Footprints In The Sand

DVD RELEASE DATE - BAKER BOYS: INSIDE THE SURGE

2010-12-01T22:13:00.002-06:00

Greetings everyone. I got this email today announcing the upcoming release of the Baker Boys: Inside The Surge and I wanted to share.

At last!

It's been a long time coming, but I am very excited to alert the Baker Boys extended family that the entire documentary series is finally becoming available on DVD. There are two release dates -- on January 4th, it begins a two month exclusive run at over 600 AAFES stores at military bases around the world. Then, on March 15th, the DVD becomes available to the general public at all the places you normally shop for DVDs, such as Amazon, Netflix, Walmart, etc.

As each of these dates approaches, there will be promotional events surrounding the film's release. Among them is a premiere screening at Fort Benning, GA on Saturday, January 8th. More details to come on that event as it takes shape, and on others as they follow.

Please share the news about the release, have friends register at the www.bakerboysmovie.com website for more information, and help us to make sure the movie is as widely viewed and discussed as possible. This is our opportunity to put the movie to work to help inform people about the choices and sacrifices that every soldier makes when he or she boards a plane to go serve our country in some other part of the world.

Thank you for your support and participation... and patience!

Best,

Kern Konwiser

At Home...At Last!

2010-10-06T08:40:00.003-05:00

Safe at home...at last! It was such a thrill to get that much awaited phone call last night that Nick was back on American soil. We laughed that the last two deployments, he was first in and last out. I told him they just like him so much over there that they can't get enough of him and they definitely don't want to let him go. After a slight delay in Kuwait, Nick arrived home safely last night. Praise be to God!

Welcome Home and thanks for your dedicated service!

Transfer of Authority

2010-09-29T07:55:00.003-05:00

It's starting to feel like reality...they're COMING HOME! Praise be to God! Many have already arrived but as normal, Nick was chosen to "turn the lights" out. The nervous butterflies are back and the wait is on.

The Squadron colors are cased during the Tranfer of Autohority ceremony at COB Delta, Iraq. The ceremony marked the offical transfer of authority for the battle space from 3-1 Cavalry and elements of 3AAB to the Seconad Squadron of the 3ACR.

Click here to watch ceremony

A Final Mission With Lasting Impact

2010-09-29T07:36:00.002-05:00

Capt. Andrew Hubbard, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, smiles as shoes donated by Brookstone School in Columbus, Ga., are distributed to Iraqi children in Babil province, Sept. 16. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Johnathan Roland)

Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Story by Pfc. Erik Anderson

BABIL PROVINCE, Iraq – As soldiers of the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division prepared to leave the five provinces in southern Iraq they have been responsible for, there was still one last mission to complete.

In coordination with supporters at Brookstone School in Columbus, Ga., Phenix City, Ala., and Fort Benning, Ga., the soldiers dropped off donated shoes to the children of Iraq.

“There is nothing better than seeing the look on a child’s face when you give them something they need,” said 1st Lt. Jonathan Roland, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “Even though we don’t speak the same language, you can see the excitement.”

The project, in coordination with the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team, started with a modest goal.

“It is an idea based on the partnership between Brookstone School and two local Iraqi schools,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Boston, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd AAB. “When we started, Cindy Sparks [Brookstone School] estimated 50 to 70 pairs of shoes would be donated, but through the efforts of our supporters in the tri-city area and Brookstone School, nearly 1,000 pairs of shoes were donated.”

During this deployment, 3rd AAB executed an advise and assist mission while working closely with the Iraqi people.

“For the brigade, it is another example of our enduring partnership,” said Boston. “This project takes it one step further; it shows the enduring partnership that exists between Americans and Iraqis.”

The partnership started by the 3rd AAB will continue with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

“The children of Iraq are the future,” said Boston. “Our commitment begins with them.”

3rd Brigade Soldiers Return to Fort Benning From Iraq

2010-09-16T07:57:00.003-05:00

About 300 soldiers return home from Iraq
By LARRY GIERER

Spc. Xavier Valles was greeted by a dozen balloons. Spc. Chana Patterson was greeted by about a dozen relatives.

The two were among approximately 300 U.S. soldiers returning to Fort Benning from Iraq Tuesday evening.

They are members of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, that has been deployed for a year.

Six hundred members returned in August. Two more groups are expected to fly into Lawson Army Airfield by the end of this week bringing the September total to 750.

“It’s great to be back,” said Valles, whose wife, Joalice, and two young children greeted him.

“I made sure to get some Boston Red Sox balloons,” Joalice Valles said. “He’s from Boston.”

The time away has been difficult. The couple’s youngest child was 6 weeks old when he left.

“This is very emotional,” she said.

Patterson of Tuskegee, Ala., was overwhelmed to see her large welcoming committee in Freedom Hall.

“My mother, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces,” she said. “Super.”

Fidel DeJesus of New York began cheering before his daughter, Spc. Rebecca DeJesus, entered the room. The Puerto Rican native, a small American flag sticking out from his cap, pumped his fist into the air when he saw his daughter depart the airplane.

“I’ve been this nervous for a year,” he said, holding his hands wide apart. “Now, I’m this nervous,” he said, bringing his hands practically together.

DeJesus, his wife, Libia, and daughter, Teresa, made the 20-hour drive from New York to greet Rebecca.

“We’re all very proud. She is serving her country and that’s what she wants to do,” Dejesus said. “Rebecca came home for a short visit six months ago but my mother had passed and I didn’t get to see her. It’s been a very long year.”

Outstanding Accomplishment

2010-09-08T21:29:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Nick on his recent Bronze Star Medal. Another example of a true American Hero. You should be so proud of your many accomplishments which are an example of your true dedication. Another job well done!!!

As the tour is winding down, it is no suprise to me that the dedication and commitment is still as strong as ever. Our Soldiers have done an outstanding job and should all be proud that they have made a difference in so many lives. Thanks for your many sacrifices! We can't wait until you are all home safely!

U.S. Army Individual Decorations
Chapter 3, Army Regulation 600-8-22
(Military Awards)

The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, 4 February
1944 (superseded by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962).

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any
capacity in or with the Army of the United States after 6 December 1941,
distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or
service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with
military operations against an armed enemy; or while engaged in military
operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United
States is not a belligerent party.

Awards may be made for acts of heroism, performed under circumstances
described above, which are of lesser degree than required for the award of the
Silver Star.

The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded for meritorious achievement or
meritorious service.

Operation New Dawn In Iraq

2010-09-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Gates, Biden Preside Over Launch Of Operation New Dawn In Iraq

I see light at the end of the tunnel! Counting the days until Nick's safe return home!!! God bless all our Soldiers!

Iraq Bombs Target Security Forces

2010-08-29T12:59:00.003-05:00

Iraq bombs target security forces

Suicide bombers kill at least 62 people and injure more than 250 in a string of coordinated attacks on Iraqi security forces.

This is too close for comfort. I hope the next few weeks fly by. We continue to pray for our unselfish Soldiers safe retun home!

USD-S Transfers Three Bases in Babil, Wasit

2010-07-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

Story by Spc. Samuel Soza

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – During several ceremonies in Babil and Wasit provinces, July 25, U.S. forces handed over three bases to the Iraqi government – Contingency Operating Post Zulu, Patrol Base Mahawil, and Camp Shaheen.

These additions raise the number of U.S. bases closed or transferred in United States Division-South to 13 since February, with nine more scheduled to close before Sept. 1.
All of the transfers were completed with the signing of documents by Samir al-Haddad, the receivership secretariat for the Government of Iraq, and the respective former base commanders.

Capt. Ryan Pless, commander of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, signed for COP Zulu.

“We’ve been conducting retrograde operations for the last two to three months,” the Plant City, Fla., native said. “A lot of troopers have put in a lot of long hours and cleaned the place up; made it represent our high standards, so we could turn it over to the Government of Iraq in the best quality of shape we can.”

COP Zulu has been in operation since just before the surge of U.S. forces in 2007. The 3rd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. has been working with three battalions of 32nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division for the past 10 months, Pless said.

Moments after signing for COP Zulu, Mr. Haddad and his staff walked to Camp Shaheen, a small post adjacent to COP Zulu and home to a unit of U.S. Special Forces, and signed the official documents there as well.

Capt. Michael Washburn, commander of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, signed over PB Mahawil.

The fair-market value of the property at Mahawil transferred by 2nd Bn., 69th Armor Regt. came to more than $500,000 according to the documents.

Company A has been at PB Mahawil since October 2009, working with the Iraqi Army’s 2nd Battalion, 31st Brigade, 8th IA Div., commanded by Col. Muhammad Khudair Saloom. They will continue to work with the 2nd Bn, 31st Bde. from Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, including special training and advising with nightly patrols, until they return to the U.S. with the rest of their battalion later this year.

The 3rd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. and 2nd Bn., 69th Armor Regt. are elements of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

“Our partnership has been very good,” said Washburn, a Yorktown, Va., native. “Myself and Col. Saloom have a great understanding of what needs to be accomplished and we agree on the final outcomes and how to get there.”

“We look forward to keeping working with them until our stay is done here [in Babil province],” Washburn said.

Lt. Col. Chris Kennedy, commander of 3rd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt., felt similarly about his Soldiers and their mission in Wasit province.

“Today’s a great day for the Iraqi army,” said Kennedy, a native of Fort Benning, Ga. “It’s the natural progression as we move to an advise and assist mission [and] assist them in the fight. It doesn’t mean our mission is ended here. We will continue to train with them throughout the province.”

Carrying on the Legacy of Audie Murphy

2010-07-26T08:47:00.002-05:00

Staff Sgt. Nhiem Chau, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is congratulated by Sgt. Maj. Rick Hairston, operations sergeant major for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, after being named to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club July 8 at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq.

By Pfc. Erik Anderson

COS KALSU, Iraq – The original Sergeant Audie Murphy Club began at Fort Hood, Texas, in 1986. The group recognizes noncommissioned officers who have displayed the integrity, professionalism and commitment exemplified by Audie L. Murphy. In 1994, the SAMC spread throughout the Army, with individual commands performing the selection process for their own NCOs.

Ten soldiers currently deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division met at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu July 8 to vie for membership in the club.

The morning started out with a physical fitness test, followed by a land navigation course spanning across COS Kalsu that had the SAMC hopefuls performing common team leader tasks and firing their weapons.

For the potential members, the day marked an end to their rigorous preparation.

“I had 16 days to get things in order, and luckily, most of my soldier's information was updated so I had just a few things to fix,” said Staff Sgt. Nhiem Chau, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd HBCT. “I spent most of my time studying different regulations that most NCOs neglect or did not pay much attention to.”

Chau and the other competitors were sponsored by senior leaders in their quest for membership.

“First Sgt. (Jerimiah) Gan, Sgt. 1st Class (Matthew) Delisle, and myself conducted mock boards every day leading up to the actual date of the board,” said Sgt. 1st Class Oracio Pena, Jr., 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. “We quizzed all nine individuals (from the battalion) on situational questions and questions referring to Audie Murphy and his life to ensure they knew every bit of information about Audie Murphy.”

For current members like Pena, membership is more than a medal to be worn around the neck

“Being a member of one of the most prestigious clubs is an honor,” Pena said. “It means that people expect more of me, and I am always up for the challenge no matter what.”
Each candidate faced a board comprised of senior NCOs asking situational questions as the final part of the selection process.

“To be honest, the entire board was intimidating but not difficult,” Chau said. “The questions that were asked are based on experience as a leader and how you would respond to different situations.”

When the dust had settled and the questions were answered, three staff sergeants from 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt., Audie Murphy’s former unit, were inducted.

“The benefit of knowing that when a VIP comes into a military post, and they ask for an escort, they look to the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club to provide a member due to the professionalism that comes from the club,” Pena said. “It is a great honor and a privilege to be a member.”

Chau, one of the newest Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members, wasn’t sure he was up for the challenges of the board.

“Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, my battalion sergeant major, was the one that put me up to it, and I am glad that he did,” Chau said. “He somehow knew that I would do well and instilled the confidence in me.”

The Return

2010-07-26T08:00:00.004-05:00

After months of looking forward to spending R&R having fun and relaxing, the return is always one of the saddest and most depressing timesof the deployment. It was so nice being able to pick up the phone and send a quick text message to Nick or just call and say "What's going on?".

I remember what a tough time it was for Chris when he went back after his R&R. However, it is so nice to see the two recent redeployment messags. The timing was great and it assures us that the end is definitely in sight!

I pray that Nick has a smooth transition from R&R to his daily routine back in Iraq. It's always tough for us to say goodbye but I always try to remember how hard it must be on the Soldier. It constantly amazes me of the positive attitude these guys have and how you NEVER hear them complain or be negative...a lesson I think we could all learn from them. We have so many things to be grateful for and reasons to be positive but instead, many times people are negative and constantly complaining...it's too hot outside, I don't get paid enough and on and on. Our Soldiers have legitimate reasons to complain about their conditions, atmosphere and sacrifices however they are upbeat and positive all the time. Maybe we should try to be more like our Soldiers...positive, appreciative, accepting, sacrificing, never compaining...Let's stop and remember how hard our troops are fighting for us to be able to enjoy our lives!!!

Redeployment Message #2

2010-07-26T07:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The process for letting family members know of their Soldier’s return will work as follows: deployed Soldiers will need to provide the names and contact information of the family members they want the rear detachment to contact. Units will then input this data into the E-Army Family Messaging System. Once the data is in the system, and it is time for the Soldier to leave theater, the rear detachment at Fort Benning will work off of flight manifests to send a message to you (via phone, e-mail, or text – depending on the contact information provided by the Soldier) through the E-Army Family Messaging System with information on the Soldier's return flight. The system will also provide contact information to family members on how to get in touch with the rear detachment for any questions. The Battalion will ensure positive contact with family members through the system. Updates will also be sent this way with reminders to check the Fort Stewart Flight update for changes. If a Soldier’s information is not put into the system, or the contact information is incorrect, then the rear detachment at Fort Benning will call everyone personally like previous deployments.

Contact through the system will occur when the Soldier has arrived at his/her final location before leaving theater, and again when his/her plane has left theater and is en route to Fort Benning. Notification will also be made if there are any changes in the scheduled arrival of the flight to Fort Benning.

Due to constant changes in flight scheduling, and a need to maintain operational security, the rear detachment at Fort Benning will not be able to answer questions about flights prior to the flights taking off. Rear detachment will only be able to answer questions about Soldiers who have been officially manifested. Deployed Soldiers will be unable to give you an exact departure date.

Please let us know if you have any concerns that have yet to be answered.

We are all looking forward to being home and we know you are too. It’s not long now!

Sledgehammer!!

Redeployment Message

2010-07-26T07:58:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

The Sledgehammer PAO team is happy to be announcing some details on the unit’s upcoming redeployment. So we’ll just get right to it.

No doubt you are probably all aware of President Obama’s order to have no more than 50,000 advise and assist troops in Iraq by Sept. 1. This targeted mission required strength will allow the 3rd Brigade to maintain its partnership and support requirements, while requiring some Sledgehammer Soldiers to redeploy early. As part of the U.S. Forces drawdown, the 3rd Brigade has been ordered by the United States Division South Commander, MG Brooks, to send approximately 600 Soldiers home early to meet that strength requirement.

The Battalion Commanders and the Brigade Commander are the sole approval authorities on deciding which Soldiers to send. Mission priorities are the most important aspect for the Commander when making these decisions. Critical missions in Iraq may prevent some Soldiers from being able to leave early while critical missions at Fort Benning will require that some Soldiers do leave early. The next priority the Commander looks at when determining which Soldiers to send are those who have orders to PCS (permanent change of station), or ETS (end of time in service) before February, 2011. After that, Soldiers attending military schools, with start dates before October are considered. Last in the order of priority are Soldiers who made the 3rd Brigade football team or combatives team. Less than 10 percent of the Soldiers are those who are on the football team or combatives team. With approximately 600 slots to fill we anticipate that a good majority of the Soldiers who fall into any of these four categories will be going home early. However, it is very important to note that the mission in Iraq, and the support requirements at Fort Benning take precedence; this means that even if a Soldier falls into one of these four categories, it does not guarantee them leaving early. The majority of the Soldiers who do not fall into any of these categories will be returning as part of the main body flights.

Soldiers redeploying early are scheduled to arrive at Fort Benning starting the second week of August through the end of August. The main body flights are scheduled to arrive throughout September. The last main body flight is scheduled to arrive the first week in October.

Thank you, and SLEDGEHAMMER

What is a Cavalry Scout?

2010-07-26T07:55:00.000-05:00

Commentary by Spc. David Dyer, 3-1 Cav Public Affairs Liaison

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – I was reading an old copy of “Armor” magazine the other day and came across an article titled, “What is a Cavalryman?” that was written in 1969.
The similarities and differences between the Dragoon’s (cavalrymen) from over forty years ago and those of today kept finding a way into my thoughts. I finally decided to lay them to rest by writing a short reply to that article that highlights the Cavalry Scout of today. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

What is a Cavalry Scout?

Somewhere between the apple-cheeked innocence of the Armor School and the urbane worldliness of the veteran, we find a delightful creature known as a Cavalry Scout.
Cavalrymen come in assorted shapes and conditions; mostly in "peak condition". You find them everywhere, but mostly riding through "Indian Country" on Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Humvees, Stryker Vehicles, and UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters.
Local merchants love them; the enemy hates them; the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team staff tolerates them; new platoon leaders frustrate them; infantrymen ignore them; and the combat medics protect them.
A cavalry scout is confusion with profanity on his tongue; experience with three deployments under his belt; imagination with a slice of C4 explosive in his mouth; and faith with body armor on his back.
A cavalry scout has the appetite of a shark in a feeding frenzy, the energy of a nuclear reactor, the curiosity of an old maid, the enthusiasm of a kid in an ice cream plant, the lungs of an umpire, and the shyness of a bull elephant in the mating season.
He likes women, beer, ice cream, Maxim magazine, e-mails from home, surf and turf dinners, energy drinks, mid-tour leave, hot showers, video games, and hot chow.
He isn't much for dust storms, rocket propelled grenades, AK-47 assault rifles, improvised explosive devices, spit and polish, broken torsion bars, MRE’s (meals ready to eat), powdered eggs, the enemy, walking, or waiting in line.
No one else is so early in the chow line, or so often at the beverage cooler. When you want him he's somewhere in the area. When you don't, he's hovering over your desk with 117 reasons why he should be promoted or be allowed to go on rest and recovery.
No one else can cram into one fighting vehicle, a double basic load of ammunition, 10 cases of MRE’s, two rolls of barbed wire, 14 shaped charges, a portable TV, one chaise lounge, three coolers, five cartons of cigarettes, an empty tool bag, six I-Pods, three heavy machineguns, an X-Box, and a pair of fuzzy dice for luck.
A cavalry scout is a shameless scrounger and ruthless forager. If an object will make his life more comfortable, or make him more mission capable, he will find the means to obtain it. Do not ask where he got the swimming pool and the two extra 25mm barrels for your Bradley. You don’t want to know.
A cavalry scout is a fabulous creature. You can frustrate his desires, but you can't frustrate his drive. You can top his jokes, but you can't top his combat record. He's your conscience, your shadow, your second set of eyes, your psychiatrist, and your despair. But when the chips are down and the bullets ricochet off your track, he's your pride and joy, your fair-haired boy; a slashing, hard-charging bundle of nerves and sheer guts.
When you return from three days of hard fighting, trudge wearily through the dust to your cot, and finally settle down with a hot cup of coffee, he can bring tears to your eyes with those tender, sympathetic, and understanding words, "Gee, I sure am sorry about your gun truck, sir, but we were just trying to beat the tanks to the fuel point ......".

