Dear Friends and Family,
The process for letting family members know of their Soldier’s return will work as follows: deployed Soldiers will need to provide the names and contact information of the family members they want the rear detachment to contact. Units will then input this data into the E-Army Family Messaging System. Once the data is in the system, and it is time for the Soldier to leave theater, the rear detachment at Fort Benning will work off of flight manifests to send a message to you (via phone, e-mail, or text – depending on the contact information provided by the Soldier) through the E-Army Family Messaging System with information on the Soldier's return flight. The system will also provide contact information to family members on how to get in touch with the rear detachment for any questions. The Battalion will ensure positive contact with family members through the system. Updates will also be sent this way with reminders to check the Fort Stewart Flight update for changes. If a Soldier’s information is not put into the system, or the contact information is incorrect, then the rear detachment at Fort Benning will call everyone personally like previous deployments.
Contact through the system will occur when the Soldier has arrived at his/her final location before leaving theater, and again when his/her plane has left theater and is en route to Fort Benning. Notification will also be made if there are any changes in the scheduled arrival of the flight to Fort Benning.
Due to constant changes in flight scheduling, and a need to maintain operational security, the rear detachment at Fort Benning will not be able to answer questions about flights prior to the flights taking off. Rear detachment will only be able to answer questions about Soldiers who have been officially manifested. Deployed Soldiers will be unable to give you an exact departure date.
Please let us know if you have any concerns that have yet to be answered.
We are all looking forward to being home and we know you are too. It’s not long now!
Sledgehammer!!
Showing posts with label PAO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PAO. Show all posts
Monday, July 26, 2010
Redeployment Message
Dear Friends and Family,
The Sledgehammer PAO team is happy to be announcing some details on the unit’s upcoming redeployment. So we’ll just get right to it.
No doubt you are probably all aware of President Obama’s order to have no more than 50,000 advise and assist troops in Iraq by Sept. 1. This targeted mission required strength will allow the 3rd Brigade to maintain its partnership and support requirements, while requiring some Sledgehammer Soldiers to redeploy early. As part of the U.S. Forces drawdown, the 3rd Brigade has been ordered by the United States Division South Commander, MG Brooks, to send approximately 600 Soldiers home early to meet that strength requirement.
The Battalion Commanders and the Brigade Commander are the sole approval authorities on deciding which Soldiers to send. Mission priorities are the most important aspect for the Commander when making these decisions. Critical missions in Iraq may prevent some Soldiers from being able to leave early while critical missions at Fort Benning will require that some Soldiers do leave early. The next priority the Commander looks at when determining which Soldiers to send are those who have orders to PCS (permanent change of station), or ETS (end of time in service) before February, 2011. After that, Soldiers attending military schools, with start dates before October are considered. Last in the order of priority are Soldiers who made the 3rd Brigade football team or combatives team. Less than 10 percent of the Soldiers are those who are on the football team or combatives team. With approximately 600 slots to fill we anticipate that a good majority of the Soldiers who fall into any of these four categories will be going home early. However, it is very important to note that the mission in Iraq, and the support requirements at Fort Benning take precedence; this means that even if a Soldier falls into one of these four categories, it does not guarantee them leaving early. The majority of the Soldiers who do not fall into any of these categories will be returning as part of the main body flights.
Soldiers redeploying early are scheduled to arrive at Fort Benning starting the second week of August through the end of August. The main body flights are scheduled to arrive throughout September. The last main body flight is scheduled to arrive the first week in October.
Thank you, and SLEDGEHAMMER
The Sledgehammer PAO team is happy to be announcing some details on the unit’s upcoming redeployment. So we’ll just get right to it.
No doubt you are probably all aware of President Obama’s order to have no more than 50,000 advise and assist troops in Iraq by Sept. 1. This targeted mission required strength will allow the 3rd Brigade to maintain its partnership and support requirements, while requiring some Sledgehammer Soldiers to redeploy early. As part of the U.S. Forces drawdown, the 3rd Brigade has been ordered by the United States Division South Commander, MG Brooks, to send approximately 600 Soldiers home early to meet that strength requirement.
The Battalion Commanders and the Brigade Commander are the sole approval authorities on deciding which Soldiers to send. Mission priorities are the most important aspect for the Commander when making these decisions. Critical missions in Iraq may prevent some Soldiers from being able to leave early while critical missions at Fort Benning will require that some Soldiers do leave early. The next priority the Commander looks at when determining which Soldiers to send are those who have orders to PCS (permanent change of station), or ETS (end of time in service) before February, 2011. After that, Soldiers attending military schools, with start dates before October are considered. Last in the order of priority are Soldiers who made the 3rd Brigade football team or combatives team. Less than 10 percent of the Soldiers are those who are on the football team or combatives team. With approximately 600 slots to fill we anticipate that a good majority of the Soldiers who fall into any of these four categories will be going home early. However, it is very important to note that the mission in Iraq, and the support requirements at Fort Benning take precedence; this means that even if a Soldier falls into one of these four categories, it does not guarantee them leaving early. The majority of the Soldiers who do not fall into any of these categories will be returning as part of the main body flights.
Soldiers redeploying early are scheduled to arrive at Fort Benning starting the second week of August through the end of August. The main body flights are scheduled to arrive throughout September. The last main body flight is scheduled to arrive the first week in October.
Thank you, and SLEDGEHAMMER
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Singer Entertains Troops on Small Base in Iraq
Former Pussycat Doll Kaya Jones sings "Happy Birthday" to 1st Sgt. John Langs, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during her performance for the troops assigned to Contingency Operating Station Endeavor, Iraq, Feb. 24. Before her performance, Jones met and talked with Soldiers at the base dining facility during lunch.Story by Spc. Ben Hutto
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ENDEAVOR, Iraq – Former Pussycat Doll, Kaya Jones entertained the Soldiers assigned to Contingency Operating Station Endeavor, Iraq, Feb. 24.
Jones and her dance team danced and sang for an appreciative audience for over an hour, before signing autographs and posing for pictures with their audience.
"We love you," said Jones. "We miss you back home. We thank you for what you are doing out here."
Jones also gave away free music from her new album and spent time interacting with the troops at the COS Endeavor dining facility during lunch.
"It was a pleasure to perform for all of you guys," said Jones.
Soldiers cheered throughout the show, encouraging the singer and talking her into an encore.
"It was fun to get a break, hang out and cut loose a little bit," said Spc. Dillon Fisher, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. "She was very talented."
Fisher was one of three Soldiers who got to compete in a dance-off on stage with Jones's dance team.
"Even though I didn't win, I think everyone knows who was the best dancer up there," said Fisher with a smile. "I'm not saying I was robbed, but I have no idea how I didn't win."
Basketball and Ballots: Soldiers Reflect on National Elections During Downtime
Pfc. Matthew Mischler, Scout Platoon medic, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, keeps the ball away from Staff Sgt. Jordan Cox, also Scout Platoon, during a pick-up game, March 6, 2010, at Contingency Operating Station Echo, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.)By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION ECHO, Iraq – Soldiers do many things to prepare for missions, but as important to the success of the mission as all the planning, the moments spent not thinking about the mission can be just as essential. Leading up to the March 7, 2010, national elections in Iraq, some 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers took some time to relax and reflect.
Trading their combat boots for sneakers, Soldiers of the Scout Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd HBCT, gathered March 6 at Contingency Operating Station Echo to let off steam on the basketball court.
They weren't thinking about the mission at that point. They weren't thinking about the elections that were going to happen just on the other side of the barriers that separate COS Echo from Iraq and all its culture.
"It's good to be in shape," said Spc. Andrew Cook, a scout in the unit. "It's good cardio and it's fun to run around and get crazy."
"It helps keep our morale up," added Spc. Robert Flanagan, also in the platoon. "It keeps our mind off of being here. We are doing something a little different than our mission."
The mission, which expands beyond their platoon to the entire 3rd HBCT, is to advise and assist the Iraqi security forces who protect and serve the people of Iraq. The brigade is responsible for assisting in five provinces across southern Iraq. The scout platoon operates in the province of Diwaniyah.
In the last few months, the ISF has held center court.
"We try to stay out of their way," Cook said.
"We just let them handle their business," Flanagan added. "We pretty much just keep a lookout and help them if they need help."
