Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Battery Change Pg....

Vol. 3, Issue 21 May 21, 2006

Soldiers get a littleryhthm with their blues

Largest water bottlingplant in Iraq opens

at Camp Liberty

Pg. 15

Pg. 4

BatterBatterBatterBatterBattery Changey Changey Changey Changey ChangeField Artillery unit makes switch to gun truck missions

Spc. Edward Chandler, a gunner from B Battery, 1-17th Field Artillery, reviews information with other Soldiers from B Battery before conducting a combat logistics patrol.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Pg. 6Pg. 6Pg. 6Pg. 6Pg. 6

Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

MAY 21, 2006ANACONDA TIMES

Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the3rd COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. Thecontents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and arenot to be considered the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, including the Department ofDefense or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.

Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars

and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000papers.

The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. inbuilding 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda Times,HHC 3rd COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Web site atwww.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Contact Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett [email protected]

3rd COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead

Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Brian McNerney

Deputy Public Affairs Officer207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CommanderMaj. Curtis Carney

207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NCOICSgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett

EditorSgt. Ty Stafford

Staff WritersStaff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Sgt. Engels Tejeda Spc. David ChapmanSgt. Mitch Armbruster Spc. Mary FergusonSgt. Judith DaCostaSgt. Jason MikeworthSgt. Marshall Thompson

SerSerSerSerServicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembers livs livs livs livs live American dream, become citizense American dream, become citizense American dream, become citizense American dream, become citizense American dream, become citizensBy Spc. Mary Ferguson3rd COSCOM PAO

While most servicemembers and civilians throughoutIraq spent May 12 focused on their daily operations, 123 ofthe approximately 45,000 non-U.S. citizens who join them indefending our country made that day memorable byofficially completing a monumental mission of patrioticproportion, reminding all those who may have forgotten …being an “American” is an immeasurable privilege.

These servicemembers raised their right hands and tookan oath of allegiance to the values embodied in the flag theyproudly bear on that same shoulder as they earned their U.S.citizenship during a ceremony held in the Sustainer Theateron Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

The ceremony was the second of its kind held on LSAAnaconda and the fifth hosted by the U.S. Citizenship andImmigration Services (USCIS) for servicemembers deployedto Iraq and Afghanistan.

A video presentation filled with inspirational quotes andphotographs opened the ceremony, inviting the capacity-sized crowd to join in an event that would provide some-thing similar, yet incredibly different for each new citizen.

Following a welcome by Col. Mark Hampton, the 35thArea Support Group commander, Spc. Elisha Hormon of the563rd Aviation Battalion’s Company B, continued tocontribute to the patriotic atmosphere as she sang theNational Anthem.

Heads then bowed as Capt. Michael Williams, the 181stTransportation Battalion chaplain, offered the ceremony’sinvocation.

Eyes rose to keynote speaker Col. Jannett Jackson, the 40thCorps Support Group commander, as she delivered wordsof praise, encouragement and recognition to theservicemembers, while also sharing stories of the dedication,

commitment and drive that warranted their citizenshipcandidacy.

Jackson highlighted the diversity among the ceremony’ssubjects, reflecting the differences embraced by the freedomassociated with being “American.”

“Of the 123 servicemembers standing before you, 72percent are male and 28 percent are female,” Jackson ex-plained. “Their ages range from 18 to 57, with more than 50percent between the ages of 18 and 26. They represent 52countries … from South America to Europe … to the MiddleEast …and speak 18 different languages.”

Each of them has a story behind why they are standinghere today, ranging from job opportunities and futurepotential, to family interests and personal pride, she added.

“I was born in Pakistan,” said Sgt. Sajid Malik of the322nd Maintenance Company. “I came to the United States in1998 solely for education purposes, and I never thought that Iwould make the United States my home, but September 11changed that. I’m a Muslim … I wanted to bring somechange. I wanted to prove that not every Muslim is a terrorist,so I changed my college major to criminal justice and joinedthe military.”

“It [citizenship] means a lot,” Malik explained justmoments after becoming a U.S. citizen. “I worked so hard forso many years, and then finally I joined my comrades inarms, which allowed me this opportunity, and now I’ll beable to help my younger sister. She wants to be a doctor, andnow I can help her come to the U.S.”

Similar to Malik, many of the candidates were fueled bythe multiple benefits involved in gaining U.S. citizenship.

“I wanted to go to school, and the fees for school wereincredibly different for people who were citizens,” said Spc.Shaneil Thomas of the 610th Quartermaster Company. “Afriend mentioned the military being a way toward becominga citizen and going to school, so I joined.”

Originally from Dominica, WestIndies, Thomas was one of the 123 toearn her citizenship during theceremony.

Before Malik and Thomas joinedtheir fellow servicemembers in takingthe oath of allegiance, Anne Corsano,the USCIS Rome District deputydirector, and Walter Haith of theUSCIS, congratulated the candidatesand shared the process they all wentthrough to earn their citizenship.

“Each candidate has been examinedby an immigration officer and has beenfound to be of good moral characterand attached to the principles of theUnited States,” Haith said. “Each hasbeen found to be eligible in everyrespect for U.S. citizenship.”

The servicemembers then took theoath of allegiance and surrounded by aconcert of praise and celebration fromthe audience, they filed onto the stage,

each receiving a certificate from Corsano and Jackson and aflag from Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Blackorby,the 35th ASG command sergeant major.

“It [becoming a citizen] was an amazing feeling,” saidGabriela Figueroa Galindo, a 40th CSG Soldier, originallyfrom Mexico. “Even though my family wasn’t here to see it,my other family of Soldiers from my unit was here, cheeringfor me.”

With their certificates and flags in hand, the newest U.S.citizens viewed a video message of congratulations fromPresident George W. Bush, and Williams offered a benedic-tion.

Spc. Stacy Ann Smith, a Jamaican born Soldier from the101st Soldier Support Battalion, and Spc. Derek Byrne, a 49thMilitary Police Battalion Soldier from the United Kingdom,themselves new citizens, helped bring the ceremony to aclose. Smith led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, andByrne spearheaded a thunderous recitation of The Soldier’sCreed.

Despite the countless times that each servicemember hadplaced their hand over their heart or stood at attention torecite the creed of their profession, this time was a first. Thispledge and creed marked their inaugural as a citizen of thecountry they have, and will continue to, selflessly sacrificefor and defend.

Sgt. Mohamed Ahmed of the 187th Infantry Regiment's 3rdBrigade Combat Team joins his fellow citizenship candidatesin signing an Logistical Support Area Anaconda t-shirt forthe U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services personnel whohelped make the ceremony possible.

Photos by Spc. Mary Ferguson

One hundred and twenty three servicemembers take the oath of allegianceduring the May 12 Citizenship Ceremony at LSA Anaconda. More than 50countries were represented at the ceremony.

MAY 21, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

If you had the chance to reclass, would you?

Spc. Lin HurdC 5-5 Air Defense Artillery“No I wouldn’t. Seems like thereare more opportunities in ourbranch the higher you go.”

Senior Airmen Joseph Gwaltney332d EMXS“I would probally stay in the oneI have. I’m work in ejection seatmaintenance.”

Staff Sgt. Winford Riner3rd COSCOM“I’m a 63B and I enjoy it, but hereI work as a 92A and if I couldreclass to that then I would.”

Staff Sgt. Arnold Adams30th Medical Brigade JCMTC“No I wouldn’t. I’m a 91W andam in the medical field where Ican help Soldiers.”

Sgt. Elgin SingletonDet. E 18th PSB“If I had the opportunity I wouldreclass to a 25 B, an informationmanagement specialist.”