Assassin Troopers Orient on Their Objective

2010-07-23T07:57:00.003-05:00

Spc. Nicholas Leuthauser from Brighton, Colo., and serving with Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division assists in unloading equipment prior to map reading training conducted at Al-Taan, Iraq, July 13.

Story by: Sgt. David Dyer

COL SHOCKER, Iraq – Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division have it all mapped out when it comes to performing the advise and assist mission.

On a recent visit to Al-Taan on the Iraq-Iran border July 13, the Assassin Troopers trained their Iraqi partners on the finer points of map-reading.

“We are moving forward with a training program that will assist them in improving current skill levels and developing new skill sets,” said 1st Lt. Frederick Do, a West Covina, Calif., native.

Sgt. Shawn McClellon of Lorain, Ohio, led the map-reading class with the assistance of an interpreter. Most of the students were junior officers or noncommissioned officers from several of the outlying posts and border forts who will pass on the knowledge gained to their subordinates.

“The skills we pass along today will lay the foundation for future and more advanced training later,” McClellon said. “Every piece of information or new skill that we can pass along only helps to improve the security and stability in this region.”

A pair of enlisted cavalrymen shared new skills with their counterparts on the roof of the fort. The troopers had set up a Long-Range Advance Scout Surveillance System and were helping the DBE agents learn its uses.

The LRAS3 enables Army scouts to conduct 24-hour reconnaissance and surveillance missions, remaining outside threat acquisition and engagement ranges.

“The device is extremely useful in helping them [DBE] with their mission of interdicting smuggling operations along the border” said Spc. Nicholas Leuthauser from Brighton, Colo.

Leuthauser spoke on how smuggling operations are counter to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.

“If we can assist the DBE in stopping just one [smuggler], it helps,” he said.

It was well into the night before the training was over and the cavalrymen of Assassin Troop loaded their vehicles and prepared for the trip back to COL Shocker. The Soldiers and their DBE partners looked forward to the next visit with a desire to build upon the relationship of training and trust in the future.

Sledgehammers Fight to Represent Brigade

2010-07-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

Courtesy Story

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION KALSU, Iraq – The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division held a brigade-wide combatives tournament at Contingency Operating Station Kalsu that ended, July 10.

Fighters representing each of the brigade’s five battalions came together for two days of competition to determine who would go on to represent the “Sledgehammers” in the All-Army Combatives Tournament later this year.

“It’s unreal to me,” said Spc. Sarah Lanphear, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd HBCT. “I just started combatives in March. It really means a lot that I have achieved so much in such a short time.”

Winners of the tournament earned a plaque and a coin from brigade commander, Col. Peter Jones. They will continue their training at Fort Benning, Ga., in preparation for the All-Army tournament.

“We have had support from the brigade,” said Sgt. Seth Mendel, 3rd BSTB, “but to compete successfully at the All-Army level, it takes an incredible amount of personal dedication.”

The fighters said they are ready to work on improving their abilities.

“I need to work on my stand-up game,” said Lanphear. “Right now I’m really looking forward to working on my boxing skills.”

For Lanphear, winning is not all about brute strength.

“Some people might think that because I’m smaller, I might not be a very good fighter,” said Lanphear, “but I think it’s interesting that it doesn’t matter what size you are; it’s all about your heart.”

Lanphear credits more than heart for her success.

“Staff Sgt. [James] Vincent has been an incredible mentor to me,” she said. “He has really made it his goal to help me succeed, and Sgt. [Craig] Obeso, who calls himself my manager, has been my number one support channel. He pushed me and reminded me how much I like this sport.”

For Mendel, it is a chance to become a student again.

“I will be refining every aspect of my game,” he said. “It will be nice to have someone at a higher level train me and point out where I am weak so I can improve.”

Entering the All-Army ring is a natural progression for Mendel.

“What helped me was a long history of interest in martial arts and fighting, anything to do with combat,” he said.

As one of the brigade’s combatives instructors, Mendel trains fellow Soldiers in the Army Combatives Program.

“All that it takes to make every Soldier a hardcore fighter, something they can be proud of, is an instructor that has a passion for fighting,” he said.

Although he won his weight class at the brigade tournament, Pfc. Jeremy Myers, 3rd BSTB, is not satisfied.

“I wouldn’t call myself a success yet,” he said. “I can call myself a success after I win the All-Army tournament.”

While some identify coaches and friends as their driving force, Myers fights for someone else.

“I fight for everyone that says I shouldn’t be here,” he said. “I win for them.”

'Sledgehammers' Celebrate the Army's Birthday

2010-06-17T08:39:00.001-05:00

Maj. David Guthrie, the executive officer of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers during the brigade's celebration of the U.S. Army's 235th birthday at the dining facility at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq, June 14. Guthrie, a native of Hampton, Va., reminded the Soldiers in attendance of their great heritage and praised them for their service.

Story by Sgt. Ben Hutto,

COS KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division celebrated the U.S. Army’s 235th birthday June 14 at COS Kalsu.

Soldiers enjoyed one another’s company after a few words from the 3rd Bde. executive officer Maj. David Guthrie.

“It is truly humbling to be a part of this great Army that has defended our nation for the last 235 years,” said Guthrie. “For the last 235 years, Soldiers like you, whose names may not go into the history books with names like Washington, Alan York, Audie Murphy, Patton, Abrams, Powell and Petraeus, have served our country with distinction.”

Soldiers sang the national anthem and Army Song before the brigade’s oldest Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj. Tydious McCray of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, cut the brigade’s Army birthday cake with a bayonet and served the first piece to the brigade’s youngest Soldier, Pfc. Joshua Rhodes, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion.

“Being the oldest Soldier in the brigade means I’m a blessed person,” said McCray, a native of Columbus, Ga. “Being able to connect with the youngest Soldier and pass along that symbolic knowledge was a great thing. The Army is the greatest organization in the world, in my opinion. As a group, you will not find a more balanced group of individuals from so many different backgrounds working so seamlessly alongside one another.”

Moving Forward

2010-06-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

Commentary by Sgt. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE KALSU, Iraq – As Soldiers, we’ve trained ourselves to ignore discomfort and keep working. If it is 100 degrees outside, we drink water and sweat though a mission. If it is freezing outside, we add more layers of clothing, put on gloves and grit our teeth when the wind kicks up around us. When we pull a muscle, most Soldiers I know hold off going to sick call to avoid getting a medical profile.

To put it simply, Soldiers find a way to keep moving forward.

What happens when the discomfort isn’t physical? What happens when there is pain that can’t be healed physically?

The battalions of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division held Memorial Day remembrance services at each of their bases Sept. 31 and there were quite a few looks of discomfort and pain at the one I attended.

I saw Soldiers struggling to keep tears from following. I saw senior leaders hold their fingers to their temples as they remembered fallen friends and leaders. I heard the catch in a speaker’s voice as he called out the names of one of his Soldiers he lost last deployment. As the 21 gun salute rang out and Taps was played, I saw more than a few heads bow a little lower.

Speaking for myself, a knot formed in my throat as I started picturing faces with the names I heard being called out.

The enormity of this understanding will always be hard for me to comprehend, but the importance of these Soldiers sacrifice does provide me with a reason to keep moving forward.

Our comrade’s death wasn’t given to provide us a reason to quit. It was given in service of something greater than ourselves.

We hear this all the time at memorial services, but when you think about the quality of our lives back in the United States it is something worth dying for.

Our families don’t worry about improvised explosive devices when they drive to work. A political debate doesn’t spark a car bombing at a busy strip mall. We don’t worry about security during our national elections. Our children go to functioning schools. We do not worry about days of having to go without electricity.

In short, we live in a country that, far and away, has more opportunities, security and a better quality of life than many of the countries we are attempting to help across the world.

People serve in the Army for a variety of reasons, but whatever their reason, what they accomplish in the Army makes the world a better place.

Our fallen Soldiers are perhaps the most powerful reminder of the sacrifices that are required to live in a peaceful world.

No one plans to die for freedom, but Soldiers set themselves on the front line knowing full well that it is a possibility. Memorial Day is meant to honor those us that met that unfortunate possibility so others wouldn’t have to.

We owe our fallen brothers and sisters many things for their sacrifice.

We owe them our thanks for serving, despite the danger; we owe them the honor of not forgetting what they gave up to keep our country safe; and we owe it to them to keep moving forward and finish accomplishing the mission they died for.

It is a lot to live up to, but Memorial Day reminds us that there are higher costs; not soon to be forgotten by me or any other Soldier.

A Smile is Worth A Million Bucks!

2010-06-07T08:23:00.002-05:00

It is so nice to see Nick enjoying a little fun time with one of the "goodies" in his latest care package. It is so much fun going shopping and putting packages together for the guys and when you know it brings a smile to their faces, it is a feeling like no other.

BSTB Soldiers Compete in Best Squad Competition

2010-06-07T08:21:00.001-05:00

Spc. Ronald Yeager, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, helps hook a tow bar up to a broken vehicle during the battalion's best squad competition at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq, May 28. Yeager's squad bested three other companies' squads during the two-day competition.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

COS KALSU, Iraq –Soldiers assigned to the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division competed in their battalion's best squad competition at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, May 28 and 29.

Four teams assigned to each of the battalion's four companies sent a squad of seven Soldiers to compete in the two-day event.

Squads completed an Army Physical Fitness Test, competed in a ruck march, negotiated an obstacle course, battled in Army combatives matches, and conducted mock media interviews. Participants also completed a reflexive fire range, a vehicle maintenance competition, a mock improvised explosive device lane, and a game show-style Army knowledge competition.

Headquarters Troop was the eventual winner of the competition by a slim margin.
"The competition was really challenging," said Spc. Jeremy Driskel, an infantryman assigned to HHT, 3rd BSTB. "To be honest, I underestimated it. It was hard, but I really enjoyed it."

The competition was an idea Command Sgt. Maj. Antonio Jones, the senior noncommissioned officer of 3rd BSTB, brought with him when the 3rd HBCT deployed to Iraq in October.

"It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I got to Iraq," said Jones. "After seeing the brigade's best squad competition and the division's Soldier of the Month board, I got some more ideas. The whole point of this competition was to have a tough, realistic training event in a fun-type setting. We wanted to push our Soldiers and force them to dig deep."

Jones, a native of Lynchburg, Va., also wanted to use the competition to build camaraderie in his battalion and to see where his companies were in their technical proficiencies.

"The competition has given me an opportunity adjust and tailor our training to fix issues we saw during the competition," he said. "It was just a great event all the way around."
Driskel, a native of Cummings, Ga., said he was extremely pleased with how his team came together.

"Honestly, we were all thrown together at the last minute, but everyone was so motivated," he said. "I like working with people like that. We just kept each other going and picked each other up."

Jones is planning another competition when his unit gets back to Fort Benning, Ga., and hopes the event will help motivate his Soldiers to be as technically proficient and mentally tough as they can be.

"It was a great event, and I appreciate all the Soldiers who took part," he said. "I think everyone was a winner. Winning, to me, was to see that everyone performed the common tasks and demonstrated that they were proficient in their jobs."

Art Fair Held at COS Kalsu

2010-06-07T07:58:00.002-05:00

Pfc. David Smith, a computer networks specialist assigned to Headquarters Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division surveys paintings for sale at an art fair at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq, June 2 and 3. Artists in Babil province, where COS Kalsu is located, held a two-day art fair to sell their works and share their culture with U.S. Soldiers.

By Sgt. Ben Hutto

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE KALSU, Iraq – Local artists displayed their work as part of an art fair in the Contingency Operating Site Kalsu dining facility, June 2 and 3.

Paintings by 15 artists from the Babil province were put on display and offered for sale.

"The art is beautiful," said Spc. David Holcombe, a generator mechanic assigned to Headquarters Company, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. "I thought the people around here were mostly farmers. I didn't know they had so many creative artists."

The event was put together by the 1411th Civil Affairs Company.

"We wanted to bring a little cultural experience to the [base]," said Capt. Kristen Brockman, the commander of the 1411th CA Company. "The artists in this area have a tough time selling their works to locals in the area, so this is an economic development project for them."

In order to attract Soldiers, the artists kept their products affordable. Pieces ranged in price from 30 to 50 dollars.

"We felt this was a good opportunity for the Soldiers here to carry home something meaningful," said Brockman, a native of Jackson, N.J. "I think a lot of the art speaks so well about the environment here. The art really captures what the people of this area are like."

Many of the artists whose work was represented at the event were happy so many Soldiers were interested in their work.

"So far, we have sold between 65 or 70 pieces," said Ali Ghason, a local artist. "We are very happy. This was our only outlet to express ourselves and show what we can do."

Ghason was happy that American Soldiers would be taking his work back to the United States with them.

"We hope our art is a good reflection of our culture to the U.S. people," he said.
For Holcomb, a native of Leominster, Mass., the piece he purchased is a good way to remember the two deployments he served in Iraq.

"It is something to keep from Iraq to say I was there," he said. "It will look really nice in my work room back home. Who knows? Some day it may be worth something."

Memorial Day Prayer

2010-05-31T09:52:00.002-05:00

"Dear Father, I pray that You will protect the lives of the men and women of our armed forces….Command Your angels concerning them to guard them in all their ways. Surround them on all sides, and let no weapon formed against them prosper. Let no harm befall them, no disaster come near their tent. Satisfy them with long... life and show them Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

History of Memorial Day

2010-05-31T09:09:00.000-05:00

On May 5, 1866, the residents of Waterloo held the first complete, community-wide observance of Memorial Day. They dedicated the entire day to honoring the Civil War dead in a solemn and patriotic manner. Throughout the village, flags, draped in mourning, flew at half mast. Ladies prepared wreaths and bouquets for each veteran's grave. Businesses closed, and veterans, civic organizations and townspeople marched to the strains of martial music to the village cemeteries. There, with reverent prayers and patriotic ceremonies, the tradition of Memorial Day was born.

Henry C. Welles, a prominent citizen, first proposed the idea for a day completely devoted to honoring the Civil War dead. General John B. Murray, the Seneca County Clerk, who had commanded the 148th New York Infantry Regiment in the war, quickly advanced the thought and marshaled community support. Since that year, Waterloo has annually observed Memorial Day. New York, in 1873, became the first state to proclaim Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, as it was originally called, a public holiday.

In May, 1966, a joint resolution by the United States Congress and a proclamation by President Lyndon B. Johnson officially recognized Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day was originally known as "Decoration Day" because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was instituted in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers and has since grown to honor all those who have given their lives in services to their country.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states.

Take Time To Remember

2010-05-31T08:40:00.005-05:00

On this Memorial Day 2010 it is with great pride that I say "Thank you" to all our Military Soldiers and especially to the families of those whose loved ones have given the ultimate sacrifice of their life. Our military is the most dedicated and giving organization in America. I know of no other organization that its members are willing to give their live for the cause. Because of their many sacrifices, we are able to enjoy our freedom!

It saddens me that on this Memorial Day many people have forgotten the reason for the "holiday". Many think of it as a day off work...or a day to catch a great sale...or a day to get together with family and friends and grill...but many forget that it is a day to honor those that have sacrificed their lives so we CAN enjoy all those wonderful things.

Take a few minutes out of the day to stop and say a prayer for all those families who have to cope daily with the fact that their loved one gave their live for us. And stop and remember the thousands of Soldiers that are currently serving so unselfishly.

I am forever grateful to our wonderful military...an organization like no other!

3rd HBCT Leadership Team Speaks With Soldiers

2010-05-30T11:31:00.003-05:00

Col. Pete Jones, commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks with the Soldiers of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion during a question-and-answer session at Contingency Operating Location Kalsu, May 11, 2010. Jones and 3rd HBCT Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson used the session to dispel rumors, answer questions and highlight the brigade's accomplishments during their current deployment.

By Sgt. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf Div PAO

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE KALSU, Iraq – The commander and command sergeant major of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, held a question-and-answer session with the Brigade Special Troops Battalion at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, May 11, 2010, to connect more directly with their troops.

During the session, Col. Pete Jones and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson highlighted the brigade's current mission and accomplishments, explained their concerns about vehicular safety, asked team leaders to focus on combat drills and shared the brigade's projected plans for redeployment.

The leaders congratulated the BSTB Soldiers for all the hard work they have done in supporting the Iraqi people and helping train their security forces.

Jones praised the brigade's role in helping millions of Iraqi people celebrate the religious holidays, Ashura and Arba'een. He also credited the brigade for helping create a secure environment that enabled 9 million Iraqi citizens to vote in the March 7 national elections.

Despite the brigade's success, Jones stressed that his Soldiers continue to remain vigilant. He pointed to the eight recent bombings in Babil and Najaf provinces that targeted Iraqi security forces and civilians as proof that insurgents are still actively trying to undo progress in Iraq.

"While the threat target-level is low, this is still a dangerous place," he said. "We need to remain ready and not get complacent."

Pearson told his non-commissioned officers to continue to enforce the standards of the brigade.

"We need leaders to constantly practice their emergency procedures and rehearse battle drills," he said. "If you are an NCO, you need to take every opportunity to train your Soldiers. You are in charge of training the Army's future leaders. It is your responsibility. It's one of the reasons you were promoted and I expect you to do it."

Jones and Pearson placed emphasis on accident prevention during the session. Both leaders stressed that accidents, especially vehicular accidents, are preventable.

Pearson cited Soldiers driving too fast and choosing not to wear seatbelts as his primary concerns.

"Everyone is a safety officer," said Jones. "Everyone is responsible for ensuring that discipline and safety standards are met. Discipline is what this unit is known for, and discipline is what will get us home."

Jones also sent a very stern message to the battalion about the brigade's notification process for family members of dead or injured Soldiers.

"I abhor cutting the Internet and phones because I know many of you have set up a rhythm when it comes to contacting your loved ones back home," he said. "Unfortunately, some people do not have the discipline to wait for a chaplain and a uniformed officer to deliver the news to our families the correct way."

"Well, you are hearing this directly from me," he continued, "any Soldier caught sending that information home without permission from me will be subject to [punishment under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice]."

Jones explained that a family hearing about misfortune over Facebook or the Internet is wrong and he, as a commander, is prepared to take a firm stand to keep it from happening.

"There is no gray area on this issue," he said. "As a leader, I have an obligation to inform the families of our dead and injured Soldiers. Allow me to do that. I take this responsibility very seriously, and so should you."

Jones and Pearson also addressed redeployment and what it will mean to the brigade's Soldiers and their families. Jones dispelled rumors that the brigade will be leaving Iraq earlier than expected.

"We are still set to go home by the end of September," said Jones.

Jones is planning one extended block leave for Soldiers after redeployment; rather than two shorter block leaves. The plan still needs to be approved by the 3rd Inf. Div. leadership, however.

"Whatever happens when we get back, Col. Jones and I are proud of each and every one of you," said Pearson. "When you get back, be proud of what you've done. Tell your story to the people back home. Tell our story to your family and friends. You've all done a lot.

"You volunteered to join the Army during a time of war," he said. "You agreed to leave your friends and families to come over here. It is something you can look back on years from now and take pride."

