Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Photo by Sgt. …static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_0795.pdfSgt....

Vol. 3, Issue 14 March 26, 2006

4th Inf. Div. honors recent

fallen comrades

Workout groupmotivates each other

to reach goals

pg. 5

pg. 14

Fill’er upFill’er upFill’er upFill’er upFill’er up220th Transportation Company back to original fuel transport mission

Sgt. Eric Adams, senior maintenance NCO for the 220th Transportation Company, cuts off a rod on one of the unit’s vehicles at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Photo by Sgt. Zack Mott

Pg. 9Pg. 9Pg. 9Pg. 9Pg. 9

MARCH 26, 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

MakMakMakMakMake ye ye ye ye your vour vour vour vour voteoteoteoteote

count - registercount - registercount - registercount - registercount - registerBy Lt. Col. Jonathan Allen3rd COSCOM Voting Assistance Officer

We are serving in a country that is in the processof developing a democracy and had over 70 percentof its eligible citizens cast votes, while facingpotential violence.

Voting for government officials is a privilege thatsome of you became eligible to do by virtue ofhaving been born in the United States and passingthe age of 18. Others in theater earned the privilegeby completing the requirements to become citizensof the United States.

However, you can’t vote if you don’t register.According to Webster’s II, New Riverside

University Dictionary, one meaning of ‘register’ is:to have one’s name officially placed on a list ofeligible voters.

Here are some ways to register. You can usesome of your leave time, if you go home, to registerat your local voting office. You may obtain aFederal Post Card Application from your unitvoting assistance officer, fill it out and send it in, orgo to www.fvap.gov to check on your state require-ments. Some states allow for electronic registration.

Remember, registration allows you to vote.Step one of the basic absentee voting process

starts with the citizen completing and mailing theFederal Post Card Application Form (SF-76). Steptwo is the local official approving the registrationrequest or requests for further information. Stepthree is the local election official mailing an absen-tee ballot (keep in mind that you need to keep yourlocal election official informed of address changes).Step four is you, the citizen, voting and mailing theabsentee ballot to the local election official in timeto meet state deadlines.

Finally, don’t forget to encourage your family toregister and vote. While you serve, and vote, yourfamily should cast their votes at home.

Remember to register, so you can vote.

On Jan. 4, the MEDPROS Team modified the AKOMedical Readiness Alerts to include a link for Sol-diers to view their Individual Medical Readiness(IMR) and Immunization Record (DD Form 2766C).

Soldiers now have the capability of opening andsaving these two documents using Adobe Acrobat.In addition, these same screens contain links to sev-

MEDPROS information updateMEDPROS information updateMEDPROS information updateMEDPROS information updateMEDPROS information updateeral informational health websites and Army Regu-lations covering Army Medical Readiness.

Soldiers who find incorrect or blank data in theirrecords can, with the proper medical documenta-tion, contact their nearest MEDPROS Data Entryrepresentative to have their information corrected/updated.

(Above) Lt. Col. Jeffrey Martindale, commander of the1-8 Combined Arms Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Com-bat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band ofBrothers, gives a soccer ball to an Iraqi child whileMartindale and other members of the Fighting Eaglesvisited Balad, Iraq.(Left) Chaplain (Capt.) William Johnson, the 1-8 CABchaplain, gives candy to Iraqi children on the streets ofBalad, Iraq. Johnson and other members of 1-8 CABwere on the streets of this city to see how the efforts ofthe Fighting Eagles have improved life.

Photos by Sgt. Zack Mott

TF Band of BrothersTF Band of BrothersTF Band of BrothersTF Band of BrothersTF Band of Brothersspreadspreadspreadspreadspreadsssss goodwill goodwill goodwill goodwill goodwill

MARCH 26, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

What is your favorite spring pasttime?

Capt. Warren FisherHHC, 3rd COSCOM“Volleyball.”

Sgt. April Hembree558th Signal Company“Playing softball.”

Sgt. Brandon Hardwick558th Signal Company“Playing football.”

Master Sgt. David Kurtz332d EAMXS“Playing tennis.”

Staff Sgt. Billy Robinson558th Signal Company“Fishing.”

Finance supporFinance supporFinance supporFinance supporFinance support teams head outside the wiret teams head outside the wiret teams head outside the wiret teams head outside the wiret teams head outside the wireBy Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

To the uninitiated, being deployedwith a finance unit may sound like abreak. The Soldiers of Detachment A,8th Finance Battalion, who have beengoing outside the wire regularly for sixmonths, beg to differ.

When they are not helping Soldierson the west side of Logistical SupportArea Anaconda with pay concerns,they are braving the crater-pockedroads outside Balad to provide neededfinance services for troops stationed atsurrounding installations. Only sixmonths through their deployment,

Pfc. Amanda Hunt, a processing clerk and cashier for Detachment A , 8th Finance Battalionhelps a Soldier receive casual pay by filling out a DD 1351-6 form at Forward Operating BasePoliwoda, Iraq.

Photos by Spc. Spencer Case

about half of the Soldiers have put inpaperwork for Combat Action Badgesresulting from incidents en route.

“I’ve been hit by IEDs (ImprovisedExplosive Devices) twice,” recalled Sgt.Nethaniel Bull, a motor sergeant andteam leader for off-post missions.“We’ve had mortars [fired] at ourconvoys, small-arms fire at our con-voys; we’ve pretty much seen anythinganybody else has seen out here.”

Though the missions have notalways gone smoothly, Sgt. 1st ClassTimothy Marable, Detachment ANCOIC, said that the support hisSoldiers provide for troops outside ofLSA Anaconda is important.

“If we’re not supporting them andensuring that their pay is correct andthey are getting paid correctly, theyare not going to be happy,” Marablesaid, “and they are not going to gettheir mission done properly becausetheir mind is not into it.”

The detachment is broken downinto several FSTs, or financial supportteams, that rotate going off post.

Each FST includes a cashier, adriver who doubles as an assistant tothe cashier and a team leader respon-sible for communicating with theSoldiers on LSA Anaconda andmaking sure the finance troops have aplace to stay in the event of an over-night mission.

These missions can last anywherefrom a few hours to a few days, de-pending on how many troops are attheir destination.

In early March, three Soldiersdeparted on a mission to ForwardOperating Base Poliwoda, escorted bytroops from 1-8th Infantry. Withinminutes of their arrival, the FSTattracted a line of several dozenSoldiers. Some needed to submit pay

inquiries to have financial concernsresolved, but most came to withdrawup to $350 via casual pay.

“It’s important because we don’thave ATMs out here,” said Pfc.Alexander Allen, a forward observerfor Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 1-8th Infantry, about thecasual pay option.

Allen said that he intends to use themoney to pay for haircuts, hygieneitems and new DVDs.

Most of the Soldiers say they havelost track of the number of missionsthey have gone on since their arrivalin theater, but Marable puts thenumber of missions between 25 and30.

He said knowing his troops are in

harm’s way has not gotten easier.“Every time they leave, I worry

about them,” said Marable, who seeshimself as the detachment’s ‘fatherfigure.’ “You never know what’s goingto happen out there.”

Despite his concerns, Marable saidhe knows his Soldiers can deal withthe stress.

“I can say I have been in one of theconvoys when an IED had blown upright in front of our vehicle and theSoldiers were a little nervous, as anySoldier would be in that situation, butthey handled themselves really well.”Marable said.

“They had the shakes a little bit, butwe consoled each other … and theywere OK.”

The 8th Finance Bn., has finance supportteams which travel to outlying FOBs to helpassist Soldiers with pay issues, inquires andcasual pays.