"We can tell we are part of something important even though we don't really see it," said Pfc. Matthew Mischler, the platoon medic.
The next day, Soldiers across Iraq would be supporting the ISF in keeping the national elections safe for voters. These would be the first elections since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in which the Iraqi government and ISF were completely in the lead.
"It's gonna be cool when my kids are in school and they come home and say they are learning about Iraq," said Pfc. Julian Smith, another scout in the platoon. "I could tell them that I was a part of that. I will have stories to tell."
The scouts took a moment to put themselves in the shoes of the local citizens. In their own words, they talked of pride, hope and freedom.
"I would be happy that these elections are taking place," Flanagan said. "That means we are pulling away from U.S. forces and running our own show."
"I would be proud," Cook said. "It would mean the U.S. would be on their way out of the country. The Iraqi people have been through a lot and for them to be able to vote for who they want to run their country is great."
"I would have a sense of national pride," Mischner said.
After a pause, the scouts continued to reflect on the elections.
"Hopefully they will choose the right people to make the right decisions for this country," Flanagan said.
He added that, if he were part of the ISF, he would be confident in his unit but would also question whether things might start to revert back to the way they were once U.S. forces left the country.
Although they could speculate what it would be like to be citizens of Iraq, they aren't. They are U.S. Soldiers, part of the 1st Bn., 15th Inf. Regt. They remain focused on their mission.
"There is so much going on and all of the units play such a crucial part," Mischler said. "We have been really lucky we haven't seen anything serious. The combat medic badge is good and all, but if I never get it, I'll be happy."
So, until their next mission, the scout platoon will play basketball, getting away from the stresses of the deployment but never forgetting why they're in Iraq.
And while they're in Iraq, the Soldiers remember that loved ones are the key players in their lives .
"Laura, I love you," Cook added for his wife back home. "I miss you."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Comedians Keep FOB Echo Laughing
By Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – “Who here has dogs?”
A few Soldiers in the audience raised their hands.
“What kind of dog do you have,” comedian Ray Barnett asked one chosen Soldier. “A bullmastiff? Those are the kind of dogs that, if he gets goin’ on your leg, you just let him finish.”
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and attached unit Soldiers and civilians were treated to the comedic relief of Barnett and two colleagues, Chase Durousseau and Donnie Johnson, during a show Feb. 13 at FOB Echo.
“This is a big show for us,” Johnson said. “It’s our way of showing our appreciation for what the Soldiers are doing over here.”
Each comedian brought his own dash of spice to the show while still remaining true to the military sense of humor.
“Everywhere we go we pick up new material,” Barnett explained. “Even here, I fell the other day and came up with ‘Fat Hog Down.’”
During the two-and-a-half hour show the comedians made light some of the everyday annoyances Soldiers at FOB Echo might face like cheap toilet paper and non-alcoholic beer.
“We get up-close and personal with Soldiers when we’re here,” Johnson said. “Most people back home only get stories. They don’t know what it’s really like.”
The comedians agree the experience of entertaining Soldiers while overseas is one that cannot be matched.
“To see the different people here, the Iraqis, the Ugandans, the Americans all here together working for one cause is amazing,” Barnett said. “This is my way of giving back. This is my way of serving.”
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – “Who here has dogs?”
A few Soldiers in the audience raised their hands.
“What kind of dog do you have,” comedian Ray Barnett asked one chosen Soldier. “A bullmastiff? Those are the kind of dogs that, if he gets goin’ on your leg, you just let him finish.”
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and attached unit Soldiers and civilians were treated to the comedic relief of Barnett and two colleagues, Chase Durousseau and Donnie Johnson, during a show Feb. 13 at FOB Echo.
“This is a big show for us,” Johnson said. “It’s our way of showing our appreciation for what the Soldiers are doing over here.”
Each comedian brought his own dash of spice to the show while still remaining true to the military sense of humor.
“Everywhere we go we pick up new material,” Barnett explained. “Even here, I fell the other day and came up with ‘Fat Hog Down.’”
During the two-and-a-half hour show the comedians made light some of the everyday annoyances Soldiers at FOB Echo might face like cheap toilet paper and non-alcoholic beer.
“We get up-close and personal with Soldiers when we’re here,” Johnson said. “Most people back home only get stories. They don’t know what it’s really like.”
The comedians agree the experience of entertaining Soldiers while overseas is one that cannot be matched.
“To see the different people here, the Iraqis, the Ugandans, the Americans all here together working for one cause is amazing,” Barnett said. “This is my way of giving back. This is my way of serving.”
Comedian Ray Barnett entertains Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and attached unit Soldiers and civilians during a comedy show Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Comedians Chase Durousseau, and Ray Barnett, sit and eat dinner with Sgt. Crystal Thompson, Company F, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, before their show Feb. 13 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.Work is a blast for 1-15 Inf. Regt. Soldiers
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, learn how to make a window charge in a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and the 8th Iraqi Army Division, prepare to place and detonate their window charge during a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Sgt. Robert Morrell, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division places his window charge during a demolition class Feb. 9 as part of the battalion, Team Leader Course at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq. Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO, Iraq – “This is the only thing I was looking forward to,” said Cpl. Sean Taylor, Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in between the series of explosions.
Taylor was on day nine of the 15-day 1-15 Inf. Regt. Team Leader course which began Feb. 1 at FOB Echo. He, along with fellow “Can-Do” Soldiers and two Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division, was completing four days of demolition training.
“When they get done with these classes, I guarantee most of them will say this is the most fun they’ve had in the course,” said Staff Sgt. Robie Stricklin, an engineer from Company E, 1-15 Inf. Regt.
Open to Soldiers new to the team leader position, the course allows Soldiers to test their skills in areas like demolition, mechanical breach, shotgun breach, reflexive fire, technicalities of different weapon systems, communication, and first aid. Students also learn the roles and responsibilities of several positions in the noncommissioned officer corps.
“It gives team leaders a chance to reaffirm training and new skills to improve the organization and accomplish the mission,” said Staff Sgt. Conrad Slyder, from Company B, 1-15 Inf. Regt.
“This course is a compact version of everything we joined the Army to do,” Taylor added.
The Team Leader Course is designed to expose new team leaders to variety of military occupational skills; including infantrymen, medics, mechanics, and military policemen. Many of the students agreed the demolition were their favorite piece.
“The other stuff we get to do every day,” Taylor, an infantryman said. “We don’t get to do stuff like this every day.”
Slyder agreed, “The demolition is my favorite because we get to blow stuff up. I’ve never done that before.”
Private Hassan Badder, one of two 8th IA Division Soldiers going through the course, found he was treated no differently than the American Soldiers he trained beside. Badder said he thought the Team Leader Course was very exciting and, since he was one of the few from his unit to go through the course, felt confident in taking what he learned back to his fellow Iraqi Soldiers.
The Team Leader Course was only one of the many opportunities Soldiers from the 8th Iraqi Army Division were able to train with their American counterparts.
Several feet away, under the protection of a maintenance bay, three 8th IA Division drivers were elbow deep in grease and oil.
“My drivers need to improve their levels of training,” said Maj. Hussain Aziz, commander of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division. “With the help of Coalition Forces, they learn the correct maintenance of vehicles; especially humvees.”
Aziz said the Soldiers from the 1-15 Inf. Regt. are training his Soldiers on new technology that could benefit his unit.
Aziz feels confident that his Soldiers will be able to take their new found knowledge back to their unit’s. Stricklin, with what he taught during the Team Leader Course agree.
“These skills are definitely one’s they can teach their Soldiers,” he said. “It’s important they know this stuff.”
Command Sgt. Maj. Radhi, 8th Iraqi Army Division, sees the importance of noncommissioned officers, Iraqi and American alike, taking what they have learned to train their Soldiers. He explained in the old Iraqi Army, there was no such responsibility for the corps.
“One of our main focuses now is to educate the officers on the role of the NCO in the Army,” he said. “We are trying to give more responsibility to our NCOs. We are trying to model them off the NCOs in the U.S. Army.”