QuicQuicQuicQuicQuick response ek response ek response ek response ek response extinguishes fire near fuelxtinguishes fire near fuelxtinguishes fire near fuelxtinguishes fire near fuelxtinguishes fire near fuelBy Sgt. Judith DaCostaStaff Writer

The firemen and provost marshalsof the 332d Expeditionary CivilEngineer Squadron and 332d Expedi-tionary Security Forces Squadronrespectively, responded rapidly to afire that broke out at the constructionsite of a new facility at LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda, May 8.

Firefighters and provost marshalsreceived the emergency phone call at3:54 p.m. and were on the scene inminutes

Though the fire started in a genera-tor near three 5,000 gallon tanks offuel, the NCOIC at the scene of theincident described the overall inci-dent to be only somewhat severe.

“When our team responded the firewas only of a medium severity level,”said Air Force Master Sgt. ScottCoben, 332d ECES NCOIC at theincident scene.

“The construction workers hit thefire with a dry chemical extinguisherwhich was the right thing to do,” saidCoben.

“When we arrived the fire waseasily extinguished.”

“We respond to fires roughly threeto four times a month,” said Coben.However, a fire in a generator thissize is rare, he added.

The generator has 1.5 mega wattsof electricity, said Daniel Brickey, thedeputy alternate project manager.

It is unclear how the fire started,said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dana Coun-cil, a 332d ESFS provost marshal atthe scene of the incident.

There was definitely a fuel leakand the engine for the generator shutdown, said Brickey.

Measures are in place to safeguard

Photos by Sgt. Judith DaCosta

the fuel in such circumstances, saidBob Bergstrom, the acting alternateproject manager.

“Each tank is double lined andsealed without impact to the environ-ment,” said Brickey. “There is aconcrete fuel dam around the tanks toprotect against leaks.”

“Also, fuel tanks are set off fromgenerators so if there was a fire itwould have that additional protec-tion,” he added.

Thanks to the immediate responseof the construction workers, nosignificant damage has been done,said Coben.

“We can assess the damage hereand move on to the next mission,” hesaid.

“The facility is in the buildingphase and should be completed andfully functional in December [2006],”said Brickey.

Members of the 332d Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron pack up their gear after successfully extinguishing a fire that originated in a1.5 mega watt generator near three 5,000 gallon tanks of fuel at Logistical Support Area Anaconda on May 8.

Construction workers of the new facility being built at LSA Anaconda run from the scene ofa fire that originated in a generator.

May 21, 2006ANACONDA TIMES

By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - A 52,000square-foot bottled water facility officiallyopened on the Victory Base Complex nextto “Z” Lake on May 2, when Brig. Gen.Donald Campbell Jr., Multi-NationalCorps-Iraq Chief of Staff cut the ribbon.

The facility was built by Al-MorrellDevelopment and is operated by OasisInternational Waters, Inc.

This is the second and the largest of sixwater bottling plants that are to beopened in theater under a 3rd CorpsSupport Command contract, said Maj. JoeBondy, the operations OIC of the 18thCorps Support Command falling underthe 4th Sustainment Brigade.

The construction started in November.The plant was commissioned in earlyApril. Although the plant didn’t initiallyrun at 100 percent capacity, they startedshipping the water out on April 12, saidTom Edwards, site manager of OasisInternational Waters.

At full capacity, the plant produces450,000 one-liter bottles a day, whichequates to 37,500 cases and 625 pallets ofwater. A 45-foot trailer, which is usuallyused to transport the water, holds 22pallets. Producing the water locally versusshipping it in from Kuwait has severalbenefits.

“It is going to save lots of money andkeep Soldiers off the road,” Bondy said.

Keeping the number of trucks deliveringwater to different bases to a minimum“translates into lives,” said Alan Morrell,the company executive officer of Al-MorrellDevelopment. “That translates into sonsand daughters, husbands and wives,mothers and daughters.”

Since the 4th SB and its subordinateunits are responsible for combat servicesupport in the Multi-National Division-Baghdad area, they will coordinate theamount of water to be produced anddistributed, based on the previous weeksstatistics.

Because of the high capacity of the plant,excess water can be pushed out to sur-rounding forward operating bases andeven to Camp Taji, Bondy explained. Taji isapproximately 15 miles away from theBaghdad International Airport, which cantake up to 45 minutes to cover, dependingon traffic and road conditions.

Producing one-liter bottles with no

LargesLargesLargesLargesLargest wt wt wt wt watatatatater bottling plant in theater bottling plant in theater bottling plant in theater bottling plant in theater bottling plant in theater opens at Liberer opens at Liberer opens at Liberer opens at Liberer opens at Libertytytytytylabels is a cost-saver. Eachbottle has its ‘born ondate’ inscribed with laser,and they all bear a smallimprint of a palm tree, thetrademark of OasisInternational Waters.

“They made a gooddecision going to the one-liter bottle, becauseSoldiers will drink morewater that way,” Bondysaid. “It is more conve-nient. . . It is easier to drinka liter of water, [and] it iseasier to carry the bottlearound.”

The point of origin forthe water is “Z” Lakelocated on the Victory BaseComplex. By the time thewater goes through amulti-step purificationprocess, the final productis comparable with anybottled water produced bywell-known water compa-nies.

“In fact, chemicallythere is no differencebetween this water and Aquafina,” saidKenneth Alferez, a General Electric waterengineer who supervised the setting up ofthe plant. The water is carefully testedalong every step, as it makes its way fromthe lake to the bottle.

First the water is pumped into a storagebag from the lake and it is treated withchlorine to kill the bugs and other livingorganisms. The pH level (whether water iswater neutral, acidic, or alkaline) islowered to allow the chlorine to work moreeffectively. The water then goes through afiltration unit which can filter out particlesas small as 1 micron. Most viruses areapproximately 2 microns, Alferez ex-plained.

Afterwards the water goes into a thirdstorage bag. From there it goes through aReverse Osmosis (RO) process twice. RO isa form of filtration that is able to filter outmost contaminants, except salts.

During the second RO, the water goesthrough a carbon filter, then through anultraviolet (UV) filter. The water then goes toa contact tank where it gets ozonated; passedthough ozone to kill all remaining bacteriaand contaminants.

“It is three barriers of protection against any

• College classes online

• Computer classes

• GED study sessions

• CLEP study sessions and testing

• College entrance examination preparation (SAT,

ACT, GRE, GMAT)

• GT improvement classes

DSN 829-4010

Blackjack Education CenterFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies

107.7 Baghdad

107.9 Sinjar

105.1 Mosul, Fallujah

107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi

93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad

107.1 Ridgeway

102.5 Camp Taji

“Always“Always“Always“Always“AlwaysThere, on theThere, on theThere, on theThere, on theThere, on the

Air!”Air!”Air!”Air!”Air!”

Brig. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., Multi-National Corps-Iraq Chief of Staff and Tom Newell, Middle Eastgeneral manager of Al-Morrell Development cut the ribbon on the new water bottling plant at Camp Liberty onMay 2. The plant provides drinking water for the Multi-National Division-Baghdad area.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

contaminant that might be in the water after itgoes through the RO. The ozone is there to killanything or everything,” Alferez explained.

The end result are the handy one-liter

bottles, which participants of the ceremonygot to taste and take some home with them.Soldiers in the MND-B area are alreadyconsuming water produced there.

Maj. Paul Wynn, the commander of the 1011th Quartermaster Company, tastes a bottle ofwater produced at the Camp Liberty water bottling plant at the opening ceremony on May 2.


British trBritish trBritish trBritish trBritish troops troops troops troops troops train Irain Irain Irain Irain Iraqi soldieraqi soldieraqi soldieraqi soldieraqi soldiers at Cams at Cams at Cams at Cams at Camp Urp Urp Urp Urp UrBy Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

CAMP UR, Iraq - It’s easy to spot a British soldier in lineat Camp Adder’s dining facility — jokes British army Sgt.Maj. John Wilson — all you have to do is look for an Austra-lian.

