1-15 Inf. Regt. Holds Iraqi Conservation Corps Sign-Ups

Capt. John Horning, from Houston, Texas, commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, talks to local sheiks of Al Huda, Iraq, during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)
Capt. John Horning, from Houston, Texas, commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, talks to local citizens standing in line at the Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)


Staff Sgt. Scott Coe, Ransomville, N.Y., Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, uses a handheld metal detector to check a local citizen during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

Pfc. Jon Erickson, St. Paul, Minn., Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, enters a local citizen into HIIDES during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. HIIDES is a digital way to store individual's information that will be used in the hiring process of civil services workers. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

Sgt. Teddy Lakin, Clarksville, Ind., Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, enters a local citizen into HIIDES during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. HIIDES is a digital way to store individual's information that will be used in the hiring process of civil services workers. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

Pfc. James Wilson, Port Huron, Mich., Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, enters a local citizen into HIIDES during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. HIIDES is a digital way to store individual's information that will be used in the hiring process of civil services workers. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

Local citizens give a Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, interpreter information about himself as 1st Lt. James Short, Seattle, Wash., a platoon leader in Company C oversees the task during an Iraqi Conservation Corps Force sign-up Dec. 27 in Al Huda, Iraq. (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Soldiers and leaders of Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, held an Iraqi Conservation Corps sign-up Dec. 27 for citizens of Al Huda.

According to Capt. John Horning, from Houston, Texas, commander of Company C, the members of the ICC conduct one of three services in their communities within the Nahia. These services are sanitation, construction, and security.

"A program like this takes the Concerned Local Citizens Program to the next step," Horning said. "Obviously security is the first concern but in an area like Al Huda, where security is maintained, this is the right next step."

Horning said local leaders came to him with concerns about the citizens in their villages needing jobs. He advertised the program sign-up by visiting local leaders in the company's area of operation.

"Their sheiks recommend and sponsor them," he explained. "Then they are entered into the HIIDES system and run through the police data base."

The HIIDES, or Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment System, is used by law enforcement agencies as a quick reference system to help in the identification and apprehension of criminals. The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team has been using the system to quickly identify and catalogue persons of interest during its continuing operations in the Mada'in Qada. In this case, to screen all applicants and check them against a database the brigade maintains.

Horning said members applying for the sanitation "platoon" do not need any experience, however, those who are applying for construction jobs are required to have some kind of trade skill correlated with the job at hand.

"This program will hopefully help return them to normalcy and that's what they need," Horning said.

Funding for the ICC comes from the 3rd HBCT, Horning said.

Local citizens who came to the sign-up were excited about the job opportunities Company C was providing.

"I have 13 kids who are all very young," Yahia Latef, said. "I am on my own to make money for my family. In this area there are a lot of people without jobs. This is a great thing the Coalition Forces are doing for the people here. I hope everyone gets a job. I hope the project is here for a long time."

During a meeting with village leaders before the sign-up began, Horning explained his hope for the project and the good it will do for the community.

"We would much rather be doing a project like this than having to go out and kill the bad guys in your community," he told the leaders.

Horning has high expectations and said he can see two positive outcomes occurring because of the project's success.

"This project is concrete in the sense that we are putting dollars into the economy and people are working," he said. "Also, we are helping people see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are helping them see hope. They see that things are going to get better."

Company C, 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March, 2007.

Concerned Local Citizens Deliver Cache To Battery Commander

Capt. Chas Cannon, Moultrie, Ga., (left), commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, catalogues the contents of the cache with an explosive ordnance disposal specialist from the 789th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Fort Benning, Ga., as members of the Concerned Local Citizens, who delivered the cache to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 26, look on. (Photo courtesy of 1-10 FA Regt.)

Capt. Chas Cannon, Moultrie, Ga., (right), commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, stands with members of the Concerned Local Citizens group in front of a portion of the large cache the group delivered to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 26. (Photo courtesy of 1-10 FA Regt.)

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Members of a Concerned Local Citizen group seized a large cache of munitions east of the city of Al Nijidat, Iraq, southeast of FOB Hammer, Dec. 26.

The cache consisted of 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, one rocket-propelled grenade, one 115 mm high-explosive tank round, one 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round, and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse.

The CLC group delivered the cache to FOB Hammer where Capt. Chas Cannon, from Moultrie, Ga., and commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group.

"The CLC allow us to focus more on governance and economics," said Cannon. "The fact we have help out there with security allows us to maintain our focus on essential services and the local Iraqi government."

Cannon notified explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the 789th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Fort Benning, Ga., who received the cache items. The EOD unit secured the munitions for future disposal.