Cav Unit Changes Commanders

2010-05-30T11:23:00.002-05:00

Capt. Travis Trammell, former commander of A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Campti, La., Lt. Col. Chris Kennedy, squadron commander, and Capt. John Dickson, incoming troop commander, from Livonia, Michigan, face the troop formation during the change of command ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Shocker, Iraq, May 8.
Capt. Nicholas James, commander of Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gives Capt. Travis Trammell, former A Troop, 3rd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. commander, a farewell handshake after a change of command ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Shocker, Iraq, May 8.

Capt. Travis Trammell, outgoing commander, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Campti, La., passes the troop guidon to squadron commander, Lt. Col. Chris Kennedy, during a change of command ceremony at Contingency Operating Site Shocker, Iraq, May 8.

For Our Troops

2010-05-30T11:04:00.002-05:00

For Our Troops

FOR OUR TROOPS (both past and present, but particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan at present)

Though I don't know your name
And I have never seen your face
I shed tears for you.

Though my memories don't contain a time
We shared together
I miss you.

Though we are not related
You are in my thoughts.

When I'm eating, or taking a shower, or doing housework,
I think of you, knowing how much you wish you could be at home,
Your stomach full, doing mundane chores such as cleaning your house,
Clean from a fresh shower.

Though you are at terrible risk, and perhaps may not survive,
You are NEVER ALONE, and will always be alive
If only in our spirits, hopes and memories, our dreams for your future.

There are MILLIONS of people praying for you tonight
And throughout the day.

Praying for your safely and return as a whole person
In mind, body and spirit.

We are crying because we know. We know you are scared, and lonely.
And that you'd give anything to see your family, to hug you mother, father.
Your child, sister, brother, aunt, uncle.

To be showered with love and comfort,
Instead of sand and shrapnel.

We long for you too, with an ache so desperate as to make us insane.
To touch your face, see your smile; share your laughter and your tears.

We love you so much soldiers, you cannot know. You cannot fathom the swelling of pride in our chest as we think of you.
Of your courage and your sacrifice, the hope that you can come home soon.

And those that have returned, we have not forgotten you; you are in our prayers,
That you may recover from your experience and be healed.

No matter what anyone says, not matter the reason you are there,
You are a UNITED STATES SOLDIER, and you make us PROUD!!
Every day for that beautiful flag, for our great fortune to be Americans.

There are no politics, no scandals, no mistakes, NOTHING, which can diminish the sentiment we have for you.
And even as democracy permits free speech, as it should, which some may use to make judgments or cast aspersions,
Remember always, we know you'd rather be on the couch debating it with us than spending your days trying just to stay alive.

Let no "freedom of speech' EVER make you doubt the American people's faith in and love for you.
We are PROUD!

I've never met you, but I want you to know that I love you.
I'm praying for you.
I honor you.
I'm waiting for your return.

On this Memorial Day, 2010, and every day,
Please know that you are being though of.
WE MISS YOU.
GOD BLESS YOU and keep you until the day we can celebrate face to face.

© 2007 Brooke O'Neill Emery

Students Graduate From Team Leaders Course

2010-05-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

Story by: Sgt. Ben Hutto

COS KALSU, Iraq – Thirty-one students assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division graduated from the 3rd HBCT's Team Leader Course at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, May 8.

The two-week course taught the graduates vehicle maintenance and recovery, combat casualty care, casualty evacuation procedures, a variety of weapon systems, several different radio systems, demolitions for use in urban environments, and how to run small arms ranges.

"The class was a lot of fun," said Spc. Anthony Blake, a native of Columbia, Mo., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd HBCT.

"A lot of the noncommissioned officers I spoke to about the class said they had to learn a lot of the stuff we went over in class on their own after they got promoted. I think that will help me when I get promoted."

The class, which was geared to junior NCO's and Soldiers, provided formal instruction on the proper way to lead Soldiers according to Army field manuals and regulations.

"The class provided a great opportunity for these future and current noncommissioned officers to work and train together with Soldiers from other units within the brigade," said Staff Sgt. Robert Lively, one of the course's instructors.

Lively, a native of Natchez, Miss., assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, BSTB, 3rd HBCT, said that the graduates of the class learned to work together as a team and grew through the shared experience.

"I'm still a ways from getting promoted to sergeant, but this class has helped me a lot," said Pfc. Casey Brecker, a native of Philadelphia assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment.

"I know when it is time for me to go to the board and get promoted; this course will have set me up for success. We learned how to lead from the front during our time here. It is something I've always thought a good leader should do and this course just reaffirmed that for me."

Remembering a Fallen Comrade

2010-05-22T09:56:00.002-05:00

Pfc. Ronald Simpson, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, remembers his fallen comrade, Sgt. Anthony O'Neal Magee, Company A, during a memorial service May 8, 2010, at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick)

By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick

COS KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gathered at the chapel at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu May 8, 2010, to remember their fallen comrade, Sgt. Anthony O'Neal Magee from Hattiesburg, Miss.

Magee, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd HBCT, survived three days before passing away, April 27, from wounds suffered during an indirect fire attack on COS Kalsu.
According to Col. Robert Ashe, commander of 2nd Bn., 69th AR, after being wounded, Magee was moved to safety by another injured Soldier. Immediately, other Soldiers came to help, using the shirts off their backs as bandages.

Tireless efforts were taken to save his life at the COS Kalsu aid station, the hospital in Balad, Iraq, and finally the hospital in Germany where he passed. Magee's final act was to serve as an organ donor.

At the memorial service, Ashe said the actions of all involved gave Magee's family time to say their final goodbyes. He is survived by his wife Courtney, his son Kameron, and his parents, Tony and Patricia Davis.

Two of his many friends, Spc. Bryan Hammers and Pfc. Ronald Simpson, brought the spirit of Magee alive as they took the audience through a journey of his life as they knew him.

"He would not have wanted me to stand here today and dwell on the negativity of the situation," Hammers said. "If Magee were here today, I guarantee you his exact words would be, 'Quit crying about it; life's too short.'"

Simpson further confirmed Magee's upbeat and hearted spirit.

"Anthony Magee would not want us to sit here and mourn over his death," he said. "He would rather see us celebrate the life he lived. If it were up to him, he'd have a 48-hour party."

The room broke out in laughter as his two comrades described special moments they shared with their friend.

"Magee's favorite thing to do was get into a combatives match with someone…heck, anyone," Hammers said. "I can still hear him as I'm sure many of you have heard him say before, 'Keep talking. Say something. I'll ball you up.'"

The audience nodded as Simpson illustrated scenes almost all of them had witnessed.
"What I remember about Sgt. Magee is frequently catching him flexing his muscles," he said. "You would be sitting at the computer and just randomly out of nowhere he's sneaking up behind you trying to put you in a head lock."

Hammers reminded the audience of Magee's love for life and intolerance for negativity.
"He was one of those people that you just wanted to be around," he said, "always positive and never minded lending a hand. No matter what the situation, his response was, 'I got you man.'"

As a Soldier, Capt. Timothy Sikora, Company A commander, remembered Magee as a dedicated company supply sergeant.

"If he had the supplies, he gave them to his fellow Soldiers all the way down to the last one out of his pocket," he said.

Ashe remembered Magee as a Soldier whose impact on those around him was far-reaching. With a contagious smile and the attitude to live every day to the fullest, he was a guy who others sought out in hard times for a quick pick-up.

While Magee's spirit lingered in the aisles of the chapel and in the hearts of those he influenced, Simpson took a moment to talk to his fallen friend.

"We love you," he said. "We miss you. Rest in peace brother."

Velvet Hammer

2010-05-04T07:56:00.002-05:00

A velvet hammer is sent when there is a loss in the the brigade. Peace be with the families of our fallen Soldiers. God bless our troops!

On the 30th of April , I was notified that HHC 2-69 AR suffered the loss of a Soldier. The next of kin has been notified. This Soldier died at Landstuhl Hospital as a result of wounds sustained on 24 April at Kalsu, Iraq. I ask you for your prayers for this Sledgehammer Soldier's family.

Tom Woodie
LTC, EN
Rear Detachment Commander
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
Fort Benning, GA

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 16

2010-04-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

The top squads from every battalion met at COS Kalsu to vie for top squad honors. Follow along in HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes, Episode 16. Episode music courtesy Skillet

WATCH EPISODE 16

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 15

2010-04-26T08:27:00.001-05:00

Episode 15 of HAMMER follows along as NCO's of the Sledgehammer Brigade vie for membership in the exclusive Sergeant Audie Murphy Club

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 15

Sledgehammer - Halfway Home!

2010-04-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

SLEDGEHAMMER - HALFWAY HOME VIDEO

Sledgehammer Squads Square-off

2010-04-26T08:13:00.002-05:00

Soldiers representing 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, start out on a five-mile march April 15, during the best-squad competition at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq. The competition tested the teamwork and physical abilities of teams representing the Sledgehammer Brigade's six battalions.

Story by Pfc. Erik Anderson

COS KALSU, Iraq – Squads representing each of the six battalions that make up the 3rd Heavy Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division met at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, April 15, to compete in a two-day event designed to test their strength and teamwork.

The first day represented traditional warrior tasks and drills with a surprise road-march to end the day. The following day, Soldiers squared-off in non-traditional events that brought some fun to the competition.

"Being in a combat zone, it is very important these Soldiers operate as a squad," said Sgt. Maj. Rick Hairston, 3rd HBCT. "The squad as a group is much stronger than any one individual can be."

Warrior tasks on the first day were completed in body armor, as if the squads were on patrol in the streets of Iraq.

The first event was a road march to an obstacle where teams carried a stretcher loaded with a simulated body weight. Teams traversed three trailers with the stretcher through a lane that required them to work together.

"It took teamwork, a lot of teamwork," said Spc. Derrick Hodges, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion. "Running with the flak vests on, that is something new. You have to be ready."

Squads flipped two, 500-pound military tires end-over-end for 80 meters before moving on to a grenade-throwing station. The next task was a weapons assembly station, where they were given a pile of parts and assembled working firearms while timed for points.

"Teamwork is important because it is what combat is based on," said Spc. William Johnson, 203rd BSB. "Without your battle buddy to your left or to your right, you're no good."

Moving to the next obstacle, squads were presented with a standard resupply point, consisting of water cans, pre-packaged meals and ammunition. The task was to move the supplies over a six-foot-tall wall, carry them across a water-filled ditch, and deliver them to a waiting military vehicle.

"If they don't have leadership directing them, they won't accomplish it that quick," said Hairston. "But if they work towards the same goal, and understand what each other's strengths and weaknesses are, they will be able to move quicker."

After the supplies were loaded onto the truck, squads moved to the COS Kalsu pistol range and were awarded points based on accuracy.

Following the range, teams were given a much-needed rest until the next event, a five-mile road march.

During the march, teams pushed a disabled humvee and carried a loaded stretcher the final 100 meters.

"We are trying to make them work as a squad," said Hairston. "Making the leadership think about what they are going to do and how they are going to plan the attack to do the next event."

The second day of competition had the participants tossing horseshoes, shooting hoops, throwing footballs, and trying to hit a barrel with a softball after some very dizzying bat maneuvers, to earn points for their squads.

"It's basically teamwork," said Johnson. "You start as a team and it's up to the team whether you are close-knit enough to actually finish as a team."

After the dust settled and the points were tallied, the squad representing 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment took top-squad bragging rights.

"I'm really proud of my guys," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. "They worked hard and they deserve it."

Helping Deployed Soldiers Maintain Bonds

2010-04-21T07:56:00.003-05:00

Chaplain (Capt.) Bruce Duty, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a love poem to his wife back home in Fort Benning, Ga., during an internet communications event held at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq, Feb. 14. The 3rd HBCT has held several events and relationship-building classes to help its deployed Soldiers and their spouses strengthen their marriages.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

COS KALSU, Iraq -- The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division is helping married Soldiers improve their relationships with their spouses during their current mission in Iraq.

The 3rd HBCT mental health assessment, given three months into the brigade's current deployment, determined that marital stress was a main concern of the brigade's Soldiers.

"Strong Bonds marriage retreats, Family Life [program], and counselors are all examples of the support systems available to our married Soldiers to help them and their spouses during and after our deployment," said Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd HBCT. "We are near the mid-point of this deployment and our marriage retreats were designed to introduce techniques that maintain and build relationships."

In addition to counseling and retreats, the 3rd HBCT has sponsored the "Fireproof Your Marriage" peer study, a religious study based on the Christian film and held events via the Internet to help provide Soldiers more options to improve their marriage and stay connected with their spouses.

"A stable home life allows our Soldiers to focus on their mission and not be looking over their shoulder on what is going on back home," said Jones. "A Soldier with an unstable marriage will not have his mind on the mission. I think our leaders understand that a Soldier with a strong home life is a combat multiplier for the brigade."

Jones acknowledged that his Soldiers do have stressors that can affect their marriage. Being away from their families for a year, working long hours and having to be away when problems happen back home can be extremely difficult on a relationship.

"Being in the Army can pose difficulties for a marriage, but that doesn't mean those challenges are insurmountable," said Chaplain (Capt.) Bruce Duty, with the Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "It just means spouses need to invest more time and effort into 'battle proofing' their relationships."

Duty explained that people can have difficulty working on their marriages when they are separated by time and distance, but it is possible.

"It is more difficult when one half of the relationship is back home," Duty said. "It takes two individuals to make a marriage work; however, it does require an individual effort on each partner's part."

"I think that Soldiers and their spouses can use this time for personal reflection and start building good habits that can continue when they are reunited," he said.

Duty and Capt. Gina Wright, the 3rd HBCT's social worker, sponsored the six-week "Fireproof Your Marriage" peer study. It focused on strengthening a couple's marriage by using a Christian view as a base.

Wright recognized the group may not be for every Soldier, but said that she thinks it could be used as a springboard for more events. She frequently deals with Soldiers who have concerns about their marriage and hopes more of them will take advantage of services the brigade offers.

"I see it every day," she said. "If we, as a brigade, don't put out opportunities for couples to get help; we are not making a difference. I'm hoping that events like the Fireproof Your Marriage series will snowball into more opportunities and programs for married couples to improve their marriages."

While offering more programs and services to couples is a good start, Jones pointed out that they go to waste if Soldiers and their spouses don't use them.

"We can provide these resources, but it is ultimately up to the families to use them and communicate their needs to make it successful," he said. "Like any Army program, funds are set aside for it to be used. If they are not used, those same funds may not be there the next time around."

During his 22 years in the Army, Sgt. 1st Class Danny Waldrip, an operations noncommissioned officer in the 3rd HBCT, has been through a divorce. He encourages Soldiers to use the programs available to help their marriages.

"No matter how strong your marriage is, it can never be too strong," he said. "I would encourage any Soldier to take advantage of the opportunities the Army has provided us. Marriage counselors and seminars out in real world cost money. The fact that we, as Soldiers, have free access to them is a really good thing."

Waldrip encourages Soldiers to go into marriage with a serious mind-set.

"When you get married, you need to go into it with the mentality that it will not fail," he said. "The Soldier mentality you have about your military career needs to be infused in your marriage or it will not work...The words 'them' and 'they' cause divisions in a marriage. When you get married there should be no more 'you' and 'me'. It should be about 'we' and 'us'."

Waldrip knows first-hand how hard the time requirements of being Soldier can be on a marriage.
"An old football saying says that if you are the first one to practice and the last one to leave; you will be a good football player," he said. "With our job as Soldiers, we will always be the first one in the door and the last to leave. That isn't easy on a marriage. To be honest, cross-country truck drivers spend more time at home than we do... That being said, your marriage should never be something that takes a back seat to other things."

Duty agrees with Waldrip's assessment.

"In the Army, you get awards and accolades for doing well," said Duty. "In a marriage, doing well is expected. You won't get an award, but you will have the satisfaction of being in a good marriage and that should mean significantly more."

U.S. Army Conducts Board With Iraqi Counterparts

2010-04-21T07:48:00.002-05:00

Pfc. John Young, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, of Marion, Ind., reports to the presidents of the board, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Aaron, 1st Bn., 10th FAR, and Command Sgt. Maj. Abas Abad Al Hussain, 8th Iraqi Army Motorized Transportation Regiment, March 6, at Contingency Operating Base Delta, Iraq

By Sgt. Matthew Hayes

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq -- Boards, in which a Soldier stands before a group of senior leaders and is examined for technical and general proficiency, are a common experience in the Army, but it is not so often that Soldiers have the opportunity to be examined by leadership from a host nation.

The Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, had just such an opportunity March 6, at Contingency Operating Base Delta.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Aaron, 1st Bn. command sergeant major, took his seat as the president of the battalion Non-commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Quarter boards that day with the usual first sergeants from the battalion to his left. On his right, however, was his Iraqi counterpart.

Command Sgt. Maj. Abas Abad Al Hussain, 8th Iraqi Army Motorized Transportation Regt., was an honorary guest and served as co-president for the prestigious board.

The board began like many other boards, with the participants reciting various military creeds, conducting facing movements, and reciting their biographies. Soldiers were asked questions about the military by members of the board, starting with Abas. His questions addressed topics such as the chain of command.

A military board is something that every non-commissioned officer must experience to obtain the rank of sergeant. The traditions of the NCO Corps run deep in the U.S. Army and these traditions are being passed on to the Iraqi NCO Corps. Every NCO from the newest sergeant to the command sergeant major of the Army has experienced a board at some time in their career.

U.S. Forces are now advising and assisting Iraq to become a self sustaining nation.

Geospatial Specialists Put Troops on the Map

2010-04-21T07:44:00.002-05:00

Pfc. Scott Brayan, a geospatial analyst assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, pulls a map off a plotter in his office at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq, March 30. Since arriving to Iraq, Brayan and his section have produced 4,000 maps for the brigade.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

COS KALSU, Iraq -- The Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, know exactly where they are in the world thanks to the hard work and dedication of the brigade's geospatial section.

The five-Soldier section works around-the-clock to keep up with Contingency Operating Site Kalsu's map needs.

"Our section provides real-time geospatial projects that allow the brigade to see anywhere on earth at any time," said Staff Sgt. Randall Williams, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the section. "More specifically, we provide terrain analysis to help enable reconstruction efforts in our area of operations."

Using overhead satellites, the group deciphers the cluttered topographical images and turns them into workable maps. Their job, however, is much more intricate than just producing images. They also interpret what they see on these images and pass that operational information on to the 3rd HBCT's leadership.

"We've put out about 4,000 maps and 200 special projects so far," said Williams, a native of Deer River, Minn. "The biggest accomplishment for our section was, within six weeks of arriving in country, finding four weapons caches. That's 3,500 rounds that were seized because we did our job."

To add to his challenge, Williams is also working on training three of his Soldiers, who recently graduated from Advanced Individual Training. Still, they are responding positively to the challenge of learning on the fly, according to Williams.

"They are learning very fast," Williams said. "The challenge for me is finding the proper balance of battlefield operations and training. It requires me to double-check the quality of all the maps we do, but they do a great job. They still have a lot to learn, but they are coming along nicely."

Pfc. Scott Brayan, one of the newer Soldiers, said the training they have received in country builds well on their previous training.

"The training we received at AIT was solid, but it didn't prepare us for our job out in the field," said Brayan, a native of Inglewood, Calif. "We learned the basics there, but what we do out here is on a different level. I've learned a lot just by watching Sergeant Williams work."

According to Brayan and Spc. Nick Palmer, a native of Rochester, N.Y., part of what makes their jobs so difficult is the complex nature of the tools they employ to read what is on the earth's surface and how it could affect the brigade.