The British soldiers comprising the Monitoring,Mentoring and Training Team have grown used to havingU.S. servicemembers misidentify their uniforms. They havealso become accustomed to the daily challenges of supervis-ing the Iraqi army training at Camp Ur.

Since October, the team, pieced together from the King’sOwn Royal Border Regiment, has been the primary coalitionpresence at the Iraqi base. Though they only started out withabout 35 soldiers, a number that was gradually reduced toabout 20 as some were reassigned, the team continues toshoulder a large responsibility.

“We’ve got to build up the security forces for the Iraqiarmy, or for Iraq,” said British Maj. Phil Nathan, the teamcommander. “Once we’ve got a secure environment, they [theIraqis] can take on a lot more of these responsibilities them-selves and then turn their attention towards infrastructure.And so training soldiers, getting a credible army built up, isabsolutely vital for the whole process.”

As the largest training installation in southeast Iraq,Camp Ur is a particularly important piece of the equation.When the team inherited responsibility from the King’sRoyal Hussars, Iraqi instructors were teaching as many as600 students at a time in a variety of essential militarycourses, including basic training, NCO training and job-specific training. The team later added a course retrainingofficers who served under the former regime.

Each morning after a physical training session and aroutine safety briefing, the troops don their body armor, climbinto vehicles, and leave Camp Mittica for the nearby installa-tion of Camp Ur.

Throughout the day the British troops do what they can tominimize intervention while ensuring the training is up topar. The troops eavesdrop on classroom instruction throughthe help of an interpreter and analyze the training from adistance.

Whenever they have a suggestion for an improvement,they pull the instructor aside to keep the students fromloosing confidence in their teachers.

However, occasionally they will address the entire class to

Photos by Spc. Spencer Case

British Army Cpl. Keith Wilson of the Monitoring, Mentoring and Training Team, 1st Battalion, King’s Own Border Regiment,supervisies Iraqi NCO training at Camp Ur, Iraq.

emphasis a particular point.The going has not always been easy. The team had

intended to leave a self-sustaining base in January, but theyfound the installation was not ready to be completelyautonomous when the time arrived.

Instead of moving on to new assignments, many of thetroops in the team ended up spending their entire six-monthdeployment at Camp Ur.

“I think some of the greatest challenges have been comingto terms with the cultural differences,” Nathan said. “Theyhave a different leave policy, which is very frustrating attimes. Just when you think you’ve got key personalities up to

An Iraqi "jundi," or private, of the 10th Infantry Division takes up a fighting position during NCO training at Camp Ur, Iraq,April 19. For the last six months, the British army has been supervising the Iraqi NCO course.

speed in certain areas, they go off on leave for a week or two,then you have to start the process all over again withsomebody different.”

Despite the slow pace and seemingly insurmountableproblems, British and Iraqi leaders agree that the patiencehas paid off.

Nathan said the strides the Iraqis have made getting overbureaucratic “teething troubles” in the headquarters elementis “probably our most significant result.”

“I think the overall quality of the training has improved alot since we’ve been there,” Nathan said. “The headquartersis a lot more efficient than it was, the levels of communica-tions through the organization are much better.”

An Iraqi officer who had spent about eight months atCamp Ur said through the help of a translator “a lot of thingshave changed for the better while I’ve been here, that’sbecause our friends from the British army help us.”

Further down the chain, Cpl. Keith Wilson, a communica-tions specialist who helps train the Iraqis on equipment likeGlobal Positioning Satellite systems, radio systems andreports, had positive things to say about the Iraqi training.

“Within the time that they’re working with and the resourcesthat they have, they’re doing a reasonable job,” he said.

Even with the improvements, there is more work to bedone. The team will hand over responsibility to the nextgroup, which will be formed from the Grenadier Guards, aninfantry battalion, next month. The next team will continueto mentor them until they start company collective training.The current team hopes to run four companies through thethree-week program by early July.

Making Camp Ur autonomous turned out to be no picnic,but Nathan said he is proud of his troops for the progressthey have made.

“My soldiers have done and excellent job,” Nathan said,“it can be very frustrating at times, coming to terms with thecultural differences and the way we work, but the guys havestuck with it, built up very good relationships with the Iraqisthat they work with on a day-to-day basis and we’ve seensome good results.”


By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

When the Army needs fire support from the‘big guns,’ it usually turns to field artillery. Thewar in Iraq saw many field artillery units fillthat role in the early days of the operation.Now that the mission requires more mobile firesupport, the Army is again calling on the fieldartillery to provide fire support from gun truckplatforms.

The ‘bulldogs’ of B Battery, 1-17th FieldArtillery, from Fort Sill, Okla., are providingsecurity and fire support services for combatlogistics patrols at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda. Less than six months into theirtour, the battery has covered more than 160,000miles of road, helping deliver supplies to awide section of Iraq.

Capt. Tripp Smith, the battery commander,said the battery wasn’t sure what to expectwhen they received their gun truck mission.

“There were mixed emotions. Some Soldiersliked it,” Smith said. “Now, they’re saying it’sone of the better missions here.”

Some of the bulldogs are on their secondtour in Iraq, and Smith said they’ve embracedtheir new role with enthusiasm.

“Last time they were over here in OIF[Operation Iraqi Freedom] 1, they did somefield artillery missions,” said Smith. “They didsome roadblocks and raids, too. Now they’redoing non-stop combat logistics patrols andthey’re seeing constant action. A lot of theSoldiers like that. I just signed a sheet giving awhole bunch of Soldiers a secondary MOS of88M (truck driver).”

Smith said his Soldiers have adapted wellto their new mission.

“There are no major obstacles to our job.Some little things, but our [transfer of authority]was great. They did a good job training us,”Smith said.

The commander added that LSA Anacondais a great duty location.

“The facilities here at Anaconda are secondto none,” Smith said. “They have good livingconditions, a good chow hall and we’re

BattBattBattBattBattererererery continues on despity continues on despity continues on despity continues on despity continues on despite ce ce ce ce change of missionhange of missionhange of missionhange of missionhange of mission

located close to our motor pool. We couldn’task for better conditions.”

He also said that prior to the deployment itwas difficult to acquire similar up-armoredhumvees for training, and that the equipmentthe unit has to accomplish its mission is betterthan he expected.

“I was surprised to find how well thevehicles are equipped,” said Smith. “We havea lot of armor and at battalion we have SkunkWerks. They fabricate a lot of new products forus. As we notice the enemy changing their

tactics on us, we adapt to the battlefield.”Smith said the adaptability his Soldiers

have displayed while changing their missionfocus, combined with the nearly unlimitedpossibilities Skunk Werks adds for theirequipment, is essential for the modernbattlefield.

“Being flexible is one of the most importantthings,” Smith said. “Being able to changebased on what the enemy is doing and basedon new or changing equipment is veryimportant.”

Pfc. Sam Rasmussen, who works onimprovised explosive device countermeasuresystems, said he wasn’t concerned about thechange in mission.

“I just said ‘hooah, let’s get the job done,’”said Rasmussen. “That’s why I came in theArmy.”

Pfc. Chris Gasca, a driver, had a differentreaction, “I thought ‘oh, that’s not good.’ Iwork on [multiple launch rocket systems]. But,it’s been pretty easy. All of the Soldiers getalong great, and the NCOs made it really easy.They’re good leaders, so there have been noproblems.”

Rasmussen said maintenance andtraining keep him busy most days.

“We PMCS [preventive maintenance checksand services] the vehicles and make sure they’reready to go, a lot of the time we’re going back toback,” said Rasmussen. “I work on the [counter-measure systems], that’s all I do.”