By Spc. Mary E. Ferguson3rd COSCOM PAO

Educator, innovator, activist, advo-cate, pioneer, historian, artist and leaderare just a few of the countless roleswomen played as they created communi-ties and promoted dreams during the20th century.

Fueled by organizations like theNational Women’s History Project,schools and communities throughoutAmerica spent March observing andhonoring the sacrifices and contribu-tions of the many women who seizedthese roles.

While the 2006 NWHP honoree listhosts the names of 11 women whosededicated quests toward an improvedworld are responsible for much ofhistory’s progress, 3rd Corps SupportCommand female Soldiers are continu-ously penning their names onto the listsof those worthy of future honors.

The Anaconda Times’ March articles,“Women: Builders of Communities andDreams,” observed the contributions ofthose 11 national honorees, whilesimultaneously recognizing the con-tinual commitment of today’s femaleSoldiers.

Profiling the lives, accomplishmentsand visions of two female senior leadersillustrated the influence 20th century’swomen builders have had on the nextgeneration’s crew.

Though Col. Jannett Jackson, the 40thCorps Support Group commander, andCommand Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Graham, the181st Transportation Battalion commandsergeant major, took different routes toreach their current leadership roles, bothjourneys paint a portrait of wherewomen have been and where they aregoing.

“For many years women weren’tcommonly looked at as a foundation forthe community, rather the glue that keptthings together,” Graham explained.

“Today’s women are making historyby being more than the glue. We arestepping up, building and strengtheningthe foundation for our communities.”

As Jackson and Graham reflect thestrength of the role models in their past,they project an infectious sense of hopeand encouragement to the Soldiers theylead, ensuring the foundation they havebuilt will not become neglected.

“I didn’t necessarily set out to be the‘first’ at something. It should be a no-brainer that the person who is right forthe job, regardless of whether they aremale or female, should get the job,” saidJackson, the highest ranking African-American female in the California Na-tional Guard.

Though they have broken barriersduring their military careers, they’ve alsohammered nails of dedication andselfless sacrifice into boards of commit-ment and strength.

They are building, not breaking, the

WWWWWomen: omen: omen: omen: omen: BuilderBuilderBuilderBuilderBuilders of Communities and Dreamss of Communities and Dreamss of Communities and Dreamss of Communities and Dreamss of Communities and Dreams

foundation for the young female Soldierswho post guard towers, command combatlogistics patrols, monitor transportationmovements, maintain equipment, leadplatoons and perform countless otherduties that may have been off-limits tofemales in the past.

Soldiers like:• Spc. Michelle Tavarez from the 19th

Support Center who is the first femalefrom her family to serve in the military.Tavarez’s recent promotion to specialistand participation in her company’sSoldier of the Month board revealed she isattacking opportunities for advancement,and welcoming new responsibilities.

• Sgt. Jayme Robison, a Reservist withthe 27th Transportation Battalion’s 690thMovement Control Detachment. Robisonis responsible for coordinating themovement of combat logistics patrolsthroughout theater, and works as a projectmanager at a construction company in hercivilian life.

• Sgt. 1st Class Betty Franklin andStaff Sgt. Debra Terrell, platoon ser-geants with 3rd COSCOM’s Headquar-ters and Headquarters Company, whodedicate themselves to the welfare andneeds of their Soldiers. Franklin andTerrell sacrifice what little personal timethey have while deployed conductingboard study group classes for lower

enlisted Soldiers.• 1st Lt. Tracie Pichotta

a reservist with the 548thCorps Support Battalion’s400th QuartermasterCompany who has been incharge of the LogisticalSuport Area AnacondaMortuary Affairs Teamduring her deployment.Pichotta is a probationofficer in her civilian life.

• Capt. MeganYoungblood of the 19thSupport Center, whoserved as aide de camp forBrig. Gen. RebeccaHalstead, duringHalstead’s first year as the3rd COSCOM command-ing general. Youngbloodthen deployed as the 19th SupportCenter’s S-1. Among countless otherresponsibilities, Youngblood handlesthe Rest and Recuperation (R & R) leavedates for all HHC, 3rd COSCOM andHHC, 19th Support Center Soldiers,playing a crucial role in the units’overall morale.

As a nation motivated by progressand growth, there will always be newchallenges and barriers to break, andfemale Soldiers like these will conquer

Capt. Megan Youngblood, the 19th Support Center's S-1,talks with a fellow 3rd COSCOM officer on her unit's firstfull-day in Kuwait in October 2005.

Sgt. 1st Class Betty Franklin, an HHC, 3rd COSCOM platoon sergeant, leads a formation of her unit's Soldiers into place just moments beforethe September transfer of authority ceremony on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Photos by Spc. Mary Ferguson

those challenges and demolish thosebarriers. They’ll stand sure-footed on thestrong foundation built by women likeJackson, Graham and thousands of otherfemale Soldiers, who were themselvesstanding on similar ground years earlier.

Though 2006’s 31 days of Americaofficially honoring women for theircontributions to our nation are comingto an end, women’s roles as builders ofcommunities and dreams is a nonstopeffort.


SoldierSoldierSoldierSoldierSoldiers collect pop ts collect pop ts collect pop ts collect pop ts collect pop tabababababsssssttttto aid cancer researo aid cancer researo aid cancer researo aid cancer researo aid cancer researchchchchchBy Sgt. Marshall ThompsonStaff Writer

Soldiers around Logistical Support Area Anacondaare paying more attention to what they do with theirempty soda cans. By saving the pop tabs, Soldiers canraise money for cancer research.

That’s why Spc. Sharleen Franyutti, a supply clerk,Spc. Teresa Ramirez, a personnel clerk, andPfc. Christina Boyers, a supply clerk, allfrom the 2-44th Air Defense Artillery, gottogether and put up signs and bottlesaround their unit area.

“We found out about it and decided todo it,” Franyutti said. “We put up bottles tocollect them.”

The idea came from Lt. Col. AlbertZakaib, 3rd Corps Support Command’s G-5civil affairs officer.

“I’m planning on sending these soda cantabs to a relative in Canada who has cancerherself and who has been turning them intoa company that provides funds for the Cancer Societyin exchange for the tabs,” Zakaib wrote in an e-mail.

Zakaib said that the idea is starting to catch on andthat he’s already received over 2,000 tabs. He said hehopes to receive even more as more Soldiers hear aboutthe program and start saving their pop can tops.

“I figure with all the sodas that are being consumedon this base, I could collect a sizable amount duringmy tenure here,” wrote Zakaib.

Franyutti said that since starting the project, shefinds herself picking up pop tabs wherever she sees

them. She said that sometimes her pockets jangle fromall the aluminum pieces. She and Ramirez agreed thatit’s been fun doing the project.

“We’ve had a lot of fun making the signs andgetting the bottles ready,” Franyutti said. “We alllaughed a lot while doing this.”

Ramirez said that anybody could start collectingaround their units and turn the collections of pop tabs

into the civil affairs office located near theProvider Chapel.

“It’s good to be in Iraq and do somethingmore,” Ramirez said. “We can help peopleback home.”

Franyutti and Ramirez have only beendoing the project for about two weeks andalready have a boxful of tabs. They have plansto put collection points up in the diningfacilities on LSA Anaconda.

“They’re popping these things all day atthe DFAC,” Franyutti said holding up a popcan tab.

Some might worry that a campaign like thiswill encourage Soldiers at LSA Anaconda to drinkmore soda then they normally would, but Franyuttisaid that’s not necessarily true.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve been drinking more soda, butI’m more aware what I do with my soda cans,” shesaid.

Ramirez said it’s a good program for her becauseshe likes to drink soda. Still, for these Soldiers, it’s allabout the people back home.