Assassin Troopers Get a Kick Out of Karate Class
Story by Spc. David Dyer, 3-1 Cav Public Affairs Liaison
CONTINGECY OPERATING STATION SHOCKER, Iraq – Most nights at COS Shocker a pile of 40 or more boots are sitting outside the entrance to an otherwise unremarkable tent. This is the Dojo for the Karate class. The students are a mixture of Dragoons from Troop A, 3-1 Cavalry and Saber contractors. Led by Major Rob Boone, a third degree black belt in Matasubuyashi Shurin-Ryu with over 12 years of martial arts experience, students there have the chance to learn and progress through the ranking system and earn belts that will be recognized wherever they may go after they leave Iraq. Boone, who has been a certified karate instructor for four years, is assisted in by Maj. Charles Krieger, a first degree black belt in Jujitsu with five years of experience.
“I really enjoy it” said Staff Sgt. Bill Morris of B Troop 3-1 Cavalry who is currently attached to Assassin Troop at COP Shocker, “I get to pick up new skills and work out at the same time.”
The temperature inside the crowed dojo tent climbs quickly as the students practice the various katas and work on conditioning drills. By the end of the night’s lesson smiles and jokes are exchanged as boots are pulled back on and laced up.
“It’s a great way to relieve stress…and a lot of fun,” said Falak Mir Shafi, a Soldier in Troop A.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saying Goodbye to Bravery
Story by: Sgt. Ben Hutto
FOB KALSU, Iraq – As an American Soldier, I've witnessed bravery in a variety of forms. Whether it was observing my battle buddy overcome his fear of heights and repel down a 20 foot tower during basic training or watching one of my best friends overcome the amputation of both his legs and become an amazing non-commissioned officer, I've seen countless instances of men and women setting aside their fears and and doing what they had to do.
To be honest, I've sort of come to expect it.
I believe this determination is instilled in most Soldiers during basic training and is further developed as we serve around people who have learned to push through their anxieties in order to fulfill the oath they took to defend our country.
As I returned home from my 15 day leave, I saw it again in the most unlikely of places.
My six year old son isn't a warrior. He didn't volunteer to be the child of a Soldier. In all honesty, his opinions have very little effect on me when I start talking about deployments and how long I'm going to be away.
He is put in the unfortunate situation of being stuck with my decision to serve our country.
I'm sure he is proud of me most days, but there are sacrifices he must endure in my absence.
Dad isn't there for every holiday or birthday.
I can't tuck him into bed every night.
When he goes to Cub Scouts, he is one of the few boys whose father isn't there.
The list of every day things that I'm absent for could go on for pages and it takes a toll on his young psyche.
He has nightmares some nights. Most nights, he sleeps in my bed with his mother for reassurance.
Many days, he asks her if I'm going to come back home. He has been pulled out of school to deal with separation anxiety, further making him "different" from the children around him and hindering his ability to be a good student.
It isn't fair. I'll admit that.
Despite my best efforts to provide for him and his younger brother, they are both forced to live in a single parent home every deployment.
Both of them live with the specter of Daddy not coming home or returning home with an injury they can't understand. My oldest has seen one of Daddy's injured friends, the one with the "robot" legs, and noticed that Daddy walks with a limp now.
A six year old might not understand all of the details, but he has a unique perspective of what war is and he also understands what that could mean for me.
Unfortunately, I ask him to accept this and not worry. I ask him to go about his life "like normal" and await my return.
To be honest, I try not to think about what a huge task that is.
For many of us, "talking to the kids about deployment" is one bullet on a huge list of important things we have to get done before we get on the plane to go overseas.
I wish I could say that I've eased my child's mind and he is performing normally, I wish I could say he doesn't cry when he talks about Daddy being gone, I wish he wouldn't worry that Mommy is going to leave him now, as well; but that isn't the case.
There are a lot of days he struggles with it, and I hope one day I can help him understand how proud I am of him for the sacrifice he is making.
I want to pull him close and thank him for being as brave as any Soldier I've ever served with.
Armed only with a child's hope that "everything will be ok," he has done a wonderful job of getting through this deployment.
Unlike me, my kids will never get an award for their service. Generals typically don't give "Hooah" coins to children.
The only award they will receive is the countless toys and kisses they'll get from me when I get off the plane next October.
For them, it is enough.
As I got out of my car at the airport, I walked around to the backseat to give him a kiss goodbye.
I opened the door to see him, his eyes shrink wrapped in tears, trying to give me a gapped tooth smile despite a quivering lip.
I smiled my best reassuring smile, gave him a big hug and kiss, and told him "It's going to be all right, bud. I'll be home soon. I promise."
Without shedding a tear, he just gave me another quivering kiss on the lips and whispered, "I know, Daddy. I love you. Please come back quick."
That, folks, is as brave a thing as you'll ever see. Take it from someone who sees it every day.
FOB KALSU, Iraq – As an American Soldier, I've witnessed bravery in a variety of forms. Whether it was observing my battle buddy overcome his fear of heights and repel down a 20 foot tower during basic training or watching one of my best friends overcome the amputation of both his legs and become an amazing non-commissioned officer, I've seen countless instances of men and women setting aside their fears and and doing what they had to do.
To be honest, I've sort of come to expect it.
I believe this determination is instilled in most Soldiers during basic training and is further developed as we serve around people who have learned to push through their anxieties in order to fulfill the oath they took to defend our country.
As I returned home from my 15 day leave, I saw it again in the most unlikely of places.
My six year old son isn't a warrior. He didn't volunteer to be the child of a Soldier. In all honesty, his opinions have very little effect on me when I start talking about deployments and how long I'm going to be away.
He is put in the unfortunate situation of being stuck with my decision to serve our country.
I'm sure he is proud of me most days, but there are sacrifices he must endure in my absence.
Dad isn't there for every holiday or birthday.
I can't tuck him into bed every night.
When he goes to Cub Scouts, he is one of the few boys whose father isn't there.
The list of every day things that I'm absent for could go on for pages and it takes a toll on his young psyche.
He has nightmares some nights. Most nights, he sleeps in my bed with his mother for reassurance.
Many days, he asks her if I'm going to come back home. He has been pulled out of school to deal with separation anxiety, further making him "different" from the children around him and hindering his ability to be a good student.
It isn't fair. I'll admit that.
Despite my best efforts to provide for him and his younger brother, they are both forced to live in a single parent home every deployment.
Both of them live with the specter of Daddy not coming home or returning home with an injury they can't understand. My oldest has seen one of Daddy's injured friends, the one with the "robot" legs, and noticed that Daddy walks with a limp now.
A six year old might not understand all of the details, but he has a unique perspective of what war is and he also understands what that could mean for me.
Unfortunately, I ask him to accept this and not worry. I ask him to go about his life "like normal" and await my return.
To be honest, I try not to think about what a huge task that is.
For many of us, "talking to the kids about deployment" is one bullet on a huge list of important things we have to get done before we get on the plane to go overseas.
I wish I could say that I've eased my child's mind and he is performing normally, I wish I could say he doesn't cry when he talks about Daddy being gone, I wish he wouldn't worry that Mommy is going to leave him now, as well; but that isn't the case.
There are a lot of days he struggles with it, and I hope one day I can help him understand how proud I am of him for the sacrifice he is making.
I want to pull him close and thank him for being as brave as any Soldier I've ever served with.
Armed only with a child's hope that "everything will be ok," he has done a wonderful job of getting through this deployment.
Unlike me, my kids will never get an award for their service. Generals typically don't give "Hooah" coins to children.
The only award they will receive is the countless toys and kisses they'll get from me when I get off the plane next October.
For them, it is enough.
As I got out of my car at the airport, I walked around to the backseat to give him a kiss goodbye.
I opened the door to see him, his eyes shrink wrapped in tears, trying to give me a gapped tooth smile despite a quivering lip.
I smiled my best reassuring smile, gave him a big hug and kiss, and told him "It's going to be all right, bud. I'll be home soon. I promise."
Without shedding a tear, he just gave me another quivering kiss on the lips and whispered, "I know, Daddy. I love you. Please come back quick."
That, folks, is as brave a thing as you'll ever see. Take it from someone who sees it every day.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
3rd HBCT Soldiers Make Their Mark in Kuwait
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – The temperature outside is climbing into the mid-nineties as Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, meticulously paints the small letters on the mural he is crafting. The mural, painted on one of the hundreds of concrete road barriers that dot Camp Buehring, has been a two day project so far and he still has a long way to go.