Cannon believes the CLC provides his unit, recently transitioned from detainee operations in Bucca to the 3rd HBCT's area of operations, with vital information.

"They know the area better than we do," he said. "We've only been here a couple of months; they've been here all their lives."

The 1-10 FA Regt., and the 789th Ordnance Co. (EOD), are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Getting A Gate Pass

Elizabeth, one of the Footprints In The Sand readers, inquired about getting a gate pass for when her boyfriend comes home in March for his R&R.

Gate pass information

It was quite easy...I printed the information at the link above and took it to the American Airlines counter and presented a photo ID and they graciously presented me with the gate pass. In fact, everyone that went out to see Chris arrive was issued a pass, some of which were not family members. I understand all airports do not honor this directive, but most do. Also, most airports have a Hero's welcome committe that will come out and help welcome our heros home. The San Antonio Hero's welcome committee is sponsored by the local VFW. I would suggest calling the airport USO office and inquire as to what is available. Chris said when he arrived in Atlanta there was a very nice welcome and it really made him feel special. The other thing that Chris commented on was the welcome banner that we were holding when he came through the tunnel. Oriental Trading Company does a great job on the banners and they are very reasonably priced. I bought a small banner to have at the airport and a larger one that we put on the outside of the house. Hope this helps Elizabeth!

FOB Hammer Celebrates Christmas

Maj. David Fivecoat, Delaware, Ohio, the operations officer of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, punts the ball during the senior officer/senior non-commissioned officer holiday football game Christmas Day at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The NCO’s pulled away and won the game late with two quick touchdowns. The game was one of many activities that the Soldiers of the 3rd BCT used to celebrate the holiday season. The evening prior, Soldiers of the 3rd BCT attended a bonfire and traditional holiday carols.

Master Sgt. Loren Lane, Apalachicola, Fla., the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s communications section, attempts to elude defenders during the 3rd BCT’s senior officer/senior non-commissioned officer holiday football game Christmas Day at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Lane’s team pulled away and won the game late with two quick touchdowns.

Col. Wayne Grigsby, Jr., Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, runs up field during the 3rd BCT’s senior officer/senior non-commissioned officer holiday football game Christmas Day at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The NCO team pulled away late and won the game with two quick touchdowns.

Senior officers and senior non-commissioned officer battle it out in the trenches during the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s BCT’s senior officer/senior non-commissioned officer holiday football game Christmas Day at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The NCOs pulled out the win in an intense game that saw the lead change several times.

On Christmas Eve, the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team gather around a bonfire at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Soldiers sang carols and enjoyed each others company as they prepared to spend Christmas away from their families together. “Sergeant major (Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, the command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT) and I are extremely proud of each and every one of you here,” said Col. Wayne Grigsby, Jr., Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3rd BCT. “I know being out here away from your families at Christmas time is tough, but I want to encourage all of you to keep up the good work and keep getting after it.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Brewer, Washington D.C., the command sergeant major of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion (far), and Sgt. 1st Class Shannon O’Conner, Kansas City, Kansas, Company A, 3rd BSTB, serve the Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team lunch on Christmas day at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Leaders of the 3rd BCT served their Soldiers to show appreciation for the Soldiers’ dedication and sacrifice during the holiday season.

Maj. Dewey Boberg, Anaheim, Calif., the executive officer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, serves Soldiers at the Hammer Dining Facility Christmas Day. Leaders of the 3rd BCT served Soldiers to show appreciation for their Soldiers’ dedication and sacrifice during the holiday season.

Maj. David Fivecoat, Delaware, Ohio, the operations officer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, serves Soldiers at the Hammer Dining Facility Christmas Day. Leaders of the 3rd BCT served the Soldiers to show appreciation for the Soldiers’ dedication and sacrifice during the holiday season.

Maj. Dewey Boberg, Anaheim, Calif., the executive officer for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, bows his head in prayer at the 3rd BCT’s caroling service and bonfire at Forward Operating Base Hammer on Christmas Eve. “Sergeant major (Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, the command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT) and I are extremely proud of each and every one of you here,” said Col. Wayne Grigsby, Jr., Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3 rd BCT. “I know being out here away from your families at Christmas time is tough, but I want to encourage all of you to keep up the good work and keep getting after it.”

Chaplain (Capt.) Wesley Gornall, Denver, the chaplain for the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, reads scripture during the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Christmas service at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Soldiers gathered to sing traditional Christmas songs and celebrate Christmas.

Sgt. Ryan Woodcraft, Clare, Mich., and Sgt. 1st Class Danny Waldrip, Benton, Ark., both with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s operations section, worship at the 3rd BCT’s Christmas service held at the Hammer Chapel at Forward Operating Base Hammer Christmas morning. Soldiers gathered to sing traditional Christmas songs and Christmas.