“It feels good because we are here to help peopleback home,” Franyutti said. “That’s the real reason.”

Spc. Teresa Ramirez, a personnel clerk, and Spc. Sharleen Franyutti, a supply clerk, both from 2-44th Air Defense Artillery,hand a box of pop can tabs to Maj. Patrick Howard, 3rd Corps Support Command’s deputy G-5. Soldiers from 2-44th ADAhave been collecting to the pop tabs to raise money for cancer research.

By Sgt. Zack Mott4th Inf. Div. PAO

Much has happened in Iraq since Feb. 22, but forsome members of Company A, 1-8 Combined ArmsBattalion, that is when their world stopped moving.

Staff Sgt. Curtis Howard II, Sgt. Gordon Misner IIand Spc. Thomas Wilwerth died on that day when animprovised explosive device struck their BradleyFighting Vehicle while they were en route to recoveranother disabled Bradley.

Each member of the crew was remembered for thestrength they possessed and the courage they dis-played.

Howard, who also served as the company mastergunner and headquarters platoon sergeant, was in hissecond tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom andoften used his combat experience to lead and mentorhis Soldiers.

“He was known for being an easy guy to talk to andhis love of life is apparent in everything,” said Lt. Col.Jeffrey R. Martindale, commander of 1-8 CAB, 3rdHeavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., whenspeaking about Howard during the memorial cer-emony at Forward Operating Base MacKenzie.

Misner, also on his second OIF rotation, was recalledas being one who walked to morning physical trainingsessions with a rucksack on his back containing hisneeded gear for the day. He followed up his morningcommute by leading the company runs or runningcircles around the other ability groups.

“We’d say, ‘there goes the next Sergeant Major of theArmy,” said Sgt. Daryl Mackie, a fellow member of Co.A, 1-8 CAB, speaking about Misner’s morning activities.

Wilwerth, in his first trip to Iraq, was remembered asa fun-loving guy who enjoyed playing pranks and justtalking with his brothers-in-arms.

“Wilwerth is a true Soldier who did everything hecould to accomplish the mission and improve every-day,” Martindale said.

These men were honored in a ceremony at FOBMacKenzie and will be remembered long after that day.

“They will now become part of Fighting Eagleshistory and they will never be forgotten,” Martindalesaid.

Memorial held forMemorial held forMemorial held forMemorial held forMemorial held for

fallen Soldiersfallen Soldiersfallen Soldiersfallen Soldiersfallen Soldiers

The memorial to Staff Sgt. Curtis Howard II, Sgt. GordonMisner II and Spc. Thomas Wilwerth paid tribute to themen who died when an improvised explosive devicestruck their Bradley Fighting Vehicle near Balad, Iraq.

Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

Photo by Sgt. Zack Mott


MaintMaintMaintMaintMaintenance section has all yenance section has all yenance section has all yenance section has all yenance section has all your parour parour parour parour partststststsBy Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

When vehicles and equipment break, theArmy loses more than just an item or set ofwheels — it loses combat effectiveness.Completing repairs and continuing themission are top priorities for everyoneinvolved. The G-4 maintenance section of the3rd Corps Support Command plays a vitalrole in getting and keeping equipment battle-ready.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hughes, the sectionNCOIC, said his Soldiers work with theDefense Logistics Agency and Army MaterielCommand to help speed up delivery of muchneeded replacement parts.

“Basically we assist all of the area supportgroups with the prime parts they can’t get,”said Hughes. “Any vehicles that have been inthe shop for a long time, we try to assist themand help them get what they need to get thejob done.”

Hughes said one of his most challengingprograms was tracking the status of add-onarmor for vehicles in Iraq.

“That was a fun chore, getting that done. Itwas hard because of units moving throughthe battlefield,” Hughes said. “It was just amatter of getting a handle on who has whatand where it’s at.”

Sgt. 1st Class Joe Lane, a maintenancesection NCO, said the mission is more thantracking down crucial parts. Working on thereceiving end of maintenance issues puts the

COSCOM G-4 maintenance section in abetter position to detect possible larger issues.

“I also help identify if there’s any trendswith parts,” Lane said. “For example, if aunit has nine tractor-trailers and eight ofthem are down with blown head gaskets,that tells me there’s a problem with thatvehicle’s head gaskets.”

Sgt. 1st Class Keith Godley, the logisticssupport NCO for the maintenance section,noted the importance of acting on trendsbefore they develop into serious problems.

“If there’s a trend, we try to work withthe outside agencies to narrow down thecause of the trend,” Godley said. “Weback brief the commanding general on allof the data so they have a chance to reactto it, and it keeps the battlefield operatingefficiently.”

Godley said that he is able to lookthrough multiple inventory stocks to findcritical parts, whether they are in Iraq,Kuwait or the United States.

“The parts that are ordered againstcritical fleets, if they have long lead timesor are backordered, it’s my job to look intothat and find out what we can do toexpedite getting them over here,” headded.

Lane, a former drill sergeant andplatoon sergeant, said adjusting to thenew job wasn’t easy.

“It took a little getting used to. I was adrill sergeant and platoon sergeant for sixyears, and that didn’t take a whole lot of

computer work. I was always in front ofSoldiers,” Lane said. “Now, I’m not theone with my hands on the equipment,and that’s what I’m used to, that whateverI say affects change immediately. Thethings I say now, it takes time for mydecisions to take effect and makechanges.”

Lane said that talking to his wifehelped him adjust to his new position.

“Whenever I’m having problems, I callmy wife, and she helps me see it from adifferent perspective,” Lane said. “We justbalance each other.”

Lane added that the new positionbroadened his view of the Army.

“It helps me see a bigger picture,” saidLane. “I’ve never worked on a general’sstaff before,” said Lane. “Every situationyou find yourself in there’s alwayssomething you can take from it to grow.”

Godley said his favorite part of the jobis seeing the impact he has on Soldiers onthe battlefield.

“As we’re looking at the deadlinereports, and tracking the parts, we can seeoperational percentages on the vehicles goup,” said Godley. “We know that we hadsomething to do with that. It’s satisfac-tion.”

Godley acknowledged that the sectionisn’t exactly the Hollywood version of theArmy, but said that doesn’t make it anyless vital to the mission.

“We don’t really have one of those jobs

Sgt. 1st Class Joe Lane, an NCO with 3rd CorpsSupport Command's G-4 maintenance section,scours multiple inventory locations for vitalreplacement parts.

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

that’s action-packed. We don’t come towork hearing gunshots and kicking downdoors, but if anything ever goes down,whether it’s a weapon system or vehicle,then the spotlight is on us,” Godley said.“You know how they say in a war you needbeans and bullets? That’s what we do. Wemake sure the fighters can fight.”

EO ofEO ofEO ofEO ofEO office ensures Soldierfice ensures Soldierfice ensures Soldierfice ensures Soldierfice ensures Soldiers receivs receivs receivs receivs receive fe fe fe fe fair treatmentair treatmentair treatmentair treatmentair treatmentBy Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Ensuring all Soldiers have equal oppor-tunities to succeed in the Army is a vitalmission that isn’t put aside in a combatzone.

Sgt. 1st Class Nichelle A. Sanders, thesenior equal opportunity and humanrelations advisor for the 3rd Corps SupportCommand, strives to maintain a fair workenvironment for every Soldier assigned tothe 3rd COSCOM.

“Our job is to ensure that everyone istreated fairly, regardless of their race, color,gender, national origin and or religion, andwe prevent them from being sexuallyharassed,” Sanders said. “We educate andtrain people to have unit representationdown at the unit so that they’ll haveanother level in the chain-of-command to gothrough to assist with any issues they mayhave.”