"I learn new things every day," said Brayan. "This is not an easy job. We use lot of in-depth programs. Most days we barely tap into 10 percent of what our programs can do. They are so complex."

Keeping those systems running smoothly is just as important, said Palmer.

"There are so many intricate machines that we have to work with," said Spc. Nick Palmer, a native of Rochester, N.Y. "If a plotter doesn't work, we can't print maps. If the computer doesn't work, we can't make maps. We constantly have to maintain and service our equipment. The dust, the heat, puts wear and tear on them."

Despite the busy nature of their jobs and the lack of experience in the section, they have performed their jobs well.

During the March 7 Iraqi national elections, the section produced more than 300 maps in a two-week span without Williams there.

"I was on leave, but I'm very proud of how they stepped up and accomplished the mission," he said. "A lot of our Soldiers are still learning their jobs and to see them work at that high a level is encouraging."

"I work with a great team," Brayan said. "Everyone has a great personality. We are a tight-knit group."

Williams agrees with his Soldiers assessment, but has his own opinions on why they get along so well.

"The operation tempo doesn't allow us to murder one another," Williams said. "We are too busy."

As the 3rd HBCT's deployment prepares to finish its mission in Iraq, Williams knows that he and his Soldiers will have even more work to complete, but he is confident they will finish strong.

"The more they get trained, the easier the work will become," he said. "I'm very happy with the direction we are going in. We'll be OK."

I'm A Soldier's Mom

2010-04-16T08:01:00.001-05:00

I’M A SOLDIER’S MOM

I'm a Soldier’s Mom ~ but do not weep for me
I'm waiting and praying
I'm on pins & needles
I toss and turn all night
He's my last thought before I
finally fall asleep at night
my first when I wake each morning

I'm a Soldier’s Mom - but do not weep for me
I hear his words, see his face and his posture as he says
"Mom, I'm ready to go
I'm prepared to go
It's my job to go
I'll volunteer to go
I need to get my mind set to go"

I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me
For you
For our children
and our children's children
For our Country
For their Country

I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me
I'm proud of my son's
Patriotism
Inner strength
Vision
Dreams
Desire
Willingness
I'm proud to be an American
I'm proud to be Free

Yes ~ I'm a Soldier's Mom ~ but do not weep for me!!!

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 11, 12, 13 & 14

2010-04-16T07:37:00.002-05:00

Join 1-10 FA as they honor the patron Saint of Field Artillery, no matter where they are.

EPISODE 11

Episode 12 highlights the Military Police at COB Delta and their experience working with their partners in the Iraqi Police Force.

EPISODE 12

Episode 13 of HAMMER highlights the Advise & Assist experience of troopers from Commanche Troop, 3-1 Cav., at COB Delta, Iraq.

EPISODE 13

Col. Peter Jones and many of the Sledgehammer Brigade's company commanders joined Iraqi leaders at the Iran-Iraq border for a tour and a history lesson about the conflict between the neighboring countries.

EPISODE 14

Pay close attention at 2:30 - Nick makes an appearance!

Bumping Into Friends

2010-04-15T21:29:00.003-05:00

It's always nice to bump into good friends but it's especially nice when you're out in the middle of the desert! Nick recently hooked up with buddy Will Garvin and had a few laughs to break the tension.

Looking Good...

2010-03-24T07:43:00.002-06:00

Looking good...enjoying life and just doing what he does!!! It absolutely amazes me the mentality of our Soldiers...they are simply doing their job. Nick NEVER complains about the job, the conditions, etc...it's all good. In fact, he says the living conditions are really good compared to the last deployment. We tease him now and tell him he's got a room at the Hilton!

If I ever start to have a bad day, I try to stop and think about Nick and Chris when he was deployed and how positive their attitude is/was. If ANYBODY has the right to have a bad day, it would be our Soldiers but it's quite the opposite. The positive attitude and great outlook I'm sure is part of the reason they are so successful. They have trained both mentally and physically for their job and as a result they do it quite well! Thanks for being such great role models to all of us! I wish EVERYONE could have the great attitude that Nick and Steven and the majority of our Troops have! Great job guys!

Another Sad Day

2010-03-23T07:40:00.005-06:00

Sunday was another sad day, as another very dear friend deployed. Sgt. Steven Boer, left Sunday for his third tour in Iraq. When we talked on Saturday, he was in good spirits and just as Nick and Chris would always say, he said he is simply doing his job.

I first met Steven and Kim in March 2007 when we met at Ft. Benning to see Chris and Nick off for their first deployment. I felt as if I had known them for years because Chris and Nick spoke so highly of them. Steven was an inspiration to Chris and the two of them had many good times while stationed together at Ft. Benning. It meant a lot that Steven and Kim took time out to drive in from Kentucky to see the boys off and it was a great opportunity for us to get to know them and see the reason that Nick and Chris were so close to them. It was no surprise that we had an instant friendship that has continued throught the years.

Now Footprints will also follow Steven, as well as Nick on their deployments. As always, let's keep these guys as well as all our Troops in our prayers. Thanks for everything you guys have give for US!

The latest report is that Steven has arrived safely in Kuwait and is doing great. Keep up the great work guys! We love ya'll!

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 9 & 10

2010-03-20T09:05:00.003-06:00

Episode 9 shows the mission of Crusader Company,

1-15 Inf. Regt. on COS Crusader, in Najaf Province.

EPISODE 9

Episode 10 features some of the many 3rd HBCT company command staff,

talking about where we have been, where we are, and where we are headed.

EPISODE 10

"A Soldier Died Today"

2010-03-18T06:48:00.002-06:00

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start..

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

Author unknown.

Body of fallen Fort Benning Sgt. Lakeshia Bailey, a Columbus Native, Comes Home

2010-03-17T07:26:00.004-06:00

Family members of Sgt. Lakeshia M. Bailey bow their heads as the fallen soldier’s casket is carried under the honor guard sabres on the tarmac at Freedom Hall on Friday. Bailey, who was with the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, died March 8 from injuries sustained in a non-combat-related vehicle rollover north of Al Kut.

By LILY GORDON - lgordon@ledger-enquirer.com

The flag-draped casket containing the body of fallen U.S. Army Sgt. Lakeshia M. Bailey returned Monday afternoon to Fort Benning.

Bailey, 23, of Columbus, and Sgt. Aaron M. Arthur, 25, of Lake City, S.C., died March 8 north of Al Kut, Iraq, of injuries sustained during a non-combat-related vehicle rollover, according to the Department of Defense. Both soldiers were heavy vehicle drivers assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, attached to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Bailey’s coffin was met by more than 300 soldiers with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s rear detachment unit who came to Lawson Army Airfield at noon to salute their fallen comrade.

They joined several grieving members of Bailey’s family, who held each other and sobbed as a team of six uniformed pallbearers wearing white gloves carried the casket from a small, chartered plane, under an honor guard saber arch and to a waiting hearse. The gray hearse rolled slowly from the wind-swept tarmac near Freedom Hall through a saluting corridor of 3rd Brigade soldiers. Eleven representatives from the Patriot Guard were also on hand to help escort Bailey from the airfield to Sconiers Funeral Home in Columbus.

Bailey entered the Army in February 2006 and arrived for duty at Fort Benning in June 2006.

A 2004 graduate of Spencer High School, she excelled in math and enjoyed cosmetology and home economics. In a recent interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, her younger sister, Candace Bailey, described her as “real goofy” with a contagious smile and an active social life.

Her platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Randolph, said Bailey had a gift for lifting the spirits of her fellow soldiers.

“I basically watched her grow up in the military,” Randolph said moments before the plane carrying her casket landed on post. “She was more than a soldier to me. She was like one of my kids. She was like my daughter. She always was cheerful. It’s like I got an empty spot in my heart because I’ve been in the Army 17 1/2 years and I never lost a soldier.”

A memorial for Bailey and Arthur took place Friday in Iraq. Speaking from Forward Operating Base Kalsu in Iraq during a video teleconferencing session Monday morning, 3rd Brigade Commander Col. Peter Jones offered his condolences to the families.

“In the coming days, they and their families will remain in our thoughts and our prayers,” Jones said.

Funeral services for Sgt. Lakeshia Bailey are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Follow Me Chapel on post.

Troopers Have Towering Presence on Border

2010-03-15T07:24:00.002-06:00

Col. Paul English, left, goes over tower emplacement sites with 1st Lt. Frederick Do while inspecting a tower site on the Iraq-Iran Border Feb. 25. The towers are being emplaced to help the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement crack down on illegal smuggling.
Story by Cody Harding

COL SHOCKER, Iraq – The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement, the Government of Iraq's primary force for border security and the interdiction of smuggling, continues to keep an eye on the border with Iran.

They pursue and catch smugglers who attempt to cross the border with weapons, drugs or other means of harming the Iraqi people.

With help from A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the Iraqi border guards of 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, Department of Border Enforcement, have added a new watchtower along Iraq's border with Iran. The new tower will help trained observers crack down on smuggling and reduce the presence of insurgents.

Sgt. Steven Glatfelter, a non-commissioned officer with 1st Platoon "Assassin" Troop, said that working with the Iraqi DBE is a good mission for the unit.

"It's like working with any Iraqis," he said. "There's challenges like language, but they're eager to learn and they like working with us. They're very friendly and engaging."

The two-story tower, emplaced on the boundary between the 7th Brigade and 8th Brigade of the DBE, was placed in the area due to intelligence suggesting the area to be a possible smuggling route, said Capt. Travis Trammell, Assassin Troop commander.

The experience of working with the DBE is a new one for Assassin Troop, who have worked with the Iraqi Police and Army in the past, but not with the DBE, said Trammell.

"The tactics and techniques of the DBE are somewhat foreign to the troops", he said. "But it has given them an opportunity to learn and they've enjoyed it. It's an interesting setup that the DBE have and it's something to see."

Glatfelter, who is from Kinsers, Pa., said that he has seen substantial improvement in the border guards since his two previous tours in Iraq in 2005 and 2007.

"First time we were here, they were just following our lead", he said. "It was a fledgling military force we were working with, and now they run the show. We are here now as an advise and assist brigade and that's what we're doing."

Cavalry Works With, Assists Border Guards

2010-03-15T07:17:00.003-06:00

Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment emplace an Unattended Ground Sensor during a nighttime operation Feb. 25. The sensors allow the Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement to track potential smugglers and their routes, making sure their illegal cargo does not enter Iraq.

Story by Cody Harding

WASIT PROVINCE, Iraq – The border between Iraq and Iran is heavily guarded, with numerous forts on both sides. However, illegal weapons and other dangerous items are still carried into Iraq by smugglers who supply extremists fighting against the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement is tasked with dealing with security and interdicting smuggling along the border. With the national elections approaching, its job becomes even more important to the security of the voters across the country.

With tactical and technological assistance from A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the DBE's 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade keeps a watch on the border with Iran in Wasit Province.

Spc. Paul Gauthier, a Cavalry Scout with "Assassin" Troop, said that working with the Iraqis is vital in protecting the border with Iran.

"There's been talk of a lot of smuggling," he said. "So we're working with the Iraqis to try to minimize and cut down on all of the corruption and smuggling that's going on."

First Lt. Allan Keefer, A Troop, has patrolled the area several times and said that the Iraqi border guards in the area have been willing to train themselves and work with A Troop.

"They're well trained; we've had a lot of previous MiT [Military Transition] Teams and U.S Border Enforcement agents here," said Keefer. "So they're trained on the individual tasks well. We're working with them now so they can do their collective tasks."

Gauthier, a Honey Brook, Pa. native, said that working with the Iraqis on stopping smuggling has been a great experience.

"They're great to get along with," said Gauthier. "They're easy to talk to, they're willing to learn, and it's been going great so far."

Keefer, from Mercersburg, Pa., shared similar sentiments.

"The Iraqis that are working on the border are getting better every day," he said. "Their capabilities aren't quite where ours are, but they're using what they have and they're doing a good job with it. Of course they can always get better."

"We've denied a lot of terrain to the smugglers by dismounted patrols and different systems we use," Keefer said. "And we've done that all with the Iraqis."

Exercising the Rght to Vote

2010-03-15T06:58:00.000-06:00

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, Iraq – They are the second National Elections held since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 and voters have taken advantage of their freedom in full force.

Citizens from the five provinces of Babil, Karbala, Diwaniyah, Najaf and Wasit, visited one of over 3,000 polling sites Mar. 7 to cast their vote in an elections that military leaders are saying represents legitimacy, stability, and freedom of choice.

“The significance of these elections,” according to Maj. Mike Anders, Mid-Euphrates Operations Center Project Officer, “is that they will determine who will be in power when the Americans are gone.”

The MEOC is the monitoring station for operations and intelligence assets for the five provinces under the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s operational environment.

“By the time the 3rd [HBCT] pulls out, the new government will be seated,” he added. “This is a key time for the Iraqi Government to stand on their own, to work beyond the different sects, and to survive as a nation politically.”

“We are leaving making this truly their elections,” said Maj. Charles Hiter, 3rd HBCT intelligence officer. “This is their new government.”

Compared to the first National Elections held in 2005, candidates were now able to advertise and campaign, Anders said.

“Last elections they did not have a very good turnout probably because of the lack of campaigning,” he said. “They had a closed list so voters didn’t know who was running for what.”

These past elections, voters were able to see what candidate was running for what position.

Hiter explained visiting the polling sites has been a family social event for many Iraqi voters despite the lingering threat from the still present extremist organizations.

“Extremist organizations are challenging a stable and successful Iraq ultimately striving for a more anti-western nation,” he said. “They are protesting the western values and democracy, but people went to vote in the elections so the terrorists have failed.”

According to Lt. Gen. Othman Ali Farhood al Ghanimi, commander of the 8th Iraqi Army Division, the volume of voters increased throughout the day. He believes citizens waited through the morning to assess the security situation. When they realized it was safe, they visited the polling sites.

“The Iraqi people previously did not have the freedom to do this,” Anders said. “Now they are doing it in the face of the enemy.”

Col. Peter Jones, commander of the 3rd HBCT said the events March 7 are just the beginning. The end will come in the months following the elections when the new government is seated and starts to function. Jones believes this will open a new window of opportunity for the provincial government to step up and meet the needs of its citizens.

Singer Entertains Troops on Small Base in Iraq

2010-03-11T08:33:00.003-06:00

Former Pussycat Doll Kaya Jones sings "Happy Birthday" to 1st Sgt. John Langs, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during her performance for the troops assigned to Contingency Operating Station Endeavor, Iraq, Feb. 24. Before her performance, Jones met and talked with Soldiers at the base dining facility during lunch.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ENDEAVOR, Iraq – Former Pussycat Doll, Kaya Jones entertained the Soldiers assigned to Contingency Operating Station Endeavor, Iraq, Feb. 24.

Jones and her dance team danced and sang for an appreciative audience for over an hour, before signing autographs and posing for pictures with their audience.

"We love you," said Jones. "We miss you back home. We thank you for what you are doing out here."

Jones also gave away free music from her new album and spent time interacting with the troops at the COS Endeavor dining facility during lunch.

"It was a pleasure to perform for all of you guys," said Jones.

Soldiers cheered throughout the show, encouraging the singer and talking her into an encore.

"It was fun to get a break, hang out and cut loose a little bit," said Spc. Dillon Fisher, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. "She was very talented."

Fisher was one of three Soldiers who got to compete in a dance-off on stage with Jones's dance team.

"Even though I didn't win, I think everyone knows who was the best dancer up there," said Fisher with a smile. "I'm not saying I was robbed, but I have no idea how I didn't win."

Basketball and Ballots: Soldiers Reflect on National Elections During Downtime

2010-03-11T08:17:00.001-06:00

Pfc. Matthew Mischler, Scout Platoon medic, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, keeps the ball away from Staff Sgt. Jordan Cox, also Scout Platoon, during a pick-up game, March 6, 2010, at Contingency Operating Station Echo, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.)

By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, Iraq – Soldiers do many things to prepare for missions, but as important to the success of the mission as all the planning, the moments spent not thinking about the mission can be just as essential. Leading up to the March 7, 2010, national elections in Iraq, some 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers took some time to relax and reflect.

Trading their combat boots for sneakers, Soldiers of the Scout Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd HBCT, gathered March 6 at Contingency Operating Station Echo to let off steam on the basketball court.

They weren't thinking about the mission at that point. They weren't thinking about the elections that were going to happen just on the other side of the barriers that separate COS Echo from Iraq and all its culture.

"It's good to be in shape," said Spc. Andrew Cook, a scout in the unit. "It's good cardio and it's fun to run around and get crazy."

"It helps keep our morale up," added Spc. Robert Flanagan, also in the platoon. "It keeps our mind off of being here. We are doing something a little different than our mission."

The mission, which expands beyond their platoon to the entire 3rd HBCT, is to advise and assist the Iraqi security forces who protect and serve the people of Iraq. The brigade is responsible for assisting in five provinces across southern Iraq. The scout platoon operates in the province of Diwaniyah.

In the last few months, the ISF has held center court.

"We try to stay out of their way," Cook said.

"We just let them handle their business," Flanagan added. "We pretty much just keep a lookout and help them if they need help."

"We can tell we are part of something important even though we don't really see it," said Pfc. Matthew Mischler, the platoon medic.

The next day, Soldiers across Iraq would be supporting the ISF in keeping the national elections safe for voters. These would be the first elections since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in which the Iraqi government and ISF were completely in the lead.

"It's gonna be cool when my kids are in school and they come home and say they are learning about Iraq," said Pfc. Julian Smith, another scout in the platoon. "I could tell them that I was a part of that. I will have stories to tell."

The scouts took a moment to put themselves in the shoes of the local citizens. In their own words, they talked of pride, hope and freedom.

"I would be happy that these elections are taking place," Flanagan said. "That means we are pulling away from U.S. forces and running our own show."

"I would be proud," Cook said. "It would mean the U.S. would be on their way out of the country. The Iraqi people have been through a lot and for them to be able to vote for who they want to run their country is great."

"I would have a sense of national pride," Mischner said.

After a pause, the scouts continued to reflect on the elections.

"Hopefully they will choose the right people to make the right decisions for this country," Flanagan said.

He added that, if he were part of the ISF, he would be confident in his unit but would also question whether things might start to revert back to the way they were once U.S. forces left the country.

Although they could speculate what it would be like to be citizens of Iraq, they aren't. They are U.S. Soldiers, part of the 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. They remain focused on their mission.

"There is so much going on and all of the units play such a crucial part," Mischler said. "We have been really lucky we haven't seen anything serious. The combat medic badge is good and all, but if I never get it, I'll be happy."

So, until their next mission, the scout platoon will play basketball, getting away from the stresses of the deployment but never forgetting why they're in Iraq.

And while they're in Iraq, the Soldiers remember that loved ones are the key players in their lives .

"Laura, I love you," Cook added for his wife back home. "I miss you."

Velvet Hammer

2010-03-09T23:19:00.002-06:00

A velvet hammer is sent when there is a loss in the the brigade. Peace be with the families of our fallen Soldiers. God bless our troops!

On the 8th of March, I was notified that G/203rd (FSC/1-10 FA) suffered the loss of two Soldiers. The next of kin has been notified. These Soldiers died in a vehicle accident near Al Kut, Iraq while supporting operations. I ask you for your prayers for these Sledgehammer Soldiers' families.

Tom Woodie
LTC, EN
Rear Detachment Commander
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 8

2010-03-05T08:35:00.002-06:00

Episode 8 highlights relationships that go beyond military duty. As US Soldiers advise and assist their Iraqi counterparts, the bonds they form go beyond working relationships and they become friends.