Rasmussen said he enjoys his role as atrainer. “I have to make sure the systems areup and running and we go around and helpother batteries out,” Rasmussen said. “I’ve

Photos by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

Sgt. Gilberto Kennedy, from B Battery, 1-17th Field Artillery, rehearses a medical evacuation with Thomas Mobly prior to a combatlogistics patrol. The battery provides gun truck security support to U.S. Army and Kellogg, Brown and Root vehicles delivering supplies toforward operating bases in Iraq.

Spc. Josh Forrest, a gunner with B Battery, 1-17th Field Artillery, demonstrates properescalation of force techniques for other Soldiers preparing to conduct a combat logisticspatrol at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

helped train a few NCOs and trained peoplefrom other batteries on the systems.”

Gasca said he doesn’t feel his mission isdifficult. “There’s nothing really hard about it.Maybe dodging holes in the road,” Gasca said.“Our missions can last one night, or we’ve hadone mission that lasted 13 days. We get plenty ofrest, though, so it’s not that bad.”

Sgt. Chad Boeke, a truck commander, saidthe hardest part of his job is the days he spendsin the motor pool instead of on the road.

“When we have to do vehicle maintenancein the heat is probably the hardest part,” saidBoeke. “I love going out on missions, being outon the road. It makes time go by faster andmakes us feel like we’re doing our job.”

Boeke said the unit spends a lot of timecoordinating with the truck drivers they willescort on each mission.

“We go over our procedures with KBR[Kellogg, Brown and Root] or whoever we’ll beescorting that night and show them what we’lldo in case a vehicle breaks down or if there’s anattack,” Boeke said. “It’s important that theyknow what to expect. If they’re injured, or avehicle breaks, they know what will happen.They don’t have to sit there and wonder what’sgoing on.”

The battery commander said he’s pleasedwith the effort his Soldiers are putting into themission.

“I couldn’t ask for a better performance. Someof them have extended beyond their ETS, andmany of them are gunners,” said Smith.“Despite the fact they’ve been extended, theywant to perform beyond expectations. They’rehappier when they’re outside the wire.”


MCT helping trMCT helping trMCT helping trMCT helping trMCT helping troops foops foops foops foops fly the friendly skiesly the friendly skiesly the friendly skiesly the friendly skiesly the friendly skiesBy Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

CAMP ADDER, Iraq - Coalitionfrequent fliers are likely to have experi-enced some discomfort during their trips.They have to wait until the day beforeflying to find out whether their trips havebeen approved. Even then, there is noguarantee that they’ll reach their destina-tion either because of weather, technicaldifficulties or overbooking.

But those who travel in and out ofCamp Adder, in Tallil, southern Iraq,have also come across one of the friendli-est, most professional and customer-service oriented group of Soldiers manag-ing travel in theater.

“This group of people is amazinglygifted at solving problems,” says Capt.Thomas Jones of his 304th MovementControl Team. “We provide assistance forthe movement of passengers and cargothroughout Iraq.”

Though they have no control over thecauses of the passengers’ headaches, theymanage to alleviate the pain.

“A lot of the people get upset, but wecan’t do anything about the weather,”says Sgt. David Ng, a transportationcoordinator with the 304th. “But if there’ssomething that we can do for them, we’lldo it.”

They can’t do much about flight sched-ules either. The flights are scheduled by anentirely different unit, which does not releasethem until a few hours before flight time foroperational security.

And the pilots determine the amount ofweight the planes can handle on a trip bytrip basis, so the movement control teamnever knows exactly how many passengerswill be able to fly.

What the 304th can do, and often does forits customers, is work with coalition pilotseither from the U.S. Army and Air Force orthe British and Australian military to assurethat travelers get where they need to go.

“We work out all sorts of deals to makesure that people can get where they need togo,” says Spc. Marco Hernandez, a move-ment control specialist. “A good day for us iswhen we can get everyone who wanted tofly on a flight.”

Military commanders flying in and out ofTallil have taken note of the enthusiasm thatSoldiers like Hernandez show while doingthis mission. Last December, for example, ageneral coined Hernandez for helping hisunit move some 5,000 troops out of theater.The unit also received much praise forhelping transport more than 140 pallets ofsupplies last February during the biggesttactical operation since the war in Iraqbegan.

Staff Sgt. Albert Munoz, who like the restof the 304th had little training in helicopterloading and unloading, was instrumentalin making the mission work.

Aside from these special missions, the304th runs a 24/7 office that has assistedmore than 14,000 individual travelers since

the unit arrived in theater in October.Though they had no specific training inmaterial handling, they have moved morethan 15,000 pallets of supplies, a missionthat usually involves three times as manypeople as they have.

It’s not unusual for Sgt. 1st Class GaryMoore and Sgt. Marina Miller to be helpinga customer find a flight at 3 a.m. or for Sgt.Jason Arzt to be loading a flight at similarlyuncomfortable times.

Thomas says that the troops, all reserv-ists and some on their second deployment,draw on their civilian and military experi-ence. Staff Sgt. Steve Jackson, for example,served in Tallil with the Marines.

And Sgt. Regina Evans deployed for ayear in 2003 to Kuwait and Qatar, whileArzt served two deployments in support ofoperations in Kosovo.

“These guys are very professional,”Thomas says, “it makes the mission runsmoothly.”

That’s not to say that they don’t facetheir own share of personal adversitieswhile in Iraq. Hernandez left for thedeployment just seven days after his wifehad their first child. And Jackson shutdown his business; while Ng took a breakfrom attending college.

However, the troops have figured outthat by putting their best foot forward theyare able to cope with their own deploymentwhile making their customers’ mission justa little easier.

Spc. Marco Hernandez (right), 304th Movement Control Team, negotiates a flight manifest with Staff Sgt. William Hudson, a member ofCompany D, 126th Aviation.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

Sgt. Jason Arzt, 304th MCT, helps load up a Sherpa flight out of Tallil.

MAY 21, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES MAY 21, 2006 PAGE 9ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRRecoecoecoecoecovvvvvererererery teams: AAA of Iraqy teams: AAA of Iraqy teams: AAA of Iraqy teams: AAA of Iraqy teams: AAA of IraqBy Sgt. Marshall ThompsonStaff Writer

FORWARD OPERATING BASESPEICHER, Iraq - When a vehicle breaksdown, rolls over, or is hit by an impro-vised explosive device on the roadsaround Forward Operating BaseSpeicher, the 584th Maintenance Com-pany will be there for the recovery.

“When we get called for recovery, Ihave to make sure that the TCs [truckcommanders] are ready, and I have tomake sure that I’m ready,” said Sgt.Jacob Vigrich, a wrecker NCOIC with the584th.

Vigrich said that pre-combat checksand maintenance on the vehicles is doneat the first of each day to ensure thatwhen the recovery team gets the call,they can leave the gates in no less thanone hour.

One of the first things the recoveryteam has to do when they arrive on thescene is to secure the area with their guntrucks. Vigrich said it’s an advantage forthe recovery team to have its ownsecurity element.

Sgt. Jacob Vigrich, a wrecker NCOIC with the 584th Maintenance Company, stuck this HEMT wrecker in the mud for an exercise on FOB Speicher.

By Sgt. Rachel Brune101st Sustainment Brigade PAO

Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq – During the day,Sgt. Seth Brown works in postal operations in thepersonnel section of the 454th Transportation Com-pany, an Army Reserve unit from Delaware, Ohio.

As the afternoon wears on, Brown changes into anArmy physical fitness uniform and heads out for hissecond job, teaching combatives at the Iraqi PoliceAcademy.

“I start off with the fighting stance and fightingdistance,” said Brown. “Then I go into closing the gap.”

Brown teaches combatives at the academy six days aweek, holding sessions in the afternoon. He is the onlypart-time instructor at the school and one of twoinstructors from the 71st Corps Support Battalion.