“It takes time to get it right,” he explains. “I had someone to help me paint the Marne patches the first day, but the rest I’ve done on my own.”
A few barriers down, Sgt. TJ Forbes and Pfc. Skylar Humburd, both assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, work on their own mural for their Squadron. Around the corner, two more Soldiers, Sgt. Mario Benjamin III, an MP assigned to the 317th Military Police Battalion, and Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, are painting the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s mural.
Countless murals like these decorate the 8 foot barriers that surround and protect the roads, living pads and buildings on Camp Buehring. For the Sledgehammer Soldiers working on their unit’s mural, the chance to add to this collection is an opportunity to add to their unit’s reputation and history.
“It is very important that we let the Soldiers that follow us know that we were here,” said Direny. “We got ready to go to war just like them. When they see this, hopefully, they will see that we did our best to represent our unit, the brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division.”
Forbes has deployed with the 3rd HBCT three times and each time he has painted one of these murals for his unit. During his current trip to Buehring, he checked to see how his last mural was holding up against a year and a half of sun, sand and wind.
“It’s still there,” he said. “It still looks good, in my opinion.”
Forbes understands that the mural represents more than his artistic ability on display.
“It’s about unit pride and building up morale,” he said. “I imagine a few of our new scouts saw the old one and realized that they are part of a unit that has done this before. Hopefully, that makes them walk a little taller and prouder.”
He also considers an important part of his unit’s up-coming deployment.
“You have to believe in what you are doing and the unit you are a part of,” he said. “How you view your unit is also the way you view the Army as a whole. We want Soldiers that take pride in who they are, what they are doing and the group they are a part of. I think this is a part of that.”
Pfc. Skylar Humburd, a scout assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, works on his battalion’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. The project will take him and his partner, Sgt. TJ Forbes, four days to complete, but both Soldiers say they want to leave future 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers something to take pride in.
Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adds more paint to his detailing brush at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Direny is one of several Soldiers that are painting murals on the base’s concrete road barriers to show unit pride.
Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, details his unit’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Direny is one of several Soldiers that are painting murals on the base’s concrete road barriers to leave an artistic footprint of his unit’s time there.
Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, works on the brigade’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. The project takes about four days to complete and requires Sudik to work out in the heat and sand for hours at a time.
Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adds color the brigade’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Sudik spent several days getting the supplies for the project and will require several more days to finish the mural.
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – The temperature outside is climbing into the mid-nineties as Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, meticulously paints the small letters on the mural he is crafting. The mural, painted on one of the hundreds of concrete road barriers that dot Camp Buehring, has been a two day project so far and he still has a long way to go.
“It takes time to get it right,” he explains. “I had someone to help me paint the Marne patches the first day, but the rest I’ve done on my own.”
A few barriers down, Sgt. TJ Forbes and Pfc. Skylar Humburd, both assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, work on their own mural for their Squadron. Around the corner, two more Soldiers, Sgt. Mario Benjamin III, an MP assigned to the 317th Military Police Battalion, and Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, are painting the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s mural.
Countless murals like these decorate the 8 foot barriers that surround and protect the roads, living pads and buildings on Camp Buehring. For the Sledgehammer Soldiers working on their unit’s mural, the chance to add to this collection is an opportunity to add to their unit’s reputation and history.
“It is very important that we let the Soldiers that follow us know that we were here,” said Direny. “We got ready to go to war just like them. When they see this, hopefully, they will see that we did our best to represent our unit, the brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division.”
Forbes has deployed with the 3rd HBCT three times and each time he has painted one of these murals for his unit. During his current trip to Buehring, he checked to see how his last mural was holding up against a year and a half of sun, sand and wind.
“It’s still there,” he said. “It still looks good, in my opinion.”
Forbes understands that the mural represents more than his artistic ability on display.
“It’s about unit pride and building up morale,” he said. “I imagine a few of our new scouts saw the old one and realized that they are part of a unit that has done this before. Hopefully, that makes them walk a little taller and prouder.”
He also considers an important part of his unit’s up-coming deployment.
“You have to believe in what you are doing and the unit you are a part of,” he said. “How you view your unit is also the way you view the Army as a whole. We want Soldiers that take pride in who they are, what they are doing and the group they are a part of. I think this is a part of that.”
Pfc. Skylar Humburd, a scout assigned to Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, works on his battalion’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. The project will take him and his partner, Sgt. TJ Forbes, four days to complete, but both Soldiers say they want to leave future 3-1 Cav. Regt. Soldiers something to take pride in. 
Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adds more paint to his detailing brush at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Direny is one of several Soldiers that are painting murals on the base’s concrete road barriers to show unit pride.
Sgt. John Direny, a water treatment specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, details his unit’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Direny is one of several Soldiers that are painting murals on the base’s concrete road barriers to leave an artistic footprint of his unit’s time there.
Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, works on the brigade’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. The project takes about four days to complete and requires Sudik to work out in the heat and sand for hours at a time.
Pfc. Joe Sudik, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Troop, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adds color the brigade’s mural at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 23. Sudik spent several days getting the supplies for the project and will require several more days to finish the mural. Tuesday, October 27, 2009
3rd HBCT Soldiers Kick Off Deployment
Running across a news story that includes a quote or photo of a loved one is like winning the lottery! I know it sounds strange but it makes you feel a little closer....it gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling!
Story by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID, Public Affairs
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – When Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division waved “goodbye” to their loved ones and climbed on the bus that took them to the plane to haul them overseas, they were not going to Iraq. Not just yet.
After almost 48 hours, Sledgehammer Soldiers stepped off the plane in Ali Al Salem in Kuwait City. This time without the fanfare, they loaded another bus headed for the first leg of their deployment; Camp Buehring.
Over the three weeks to follow, 3rd HBCT Soldiers conducted a series of training events while getting acclimated to the dry heat and time zone change of the Middle East.
For Spc. Cathlynn Shagonaby, a Grand Rapids, Mich. native serving in Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, four days was all it took to adapt to the changes.
“I think the month we spent at (the National Training Center) helped weather wise,” she said. “To get used to the time I just tried to stay up until it was time to go to sleep Kuwait time.”
The training schedule allowed little flexibility for Soldiers to have trouble acclimating. Troops hit the ground running, training, in some cases, from morning to night on various events. Medical simulation, vehicle roll-over simulation, and counter improvised explosive device awareness, were a few amongst the extensive list of classes available to brigade Soldiers and leaders alike.
“Much of this training here is meant to protect the Soldier,” explained Capt. Nicholas James, assistant operations officer for the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. “The training is based on problems we’ve seen. A lot of Soldiers are killed from IEDs and vehicle roll-overs. It’s important to look out for Soldier’s safety.”
Camp Buehring is the final time the 3rd HBCT as a whole will train before moving north into Iraq. Soldiers spent 30 days training at Fort Benning during Hammer Focus and then another 30 days at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.
“The training in Kuwait offers different tastes than NTC hence more variety,” said 3rd HBCT Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson. “Where previous training events we were focusing heavily on the brigade as a whole, in Kuwait, we are able to get individual and platoon level training.”
The current 2009 training at Camp Buehring is Pearson’s third with the brigade. He said he has always been impressed and rates the training first class.
“The training incorporates the latest tactics, techniques, and procedures from Iraq,” he said. “We will be better prepared as a result.”
Pearson said the 3rd HBCT Soldiers will spend the next approximately 365 days advising and assisting the Iraqi security forces so they will be able to secure Iraq with minimal outside help.
James is certain training will continue in conjunction with the accomplishment of the mission during the unit’s deployment to southern Iraq.
Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, provide security to their convoy during mounted patrol training in a mock village, Oct. 20 outside Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Local roll players were used to simulate Iraqi Army counterparts and local civilians on the battlefield. (photo by Staff Sgt. Adam Hedrick, Company A, 1-15 Inf. Regt.) 
Soldiers of Company G, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, conduct convoy training Oct. 20 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Much of the training performed at Camp Buehring was designed to teach Soldiers the proper techniques during hazardous conditions they might face in Iraq. (courtesy photo, Company G, 203rd BSB)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Bed TIme Stories From Half A World Away
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Mercedes Figueroa has nighttime ritual every night before she goes to sleep at her home in Phenix City, Ala. Every night before she goes to sleep her father, Staff Sgt. Freddie Figueroa, reads her at least three books.