EPISODE 8

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episodes 3 - 7

2010-03-01T07:45:00.003-06:00

During the fall of 2009, the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. 3rd Infantry Division, deployed for their fourth tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From the spearhead to the surge, the Sledgehammer Brigade has seen sweeping change in their mission. This is their story.

EPISODE 3

Episode four features troops of 1-10 FA from FOB Delta. Follow along as we bring you the advise and assist mission from inside the Sledgehammer Brigade.

EPISODE 4

Out on the streets of Al Kut, Iraq, with the Sledgehammer Brigade. Follow

EPISODE 5

Hardships, hearts & heroes - Episode six shows what Soldiers on COS Kalsu are doing during their time off.

EPISODE 6

Episode 7 is all about the Soldiers providing food and the occasion treat to the Sledgehammer Soldier deployed across southern Iraq.

EPISODE 7

Goodbye, Elsie!

2010-02-26T08:09:00.006-06:00

It is never easy loosing the family pet but it is even harder when one of the family members is deployed. Wednesday, Elsie, the James family pet since March 6, 1995 passed away at approximately 1:15 AM Elsie lived a good and happy life and will be missed tremendously!

Our pets are such an integral part of our lives and loosing them after so many years leaves you it is devastating and leaves you with such an empty feeling. I know Nick would have liked to tell Elise goodbye and scratch his ears one more time he is off serving his country. This is just a tiny example of the many sacrifices that our Soldiers make for their country. There are so many things that our deployed Soldiers have to adjust to or go through from afar but to them, it is just part of their job. To me, it is an unselfish act of sacrifice for us to have our freedom. My heart goes out to Nick and his family on the loss of "Man's best friend, Elsie".

I know the James family has many fond memories with Elise and will find comfort in recalling all the fun times.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Building Sustainable Agriculture in the Iraqi Heartland Share

2010-02-26T07:55:00.005-06:00

By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

DIWANIYAH, Iraq – Leaders of the Diwaniyah Provincial Reconstruction Team and the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, recently completed the first step toward what is hoped to be a lasting source of income for many farmers in Diwaniyah.

While Company A, 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers provided security Feb. 16, 2010, unit leaders, along with PRT Agricultural Advisors, Dr. Mohamed, Dr. Abdul and Bill Baker, escorted representatives of the Director General of Agriculture to five farms to determine if they are suitable sites for plastic tunnel houses.

“Tunnel houses are like low-tech greenhouses,” said Platoon Leader 1st Lt. Paul Lively, 2nd Platoon, Co. A.

From the soil samples taken, PRT and 1st Bn. leaders will determine if the selected farms are eligible for micro-grants — part of the Commander’s Emergency Response Program — said 1st Lt. Matthew Dandola, a civil affairs team leader attached to 1st Bn.

Baker explained that Diwaniyah had been a large exporter of wheat, barley, and rice prior to the Saddam era. However, those large-field crops require a steady source of water for irrigation. Over the last 10 years, conflict and drought have reduced water flow in surrounding canals and severely limited the production of large-field crops.

“The rice was a good source of income but they were only farming 10% of their fields,” Baker said.
Mohamed explained that to fix this problem, farmers need to grow crops that take up less water and less land. In this sense, Cucumbers and tomatoes are the ideal crops..

In addition to finding the right crops, farmers need to make the best use of the limited water they have. Tunnel housing uses the greenhouse effect from sunlight to provide a growing environment warm enough to grow vegetables.

“Plastic tunnel houses allow the farmer to extend the vegetable growing season through the winter months,” Baker said.

While taking soil samples, Baker, Mohamed, and Abdul also taught the DG of Agriculture staff how to plot the points where the soil samples were taken. According to Lively, training the staff and providing the farmers with the tunnel houses will stimulate the economy. The goal is for these first five plastic tunnel houses to pave the way for more.

The end result will be a steady income for the local farmers, Dandola said. “This way they won’t have to go anywhere for money; they can avoid the temptation of taking money from the insurgency,” he said

Baker is pleased with the way the project is moving forward.

“[The Iraqi counterparts] have been involved from the very beginning,” he said. “We are working together as a great team.”

First Lt. Matthew Dandola, a civil affairs team leader attached to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, talks to local children Feb. 16, 2010, as leaders of the 1st Bn., 15 Inf. Regt., the Diwaniyah Provincial Reconstruction Team and members of the Director General take soil samples in Diwaniyah, Iraq. The samples were taken to determine if land was suitable for “tunnel houses,” low-tech versions of greenhouses. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO)

Press Conference Reveals Progress in Babil

2010-02-19T08:52:00.002-06:00

Maj. Jim Hathaway, operations officer for the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, speaks to Iraqi media during a press conference at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Feb. 15, 2010. The 2nd Bn., 69th AR have been working with the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team to rebuild Iraq's essential services and stimulate economic growth.

By Spc. Samuel Soza, 367th MPAD

Key leaders with the Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team and the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, held a press conference Feb. 15, 2010, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, to present U.S. personnel to the Iraqi media and discuss current and future efforts in rebuilding Iraq's essential services.

"It's important to keep an open relationship with the people of Iraq," said Maj. Jim Hathaway, operations officer with the 2nd Bn., 69th AR, during his opening remarks.

After Hathaway Rick Roberts, Babil PRT team leader, spoke.

"We are meeting not just as friends but as partners," he said, "And like all friends and partners, we need to talk."

The PRT coordinates and leads reconstruction in Iraq by communicating with the U.S. Department of State, the military, the United States Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Departments of Justice, Agriculture and Treasury, said Roberts.

"All our efforts focus toward stability, security, and prosperity," he said.

According to Roberts, the PRT has helped to complete more than 2,400 projects totaling nearly $155 million in the Babil Province.

These efforts ranged from micro-grants for farmers and widows to help them create or improve various industries, to multimillion dollar projects, such as the construction of a new local courthouse.

"It's a record worthy of note," he said.

The 2nd Bn., 69th AR have also completed four projects totaling over $1 million during their three months in Iraq, according to Hathaway.

They partners are now focusing on the 13 ongoing projects that total nearly $2.8 million and have 21 planned projects that focus on providing micro-loans for budding businesses and highway safety projects that facilitate the movement of commerce throughout the region.

These projects have made products more readily available to the people, reduced reliance on imported goods and, most importantly, generated jobs, said Roberts.

He also said that there have been efforts to encourage investment, such as a recent tourism conference a few months ago.

Babil Province is crossed by the Euphrates River and is home to the ruins of ancient Babylon. One of SaddamHussein's massive palaces overlooks the ruins.

Area studies are being done to establish how best to use the site, according to Roberts.
"Whatever happens, it will be an Iraqi decision, not ours," he said.

Investments are important to the future of Babil province, Roberts said.

Speaking about the industrial sector, he said that, although there have been projects aimed at maintaining existing infrastructure, the majority of investment opportunities lie within the private sector.

This sentiment was expressed often when Roberts began taking questions from Iraqi reporters.

Aside from funding for healthcare, childcare, residential housing and even development of the media, he noted the loans that have been made available for business ventures.

The reporters also asked about plans to provide reliable electricity. Roberts replied that the issue has been a challenge for a number of years.

"Is there anything big or hard for Americans to do?" said one journalist.

In light of the drawdown of U.S. forces, Roberts said that the one major hurdle is time.

"We will probably cease to function in Iraq in about 18 months," he said.

Once that time is up, Roberts hopes to have something tangible to show for it.

"The only monument we've wanted to leave is to see the people better off," said Roberts, "Freer and more secure."

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Comedians Keep FOB Echo Laughing

2010-02-19T08:48:00.001-06:00

By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – “Who here has dogs?”

A few Soldiers in the audience raised their hands.

“What kind of dog do you have,” comedian Ray Barnett asked one chosen Soldier. “A bullmastiff? Those are the kind of dogs that, if he gets goin’ on your leg, you just let him finish.”

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and attached unit Soldiers and civilians were treated to the comedic relief of Barnett and two colleagues, Chase Durousseau and Donnie Johnson, during a show Feb. 13 at FOB Echo.

“This is a big show for us,” Johnson said. “It’s our way of showing our appreciation for what the Soldiers are doing over here.”

Each comedian brought his own dash of spice to the show while still remaining true to the military sense of humor.

“Everywhere we go we pick up new material,” Barnett explained. “Even here, I fell the other day and came up with ‘Fat Hog Down.’”

During the two-and-a-half hour show the comedians made light some of the everyday annoyances Soldiers at FOB Echo might face like cheap toilet paper and non-alcoholic beer.

“We get up-close and personal with Soldiers when we’re here,” Johnson said. “Most people back home only get stories. They don’t know what it’s really like.”

The comedians agree the experience of entertaining Soldiers while overseas is one that cannot be matched.

“To see the different people here, the Iraqis, the Ugandans, the Americans all here together working for one cause is amazing,” Barnett said. “This is my way of giving back. This is my way of serving.”

Comedian Ray Barnett entertains Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and attached unit Soldiers and civilians during a comedy show Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Comedians Chase Durousseau, and Ray Barnett, sit and eat dinner with Sgt. Crystal Thompson, Company F, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, before their show Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Work is a blast for 1-15 Inf. Regt. Soldiers

2010-02-19T08:43:00.001-06:00

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, learn how to make a window charge in a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and the 8th Iraqi Army Division, prepare to place and detonate their window charge during a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Sgt. Robert Morrell, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division places his window charge during a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – “This is the only thing I was looking forward to,” said Cpl. Sean Taylor, Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in between the series of explosions.

Taylor was on day nine of the 15-day 1-15 Inf. Regt. Team Leader course which began Feb. 1 at FOB Echo. He, along with fellow “Can-Do” Soldiers and two Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division, was completing four days of demolition training.

“When they get done with these classes, I guarantee most of them will say this is the most fun they’ve had in the course,” said Staff Sgt. Robie Stricklin, an engineer from Company E, 1-15 Inf. Regt.

Open to Soldiers new to the team leader position, the course allows Soldiers to test their skills in areas like demolition, mechanical breach, shotgun breach, reflexive fire, technicalities of different weapon systems, communication, and first aid. Students also learn the roles and responsibilities of several positions in the noncommissioned officer corps.

“It gives team leaders a chance to reaffirm training and new skills to improve the organization and accomplish the mission,” said Staff Sgt. Conrad Slyder, from Company B, 1-15 Inf. Regt.

“This course is a compact version of everything we joined the Army to do,” Taylor added.

The Team Leader Course is designed to expose new team leaders to variety of military occupational skills; including infantrymen, medics, mechanics, and military policemen. Many of the students agreed the demolition were their favorite piece.

“The other stuff we get to do every day,” Taylor, an infantryman said. “We don’t get to do stuff like this every day.”

Slyder agreed, “The demolition is my favorite because we get to blow stuff up. I’ve never done that before.”

Private Hassan Badder, one of two 8th IA Division Soldiers going through the course, found he was treated no differently than the American Soldiers he trained beside. Badder said he thought the Team Leader Course was very exciting and, since he was one of the few from his unit to go through the course, felt confident in taking what he learned back to his fellow Iraqi Soldiers.

The Team Leader Course was only one of the many opportunities Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division were able to train with their American counterparts.

Several feet away, under the protection of a maintenance bay, three 8th IA Division drivers were elbow deep in grease and oil.

“My drivers need to improve their levels of training,” said Maj. Hussain Aziz, commander of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division. “With the help of Coalition Forces, they learn the correct maintenance of vehicles; especially humvees.”

Aziz said the Soldiers from the 1-15 Inf. Regt. are training his Soldiers on new technology that could benefit his unit.

Aziz feels confident that his Soldiers will be able to take their new found knowledge back to their unit’s. Stricklin, with what he taught during the Team Leader Course agree.

“These skills are definitely one’s they can teach their Soldiers,” he said. “It’s important they know this stuff.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Radhi, 8th Iraqi Army Division, sees the importance of noncommissioned officers, Iraqi and American alike, taking what they have learned to train their Soldiers. He explained in the old Iraqi Army, there was no such responsibility for the corps.

“One of our main focuses now is to educate the officers on the role of the NCO in the Army,” he said. “We are trying to give more responsibility to our NCOs. We are trying to model them off the NCOs in the U.S. Army.”

Assassin Troopers Get a Kick Out of Karate Class

2010-02-19T08:38:00.003-06:00

Story by Spc. David Dyer, 3-1 Cav Public Affairs Liaison

CONTINGECY OPERATING STATION SHOCKER, Iraq – Most nights at COS Shocker a pile of 40 or more boots are sitting outside the entrance to an otherwise unremarkable tent. This is the Dojo for the Karate class. The students are a mixture of Dragoons from Troop A, 3-1 Cavalry and Saber contractors. Led by Major Rob Boone, a third degree black belt in Matasubuyashi Shurin-Ryu with over 12 years of martial arts experience, students there have the chance to learn and progress through the ranking system and earn belts that will be recognized wherever they may go after they leave Iraq. Boone, who has been a certified karate instructor for four years, is assisted in by Maj. Charles Krieger, a first degree black belt in Jujitsu with five years of experience.

“I really enjoy it” said Staff Sgt. Bill Morris of B Troop 3-1 Cavalry who is currently attached to Assassin Troop at COP Shocker, “I get to pick up new skills and work out at the same time.”

The temperature inside the crowed dojo tent climbs quickly as the students practice the various katas and work on conditioning drills. By the end of the night’s lesson smiles and jokes are exchanged as boots are pulled back on and laced up.

“It’s a great way to relieve stress…and a lot of fun,” said Falak Mir Shafi, a Soldier in Troop A.

Letters From War

2010-02-15T08:48:00.001-06:00

LETTERS FROM WAR VIDEO

Velvet Hammer

2010-02-15T08:30:00.001-06:00

A velvet hammer is sent when there is a loss in the the brigade. Peace be with the family of our fallen Soldier. God bless our troops!

On the 5th of February, I was notified that HHC/2-69 AR suffered the loss of a Soldier. The next of kin has been notified. The Soldier passed away to unknown causes while on leave from Iraq in Melbourne, FL. I ask you for your prayers for this Sledgehammer Soldier's family.

Tom Woodie
LTC, EN
Rear Detachment Commander
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
Fort Benning, GA

In Service of Others

2010-02-06T11:07:00.002-06:00

Spc. Mikail Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan.4. Lawal, a devout Muslim, is attempting to become a Muslim chaplain in service of his country.

Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Before traveling to America, he was born in Nigeria and lived there for 22 years. His father, a village elder and Muslim religious leader, made an early impression on his life; an impression that is still left on him today as he attempts to become an Army chaplain.

He traveled to America, in 1995, to become an All-American tennis player at Morehouse University in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, he is also earned a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology

Unassuming and respectful, Spc. Mikail Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has seen more of the world than his ranks would suggest.

Lawal, who is working as an attendant at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu airfield, does his best to be professional and helpful to the Soldiers and civilians who are leaving or coming to the FOB. Whether it be helping passengers with their bags or informing them of flight times, Lawal ensures that travelers get on the right helicopter at the proper time.

It can, at times, be a thankless job, but Lawal views it as another opportunity to help people.

“I can make money many ways,” he said. “The money will come no matter what job I do. Anything I do, I do because I really care about it. I know I will be successful; it’s a matter of when that will happen. What can I do in between those times to help people? That is the more important thing.”

His giving attitude comes from two sources; his deep faith in Islam and the example his father set for him at an early age. Not surprisingly, both are uniquely intertwined.

“He was a figure that everyone respected,” said Lawal. “No one wanted to wrong him; he was that peaceful of a man. He is my example as man and a teacher.”

Another lasting gift given to Lawal by his father was the opportunity to go on the annual Islamic Pilgrimage called the Hajj. As one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, a trip to Mecca is extremely important for any Muslim. To be able to go on the Hajj was an even greater honor, according to Lawal. It was an eternal gift from his father, the chance to deepen his understanding of the faith. He journeyed from Nigeria to Mecca with his mother and sister to participate in the spiritual event. Upon return, his life was changed forever

“It is a feeling you can never explain,” he said. “You leave there changed. It was like being touched by a spirit. To go through that was simply phenomenal. It is that simple.”

While his faith is his foundation, tennis is one of Lawal’s passions. He was so skilled at the sport; he was able to use his ability to secure a tennis scholarship to Morehouse. He played there from 1995 to 1997, where he became a collegiate All-American.

Lawal continues to teach tennis at his academy.

“I’m still playing tennis,” he said. “I don’t compete as vigorously now that I’m in the Army, but it will always be one of my professions. My tennis academy means a lot to me. On all my business cards for the school, the phrase “I teach because I care” is on them. For me, tennis is another way to help people.”

That spirit of service has also led Lawal to pursue becoming an Army chaplain.

“There are a small number of Muslim chaplains,” he said. “There are a lot of wrong misconceptions about the faith. It is a very noble faith. It requires a person to put everything in the hands of their creator. It requires total submission to the will of God. It is not what many people think.”

Lawal leads a small worship service for the FOB’s Muslims every Friday. He normally has 12 people who attend the meeting. Brigade Soldiers, security guards and contractors make the varied congregation.

“I think worship gives you more benefit if you have a congregation,” said Lawal. “There is a reward in seeing a change in person. It rubs off on everyone. I would say to be in the presence of Godly people makes someone stronger.”

Lawal doesn’t find being a spiritual teacher as a burden. He views his role as a way to demonstrate love to his fellow man.

“It is very simple,” he said. “You show people love. You don’t even have to say it. People just need to see that you care about them. You just need to be constant in your role. You cannot start off one way and change.”

Unit Goes Above and Beyond

2010-02-06T11:04:00.001-06:00

By Sgt. Matthew Hayes 1-10 FA Public Affairs Liaison

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Adrian Milton, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has been a career counselor for six years and he has never witnessed a reenlistment quite like this one.

When Spc. Bobby Ortiz, a West Hartford, Conn. native, was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 1-10 FA Regt. was asked if there were any special requests for his reenlistment, he responded, “I want to go to Germany and I want to reenlist in a Blackhawk”.

While most retention NCO’s would have given a look of surprise, Milton simply replied “I’ll see what I can do”.

Ortiz was then asked why he wanted to reenlist in a Blackhawk,

“Because, to my knowledge, no one else in the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division has ever done it before,” he said. “More than likely not during a deployment.”

After leaders of 1-10 FA Regt. were notified of the Soldier’s request, they began making the necessary phone calls to leaders of Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment, out of Phoenix, Arizona. They were happy to oblige.

January 26, Ortiz, along with the battalion commander, Lt. Col. Shaun E. Tooke and battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Aaron stepped into the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The group set off to host the reenlistment which would guarantee a “Rock’s Support” Soldier’s future with the United States Army.

The battalion retention noncommissioned officer, battery commander and first sergeant, two of Ortiz’s friends, and the battalion public affairs liaison were also on the flight at Ortiz’s request. The only thing missing, according to the man of the hour, was family.

“I really wish my wife and son were here,” Oritz said. “That really would have been great.”

The entire flight lasted approximately 20 minutes; however it’s an event that will be talked about in the 1-10 FA Regt. for a long time.

“You know people are only going to try to top this re enlistment,” a spectator said to Milton.

“We will do what we can,” Milton replied with a smile.

The retention NCO and leaders of the 1-10 FA Regt. took that extra step to ensure this Soldier’s desire to reenlist on a UH-60 Blackhawk was fulfilled. That’s caring, and that’s what it’s all about.