Chap. (Capt.) Lex Reed, Henderson, Texas, the chaplain of the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, reads the Christmas story during the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s caroling service and bonfire at Forward Operating Base Hammer on Christmas Eve. “Sergeant major (Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, the command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT) and I are extremely proud of each and every one of you here,” said Col. Wayne Grigsby, Jr., Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3rd BCT. “I know being out here away from your families at Christmas time is tough, but I want to encourage all of you to keep up the good work and keep getting after it.”

Col. Wayne Grigsby, Jr., Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson, Philadelphia, the command sergeant major of the 3rd BCT, speak to their troops during the 3rd BCT’s caroling service and bonfire at Forward Operating Base Hammer on Christmas Eve. “Sergeant major and I are extremely proud of each and every one of you here,” said Grigsby. “I know being out here away from your families at Christmas time is tough, but I want to encourage all of you to keep up the good work and keep getting after it.”

Just Married

Chris and Patricia Scogin

Today was the big day and it was perfect! It was so good to see Chris so happy. He was absolutely glowing. The ceremony was outside and the weather was perfect...a little chilly but the ceremony didn't last too long so it was not bad at all. Everything was just beautiful. Chris and Patricia were surrounded with family and many friends, old and new. We relived many memories and made many new ones. I again spent a lot of time staring at Chris...I wanted to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Chris has grown up to be a wonderful man, one that I am very proud to call my son. I am so happy that he has found someone to make his life complete. I wish he and Patricia many, many years of happiness.

Gen. Odierno visits Soldiers on Christmas

Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, greets Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division at Patrol Base Assassin Dec. 25. The base was one of nine Odierno and MNC-I Command Sgt. Major Neil Ciotola visited on Christmas Day. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, MNC-I Public Affairs)

From left) As Multi-National Corps - Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola looks on, MNC-I Commander Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno speaks with Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division at Patrol Base Assassin Dec. 25. The base was one of nine Odierno and Ciotola visited on Christmas Day. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, MNC-I Public Affairs)

Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, second from right, sings Christmas songs with Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Patrol Base Hawkes (Iskandariya, Iraq) Dec. 25. The base was one of nine Odierno and MNC-I Command Sgt. Major Neil Ciotola visited on Christmas Day. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, MNC-I Public Affairs)

National Police Deliver Cache to Cavalry Unit

Iraqi national police collect munitions from a cache discovered Dec. 25 near the city of Tameem, Iraq. The INP delivered the unusable, but still deadly, cache to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, to be catalogued and destroyed.

Policemen with the Iraqi national police display collected munitions after a tip led to the discovery of an old cache near the city of Tameem, Iraq, Dec. 25. The INP delivered the unusable, but still deadly, cache to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, to be catalogued and destroyed.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Iraqi national police responded to a tip that resulted in the seizure of a large cache of munitions near the city of Tameem, Iraq, Dec. 25.

The cache consisted of 20 projectile fuses, 10 60 mm mortars, eight 122 mm artillery shells, eight 82 mm mortars and other unidentifiable explosives.

The INP delivered the cache to a location in Jisr Diyala to elements of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, along with explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the 789th Ordnance Company, from Fort Benning, Ga. The explosive ordnance disposal unit assessed the cached items as being severely degraded but could have been used to construct improvised explosive devices.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt., and 789th Ordnance Co. (EOD), are assigned to the 3rd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March, 2007.

National Police Deliver Cache To Cavalry Unit (Tameem)

By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Iraqi National Police responded to a tip that resulted in the seizure of a large cache of munitions near the city of Tameem, Iraq, Dec. 25.

The cache consisted of 20 projectile fuses, ten 60mm mortars, eight 122mm artillery shells, eight 82mm mortars and other unidentifiable explosives

The NP delivered the cache to a location in Jisr Diyala to elements of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, along with explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the 789th Ordnance Company from Fort Benning, Ga.

The EOD unit assessed the cached items as being severely degraded, but could have been used to construct improvised explosive devices.

The 3-1 Cav. Regt., and 789th Ordnance Co. (EOD), are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Iraqi National Police collect munitions from a cache discovered Dec. 25 near the city of Tameem, Iraq.

The NP delivered the unusable, but still deadly, cache to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team to be catalogued and destroyed.

Policemen with the Iraqi National Police display collected munitions after a tip led to the discovery of an old cache near the city of Tameem, Iraq, Dec. 25.

The NP delivered the unusable, but still deadly, cache to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team to be catalogued and destroyed.