“She loves to be read to,” said Staff Sgt. Figueroa. “It’s something that is really special for both of us.”
Figueroa’s recent deployment to Iraq with the rest of his fellow Soldiers in Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment will delay story time for the next year, but a program offered by the USO at Camp Buehring will allow the father and daughter to stay connected.
The United Through Reading program allows deployed service members to record themselves reading a book to their children and then mails the recording and the book back home to the serviceman’s family for free.
“This is a great program and the books really become family heirlooms,” said Malcolm Marson, a duty manager at Camp Buehring’s USO. “I try to relax the Soldiers and tell them to imagine that they are in their living rooms with their family sitting there with them. You see some really hard boiled guys come here with scowls on their faces and leave with the biggest grins.”
The program focuses on giving Soldier’s families a visual interactive form of communication said Marson.
“It’s much more in-depth than a phone call because a child can see their parent and actually hold the same book their parent was holding,” he said. “They can replay that DVD as many times as they want to. It just doesn’t end when the phone hangs up.”
Soldiers from every battalion in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team have taken advantage of the program. As their time at Camp Buehring begins to shorten and their movement to Iraq is set to begin, Soldiers are trying to get into multiple sessions to tide their children over until they can come home and read to them personally.
“I have five children and I’m trying to make sure they all have a book,” said Spc. Jeremy Bills, a Soldier in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “I’m reading everything from Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter to make sure all my kids have a book. It means I’ll be up here at least five nights to get it in, but it is worth it.”
Both Figueroa’s and Bills’ wives are reading to their children in their husband’s absence.
“Hopefully, this can give her a break for a night,” said Bills. “I’m hoping to surprise her with these books coming in the mail. Having a large family with me away from home is tough, but anything I can do to help her is a big deal for me.”
Figueroa thinks by sending these books home, he is letting his wife and daughter know he is still thinking about them.
“Things like this help you take care of home,” he said. “If home is taken care of, you can focus on your mission. I know my wife and daughter know that I love them, but it never hurts to do something to let them know that you are still thinking about them.”
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – Mercedes Figueroa has nighttime ritual every night before she goes to sleep at her home in Phenix City, Ala. Every night before she goes to sleep her father, Staff Sgt. Freddie Figueroa, reads her at least three books.
“She loves to be read to,” said Staff Sgt. Figueroa. “It’s something that is really special for both of us.”
Figueroa’s recent deployment to Iraq with the rest of his fellow Soldiers in Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment will delay story time for the next year, but a program offered by the USO at Camp Buehring will allow the father and daughter to stay connected.
The United Through Reading program allows deployed service members to record themselves reading a book to their children and then mails the recording and the book back home to the serviceman’s family for free.
“This is a great program and the books really become family heirlooms,” said Malcolm Marson, a duty manager at Camp Buehring’s USO. “I try to relax the Soldiers and tell them to imagine that they are in their living rooms with their family sitting there with them. You see some really hard boiled guys come here with scowls on their faces and leave with the biggest grins.”
The program focuses on giving Soldier’s families a visual interactive form of communication said Marson.
“It’s much more in-depth than a phone call because a child can see their parent and actually hold the same book their parent was holding,” he said. “They can replay that DVD as many times as they want to. It just doesn’t end when the phone hangs up.”
Soldiers from every battalion in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team have taken advantage of the program. As their time at Camp Buehring begins to shorten and their movement to Iraq is set to begin, Soldiers are trying to get into multiple sessions to tide their children over until they can come home and read to them personally.
“I have five children and I’m trying to make sure they all have a book,” said Spc. Jeremy Bills, a Soldier in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “I’m reading everything from Dr. Seuss to Harry Potter to make sure all my kids have a book. It means I’ll be up here at least five nights to get it in, but it is worth it.”
Both Figueroa’s and Bills’ wives are reading to their children in their husband’s absence.
“Hopefully, this can give her a break for a night,” said Bills. “I’m hoping to surprise her with these books coming in the mail. Having a large family with me away from home is tough, but anything I can do to help her is a big deal for me.”
Figueroa thinks by sending these books home, he is letting his wife and daughter know he is still thinking about them.
“Things like this help you take care of home,” he said. “If home is taken care of, you can focus on your mission. I know my wife and daughter know that I love them, but it never hurts to do something to let them know that you are still thinking about them.”
Malcolm Marson, a duty manager at the USO at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, tells gathered Soldiers how to fill out their custom forms and envelopes to participate in the United Through Reading Program, Oct. 17. The program allows deployed servicemen to read books to their children and have the book and a recording of the reading sent home at no cost to the servicemen or his family.
Cpl. David Clukey, a Soldier in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a book to his family as a camera records everything at the USO at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 17. The United Through Reading program allows Soldiers to give their children a visual and interactive way to connect with their departed parent during a deployment.
Staff Sgt. Freddie Figueroa, a Soldier in Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, fills out an envelope to mail his daughter a book and a recording of him reading at the USO at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 17. The United Through Reading program allows Soldiers to send their children books and DVDs of them reading it free of charge.
Cpl. David Clukey, a Soldier in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a book to wife and child as a camera records at the USO at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 17. Clukey is one of several 3rd HBCT Soldiers that have participated in the United Through Reading program during the 3rd HBCT’s stay in Kuwait.
Cpl. David Clukey, a Soldier in Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads a book to his family as a camera records everything at the USO at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 17. The United Through Reading program allows Soldiers to give their children a visual and interactive way to connect with their departed parent during a deployment.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Scarlet Ending Performs For Troops in Kuwait
Photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affair
Scarlet Ending performed for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. The show was one of the bands last performances on their Middle East tour.
Jon Tedd, the lead guitarist for Scarlet Ending, performs for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. The show was one of the bands last performances on their Middle East tour. “It was an awesome experience to be able to perform for our men and women serving over here,” he said.
The rock band, Scarlet Ending, rocks out for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Newly arrived Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, took time out from their training to enjoy the music.
Kaleena Goldsworthey, the lead singer and pianist for the rock band, Scarlet Ending, takes a break from her traditional keyboard during a performance at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Many Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were in attendance and enjoyed the band’s effort.
Members of the band Scarlet Ending, Kaleena Goldsworthey (left), Kayleigh Goldsworthey (middle) and Jon Tedd perform the Tom Petty song, “Free Falling” during a show at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Many Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were in attendance and cheered the band on as they sang their favorite songs.
Sisters Kaleena (left) and Kayleigh Goldsworthey (middle) check out Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment’s Staff Sgt. Vince Oliver’s, tattoos during an autograph signing at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Earlier that evening, the Goldsworthey’s band, Scarlet Ending, performed for the troops at the base.
Spc. Sean Dewberry, a Soldier assigned to Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, gets autographs from members of the rock band, Scarlet Ending, following a show at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Dewberry and some of his fellow Soldiers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division took time out of their busy training schedule to listen to the band’s performance.
Scarlet Ending performed for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. The show was one of the bands last performances on their Middle East tour.
Jon Tedd, the lead guitarist for Scarlet Ending, performs for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. The show was one of the bands last performances on their Middle East tour. “It was an awesome experience to be able to perform for our men and women serving over here,” he said.
The rock band, Scarlet Ending, rocks out for the troops at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Newly arrived Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, took time out from their training to enjoy the music.
Kaleena Goldsworthey, the lead singer and pianist for the rock band, Scarlet Ending, takes a break from her traditional keyboard during a performance at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Many Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were in attendance and enjoyed the band’s effort.
Members of the band Scarlet Ending, Kaleena Goldsworthey (left), Kayleigh Goldsworthey (middle) and Jon Tedd perform the Tom Petty song, “Free Falling” during a show at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Many Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, were in attendance and cheered the band on as they sang their favorite songs.
Sisters Kaleena (left) and Kayleigh Goldsworthey (middle) check out Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment’s Staff Sgt. Vince Oliver’s, tattoos during an autograph signing at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Earlier that evening, the Goldsworthey’s band, Scarlet Ending, performed for the troops at the base.
Spc. Sean Dewberry, a Soldier assigned to Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, gets autographs from members of the rock band, Scarlet Ending, following a show at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Dewberry and some of his fellow Soldiers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division took time out of their busy training schedule to listen to the band’s performance.
