Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika

Vol. 3, Issue 28 July 9, 2006

Dining Facility 4 opensHealth Room

LSA Anaconda hostscitizenship ceremony

Pg. 3

Pg. 2

TTTTTattattattattattoooooooooo3rd COSCOM honors colonel’s departure

Col. Susan Sowers, 3rd Corps Support Command’s chief of staff, commands a formation during a tattoo ceremony for Col. Steven Shapiro at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Pg. 8Pg. 8Pg. 8Pg. 8Pg. 8


Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

JULY 9, 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

FFFFFreedom reborn thrreedom reborn thrreedom reborn thrreedom reborn thrreedom reborn through citizenship ceremonough citizenship ceremonough citizenship ceremonough citizenship ceremonough citizenship ceremonyyyyyBy Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Sustainer Theater, located on Logistical SupportArea Anaconda, near Balad, Iraq, was the settingfor a citizenship ceremony early Saturday morningon July 1.

Seventy Soldiers and Marines took part in theNaturalization Oath of Allegiance for citizenshipwhile deployed in support of Operation IraqiFreedom.

The ceremony marked an important day for theseSoldiers. While their hard work doesn’t go unno-ticed, they sacrificed their free time to make theirdream of becoming a citizen a reality.

“We’re a part of history. Not many people cansay they did it [a naturalization ceremony] here,”said Spc. Wendy Giudino-Denney, a supply clerkwith the 376th Personnel Services Battalion on LSAAnaconda. “Now I’m a citizen.”

For Denney the process was a long one but wellworth the wait.

“I’m the last one to become a citizen in myfamily,” Denney explained.

Denney, and other servicemembers receivingcitizenship, recited the oath given to them by JohnM. Bulger, the District Director for the Rome Dis-trict with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Ser-vices. Bulger spoke to the audience about theremarkable sacrifice they have made for the coun-try.

“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years and every

Servicemembers bow their heads for the invocation given at a citizenship ceremony held at Logistical Support Area Ana-conda on July 1.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

time I do it, it’s just a wonderful feeling,” Bulgersaid. “It renews your sense of American values, justthe way each generation of American immigrantsrenews the United States.”

He expressed the honorable nature of an eventlike this in Iraq.

“These men and women, like thousands of otherimmigrants, are serving this country proudly andare making extraordinary sacrifices for America,”Bulger said. “They’re putting their lives on the lineto defend freedoms they have only today secured forthemselves.”

Denney’s service in the military made it possiblefor her to partake in the ceremony. She believes thisis an amazing experience.

“I love to do this,” she said. “There is so muchpride in this. How many people can say they aresuch a big part of history?”

Pfc. Sateesh Bhattarai, a Soldier with the 506thQuartermaster Company stationed at Al Asad, Iraq,echoed the words of Denney about his service andcitizenship.

“I’m really excited,” Bhattarai said. “I can’texplain it in words.”

Servicemembers give up so much to defend the

Spc. Mark Hall, an indirect fire infantryman with Headquar-ters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,4th Infantry Division, raises his right hand and takes theoath to become a U.S. Citizen at a citizenship ceremonyheld at Logistical Support Area Anaconda on July 1.

freedoms of the United States, but for theseservicemembers, the sacrifice and hard work hasculminated into a day of acceptance as an Ameri-can citizen.

These ceremonies are not just for the Soldiersbecoming citizens, Pfc. Garry Schwartzman, aSoldier with B Battery 2/5 Field Artillery Battalionstationed in Mosul, Iraq, explained. His commanderwas a key part in Schwartzman receiving hiscitizenship.

“My commander was very eager for me to cometo this ceremony,” said Schwartzman. “He told meabout this great opportunity to come to LSA Ana-conda to fulfill this great accomplishment.”

His trip to LSA Anaconda was a life-changingevent for him.

“I’ve waited a year and a half to fulfill this,”explained Schwartzman. “It’s an accomplishmentof a lifetime.”

These servicemembers received an importantreward, the citizenship they earned.

“You bring new blood, new ideas, new life to ourcountry,” said Col. Mark W. Hampton, 35th AreaSupport Group Commander.

“Through this ceremony our freedom is reborn.”

JULY 9, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

What do you think about the new Superman?

Pfc. Chauncey Richburg50th Engineer Battalion“Digital advances might make itbetter.”

Capt. Carl MasonCo. A, 64th BSB. 4th ID“It’s coming out at the right time.”

Staff Sgt. Michael BennettCo. A, 64th BSB. 4th ID“I would rather have seen TomWelling in the role.”

Spc. Richard Hendrzak50th Engineer Battalion“It will be hard to replace Chris-topher Reeve.”

Sgt. 1st Class Walter TrotterCo. A, 64th BSB. 4th ID“I think it will be great, withtoday’s technology.”

DFDFDFDFDFAAAAAC creates health room for serC creates health room for serC creates health room for serC creates health room for serC creates health room for servicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembersssssBy Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

Dining Facility No. 4 has come up witha new idea for servicemembers andcivilians who would like to watch theirweight.

The DFAC has opened a Health Room,a side-room off of the main dining area,three months ago, to allow patrons to eatlow-calorie diets.

They serve chicken or fish, pasta, rice,steamed vegetables, salads, offer fat freesalad dressings, juices, low fat milk andusually fruit for dessert.

“A couple of months ago at the DFACCouncil meetings ideas were brought upfor Soldiers who are on the overweightprogram or trying to lose weight,” saidSgt. 1st Class Teresa English, the seniorfood operations sergeant of the facility,who is in Forward Support Company, 4thBattalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159thCombat Aviation Brigade. “We came upwith an idea for a separate place, wherethere are no temptations ... the only badthing is that when they leave, they have towalk past the ice cream bar.”

The headcounts have been soaring eversince the Health Room opened. It onlytook a couple of days for the news tospread and the number of customers hascontinued to rise.

“First we started with one box ofasparagus, now we do four to eight. Westarted off with one box of chicken, nowwe prepare eight. We really like that,”said David Ramos, a food service techni-cian with Kellogg, Brown and Root.

