Commentary by Sgt. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE KALSU, Iraq – As Soldiers, we’ve trained ourselves to ignore discomfort and keep working. If it is 100 degrees outside, we drink water and sweat though a mission. If it is freezing outside, we add more layers of clothing, put on gloves and grit our teeth when the wind kicks up around us. When we pull a muscle, most Soldiers I know hold off going to sick call to avoid getting a medical profile.
To put it simply, Soldiers find a way to keep moving forward.
What happens when the discomfort isn’t physical? What happens when there is pain that can’t be healed physically?
The battalions of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division held Memorial Day remembrance services at each of their bases Sept. 31 and there were quite a few looks of discomfort and pain at the one I attended.
I saw Soldiers struggling to keep tears from following. I saw senior leaders hold their fingers to their temples as they remembered fallen friends and leaders. I heard the catch in a speaker’s voice as he called out the names of one of his Soldiers he lost last deployment. As the 21 gun salute rang out and Taps was played, I saw more than a few heads bow a little lower.
Speaking for myself, a knot formed in my throat as I started picturing faces with the names I heard being called out.
The enormity of this understanding will always be hard for me to comprehend, but the importance of these Soldiers sacrifice does provide me with a reason to keep moving forward.
Our comrade’s death wasn’t given to provide us a reason to quit. It was given in service of something greater than ourselves.
We hear this all the time at memorial services, but when you think about the quality of our lives back in the United States it is something worth dying for.
Our families don’t worry about improvised explosive devices when they drive to work. A political debate doesn’t spark a car bombing at a busy strip mall. We don’t worry about security during our national elections. Our children go to functioning schools. We do not worry about days of having to go without electricity.
In short, we live in a country that, far and away, has more opportunities, security and a better quality of life than many of the countries we are attempting to help across the world.
People serve in the Army for a variety of reasons, but whatever their reason, what they accomplish in the Army makes the world a better place.
Our fallen Soldiers are perhaps the most powerful reminder of the sacrifices that are required to live in a peaceful world.
No one plans to die for freedom, but Soldiers set themselves on the front line knowing full well that it is a possibility. Memorial Day is meant to honor those us that met that unfortunate possibility so others wouldn’t have to.
We owe our fallen brothers and sisters many things for their sacrifice.
We owe them our thanks for serving, despite the danger; we owe them the honor of not forgetting what they gave up to keep our country safe; and we owe it to them to keep moving forward and finish accomplishing the mission they died for.
It is a lot to live up to, but Memorial Day reminds us that there are higher costs; not soon to be forgotten by me or any other Soldier.
Showing posts with label POA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label POA. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
In Service of Others
Spc. Mikail Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reads from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan.4. Lawal, a devout Muslim, is attempting to become a Muslim chaplain in service of his country.
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Before traveling to America, he was born in Nigeria and lived there for 22 years. His father, a village elder and Muslim religious leader, made an early impression on his life; an impression that is still left on him today as he attempts to become an Army chaplain.
He traveled to America, in 1995, to become an All-American tennis player at Morehouse University in Atlanta. While at Morehouse, he is also earned a Bachelors of Science degree in psychology
Unassuming and respectful, Spc. Mikail Lawal, a petroleum specialist assigned to Company A, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, has seen more of the world than his ranks would suggest.
Lawal, who is working as an attendant at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu airfield, does his best to be professional and helpful to the Soldiers and civilians who are leaving or coming to the FOB. Whether it be helping passengers with their bags or informing them of flight times, Lawal ensures that travelers get on the right helicopter at the proper time.
It can, at times, be a thankless job, but Lawal views it as another opportunity to help people.
“I can make money many ways,” he said. “The money will come no matter what job I do. Anything I do, I do because I really care about it. I know I will be successful; it’s a matter of when that will happen. What can I do in between those times to help people? That is the more important thing.”
His giving attitude comes from two sources; his deep faith in Islam and the example his father set for him at an early age. Not surprisingly, both are uniquely intertwined.
“He was a figure that everyone respected,” said Lawal. “No one wanted to wrong him; he was that peaceful of a man. He is my example as man and a teacher.”