Sanders and her staff have enhanced themission by helping train EO representativesto serve at unit levels.

“Because we’re deployed, we’re autho-rized to do the Department of the Armycourse that’s taught in the United States,”Sanders said. “It’s 80-hours long and weteach them what their duties and responsi-bilities are as equal opportunity representa-tives in their commands.”

She said the program benefits the Armywith an increased number of qualified EOrepresentatives without the need to sendSoldiers back to the U.S. for several weeks.

“We don’t have to pay thousands ofdollars to bring civilians over here to trainthe reps,” said Sanders. “We’re teachingand training, so we’re saving the govern-ment an awful lot of money doing itourselves.”

Sanders said training EO representa-tives for each unit helps resolve issuesquicker than using resources from outsidethe unit.

“We ensure the command team under-stands policies and procedures and helpthem to implement them. Mostly we’re hereto help them with the support of theclimate within their unit,” said Sanders.“The equal opportunity program is set upto handle issues at the lowest level. Youcan’t do that if they have to go to the higherheadquarters every time to get help.”

Staff Sgt. Annette Tyler, the equalopportunity representative for the 400thQuartermaster Company, is a recentgraduate of the EO representative trainingcourse taught at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda.

She has used her newly-acquired skillsto help organize several events, includingan African-American History Monthcelebration.

“We researched famous African-Americans that people didn’t know muchabout,” said Tyler.

“We did 21 different [historical]people, and had people from the Army,Navy and Air Force trained as thosepeople to give the audience a chance tomeet them.”

Tyler said she didn’t want it to be thesame black history theme that dominatesother celebrations.

The event, called “Who am I?” requiredparticipants to learn about the personthey represented before giving a three-to-five minute speech about the person’s lifeand accomplishments.

Tyler added that the audience partici-pation created a fun learning environmentthat helped people learn more about someless celebrated African-American contri-butions to American history.

“We still did the slide shows onslavery and the beginning and end, it’spart of history and you have to do that,”Tyler said. “But the part people don’tknow is inventors and stuff like that.”

Tyler works on Better Opportunities forSingle Soldiers (BOSS) programs, like theAnaconda Games including a track meet,basketball relays and spades games.

“It’s part of EO too. It builds cohesion.You want people to get to know eachother,” said Tyler, noting that EO and

BOSS share some common goals. “Youwant everybody to feel comfortable.”

Tyler said she was reluctant to take onthe role of EO representative originally, butthat she’s happy to fill the role now.

“It’s a long class, and it’s a whole lot ofinformation. There’s a lot of stuff that youthought you knew, but you realize youdon’t really know,” Tyler said.

“I see stuff in a different light now. Ilearned about different cultures anddiversity. When you have a class of 35people, you have a little of everything in it.You learn a lot about people.”

She said the class was very challenging,and warned of the final examination.

“The test is no joke. It’s not a military test,if you fail you have to take that whole thingagain,” Tyler said.

She said she has taken away some veryimportant skills that help her, not only, inher duties as the EO representative, but alsoas an NCO and a person.

“You learn how to listen better. EverySoldier has a point when they’re talking,”Tyler said. “I’ll listen to everything theyhave to say and point them in the rightdirection if it’s not an EO issue.”

Tyler added that although she wasappointed to the position, she is happy tofill the job.

“I’m glad I was,” said Tyler. “It’s mademe a better person.”


By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

The Central Receiving and Shipping Point (CRSP)at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, with morethan 20 acres of work space, is the largest of nineCRSP yards in Iraq.

The yard is run by 2nd Platoon of the 21st CargoTransfer Company, an active-duty unit from FortLewis, Wash.

The company took over yard operations in Decem-ber. They have made, and are still in the process ofmaking, numerous improvements to the yard,including; a new office building, a new loadingramp, spreading more gravel and expanding thearea with the help of the Air Force.

They are planning on putting in a fence and lightpoles, said 1st Lt. Bart Lajoie, the transportationofficer in charge of the yard.

Although they put a lot of work into the improve-ments, customer service is still their number onepriority.

“We are here to receive Class VII major end itemsand unit equipment for redeploying and deployingunits. We are a central point in Iraq. Anythingredeploying from the northern part of the countrycomes through us and goes to Kuwait, and viceversa,” said Lajoie.

They also deal with newly issued or replacementClass VII items coming in for units already in the-ater, he added.

“We are here 24-7. Our goal is to make sure thatthe cargo is constantly flowing in and out. We don’twant it to sit there stagnant,” Lajoie explained.

As the equipment and containers travel throughthe country, they move from place to place methodi-cally, said Sgt. Charles Perault, a transportationmanagement coordinator from the 21st CTC. “TheCRSP is essentially used in a leapfrogging effect inmoving equipment, so you don’t have a truck drivergoing from Kuwait all the way to Mosul,” he ex-plained.

As combat logistics patrols come and go, theSoldiers and Kellogg, Brown and Root personnelworking at the CRSP always stand ready with avariety of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) toload and unload anything that comes through theyard.

“Teamwork is great. For a lot of the Soldiers it isnew to work with the civilian side of the house,”said Lajoie.

“But we learn from each other, and by doing thatwe were actually able to reorganize the yard in abetter fashion, where it helps customers come and goexpediently.”

Both the dayshift and the nightshift have twomain bodies — those who do the administrativework in the office, and those who make sureeverything is where it’s supposed to be in theyard.

Pfc. Michael Malone Jr. is part of the yard crew.“I oversee things that go on in the yard. Whenvehicles come in and they don’t have enoughdrivers, I help download them,” he said.

Malone was originally a cavalry scout, but assoon as he graduated his advanced individualtraining and arrived at Fort Lewis, he receiveddriver and hazmat training, and was assigned tothe 21st CTC.

Perault thinks that loading and unloadingthings expeditiously is one of the most important

YYYYYararararard operd operd operd operd operatatatatatororororors assiss assiss assiss assiss assist logist logist logist logist logistics opertics opertics opertics opertics operationsationsationsationsations

parts of their mission, making sure that the driversget the maximum amount of rest before they have tohit the road again.

“I have been on the road before. I am sympatheticto the convoy commanders and all the guys on theroad,” he said.

Customers seem to be satisfied with the servicesat the LSA Anaconda CRSP.

“We can come here any time of the night. Weusually arrive here in the early morning hours, andwe are able to offload at that time, which is one ofthe good things about this yard,” said Sgt. Keith L.Lucy, a bridge crewmember turned truck driver fromCompany A, 31st Forward Support Battalion.

His unit is at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. This was hisfourth visit to the CRSP yard at Anaconda.

“Compared to a lot of the CRSP yards, this onehas a variety of unloading equipment, so they canunload us very fast and therefore we are able to getmore rest for the trip back,” Lucy added.

At times, the personnel at the CRSP see someunusual equipment come through, but so far they’vehandled everything with ease.

Lajoie said that the strangest item he has seencome through so far was a radar dome of a rede-ploying Air Force element, but they “made it hap-pen.”

It’s hard to quantify the amount of equipmentthat is processed through the yard.

“Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 31, we moved over4,200 pieces, which included rolling stock andcontainers. We were quite busy,” said Lajoie.

As major units deploy and redeploy, the amountof cargo coming in and leaving the yard fluctuatesdrastically.

They are anticipating increased traffic as the U.S.Army shuts down its operations at some of theforward operating bases, said Perault.

1st Lt. Matt Clark, a military intelligence officer turned transportation officer from Company A, 31st Forward SupportBattalion from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait assists Sgt. Keith Lucy, a bridge crewmember turned truck driver in securing a tie-downchain at the Logistical Support Area Anaconda Central Receiving and Shipping Point.