With the aid of interpreters, Brown trains the IPstudents in takedowns, live drills, strikes, punches andkicks. Toward the end of the sessions, he will borrowequipment from the Morale, Welfare and Recreationfacility to hold live boxing.

The course lasts for 21 days, training Iraqi police inthe basics of police work. The combatives session isheld for 17 of those days, up from 15 during the lastcycle of training.

Brown also teaches wrist locks, for handcuffing, andbaton tactics. “I have some batons that they actuallycarry on the job,” said Brown, who is teaching hissecond cycle at the academy.

IraqiIraqiIraqiIraqiIraqi police learn combatives training police learn combatives training police learn combatives training police learn combatives training police learn combatives training

“They’re embedded in our recoveryteam so we go out with the same peopleevery time.” Vigrich said. “It works outwell because we know who we’re goingout with.”

Spc. Luis Flores is a gun truck driver inthe 584th. After finishing a tour in Iraqduring Operation Iraqi Freedom I, he saidhe found it hard to get used to the trafficrules back in the U.S.

“I tried to drive in the middle of theroad,” Flores said. “If I saw a brokendown vehicle on the side of the road, Iwould go in the far lane and speed.”

Now back in Iraq, Flores has foundgood use for his driving instincts whilesetting up hasty traffic control pointsduring recovery missions.

Flores and Vigrich talked about one oftheir longest days when they got twocalls for recovery missions in one day.

The first was an armored vehicle thatbroke down when an IED hit it. Thesecond was a third country national oiltanker.

The recovery team had to put out somefires and then deal with towing the truckwhile the road was covered with oil.

“Oil was all over the road and it madeit really slick,” said Pfc. RamonGermosen, a gunner for the 584th recov-ery team.

Germosen, a native of New York City,said he likes being able to get off the baseand see what Iraq looks like from theroad. So far, he said, he prefers Americanroads to Iraqi roads. Still, Iraqi roads arebetter in some respects.

“The actual roads are not bad for themost part,” Germosen said. “I’m fromNew York and have potholes and hills,those are bad streets.”

In general, the recovery team has athankless job. They said that they hopethey never see anyone on the roadbecause if they’re there, it’s becausesomething has gone wrong. Once,Germosen was able to talk with a Soldierwho was in a vehicle his team hadrecovered, but that is a rare occurrence.

In the end, the recovery team is happyjust to help.

“They’re in a hostile situation,”Vigrich said of the Soldiers and civiliansthey help. “We have to go and get themout of there as fast as possible.”

Soldiers from the 584th Maintenance Com-pany hooked a cable to the wrecker to pullit from the mud during the training exerciseat FOB Speicher.

Photos by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

In addition, Brown leads the trainees in calisthenicsto stretch them out, building confidence and endur-ance.

Brown conducted combatives training for hiscompany during the unit’s mobilization process. FirstSgt. John Valley, 454th Trans. Co., chose him to volun-teer to train students at the Academy, and CommandSgt. Maj. James Spencer, 71st CSB, approved theassignment.

“It’s a talent and a passion of mine,” said Brown.“Everything I teach, I teach straight out of the [FieldManual.]”

Before deploying, Brown worked as a unit adminis-tration technician for the 402nd Engineer Company,based at Camp Atterbury, Ind.

In addition to eight years of experience in themartial art of Tae Kwon Do, Brown wrestled for sixyears in school. He hopes to attend a course to becomeLevel I and then Level III-certified in combatives, withthe eventual goal of teaching his fellow Soldiers how todefend themselves and fight effectively.

The training Brown gives the IP, “Is all pretty basic,mainly because they have no previous knowledge,” hesaid. Although the language barrier is a challenge,most of the trainees are very enthusiastic and apprecia-tive.

Brown was grateful to his leadership and theacademy leadership for giving him the chance to teach.

“I feel like I’m doing a very small part in makingthis country strong,” said Brown.

Brown squares off to take on a trainee at the academy. Brown teaches a variety of combative techniques to the trainees on a part-time basis six days a week.Photos by Sgt. Rachel Brune

Sgt. Seth Brown, Q-West Iraqi Police Academy combativesinstructor, watches two trainees practice at the academy.


By Sgt. Judith DaCosta3rd COSCOM PAO

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - In early April, the 50th EngineerCompany restored a bridge, essential for transporting Armyequipment over the Tigris River near Taji, Iraq.

Sometimes when the river raises it causes portions of thebridge to separate, said 1st. Lt. Michael Goddard, the 50thEng. Co. 1st platoon leader.

“In this case, our higher headquarters called us to repairthe loose locks that join the bridge,” said Goddard.

The bridge is composed of a series of buoyant ramps thatare held together with large metal hooks that lock into place,said Pfc. Michael Billey, a 50th Eng. Co. expedient bridgerepairman on the scene.

“Some portions of the ramps are on solid ground so it canbe difficult to just push the bridge back together with a largevehicle,” said Goddard.

The 50th Eng. Co. Soldiers backed an M1977 Common

Bridge Transporter into the Tigris River to release a boat topull security from the water.

Once security measures were taken, the team pulled andtightened cables that connect the pieces of the bridge.

“Sometimes we will use the boat to help nudge thingsinto place,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Crose, a 50th Eng. Co.senior boatman.

The bridge is important for the area because it saves time.The bridge can support the weight of one M1 Abrams Tanktraveling at five miles per hour and it is an alternate routethat allows Soldiers to avoid the improvised explosivedevices that may be encountered on the roads, saidGoddard.

After working on the bridge for seven days, the bridgewas ready to serve the needs of the military once again.

“Our job is to do expedient repair on bridges,” said Crose.“We can only fix the bridge to a certain point,” said

Goddard. “At some point the bridge will need to be re-placed,” he said.

Engineer comEngineer comEngineer comEngineer comEngineer companpanpanpanpany resy resy resy resy restorestorestorestorestoresbridge obridge obridge obridge obridge ovvvvver Tigris River Tigris River Tigris River Tigris River Tigris Rivererererer

Pfc. Michael Billey, a 50th Eng. Co. expedient repairman, tightens cables to a bridge near Taji, Iraq in early April.Photo by Sgt. Judith DaCosta


By Spc. Dennis K. BohannonDoDDS-Europe Public Affairs Office

WIESBADEN, Germany – Deployed servicemembers will be able to view their seniors crossingthe stage and moving their tassels from right to leftvia live webcasts graduation day.

The Department of Defense Dependents Schools– Europe; United States Army, Europe; 5th SignalCommand; United States Air Forces in Europe;Combined Joint Task Force 76 –Afghanistan; Multi-National Coalition – Iraq; American Forces Net-work Europe; and M-CAST Engineering Serviceshave combined assets, talents, and technologies toenable the live broadcasts via the Internet. Theeffort will allow at least 18 graduation ceremoniesto be viewed by an estimated 179 deployed parentsin Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and other locationsaround the world.

The first graduation ceremony is expected to bewebcast on June 7. Ten graduation ceremonies willtake place simultaneously on June 9. The lastceremony will be webcast on the evening of June16.

Schools identified as participants in the gradua-tion webcasts, thus far, are AFNorth, Bamberg,Baumholder, Bitburg, Giessen, Hanau, Heidelberg,Hohenfels, Kaiserslautern, Lakenheath, Mannheim,Naples, Ramstein, Sigonella, Vicenza, Vilseck,Wiesbaden and Würzburg. However, additionalschools can be added through this week if asenior’s parent is unexpectedly deployed.

Using emerging web technologies, deployedparents will be able to see their graduating seniorcross the stage, view student messages recorded forthe occasion, and talk one-on-one with their gradu-ate via video teleconference or web cams followingthe ceremony.

The collective effort is intended to give graduat-ing students and deployed parents the opportunityto share in this life event.

