Civilians Provide Holiday Cheer to Troops, Families

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

Holiday Greetings, from the Sledgehammer Team

Combat Patch Ceremony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Iraqi Women Receive Schooling

Photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees
U.S. Soldiers from Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery, provide security for members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to a Women of Substance forum at the Open Education College in Kut, Iraq, Dec. 10. The forum, organized by the Wasit PRT, allowed young Iraqi females to meet positive role models to ask what it takes to be a professional women in Iraq.
U.S. Army Sgt. Jessy Baker, attached to Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery,, protects his falafel while escorting members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to a Women of Substance forum at the Open Education College in Kut, Iraq, Dec. 10. The forum, organized by the Wasit PRT, allowed young Iraqi females to meet positive role models to ask what it takes to be a professional women in Iraq.
U.S. Soldiers from Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery, try to develop language skills with the help of an Iraqi boy at the Open Education College in Kut, Iraq, Dec. 10. The Soldiers were at the college to provides security for members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team at the Women of Substance forum.
U.S. Army Sgt. Myron Hicks of Tuscaloosa, Al., attached to Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery, escorts members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team into the Open Education College to attend the Women of Substance forum in Kut, Iraq, Dec. 10. The forum, organized by the Wasit PRT, allowed young Iraqi females to meet positive role models to ask what it takes to be a professional women in Iraq.

U.S. Soldiers from Blue Platoon, B Battery, 1-10th Field Artillery, prepare to escort members of the Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team to a Women of Substance forum at the Open Education College in Kut, Iraq, Dec. 10. The forum, organized by the Wasit PRT, allowed young Iraqi females to meet positive role models to ask what it takes to be a professional women in Iraq.

1-15 Inf. Regt. Stays Behind the Scenes During Elections

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

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – With the Iraqi National Elections approaching, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are in their planning phase to support the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police while remaining hidden in the background.

According to Capt. Neil Penttila, commander of Company C, 1-15 Inf. Regt., 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. Company C is currently stationed at FOB Endeavor in Najaf.

“We try to stay in the back ground 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 1-15 Inf. Regt. will be providing enablers to the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police like 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 Company C 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. That confidence extends to his Soldiers’ readiness if they are called.


Four women from Najaf, Iraq walk down the street as Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, drive past during a reconnaissance mission, Dec. 3, to find polling sites in the area. Company C Soldiers will support the elections but stay “behind the scenes” as much as possible.

Neil Penttila, commander of Company C, 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 Company C traveled to various polling sites in Najaf, recording their locations and ensuring they will be accessible during the elections.

Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, partner with Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army, Dec. 3, to assess polling sites in Najaf, Iraq. Company C leaders said they will support the Iraqi Army during the elections but will stay behind the scenes as much as possible.

A boy in Najaf, Iraq enjoys popcorn given to him by Soldiers of Company C, 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. Company C Soldiers partnered with Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army, to record the sites locations and ensure they will be accessible during the elections

Brookstone Academy Reaches Out to Soldiers

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

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Over 300 letters from the students of Brookstone Academy, located 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 seniors in high school 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 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 on Fort Benning, Ga., and experienced the day in the life of a Sledgehammer Soldier in a garrison environment.

Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd HBCT, 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.”

Spc. Dwayne Williams, a Soldier assigned to Company B, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, reads a letter from a student from the Brookstone Academy at his company’s headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Students from the school mailed over 300 hundred letters to the Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
Cpt. Joan Hollein, the commander of Headquarters Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, laughs as she reads a letter from a student from the Brookstone Academy 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.

Cpt. Kwesi Ramsey, the assistant operations officer of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a letter sent from a student at the Brookstone Academy at his battalion’s headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Soldiers assigned to 2-69 Armor Regt., 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, and the Brigade Special Troops Battalion received letters from the school’s students.

Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives letters sent from students at the Brookstone Academy at his brigade’s headquarters on Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Dec. 8. Jones’s brigade received more than 300 hundred letters from the academy’s three schools.