Another lasting gift given to Lawal by his father was the opportunity to go on the annual Islamic Pilgrimage called the Hajj. As one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, a trip to Mecca is extremely important for any Muslim. To be able to go on the Hajj was an even greater honor, according to Lawal. It was an eternal gift from his father, the chance to deepen his understanding of the faith. He journeyed from Nigeria to Mecca with his mother and sister to participate in the spiritual event. Upon return, his life was changed forever
“It is a feeling you can never explain,” he said. “You leave there changed. It was like being touched by a spirit. To go through that was simply phenomenal. It is that simple.”
While his faith is his foundation, tennis is one of Lawal’s passions. He was so skilled at the sport; he was able to use his ability to secure a tennis scholarship to Morehouse. He played there from 1995 to 1997, where he became a collegiate All-American.
Lawal continues to teach tennis at his academy.
“I’m still playing tennis,” he said. “I don’t compete as vigorously now that I’m in the Army, but it will always be one of my professions. My tennis academy means a lot to me. On all my business cards for the school, the phrase “I teach because I care” is on them. For me, tennis is another way to help people.”
That spirit of service has also led Lawal to pursue becoming an Army chaplain.
“There are a small number of Muslim chaplains,” he said. “There are a lot of wrong misconceptions about the faith. It is a very noble faith. It requires a person to put everything in the hands of their creator. It requires total submission to the will of God. It is not what many people think.”
Lawal leads a small worship service for the FOB’s Muslims every Friday. He normally has 12 people who attend the meeting. Brigade Soldiers, security guards and contractors make the varied congregation.
“I think worship gives you more benefit if you have a congregation,” said Lawal. “There is a reward in seeing a change in person. It rubs off on everyone. I would say to be in the presence of Godly people makes someone stronger.”
Lawal doesn’t find being a spiritual teacher as a burden. He views his role as a way to demonstrate love to his fellow man.
“It is very simple,” he said. “You show people love. You don’t even have to say it. People just need to see that you care about them. You just need to be constant in your role. You cannot start off one way and change.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Across the World
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Spc. Jon Calhoun, a Soldier in Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, isn’t your typical specialist in the United States Army.
As 3rd HBCT’s lone x-ray technician, Calhoun, a native of Canton, Ohio, is responsible for maintaining and operating the brigade’s X-Ray machine. He is also responsible for taking the most accurate images he can to help ensure that the Soldiers under his care get the best possible diagnosis.
“I love doing my job,” he said. “I enjoy the technical aspects of it, the challenge of doing it well and meeting and helping people. Helping people is very fulfilling. It is really what we should all do.”
Service. The word sums up the 44 years Calhoun has been alive so far.
After he graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., with a master of divinity degree, he decided to join the Army as a combat medic.
“I initially joined the Army for three reasons,” he said. “I wanted to learn medicine, I wanted to pay off my school bills and I wanted to serve my country. The Army allowed me to do all three of those things.”
As combat medic serving in the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armor Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, Calhoun learned skills that allowed him to help people.
“I initially wanted to work in a hospital, so when I was placed with a line unit I was disappointed,” he said. “It turned out to be the best thing that could happen to me. It gave me the opportunity to practice field medicine.”
Calhoun served as a field medic for four years. Then he decided to get out and pursue another calling his faith had placed on him.
For six years, Calhoun and his wife, Shelley, lived in a remote village in the Chimbu Province of New Guinea.
Serving as missionaries, the couple started a medical clinic and church in the small village of Kiari.
“No one directed us to go there,” he said. “It was just something the Lord put in our heart to do, so we went.”
Living in a remote mountain village had its challenges. The running water in the village was “the stream running by our house” he explained with a grin.
The roads he had to take to get to the village could better be described as paths. It was not uncommon for the couple to use very thin, narrow rope-bridges to cross streams and ravines. Those routes were also filled with bandits.
“I’ve been held up with home-made shotguns, bows and arrows, and spears,” he said. “Travel in New Guinea wasn’t always safe.”
Despite all of those struggles, he and his wife remember their time there fondly.
“We had a great time there,” he said. “It was very rewarding for me and my wife. When you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, it can bring you huge amounts of joy. You may not always be happy, happiness is a very temporary feeling sometimes, but you are always joyful.”
As the village’s doctor, Calhoun was called upon to provide minor surgeries, help treat such diseases such as malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis, and look after injuries.
“The Army helped prepare me for that time,” he said. “Physically, I was ready, I had practiced field medicine, and mentally I was used to working crazy hours.”
The health clinic also provided him an avenue to share his faith.
“I started a church with eight people,” he said. “When I left there, it had grown to close to a hundred people.”