GIs in Iraq Send Out Thank-Yous For Christmas Support

Army officers from Arizona serving in Iraq include (from left) Christian L. Hoempler, Andrew G. Lerch, Tom E. Hearon, Andrew R. Ellison and Timothy R. Smith.

Beth Duckett
The Arizona Republic

U.S. Army soldiers based in Tuwaitha, Iraq - including several Arizonans - sent out Christmas greetings this week.

1st Lt. Tom E. Hearon, a Cave Creek resident and troop commander, said the soldiers are grateful for the support this season from residents.

"I wanted to say hello back to my home state, and how much my men, women and I appreciate the support, packages, and words of comfort," Hearon said in an e-mail.

The soldiers operate out of Combat Outpost Cashe southeast of Baghdad.

Hearon is assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Hope Grows in Salman Pak

Staff Sgt. Robert Butler, from Excelsior Springs, Mo., the platoon sergeant for Headquarters Platoon, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, extends a hand to a child in Salman Pak. "You never know what small thing will have a huge impact when they remember us," he said. "The 12-year-old we interact with today will be 17 in five short years and he'll have a choice. Will he be the one digging up an IED, or will he be the one to emplace one? I want him to make the decision to dig it up."

Staff Sgt. Robert Butler, from Excelsior Springs, Mo., the platoon sergeant for Headquarters Platoon, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, greets a child in Salman Pak. "We're rebuilding Iraq with a strong foundation and I think kids are the biggest part of that," he said. "Every time they are out, Joes (Soldiers) need to check their actions. These kids are like sponges, and they soak up every little thing we do."

Staff Sgt. Raymond Cotrell, from Zanesville, Ohio, Company A, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, provides security during a combat patrol through Salman Pak, April 16. Since April, Cotrell has seen significant improvement in Salman Pak's security. "Everyone knew when we first got here that there had been little to no coalition presence here," he said. "Since we've been here, I've seen Salman Pak improve tenfold. Contact rates have gone down. Improvised explosive device attacks have gone down. They are seeing their town improve and know that we are here to help them."

Maj. John Wolfe, Scottsboro, Ala., team leader in the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, pauses to take notes during a market assessment in Salman Pak, Dec. 23. The assessment is part of 1-15th Inf. Regiment's Operation Market Garden. "The primary purpose of the operation is to improve business economics in the Salman Pak area," said Wolfe. "We are trying to give small business owners information to run their businesses profitably and giving them financial assistance to help them get a leg up."

Staff Sgt. John Zamarripa, from Columbus, Ga., Company A, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, jokes with citizens in Salman Pak during a market assessment Dec. 23. The assessment was part of Operation Market Garden, an operation designed to stimulate the economy of Salman Pak by providing small business owners with classes to help them develop strategies to better run their businesses and money to help them improve their stores.

Maj. John Wolfe, Scottsboro, Ala., team leader in the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, talks with a business owner during a market assessment in Salman Pak Dec. 23. The assessment is part of 1-15th Inf. Regiment's Operation Market Garden. "The primary purpose of the operation is to improve business economics in the Salman Pak area," said Wolfe. "We are trying to give small business owners information to run their businesses profitably and giving them financial assistance to help them get a leg up."

Pfc. Jeremiah Johnson, from Buffalo, N.Y., Company A, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, pulls security during a market assessment in Salman Pak Dec. 23. "Salman Pak is a really beautiful place," said Staff Sgt. Robert Butler, from Excelsior Springs, Mo., the platoon sergeant for headquarters platoon, 1-15th Inf. Regt. "You look at the Arch (the Arch of Ctesiphon, one of the largest and oldest freestanding arches in the world), the mosque, and some of the houses there and you see so much potential. I hope that the progress we are making now will help that potential become a reality after we have left. This place deserves it after what it's been through. In 10 years, I want to be able to say that I was there when Salman Pak turned the corner. I'll be proud to say I was a part of that."

Pfc. Jeremiah Johnson, from Buffalo, N.Y., Company A, 1-15th Infantry Regiment, pulls security during a market assessment in Salman Pak Dec. 23. "When we first started patrolling Salman Pak, the people there were very stand-offish," said Staff Sgt. Robert Butler, from Excelsior Springs, Mo., the platoon sergeant for Headquarters Platoon, 1-15th Inf. Regt. "As time has gone on, we have earned their trust," he said. "They see that we are trying to help. Most are quite friendly to us now."

Staff Sgt. Raymond Cotrell, from Zanesville, Ohio, Company A, 1-15th Infantry Regiment provides security during a market assessment in Salman Pak Dec. 23. "When we first came here, the people saw us rolling through in our Bradleys and tanks and they just closed up shop," he said. "We roll by now and they stay open. They wave. You can see they are not afraid. It is easier for us to do business with them. They really just want to get back to living a normal life and taking care of their families."