The main dining area serves someitems that are not recommended forpatrons who are trying to watch theirweight or simply trying to eat healthy.“We got almost a ‘Nintendo Generation,’where Soldiers are used to the fast food,the short order, and it just has a lot of

unhealthy stuff,” English explained.Although the room is only open for

lunch and dinner every day, patronsshould be able to get a healthy selectionof breakfast from the main serving area.They should choose egg whites, turkeysausage, fruit, low fat milk, yoghurt andcereal if they want to eat a healthybreakfast, recommended Chief Warrant

Officer Sharon Simmons, who is the foodprogram manager of the facility. She is inHeadquarters and Headquarters Com-pany, 159th CAB, based at Fort Campbell,Ky.

Simmons thinks that people who tendto overeat all have their reasons for it. “Ifthe food is available, they have thetendency of wanting it when they see it. . .


Soldiers help themselves to some healthy food in the Health Room of Dining Facility No. 4. The room opened a little over two months ago,to create a temptation-free environment for those who are trying to watch their weight.

Some Soldiers are stressed, and when youare under stress, you tend want to eatthings that you are not supposed to beeating,” she said.

“Portion control is also very impor-tant,” Simmons said. “If you want to havesweets, you can, you just have to knowyour limit, have to know your body.”

See Health Room on pg. 15


By Sgt. Rachel BruneStaff Writer

LSA DIAMONDBACK, Iraq – The Soldiers of the 142ndCorps Support Battalion no longer have to survive a deadlysituation to describe what it is like to roll over in an up armoredhumvee.

With the unveiling of the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer,or HEAT, in June, the Soldiers now have another weapon in thesafety arsenal to combat Humvee rollovers, which have claimed13 lives in 2006 alone.

“We want to make sure that we have no more memorialservices and no more trips to the hospital,” said Lt. Col. RonaldGreen, the 142nd battalion commander.

The HEAT is an M1114, or up-armored humvee chassis,mounted on an axle and powered by a generator. When inoperation, the device rotates the entire chassis to simulate arollover situation.

“When you’re upside down, you’re disoriented,” said Capt.James George, company commander, 473rd QuartermasterCompany. “That was the worst complication – figuring outhow to open the door.”

George explained he had not been able to imagine a rolloversituation clearly before participating in the simulator.

“It’s a great device,” said George. “It’s going to help savelives.”

During the initial unveiling ceremony, held at the battalion’scelebration of the Army’s 231st birthday, each subordinate unitcommander and first sergeant donned body armor and kevlarto experience the simulator.

The operator first rocked the chassis to a 25 degreeangle, then spun it the other way to simulate a rollover.The occupants then had to exit the vehicle while it was

HumHumHumHumHumvvvvvee egress trainer unee egress trainer unee egress trainer unee egress trainer unee egress trainer unvvvvveeeeeiled in noriled in noriled in noriled in noriled in northern Iraqthern Iraqthern Iraqthern Iraqthern Iraq

Photo by Sgt. Rachel Brune

positioned upside down.“It’s a great trainer to assist Soldiers to know at what angle

they’re going to roll over [and] how to exit,” said 1st Sgt. PerryWilliamson, 142nd Headquarters and Headquarters Detach-ment.

Although the 142nd CSB, an active duty unit from Fort Polk,La., has less than two months left on its deployment, the trainerwill allow Soldiers, in the future the ability to get the training,said Williamson.

Capt. Ronnie Crosby, HHD commander, mentioned that theinitial 25 degree tilt was surprising.

“It didn’t feel like we were going to tip,” said Crosby.“Maybe that’s why we have rollovers.”

This is the fourth HEAT in existence in the Army, and thefirst one in Iraq, according to James F. Jennings, safety officer forthe 101st Sustainment Brigade, the 142nd CSB’s parent unit.

A team of Soldiers from the 872nd and 298th MaintenanceCompanies built the machine, working from blueprints releasedby Coalition Forces Land Component Command at a safetyconference March 20.

The construction team added several innovations to theoriginal design. The battalion’s HEAT is the first to include asafety cage around the turret, which will enable gunners topractice slipping into the interior of the humvee.

Rather than utilize commercially-fabricated parts, the projectofficer decided to mobilize the Army’s vast supply system toprovide the components for the HEAT.

Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey De Wign, 298th MovementControl Team shop officer, acquired old parts for the machinethat had been relegated to the “bone yard” and stricken from theArmy’s books, as well as parts that could easily be orderedthrough the system.

“I thought to myself, we have the largest supply inventory in

Spc. Angel Ocegueda, 298th Maintenance Company, acts as a safety on the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, as Staff Sgt. James Jett, 872nd Maintenance Company, operates thesimulator during unveiling ceremonies at Logistical Support Area Diamondback.

the world,” said De Wijn.The HEAT drive motor is the same motor used to power the

turret on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and the turret gear is froman Avenger drive assembly.

“This is a triumph of ingenuity and innovation here,” saidJennings.

The entire construction took about seven weeks and $10,000to complete, according to De Wijn.

Jennings attributes much of the innovation and efficiency tothe additional sets of skills the Soldiers brought to the project.The two maintenance companies are Army Reserve units, andthe project manager, Staff Sgt. James Jett, 872nd Main. Co., is amaintenance manager for Infiltrator Systems.

Jett, a senior quartermaster and chemical repair sergeant,holds an Associates of Applied Science in electrical andmechanical engineering from Weber State University. Hebecame involved in the project when his shop officer showedhim a collection of parts.

“He said, ‘We want you to make a rollover machine out ofthis pile of junk,’” said Jett. Although both Jennings and DeWijn gave Jett the majority of credit for the successful completionof the project, he deferred the credit to his team of Soldiers fromthe two maintenance companies.

One of the advantages of this model of the HEAT,according to Jett, is that it is completely self-containedand self-powered, as well as being very portable.

The bottom line, from a safety viewpoint, is that withthis training, the first time a Soldier is involved in arollover will not be the first time he or she has gonethrough the experience, said Jennings.

The Soldier will have the necessary muscle memoriesto bring the gunner into the vehicle before the rolloverand then exit in a safe manner.


SerSerSerSerServicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembers sing of ws sing of ws sing of ws sing of ws sing of war in Irar in Irar in Irar in Irar in IraqaqaqaqaqBy Sgt. Judith DaCosta3rd COSCOM PAO

Servicemembers at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda participate in extra-curricular music activities to pass thetime, however, there are a few performingartists that devote large portions of theirfree time to creating a sound that isbeyond the level of extracurricular in anattempt to reach a worldwide audience.