Spc. Sean Bren Sherwood, a Soldier assigned to Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, gets autographs from members of the rock band, Scarlet Ending, following a show at Camp Buehring Kuwait, Oct. 14. Dewberry and some of his fellow Soldiers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division took time out of their busy training schedule to listen to the band’s performance.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Port Operations Keep 3rd HBCT Moving
Story by Capt. Charles Barrett, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Camp Buehring, Kuwait – Offloading nearly 650 vehicles and pieces of military equipment from a cargo ship is easier said than done for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Capt. Kenna Trice-James is the movement officer for the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion and the officer in charge of ensuring the equipment is offloaded from the ship properly, and that no Soldier gets hurt in the process.
“Safety is 100%. No incidents. No accidents,” James said.
The most critical part of the operation is accountability of equipment, according to James. All the serial and tracking numbers must match exactly, and if just one item comes up unaccounted for it could mean a big delay in operations.
It took a team of approximately 60 Soldiers and 20 hours to download all the vehicles and equipment.
Before a vehicle can move there must be three ground guides. In addition, all personnel must wear their helmet, and eye protection during operations and have water on them at all times.
After the initial download Soldiers begin work in shifts, and get between seven and eight hours of sleep a day. James said if someone needs time off, she ensures they get it.
Approximately 70 tracked vehicles were offloaded from the ship along with other the vehicles used by the 3rd HBCT. In addition to the vehicles, large pieces of equipment such as MILVANs, large metal containers used to transport equipment necessary for the unit’s mission, are also unloaded and readied for transport.
“Vehicles must be fully mission-capable before they can leave, and the equipment must be fitted to the unit’s mission,” James said.
Once ready, vehicles and equipment need to be transported over land to their follow on destination. James said it is important to remain flexible during this phase of the mission, and allow up to two weeks for its accomplishment. A lot of last minute changes can occur, and the unit has to allow itself enough time to reschedule major movements in the operation.
To ensure she was ready, James attended meetings twice a week for four months prior to the actual download of equipment at the Kuwaiti port.
In addition, several reconnaissance missions to the port were conducted to allow everyone involved a chance to rehearse their part of the operation. Drivers also conducted reconnaissance missions of the routes they would be taking in order to get the equipment to its next destination.
According to James, planning is extremely important. Without it, the operations would not have run as smoothly as they have.
Equipment is critical to mission success and no one understands that better than James. She tells her Soldiers, “Remain flexible, and stay positive.”
Camp Buehring, Kuwait – Offloading nearly 650 vehicles and pieces of military equipment from a cargo ship is easier said than done for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Capt. Kenna Trice-James is the movement officer for the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion and the officer in charge of ensuring the equipment is offloaded from the ship properly, and that no Soldier gets hurt in the process.
“Safety is 100%. No incidents. No accidents,” James said.
The most critical part of the operation is accountability of equipment, according to James. All the serial and tracking numbers must match exactly, and if just one item comes up unaccounted for it could mean a big delay in operations.
It took a team of approximately 60 Soldiers and 20 hours to download all the vehicles and equipment.
Before a vehicle can move there must be three ground guides. In addition, all personnel must wear their helmet, and eye protection during operations and have water on them at all times.
After the initial download Soldiers begin work in shifts, and get between seven and eight hours of sleep a day. James said if someone needs time off, she ensures they get it.
Approximately 70 tracked vehicles were offloaded from the ship along with other the vehicles used by the 3rd HBCT. In addition to the vehicles, large pieces of equipment such as MILVANs, large metal containers used to transport equipment necessary for the unit’s mission, are also unloaded and readied for transport.
“Vehicles must be fully mission-capable before they can leave, and the equipment must be fitted to the unit’s mission,” James said.
Once ready, vehicles and equipment need to be transported over land to their follow on destination. James said it is important to remain flexible during this phase of the mission, and allow up to two weeks for its accomplishment. A lot of last minute changes can occur, and the unit has to allow itself enough time to reschedule major movements in the operation.
To ensure she was ready, James attended meetings twice a week for four months prior to the actual download of equipment at the Kuwaiti port.
In addition, several reconnaissance missions to the port were conducted to allow everyone involved a chance to rehearse their part of the operation. Drivers also conducted reconnaissance missions of the routes they would be taking in order to get the equipment to its next destination.
According to James, planning is extremely important. Without it, the operations would not have run as smoothly as they have.
Equipment is critical to mission success and no one understands that better than James. She tells her Soldiers, “Remain flexible, and stay positive.”
Where Is Camp Buehring?
Commentary by Capt. Charles Barrett, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – If you know someone who’s in the Army, and has deployed to Iraq, then there’s a chance you’ve heard of a place called Camp Buehring. Most Army units pass through the camp on their way north, steadfast and loyal to their cause, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For those of you who have never been there, I’m reminded of a time many years ago when I first visited Las Vegas, NV. Our family had been driving into the night on just another day of our vacation west. It was as dark as any night in the desert and quiet too; nothing but the hum of our minivan’s tires on the road. Then out of the blackness was a faint light in the distance with the warm glow of something unknown. As we approached closer the light became brighter. The blur of one light became two, and two became three and so on until we were close enough to see buildings. The sounds of the city were muted until we were right on top of it. All the stores were open, and people were everywhere carrying out different phases of their individual day; some who had just woken up, some who had just gotten off of work, and some who had just finished spending the last eight uncomfortable hours on a bus from the Kuwaiti Airport.
I snap back to reality; no alcohol, no gambling, and certainly not to the scale of Las Vegas, but Camp Buehring’s sights and sounds are not entirely unlike those of Sin City.
Camp Buehring is located in the desert in Kuwait; to be more precise, I’d say somewhere in the middle. There’s sand and rock and moon dust. Moon dust is like baby powder that floats through the breeze generated by passing vehicles. A Soldier’s walking path is often determined by the direction the wind is blowing so as to not be caught in a moon dust cloud. There’s also no shortage of sunshine.
We arrive at midnight and we are ushered into a tent to receive mandatory briefings on various rules and regulations; things we may not have known or had forgotten about since our last trip here. An hour passes and before we know it we’re back outside standing around a truck watching a handful of guys unload duffle bags and ruck sacks while each person on the sidelines is trying to find theirs without getting in the way. To each our own as we shuffle off to our tents to claim our cots.
Capt. Matt McFarland points me in the direction of the dining facility, and along with a couple other Sledgehammer Soldiers I head to chow. Its sometime after 1:30 a.m. and there’s a line, but the food and the company make up for the wait. I could just as easily been finishing up a losing streak at the craps table in a casino and called it quits while I still had enough money for the buffet.
I set my alarm early hoping to get a jump on the next day, but I wake up in the afternoon. I blame it on jet lag and drive on. Every morning at 6 a.m. the camp stops what they are doing while the flag is raised. Afterwards, music that I can’t think of the name of is played over the loud speakers. It’s the theme music from the movie Patton. I smile as I hum along to the tune, blissfully unaware I’ll be singing it in my head for the rest of the day. Then I remember it’s also the theme music to the movie Police Academy and I no longer know if I should be happy or sad.
Over the next two weeks Soldiers prepare equipment, complete mandatory training, and plan future operations. When not conducting a training mission Soldiers can be found at the gym, or the volley ball court, or the basketball court. There’s a chapel, and a movie theater with popcorn. No, the chapel doesn’t have popcorn, but I’m sure it’s been suggested. There’s a USO with computers and a Café. You know the café is good because it has that little mark over the letter “e.” Soldiers are gaming on XBOX, Play Station and Wii. There are phone banks and board games and a place where parents can read to their kids and have the DVD mailed home. There’s a big PX and a little one, a post office, and a finance center. There’s a stage for concerts, a Baskin Robins and a Starbucks coffee that, yes, has WiFi. I almost forgot to mention the alterations shop and the gift shop, the barber shop and the jewelry shop; sorry guys.
The downside to all this, you ask? That’s right, there’s no pool. What we do have, however, are long blistering walks, cots with no mercy, and the ever present, ever malodorous porta-potties. It’s late October and we’ve probably been averaging around 99 degrees, but at least there’s no humidity, right?