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

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Robert Butler expresses a range of emotions when someone asks him what he thinks about Salman Pak.

The platoon sergeant, from Excelsior Springs, Mo., Headquarters Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division has handed out candy to children there, fought insurgents, lost friends and helped the national police provide security.

In his mind, the former resort town has a lot of potential, but he readily admits that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before it can reach that potential.

The recent opening of the courthouse in Salman Pak and a recent push by the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, Knoxville, Tenn., currently attached to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., to help stimulate local business are important steps in building the city, but security is still the main issue according to Butler.

“Right now, I don’t think that they are at a level where we can fully concentrate on economic stabilization,” said Butler. “There are still some security issues that we need to work on with the Concerned Local Citizens (group) and the national police. We still have a little way to go there. It has come a long way from where it was, but we still have hot spots that we need to clean up.”

Butler has seen firsthand how far Salman Pak has come and how the citizens’ view of him and his 3rd HBCT brethren has changed.

“When we first started patrolling Salman Pak, the people there were very stand-offish,” he explained. “We would go down the street and people would go inside. A few weeks later, they started coming out.”

Gradually troops in the area earned the local residents’ trust, said Butler.

“Their children come out and greet us. Merchants try and give us drinks,” he said. “The establishment of the Concerned Local Citizens there has improved their view of us even more.”

Staff Sgt. Raymond Cotrell, from Zanesville, Ohio, Co. A, 1-15 Inf. Regt., was one of the Soldiers beside Butler on many of those patrols and agrees with his assessment of the town’s improvement.

“Everyone knew when we first got here that there had been little to no coalition presence here,” he said. “Since we’ve been here, I’ve seen Salman Pak improve tenfold. Contact rates have gone down. IED (improvised explosive devices) attacks have gone down. They are seeing their town improve and know that we are here to help them.”

The help that Cotrell and his fellow Soldiers have provided the people, while important, is not as important as what the townspeople are doing to help themselves according to Cotrell.

“They are helping themselves now,” said Cotrell. “Part of the reason IED attacks are down are because of the CLC checkpoints that have been set up. The people here see the CLCs and are becoming more confident in their security. In short, the program is working. As security has improved, the people have started coming out to the markets. They have started opening up their businesses again. It’s just getting better. This isn’t all talk. Compare what the market looks like now to when we first started patrolling here. It’s like two different places.”

When he is asked for details about how much different it is, Cotrell clarifies his point.

“When we first came here, the people saw us rolling through in our Bradleys and tanks and they just closed up shop,” he said. “I think people were scared. They were scared of us. They were scared of the insurgents. We roll by now and they stay open. They wave. You can see they are not afraid. It is easier for us to do business with them. They really just want to get back to living a normal life and taking care of their families.”

Maj. John Wolfe, from Scottsboro, Ala., team leader for Civil Affairs Team 915, is using his team to help the people of Salman Pak get back to living a normal life through Operation Market Garden.

“The primary purpose of the operation is to improve business economics in the Salman Pak area,” he said. “We are trying to give small business owners information to run their businesses profitably and giving them financial assistance to help them get a leg up.”

The program will provide business owners with classes designed to help them make better business decisions and financial assistance to help them build their businesses.

“We are doing this in small steps,” said Wolfe. “They have got to be able to do this on their own. We like to give them the tools and confidence to be successful.”

Wolfe pointed out that resurgence of the bank in Salman Pak, the courthouse opening and the improved security environment are all key indicators that the economic state in Salman Pak will continue to improve.

“Security is really the No. 1 priority,” he explained. “Once security is established, our mission goes beyond humanitarian aid. We can really dig deeper. The bank is a good example of that.”

Wolfe explained that many residents of Salman Pak are retired government workers who rely on the bank in Salman Pak for their pensions. The security situation had prevented delivery of money to the bank and subsequently squeezed the budgets of many in the community. As security improved, his team was able to help get money to the bank.

“We helped escort half a billion dinar from Baghdad,” he said. “That showed the people that the bank was getting back on its feet. The national police are now helping escort shipments once every two months.”

Talking with Wolfe, he named off several projects that are helping Salman Pak. He mentioned the opening of a firehouse, curb restoration projects and road sanitation projects. All of these, he pointed out, are signs that Salman Pak is improving.

“There was a stigma of how bad it was here, but all of these projects could have never happened if the security wasn’t there,” he said.

Butler believes that the security, economic improvement and the favorable disposition of the citizens of Salman Pak are all products of the sacrifice he and his fellow Soldiers made to help secure and improve the town.