Calhoun explained that Christians of the village helped welcome him and his wife into the village’s community.
“The original eight Christians of the village accepted us with open arms,” he said. “As a result, the entire village accepted us. Everyone felt comfortable going to the clinic and we were able to use that as a ministry to open doors.”
After six years of service to the people of Kiari and his faith, the Calhouns returned to America.
As the couple thought about what they should do next, the idea of serving in the Army again became more appealing to both of them.
“The benefits of the Army made it too good of an opportunity not to take advantage of,” he said. “Free schooling, the opportunity to practice medicine and the chance to become a physician’s assistant were all factors in why I chose to come back. It’s hard to get a better deal than what they can provide.”
As Calhoun serves his Lord, his country and his fellow Soldiers, he is excited about what he is doing and the direction his life is heading.
“I try to do the best I can in everything I do, mainly for God’s glory,” he said. “I am blessed in the fact that I love my job. Serving people can really be a reward in itself.”
As Calhoun continues to advance in his career, his spirit of service can not only continue to reward him, but it can, hopefully, continue to reward others.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Spc. Jon Calhoun, a Soldier in Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, isn’t your typical specialist in the United States Army.
As 3rd HBCT’s lone x-ray technician, Calhoun, a native of Canton, Ohio, is responsible for maintaining and operating the brigade’s X-Ray machine. He is also responsible for taking the most accurate images he can to help ensure that the Soldiers under his care get the best possible diagnosis.
“I love doing my job,” he said. “I enjoy the technical aspects of it, the challenge of doing it well and meeting and helping people. Helping people is very fulfilling. It is really what we should all do.”
Service. The word sums up the 44 years Calhoun has been alive so far.
After he graduated from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., with a master of divinity degree, he decided to join the Army as a combat medic.
“I initially joined the Army for three reasons,” he said. “I wanted to learn medicine, I wanted to pay off my school bills and I wanted to serve my country. The Army allowed me to do all three of those things.”
As combat medic serving in the 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armor Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, Calhoun learned skills that allowed him to help people.
“I initially wanted to work in a hospital, so when I was placed with a line unit I was disappointed,” he said. “It turned out to be the best thing that could happen to me. It gave me the opportunity to practice field medicine.”
Calhoun served as a field medic for four years. Then he decided to get out and pursue another calling his faith had placed on him.
For six years, Calhoun and his wife, Shelley, lived in a remote village in the Chimbu Province of New Guinea.
Serving as missionaries, the couple started a medical clinic and church in the small village of Kiari.
“No one directed us to go there,” he said. “It was just something the Lord put in our heart to do, so we went.”
Living in a remote mountain village had its challenges. The running water in the village was “the stream running by our house” he explained with a grin.
The roads he had to take to get to the village could better be described as paths. It was not uncommon for the couple to use very thin, narrow rope-bridges to cross streams and ravines. Those routes were also filled with bandits.
“I’ve been held up with home-made shotguns, bows and arrows, and spears,” he said. “Travel in New Guinea wasn’t always safe.”
Despite all of those struggles, he and his wife remember their time there fondly.
“We had a great time there,” he said. “It was very rewarding for me and my wife. When you are doing what the Lord wants you to do, it can bring you huge amounts of joy. You may not always be happy, happiness is a very temporary feeling sometimes, but you are always joyful.”
As the village’s doctor, Calhoun was called upon to provide minor surgeries, help treat such diseases such as malaria, typhoid and tuberculosis, and look after injuries.
“The Army helped prepare me for that time,” he said. “Physically, I was ready, I had practiced field medicine, and mentally I was used to working crazy hours.”
The health clinic also provided him an avenue to share his faith.
“I started a church with eight people,” he said. “When I left there, it had grown to close to a hundred people.”
Calhoun explained that Christians of the village helped welcome him and his wife into the village’s community.
“The original eight Christians of the village accepted us with open arms,” he said. “As a result, the entire village accepted us. Everyone felt comfortable going to the clinic and we were able to use that as a ministry to open doors.”
After six years of service to the people of Kiari and his faith, the Calhouns returned to America.
As the couple thought about what they should do next, the idea of serving in the Army again became more appealing to both of them.
“The benefits of the Army made it too good of an opportunity not to take advantage of,” he said. “Free schooling, the opportunity to practice medicine and the chance to become a physician’s assistant were all factors in why I chose to come back. It’s hard to get a better deal than what they can provide.”