“We’re just about to wrap up themaking of our album,” said Sgt. Lee Gore,a 21st Cargo Transfer Company Soldier,and one of at least three servicemembersat LSA Anaconda who are activelyattempting to push their musical visionout to a larger audience through com-pleted albums on CD.

Gore used his self-taught audioengineering knowledge to create a compi-lation CD entitled “Soldiers in IraqCompilation Album.”

Gore said he wants the world to knowthe Soldier’s story from a Soldier’sperspective, and he is not alone.

Airman Edward Grant, 322nd Expedi-tionary Security Forces Squadron, is

another aspiring artist who plans torelease his first independent album at theend of his deployment.

The second song on his album de-scribes life overseas and is aptly entitled“The Sandbox.”

Lastly, Sgt. 1st Class Reginale Thomas,Company A, 32nd Signal Battalion, 22ndSignal Brigade, is also working on a CD,entitled “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,” due forrelease in 2007.

These servicemembers have madesignificant progress in their efforts toshare their experiences through the musicmedium, but they didn’t accomplish theirgoals overnight. It took a significantamount of dedication and determinationto get there.

Many recording musicians on the LSAagreed that noise from incoming mortars,generators and next door neighbors poseadditional challenges during recordingsessions.

The recording challenge was especiallygreat for Gore, whose completed productwas produced in Iraq.

The album took five months to com-plete, Gore said, who currently works 10-

Photo by Sgt. Judith DaCosta

Sgt. Lee Gore, 21st Cargo Transfer Company, sits in his room/recording studio at Logistical Support Area Anaconda working on his compilation CD he began in Iraq.

looming, you have to make plans far inadvance to accomplish simple tasks.”

Still, Grant overcame the urge toremain unproductive and has establishedlinks to his music online as well.

These servicemembers work pastchallenges to deliver a product they havecommitted themselves to.

Thomas has been in the service for 10years and has reached the end of hiscontract. Once he redeploys to Germanyhe plans to share his story through musicfull time.

“Music is my passion,” said Thomas.“I enjoy the Army but there comes a timewhen we must move on.”

In each of these albums, servicemem-bers combine their passion for music withtheir experiences on the job.

Each song may provide a unique,historical account that may be comparedto the pages of a deployedservicemember’s diary.

Though these songs have yet to receiverecognition from major recording labels,there is definitely an audience that, ifnothing more, is curious to know whatservicemembers experienced in Iraq.

12 hour night shifts during the week. Hesaid he brought professional equipmentand ordered some online. He also pur-chased foam to rest against the woodpaneled walls of his trailer to enhance therecording quality for his album and blockambient noise.

He held auditions for the CD to ensurethat the vocalists were more than musi-cians but also Soldiers who had experi-enced life outside of the “wire.” SeveralSoldiers worked on the CD and are veryproud of the finished product, he said.

“I am amazed that we can get equip-ment out here,” said Thomas. “It tookthree weeks to get my music equipmentdownrange.”

He said you can accomplish goals as amusician in theater, but it can be difficultto acquire all the right tools.

“It’s just a matter of money and time,”said Thomas.

Grant said production was a challengeas well.

“I have to fight complacency,” saidGrant. “As Americans we are used tohaving what we need when we need it.With mission requirements always


SupporSupporSupporSupporSupport battt battt battt battt battalion honoralion honoralion honoralion honoralion honors lineage, uncases colors lineage, uncases colors lineage, uncases colors lineage, uncases colors lineage, uncases colorsssssBy Staff Sgt. Kevin Doheny159th Combat Aviation Brigade PAO

The 563rd Aviation Support Battalion finallyhas what has been missing from their formationsince the unit redesignated from 9th Battalion,101st Aviation Regiment (Support) – their colors.

During a ceremony held at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda in June, the battalion commander,Lt. Col. Lorelei Coplen and her Command Ser-geant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Johnson,uncased the battalion’s colors which have beencased for the last 38 years.

It was 62 years ago when the 563rd Quarter-master Service Battalion was divided into itsseparate companies and headquartered in severallocations in preparation for support of the mili-tary actions that would be known as OperationOverlord.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Doheny

The 563rd Aviation Support Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Lorelei Coplen, and Command Sgt. Maj. Carolyn Johnson, uncase the battalion’scolors for the first time since the Vietnam War during the Color’s Uncasing Ceremony at Logistical Support Area Anaconda in June.

Operation Overlord was the military action forthe massive invasion of Normandy, initiated onJune 6, 1944.

The 563rd battalion and its companies sup-ported the military operations of a variety ofAmerican and Allied divisions, earning campaigncredit from Normandy, Northern France,Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, to include the Battleof the Bulge, and Central Europe.

Coplen spoke to her troops and the Soldiers inattendance about what it meant to uncase herbattalion’s colors on the anniversary that, 62 yearsago, the Soldiers of the “Keep Them Fighting”battalion made history.

”Sixty-two years ago today, these colors firstsaw military action,” said Coplen. “It is likely thatmembers of this battalion stood shoulder to shoul-der on the cramped rocking decks of the landingcrafts, navigating around the mines and the

damaged hulls of other vessels.”She went on to add that the members of the

battalion hit the beaches just shortly after the initialinvading forces and immediately established thelong, difficult logistics support of a rapidly-movingand geographically-spread combat action.

”Somewhere in this time, the battalion membersadopted a motto that we use today, ‘Keep ThemFighting,’” she said.

“We also know that these were the units andSoldiers charged with establishing the field hospi-tals and the morgues, and there were many combatlosses on this day, June 6, and the day, after untilvictory in Europe was assured.”

It had been almost two years since any colors forthis distinguished unit had flown above the head-quarters of the “Fighting Battalion”, which directlysupports the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Coplen spoke of how her battalion, although oneof the newest in the Army, hasaccomplished so much, from trans-formation to deploying.

”Together we climbed a short,steep path, moving from activationceremony to deployment within ayear,” she said.

“This ceremony marks anotherimportant step in our unit’s matu-rity, as we assume the lineage andhistory of this unit even while weare making history ourselves.”