“We never stopped,” he said. “Even when we lost brothers close to us, we put on our boots and went out there and continued to do our jobs. No matter what happened, we kept coming out to help them and do our jobs. If me and my whole platoon had died, I know that Hardrock (Company A) and 1-15 would have been out there the next day to continue our work. That’s how important it is to us.”

Despite the mission being hard, Butler believes in it. In spite of the losses, he still believes in the people of Salman Pak.

“Despite losing my brothers there, I don’t have hate for the people there,” he said. “I believe in everything we’ve done here. We have to give these people a taste of freedom, no matter what flavor it is. Once the people have tasted it, they will never let it go.”

Butler insists that to give them that taste, courage will be needed on both sides.

“I knew my Joes (Soldiers) were scared a lot of the time, but they call you brave because you overcome it and drive on,” he explained. “The first thing we heard from the citizens here was that they were scared. We asked ‘Why did you let insurgents use your house?’ or ‘Why didn’t you call us?’ and they would tell us they were scared. I just had to admit to them that I was too, but we were still going to be there for them. I didn’t do it to show weakness. I wanted them to understand that we were human too, and we were going to get down on their level and help. In many cases, I think that helped them overcome their fears and reach out to us. In time, they stepped up.”

Butler believes that the Concerned Local Citizens program in Salman Pak is an example of that bravery.

“They (CLC) don’t get paid a lot to do what they are doing,” he explained. “They could probably make more placing IEDs than finding them. I think that shows they want a stable neighborhood for themselves and their family. I respect them for that. Standing up for your neighborhood and family is a brave thing.”

Butler understands that his role as a statesman is just as important as his role as a Soldier and tries to instill that belief in the Soldiers around him.

“We’re rebuilding Iraq with a strong foundation, and I think kids are the biggest part of that,” he said. “Every time they are out, Joes need to check their actions. These kids are like sponges, and they soak up every little thing we do. You never know what small thing will have a huge impact when they remember us. We have to show them that we are human beings like them. We have to show them that we are here to help; and even when we are having a bad day, we have to remain professional. The 12-year-old we interact with today will be 17 in five short years and he’ll have a choice. Will he be the one digging up an IED or will he be the one to emplace one? I want him to make the decision to dig it up.”

As 1-15 Inf. Regt.’s deployment in Iraq enters it’s final months, Butler, Cotrell and Wolfe hope that the progress they’ve made continues long after they’ve gone.

“Salman Pak is a really beautiful place,” said Butler. “You look at the Arch (the Arch of Ctesiphon, one of the largest and oldest freestanding arches in the world), the mosque, and some of the houses there and you see so much potential. I hope that the progress we are making now will help that potential become a reality after we have left. This place deserves it after what it’s been through. In 10 years, I want to be able to say that I was there when Salman Pak turned the corner. I’ll be proud to say I was a part of that.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is part of 3rd HBCT, from Fort Benning, Ga., 3rd Inf. Div. and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

A Soldier's Christmas

A Soldier’s Christmas

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I’D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN’T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
“SANTA DON’T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON’T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.”

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN’T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL.

I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA,
IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.”

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT,
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

All My Love

Written for my son currently stationed in Iraq: Heather Jennings

I saw this poem today on the Task Force Marne site and thought it appropriate on Christmas Day to post it for all to see. Though these words come from one mom to her son Nathaniel, she speaks for so many other families with loved ones serving away from home, so that others can enjoy their families at this special time of year. These words and feelings are shared by so many of us and so nicely said by Heather.


ALL MY LOVE

To the Army you are a soldier,
But you’re still my child, my son.
As a warrior you’ve grown strong and bolder,
But you’re still my cherished one.

When America beckoned, you answered the call,
And bravely you vowed to serve God and country.
As an American soldier you stand strong and tall,
And defend the world’s right to be free.

You love your mother, your family; I know;
And that same love we feel for you, too.
We try to smile as through each day we go,
And pray God will bring you home soon.

I hope you know, deep in your heart,
For you my love’s never-ending.
I’m proud of my son and though we’re apart…
Across the miles all my love I am sending!

Take Care,
Come home safe,
All my love,
Momma

3rd HBCT Soldiers Turnout for Promotion

Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, Monticello, N.Y., 203rd Brigade Support Battalion commander, attaches the black oak leaf of lieutenant colonel on the uniform of Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., 203rd BSB executive officer, during Coe's promotion to lieutenant colonel at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 21.