3rd HBCT Ministry Team Open Soldiers Pantry at FOB Kalsu

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 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.
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.

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


FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – 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 FOB Kalsu, Dec. 8.

The pantry, which is stocked from 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.”

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Recent 3 HBCT Flickr photos

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3rd HBCT Soldier honored at FOB Delta

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – For the Soldiers of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, Nov. 25 was not a day to look forward to Thanksgiving, it was a day to look back.

Two days earlier, their comrade, Staff Sgt. Briand T. Williams, was killed by a sniper while providing security during a U.S. State department Provincial Reconstruction Team in Numaniah, located in the Wasit Province of Iraq.

To honor and remember their fallen brother-in arms, the 1-10 FA Regt. held a memorial service in his honor at Forward Operating Base Delta.

On one side of the auditorium, commanders and command sergeants major from all six of the 3rd HBCT’s battalions sat with Ambassador Christopher Hill, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq; Maj. Gen. Kahlif, the Wasit Provincial head of police; Brig. Gen. Kahlif, a federal police commander; and Brig. Gen. Abad, the 32nd Iraqi Army commander.

The rest of the large auditorium was filled to standing room capacity with William’s battery sitting on the first few rows surrounded by their fellow Soldiers serving at FOB Delta.

During the service, William’s leaders, subordinates and friends spoke about his leadership, confidence and loyalty.

Williams, a stand-out high school athlete from Sparks, Ga. before he joined the Army in 2002, was a well-liked leader in Battery B. Lt. Col. Shaun Tooke, the 1-10 FA commander, described Williams as having “a certain swagger about him, an ever present smile and he always maintained a positive attitude that was simply contagious throughout the unit.”

The ceremony’s speakers made similar observations about the man many Soldiers referred to as “Sergeant Will”.

“In all the conversations I have heard about him, our brother has sounded more like a superhero than a man,” said Chaplain (Capt.) Timothy Griffis, 1-10 FA Regt. “He sounds like an American Soldier; a man who cares about those he leads and serves along side; a man who understands and executes all the implied tasks of being a friend.”

According to Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd HBCT, Williams death was a bitter loss not just for the Soldiers of the 1-10 FA Regt, but for the entire 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

“Sgt. William’s death makes us realize that Iraq is still a dangerous place,” said Jones. “Contrary to reports on the news, there are still people willing to attack U.S and ISF forces and try and undo all the progress that has happened here.”

Tooke reminded his Soldiers that they needed to stay focused on the mission their fallen teammate died performing.

“We are in a position to potentially write one of the last chapters in a book that began with the Marne Division, the Sledgehammer Brigade and the Rock’s Support Battalion back in 2003,” said Tooke. “In partnership with our Iraqi Security Force brothers, the Provincial Reconstruction Team and the Wasit Provincial Government we stand ready to be a part of something much larger than ourselves…This is exactly what Staff Sergeant Williams, his teammates in 3rd platoon Bravo Battery and the PRT were doing on November 22 and what he’d want us to continue to do in his absence.”

In a show of solidarity and support, both Ambassador Hill and all three ISF generals paid respect to Williams’ memorial stand and gave their condolences to Jones, Tooke and the Soldiers of Battery B.

“His enthusiastic support of the soldiers under his charge, his commitment to the mission and the safety of the PRT, and his friendly camaraderie, all marked him as a leader of the finest caliber,” said Hill. “It is the dedication and commitment of Soldiers like Staff Sergeant Williams that enable us to carry out our important work in Iraq.”

Despite Williams passing, his friends and comrades still treasure the memories they have of him.

“Whatever faith or belief you have, if there is a better place after death, believe me, he is there,” said Sgt. Kevin Behling, a fellow non-commissioned officer in Battery B. “His legacy will never be forgotten.”

Williams is survived by his wife, Atiyhia; his daughter, Briana; and his son Antonio Godbold.