This is the third year the effort has been under-taken. Diana Ohman, Director DoDDS-Europe, whohas been very involved with each of the yearlywebcasts, says that although it is a monumentaltechnical challenge, these webcasts are emotionallysignificant to the student and the deployed parent.“There is no room for error. It is too important. It isimportant to the graduating senior that he or she beable to share the event with their parents, as wellas for the deployed parent to be able to view theirson or daughter crossing the stage.”

Planning for this year’s webcast began in Janu-ary. Seniors who had, or anticipated having par-ents deployed at graduation, were identifiedthrough the high schools. A list of schools withdeployed parents and other specifics was for-warded to USAREUR where contracts were writtenand the immense coordination process began.

Last month, German contractor M-CAST Engi-neering Services was awarded the contract toprovide technical support for the webcasts. Accord-ing to Christof Maas, Project Coordinator for M-CAST, although this is the first year they have beenawarded the contract, they have been involved inpast webcasts as subcontractors. M-CAST beganthe long process of surveying the graduation sitesacross Germany, England, and Italy April 24.

Kenneth Bilbo, HQ USAREUR G6, one of theinitial planners, said, “We are ahead of where wewere last year, and that’s a good sign.” However,Angela Fobbs, from the 5th Signal Command,

DeploDeploDeploDeploDeployyyyyed parents ted parents ted parents ted parents ted parents to see, to see, to see, to see, to see, takakakakake pare pare pare pare part in DoDDS-E graduationst in DoDDS-E graduationst in DoDDS-E graduationst in DoDDS-E graduationst in DoDDS-E graduationsspeaking from experience, notes, “We expectchanges and alterations right up to the last minuteof the last graduation ceremony.”

Last week, in a message to Brig. Gen. Dennis L.Via, commanding general, 5th Signal Command,Col. Robert S. Ferrell, Commander 2nd Signal Bri-gade wrote, “All preparations for this year’s highschool graduation broadcasts are on track….” Headded, “Initial surveys with the contractor aregoing well - with 12 of the 18 locations alreadycompleted.”

Each high school is also being paired with thesignal battalion in their geographical area as ameans of backup and additional support. The localsignal battalions will help where possible andprovide technical assistance where needed.

Next month, M-CAST Engineering Services andthe signal battalions will begin testing audio andvideo feeds between each graduation site and thedozens of receiving locations down range.

Initially, contact information for deployed ordeploying parents of graduates was collectedthrough each of the DoDDS-Europe high schools.

By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ENDURANCE, Iraq -A unit from North Carolina’s National Guard has made aname for themselves in northern Iraq.

The 725th Transportation Company took care of theirequipment and Soldiers throughout their deployment toForward Operating Base Endurance.

“We have been successful, fortunate and driven over520,000 miles with no accidents and no fatalities or injuries,”said Capt. Thomas Shinn, commander of the 725th.

Shinn explained the transportation mission his Soldiersare doing isn’t their normal job but all of his personnel haveadapted and been successful.

The 725th runs missions six or seven days a week andgiving his Soldiers a day off can be difficult, Shinn ex-plained.

“We can’t always give days off,” said Shinn. “We haveto keep working with our Soldiers on leave.”

Shinn pointed out that his Soldiers and the company’sleadership stepped up with Soldiers on leave. They knowthe mission comes first and they work hard to accomplishtheir goals.

One goal for the 725th was to keep their gun trucks ingood condition so they would be able to perform missionsin Iraq. Soldiers did their maintenance and the trucksstayed locked up in the motor pool when they weren’t on amission.

Driving the trucks around the FOB added extra wearand tear on the trucks and the Soldiers agreed it was betterto have the trucks mission capable.

Shinn’s gun truck platoon is made up of Soldiers with abackground in combat arms and he felt this platoon wasalways evaluating their work to do things better.

On the road or on the FOB, the Soldiers of the gun truckplatoon think about safety and doing the job right, Shinnexplained.

Sgt. 1st Class William Belch, platoon sergeant for the guntruck platoon, and Staff Sgt. Stephen Long, a squad leaderin the platoon, took the time to research the area aroundFOB Endurance before deploying.

“We had communication from Iraq,” Belch said. “We

725th TC maintains trucks725th TC maintains trucks725th TC maintains trucks725th TC maintains trucks725th TC maintains trucksbuilt from their different tactics.”

They used knowledge given to them by Soldiers servingin the area and worked on the internet. Once the companygot to the FOB, they did map reconnaissance and drove theroads to learn as much as they could about the area.

Soldiers volunteered to join the 725th because thecompany was short personnel.

“We have different guys from all over,” Long said abouthis Soldiers in the gun truck platoon. “Soldiers who neversaw each other before have come together. They’ve enjoyedbeing on the road together and care about one another.”

Long said he has been impressed by the work hisSoldiers have done.

“It’s redeeming to see all walks of life come together andexcel the way they have,” said Long.

Being recognized for their hard work is something Shinnbelieves his Soldiers have earned. Yet, Shinn strives to keephis Soldiers focused in the last few weeks of their deploy-ment.

“I tell them you’re not home until you step off the plane,”said Shinn. “Bringing everyone home alive is a testament tothese Soldiers.”

This information will be used to notify deployed ordeploying parents of graduating seniors whenwebcast Internet sites are online. They will also beprovided logon and password information and willbe assisted in coordinating one-on-one videoteleconferences with their graduates following theceremony.

According to Jeffery Temple, USAREUR G1liaison officer, many parents have already beencontacted. However, as of last week, he said, “Westill have 130 deployed parents with whom wehave not made firm contact.” Contact with thoseparents should be complete in a few days.

Deployed or deploying parents who have notbeen contacted by the end of this week (May 19)should contact the DoDDS-Europe Public AffairsOffice at DSN 314-338-7612, or they can have theirgraduating student contact their school principal.

Ann Mulligan, AFN-Europe’s Director of Broad-casting, said, “Once the ceremonies are complete,the American Forces Network – Europe will re-broadcast the graduation ceremonies.” Dates andtimes will be announced at a later date.

Spc. John Donnan, combat mechanic with the 725th Trans-portation Company, takes a windsheild out of a humvee forcleaning during regular maintenance.

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster


Download the Anaconda Times atwww.balad.iraq.centcom.mil/pao.asp

Are you funny? Can you draw?Can you draw funny?

Submit original cartoons about military life in Iraq to theAnaconda Times. If you can’t draw, just send us an idea. If youcan’t think of an idea, just send us a funny drawing. Don’t beembarrassed, we promise we’ll laugh.

Send to: [email protected]

May 211861 Richmond, Va., is designated the Con-federate Capital1863 Siege on Port Hudson, La., begins1864 U.S. Maj. Gen. David Hunter takescommand of Dept. of West Virginia1964 U.S. begins intelligence flights above Laos

May 221863 War Department establishes Bureau ofColored Troops1941 British troops take Baghdad, deposingpro-Nazi Iraqi regime1947 “Truman Doctrine” goes into effect,aiding Turkey & Greece1959 Benjamin O. Davis Jr. becomes the firstblack major general1985 U.S. sailor Michael Walker arrested forspying for USSR

May 231775 Patrick Henry says “Give me Liberty orgive me death!”1862 Valley Campaign: Stonewall Jacksontakes Front Royal, Va.1865 Grand Review of the Union Army beginsin Washington, D.C.1915 Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary1960 Israel announces capture of Nazi AdolfEichmann in Argentina

May 241764 James Otis coins the phrase “taxationwithout representation.”1818 Gen. Andrew Jackson capturesPensacola, Fla., from the Spanish1861 Alexandria, Va., occupied by Federaltroops1939 First use of McCann Rescue Chamber,saves 33 from sunken submarine Squalus1980 Iran rejects a call by World Court to

THIS WEEK IN MILITARY HISTORY

Information provided by strategypage.com

LSA Anaconda Fitness CenterLSA Anaconda Fitness CenterLSA Anaconda Fitness CenterLSA Anaconda Fitness CenterLSA Anaconda Fitness Center

Boxing: The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center offersboxing on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

Aerobics: There will be an aerobics class Monday,Wednesday and Friday at 5:15 p.m.