More importantly, however, we can’t share this time with our families. Sure the communications are better, but it’s not the same. While you’re waiting in line for a phone you can hear, “I miss you,” and “I love you,” from the Soldier in front of you knowing that you’ll be saying the same thing just as soon as your turn comes around.
Camp Buehring may not be all the sights and sounds of Las Vegas, but it’s where the Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division will call home for two or three weeks. I’m sure if Chris Angel were here he’d mind freak us all by making a swimming pool appear and turning moon dust into water.
Anyway, I believe I speak for the rest of the Sledgehammer Soldiers when I say that we are all really looking forward to getting into Iraq, getting this mission successfully accomplished, and coming home safe. Until next time, these have been my Observations from The Hill: Iraq Edition.
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – If you know someone who’s in the Army, and has deployed to Iraq, then there’s a chance you’ve heard of a place called Camp Buehring. Most Army units pass through the camp on their way north, steadfast and loyal to their cause, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For those of you who have never been there, I’m reminded of a time many years ago when I first visited Las Vegas, NV. Our family had been driving into the night on just another day of our vacation west. It was as dark as any night in the desert and quiet too; nothing but the hum of our minivan’s tires on the road. Then out of the blackness was a faint light in the distance with the warm glow of something unknown. As we approached closer the light became brighter. The blur of one light became two, and two became three and so on until we were close enough to see buildings. The sounds of the city were muted until we were right on top of it. All the stores were open, and people were everywhere carrying out different phases of their individual day; some who had just woken up, some who had just gotten off of work, and some who had just finished spending the last eight uncomfortable hours on a bus from the Kuwaiti Airport.
I snap back to reality; no alcohol, no gambling, and certainly not to the scale of Las Vegas, but Camp Buehring’s sights and sounds are not entirely unlike those of Sin City.
Camp Buehring is located in the desert in Kuwait; to be more precise, I’d say somewhere in the middle. There’s sand and rock and moon dust. Moon dust is like baby powder that floats through the breeze generated by passing vehicles. A Soldier’s walking path is often determined by the direction the wind is blowing so as to not be caught in a moon dust cloud. There’s also no shortage of sunshine.
We arrive at midnight and we are ushered into a tent to receive mandatory briefings on various rules and regulations; things we may not have known or had forgotten about since our last trip here. An hour passes and before we know it we’re back outside standing around a truck watching a handful of guys unload duffle bags and ruck sacks while each person on the sidelines is trying to find theirs without getting in the way. To each our own as we shuffle off to our tents to claim our cots.
Capt. Matt McFarland points me in the direction of the dining facility, and along with a couple other Sledgehammer Soldiers I head to chow. Its sometime after 1:30 a.m. and there’s a line, but the food and the company make up for the wait. I could just as easily been finishing up a losing streak at the craps table in a casino and called it quits while I still had enough money for the buffet.
I set my alarm early hoping to get a jump on the next day, but I wake up in the afternoon. I blame it on jet lag and drive on. Every morning at 6 a.m. the camp stops what they are doing while the flag is raised. Afterwards, music that I can’t think of the name of is played over the loud speakers. It’s the theme music from the movie Patton. I smile as I hum along to the tune, blissfully unaware I’ll be singing it in my head for the rest of the day. Then I remember it’s also the theme music to the movie Police Academy and I no longer know if I should be happy or sad.
Over the next two weeks Soldiers prepare equipment, complete mandatory training, and plan future operations. When not conducting a training mission Soldiers can be found at the gym, or the volley ball court, or the basketball court. There’s a chapel, and a movie theater with popcorn. No, the chapel doesn’t have popcorn, but I’m sure it’s been suggested. There’s a USO with computers and a Café. You know the café is good because it has that little mark over the letter “e.” Soldiers are gaming on XBOX, Play Station and Wii. There are phone banks and board games and a place where parents can read to their kids and have the DVD mailed home. There’s a big PX and a little one, a post office, and a finance center. There’s a stage for concerts, a Baskin Robins and a Starbucks coffee that, yes, has WiFi. I almost forgot to mention the alterations shop and the gift shop, the barber shop and the jewelry shop; sorry guys.
The downside to all this, you ask? That’s right, there’s no pool. What we do have, however, are long blistering walks, cots with no mercy, and the ever present, ever malodorous porta-potties. It’s late October and we’ve probably been averaging around 99 degrees, but at least there’s no humidity, right?
More importantly, however, we can’t share this time with our families. Sure the communications are better, but it’s not the same. While you’re waiting in line for a phone you can hear, “I miss you,” and “I love you,” from the Soldier in front of you knowing that you’ll be saying the same thing just as soon as your turn comes around.
Camp Buehring may not be all the sights and sounds of Las Vegas, but it’s where the Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division will call home for two or three weeks. I’m sure if Chris Angel were here he’d mind freak us all by making a swimming pool appear and turning moon dust into water.
Anyway, I believe I speak for the rest of the Sledgehammer Soldiers when I say that we are all really looking forward to getting into Iraq, getting this mission successfully accomplished, and coming home safe. Until next time, these have been my Observations from The Hill: Iraq Edition.
Friday, October 16, 2009
3rd HBCT Leaves For Fourth Iraq Rotation
By Vince Little / The Bayonet
The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s main body left for Iraq over the Columbus Day holiday weekend in a wave of departures that began Oct. 7 and ended Monday.
The unit that led the drive into Baghdad in March 2003 is now the first Army brigade with four deployments to Iraq.
In the next year, Sledgehammer Brigade will have 3,600 Soldiers spread across five Iraqi provinces, said CPT Charles Barrett, a 3rd HBCT spokesman. Counting individual augmentees, its representation will total about 4,000 in country.
Each morning, family and friends gathered outside Kelley Hill Recreation Center to bid farewell before the Soldiers boarded buses bound for Lawson Army Airfield and a flight to Kuwait.
SPC David Cubillos, 23, was part of the group that departed Monday. He’s making his second Iraq deployment but said this one has a much more somber feel — as he was single last time.
“It’s a really difficult experience for me this time,” Cubillos said. “I didn’t think I was going to get this emotional. The first time was no problem, but I had no responsibilities or family to worry about.”
His wife, Amanda, who’s stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., will deploy to Iraq in December with the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade. The couple is leaving daughter Carlysa, who turned 1 on Saturday, behind with Amanda’s parents.
“It’s going to be really hard on our daughter for both of us to be gone. We’re worried she’s going to forget us,” Cubillos said. “We’ll do a lot of webcam, e-mails and send photos — so hopefully, she’ll see us every day and recognize us when we come home.”
2LT James Delongchamp, 28, a chemical officer for 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was gearing up for his first deployment. Earlier Monday, he said goodbye to his wife, Jennifer, and their two children — daughter Ashlyn, 5, and 3-year-old son Jackson.
“It’s pretty rough. We’ve separated for training, but never for this long,” he said. “There’s not really any way you can prepare for it emotionally.”
SGT Chad Vanderhoof was joined at the send-off by his wife, Christie, who cradled their 6-month-old son, Charlie. The baby makes leaving even more difficult, Vanderhoof said.
“Just the fact (I’m) not going to be there to hear his first word, or see that first step,” he said.
Christie said she’s been through two of her husband’s three deployments.
“It’s hard, but when you’re an Army spouse, this is what you face,” she said. “I want to make sure he’s OK with what he’s facing, and knows we’ll be OK here.”
Vanderhoof said the separation never gets easier but he was trying to keep a clear mind and focus on mission outcome.
“You never know what kind of adversity you’ll face,” he said. “The enemy is always adapting to our techniques.”
While the brigade assumes an advise-and-assist role with Iraqi security forces, Delongchamp said it’s vital to maintain diligence.
“All you have is your fellow Soldiers over there, your brothers and sisters,” he said. “You just talk to each other and motivate each other to do the right thing (and) don’t ever get complacent … Help each other out, and we all go home together.”
Delongchamp said he tried to gain insight from other unit members who have gone on multiple tours to Iraq, but he’s not sure what to expect in the desert.
“I know what people have told me, but obviously you don’t really know how it’s going to be until you go through it yourself,” he said.
The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s main body left for Iraq over the Columbus Day holiday weekend in a wave of departures that began Oct. 7 and ended Monday.
The unit that led the drive into Baghdad in March 2003 is now the first Army brigade with four deployments to Iraq.