Sgt. Keith Lucy, 21st Cargo Transfer Company, secures atie-down chain at the CRSP yard at LSA Anaconda.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

For Malone, working in the yard has been a newexperience. “It is good to know how to do what I amdoing here . . . next time I deploy out here with acavalry squadron, maybe they will need someonewho knows a little bit about transportation,” he said.

The CRSP yard tries to accommodate customersthe best they can. If a combat logistics patrol rollsin without the proper documentation for the equip-ment they transport, they are not getting turnedaround, Lajoie said.

Frustrated cargo, containers that are not prop-erly identified, are opened up with the help of themilitary police and the Provost Marshal’s Office. Byusing the PMO, the yard can find items inside tohelp properly identify the rightful owner of thecontainer.

However, as Malone noted, “If something is notgoing the way it is supposed to, it is not always theCRSP yard’s fault.”

MARCH 26, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES MARCH 26, 2006 PAGE 9ANACONDA TIMES

By Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

The award-winning country music groupMontgomery Gentry brought a piece of small-town Kentucky to about 3,800 troops in theSunni Triangle during a March 12 USOconcert.

Artists Gerald Edward “Eddie” Montgom-ery and Troy Gentry spent over an hourperforming hits such as “Something to beProud of,” “She couldn’t change me” and“Gone” to a crowd of enthused troops atLogistical Support Area Anaconda’s HoltStadium.

Beleaguered troops say they were morethan happy to have something to distractfrom the stress and the monotony of deploy-ment life.

“It was a good concert,” said Spc. RichardLowther, a radio operator for 1257th Trans-portation Company who listens to Montgom-ery Gentry songs on his MP3 player duringspare time, “it was real good for morale.”

Lowther added that the concert provided amuch-needed reprieve from work. “We workseven days a week,” he said about his unit.“We had to take a day off to see this concert.”

When the show began, the 4,000 seat

MontgomerMontgomerMontgomerMontgomerMontgomery Gentry Gentry Gentry Gentry Gentry play play play play playyyyys for LSs for LSs for LSs for LSs for LSA Anaconda troopsA Anaconda troopsA Anaconda troopsA Anaconda troopsA Anaconda troops

By Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

New England Reservists from the220th Transportation Companyserving at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda have mixed feelings abouttransferring to Al Asad.

They are excited to switch fromsupply hauling and escorting to fueltransportation.

“Most of our training was for fuelhauling,” said Capt. Lance Oliver, theunit’s commander. “So we are reallyexcited to finally do that mission.”

But after four months on post, theyare also getting used to life out ofAnaconda.

“It’s like just when we got settleddown, we’ve got to move,” said Spc.Scott Bibeau, a mechanic fromSwansea, Mass.

“It’s all right though. It’s themission they need us to do.”

That’s most Soldiers’ attitudebecause they plan to keep a fasttempo. “As long as the Soldiers arebusy and doing a mission that’sworth while, they are happy,” Oliversaid.

By that criterion, the unit’s moraleshould be high, since they’ve beenfully engaged since hitting theground in Iraq.

The unit’s two line-haul platoonsand its security escort platoon havedriven approximately 200,000 milesacross Iraq, traveling as far south asLSA Cedar II, east to LSA WarHorse,north to LSA Speicher and west to AlTaqqadum.

They’ve transported all classes ofsupplies including: water, ammuni-tion, and vehicle parts.

Moreover, the unit’s mechanicshop has kept more than 60 vehiclesrunning non-stop, a mission thatkeeps the mechanics working be-tween 10 and 12 hours a day.

The Soldiers expect to keep up thismission tempo.

They also expect to continue facingand defeating the threat of the insur-gency as they haul fuel throughoutIraq’s roads.

So far, they’ve battled small-armsfire, improvised explosive devicesand even sniper fire.

The unit has trained to face suchchallenges and they are prepared toaccomplish the mission. Even more,the attacks have helped the Soldiers“grow up,” said Sgt. David Gutierrez,a mechanic from Keene, N.H.

A 21-year-old biology major atKeene State College, Gutierrez saidthat before the deployment he gener-ally got up at 11 a.m. to attend two orthree classes and sometimes heworked two to three hours at hiscollege’s biology lab.

Now, Gutierrez said, he wakes upbefore sunrise and goes on the road at

capacity stadium was almost full. Hun-dreds more Soldiers, airmen and Marinescongregated in front of the stage to get acloser look at the celebrities.

The crowd included several injuredservicemembers from the Air ForceTheater Hospital who watched fromhospital beds. One servicemember wasMarine Corps Cpl. Alan Rivera, CompanyB, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines who wasinjured by an improvised explosivedevice in Fallujah. The band presentedRivera with a signed drumstick before theshow started.

As the first raw strum of Gentry’sguitar resonated through the night air,the sound of screaming troops—some ofwhom had been waiting over an hour—reached its crescendo. Without furtherado, Gentry broke out the beginningchords of the hit song “Gone,” followedin rapid succession by “She couldn’tchange me,”and “My town” to name justa few.

Unlike other performers, this duo kepttalking to a minimum throughout most ofthe show, preferring to let their rousingbeats and heartfelt lyrics speak forthemselves.

Award-winning country music stars Gerald "Eddie" Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry perform for troops at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, March 12.Photos by Spc. Spencer Case

However, at onepoint, while taking asip of O’Doul’sbetween songs,Montgomery did takethe time to show asense of humor aboutthe troops’ condi-tions.

“This non-alcoholicbeer sucks,” Montgom-ery declared, ashundreds of troopslaughed and cheered inagreement.

Montgomery laterstruck a more seriousnote.

“I promise you thatevery stage we go on,we remember you. Thepeople at home remember you. We are soproud of you. “ Montgomery told troops afterperforming the song, “Something to be proudof.”

The show was supposed to end with theupbeat rock tune, “Hell, yeah,” but whentroops demanded one more song, the bandacquiesced to the encore. After Montgomery

Gentry performed one last tune, severalhundred troops remained behind to shakehands and take pictures with the musicians.

As the lingering crowd dwindled, it wasclear that the troops who attended theperformance would return to their dailyroutines invigorated by the night of countrymusic they had shared.

Troops watch with fascination as the country music group Mont-gomery Gentry performs at Holt Stadium. With a 4,000 seat ca-pacity, the stadium was almost full and hundreds moreservicemembers were standing in front of the stage.

TTTTTransporransporransporransporransportttttation unit switcation unit switcation unit switcation unit switcation unit switches thes thes thes thes to fuel transporo fuel transporo fuel transporo fuel transporo fuel transport missiont missiont missiont missiont mission

least once perweek. As amember of theunit’s vehiclerecovery team,his task is toleave the safehaven of hisarmored truck toextract vehiclesout of the “dan-ger zone.”

“I’ve matureda lot since we gothere,” Gutierrezsaid. “It’s just alot of responsibil-ity.”

Most of theunit is under 30.Some are on theroad so often thatthey have becomeused to theattacks.

For example, Spc. Chase Boruch, a19-year-old who was deployed to Iraqone year ago and volunteered to staywith the 220th for another year, saidthat after having his combat logisticpatrols (CLPs) hit so many times, he’sused to it.

He described his response whenhis vehicle got hit with an IED justtwo days before: “I thought, ‘some-thing just blew up.’ It probably

wasn’t the mostappropriate wayto put it, butthat’s what wentthrough my head.I asked [thedriver] if he wasOK and then Ireported it . . . I’vegotten used to itby now,” Boruchsaid.

Boruch said hehas been directlyhit twice, but hisunit’s CLPs oftenencounter enemyincidents. So far,no one has beenseriously hurt.