Submission Grappling: Submission Grappling onWednesday, Friday and Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30p.m.

Tae Bo: The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center offers TaeBo classes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5:30 a.m.

Hatha Yoga: The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center offersHatha Yoga classes on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. andWednesday at 6 p.m.

Open Court Volleyball: The LSA Anaconda FitnessCenter runs Open Court Volleyball Games on Saturdayand Sunday evening. Check the monthly calendar forexact times!

MWR and Fitness Center schedules aresubject to change. Please check the

monthly calendars published by the indi-vidual institutions for more details.

release U.S. hostages

May 251862 Battle of Winchester, Va.1919 Navy NC-4 flying boat completesAtlantic flight to Portugal1953 First atomic cannon electronically fired,Frenchman Flat, Nev.1961 JFK promises to put a man on the moonby the end of 1960s

May 261861 Union begins blockade of ConfederateGulf ports1942 In North Africa, Rommel attacks theGazala Line.1945 U.S. fire bomb raid on Tokyo1946 Patent filed in U.S. for H-Bomb1961 U.S. Air Force bomber flies Atlantic in arecord of just over three hours

May 271813 Col. Winfield Scott captures Ft George,Canada, which is later lost1918 Battle of the Aisne, Allies begin pressingback Germans1941 FDR proclaims an “unlimited nationalemergency”1941 German battleship Bismarck sunk by theRoyal Navy1944 Allied landing on Biak, off New Guinea1952 European Defense Community forms

May 281754 George Washington defeats the Frenchand Indians near Fort Duquesne1774 First Continental Congress convenes1945 Okinawa: 100 kamikaze raid Allied fleet,one U.S. DD sunk1980 First 55 women graduate from the U.S.Naval Academy

MAY 21, 2006 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

May 212 p.m. The Shaggy Dog5 p.m. Aquamarine8 p.m. Goal! The Dream Begins

May 222 p.m. Goal! The Dream Begins5 p.m. Ultraviolet8 p.m. Aquamarine

May 232 p.m. Ultraviolet5 p.m. Goal! The Dream Begins8 p.m. Madea’s Family Reunion

May 242 p.m. 16 Blocks5 p.m. Ultraviolet8 p.m. Goal! The Dream Begins

May 252 p.m. Goal! The Dream Begins5 p.m. Running Scared8 p.m. Aquamarine

May 262 p.m. Failure to Launch5 p.m. Over the Hedge8:30 p.m. Poseidon

May 2710 a.m. Poseidon2 p.m. She’s the Man5 p.m. Poseidon8 p.m. Over the Hedge

May 282 p.m. V for Vendetta5 p.m. Over the Hedge8 p.m. Poseidon

Movie Synopsis for May 21-May 28PoseidonPG-13, 98 minKurt Russell, Richard Dreyfuss

When a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship inthe middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a small group ofsurvivors find themselves unlikely allies in a battle fortheir lives. Preferring to test the odds alone, a careergambler ignores captain’s orders to wait below forpossible rescue and sets out to find his own way tosafety.

Failure to LaunchPG-13, 97 minMatthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker

A thirtysomething man who still lives with his parentsfalls in love with the woman of his dreams and beginsto suspect she has been hired by his parents as a wayto get him out of the house.

Over the HedgePG, 96 minBruce Willis, Garry Shandling

Spring has sprung, and Verne and his woodlandfriends awaken from their long winter’s nap todiscover that a tall, green “thing” has mysteriouslycropped up right through the middle of their home.Enter RJ, an opportunistic raccoon, who explains thatthe world beyond the hedge is the “gateway to thegood life” where peculiar creatures called humans liveto eat, rather than eat to live.

Goal! The Dream BeginsPG, 118 min

Religious schedule subject to change

Roman Catholic MassSaturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSaturday 8 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Provider ChapelMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelTue.-Fri. 12 p.m. Freedom Chapel(sacrament of reconciliation30 minutes prior to each Mass)

Church of ChristSunday 2 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Islamic PrayerFriday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel

Spanish-speaking Non-denominationalSunday 2 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Non-denominationalFriday 7 p.m. Signal ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Signal Chapel

Jewish PrayerFriday 6:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex

Protestant-GospelSunday 11 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel

Protestant Praise and WorshipSunday 9 a.m. East MWRSunday 11 a.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148)Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelWednesday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 10 a.m. Complere ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Town Hall

Protestant-TraditionalSunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital ChapelSunday 9:30 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 10 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 5 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Latter-day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 4 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Kuno Becker, Alessandro Nivola

Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago har-bors the dream of being a professional footballer. How-ever, living in the Barrios section of Los Angeles, hethinks it is only that—a dream. Until, one day an ex-traordinary turn of events has him trying out forPremiership club Newcastle United.

UltravioletPG-13, 87 minMilla Jovovich, William Fichtner

Set in the late 21st century, a subculture of humanshas emerged with a genetic mutation causing en-hanced speed, incredible stamina and acute intelli-gence. The government sets out to destroy them, butone woman is determined that that doesn’t happen:ultra-beautiful, ultra-lethal Violet.

AquamarinePG, 109 minEmma Roberts, Sara Paxton

Following a violent storm, a beautiful and sassy mermaidnamed Aquamarine washes ashore and into the lives oftwo teenage girls. After Aquamarine falls for a local, hunkylifeguard, she enlists the girls’ help to win his heart.

The Shaggy DogPG-, 98 minTim Allen, Kristin Davis

Dave learns a valuable lesson about truth and appear-ances when quite unexpectedly he finds himselfchanged into a sheepdog.


Anaconda’s clean wAnaconda’s clean wAnaconda’s clean wAnaconda’s clean wAnaconda’s clean water sourater sourater sourater sourater sourcececececeBy Sgt. Judith DaCosta3rd COSCOM PAO

Unless you are a part of the 641st Fuel WaterDetachment stationed at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda, the term ROWPU may be just anotherArmy acronym. The term stands for Reverse Osmo-sis Water Purification Unit. Despite its little knownacronym, it is an efficient system used to providepurified water to troops, civilians and anyone elsewho can turn the handle of a faucet here on LSAAnaconda.

At the LSA, ROWPUs run all the time and are the

main source of purified water, said 2nd Lt. MichaelKetcham, a 641st FWD water platoon leader.

He said they currently produce approximately150,000 gallons of water per day and can produceup to 400,000 gallons per day.

Ketcham said customer satisfaction is theirbiggest concern.

“We run a 24-hour operation so that there won’tbe any shower [water] shortage,” said Ketcham.“Being able to take showers boosts morale.”

The water that is siphoned through the filtrationsystem is first gathered from the Tigris River.

“We check each pump and make sure it is primedevery morning,” said Staff Sgt. Ralf Mosley, the641st FWD NCOIC.

“Water runs through one of several hoses into oneof the ROWPUs here on the LSA,” said Ketcham.

These mobile-mounted trailer units stand ready toredeploy in a couple of hours, said Spc. TroyGlessner, a 641st FWD water treatment specialist.

Inside the ROWPU the water travels through themicro filtration system – five levels of sand and afilter composed of finely woven yarn, said Glessner.

In the past few months water purification hasbeen a challenge because of cold weather, saidKetcham.

“It is harder to purify cold water because it isdenser and therefore harder to push through ourmicro filtration system,” said Ketcham.

Once the process of reverse osmosis is complete,99.7 percent of contaminants in the water are re-moved, said Glessner.

The overall process allows in individuals tobrush their teeth, rid their bodies of strange odorsand abide in a cleaner environment fit for eating,sleeping and working.