As Calhoun serves his Lord, his country and his fellow Soldiers, he is excited about what he is doing and the direction his life is heading.
“I try to do the best I can in everything I do, mainly for God’s glory,” he said. “I am blessed in the fact that I love my job. Serving people can really be a reward in itself.”
As Calhoun continues to advance in his career, his spirit of service can not only continue to reward him, but it can, hopefully, continue to reward others.
Spc. Jon Calhoun, an X-ray technician assigned to Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, examines an image at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 29. Calhoun, who served as a Christian missionary in New Guinea for six years before joining the Army, is responsible for maintaining and operating the 3rd HBCT’s X-ray equipment at FOB Kalsu.
Spc. Jon Calhoun, an X-ray technician assigned to Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, preaches to villagers in Kiari, New Guinea, in the spring of 2003. Calhoun, who served as a Christian missionary there for six years before re-joining the Army, helped the village by running a medical clinicThe Eyes in the Sky
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Being a Soldier in the United States Army is a full-time job. No one understands that more than the Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s unmanned aerial vehicle cell. Twenty-four hours a day they monitor the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation from above.
“We are always on the lookout for the bad guys,” said Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, a platoon sergeant in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “The goal is always to spot them before they can hurt us.”
Since their arrival to FOB Kalsu, Lemlin’s section has been vigilant in making sure that all of their aircrafts are ready to go. According to Lemlin, a UAV that can’t fly doesn’t do anyone any good.
“Our platoon is very meticulous when it comes to maintenance,” said Lemlin, a native of Miami. “We rarely have an aircraft down because of maintenance issues. We have never been at less than 75 percent strength. To be honest, we have never been at less than a hundred percent than for more than a couple of hours.”
The section’s commitment to excellence is shaped by their desire to keep their fellow Soldiers safe.
“It’s our job to keep our guys out of harm’s way,” said Sgt. Richard Knuth, a maintainer in Company A from Merkel, Texas. “It’s a good feeling, but it requires us to have a pretty high set of standards. We can have a lot of down time between flights so we’ve got to maintain our focus and not let duties become routine.”
According to Lemlin, his Soldiers must always be ready to launch a UAV, even when indirect fire is raining down on the FOB.
“Depending on where we have UAV operating, we may have to get another camera up when the bad guys try to throw indirect fire at us,” he said. “That means our guys have to have the UAV up in 15 minutes or less.”
Which, according to Merkel, is much harder than it sounds.
“When indirect starts coming in, it’s our job to grab a head-set, run the UAV out to the launcher, double check the vehicle, go through our pre-flight checks and launch,” he explained. “It takes three people to load the vehicle. Its 375 pounds. I wouldn’t say it’s heavy, but it takes a bit of work to get it ready to go.”
They do all of this as everyone else on the FOB is running for the cover of concrete shelters.
“It’s what we signed up for,” said Merkel. “If we aren’t out there in the open for those few minutes, we may miss a chance to catch the bad guys who are doing it.”
Pfc. Anthony McCormack, a controller assigned to Company A from San Diego, knows first-hand how dangerous that indirect fire can be.
“I was behind a concrete wall when a rocket landed about five feet from me,” he said. “It was scary, but it did definitely help create a better sense of urgency in me. I understand why what I do is important being on the receiving of something like that.”
McCormack admits that his first deployment isn’t exactly what he thought it would be, but he said that his motivation is still to keep his fellow Soldiers out of harm’s way.
“As an enlisted Soldier, this is as close as you can get to being a pilot,” he said. “It’s a fun job, but it feels good to know that I’m helping keep Soldiers safe by checking routes, by looking for signs for buried explosives and finding enemies that are shooting rockets at us.”
As the Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT continue their mission across five provinces in Iraq, they can rest assured they have an eye in the sky ensuring their safety.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Being a Soldier in the United States Army is a full-time job. No one understands that more than the Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s unmanned aerial vehicle cell. Twenty-four hours a day they monitor the 3rd HBCT’s area of operation from above.
“We are always on the lookout for the bad guys,” said Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, a platoon sergeant in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “The goal is always to spot them before they can hurt us.”
Since their arrival to FOB Kalsu, Lemlin’s section has been vigilant in making sure that all of their aircrafts are ready to go. According to Lemlin, a UAV that can’t fly doesn’t do anyone any good.