In the next year, Sledgehammer Brigade will have 3,600 Soldiers spread across five Iraqi provinces, said CPT Charles Barrett, a 3rd HBCT spokesman. Counting individual augmentees, its representation will total about 4,000 in country.
Each morning, family and friends gathered outside Kelley Hill Recreation Center to bid farewell before the Soldiers boarded buses bound for Lawson Army Airfield and a flight to Kuwait.
SPC David Cubillos, 23, was part of the group that departed Monday. He’s making his second Iraq deployment but said this one has a much more somber feel — as he was single last time.
“It’s a really difficult experience for me this time,” Cubillos said. “I didn’t think I was going to get this emotional. The first time was no problem, but I had no responsibilities or family to worry about.”
His wife, Amanda, who’s stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., will deploy to Iraq in December with the 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade. The couple is leaving daughter Carlysa, who turned 1 on Saturday, behind with Amanda’s parents.
“It’s going to be really hard on our daughter for both of us to be gone. We’re worried she’s going to forget us,” Cubillos said. “We’ll do a lot of webcam, e-mails and send photos — so hopefully, she’ll see us every day and recognize us when we come home.”
2LT James Delongchamp, 28, a chemical officer for 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was gearing up for his first deployment. Earlier Monday, he said goodbye to his wife, Jennifer, and their two children — daughter Ashlyn, 5, and 3-year-old son Jackson.
“It’s pretty rough. We’ve separated for training, but never for this long,” he said. “There’s not really any way you can prepare for it emotionally.”
SGT Chad Vanderhoof was joined at the send-off by his wife, Christie, who cradled their 6-month-old son, Charlie. The baby makes leaving even more difficult, Vanderhoof said.
“Just the fact (I’m) not going to be there to hear his first word, or see that first step,” he said.
Christie said she’s been through two of her husband’s three deployments.
“It’s hard, but when you’re an Army spouse, this is what you face,” she said. “I want to make sure he’s OK with what he’s facing, and knows we’ll be OK here.”
Vanderhoof said the separation never gets easier but he was trying to keep a clear mind and focus on mission outcome.
“You never know what kind of adversity you’ll face,” he said. “The enemy is always adapting to our techniques.”
While the brigade assumes an advise-and-assist role with Iraqi security forces, Delongchamp said it’s vital to maintain diligence.
“All you have is your fellow Soldiers over there, your brothers and sisters,” he said. “You just talk to each other and motivate each other to do the right thing (and) don’t ever get complacent … Help each other out, and we all go home together.”
Delongchamp said he tried to gain insight from other unit members who have gone on multiple tours to Iraq, but he’s not sure what to expect in the desert.
“I know what people have told me, but obviously you don’t really know how it’s going to be until you go through it yourself,” he said.
Saying Goodbye is Never Easy For Military Families
Bt Stefanie Tiso, wltz.com
Story Updated: Oct 10, 2009 at 7:35 AM CDT
Nearly half of the 3rd Brigade is on its way to Iraq. About 400 soldiers flew out today from Lawson Army Airfield. But first came an emotional goodbye on Kelley Hill. For many of the soldiers and their families, these farewells have become all too common.
As 200 soldiers boarded five buses to Lawson Army Airfield, families waved, yelled “I love yous,” and got ready to move through the next twelve months. Kelly Hathaway’s husband, Maj. Jimmy Hathaway has deployed to Iraq three times with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. She said the truth is, that more deployments don’t make being away from her husband any easier.
“But it’s his job, it’s what he’s chosen to do, it’s what he loves to do and I mean, we support him,” she explained.
Kelly Hathaway said her best advice to spouses dealing with deployments for the first time, is to stay very busy.
Cristie Vanderhoof has been through several deployments as well. But this is the first deployment with a child. She and her husband, Sgt. Chad Vanderhoof have a six month old son.
“A lot of people say it’s a lot harder but actually I think it’s a lot easier because time goes by a little bit faster. You especially have somebody that reminds you of that person that’s gone,” said Christie.
But for her husband, the baby certainly won’t make it any easier to be away.
“(I’m) not going to be able to see him take his first word, not going to be able to see him take his first step,” said Sgt. Vanderhoof.
The main body of the 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team will continue deploying through the weekend and into the beginning of next week. Everyone is due in Iraq by October 22.
Story Updated: Oct 10, 2009 at 7:35 AM CDT
Nearly half of the 3rd Brigade is on its way to Iraq. About 400 soldiers flew out today from Lawson Army Airfield. But first came an emotional goodbye on Kelley Hill. For many of the soldiers and their families, these farewells have become all too common.
As 200 soldiers boarded five buses to Lawson Army Airfield, families waved, yelled “I love yous,” and got ready to move through the next twelve months. Kelly Hathaway’s husband, Maj. Jimmy Hathaway has deployed to Iraq three times with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. She said the truth is, that more deployments don’t make being away from her husband any easier.
“But it’s his job, it’s what he’s chosen to do, it’s what he loves to do and I mean, we support him,” she explained.
Kelly Hathaway said her best advice to spouses dealing with deployments for the first time, is to stay very busy.
Cristie Vanderhoof has been through several deployments as well. But this is the first deployment with a child. She and her husband, Sgt. Chad Vanderhoof have a six month old son.
“A lot of people say it’s a lot harder but actually I think it’s a lot easier because time goes by a little bit faster. You especially have somebody that reminds you of that person that’s gone,” said Christie.
But for her husband, the baby certainly won’t make it any easier to be away.
“(I’m) not going to be able to see him take his first word, not going to be able to see him take his first step,” said Sgt. Vanderhoof.
The main body of the 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team will continue deploying through the weekend and into the beginning of next week. Everyone is due in Iraq by October 22.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Clock Begins Ticking on 3rd Bridade Deployment
By: Stefanie Tiso, from wltz.com
The first soldiers from the “Sledgehammer Brigade” left for Iraq on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday afternoon, the brigade came together on Kelley Hill for a casing ceremony. The 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General, Major General Tony Cuculo joined the 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in packing up the flags. Around 3,600 3rd Brigade soldiers from Ft. Benning will head to Iraq to “finish the mission” as Maj. Gen. Cuculo described it. This will be the 3rd Brigade’s fourth deployment to Iraq. The 3rd brigade was the first in the 3rd Infantry Division, in the Middle East prior to the invasion of Iraq. The mission is much different now, than it was then.
“What we’re trying to do now is buying just a little more time for the political machine of Iraq, to get a credible, viable, national level government and provincial governance connection. And the only way that’s going to happen is security,” said Maj. Gen. Cuculo
“I think every commander hopes that you accomplish the mission and you bring everybody back. We’re standing here today and we know it’s not that easy. This brigade, over three deployments has lost 70 soldiers,” explained 3rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Pete Jones.
The 3rd Brigade is slated to deploy for 12 months. Between now and Christmas, 14,000 3rd Infantry Division soldiers from Ft. Benning and Ft. Stewart will hit the ground in Iraq.
The first soldiers from the “Sledgehammer Brigade” left for Iraq on Wednesday morning. On Wednesday afternoon, the brigade came together on Kelley Hill for a casing ceremony. The 3rd Infantry Division Commanding General, Major General Tony Cuculo joined the 3rd Brigade Heavy Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in packing up the flags. Around 3,600 3rd Brigade soldiers from Ft. Benning will head to Iraq to “finish the mission” as Maj. Gen. Cuculo described it. This will be the 3rd Brigade’s fourth deployment to Iraq. The 3rd brigade was the first in the 3rd Infantry Division, in the Middle East prior to the invasion of Iraq. The mission is much different now, than it was then.
“What we’re trying to do now is buying just a little more time for the political machine of Iraq, to get a credible, viable, national level government and provincial governance connection. And the only way that’s going to happen is security,” said Maj. Gen. Cuculo
“I think every commander hopes that you accomplish the mission and you bring everybody back. We’re standing here today and we know it’s not that easy. This brigade, over three deployments has lost 70 soldiers,” explained 3rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Pete Jones.
The 3rd Brigade is slated to deploy for 12 months. Between now and Christmas, 14,000 3rd Infantry Division soldiers from Ft. Benning and Ft. Stewart will hit the ground in Iraq.
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