Coplen concluded by saying thiscombat tour is coming to an end,and the colors will soon be shownproudly at the battalion headquar-ters building; her Soldiers will beadding a new piece of history to analready rich tradition.

She said this new additionsymbolizes the difficulties herSoldiers will have gone throughduring their rendezvous withdestiny.

”Sometime in the not too distantfuture, we will case these colors forthe trip back home. When we uncasethem proudly again, it will be todisplay them in our headquarters atFort Campbell [Kentucky],” sheadded.

“Not long after that, we will beadding a new streamer to join theothers. This will be a new streamerto represent a new generation of‘Keep Them Fighting’ Soldiers,warriors in defense of our nation inthe Global War on Terrorism.”

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Freedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies107.7 Baghdad

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“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”


DPW ofDPW ofDPW ofDPW ofDPW offffffererererers sers sers sers sers servicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembervicemembers endless oppors endless oppors endless oppors endless oppors endless opportunitiestunitiestunitiestunitiestunitiesBy Sgt. Marshall ThompsonStaff Writer

Wood, paint, spools of cable wire,electrical tape and a lawn mower are justsome of the supplies that the Departmentof Public Works at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda provides free of cost forSoldiers to improve their living condi-tions here and at nearby forward operat-ing bases.

There are four different shops forthe Soldier to peruse: carpentry,plumbing/electrical, tools/hardwareand the paint shop.

The carpentry shop is a 50 squarefoot area where models of usefulprojects such as tables, bookshelvesand Interceptor Body Armor racks arekept on hand for Soldiers to use as a

Photo by Sgt. Judith DaCosta

1st Lt. Joseph P. Rozycki, executive officer for Company A, 4th Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, saws wood in the Department of Public Works area at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda. He said he plans to make a flag case that will accompany his Soldiers on a mission before they go home.

format for building their own projects.Everything in the shop is made by

hand, said Sgt. 1st Class Joe Workman,the 35th Area Support Group DPWNCOIC, and Soldiers are welcome tocome in and use the air-conditioned areato complete projects.

The plumbing and electrical sup-plies shop is located in an officestraight across from the carpentryshop. Inside, local nationals keep trackof supplies taken on a daily basis.

“Though the supplies are free toSoldiers, we track the supplies,” saidSgt. Brad Reed, a 35th ASG self helpNCO, “so we can continue to makethem available to the Soldier.”

Tools are available for Soldiers tocheck out from the tool shop, saidWorkman.

However, Soldiers from the sur-rounding FOBs must be authorized bytheir commander to do so, he said.

Finally, paint comes in severaldifferent colors and may be mixed inthe paint shop to create any color inthe rainbow, said Workman.

Soldiers, however, are limited tothree gallons of latex paint or cans ofspray paint per day. Brushes, rollersand paint trays are additional paint-ing supplies available in the shop.

The Army purchases all suppliesfrom the Iraqis in a nearby village tostock the DPW, said Capt. KenNeubert, the 35th ASG self help OIC.

“For this reason, a lot of the sup-plies aren’t the same quality as whatyou may find in the states,” he added.

“For example,” said Workman,

“the plywood on hand here is deliv-ered in its raw form.” The wood issafe and functional, said Workman;still, those who wish to use the woodhave to work a little harder to achievethe desired finished result.

“Mainly, troops from outlyingFOBs rely heavily on us and they tendto be our biggest customers becausemany [self-help shops] aren’t asdeveloped as LSA Anaconda,” saidWorkman.

However, all Soldiers are welcometo work on projects in the DPW area.

The DPW area is open seven days aweek from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The small staff remains availableduring those hours to help teach andassist Soldiers in their quest toimprove their standards of living.

JULY 9, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES JULY 9, 2006 PAGE 9ANACONDA TIMES

By Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

Col. Steven Shapiro said goodbyeto the 3rd Corps Support Commandduring a tattoo ceremony at LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda June 29.

“A lot of you have known me forthe last couple of years and you knowI think by now that I’m not a verymodest person . . . but this is the mosthumbling experience I’ve had in 21years . . . and I can’t wait to go backand tell my family about it,” Shapirosaid.

During the last two years, Shapiroserved as COSCOM’s operationsofficer, a job he did with unparalleleddedication, said 3rd COSCOM’scommanding general, Brig. Gen.Rebecca Halstead.

“This ceremony really marks thebeginning of many echelons back tothe states for the 3rd COSCOM. We’llbe changing out multiple battalionheadquarters, multiple brigadeheadquarters, before the COSCOMgoes,” Halstead said.

“And it only seems kind of fittingthat Col. Steve Shapiro is the firstleader to leave, and I say that, notbecause we are anxious to get rid ofhim, because we sure are not anxiousto get rid of him,” Halstead contin-ued.

“I say that because he’s been asingle combat multiplier. We talkabout success being a team sport allthe time. But in every team there is amost improved player. There is a mostvaluable player. There are a whole lotof titles you could put on differentpeople ... Steve, I consider you themost valuable player.”

Halstead said that Shapiro madeeveryone think outside the box andmade everyone in her command abetter warrior during his tenure.

“I am better; I am a better person; Iam a better commander; I am a betterleader; and I am a better warriorbecause of Steve Shapiro being in mylife and being in this unit,” Halsteadsaid.

“I’m also a better person for MaryShapiro and your two girls for beingin my life. We know she’s phenom-enal because she put up with you forso long,” she added jokingly.

For his part, Shapiro said thatwhile he is looking forward to hisnext assignment – a year at the ArmyWar College – he is going to miss the3rd COSCOM family.

“I keep on getting told, ‘hey youknow, you are going to go to the bestyear of your military life,’” Shapirosaid. “And I said it last night and Imean it with all sincerity: I might be

going to the second bestyear of my Army life, Idon’t know. The best yearof my Army life I justlived, and I lived it withevery single one of you ...Soldiers of COSCOM,thank you so much, Isalute you.”

Shapiro did not wantto have a farewell cer-emony, but Halsteadinsisted, noting thehistorical importance ofthe tattoo.

“The tattoo has a lot ofsignificance. It’s whenthe lights go out, whenthe taps stop flowing,”Halstead said.

