi firing point.
Local Teacher Writes History in Iraq
BAGHDAD – A Dallas school teacher played a role in the final hours of a meaningful part of U.S. ops in Iraq. When American Forces Network-Iraq's Freedom Radio concluded its final live broadcast from Baghdad, April, 23, Staff Sgt. Brad Ruffin, a teacher at Dallas Independent School District's T. C. Marsh Middle School, was there.
After 8 years of informing and entertaining troops deployed for OIF, and more recently OND, the Freedom Radio service has been discontinued. According to the American Forces Radio and Television Service, Dept of Defense operates radio and television networks to provide military info to service members and their families around the world. The site also says that programming boosts morale by providing a “touch of home.” Ruffin, 42, has been in Iraq since December, 2010 hosting a music show called “the Midday Getaway.” Ruffin weaves the military messages into the show, by talking about the music he plays, pop culture, sports, entertainment and contemporary topics. Though he holds a degree in broadcasting, his time in Baghdad taught him a few things. “I learned so much from the broadcasters around me.” He said that ensuring troops received the news and info required preparation and focus.Ruffin believes his service in Baghdad has made a difference. “It's a morale booster for the troops,” he said. “The thanks that we've received from people, from troops, from contractors, from everybody that's contacted us...it's touching.” Just like his audience members, Ruffin has sacrificed to serve his country, and his fellow troops. When he left the states, his wife was pregnant. He was able to be home on leave for the birth of his baby girl. He also left his teaching job behind. He plans to return to the classroom after a short vacation at the end of his deployment.
Troops remaining until the end of Dec., will still hear AFN radio, except it will originate from Germany. The final broadcast concluded with each announcer sharing final thoughts, and playing the song most requested by listeners, Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red White and Blue.
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