DuringBarouch’s recentIED incident, bothhe and the driverwere fine, though

their truck’s radiator was broken anda 10-inch piece of shrapnel waslodged in the side of the truck.

The Soldiers say they owe theirsuccess in battling the insurgents to aseries of factors, including strongarmor on the vehicles, frequentleadership-led training, and experi-ence, given that more than 50 percentof the unit is on their second deploy-ment to Iraq.

The bottom line, according to theReservists, is that they have beencalled to serve and the sacrifices willbe the same whether at Anaconda orat Al Asad.

Those challenges include beingaway from their jobs and families.Staff Sgt. Mike McCarron, an assis-tant squad leader from North Adams,Mass., shut down his mechanic shopto come serve his second tour in Iraq.

He laments most missing his fourchildren’s high school years. Spc.Carlos Gonzalez, a mechanic fromBronx, N.Y., learned that he and hiswife are expecting a second child inJuly.

Spc. Shawn White, a truck driverfrom Greenfield, Mass., said he had tofind another relative to care for hisgrandmother because of his deploy-ment.

Nevertheless, the Soldiers saidthey joined knowing that deploy-ments are coming. Some even plan tomake the military a career, reenlistingdespite a possibility that doing sowill bring them back to Iraq.

“I miss my family really bad,”McCarron said. “But I made a com-mitment when I got into the Army 11years ago to serve my country andwhen they tell me to go, I go.”

And it doesn’t really matter to himwhether he goes to Anaconda or to AlAsad.

Spc. Scott Bibeau, a mechanic with the 220thTransportation Company from SwanseaMass., jokes that “just when we got settleddown, we got to move again” about his unit’stransfer to Al Asad from LSA Anaconda.The Soldiers said they look forward to prac-ticing their specialty at the new base.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Tappin, a vehicle recovery NCO from Dover, N.H. sprays down one of the unit’s vehicles at the 220th TransportationCompany’s headquarters at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. Tappin and the rest of the 220th Trans. Co. are scheduled to move to AlAsad to take over fuel transport missions in western Iraq.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda


By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Electricity keeps Soldiers andcivilian contractors working orenjoying free time while deployed toa combat zone. However, electricitycan be the enemy if it isn’t usedproperly.

The 3rd Corps Support Commandissued an electrical safety alert forthose living on Logistical SupportArea Anaconda. The alert is to letSoldiers and civilians know thedangers of electricity.

“We’ve had hundreds of nearmisses to every fire,” said Ms. LoreseDudley, the 3rd COSCOM safetydirector. “The big problem is thatSoldiers are overloading these de-vices.”

Power strips are the main cause ofconcern because too many devices arebeing plugged into them. Accordingto Dudley, an overloaded power stripis cause for concern because it createsheat in the cord.

If the cords aren’t stretched out,they stay coiled together and eventu-ally melt. If no one notices the meltedcords, they can burn the floor andanything else that might come incontact with them.

Personal heaters or heating ele-ments can overload the power stripscausing them to melt. Dudley believesthese heaters are the cause of over-loading during the colder months.

However, many of the power stripsare rated to ten amps. Overlookingthe amperage on these devices andoverloading them can cause seriousharm or even death throughout theyear.

The COSCOM safety alert provideshelpful reminders on how to keepyourself safe while enjoying your

Electrical outlets, strips can be a fire hazardElectrical outlets, strips can be a fire hazardElectrical outlets, strips can be a fire hazardElectrical outlets, strips can be a fire hazardElectrical outlets, strips can be a fire hazardelectrical devices.

Avoid circuit overload; beforeplugging in devices to power stripsmake sure the total current beingplugged in doesn’t exceed the ratingimprinted on the power strip. Resis-tance is the enemy; damage to cordsincreases electrical resistance, whichcauses cords to heat up and ignite.

Knotting, tightly coiling, and walk-ing on cords may cause damage. Keeppower strips where you can see them,never cover any part of an extensioncord with newspapers, clothing, rugsor any other objects while the cord is inuse.

Use approved devices; look for thecertification symbols: UL (UnderwritersLaboratories, Inc.) and CE (ConformitéEuropéene).

The UL mark on a product meansthat UL has tested and evaluatedrepresentative samples of that productand determined that they meet UL’srequirements.

A CE marking is a European mark-ing of conformity that indicates that aproduct complies with the essentialrequirements of European laws ordirectives with respect to safety,health, environment and consumerprotection.

This issue is important because thisis happening to Soldiers and civiliansacross Iraq.

Dudley said that people should lookat the fuses inside of the power strips,if they have one, to make sure that itmatches the rating on the device.

If the fuse doesn’t match the rating,replace it with a fuse of correct amper-age. This is one way to keep Soldiersand civilians from having to purchasenew power strips.

“The main thing that we have tostress to Soldiers and civilians here isto unplug everything when they get

ready to leave,” Dudley said.Dudley suggested people leaving

their trailers should shut everythingoff as well.

“We are trying to mitigate the riskas much as we can,” explainedDudley. “Awareness is the key. Iwould encourage Soldiers to getsmarter with electricity.”

“Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA) standardsfocus on the design and use of electri-cal equipment and systems,” accord-ing to “Controlling Electrical Haz-ards” a 2002 OSHA publication. Lookfor OSHA approved devices; they willcarry the UL or CE symbols.

Staying safe is the key. If you havequestions about safety or safety issuescontact the safety NCO in your unit.


By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Spring is here, bringing with it a glaring sun andwarm temperatures to send Soldiers scrambling for away to cool off.

The outdoor pool, located near Holt Stadium atLogistical Support Area Anaconda, will open April 1.Before diving in for that cool dip, anyone planning onusing the pool should bear in mind a few safety tips.

“We know when the summer months come theswimming pools are going to be full,” said Ms. LoreseDudley, the 3rd Corps Support Command safetydirector.

“We are reviewing all the risk managementworksheets, and we’re going to stress for our subordi-nate commands to do the same.”

Some age-old adages still stand true today, she

RRRRRemember safemember safemember safemember safemember safety firety firety firety firety firssssst when swimmingt when swimmingt when swimmingt when swimmingt when swimmingA Soldier swims laps at the Turner Indoor Pool at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. With the opening of the outdoor pool slated for April 1, 3rd Corps Support Command wants to remindeveryone of important water safety tips, like always swim with a battle buddy.

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

added.“You don’t want to eat too much before you get in

the water,” said Dudley. “You want to avoid crampsat all costs.”

The American Red Cross suggests on its Web site,www.redcross.org, that one of the best things peoplecan do to be safe near water is to learn how to swim.Dudley hopes new swimmers will think about safetyfirst.

“Swim to your ability. You know if you’re a begin-ner swimmer, that’s the way you need to start swim-ming. Don’t go out there and try to do it all,” Dudleysaid.

She also said swimming with friends and notoverdoing it is the right choice.

“Use a battle buddy. Never go swimming alone,”Dudley said. “Also, watch fatigue. If you’re tired outthere, you need to stop.”

Dudley added that units that wish to conductphysical training or other events at the pool wouldbenefit from planning with the Morale, Welfare andRecreation staff before staging the event.

“The MWR does an excellent job ensuring there areplenty of life guards out there,” said Dudley. “But it’salways good if you’re going to have a PT event tocontact the MWR so they can make sure they havelifeguards on hand with their safety equipmentnearby.”

Dehydration and skin care add to the pre-swimchecklist for safe swimmers.

“Hydration is always important, but avoid thehazards of over-hydration,” Dudley said.

“When you’re out there and enjoying the weather,you’ve got to make sure you protect yourself from thesun, so make sure you’re wearing some kind of sunblock.”