“Our platoon is very meticulous when it comes to maintenance,” said Lemlin, a native of Miami. “We rarely have an aircraft down because of maintenance issues. We have never been at less than 75 percent strength. To be honest, we have never been at less than a hundred percent than for more than a couple of hours.”
The section’s commitment to excellence is shaped by their desire to keep their fellow Soldiers safe.
“It’s our job to keep our guys out of harm’s way,” said Sgt. Richard Knuth, a maintainer in Company A from Merkel, Texas. “It’s a good feeling, but it requires us to have a pretty high set of standards. We can have a lot of down time between flights so we’ve got to maintain our focus and not let duties become routine.”
According to Lemlin, his Soldiers must always be ready to launch a UAV, even when indirect fire is raining down on the FOB.
“Depending on where we have UAV operating, we may have to get another camera up when the bad guys try to throw indirect fire at us,” he said. “That means our guys have to have the UAV up in 15 minutes or less.”
Which, according to Merkel, is much harder than it sounds.
“When indirect starts coming in, it’s our job to grab a head-set, run the UAV out to the launcher, double check the vehicle, go through our pre-flight checks and launch,” he explained. “It takes three people to load the vehicle. Its 375 pounds. I wouldn’t say it’s heavy, but it takes a bit of work to get it ready to go.”
They do all of this as everyone else on the FOB is running for the cover of concrete shelters.
“It’s what we signed up for,” said Merkel. “If we aren’t out there in the open for those few minutes, we may miss a chance to catch the bad guys who are doing it.”
Pfc. Anthony McCormack, a controller assigned to Company A from San Diego, knows first-hand how dangerous that indirect fire can be.
“I was behind a concrete wall when a rocket landed about five feet from me,” he said. “It was scary, but it did definitely help create a better sense of urgency in me. I understand why what I do is important being on the receiving of something like that.”
McCormack admits that his first deployment isn’t exactly what he thought it would be, but he said that his motivation is still to keep his fellow Soldiers out of harm’s way.
“As an enlisted Soldier, this is as close as you can get to being a pilot,” he said. “It’s a fun job, but it feels good to know that I’m helping keep Soldiers safe by checking routes, by looking for signs for buried explosives and finding enemies that are shooting rockets at us.”
As the Soldiers of the 3rd HBCT continue their mission across five provinces in Iraq, they can rest assured they have an eye in the sky ensuring their safety.
Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, Staff Sgt. Ray Lemlin, a platoon sergeant in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, checks the cameras an unmanned aerial vehicle before it is launched at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. Lemlin’s section maintains 24 hour aerial surveillance around the FOB.
Sgt. Richard Knuth, an unmanned aerial vehicle maintainer in Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, does a pre-flight check on one of his vehicles at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. In order to keep up with the demands of the 3rd HBCT’s mission, Knuth and his fellow maintainers in Company A maintain a throughout maintenance schedule to ensure all the aircrafts are ready to launch at a moment’s notice.
Sgt. Winston Chin (left), Sgt. Richard Knuth (middle) and Sgt. Craig Mulder, all assigned to Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, readjust an unmanned aerial vehicle launcher to better situate it with the direction of the wind, Jan. 25, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. UAV’s typically launch into the wind in order to maintain proper lift.
Pfc. Anthony McCormack, a controller assigned to Company A, Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, wheels an unmanned aerial vehicle out to a launcher at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Jan. 25. The vehicle, which weighs over 300 pounds, requires three Soldiers to load it on to the launcher.
Sgt. Richard Knuth (left) and Sgt. Winston Chin (right), both assigned to Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, adjust an unmanned aerial vehicle on it’s a launcher, Jan. 25, at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. Before they are launched, UAVs go through a pre-flight inspection to ensure all of their systems are in proper working order.
Monday, January 18, 2010
HAMMER - hardships, hearts & heroes - Episode 1
During the fall of 2009, the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. 3rd Infantry Division, deployed for their fourth tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From the spearhead to the surge, the Sledgehammer Brigade has seen sweeping change in their mission. This is their story.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Eliminator Company Clears Routes in Dragon AO
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
FOB ECHO, Iraq – It was late. While most of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Echo were in bed the evening of Jan 2, Soldiers from "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, were preparing for another day of work.
It was 1st Platoon's day to go out. After receiving their mission brief, the engineers made their way to the motor pool where their chariots awaited. Soldiers quickly prepped their Caiman armored vehicles, their Buffalo mine protected clearance vehicle, and their Husky engineering vehicle. They had a long night ahead of them.