Story by Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – More than 100 Soldiers braved cool temperatures to witness the promotion of Maj. Howard Coe, Winston-Salem, N.C., the executive officer of the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, to lieutenant colonel at an outdoor ceremony on FOB Hammer, Dec. 21.

Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, Monticello, N.Y., the commander of the 203rd BSB, attached the black oak leaf of lieutenant colonel on Coe’s uniform as Coe’s wife, Kim, watched via a video teleconference feed at Fort Benning, Ga.

“Howard Coe is the most loyal officer that I have met in 20 years of service,” said Lawler.

Following the promotion, Coe thanked his mother, wife and the Soldiers of the 203rd BSB.

“We have the greatest Soldiers and officers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team,” said Coe. “These Soldiers make my day, everyday.”

The 203rd BSB is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed to Iraq since March.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! On this joyous day I can't help but have a heavy heart for all our troops that have so graciously sacrificed their family time to serve our country. I know that they will have a good meal and a little down time but I can't get them off my mind. I am thankful I have Chris home for the holidays but my heart is with all you that have loved ones alone today. I guess I shouldn't say alone because it is my understanding that they have formed their family away from family. They are all brothers and sisters. They will celebrate the day with their military family and will have all of you on their minds.

I hope all of you have a Very Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by the blog today. I feel like all of you guys are my family now and I wanted to let you all know I'm thinking about you today! Love to all!! God Bless our wonderful Soldiers!!!

Gen. Petraeus Visits Sledgehammer Brigade

Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multi-National Force - Iraq commander, listens to Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., Prince George's County, Md., commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, as Grigsby provides an operation update to Petraeus at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 22.

Maj. Wolfgang Biggerstaff, Pinehurst, N.C., a staff officer in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, briefs Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander Multi-National Forces - Iraq, during Petraeus' visit to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 22.

Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multi-National Force - Iraq commander, applauds Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, after awarding coins for excellence to 10 Soldiers of the brigade at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 22. "You are doing wonderful work," Petraeus told the Soldiers. "You are helping write the book on counter-insurgency operations."

Gen. David H. Petraeus, Multi-National Force - Iraq commander, addresses Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during his visit to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 22. "You are doing wonderful work," Petraeus told the Soldiers. "You are helping write the book on counter-insurgency operations."

Gen. David H. Petraeus, center, Multi-National Force - Iraq commander joins 10 Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division for a photograph during his visit to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Dec. 22. Petraeus awarded the ten selected Soldiers with MNF-I coins for excellence. Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., standing far left, Prince George's County, Md., commander of the 3rd HBCT, and 3rd HBCT Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Pearson, standing far right, Philadelphia, are also pictured.

Intelligence Leads To Strike On Al-Qaeda

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Two 3rd Infantry Division brigades quickly shared information and maneuvered AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from another 3rd Inf. Div. brigade to intercept and kill five al-Qaeda members southeast of Baghdad Dec. 23.

Local citizens told Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div. that several key insurgents were crossing the Tigris River southeast of Baghdad Sunday afternoon.

As the insurgents crossed the Tigris River from west to east, they entered the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div. area of operations. After receiving confirmation that the key insurgents were crossing the river, leaders from 3rd HBCT directed an Apache air weapons team from 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div., to engage and kill the insurgents. After the engagement, forces from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. conducted an air assault into the engagement area to develop intelligence for future operations.

"Today's engagement is an example of two surge brigades sharing information faster than the insurgents can react," said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, operations officer for the 3rd HBCT. "Our efforts to destroy al-Qaeda forces continue to improve the security in the Mada'in Qada."

The 3rd HBCT is out of Fort Benning, Ga., and deployed to Iraq in March. The 2nd BCT is stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and deployed to Iraq in May.

Bush Thanks Service Members, Military Families for Sacrifices

By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - President Bush used his weekly radio address yesterday to thank America's service members who will spend Christmas far away from their homes and loved ones.

"America is blessed to have men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe from our enemies. We are thankful for their courage and their dedication to duty," Bush said.

Families of the nation's Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen serve their country too, Bush said.

"America is also blessed to have military families willing to sacrifice for our country. And this Christmas, many will sit down to dinner thinking of their loved ones half a world away," the president said.

Bush also praised the families of wounded warriors who help their loved ones recover from injuries suffered in combat. "Through their encouragement and devotion, they help heal the body and spirit, and they remind our wounded warriors that our nation stands behind them," he said.

For the military families who have lost loved ones in battle, Bush commended them for turning their grief into acts of compassion and love.

"One such inspiring example is the family of Army Spc. Michael Rodriguez, of Knoxville, Tenn. During his deployment in Iraq, Michael often wrote home to his family about the children he met on patrol. In April, Michael was killed by a suicide bomber," Bush said.