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

Patriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat Stress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrololololol

Sustaining Soldiers by managing stress to improve mission readiness

Command ConsultationsCombat and operational stress supportMental Health counselingPsychoeducational briefingsPsychiatric consultation

Critical Incident Debriefings/Trauma Management

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

Emergency 24-hour Service and Mobile Treatment Team Available

Please call in advance to eliminate waiting


March 261943 Army Nurse Elsie Ott becomes the firstwoman to be awarded the Air Medal1945 Kamikaze attack on U.S. battle fleet offOkinawa1945 Seventh Army attacks Worms on theRhine1951 USAF flag approved1958 Army launches third successful U.S. sat-ellite, Explorer III

March 271794 Congress authorizes construction of sixfrigates, including Constitution and Constel-lation1799 USS Constitution recaptures the Ameri-can sloop Neutrality from France1814 Battle of Horseshoe Bend: Andrew Jack-son defeats the Creeks1942 Allies raid German submarine base in StNazaire1945 US XX Corps captures Wiesbaden, Ger-many

March 281800 Essex becomes first the American war-ship to ‘round the Cape of Good Hope1814 HMSs Phoebe and Cherub capture USSEssex off Valparaiso, Chile1942 RAF bombs Lubeck1945 Last V-1 buzz bomb attack on London

March 291865 Battle of Quaker Road, VA1942 British cruiser Trinidad torpedoes itselfin the Barents Sea1943 Meat, butter & cheese rationing begin inthe U.S.1971 1st Lt. William Calley Jr., found guilty inMy Lai massacre1973 Last U.S. troops leave Vietnam, nineyears after the Tonkin Gulf Resolution

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

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

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

East MWREast MWREast MWREast MWREast MWR ScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleBoxing: The LSA Anaconda Fitness Center offers

boxing 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 on

Wednesday, 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!

Karaoke Night: Every Tuesday at 8 p.m.Table Tennis Tournament: A Table tennis tourna-

ment will be every Sunday at 3 and 8 p.m.8-Ball Tournament: An 8-ball tournament will be held

every Monday at 3 and 8 p.m.

DCS BriefingsBriefings are held Monday, Wednes-

day and Friday at 8 a.m. at MWREast Recreation Complex Movie

Room.For information call Sgt. Wilson at 829-1815/1817.

West MWR ScheduleWest MWR ScheduleWest MWR ScheduleWest MWR ScheduleWest MWR Schedule8-Ball Tournament: An 8-ball tournament will be held

every Tuesday at 1 and 8 p.m.Darts Tournament: A darts tournament will be held

Sundays at 8 p.m.

• College classes online• Computer classes• GED study sessions• CLEP study sessions and testing• College entrance examination preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)• GT improvement classes• Pre-test GT predictor• Online military education (eArmyU, ACCP, Smart Force, AARTS, ACES)• Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test study session

DSN 829-4010

Blackjack Education Center

offers the following programs

March 301942 SS murders 200 inmates of Trawniki la-bor camp1944 TF 58 begins several days of raids onPalau, Yap, and Ulithi.1945 Soviet troops enter Austria1961 NASA civilian pilot Joseph Walker takesX-15 169,600' (51,690 m)

March 311814 Allies capture Paris1941 Senior Army and Navy air defense offic-ers in Hawaii warn of danger of surprise car-rier raid from the north.1967 NATO headquarters moves to Casteau-Maisisres, Belgium1968 Lyndon Baines Johnson announces hewill not seek re-election

April 11893 U.S. Navy establishes the rate of ChiefPetty Officer1942 U.S./Philippine troops on Bataan go onquarter rations1954 Air Force Academy established1954 First Army helicopter battalion formed,Fort Bragg, NC1992 Battleship USS Missouri (on which, Ja-pan surrendered) decommissioned

April 21827 Construction of the first Naval Hospitalbegins at Portsmouth, Va.1865 Southern Gen. A.P. Hill is killed by a Fed-eral picket1917 Pres. Woodrow Wilson asks Congress todeclare war against Germany1982 Argentina occupies the Falklands Islands1986 Four Americans killed by bomb at theAthens Airport, Greece

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]

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

MARCH 26, 2006 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

March 263 p.m. Shaggy Dog6 p.m. Deuce Bigalow 29 p.m. Doom

March 273 p.m. Hostel6 p.m. Last Holiday9 p.m. Shaggy Dog

March 283 p.m. Deuce Bigalow 26 p.m. Shaggy Dog9 p.m. The Family Stone

March 293 p.m. Shaggy Dog6 p.m. Doom9 p.m. Hostel

March 303 p.m. Family Stone6 p.m. Last Holiday9 p.m. Shaggy Dog

March 313 p.m. Tristan and Isolde6 p.m. The Family Stone9 p.m. V for Vendetta12 a.m. V for Vendetta

April 13 p.m. V for Vendetta6 p.m. The Family Stone9 p.m. Glory Road

April 23 p.m. Glory Road6 p.m. Tristan and Isolde9 p.m. V for Vendetta

Movie Synopsis for March 26-April 2V for VendettaR, 98 minHugo Weaving, Natalie Portman

In a story where Germany won a future World War andGreat Britain is now a fascist state, a masked vigilanteknown only as “V” conducts guerrilla warfare againstthe government. When he rescues a normal youngwoman (Portman), she joins his struggle against theforces of oppression

The Shaggy DogPG, 98 minTim Allen, Kristin Davis

When deputy district attorney Dave Douglas takes on acase involving an animal labratory, he is accidentallyinfected with a genetic mutation serum that transformshim from a family man into the family dog. But with hisnew perspective Douglas realizes his sense of smell isnot the only thing that has improved. He hears and seethings as a sheepdog that he would never hear as ahusband and father and he realizes he’s got to changemore than his fur coat to become a better person.

HostelR, 95 minJay Hernandez, Derek Richard

Two adventurous American college buddies, Paxtonand Josh, backpack through Europe eager to makequintessentially hazy travel memories with newfriend Oli, an Icelander they’ve met along the way.Paxton and Josh are eventually lured by a fellowtraveler to what’s described as a nirvana for Americanbackpackers—a particular hostel in an out-of-the-way

Slovakian town stocked with Eastern Europeanwomen.

The Family StonePG-13, 102 minDermot Mulroney, Diane Keaton

The Stones, a New England family, have their annualholiday gathering. The eldest son brings his girlfriendhome to meet his parents, brothers and sisters. The bo-hemian Stones greet their visitor—a high-powered, con-trolling New Yorker—with a mix of awkwardness, con-fusion and hostility. Before the holiday is over, relation-ships will unravel while new ones are formed.

Tristan and IsoldePG-13, 125 minJames Franco, Sophia Myles

In the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, young lov-ers doomed against the forces of royal politics. Englishknight Tristan wins the hand of the daughter of the IrishKing, but the love threatens the truce between their twocountries.

Glory RoadPG, 106 minJosh Lucas, Derek Luke

The inspiring true story of the underdog Texas Westernbasketball team, with history’s first all African-Ameri-can starting lineup of players, who took the country bystorm, surprisingly winning the 1966 NCAA tourna-ment title. Hall of Famer Don Haskins, the passionatelydedicated college basketball coach that changed the thehistory of basketball with his team’s victory in this time.

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

March 26, 2006ANACONDA TIMES

WWWWWorororororkkkkkout grout grout grout grout group helps motivoup helps motivoup helps motivoup helps motivoup helps motivate one another tate one another tate one another tate one another tate one another to achieo achieo achieo achieo achieve goalsve goalsve goalsve goalsve goals

By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

While some Soldiers are caught up in the gruel-ing everyday work of deployment, others make it apoint to allocate time to go to the gym.