"I can't believe the Army is paying me to do this," Pvt. Evanan Elias said as he jumped down from the back of his vehicle. "I love being an engineer."
When it was just about time to leave, the protective gear was put on and the last of the cigarettes were put out. Drivers, gunners, truck commanders, medics, and mechanics made their way to their assigned seats.
Their mission this deployment sounds simple enough - to provide freedom of movement for friendly forces throughout the "Dragon," or operational environment. Yet, the details in gaining "mission complete" status, in reality are anything but easy.
"We are the first line of defense for everyone who travels in this [operational environment]," said Sgt. Eric McFarland, truck commander for the Buffalo that day. "It's pretty rewarding knowing that our job is finding [improvised explosive devices] so no one gets hit."
Although most of the Soldiers agree their job is gratifying, there are difficulties they endure before, during and after each mission.
Spc. Sean Bryant is a mechanic assigned to 1st Platoon. Although he is not an engineer by trade, he travels with them on every mission.
"I had to learn the engineering equipment," he said. "It's difficult sometimes because I have to stay up all night to work to keep their vehicles on the road."
McFarland, although proud of his work as an engineer, admits there is always a tinge of anxiety when he rolls out the gate.
"Even though we are the ones that clear the roads, we never really know when we might get attacked or something might go off," he said.
Pvt. Jocue Valencia, who drove the Buffalo that night, appreciates the hardships he goes through.
"After hearing the stories from Sgt. Mac [McFarland] about last deployment, I really can't complain," he said. "I wasn't expecting this coming into the Army."
One thing that many engineers from 1st Platoon said keeps them motivated is that they are not going through anything alone.
The chatter overflowed from each truck in the convoy. Games such as "name your top five hottest celebrities" or "name your top three best movies of all time" bounced from truck to truck via radio. Each engineer with something to say made sure to include everyone in their conversation, regardless of which vehicle they were riding.
"It's like when we're out on the road, everyone starts flappin' their gums and gets their frustrations out," Bryant explained. "But when we get back, everyone's copacetic. We joke around with each other out there but no one gets [their feelings] hurt."
"We are pretty tight in the platoon," added Staff Sgt. Vincent Oliver from over the radio. "There are no real 'cliques' and everyone gets along."
"Except for the medic; he's an attachment," Oliver's driver jokingly added with the platoon medic sitting directly behind him.
Six hours and countless wise-cracks later, the convoy pulled back into the gates of FOB Echo.
"Every time we come back through the gates and no one got hurt," Valencia said, "now, that's the most rewarding part of this job."
Soldiers ran down the list of what they were going to do after they parked and closed down their vehicles. Some were tired and couldn't wait to get back to their rooms. Others were going to the gym. Others were meeting for breakfast as soon as it opened.
Most Soldiers on FOB Echo were still sleeping. The mission of clearing another route in the Dragon Operation Environment was complete - until the next day.
Pfc. Anthony Pascarella, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, wipes down one of the headlights of his vehicle before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Karlon Heileman, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Soldiers from 1st Platoon, "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are briefed before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Joseph Jones, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Dillon Mitchell, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission Jan. 2 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Courtesy Story
Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick
FOB ECHO, Iraq – It was late. While most of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Forward Operating Base Echo were in bed the evening of Jan 2, Soldiers from "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, were preparing for another day of work.
It was 1st Platoon's day to go out. After receiving their mission brief, the engineers made their way to the motor pool where their chariots awaited. Soldiers quickly prepped their Caiman armored vehicles, their Buffalo mine protected clearance vehicle, and their Husky engineering vehicle. They had a long night ahead of them.
"I can't believe the Army is paying me to do this," Pvt. Evanan Elias said as he jumped down from the back of his vehicle. "I love being an engineer."
When it was just about time to leave, the protective gear was put on and the last of the cigarettes were put out. Drivers, gunners, truck commanders, medics, and mechanics made their way to their assigned seats.
Their mission this deployment sounds simple enough - to provide freedom of movement for friendly forces throughout the "Dragon," or operational environment. Yet, the details in gaining "mission complete" status, in reality are anything but easy.
"We are the first line of defense for everyone who travels in this [operational environment]," said Sgt. Eric McFarland, truck commander for the Buffalo that day. "It's pretty rewarding knowing that our job is finding [improvised explosive devices] so no one gets hit."
Although most of the Soldiers agree their job is gratifying, there are difficulties they endure before, during and after each mission.