Spc. Bobby Ortiz Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reenlists Jan. 26 while riding in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter that flew over Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq. (photo by Sgt Matthew Hayes)

1-2-3 Curahee

2010-02-05T08:44:00.003-06:00

1-2-3 Curahee VIDEO

C Troop Change of Command Photos

2010-02-03T09:01:00.003-06:00

Sunday, 31 Jan 10

Across the World

2010-02-03T08:03:00.004-06:00

Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Spc. Jon Calhoun, a Soldier in Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, isn’t your typical specialist in the United States Army.

As 3rd HBCT’s lone x-ray technician, Calhoun, a native of Canton, Ohio, is responsible for maintaining and operating the brigade’s X-Ray machine. He is also responsible for taking the most accurate images he can to help ensure that the Soldiers under his care get the best possible diagnosis.

“I love doing my job,” he said. “I enjoy the technical aspects of it, the challenge of doing it well and meeting and helping people. Helping people is very fulfilling. It is really what we should all do.”

Service. The word sums up the 44 years Calhoun has been alive so far.

After he graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., with a master of divinity degree, he decided to join the Army as a combat medic.

“I initially joined the Army for three reasons,” he said. “I wanted to learn medicine, I wanted to pay off my school bills and I wanted to serve my country. The Army allowed me to do all three of those things.”

As combat medic serving in the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armor Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, Calhoun learned skills that allowed him to help people.

“I initially wanted to work in a hospital, so when I was placed with a line unit I was disappointed,” he said. “It turned out to be the best thing that could happen to me. It gave me the opportunity to practice field medicine.”

Calhoun served as a field medic for four years. Then he decided to get out and pursue another calling his faith had placed on him.

For six years, Calhoun and his wife, Shelley, lived in a remote village in the Chimbu Province of New Guinea.

Serving as missionaries, the couple started a medical clinic and church in the small village of Kiari.

“No one directed us to go there,” he said. “It was just something the Lord put in our heart to do, so we went.”

Living in a remote mountain village had its challenges. The running water in the village was “the stream running by our house” he explained with a grin.

The roads he had to take to get to the village could better be described as paths. It was not uncommon for the couple to use very thin, narrow rope-bridges to cross streams and ravines. Those routes were also filled with bandits.

“I’ve been held up with home-made shotguns, bows and arrows, and spears,” he said. “Travel in New Guinea wasn’t always safe.”

Despite all of those struggles, he and his wife remember their time there fondly.

“We had a great time there,” he said. “It was very rewarding for me and my wife. When you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, it can bring you huge amounts of joy. You may not always be happy, happiness is a very temporary feeling sometimes, but you are always joyful.”

As the village’s doctor, Calhoun was called upon to provide minor surgeries, help treat such diseases such as malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis, and look after injuries.

“The Army helped prepare me for that time,” he said. “Physically, I was ready, I had practiced field medicine, and mentally I was used to working crazy hours.”

The health clinic also provided him an avenue to share his faith.

“I started a church with eight people,” he said. “When I left there, it had grown to close to a hundred people.”

Calhoun explained that Christians of the village helped welcome him and his wife into the village’s community.

“The original eight Christians of the village accepted us with open arms,” he said. “As a result, the entire village accepted us. Everyone felt comfortable going to the clinic and we were able to use that as a ministry to open doors.”

After six years of service to the people of Kiari and his faith, the Calhouns returned to America.

As the couple thought about what they should do next, the idea of serving in the Army again became more appealing to both of them.

“The benefits of the Army made it too good of an opportunity not to take advantage of,” he said. “Free schooling, the opportunity to practice medicine and the chance to become a physician’s assistant were all factors in why I chose to come back. It’s hard to get a better deal than what they can provide.”

As Calhoun serves his Lord, his country and his fellow Soldiers, he is excited about what he is doing and the direction his life is heading.

“I try to do the best I can in everything I do, mainly for God’s glory,” he said. “I am blessed in the fact that I love my job. Serving people can really be a reward in itself.”

As Calhoun continues to advance in his career, his spirit of service can not only continue to reward him, but it can, hopefully, continue to reward others.

Spc. Jon Calhoun, an X-ray technician assigned to Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, examines an image at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 29. Calhoun, who served as a Christian missionary in New Guinea for six years before joining the Army, is responsible for maintaining and operating the 3rd HBCT’s X-ray equipment at FOB Kalsu.

Spc. Jon Calhoun, an X-ray technician assigned to Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, preaches to villagers in Kiari, New Guinea, in the spring of 2003. Calhoun, who served as a Christian missionary there for six years before re-joining the Army, helped the village by running a medical clinic

The Eyes in the Sky

2010-02-03T07:41:00.004-06:00

Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Being a Soldier in the United States Army is a full-time job. No one understands that more than the Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s unmanned aerial vehicle cell. Twenty-four hours a day they monitor the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation from above.

“We are always on the lookout for the bad guys,” said Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, a platoon sergeant in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “The goal is always to spot them before they can hurt us.”

Since their arrival to FOB Kalsu, Lemlin’s section has been vigilant in making sure that all of their aircrafts are ready to go. According to Lemlin, a UAV that can’t fly doesn’t do anyone any good.

“Our platoon is very meticulous when it comes to maintenance,” said Lemlin, a native of Miami. “We rarely have an aircraft down because of maintenance issues. We have never been at less than 75 percent strength. To be honest, we have never been at less than a hundred percent than for more than a couple of hours.”

The section’s commitment to excellence is shaped by their desire to keep their fellow Soldiers safe.

“It’s our job to keep our guys out of harm’s way,” said Sgt. Richard Knuth, a maintainer in Company A from Merkel, Texas. “It’s a good feeling, but it requires us to have a pretty high set of standards. We can have a lot of down time between flights so we’ve got to maintain our focus and not let duties become routine.”

According to Lemlin, his Soldiers must always be ready to launch a UAV, even when indirect fire is raining down on the FOB.

“Depending on where we have UAV operating, we may have to get another camera up when the bad guys try to throw indirect fire at us,” he said. “That means our guys have to have the UAV up in 15 minutes or less.”

Which, according to Merkel, is much harder than it sounds.

“When indirect starts coming in, it’s our job to grab a head-set, run the UAV out to the launcher, double check the vehicle, go through our pre-flight checks and launch,” he explained. “It takes three people to load the vehicle. Its 375 pounds. I wouldn’t say it’s heavy, but it takes a bit of work to get it ready to go.”

They do all of this as everyone else on the FOB is running for the cover of concrete shelters.

“It’s what we signed up for,” said Merkel. “If we aren’t out there in the open for those few minutes, we may miss a chance to catch the bad guys who are doing it.”

Pfc. Anthony McCormack, a controller assigned to Company A from San Diego, knows first-hand how dangerous that indirect fire can be.

“I was behind a concrete wall when a rocket landed about five feet from me,” he said. “It was scary, but it did definitely help create a better sense of urgency in me. I understand why what I do is important being on the receiving of something like that.”

McCormack admits that his first deployment isn’t exactly what he thought it would be, but he said that his motivation is still to keep his fellow Soldiers out of harm’s way.

“As an enlisted Soldier, this is as close as you can get to being a pilot,” he said. “It’s a fun job, but it feels good to know that I’m helping keep Soldiers safe by checking routes, by looking for signs for buried explosives and finding enemies that are shooting rockets at us.”

As the Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT continue their mission across five provinces in Iraq, they can rest assured they have an eye in the sky ensuring their safety.

Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, a platoon sergeant in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, checks the cameras an unmanned aerial vehicle before it is launched at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. Lemlin’s section maintains 24 hour aerial surveillance around the FOB.

Sgt. Richard Knuth, an unmanned aerial vehicle maintainer in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, does a pre-flight check on one of his vehicles at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. In order to keep up with the demands of the 3rd HBCT’s mission, Knuth and his fellow maintainers in Company A maintain a throughout maintenance schedule to ensure all the aircrafts are ready to launch at a moment’s notice.

Sgt. Winston Chin (left), Sgt. Richard Knuth (middle) and Sgt. Craig Mulder, all assigned to Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, readjust an unmanned aerial vehicle launcher to better situate it with the direction of the wind, Jan. 25, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. UAV’s typically launch into the wind in order to maintain proper lift.

Pfc. Anthony McCormack, a controller assigned to Company A, Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, wheels an unmanned aerial vehicle out to a launcher at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. The vehicle, which weighs over 300 pounds, requires three Soldiers to load it on to the launcher.

Sgt. Richard Knuth (left) and Sgt. Winston Chin (right), both assigned to Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adjust an unmanned aerial vehicle on it’s a launcher, Jan. 25, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Before they are launched, UAVs go through a pre-flight inspection to ensure all of their systems are in proper working order.

It's Official!!!

2010-01-31T20:52:00.003-06:00

Sunday at 3:00 PM Iraq time, it became official that Nick took command of Troop C. This much anticipated day was so well deserved! I know Mom and Dad must be extremely proud of his accomplishment, as I know his second Mom and Dad are!!!

I know Troop C is in very competent and caring hands and are lucky to have Nick as their new Commander.

Congratulations, Captain James!

3rd Heavy Brigade Coping in New Role

2010-01-31T06:58:00.000-06:00

BY LILY GORDON - lgordon@ledger-enquirer.com

The soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division have passed the 90-day mark of their yearlong deployment to Iraq.
The brigade is no longer the leading military unit as it was in the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. That role now belongs to their Iraqi counterparts, the men American forces are tasked with turning into warriors. Training an army and empowering a nation to stand on its own is a tremendous challenge, according to 3rd Brigade Commander Col. Peter Jones, but he said his unit is up to the task.

Speaking from Forward Operating Base Kalsu in Babil Province, Iraq, on Jan. 22, Jones said his soldiers are currently spread across five provinces and working every day with Iraqi Security Forces to identify and fix problems in each region.

‘Nothing is ever easy ... in Iraq’

The brigade’s mission hasn’t changed since it received its marching orders last summer. American forces are there to advise and assist the Iraqi military and police as these entities transition into a leadership role. With all U.S. combat troops scheduled to pull out of Iraq by Aug. 31, it’s imperative that the country’s military and police prepare in advance to operate without an American safety net, Jones said.

“Nothing is ever easy or quick in Iraq, whether you’re dealing with the U.S. military or the U.S. government or now the Iraqi military or the Iraqi government,” Jones said. “So we’re learning tactical patience and we’re helping the Iraqis solve their problems and at the same time ensuring that there’s a safe and secure environment for the upcoming religious holiday, which is called Arbeen.”

With the second national election coming up in early March, American soldiers and Iraqi trainees are feeling the pressure to provide sufficient security for this potentially volatile event. Patrol operations and daily tactical training coupled with security briefs and classroom work are slowly turning inexperienced recruits into capable soldiers and leaders.

“Iraq is still a dangerous place,” Jones said. “We already lost one soldier to sniper fire. Soldiers do still encounter IEDs (improvised explosive devices). The security environment has definitely improved. Now the question is ensuring that the atmosphere — and I call it the perception of security in the eyes of the Iraqis — has improved to make them interested in going through what will really be the third election process.”

Then and now

Each time the brigade deploys to Iraq, it’s received with less caution and more optimism by the native people, Jones said. Children welcome soldiers to their neighborhood. Rarely do American troops go out on patrol without bringing bags of candy to hand out to boys and girls, and impromptu games of street soccer are not uncommon.

During the unit’s previous three deployments to Iraq, there was an ever-present, palpable feeling of mutual distrust that’s less apparent this time around, Jones said. For example, roadways are now shared between soldier convoys and civilian motorists.

“So you have folks drive by and wave whereas before we wanted to keep them away from us because of what we thought was the VB/IED (vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) threat back then and there is not one now,” Jones said. “So we’ve become more partners and enablers in their mission — I say their mission being the Iraqi Security Forces’ mission of protecting the population versus us being in the lead.”

The local leadership is also stepping up, with higher-ranking officials accepting more responsibility than ever before, Jones said.

It’s been four years since Staff Lt. Gen. Othnan took control of the 8th Iraq Army Division. Over the years, the colonel said he’s seen his Iraqi counterpart grow as a leader.

“And when I go see him he tells me right up front what he needs just like a U.S. general would tell me what he needs and he understands our capabilities and he understands the capabilities of his soldiers and how he as the leader in charge of providing security needs our assistance to make it happen,” Jones said. “So he knows he’s the one in charge and he is the one not only in charge, but more importantly, he is the one responsible.”

On Jan. 22, a unit of Iraqi soldiers and police conducted 18 operations in one night, Jones said. During those operations they made three arrests and detected three IEDs. They also suffered five casualties. One police officer was killed and four others were wounded.

“So they are truly out in front taking responsibility for protecting the population,” Jones said. “They look to us for key things like intelligence, explosive ordinance protection, aviation in terms of what we call air weapons teams and the ability to move around the battle site. And then they also look to us as a back-up in terms of medical and also our combat fighting capabilities. They’re out there every night without us doing what they believe needs to be done and also paying a price to secure their people.”

Progress

Signs of progress are everywhere, the colonel said. Humanitarian missions are driving provincial reconstruction and once embattled provinces are beginning to shake their violent pasts. Jones recalled a day in 2004 when he conducted a walkabout of an area he was responsible for in north Babil. It was a dangerous and desolate place, one where American troops could not go without getting hit by an IED or being subjected to threats and taunts. “It just had this sense of stagnation,” Jones said.

While on his patrol in 2004, Jones visited a police station that had been blown up four times in six years. The station has since been rebuilt and it is currently staffed with Iraqi police and Army officials, Jones said. It is on a street that boasts a market once deemed unsafe for American soldiers. Now, it is a bustling hub of business and commerce.

“Sure enough, I walk down the street, kids are playing, kicking soccer balls, I’m kicking soccer balls back,” Jones said. “I go up to a guy that may have been setting IEDs against me back in ’04, but he now has a fruit shop and he’s trying to figure out a way to expand his business to take care of his family. And he is looking toward to the future instead of looking to the past.”

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episode 2

2010-01-29T12:08:00.002-06:00

VIEW VIDEO

Veterans See Improvement in Iraqi Army

2010-01-29T11:51:00.002-06:00

Staff Sgt. Mark Lowe, an infantryman assigned to "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, instructs a squad of soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 3rd Brigade, 8th Division, during a room-clearing exercise at Combat Outpost Hamiyah, Iraq, Jan. 14. Since taking over the patrol base in October, "B" Company has held several joint training exercises with their Iraqi counterparts.

Story by Spc. Ben Hutto

COMBAT OUTPOST HAMIYAH, Iraq – On an overcast day at Combat Outpost Hamiyah, Soldiers from the Iraqi Army's 3rd Brigade, 8th Division, listened intently as they received instruction from Soldiers of the U.S. Army's, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Waiting for his interpreter to translate his instruction, Staff Sgt. Joseph Strauch, an infantryman assigned to "B" Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, patiently demonstrated the finer points of clearing a building.

When his Iraqi-counterpart asked if his Soldiers were doing anything wrong, Strauch quickly reassured him.

"No, you guys aren't doing anything wrong," he said. "You've just reached the point where we can move on to the next level. Your guys are ready for more advanced training."

With a satisfied nod from the Iraqi sergeant, the training continued.

According to Strauch, the situation was a far-cry from what he experienced when he was trying to train the Iraqi Army for the first time five years ago at Forward Operating Base Justice.

"They showed up drunk with their weapons loaded, fingers on the triggers and no safety on," the native of Buffalo, N.Y., recounted. "There was so much chatter; every time we tried to show them anything there was a conversation. Rounds were going off left and right. It was crazy."

Since "B" Company's arrival at their patrol base three months ago, Strauch and his fellow sergeants have held several of these training events. What he is seeing from the Iraqi army these days is unrecognizable from his experiences during his prior deployment, he said.

"Back then, a lot of us had a sense that a lot of Iraqi Soldiers were just there for the paycheck," he said. "Now you can see that they have a lot more pride in the uniform they are wearing. In everything they do, it is obvious they want to do it well."

Staff Sgt. Mark Lowe, also with "B" Company, and Philadelphia, Tenn., native, agreed with Strauch.

"They are very eager to learn better tactics," he said. "They focus a lot more on safety now. It is encouraging when you see them looking at the cause and effect scenarios when they plan scenarios. That wasn't always there."

Lowe recounted his first experience with the Iraqi army during Operation Desert Storm.

"We had heard so much about Iraq's million-man army," he said. "To be honest, it weighed on a lot of our minds. At the beginning stages of that war, I think both sides realized, very early on, just how ineffective a lot of their tactics were and how well ours work."

Lowe sees the Iraqi army improving at a rapid pace every time they train.

"Their doctrine has come a long way from Desert Storm," he said "You can see it in the way they run checkpoints; in the way they conduct raids and plan operations. Everything runs smoother and more efficiently."

As far as the Iraqi army has come, both Strauch and Lowe see ways they could improve.

"First and foremost, every Army unit has something they can improve on, but the Iraqi army has a ways to go as far as supplying their Soldiers," said Strauch. "Their flow of supplies doesn't always trickle down effectively. They have good equipment; it is just a matter of them getting it to the people who need it."

As the United States prepares to pull out of Iraq, Strauch is concerned that this need will become more apparent.

"We help out as much as we can with providing supplies, but we won't be here forever," he said. "Without ammo or equipment, it's almost impossible for any Army to be successful."

Strauch also said that the training he conducts with his counterparts will need to continue in his unit's absence.

"The United States Army has been working on and adjusting their tactics for 200 years now," he said. "The current incarnation of the IA started in 2004. They definitely have some catching up to do."

Still, Strauch is heartened by the progress the Iraqi Army has made.

"That's not to say that it's an impossible task, it will just require a lot more work," he said. "To see how far they have come in five short years is encouraging to me."

Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team Troops Assess Hospital in Kut

2010-01-26T15:04:00.002-06:00

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees
Members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team speak with the hospital director during a visit to assess the equipment and training needs of the facility in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 20. The assessment was part of the ongoing program to increase the medical infrastructure of the Wasit province.
U.S. Soldiers from 1-10 Field Artillery Battalion escort Dr. Hafid Al Daffaee, health advisor for Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, to a local hospital to assess the equipment and training needs of the facility in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 20. The assessment was part of the ongoing program to increase the medical infrastructure of the Wasit province.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Derek Bennett, platoon leader for Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10 Field Artillery Battalion, briefs his platoon prior to escorting members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to a local hospital to assess the equipment and training needs of the facility in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 20. The assessment was part of the ongoing program to increase the medical infrastructure of the Wasit province.

Familiar Faces???

2010-01-22T12:14:00.002-06:00

It's so nice to run across a photo with familiar faces...

IRAN/IRAQ BORDER

2010-01-18T08:28:00.000-06:00

SSG Gipson talks border operations

WATCH VIDEO

2010 Cold Bowl

2010-01-18T08:25:00.001-06:00

Highlights from the Sledgehammer Cold Bowl, where NCOs take on Officers. Up for grabs are bragging rights for the whole year.

WATCH COLD BOWL

HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episode 1

2010-01-18T08:20:00.001-06:00

Saying Goodbye to Bravery

2010-01-16T09:47:00.000-06:00

Story by: Sgt. Ben Hutto

FOB KALSU, Iraq – As an American Soldier, I've witnessed bravery in a variety of forms. Whether it was observing my battle buddy overcome his fear of heights and repel down a 20 foot tower during basic training or watching one of my best friends overcome the amputation of both his legs and become an amazing non-commissioned officer, I've seen countless instances of men and women setting aside their fears and and doing what they had to do.