A handful of Soldiers from 3rd Corps SupportCommand units and a civilian counterpart meet inthe gym almost every day to work out together.

“You have to have something to do most days. Ifyou don’t have something to occupy your timewith, it gets boring,” said Spc. Brett Howell, 21, anintelligence analyst with the Georgia NationalGuard’s 248th Military Intelligence Company.

Back home Howell was a college student, but hewas activated during his first semester of college.He set some personal goals for the deployment, oneof which was to work out on a regular basis andgain muscle without gaining fat, which he said isdifficult.

His supervisor, and gym partner, Sgt. BryanBoling, who is also an intelligence analyst with the248th, is motivated by his children.

“The biggest thing is that I have two little boysat home. One is six and one is five and I want to beable to keep up with them. When I came over here, Iwas a little overweight. Now I want to get in shape.That way when I get back home, I can keep up withthem and wear them out, not the other wayaround,” Boling said.

The third member of the workout team is Spc.James Enyart, a satellite communications systemsoperator-maintainer with Company D, 40th SignalBattalion. Since his unit is split up and assigned toother units in teams, they don’treally conduct unit PT. It is upto him to stay in shape, andhe does.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

“I had been doing fine on the whole self-motiva-tion and coming in and then I started slacking offto be honest,” said Enyart.

That is why he started working out with otherpeople. It gives him the chance of ‘reporting tosomebody.’ “You don’t want to let down yourworkout buddy,” he said.

The fourth member and the only civilian onthe team isRoger Batten, alogisticalanalyst.

His goal isto lose weightand look

better when hegoes back to the

states.“After I got out

of the Army, Istopped workingout and gainedsome weight. NowI need to lose itagain,” he said.

The four ofthem coach, spotand motivate eachother in the gym

on a daily basis.They all workthe night or

swing shift, so

Spc. James Enyart, a satellite communications systems operator-maintainer with Company D, 40th Signal Battalion worksout with 50 lb. dumbells as Spc. Brett Howell, an intelligence analyst with the 248th Military Intelligence Company, takes anote of what exercises they have completed during the workout.

the mid-morning workouts fit their schedule justfine before they go to bed.

They all agree that it is easier to exercise withworkout partners.

“It is definitely easier to workout as a team. Youhave somebody to come to the gym with. You getunmotivated, and some of the days when you comein dragging, they will motivate you and get youback in and ready to go,” said Howell.

“Sometimes you get into a routine and you neednew exercises, which you can do. These guys havea lot of knowledge. It helps you out. It gets you intoa different workout,” Enyart added.

Howell said that he learned some of the exercisesfrom observing others in the gym. A Kellogg, Brownand Root employee working in the gym also ad-vised them on proper form, how to use some of themachines and different types of exercises.

Boling started off reading fitness magazines, buthad a lot of unanswered questions, so he startedconsulting others in the gym, and ended up withthe team he works out with now.

As they meet in the mornings, the team decideswhat muscle groups to work that day.

The arms workout is their favorite and they least likeleg days due to the soreness attained afterwards.

“You have camaraderie going on, you all areworking towards the same goal. It is a good feel-ing,” Enyart said.

The small team keeps chugging along, day-after-day, meeting each other in the gym, working to-wards a personal goal, one day closer to redeploy-ment.

Sgt. Bryan Boling, an inteligence analyst with the 248th Military IntelligenceCompany assists his Soldier and workout partner Spc. Brett Howell, also an

intelligence analyst, as he lifts dumbells.

Soldiers, civilianSoldiers, civilianSoldiers, civilianSoldiers, civilianSoldiers, civilianmeet on daily basismeet on daily basismeet on daily basismeet on daily basismeet on daily basis


FlyFlyFlyFlyFly-a-a-a-a-awwwwwaaaaay team trains 4th BCT mecy team trains 4th BCT mecy team trains 4th BCT mecy team trains 4th BCT mecy team trains 4th BCT mechanicshanicshanicshanicshanicsBy Sgt. Joshua Salmons4th Sustainment Brigade PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq –Taking a twist from the “Field of Dreams” adage, ateam of mechanics on Camp Falcon has adoptedthe philosophy: “If we install it, they will come.”

The seven-member “fly-away team” from the503rd Maintenance Company’s automotive platoontook a break from their normal work of replacingengines and other tasks on Logistical Base Seitz inearly February to begin working on Camp Falcon;adding new gunner restraints and combat locks tohumvees.

The new combat locks are a single action mecha-nism, where one motion opens the door, instead ofthe normal ‘lift and pull back’ method of operatingthe old locks.

The gunner restraint is a harness that keeps theSoldier from being ejected from the vehicle during arollover or sudden stop.

Normally to get the enhancements, customerswould have to go to where the maintenance person-nel were – putting their vehicles and crews at riskby traveling to different forward operating bases.

“The benefit of fly-away teams is that the cus-tomer doesn’t have to go into harm’s way to getsafety upgrades,” said Staff Sgt. John Mickens,team NCOIC. “We come to them and it’s easier forthem.”

Apart from the distance-saving measure, locat-ing the maintenance personnel near their custom-ers also means a unit doesn’t have to take vehiclesoff missions just to wait around for upgrades, hesaid.

Initially processing six trucks a day, the team hasimproved their output to more than 10 trucks perday. The team has installed approximately 350 locksand restraints since their work began on Feb. 7.

Working with maintenance personnel from the4th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team(BCT), the 503rd fly-away team teaches 4th BCT

mechanics how to installthe upgrades whilehelping lessen the shop’sworkload.

“They’re coming in andhelping train our guys,”said Capt. William Rene,the 4th BCT maintenanceofficer.

“My guys would haveto do their normal workand add these upgrades.But with the fly-awayteam, my guys can keep

Spc. Jose Martinez installs a humvee gunner’s harness bracket on Forward Operating BaseFalcon. Martinez is a scout with the 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment.

working and learn this on the side.”While the Falcon reassignment isn’t permanent,

the Soldiers see it as a chance to focus on this onetask and experience something new.

“It’s a nice break from Seitz,” said Spc. RobertOnthank, a welder with the team. “It feels goodgiving these guys these things, especially if it’llkeep them safer on the roads.”

“It would be incredibly tiring to have to do ourold work and these safety installations,” saidMickens. “It’s good to focus on this. It’s helpingsave Soldiers’ lives.”

Additional fly-away teams work on ForwardOperating Bases Prosperity, Rustamiyah and Iskan,with future plans for one at Mahmudiyah.

Spc. Robert Onthank begins disassembling an old combatlock from a humvee door on Forward Operating Base Fal-con. Onthank is a welder with the 503rd Maintenance Com-pany, serving on a fly-away team from Logistical Base Seitz.

Photos by Sgt. Joshua Salmons


AROUND 3rd COSCOM

Operation Swarmer begins with the largest air assault operation since Operation Iraqi Freedom I. The operation, a combined effort by Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition troops, tookplace in the southern Salah Ad Din province for several days.

OPERAOPERAOPERAOPERAOPERATIONTIONTIONTIONTIONSWARMERSWARMERSWARMERSWARMERSWARMER

Soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 1st Brigade, 4th Division and the 101st Airborne Division’s3rd Brigade Combat Team receive a pre-flight briefing from a UH-60 Blackhawk crewchief prior to the start of Operation Swarmer.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Lyle Grose

Soldiers and aircraft are positioned on the airstrip at Forward Operating Base Remagen inadvance of Operation Swarmer, a combined Iraqi and Coalition operation to clear a sus-pected insurgent operating area.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Antony Joseph

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Antony Joseph

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