Spc. Morgan Richard,a bugler with COSCOM,played the musicaltattoo. The bugle calloriginated in the low-lands of Europe duringthe 16th Century.Nightly, a detachmentwould parade throughtown crying “doe demtaptoe” or “turn off thetap,” to which tavernowners would dutifullyrespond by shuttingdown and turningdrunken Soldiers out intothe streets.

The troops would then paradeback to their barracks for lights out.Over time, the call became the longestin the Army’s manual, and it signifiesa call back to the barracks, or in thiscase, the end of an assignment.

Shapiro was commissioned as asecond lieutenant in 1985 when hereceived a bachelor’s degree inpolitical science from George Wash-ington University.

He earned a master’s of science inlogistics management from theFlorida Institute of Technology in1994.

During a 21-year-career, Shapirohas served in several leadershippositions, most in the logistics field.Among them, he was a platoon leaderfor the 536th Engineering Battalion ofthe 324th Support Group, the com-mander of the 659th MaintenanceCompany of the 46th Corps SupportGroup and support operations officerfor the 51st Maintenance Battalion.

He also deployed in support of opera-tions Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel ends 3rd COSCOM tour with tColonel ends 3rd COSCOM tour with tColonel ends 3rd COSCOM tour with tColonel ends 3rd COSCOM tour with tColonel ends 3rd COSCOM tour with tattoo ceremonattoo ceremonattoo ceremonattoo ceremonattoo ceremony at LSy at LSy at LSy at LSy at LSA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA Anaconda

Shapiro said that while he looked forward tospending a year at the Army War College,the best year of his military career was thispast year, which he spent serving as 3rdCOSCOM’s operations officer.

Surrounded by peers and admirers, Shapiro (right) renders his last salute to 3rd Corps Support Command colors. Of all the award ceremoniesand military celebrations held in his honor during his 21-year career, he said the small tattoo symbolizing the end of his assignment to theCOSCOM was the most humbling for him.

Col. Steven Shapiro saysgoodbye to the 3rd COSCOMand its coalition units. He isheaded to the Army War Col-lege. (Left) Well-wishers line upand say farewell to Col. StevenShapiro at LSA Anaconda.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda


Sons will alwSons will alwSons will alwSons will alwSons will alwaaaaays be fys be fys be fys be fys be father’s little cather’s little cather’s little cather’s little cather’s little championshampionshampionshampionshampionsBy Sgt. Judith DaCosta3rd COSCOM PAO

Lt. Col. Larry Cottle, who deployed to Iraq with the3rd Corps Support Command in August 2005, was ableto see his two sons Quintin and Zachary, students atOmaha Skutt Catholic High School, win the High SchoolNebraska State Wrestling Championship during his Restand Recuperation leave in February.

Their determination and desire to succeed - valuesinherent to Cottle as a Soldier – earned them a specialplace in their father’s heart.

“My children are more than their weight in gold. It istheir actions at home that have really made them mylittle champions,” he said.

“When I stepped away from my family for the lasttime and headed for Iraq, Zachary had many tears,”said Cottle. He told his sons then that the champion-ship was there for them to have. They just had to workhard and believe they could win it, said Cottle.

“Only a handful of times in the State of Nebraskahistory have two brothers won high school statewrestling championship titles in the same year,” saidCottle.

Roughly seven months later both of his sons wonstate titles not only joining the ranks of the historicalhandful of brothers who have accomplished this featbut earning military coins to boast of their accomplish-ments with their father by their side.

Quintin and Zachary won 1st place titles in theClass B, Nebraska State Wrestling Championship ‘06,according to www.wrestlingusa.com.

“When it was time for them to step on the awardsstand to get their medals, I was down on the floortaking pictures as any proud father would do,” saidCottle. “Many people were asking, ‘Are you the dadthat got to come home from the war to see his sonswrestle?’ I was humbled and responded with, ‘Yes Iam,’” said Cottle.

“It meant so much, that 3rd COSCOM enabled me totake my Rest and Recuperation leave. I wouldn’t havetraded it for the world,” said Cottle.

“Both boys were just thrilled to have their dad withthem when they took the state finals,” said the Cottle’sgrandmother Mary Lynne Redman according to a localnews publication called the Tri-County News.

Everyone in Cottle’s immediate family received Brig.Gen. Rebecca Halstead’s, the 3rd COSCOM command-ing general, coin on a chain and a personalized note in

the mail to congratulate them on their victories and tothank them for Cottle’s service in the U.S. Army, saidCottle.

Cottle said he plans to frame the coins with his son’schampionship bracket and state medals when hereturns home.

“It will be a great way to capture the entire journeyfor all of us from start to end,” said Cottle.

Aside from sports related accomplishments, Cottle isproud because his children have “stepped up to theplate” to keep his family successfully united in hisabsence.

“I was proud of the fact that I was able to be homeand enjoy the ride,” said Cottle.

“I asked them before I left, to try and fill the void forme while I was gone,” said Cottle. “Quentin andZachary both stepped up to the plate and took on manyadditional duties that normally would not have been in

Lt. Col. Larry Cottle, who deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Corps Support Command, stands with his two sons, Quintin (L) andZachary (R), at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Feb. 18. Both sons took first place in their individual divisions.

their lane,” he said.“They turned into my auto mechanics, fence repair-

ers, plumbers and comforters when the little girls gothurt. They are doing just about anything else that getsthrown on their plate,” said Cottle.

“I basically asked them to grow up faster than whatthey should have had to,” said Cottle.

Cottle said he is very much a family man and thisseparation from his loved ones has clearly been thehardest part of this deployment,” said Cottle.

Though deployments can be difficult – witnessinghis “little champions” win a state title has undoubtedlymade the journey a little easier for Cottle.

Moreover, the support of a command that seeks tohighlight the accomplishments of even those who arejust Soldiers at heart speaks volumes of praise to themodern day Army that values the family as a whole asmuch as the serving Soldier.

Courtesy Photo


By Senior Airman Kerry Solan-Johnson332d Air Expeditionary Wing PAO

Their motto is “That others may live” and if you’re on theground in combat and in trouble, those four words mean thathelp is on the way.