To be honest, I've sort of come to expect it.

I believe this determination is instilled in most Soldiers during basic training and is further developed as we serve around people who have learned to push through their anxieties in order to fulfill the oath they took to defend our country.

As I returned home from my 15 day leave, I saw it again in the most unlikely of places.

My six year old son isn't a warrior. He didn't volunteer to be the child of a Soldier. In all honesty, his opinions have very little effect on me when I start talking about deployments and how long I'm going to be away.

He is put in the unfortunate situation of being stuck with my decision to serve our country.

I'm sure he is proud of me most days, but there are sacrifices he must endure in my absence.

Dad isn't there for every holiday or birthday.

I can't tuck him into bed every night.

When he goes to Cub Scouts, he is one of the few boys whose father isn't there.

The list of every day things that I'm absent for could go on for pages and it takes a toll on his young psyche.

He has nightmares some nights. Most nights, he sleeps in my bed with his mother for reassurance.

Many days, he asks her if I'm going to come back home. He has been pulled out of school to deal with separation anxiety, further making him "different" from the children around him and hindering his ability to be a good student.

It isn't fair. I'll admit that.

Despite my best efforts to provide for him and his younger brother, they are both forced to live in a single parent home every deployment.

Both of them live with the specter of Daddy not coming home or returning home with an injury they can't understand. My oldest has seen one of Daddy's injured friends, the one with the "robot" legs, and noticed that Daddy walks with a limp now.

A six year old might not understand all of the details, but he has a unique perspective of what war is and he also understands what that could mean for me.

Unfortunately, I ask him to accept this and not worry. I ask him to go about his life "like normal" and await my return.

To be honest, I try not to think about what a huge task that is.

For many of us, "talking to the kids about deployment" is one bullet on a huge list of important things we have to get done before we get on the plane to go overseas.

I wish I could say that I've eased my child's mind and he is performing normally, I wish I could say he doesn't cry when he talks about Daddy being gone, I wish he wouldn't worry that Mommy is going to leave him now, as well; but that isn't the case.

There are a lot of days he struggles with it, and I hope one day I can help him understand how proud I am of him for the sacrifice he is making.

I want to pull him close and thank him for being as brave as any Soldier I've ever served with.

Armed only with a child's hope that "everything will be ok," he has done a wonderful job of getting through this deployment.

Unlike me, my kids will never get an award for their service. Generals typically don't give "Hooah" coins to children.

The only award they will receive is the countless toys and kisses they'll get from me when I get off the plane next October.

For them, it is enough.

As I got out of my car at the airport, I walked around to the backseat to give him a kiss goodbye.

I opened the door to see him, his eyes shrink wrapped in tears, trying to give me a gapped tooth smile despite a quivering lip.

I smiled my best reassuring smile, gave him a big hug and kiss, and told him "It's going to be all right, bud. I'll be home soon. I promise."

Without shedding a tear, he just gave me another quivering kiss on the lips and whispered, "I know, Daddy. I love you. Please come back quick."

That, folks, is as brave a thing as you'll ever see. Take it from someone who sees it every day.

What Was Your Name Again?

2010-01-16T09:36:00.003-06:00

Story By: SGT Natalie Rostek

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – You never really know who someone is until you care enough to ask. I'll be the first to admit that there are many people in my life I would say that I know, but when I try to think of their names I draw a blank.

I know I'm not alone on this.

A wise man -- I'll call him Sgt. Maj. Richard Hairston -- once told me, "there are a lot of Soldiers with interesting stories but no one talks to them long enough to hear them."

I thought about that and you know what? It's true.

That Soldier at the dining facility who watches you swipe your card. You know, that guy. He may have just had a baby. Maybe his dog died. Who knows?

What about the guy at the laundry facility? The one to whom you give your underwear. Do you know him? Do you even know his name?

I used to make fun of my dad, Joe Rostek. He could start at one end of a room and by the time he reached the other side he would have interacted with everyone there.

"Hi. Good morning. How are you today? Nice seeing you. Take it easy." Or he would just shake their hand.

I noticed myself doing it when I went away to college. On my way to class I found that I could not pass someone without making eye contact, smiling, and saying something. Anything to let that person know, "I acknowledge your presence."

I do it now too. "Good morning. How are you? Looks like you're having a good day. So where do you work?"

I just find it awkward if I don't.

I am my father's daughter which may be why I went into public affairs. I love talking to people. There are so many people out there with stories, really, really good stories. Sometimes when I'm conducting an interview, we get off topic. Then the person tells me something and I'm blown away.

Did you know there are Soldiers out there who play in rock bands back home? Did you know there are Soldiers who are on their fifth deployment? Did you know there are privates and specialists who were restaurant managers, teachers, and lawyers but left their jobs to join the Army?

The funny thing is, I not only know, but I can remember the names of these Soldiers: Jorge, Scott, Ryan, Jonathan, and James (but he goes by his middle name, Brad.)

I know their names because they left footprints in my life. They weren't just passing faces, they were voices. I feel confident saying I know these people. I don't just know "of" them but I know them. If I saw them out on the street I could approach them and they would remember me too. It's all because I took the time to talk to them.

Now, you don't have to be public affairs like me to talk to people. I just got lucky. My dad is a contractor in Baltimore city but I bet if I asked, he could tell me the names and family members of his work crew, his customers, their neighbors, the homeless guys on the corner, the vendors at Camden Yards, and the waitresses of every diner in the city.

And I'm sure they know him too.

Delta Tour

2010-01-15T08:17:00.001-06:00

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua McCarthy, attached to Commanche Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Squadron, pilots a Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle as Iraqi soldiers and journalists watch during a tour of Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 11. The tour was to show the type of training conducted on FOB Delta and to help build positive relationships the Iraqi military and the Iraqi media.
U.S. Army Sgt. Armando Fernandez, attached to Commanche Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Squadron, watches as an Iraqi soldier prepares to launch a Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during a tour of Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 11. The tour was to show the type of training conducted on FOB Delta and to help build positive relationships the Iraqi military and the Iraqi media.
U.S. Army Sgt. Armando Fernandez, attached to Commanche Troop, 3-1 Cavalry Squadron, demonstrates a Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during a tour of Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 11. The tour was to show the type of training conducted on FOB Delta and to help build positive relationships the Iraqi military and the Iraqi media.

Eliminator Company Clears Routes in Dragon AO

2010-01-13T07:33:00.003-06:00

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Courtesy Story

Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick

FOB ECHO, Iraq – It was late. While most of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Echo were in bed the evening of Jan 2, Soldiers from "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, were preparing for another day of work.

It was 1st Platoon's day to go out. After receiving their mission brief, the engineers made their way to the motor pool where their chariots awaited. Soldiers quickly prepped their Caiman armored vehicles, their Buffalo mine protected clearance vehicle, and their Husky engineering vehicle. They had a long night ahead of them.

"I can't believe the Army is paying me to do this," Pvt. Evanan Elias said as he jumped down from the back of his vehicle. "I love being an engineer."

When it was just about time to leave, the protective gear was put on and the last of the cigarettes were put out. Drivers, gunners, truck commanders, medics, and mechanics made their way to their assigned seats.

Their mission this deployment sounds simple enough - to provide freedom of movement for friendly forces throughout the "Dragon," or operational environment. Yet, the details in gaining "mission complete" status, in reality are anything but easy.

"We are the first line of defense for everyone who travels in this [operational environment]," said Sgt. Eric McFarland, truck commander for the Buffalo that day. "It's pretty rewarding knowing that our job is finding [improvised explosive devices] so no one gets hit."

Although most of the Soldiers agree their job is gratifying, there are difficulties they endure before, during and after each mission.

Spc. Sean Bryant is a mechanic assigned to 1st Platoon. Although he is not an engineer by trade, he travels with them on every mission.

"I had to learn the engineering equipment," he said. "It's difficult sometimes because I have to stay up all night to work to keep their vehicles on the road."

McFarland, although proud of his work as an engineer, admits there is always a tinge of anxiety when he rolls out the gate.

"Even though we are the ones that clear the roads, we never really know when we might get attacked or something might go off," he said.

Pvt. Jocue Valencia, who drove the Buffalo that night, appreciates the hardships he goes through.

"After hearing the stories from Sgt. Mac [McFarland] about last deployment, I really can't complain," he said. "I wasn't expecting this coming into the Army."

One thing that many engineers from 1st Platoon said keeps them motivated is that they are not going through anything alone.

The chatter overflowed from each truck in the convoy. Games such as "name your top five hottest celebrities" or "name your top three best movies of all time" bounced from truck to truck via radio. Each engineer with something to say made sure to include everyone in their conversation, regardless of which vehicle they were riding.

"It's like when we're out on the road, everyone starts flappin' their gums and gets their frustrations out," Bryant explained. "But when we get back, everyone's copacetic. We joke around with each other out there but no one gets [their feelings] hurt."

"We are pretty tight in the platoon," added Staff Sgt. Vincent Oliver from over the radio. "There are no real 'cliques' and everyone gets along."

"Except for the medic; he's an attachment," Oliver's driver jokingly added with the platoon medic sitting directly behind him.

Six hours and countless wise-cracks later, the convoy pulled back into the gates of FOB Echo.

"Every time we come back through the gates and no one got hurt," Valencia said, "now, that's the most rewarding part of this job."

Soldiers ran down the list of what they were going to do after they parked and closed down their vehicles. Some were tired and couldn't wait to get back to their rooms. Others were going to the gym. Others were meeting for breakfast as soon as it opened.

Most Soldiers on FOB Echo were still sleeping. The mission of clearing another route in the Dragon Operation Environment was complete - until the next day.

Pfc. Anthony Pascarella, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, wipes down one of the headlights of his vehicle before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Spc. Karlon Heileman, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Soldiers from 1st Platoon, "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are briefed before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Spc. Joseph Jones, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Spc. Dillon Mitchell, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission Jan. 2 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

2010-01-12T08:46:00.004-06:00

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees

Members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team inspect an open septic system during a post construction inspection at a school outside Badra, Iraq, Jan. 8. The inspection was conducted to insure that the school was being well maintained following completion of construction a year ago.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nekolas Portella, a member of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, waits for a school caretaker to begin post construction inspection at a school outside Badra, Iraq, Jan. 8. The inspection was conducted to insure that the school was being well maintained following completion of construction a year ago.
U.S. Army Sgt. Ronnie Rojas, a member of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, discusses maintenance issues with other PRT members at a post construction inspection of a school outside Badra, Iraq, Jan. 8. The inspection was conducted to insure that the school was being well maintained following completion of construction a year ago.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Dan Popowski, platoon leader for White Platoon, B Battery, 1-10 Field Artillery BN, talks with Iraqi children during an inspection at a school outside Badra, Iraq, Jan. 8. The inspection was conducted to insure that the school was being well maintained following completion of construction a year ago.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Larry Jones from White Platoon, B Battery, 1-10 Field Artillery BN escorts members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to a post construction inspection at a school outside Badra, Iraq, Jan. 8. The inspection was conducted to insure that the school was being well maintained following completion of construction a year ago.

Dinner at Delta

2010-01-12T08:29:00.002-06:00

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees

U.S. Army Col. Peter L. Jones, commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, welcomes an Iraqi general to a dinner on Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010. U.S. Soldiers from 3rd HBCT and Iraqi commanders from throughout the Wasit province met for the chance to build camaraderie between the two nations.

U.S. Army Capt. Darrel Hull, commander of the 252nd Military Police Company, compares cell phone pics with an Iraqi police commander during a dinner at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010. U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi commanders from throughout the Wasit province met for the chance to build camaraderie between the two nations.

U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Aeillo, public affairs officer for the 1-10 Field Artillery Battalion, shows off his photo during a dinner at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010. The dinner was a chance for U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi commanders from throughout the Wasit province to meet to build camaraderie between the two nations.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gary Tondre and Sgt. Matthew Hayes, both attached to HHB, 1-10 Field Artillery Battalion, discuss music selections for a dinner held at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010. U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Iraqi commanders from throughout the Wasit province met for the chance to build camaraderie between the two nations.

U.S. Army Maj. Ron Sargent, deputy team leader for Stability Transition Team 14, speaks with an Iraqi commander at a dinner held on Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010. U.S. Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team and Iraqi commanders from throughout the Wasit province met for the chance to build camaraderie between the two nations.

U.S. Army commanders and officers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and officers from all branches of the Iraqi military in Wasit province meet for chance to mingle and build camaraderie at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Jan. 6, 2010.

Midwife Graduation Ceremony

2010-01-12T08:15:00.004-06:00

Joint Combat Camera Center Iraq

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees

Jimmy Garza and Dr. Hafid Al Daffaee, advisors with the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, present certificates to new midwives at their graduation ceremony in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 5. More than 30 Iraqi women spent six months training as midwives in the PRT-funded training program.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Shareka Best, a member of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team, talks to graduates following a graduation ceremony for new midwives in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 5. More than 30 Iraqi women spent six months training as midwives in the PRT-funded training program.

Members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team present certificates during a graduation ceremony for new midwives in Kut, Iraq, Jan. 5. More than 30 Iraqi women spent six months training as midwives in the PRT-funded training program.

Keeping the Iraqi Borders Safe

2010-01-12T08:10:00.004-06:00

A student from the 5th Department of Border Enforcement Academy's advanced noncommissioned officer course jumps a hurdle in an obstacle course Dec. 29 during the class's morning physical training session in their compound on Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Carlos Carrillo, a retired U.S. border patrolman, plays the Iraqi national anthem, Dec. 29 at the 5th Department of Border Enforcement Academy, as 99 advanced noncommissioned officer course students practice singing in preparation for their graduation ceremony at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Courtesy Story

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – The commands, "parade rest, attention," and "double time" could be heard clearly through the early morning chill Dec. 29 at FOB Echo, but not in a way most American Soldiers could understand.

Ninety-nine Iraqi border patrolmen stood in formation, motivated to start the day. Physical training was first, led by a student who quickly earned the respect of his peers and instructors, according to Staff Sgt. Jammie Tucker, senior noncommissioned officer of the Diwaniyah stability transition team. The team is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

The men running to an Arabic cadence were only days away from graduating from the 5th Department of Border Enforcement Academy. It is the largest advanced noncommissioned officer class the academy has seen.

The 5th DBE consists of border patrol, border police, customs, and two quick reaction force battalions. The units cover four provinces including Diwaniyah, Najaf, Karbala and Muthana. The class that was close to graduation consisted solely of border patrolmen.

After physical training, the students ate breakfast, practiced drill and ceremony in preparation for graduation, and then moved into a classroom for instruction. Day 42 of the 45-day-long course was already in full swing; it was only nine o'clock.

According to Maj. Ryan Yedlinsky, an STT deputy team chief, the students had already been through a vigorous course agenda including port of entry operations, personnel searches, check-point operations, reaction to terrorists and suicide bombers, and drugs and weapons smuggling. These topics were taught in the classroom and with practical exercises.

"The students might sit in the classroom and learn about check-point operations for example," Yedlinsky explains. "Then they actually come outside, set up a mock check point and go through what they just learned."

Yedlinsky commends the academy's curriculum but believes the course is more than just a refresher for border patrol operations.

"We want to help them understand what they are capable of as NCOs," he said. "Initiative is the biggest thing we try to instill in the students. We hope they walk away with that."

Yedlinsky explained, until recently, the Iraqi Security Force Noncommissioned Officer Corps was not recognized in terms of leadership. Instead, NCOs took on roles of runners to the officers.

"In addition to explaining the role of the NCO to the students here, we also explain it to the officers that we work with," Yedlinsky said. "We explain to the officers that they are very busy men and can rely on their NCOs. What we are starting to see now, especially in the staff sections, is the officers really using their NCOs."

"Patriotism, honor, duty and service," said Carlos Carrillo, a retired U.S. border patrolman. "Appreciation of their service is what every warrior seeks. Their motivation is commendable."

Yedlinsky explained, with the 3rd HBCT's current advise-and-assist mission in Iraq, American instructors, like Tucker and Carrillo, show the students how American NCOs operate, then let them build their own style of leadership.

"The Iraqis are capable people," Yedlinsky said. "This works for them because they live the culture and they know the people better than we ever could."

Lt. Hider, dean of the 5th DBE Academy, agreed and added a touch of pride to his already growing confidence in his students.

"The students take this course seriously," he said through a translator. "They are the first barrier of defense to protect this country. They should be proud. They represent the Iraqi security forces and they protect the people of Iraq."

The students will graduate Jan. 4th at the academy compound on FOB Echo. Kadom, a student enrolled in the course, said he is proud and happy that he will be one step closer to becoming an NCO and said he is ready to become a role model for his subordinates

That's What We Do

2010-01-11T07:48:00.002-06:00

Let's take time to remember those in the armed services on active duty, reservists, or have fallen in the line of duty. Think of the fearless men and women that put on a uniform everyday to make freedom - because there are no freedoms without those willing to fight for them.

This video tribute to those on the front lines is the story of true patriots, as told by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North at the NRA Annual Meeting in 2009. It is a stirring profile of the spirited, courageous guardians of our precious freedom. America's best...

THAT'S WHAT WE DO...WE'RE AMERICANS
WATCH VIDEO

Baker Boys: Inside The Surge

2010-01-06T07:49:00.004-06:00

If you didn't get the opportunity to watch this last night, set your DVR's for the next three Tuesdays. This will also be out on DVD soon.

On Tuesday, January 5, HDNet will premiere a four-part documentary series called BAKER BOYS: INSIDE THE SURGE.

The series, which will air every Tuesday throughout the month of January, is an intimate, inside look at Baker Company, an elite group of Army soldiers on an extended tour in Iraq as they 'surge' into a notoriously dangerous Al Qaeda stronghold. "BAKER BOYS: INSIDE THE SURGE" was filmed over three months in 2008 by veteran combat photographer Jon Steele.

As the Baker Boys' three-month deployment unfolds, viewers get a gripping look into the everyday lives of our soldiers on the front. The documentary features first-person, real-time storytelling as the soldiers of Baker Company negotiate new alliances with local Iraqi militias, pay off tribal sheiks for their cooperation, and deal with the fear and uncertainty of being thrust into the middle of counter-insurgency warfare, where money and trust are their most effective weapons. This is a deep penetrating look into the life of a soldier that exposes the raw personal emotion and the honest physical experience of combat soldiers operating in Iraq.

Director Kern Konwiser explains, "The documentary bears witness to the physical and emotional cost paid by American soldiers who, after years of fighting to win the war in Iraq, are now cast into an unfamiliar and unsettling role of winning the peace with non-traditional weapons: talking, trust building, and cash. These tactics stopped the violence and saved lives; it is fascinating, and sometimes unsettling, to see our own soldiers helping and handing out weekly payments larger than what most soldiers earn in a year to the very people who were trying to kill them just weeks before."

Baker Company is led by a tough but measured Army captain, Rich Thompson of West Palm Beach Florida, who has to keep his tired men motivated and safe in one of the most dangerous places in the world - all this during the last months of their extended tour. The Baker Boys thought they were about to go home; instead, they found themselves on a whole new mission.

"This documentary series is extremely powerful," said Mark Cuban, chairman and co-founder of HDNet. "Our viewers will be deeply moved by these soldiers and the stories that they tell us in their own words. We're proud to be a part of this project and to present our viewers with this inside look at life in Iraq."