Bush added that Rodriguez's family honors his memory by helping to collect school supplies for students at an Iraqi school for girls. "At this time of year, we acknowledge that love and sacrifice can transform our world," he said.

While thousands of military families are apart this holiday season, Bush expressed his hope for all of America's families to tighten their familial bonds.

"As Christmas approaches, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes, and we hope every family is brought closer together during this season of reflection and rejoicing," the president concluded.

U.S. Soldiers Detain Suspected Insurgent South Of Baghdad

Multi-National Division – Center PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, detained one suspected insurgent in a night raid just south of a local shopping area known as “Four Corners,” in Nahrwan, Iraq, Dec. 19.

According to Sgt. 1st Class James Mattwig, from Ashtabula, Ohio, a platoon sergeant in Troop A, a local resident called the troop with information that a known insurgent was seen visiting his cousin for the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.

“Once we got the call, we got a platoon together and prepared to capture the individual at his cousin’s house,” Mattwig said.

Mattwig explained the targeted suspected insurgent ran from the house; however, Troop A Soldiers detained another known insurgent.

“Although we didn’t get the individual we were after, we didn’t fail,” he said. “We cleared three houses and found another guy on the squadron’s top 10 list.”

“The tip leading to the capture of the suspected insurgent is a demonstration of trust between 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers and local residents,” said Capt. Troy Thomas, commander of Troop A, from Litchfield, Minn.

Troop A, 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Iraqi Double Amputee Walks Out Of Hospital

Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, 20, from Khargulia, is lifted from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and put in her wheelchair by her brother, Khalid Hassan Ka-Naan, Dec. 20 during a visit to the prosthetics clinic at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad.

Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, 20, from Khargulia, walks on her new prosthetic legs with assistance from Chris Cummings, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., prosthetic clinic adviser at the 28th Combat Support Hospital, in Baghdad Dec. 20.

Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, 20, from Khargulia, walks on her new prosthetic legs as Capt. Sayed Ali, from Long Island, N.Y., a physician in 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment (foreground) and Chris Cummings, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., prosthetic clinic adviser at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, watch Dec. 20.

Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, 20, from Khargulia, shows off her two new prosthetic legs while walking for the first time in three years Dec. 20 at her home while her mother watches.

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq - Standing upright and walking on her own is something 20-year-old Soham Hassan Ka-Naan, a young woman from Khargulia, never thought she would be able to do again.

After receiving her second prosthetic leg Dec. 20 at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad, Soham was able to walk upright with the assistance of crutches.

Soldiers of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division found Soham in July, after an insurgent rocket attack hit her house, amputating both of her legs. Since then, she has undergone multiple trips to the 28th CSH for surgery, prosthetic fittings and physical therapy.

The journey was a painful one according to Soham; however, her final fitting leaves her pain free with two prosthetic legs. One of the legs fills in the missing calf and foot on her left leg, and the other extends from the beginning of her right hip.

"I am very happy, I have no pain," she said through a translator. "I feel normal again."

Soham has high expectations for herself and said she expects to walk on her own, without crutches, in about five months. She said she hopes to be able to play soccer, run and dance too.

"I'm not going to give up," she said through a translator. "I gave up before and didn't think about walking for three years. I never imagined I would have two legs again."

According to Chris Cummings, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., prosthetic clinic adviser at the 28th CSH, Soham still has a long way to go with her new legs.

"Training and learning to use her legs is a huge energy expenditure for her that we take for granted," he said. "But she'll get it. She is strong and has good balance. I'll bet she does quite well."

Cummings, a civilian working overseas who primarily assists local patients, said he gets fulfillment from helping his patients accomplish feats they believed to have been lost after their accident.

"My hope is that every patient leaves here with something they can get a lot of use out of," he said.

"So this is where the magic happens," asked one Soldier about the room in which Cummings was shaping Soham's prosthetic leg.

"No, out there, when they start walking, that's where the magic happens," Cummings replied.

During her most recent visit to Cummings' clinic, Soham was escorted by Capt. Sayed Ali, from Long Island, N.Y., a physician in the 3-1 Cav. Regt.; Capt. Troy Thomas, from Litchfield, Minn., commander of Troop A, 3-1 Cav. Regt.; Staff Sgt. Michael Cook, noncommissioned officer in charge of the medic platoon in Troop A; and Soham's brother, Khalid Hassan Ka-Naan, who have all seen Soham through the entire process.

Soham is thankful for all of Troop A, 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers who took part in making her recovery possible.

As she sat on the end of a physical therapy table at the prosthetics clinic swinging one of her new legs, she told Thomas, "You are my brother, my father, and my uncle all in one."

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.