Williams awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (three times), Army Achievement Medal (two times), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (campaign star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (campaign star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (three times), the NATO medal, Combat Action Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Maj. Gen. Cucolo Transfer of Authority Speach

Maj. Gen. Cucolo

Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Video by Spc. Abigail Waldrop
Date Taken: 12.03.2009
Posted: 12.03.2009 05:18
Video Location: IQ

B-roll of Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, Commanding General, Task Force Marne giving a speech at a transfer of authority and speaking with people at the reception. Produced by Spc. Collins, 145th MPAD.

Maj. Gen. Cucolo Transfer of Authority Speach

HQ-3ID FRG Christmas Video

Date Taken: 12.03.2009
Posted: 12.03.2009 06:15
Video Location: IQ

Christmas video for Headquarters 3rd Infantry Division Family Readiness Group. The video includes packages from the past few weeks, shout outs and footage from Thanksgiving. Produced by Spc. Abigail Waldrop.

CHRISTMAS VIDEO

Happy Birthday Nick!

Happy Birthday, Captain James!

Just another reason to be so thankful for our Soldiers. Special days come and go and they continue to do their job with no complaints. Days like today I'm sure would much rather be spent celebrating with family and friends but instead, our Soldeirs celebrate by serving our country.

YOUR FAMILY MIGHT BE TOO HOOAH IF:

A little military humor to lighten the day!


Your wife's two favorite shades of lipstick are light green and loam.

You go to a barbecue and insist that your family feed in a tactical chow line at five meter intervals.

Before you hit the road on vacation you conduct rehearsals, backbriefs, PCI, and cover your convoy checklist.

Your children clear their hand receipt and housing before they go to college.

Your wife has more jumps than most LTs in the company.

Your kids call the yard their MWR area.

You require your mechanic to replace the sandbags in your floorboard as a part of a tune-up.

Your station wagon is equipped with blackout lights, OVE, OVM, and has to be properly dispatched.

Your kids call their mother "Household 6."

Your kids use the "F" word at least five times in every sentence.

Your kids volunteer to pull air guard on the school bus.

Your doorbell sounds off with the current challenge and password.

Your house has sector sketches posted by every window.

You give the command "Affix Bayonets!" at Thanksgiving Dinner.

Your kids show their meal cards at the kitchen door, except the oldest, who is on separate rations.

You make your daughter sign out on pass on Prom Night.

Your kindergartner calls recess "smoke break."

Your wife calls foreplay "prepping the objective."

Your wife conducts an AAR after sex.

Your wife "takes a knee" in the checkout line at the Food Lion.

You do your "back to school" shopping at the U.S. Cavalry store.

Your kids call the tooth fairy "Slicky Boy."

Your son fails the third grade but tells everyone he was a "phase three recycle."

Your kids salute their grandparents.

Your wife's "high-n-tight" is more squared away than your commander's.

Your kids get a LES for their allowance.

Your grandmother won "All American Week" and "Best Ranger."

All your kids have names that start with AR, FM, TM, or DA Form.

Your pick-up has your name stenciled on the windshield.

Your kids are hand-receipt holders.

Your older kids call the youngest one "Cherry."

Your kids recite their ABCs phonetically.

Your wife keeps Mermites in the China cabinet.

You DX'd your wife and then you held a "Change of Command" ceremony.

You call your in-laws the "Slice Elements."

Your dog's name is "Ranger."

All your possessions are military issue.

Your kids call their sandbox "NTC or CMTC"

You have pull-up bars outside the kitchen door.

Your daughter's first haircut was a flattop.

Your kids pull fireguard.

Your newborn's first words were "All OK Jumpmaster!"

You "bum dips" from your four year old daughter.

The only channels you get are FOX News, and CNN.

Author Unknown

Dog Loses It When Soldier Returns Home

This is absolutely precious. To bad all our Soldiers don't get this kind of welcome when they return home. Click below and enjoy!

http://shock.military.com/Shock/videos.do?displayContent=206038&page=4&ESRC=family.nl