Elite and unique , the airmen assigned to the 66th Expedi-tionary Rescue Squadron are the only combat search and rescueunit in country. They are part of a highly-specialized field,made up of an extremely small community of highly-trainedprofessionals that save the people no one else can reach.

“The airmen are totally committed to the mission. Each takestheir responsibility seriously and wants to be on the crew thatbrings our guys back safely,” said Lt. Col. Jim McElhenney,66the ERQS commander. “These airmen are the reason whywe’re the first ones tasked - we have the capabilities to respondimmediately and effectively.”

Many of the saves the squadron has logged took place inAfghanistan, where coalition troops [resources] aren’t asrobust, said McElhenney. There, crews (consisting of air crew,pararescue and combat rescue officers known as the “Guard-ian Angels”) are called out to respond to rescues that areoutside their traditional “downed aviator” training.

The 66th participated in recovery efforts during OperationAnaconda in Afghanistan, for which rescue crews wereawarded the Silver Star. More recently, the 66th was called onto extract troops from a humvee in an active minefield. Crewswere able to save two wounded.

Crews are “ecstatic” when they were pivotal in a success-ful mission, said McElhenney.

Called in for only those facing extreme danger, thepararescuemen are the “9-1-1” call for military troops incombat behind enemy lines. However, a rescue is not alwayspossible. Even though 22 Airmen from the squadron wereamong the first responders in the search for two Soldiersabducted June 16, no signs of them were discovered until threedays later.

“We deployed a very-tailored package for this mission,”said McElhenney. “We wanted to take everyone we could.”

Three crews were dispatched on a dive operation to combthe murky waters of the Euphrates River. The Soldiers werereported as “duty status and whereabouts unknown” afterthe checkpoint they were manning at a canal crossing near theEuphrates was attacked.

“We were looking on the eastern bank, looking for clues –just any sign of the Soldiers,” said Maj. Matt Wenthe, 66thERQS, who served as the mission flight leader.

Two of the three crews, armed with hydrographic maps ofthe current, searched the river by air between a power plantnear the attack site and a refinery. The third crew served as aliaison between ground forces and the dive team, feeding thedive team information as it became available.

The pararescue team was tasked in the search for themissing Soldiers because of their capabilities: a short responsetime and the manning to support the search. The squadron ison high-alert status and is a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days aweek operation.

Unfortunately, the aircrews and Guardian Angels had notturned up any clues when they were relieved by an Army diveteam six hours later.

“It was frustrating,” said Senior Airman John Hatzitakis, apersonnel recovery specialist deployed from Moody Air ForceBase, Ga. “We just wanted to find something – anything togive their families hope.”

Crewmembers learned of the Soldiers’ deaths shortly beforebeing interviewed and expressed their regret at not being ableto do more.

“Our prayers are with their families,” said Capt. Jeff Marler,a pilot of one of the three HH-60s carrying the pararescueteams. “We did our best to bring their boys home.”

Elite squadron is “9-1-1” for all IraqElite squadron is “9-1-1” for all IraqElite squadron is “9-1-1” for all IraqElite squadron is “9-1-1” for all IraqElite squadron is “9-1-1” for all Iraq

Tech Sgt. Raymond Mathews (left) and Staff Sgt. Jason Parker, assigned to 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, coverthe windshield to a HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter at Balad Air Base. The squadron is the only combat search andrescue unit in Iraq and is trained to save the people no one else can reach.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew Oquendo


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July 91776 Declaration of Independence read aloudto Washington’s troops in NY1918 U.S. Army’s Distinguished ServiceCross authorized1944 U.S. secures Saipan: 3,200 U.S., 27,000Japanese KIA and many civilian suicides

July 101776 New Yorkers topple the statue of KingGeorge III at Bowling Green1943 Operation Husky: U.S. and Common-wealth forces invade Sicily1953 American troops withdraw from PorkChop Hill, Korea

July 111798 Congress reestablishes the MarineCorps, disbanded in 17841812 U.S. invades Canada near Detroit1862 Lincoln appoints Henry Halleckgeneral-in-chief1919 Navy Pay Corps is renamed the SupplyCorps1934 FDR is the first sitting president totransit the Panama Canal1955 U.S. Air F orce Academy dedicated atLowry AFB, Colo., with 300 cadets

July 121812 U.S. forces led by Gen. Hull invadeCanada (War of 1812)1836 Charles H. Haswell, commissioned, firstU.S. Navy Engineer Officer.1862 Congress authorizes the Medal ofHonor1944 Allied attempt to take Myitkina, Burmafoiled by “friendly” air attacks1948 Six RAF de Havilland Vampires becomethe first jets to fly the Atlantic

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.

1982 FEMA promises survivors of a nuclearwar will get their mail

July 131863 USS Wyoming defeats Japanesewarlord’s forces at Shimonoseki Straits1864 Ashville, Georgia, captured by Unioncavalry1864 Jubal Early retreats from Washington,towards the Shenandoah Valley1943 Australian 3rd Div clears the Japanesefrom the Mubo, New Guinea.

July 141789 Citizens of Paris storm the Bastille1813 Lt. John M. Gamble, the only U.S.Marine to command a ship1825 Lafayette reviews 2nd Bn./11th NYArty (7th NY), “The National Guard”1861 Bull Run Campaign: Gen. McDowelladvances toward Fairfax Courthouse1959 First nuclear powered cruiser commis-sioned, USS Long Beach

July 151815 Bonaparte surrenders to the British1916 William Boeing founds an aircraftcompany in Seattle1958 Marines in Lebanon, to support govern-ment against rebels (leave October).

July 161862 David G. Farragut is named the firstrear admiral in the U.S. Navy1912 Naval torpedo launched from anairplane patented by B.A. Fiske1920 Gen. Amos Fries appointed first U.S.Chief of Chemical Warfare1945 Trinity: the first Atomic Bomb is testedin New Mexico.