ROWPUs may not be associated with Morale,Welfare and Recreation; but they boost the morale ofeveryone on the LSA and anyone can benefit from itat anytime.

With summer months and temperatures of 128degrees, or more, quickly approaching, troops willdefinitely express their gratitude for cold showersand the potable water that is constantly available onthe LSA.

Spc. Troy Glessner, a 641st Fuel Water Detachment watertreatment specialist, primes a Reverse Osmosis Water Pu-rification Unit water pump near the Tigris River at LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda.

Photo by Sgt. Judith DaCosta

Patriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicCombat StressCombat StressCombat StressCombat StressCombat Stress

ContrContrContrContrContrololololol

Sustaining Soldiers by managing stressto improve mission readiness

LSA Anaconda, BaladBldg. 4116 Ohio Street(near the Air Force Theater Hospital)DSN: (318) 829-1402

Command ConsultationsCombat and operational stress supportMental Health counselingPsychoeducational briefingsPsychiatric consultation

Critical Incident Debriefings/TraumaManagement

Clinic Hours: Open Sunday—Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emergency 24-hour Service andMobile Treatment Team Available

Please call in advance to eliminatewaiting


Sgt. Mark Stephens, a deployment cycle briefing NCOIC from the 18th Personnel Services Battalion, sings with the Ana-conda Rythm and Blues band at the East Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

By Sgt. Marshall ThompsonStaff Writer

Servicemembers at Logistical Support Area Anaconda haveused their spare time to provide quality entertainment for theirfellow servicemembers in the form of a rhythm and blues band.

The Anaconda R&B band played its ‘Big Show’ at the EastMorale, Welfare and Recreation Facility at the end of April.

The group opened with some twelve bar blues witheveryone taking a turn to improvise. A male and female vocalistaugmented the group and they performed hits like “NoMountain High Enough” and “My Girl.”

The crowd of about 50 got into the music by standing upand clapping along with the songs. The male vocalist, Sgt.Mark Stephens, the deployment cycle briefing NCOIC from the18th Personnel Services Battalion, said that he started practic-ing with the group only a few days before the concert. However,some parts of the group were playing together prior to deploy-ing to Iraq.

Sgt. Maj. Burdette Shields, the 40th Corps Support Groupcommand sergeant major, met up with Sgt. Maj. Terrence Clark,the S-3 operations sergeant major from the 19th Support Center,in Germany before taking over their jobs in Iraq. Both playedguitar and they started talking about getting a group togetheronce they got into country.

“We met in Germany and we found out that we bothplayed a little bit so we talked about putting a littlesomething together,” Clark said.

The group started playing together in the MWR justfor fun when Shields came across a talented saxophoneplayer, 1st Lt. Jerome L. Ford III, a platoon leader with2-44th Air Defense Artillery.

“One day I was playing in the MWR and Lt. Fordwalked in and said that we should get a band to-gether,” Shields said.

By April 19, the band included three guitarists, adrummer, a bass player, two trumpet players, a saxo-phone player and two singers.

Stephens, who has been singing since he was threeyears old, said that he had no idea there would be aband this good in Iraq. He said that singing with theband has been a good experience for him.

“It enlightens me,” Stephens said. “It kind of takes

SoldierSoldierSoldierSoldierSoldiers ss ss ss ss stttttararararart R&B bandt R&B bandt R&B bandt R&B bandt R&B bandPhotos by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

Command Sgt. Major Burdette Shields, the 40th CSG com-mand sergeant major, does a solo while playing with theAnaconda Rythm and Blues band on April 22 at the EastMWR Facility on LSA Anaconda.

away the stress of everyday life at Balad.”Shields said he hoped that the servicemembers and

civilians who attended the concert had a good experi-ence as well.

“We enjoying playing for the Soldiers,” Shields said.“It takes the Soldiers away from theater for a while andhelps bring back some good memories.”

Scouts from B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cav-alry, Task Force Pacesetter, along with theirpartnered Iraqi army company, are usually seenaround the South Sala ah Din Province clearing allof the routes leading in and out of LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda of improvised explosivedevices and conducting reconnaissance in thelocal area.

“In any given week, it is not uncommon for theTroop to find multiple IEDs before they detonate,”said 1st Lt. David Leibovich, the troop fire supportofficer and intelligence officer.

“Finding the IEDs before they detonate oncoalition forces or on the local Iraqi population is adangerous task,” Leibovich said.

However, in April, scouts from 2nd Platoon,found themselves in a different type of missionaltogether. They were tasked with assisting theirIA counterparts in conducting a humanitarian visitto the small, mostly Sunni village of Abu Hassan,with a population of approximately 150 people.

An Iraqi army squad from 4th Company, 1stBattalion, 4th Iraqi Division, supported by scoutsand a civil affairs team from LSA Anaconda,distributed much-needed school supplies to theeager crowd. The Iraqi soldiers also distributedtoys and clothing to the young children in thevillage.

Medics from B Troop and a Navy Corpsmanfrom the Marine Task Force Leatherneck joined anIraqi army medic in administrating basic first aidto anyone with injuries. The mission was truly ajoint endeavor between not only the Iraqi army andcoalition forces, but also between the differentAmerican services.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Fitzgerald, senior scout andpatrol leader, was nearly choked up with emotionas he gave a toy to an Iraqi child.

“This Iraqi child came up to me and said, [inArabic] ‘all I want is a toy truck.’ He reminded meof my little boy back home. They are about the sameage. It touched my sensitive side.”

Meanwhile, the Iraqi soldiers, aided by theirAmerican counterparts, continued to distribute thesupplies to the grateful Iraqis.

A local Iraqi farmer, whose children were seenstockpiling school supplies, told the Iraqi armySergeant, “[in Arabic] village welcomes you. Weare delighted and thrilled to see our Iraqi armywith the U.S. coalition forces. We are extremelygrateful for the gesture of helping the needy.”

The nod of approval seen on many of theparents’ faces in the crowd confirmed the farmer’ssentiments. Although the children were extremelyoverjoyed at receiving the school supplies, the Iraqiarmy soldiers seemed happier handing out thesupplies and were delighted to be seen by theircountrymen in a favorable light.

When the humanitarian supplies were distrib-uted, Fitzgerald led his patrol back to the LSA.

Their mission would return to more routeclearance and area security, but helping the localpopulation with humanitarian aid was a success-ful moment in their eyes.

“We kind of like to feel we made some impact,”said Sgt. Glen Brink, a scout team leader.

- Courtesy B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 9th Cavalry

Scouts help deliverScouts help deliverScouts help deliverScouts help deliverScouts help deliver

humanitarian humanitarian humanitarian humanitarian humanitarian aidaidaidaidaid


AROUND 3rd COSCOM

From left to right, Maj. Gen. Bruce A. Casella, commander of the 377th Theater Support Command, Nicati Idilman, project manager for Erka Ltd., and Col. Jon A. Roop, ExpeditionaryMission Support Group commander, cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Joint Military Mail Terminal on May 11 at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

SecrSecrSecrSecrSecretaretaretaretaretary ofy ofy ofy ofy of the the the the the ArArArArArmmmmmy visits try visits try visits try visits try visits troopsoopsoopsoopsoops

Photo by Airmen 1st Class Andrew Oquendo

Photos by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

(Above) Col. Sharon Duffy, 3rd Corps Support Command's deputy commander, greets Secretary of the ArmyFrancis J. Harvey and leads him to a waiting vehicle during his visit to Logistical Support Area Anaconda on May11. (Left) Harvey signs a protective barrier in front of the Air Force Theater Hospital at LSA Anaconda during hisvisit.

GrGrGrGrGrandandandandandOpeningOpeningOpeningOpeningOpening

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Battery Change Pg....

Documents

Transcript of Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Battery Change Pg....