The documentary gets inside the lives of the men of Baker Company like very few war documentaries ever have. The Army allowed Jon Steele into a world that is glamorized in films and television, but inside Jon's camera we get to see that world honestly and deeply, not dramatized or glorified. "I wanted to hook up with a combat unit to look in their eyes, hear their voices ... get them to open up about their feelings and emotions," said Steele. "I made a deal with them; I'd be willing to die with them if they'd be willing to talk to me."

This 4-part program was Directed by two-time Emmy Award winner Kern Konwiser, Executive Produced by Cal Boyington and David Pritchard for Gigapix Studios and Vincent Gonet and David Rihs for PointProd, and Produced by Kip Konwiser and Jon Steele. The film was edited by Derek Boonstra and Davon Ramos.

Dennis O'Brien is the Executive Producer of News and Documentaries and Lucia McCalmont is the Director of Program Acquisitions for HDNet.

For more information on the program, including clips and photos please visit the following links:

BAKER BOYS: INSIDE THE SURGE WEBSITE
HDNet Baker Boys: Inside The Surge

Technology is Awesome

2010-01-04T08:31:00.003-06:00

It absolutely amazes me that we have such awesome technology these days that we can actually video call Itaq and see our loved ones. It's the next best thing to seeing them in person. I spoke with Nick this weekened via Skype and it was so great to be able to see him as well as hear his voice.

Nick looked and sounded great and seemed to be doing quite well. He is very excited that he will be changing jobs soon. Joey was at work when I called Nick and was so jealous when he found out that we had talked. Now he can't wait to give him a call...which I'm sure will be chocked full of laughs. The two are hilarious together!!!

Skype video calls are totally free and enable families to keep in better touch with there loved ones while deployed. I just started using Skype and am now trying to get my friends in England and Italy to sign up. It is absolutely the next best thing to being there.

Thanks Skype!

SGT Natalie Rostek Enjoys Work as Photojournalist

2010-01-04T07:59:00.000-06:00

SGT Natalie Rostek enjoys her work as a Photojournalist. Listen to her story.

Civilians Provide Holiday Cheer to Troops, Families

2009-12-25T14:27:00.001-06:00

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Samantha Quigley

WASHINGTON – Service members and their families continue to enjoy tremendous support from American civilians, but at no time of the year is that support greater than during the holidays.

"We learn of citizens' efforts to support our troops every year, but this year there seems to be a real outpouring of support from not only citizens and nonprofit organizations, but also businesses," said Adrien Starks, chief of the community relations civic outreach team for the office of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs. "I don't think people have any idea about the amount of support the American people are giving our troops."

Operation Gratitude, with donations from American Veterans Traveling Tribute and Sands Resorts, was able to send special care packages to two lucky service members. The packages were sent in honor of the organization reaching its 500,000th package milestone.

American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a veteran-owned project that provides communities with a forum to "Honor-Respect-Remember" those who have given their lives for their country.

Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, in cooperation with shipping company DGL, has shipped 500 live Christmas trees to troops in the Middle East. Unilever employees also have shown incredible support for the troops by providing warehouse space for packaging, shipping and mailing thousands of care packages.

Another organization, Trees for Troops, also is sending live trees to more than 50 military facilities in the United States and overseas. The organization teamed up with FedEx and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation to send the 15,000 live trees.

"FedEx and its team members are pleased to support Trees for Troops, delivering holiday cheer to military men, women and families," Douglas G. Duncan, president and CEO of FedEx Freight, said in a news release. "Now in its fifth year, this program provides us the opportunity to say thanks to those who serve our country in the Armed Forces."

Operation MOMs Cookies is sending a "Box of Home" to nearly 1,500 troops this holiday season. Each box will contain a miniature, decorated Christmas tree, a stocking handcrafted by volunteers, an American flag and items requested by the service member or their families.

"This year's box also includes a unique gift," Debbie Trippiedi, founder of Operation MOMs Cookies, said in a news release. The gift is the CD, 'Not Alone,' an original country rock ballad written by Brent James and Kevin Wright and recorded by Righteous Hillbillies for inclusion in the 2009 Box of Home.

Because keeping families connected is so important, especially during the holiday season, Operation Homelink and Raytheon presented 150 refurbished computers with webcams to Fort Benning and Georgia National Guard families on Dec. 12.

"Having this computer is a great comfort," Grace Melendrez, wife of William Melendrez, told Operation Uplink officials when the computers were distributed. "This is our first Christmas apart, so it will be hard. His being able to see my 3-year-old son on Christmas will make all the difference in the world."

Melendrez's husband is deployed with the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

Operation Homefront has teamed with retailers to provide support to many service members and their families this holiday season.

A partnership with Dollar Tree resulted in about $6 million worth of customer-donated toys for military children across the United States.

A $1.1 million donation from Wal-Mart helped to provide toys and books for military kids, $1,000 shopping events for 50 military families nationwide and gift cards for families, which were distributed through local Operation Homefront chapters. Those caring for wounded warriors received special gift kits.

These programs are a sampling of the support Operation Homefront provides to service members and their families.

Headed up by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Ondrasik of "Five for Fighting" fame, a group of comedians gave their time to create the third edition of "CD for the Troops" project, "Stand Up For Troops." The project is the result of a partnership between Ondrasik, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Aware Records and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

"This year we've gone for laughs with bits from world class comics -- Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Jeff Foxworthy, Dana Carvey, Adam Sandler, Dennis Miller, and more," Ondrasik said.

All active duty military members and veterans with valid military identification can log on to AAFES.com and download the comedy routines as well as an Ondrasik song from the award-winning documentary "Brothers at War."

The previous two CDs have music selections from various artists.

"Military families are being embraced more and more by our communities," Starks said. "Based on the anecdotal stories I hear from the families, the acts of kindness couldn't come at more opportune times. Homes are being saved, children are being reminded that their deployed parent still loves them, and spouses back home are being supported in their communities."

Holiday Greetings, from the Sledgehammer Team

2009-12-25T14:11:00.000-06:00

Holiday Greetings, from the Sledgehammer Team

Combat Patch Ceremony

2009-12-23T08:58:00.001-06:00

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees
FOB Delta

U.S. Soldiers from Task Force 34th ID, and 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, take part in a ceremony to receive their combat patches for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom at Forward Operating Base Delta , Iraq, Dec. 20. This ceremony commemorates the fourth deployment by 3rd Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, Commander of 3rd Infantry Division, meets with U.S. Soldiers during a combat patch ceremony at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Dec. 20. This ceremony commemorates the fourth deployment by 3rd Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shaun Tooke, Commander of 1-10th Field Artillery BN, gives a U.S. Soldier his new combat patch during a ceremony for Soldiers of Task Force 34th ID and 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Dec. 20. This ceremony commemorates the fourth deployment by 3rd Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Army Capt. James Bertolino, attached to 1-10th Field Artillery BN, receives a combat patch from Lt. Col. Shaun Tooke, Commander of 1-10th Field Artillery BN, at a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Delta , Iraq, Dec. 20. This ceremony commemorates the fourth deployment by 3rd Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Soldiers Reenlist

2009-12-23T08:49:00.003-06:00

Photos by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, Commander of 3rd Infantry Division, congratulates newly reenlisted soldiers after a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Dec. 20. The Soldiers reenlisted as part of a combat patch ceremony conducted for soldiers of Task Force 34th ID.
U.S. Army Pvt. James Bird, attached to HHB, 1-10th Field Artillery BN, videotapes a large reenlistment ceremony at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Dec. 20. The Soldiers reenlisted as part of a combat patch ceremony conducted for soldiers of Task Force 34th ID.
U.S. Soldiers from 1-10th Field Artillery BN and 3-1st Cavalry Squadron, stand ready to reenlist in a mass ceremony conducted by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Delta, Iraq, Dec. 20. The Soldiers reenlisted as part of a combat patch ceremony conducted for soldiers of Task Force 34th ID.

3rd HBCT Soldiers Earn Their Patches

2009-12-23T08:33:00.002-06:00

Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, carry lit sledgehammers to ignite a bonfire during the brigade's combat patch ceremony held, Dec. 18, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The patch ceremony is a milestone a Soldiers cross when deployed to a combat zone with a unit for 30 days.
Third Infantry Division combat patches were placed on the right shoulders of Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division during a combat patch ceremony held, Dec. 18, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The patch ceremony is a milestone a Soldier crosses when they have been deployed to a combat zone with a unit for 30 days.
Sgt. 1st Class Candy, a bomb sniffing member of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives her unit combat patch during a ceremony held, Dec. 18, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, 3rd HBCT, congratulates her.
Third Infantry Division combat patches were placed on the right shoulders of Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., during a combat patch ceremony held, Dec. 18, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The patch ceremony is a milestone a Soldiers cross when deployed to a combat zone with a unit for 30 days.
Col. Peter Jones, commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, put the 3rd Inf. Div. combat patch on the right shoulders of staff officers and non-commissioned officers during a ceremony held, Dec. 18, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq.

A Different Christmas Poem

2009-12-22T07:40:00.002-06:00

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear..
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.."

" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for the sacrifices they make so that we may have the pleasure of the holidays. Many of them will be miles away from their loved ones and never once, will you hear them complain...they say they are just doing their job. This holiday season stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

Babil Province Judges Learn More About Forensics

2009-12-21T09:04:00.001-06:00

Ed Freyer, an assistant to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division's rule of law expert, explains one of his forensics cases from when he was with the FBI to 30 judges, prosecutors and investigators from Babil Province at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Dec. 12. During their visit, the officials were able to visit the FOB Kalsu forensics lab.

Multi-National Division-South
Courtesy Story

By Sgt. Ben Hutto

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The Babil Provincial Reconstruction Team held their first forensics conference for 30 local judges, prosecutors, and investigators, Dec. 12, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu.

The Babil officials were given a tour of the FOB Kalsu forensics lab, shown a case study of how effective modern evidence gathering techniques are and given an opportunity to question their American counter-parts as part of the conference.

"It was very helpful," Judge Mohanad al Dolaimi, the general prosecutor for the Babil province, said through a translator. "Everything we saw today, we have a great need for. We are missing much of this technology."

Ed Freyer, an assistant to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division's rule-of-law expert, spent about 45 minutes going through one of his cases when he was with the FBI in 1994. Freyer said he thought his presentation was an eye-opener for many of the Babil officials.

"I could see a lot of nodding heads when I was speaking," he said. "They understood most of what I was saying and see its value. They aren't quite at our level yet, but they see what their forensics labs can be in the future."

Judge Mohanad hopes that his labs will be able to catch up soon.

"We must dismiss about 25 percent of our cases because we cannot prove who committed the crime," he said. "We need more training, we need more qualified teams to go through evidence and we need better technology. Of course, this was a good start, but we need to keep improving on what we have."

Brookstone Academy Reaches Out to Soldiers

2009-12-21T08:57:00.001-06:00

Multi-National Division-South
Courtesy Story

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Over 300 letters from the students of Brookstone Academy, in Columbus, Ga., were distributed, Dec. 8, to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers stationed at Forward Operating Base Kalsu.

Students ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school seniors sent letters encouraging the Soldiers and inquiring about their lives and loved ones back in the United States.

As Soldiers read their letters aloud, questions ranging from "Are you scared?" to "What is your favorite sport?" filled the rooms at FOB Kalsu.

"This is a good opportunity for students to see that Soldiers are people just like them," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Harris, the non-commissioned officer in charge of civil operations for the 3rd HBCT. "We are hoping to use these letters as an opportunity to further build our relationship with Brookstone Academy."

Before the unit's current deployment, middle school students from Brookstone visited Kelley Hill, the home of the 3rd HBCT at Fort Benning, Ga., and experienced the day in the life of a Sledgehammer Soldier in a garrison environment.

Col. Pete Jones, the 3rd HBCT commander, is encouraging all of his Soldiers to write back and help the students understand what is going on in Iraq.

"I think it's a great opportunity," he said. "I've already have my two letters I'll be responding to."

In addition to responding, Jones will be filming holiday greetings for each class at the school.

"We want to get in touch with all the teachers at the schools and see if we can help any of their history classes," he said. "The brigade is currently in a very historic place. Not far from here are the ruins of Babylon. Alexander the Great died near where our FOB is. We'd love to send pictures and video back of places like that to help make those places more real to those students."

Capt. Kwesi Ramsey, assistant operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a letter sent from a Brookstone Academy student at his battalion's headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Bn., 69 Armor Regt., 203rd Bde Support Battalion, and the Bde. Special Troops Bn. received letters from the school's students.

Col. Pete Jones, commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives letters sent from Brookstone Academy students at his brigade's headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Jones's brigade received more than 300 letters from the academy's three schools.

Capt. Joan Hollein, commander, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, laughs as she reads a letter from a Brookstone Academy student at her company's headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, received over 300 letters from the school's students.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

2009-12-20T11:21:00.002-06:00

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees
An Iraqi journalist videotapes a canal as U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Barrigher, attached to White Platoon, B Battery, 1-10 Field Artillery, provides security during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a pump station in Al Hwar, Iraq, Dec. 15. The pump, built with U.S. loans to the government of Iraq, is part of a series of eight stations built to provide improved irrigation for farmers south of the Tigris River.

U.S. Army Pvt. Tyler Grigry, attached to White Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery, stands guard near a canal during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a newly opened pump station in Al Hwar, Iraq, Dec. 15. The pump, built with U.S. loans to the government of Iraq, is part of a series of eight stations built to provide improved irrigation for farmers south of the Tigris River.

U.S. Army Regiment Stays Behind the Scenes During Elections

2009-12-17T06:31:00.003-06:00

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – With the Iraqi national elections approaching, U.S. Soldiers are preparing to support the Iraqi army and Iraqi police while remaining in the background.

The Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who are responsible with assisting Iraqi forces in and around Najaf, Iraq, take that mission very seriously.

The actual coordination and facilitation of the elections for Najaf has been organized by the Najaf Iraqi police and the 3rd Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army, said Capt. Neil Penttila, commander, "C" Company, 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt., whose company is currently stationed at Forward Operating Base Endeavor outside Najaf.

"We try to stay in the background whenever necessary," Penttila said. "It's the Iraqi plan. We're incorporated into that plan as a safety net. We go on their command."

During the elections, the 1st Bn., 15 Inf. Regt. will be providing enablers to the Iraqi army and Iraqi police such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets. They will also be ready to provide support at the Iraqi commander's request.

As part of a reconnaissance mission, Soldiers of "C" Co. traveled to various polling sites in Najaf, Dec. 3, recording their locations and ensuring they will be accessible during the elections. Penttila said he feels confident in the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces in Najaf, and that his confidence extends to his Soldiers' readiness if they are called.

Four women from Najaf, Iraq, walk down the street as Soldiers from "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, drive past during a reconnaissance mission, Dec. 3. The Soldiers were checking out polling sites in the area, recording their locations and ensuring they will be accessible during the elections. Soldiers from "C" Co. will support the elections but stay behind the scenes as much as possible.

Neil Penttila, commander, "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, assesses a polling site in Najaf, Iraq, Dec. 3. As part of a reconnaissance mission, Soldiers of "C" Co. traveled to various polling sites in Najaf to record their locations and ensure they will be accessible during the elections.

A boy in Najaf, Iraq, enjoys popcorn given to him by "C" Company Soldiers, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance mission of polling sites in the area, Dec. 3. Soldiers from "C" Co. partnered with soldiers from 3rd Bn., 30th Bde., 8th Iraqi Army, to record the site locations and ensure they will be accessible during the elections.

Flag Football Tournament Brings Friends Together at Forward Operating Base Kalsu

2009-12-16T22:02:00.003-06:00

Sgt. Ray Johnson (right), a Soldier assigned to "A" Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, muscles past a blocker, a Soldier assigned to 563rd Military Police Company, during a flag football game at Forward Operating Base Kaslu, Iraq, Dec. 5. The game was part of an eight-team flag-football tournament that gave its participants a break from their daily duties as deployed Soldiers.
Staff Sgt. Lee Davis (left), a Soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, catches a deep pass behind two defenders, Soldiers assigned to "C" Company, 203rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, during a flag football at Forward Operating Base Kaslu, Iraq, Dec. 4. Companies from the 203rd BSB, BSTB and the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment all have teams entered in the tournament.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – As college football heads into bowl season and the National Football League gets into the meat of its season, the Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu are developing their own form of football fever.

The FOB Kalsu Morale, Welfare and Recreation office is sponsoring an eight-team flag-football tournament that will culminate on Christmas Day.

According to Robert Warren, the MWR event coordinator at FOB Kalsu, the Soldiers participating in the event have been enthusiastic.

"I think it gives the Soldiers something to look forward to rather than just waking up, putting on the same uniform and going through the same routine," said Warren. "Their game becomes the high point of their week."

Many teams have been practicing since Thanksgiving in anticipation of the event.

"The tournament has helped our morale a lot," said Michael Bradberry, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "Whether we are playing or practicing throughout the week, it gives us a break from the reality that we are in Iraq and away from our families. It's just fun."

In addition to giving his teammates a break from their duties, Bradberry says it has given the members of his team a chance to get to know each other better.

"There are so many people in our troop that it's impossible to have a good relationship with everyone," he said. "Being on the team and competing with one another has definitely given us a chance to develop a relationship that goes beyond just being in the same unit together. There a bunch of guys that I stop and talk to now, rather than just saying hi."

Warren is hoping to use the tournament as a springboard for a flag-football league that will begin on New Year's Day.

"All eight of the teams competing in tournament have agreed to be a part of it and I'm hoping we can get at least another four teams to sign up," he said. "I've already had at least two more teams inquire about the league so it is looking good."

For the league, Warren is hoping to have team jerseys made, keep stats during the games and have year-end awards and trophies.

"Everyone that has competed so far in the tournament has been a competitor," he said. "Even though they all want to win, they all seem to be enjoying the competition whether their team wins or not. That's really the important thing."

3rd HBCT Ministry Team Open Soldiers Pantry at Forward Operating Base Kalsu

2009-12-16T21:54:00.003-06:00

By Sgt. Ben Hutto

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – With all the groups and individuals who want to send items to help deployed Soldiers, there can sometimes be a glut of items piled up with no clear way to get them to those who need them most. At Forward Operating Base Kalsu, the ministry team solved this issue with a pantry.

The chaplains and chaplain assistants of the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion and the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a supply pantry for the Soldiers of Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Dec. 8.

The pantry, which is stocked with contributions from organizations like Operation Soldier, church groups and independent businesses from across the country, offers free items to Soldiers three days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The pantry offers a variety of items including food, drink mixes, paperback books, greeting cards, DVDs, T-shirts, hygiene products and playing cards.

"The opening of this building shows everyone here how much the people back home care about us, but it also shows what our chaplain assistants are capable of," said Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Gray, 203rd BSB. "From the beginning, they got out front on this and made it happen. This is a great example of what taking care of Soldiers is all about."

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, go through items offered at the Soldier's pantry at Forward Operating Base, Kalsu, Dec. 8. The pantry, which is stocked with donations ranging from snack foods to paperback books, offers a variety of quality of life items to Soldiers for free.

Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Gray, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Antonio Jones, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, cut the ribbon as part of the opening of the Soldier's pantry at Forward Operating Base, Kalsu, Dec. 8. Stocked with contributions from a variety of organizations from the United States, the facility offers everything from snacks to DVDs to Soldiers for free.

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fill bags with items from the Soldier's pantry at Forward Operating Base, Kalsu, Dec. 8. The Pantry, which will be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, offers a variety of quality of life items for free.