JULY 9, 2006 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

July 92 p.m. Click5 p.m. American Dreamz8 p.m. Silent Hill

July 105 p.m. Click8 p.m. Akeelah and the Bee

July 115 p.m. Silent Hill8 p.m. Click

July 125 p.m. Akeelah and the Bee8 p.m. Silent Hill

July 135 p.m. Click8 p.m. American Dreamz

July 14No movies scheduled

July 1511 a.m. Superman Returns2 p.m. United 935 p.m. Superman Returns8 p.m. Hoot

July 162 p.m. Superman Returns5 p.m. Hoot8 p.m. United 93

Movie Synopsis for July 9-16Superman ReturnsPG-13, 153 minBrandon Routh, Kate Bosworth

Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Manof Steel, Superman, comes back to Earth—but things havechanged. While an old enemy plots to render him power-less once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreakingrealization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, hasmoved on with her life.

United 93R, 111 minBen Sliney, Opal Alladin

A drama that tells the story of the passengers and crew, theirfamilies on the ground and the flight controllers who watchedin dawning horror as United Airlines Flight 93 became thefourth hijacked plane on the day of the worst terrorist at-tacks on American soil: Sept. 11, 2001.

HootPG, 90 minLuke Wilson, Logan Leman

When a Montana boy moves to Florida and unearths adisturbing threat to a local population of endangeredowls, three middle-schoolers take on greedy land develop-ers, corrupt politicians, and clueless cops.

Akeelah and the BeePG, 112 minLawrence Fishburne, Keke Palmer

Akeelah Anderson is an 11-year-old being raised by hermother, Tanya, who was left on her own after the death ofher husband. However, Akeelah’s teacher sees genuine po-tential in her student and encourages her to enter the school’s

Religious schedule subject to change

Roman Catholic MassMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelTue.-Fri. 12 p.m. Freedom ChapelSaturday 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 Chapel(sacrament of reconciliation 30 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-denominationalSunday 9 a.m. Signal Chapel

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

Protestant-GospelSunday 10 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom Chapel

Sunday 2 p.m. Air Force Hospital ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel

Protestant Praise and WorshipWednesday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. East MWRSunday 9 a.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148)Sunday 7:30 p.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148)Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 11 a.m. Town Hall

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

Protestant-LiturgicalWednesday 8 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSaturday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

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

spelling bee, convinced Akeelah has the brains and the tal-ent to win. Akeelah applies herself and emerges victoriousin the local competition, but discovers the going gets tougherwhen she goes to a statewide bee.

Silent HillR, 125 minRadha Mitchell, Sean Bean

When the doctor of a troubled young girl recommendspermanent psychiatric institutionalization and the girl’sconcerned mother refuses to accept the grim diagnosis, themother and daughter flee to a strange abandoned town toseek out answers.

American DreamzPG-13, 107 minHugh Grant, Dennis Quaid

On the morning of his re-election, the President decides toread the newspaper for the first time in four years. This startshim down a slippery slope. Frightened by the President’sapparent nervous breakdown, his Chief of Staff pushes himback into the spotlight, booking him as a guest judge on thetelevision ratings juggernaut.

ClickPG-13, 98 minAdam Sandler, Christopher Walken

A workaholic architect, who has been overlooking hisfamily in favor of his career, comes across a universalremote that allows him to perform TiVo-like functions onhis life, such as pausing events or fast-forwarding overthem. When the remote begins creating its own memoryand choosing what to fast-forward over, the man sees howmuch of his personal life has passed him by and realizesthe importance of spending more time with his family.


LSA LSA LSA LSA LSA ANANANANANAAAAACONDCONDCONDCONDCONDAAAAADining FDining FDining FDining FDining Facilityacilityacilityacilityacility

Hours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationDFAC 1Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DFACs 2 & 3Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DFAC 4Breakfast 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC hours for all locations are sevendays a week. All patrons must be in the properuniform and be able to present appropriateidentification.

Going onEmergency

Leave?

Don’t forget, youMUST have civilian

clothes to be able tofly out!

Also make sure you have acopy of your orders on you atall times, even when you are

at home!

By Sgt. Mitchell ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Transportation companies drive familiar routeswhile deployed to Iraq. Their vehicles are theiroffices.

Soldiers with the 109th Transportation Companyparticipated in one last mission from Q-West BaseComplex observing the work of their replacements,the 423rd Transportation Company, before rede-ploying to Germany.

“For me, work helps the time go by,” said Sgt.Chris Anderson, a mechanic with the 109th Trans-portation Company. “We are helping out their guntrucks and mechanics, and make sure they knowthe routes.”

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Baldwin, an evaluator andcombat logistics patrol commander from the 109th,said the time spent with the new unit was worth it.

“They are coming along pretty well,” saidBaldwin. “I want them to understand what’s goingon because it’s dangerous out here.”

Baldwin suggested the Soldiers working on CLPshave a long and thorough after action report at theend of their mission. He was passionate about eachSoldier’s understanding of the improvements theyneeded to make.

“I want them to continue what they are doingand get the hang of it.” Baldwin said. “I can tellthem how to do things, but it is up to them to takeaction.”

Baldwin made a point to emphasize discipline tothe Soldiers. Simply having the discipline to wearall of the gear a Soldier was issued can make adifference in their survival on the road.

TTTTTransporransporransporransporransportttttation companation companation companation companation company cleary cleary cleary cleary clearssssslast mission, hands over operationslast mission, hands over operationslast mission, hands over operationslast mission, hands over operationslast mission, hands over operations

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Baldwin, a squad leader with the 109th Transportation Company, takes notes on an evaluation formwhile assessing a combat logistics patrol commander at Q-West Base Complex.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” Baldwinstated. “My first convoy was hit by an improvisedexplosive device.”

Baldwin’s idea was clear; having the disciplineto do tasks correctly is the biggest thing to remem-ber.

“You have to have discipline from day one to theend,” Baldwin said.

“We’ve been busy on the road with them,” saidSgt. Jonathan Howard, a team leader for the guntruck platoon with the 109th. “There were longhours and we kept busy and it made time go by.”

Teaching Soldiers can be a thankless job but it isnecessary for preparing Soldiers for all aspects oftheir job.

“The job has been going good,” said Spc. AaronNienwenhuis, a truck driver with the 109th. “Theyhave a lot to learn but they are learning fast. Most ofwhat they have left to learn is situational; we can’tgive them a certain situation on the road.”

Nienwenhuis said the Soldiers of the 423rdwould encounter situations that will challengethem but they will make the right decisions becausethey’ve learned so much and have accepted all ofthe challenges the training offered them.

The 109th spent their deployment helpingservicemembers in northern Iraq succeed at theirmissions by supporting them with transportation ofcargo and passengers. However, one of their biggestaccomplishments was instilling confidence in theirSoldiers and helping others succeed.

“There are going to be growing pains for some ofthe younger Soldiers,” said Baldwin. “I emphasizeddiscipline and made sure fellow leaders instill ittheir younger Soldiers.”


Soldiers enjoy a healthy lunch in the 'Health Room' of Dining Facility No. 4. The roomopened a little over two months ago, to create a 'temptation-free' environment for thosewho are trying to watch their weight.


Sustaining Soldiers by managing stress to improve mission readiness

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

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

Health Room

Continued from pg. 3The facility often receives positive

feedback about the Health Room.“I like it. I think more of the Soldiers

should come over to this ‘temptation-free’ room,” said Staff Sgt. Ron Rossey, amotor transport operator with the FSC,7th Battalion, 101st Avn. Regt., 159thCAB. He is a regular customer.

He said that the combination of eatingin the ‘Health Room’ and working outhas allowed him to lose five to sixpounds, although he wasn’t overweightto begin with, he just wanted to stayhealthy.

The dining facility went as far asconsulting a nutritionist to get some help

in deciding what foods to put in theHealth Room.

“They have a similar program to theweight watchers, where they assign bulletsfor every food item. You can only eat somany bullets a day. One bullet represents100 calories,” said English.

Soldiers can pick up fliers about theprogram, and the outline of the program isalso posted on bulletin boards.

The walls of the room are also coveredwith displays of the newly improved foodpyramid and explanations of the differentfood groups. If one is really determined toeat healthy and lose weight, the HealthRoom is an excellent asset. But one has tohave the willpower, said English.

“Don’t blame the dining facility.Everyone is grown, is an adult, be respon-sible for what you eat. If you want to eatthat ice cream, there are plenty of gymsaround here. Just go to the gym for someextra time,” said English.

By Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Iraq’s soldiers andpolice are steadily gaining in capability sothey can one day take charge of theircountry’s security, a senior U.S. militaryofficer said from Baghdad today.

“The Iraqi security forces are getting betterevery day,” Col. Jeffrey J. Snow, commanderof the 1st Brigade of the 10th MountainDivision, told reporters at a satellite telecon-ference at the Pentagon.

Snow’s unit patrols western Baghdadand outlying areas in tandem with two Iraqiarmy brigades. The 1st Brigade is preparingto return to its home base at Fort Drum, N.Y.,after a year’s deployment to Iraq.

The new Iraqi army has “growing painslike any new army,” the colonel acknowl-edged. Yet, the Iraqi troops, he said, havedemonstrated “a strong will to fight andprotect the Iraqi people.”

Iraqi security force capabilities “will onlyget better with time,” Snow said.

The colonel said his unit is also taskedwith providing maintenance and logisticstraining for new Iraqi security forces, notinghe’s pleased with their progress.

“We have trained two Iraqi army brigadesand one national police brigade that to acertain extent can plan, execute and sustaincounterinsurgency operations with limitedcoalition support,” Snow said.

Snow said the 1st Brigade had controlledtwo-thirds of the battlespace within its AORwhen it arrived in Iraq. Today, “Iraqi securityforces are in the lead in two-thirds of thebattlespace,” the colonel said, freeing U.S.and other Iraqi forces to engage the enemyoutside of Baghdad.

“Because of the growing effectiveness ofIraqi security forces, we were able to expandcoalition efforts to the west of Baghdad,” Snowexplained. “We have been able to disruptinsurgent networks and the route lines theyused to travel into Baghdad by denyinginsurgents crucial support zones and destroy-ing their caches.”

This increased pressure has forced theenemy “to adopt new tactics as our combinedoffensive operations have continually dis-rupted insurgent activities,” Snow said.

Any increases in the number of terroristattacks within his sector are likely caused bystepped-up U.S. and Iraqi offensive operations,Snow said.

More and more Iraqis are informing onterrorists living in their area, Snow said, noting,“Iraqis want to see the enemies of freedom andoppression defeated as much as we do.”

The colonel said $150 million has beenspent to improve the quality of life for Iraqicitizens living within his area. Brigade troops,he said, have provided medical care, builtwater treatment and sewage facilities, repairedelectric generating stations and renovated 35schools.

The 1st Brigade’s accomplishments in Iraqhave come at a cost. Eleven 10th Mountainsoldiers “will not return with us when we gohome,” Snow said.

“They are gone, but not forgotten, and Iassure you they will never be forgotten,” thecolonel vowed.

Yet, the soldiers’ morale remains high,Snow said, noting the 1st Brigade has met itsannual unit re-enlistment goal in just sevenmonths.

“These soldiers understand the mission,and they’re willing to continue the fight,”Snow said.

Iraqi forces ‘getting betterIraqi forces ‘getting betterIraqi forces ‘getting betterIraqi forces ‘getting betterIraqi forces ‘getting bettereeeeeverververververy day day day day dayyyyy,’ U,’ U,’ U,’ U,’ U.S. of.S. of.S. of.S. of.S. offfffficer saicer saicer saicer saicer saysysysysys


AROUND 3rd COSCOM

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

Spc. Monquelle Jordan, driver, 627th Field Artillery, 101stAirborne Division (Air Assault), from Fort Sill, Okla. hold hisbreath and puffs out his cheeks as he dives into the swim-ming pool at Logistical Support Area Anaconda near Balad,Iraq.

Photo by Pfc. Paul J. Harris

High diHigh diHigh diHigh diHigh divvvvvererererer

Spc. Andrew Gaghagen, B Troop, 1-167th Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition Squadron, tends to a fieldof corn he and fellow Nebraska National Guard Soldiers are growing near the south entry control point at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda.

CombaCombaCombaCombaCombat Cort Cort Cort Cort Cornnnnn

Cooks at the Wrangler Inn Dining Facility at Camp Taji areproud of their 'fruit art.' Displays like this are a daily occurencein the dining hall, encouraging Soldiers to help themselves tosome healthy fruits.

FFFFFrrrrruitful cruitful cruitful cruitful cruitful creaeaeaeaeationstionstionstionstionsPhoto by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika

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