Spc. Sean Bryant is a mechanic assigned to 1st Platoon. Although he is not an engineer by trade, he travels with them on every mission.
"I had to learn the engineering equipment," he said. "It's difficult sometimes because I have to stay up all night to work to keep their vehicles on the road."
McFarland, although proud of his work as an engineer, admits there is always a tinge of anxiety when he rolls out the gate.
"Even though we are the ones that clear the roads, we never really know when we might get attacked or something might go off," he said.
Pvt. Jocue Valencia, who drove the Buffalo that night, appreciates the hardships he goes through.
"After hearing the stories from Sgt. Mac [McFarland] about last deployment, I really can't complain," he said. "I wasn't expecting this coming into the Army."
One thing that many engineers from 1st Platoon said keeps them motivated is that they are not going through anything alone.
The chatter overflowed from each truck in the convoy. Games such as "name your top five hottest celebrities" or "name your top three best movies of all time" bounced from truck to truck via radio. Each engineer with something to say made sure to include everyone in their conversation, regardless of which vehicle they were riding.
"It's like when we're out on the road, everyone starts flappin' their gums and gets their frustrations out," Bryant explained. "But when we get back, everyone's copacetic. We joke around with each other out there but no one gets [their feelings] hurt."
"We are pretty tight in the platoon," added Staff Sgt. Vincent Oliver from over the radio. "There are no real 'cliques' and everyone gets along."
"Except for the medic; he's an attachment," Oliver's driver jokingly added with the platoon medic sitting directly behind him.
Six hours and countless wise-cracks later, the convoy pulled back into the gates of FOB Echo.
"Every time we come back through the gates and no one got hurt," Valencia said, "now, that's the most rewarding part of this job."
Soldiers ran down the list of what they were going to do after they parked and closed down their vehicles. Some were tired and couldn't wait to get back to their rooms. Others were going to the gym. Others were meeting for breakfast as soon as it opened.
Most Soldiers on FOB Echo were still sleeping. The mission of clearing another route in the Dragon Operation Environment was complete - until the next day.
Pfc. Anthony Pascarella, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, wipes down one of the headlights of his vehicle before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Karlon Heileman, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Soldiers from 1st Platoon, "E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, are briefed before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Joseph Jones, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission, Jan. 2, at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.
Spc. Dillon Mitchell, 1st Platoon,"E" Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares a radio before a route clearance mission Jan. 2 at Forward Operating Base Echo, Iraq.Tuesday, November 24, 2009
3rd HBCT Assumes Control in Ceremony at FOB Kalsu
Photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto
An honor guard composed of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade Soldiers stood at attention during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. At the ceremony, the 3rd HBCT’s commander, Col. Pete Jones, stressed that his unit will continue to work with Iraqi Security Forces and support the U.S. State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams working in the Sledgehammer Brigade’s area.
An honor guard composed of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade Soldiers stand at attention during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. At the ceremony, the 3rd HBCT’s commander, Col. Pete Jones, stressed that his unit will continue to work with Iraqi Security Forces and support the U.S. State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams working in the Sledgehammer Brigade’s area.
Maj. Gen. Fadhil Radad, the Babil Provencial Police Chief (left), and Brig. Gen. Hamil, the district police chief of al Mahawil. salute the colors of Iraq and the United States of America during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade’s transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. One of the 3rd HBCT’s responsibilities during their current deployment will be to support Iraqi Security Forces in the Babil, Wasit, Karbala, Najif and Diwayniah provinces.
Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven W. McClaffin case the colors of the 172nd Infantry Brigade during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. The 172nd Brigade, who turned their battle space over to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, helped provide security Iraq’s provincial elections in January as part of their deployment.
Col. Pete Jones (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson uncase the colors of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. The 3rd HBCT, who took over their battle space from the 172nd Infantry Brigade, is deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the fourth time.
Brig. Gen. Elicerio, the deputy commander of the 34th Infantry Division (right), thanks Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, the commander of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, during the transfer of authority ceremony between Sinclair’s unit and the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their year-long deployment, Sinclair’s brigade was affected by the Status of Forces Security Agreement, which pulled all American forces out of Iraqi cities.
Lt. Col. Robert Ashe, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, speaks to Col. Sallum, the commander of 2/31 Iraqi Army Battalion, 8th Division, following the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade’s transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their up-coming deployment, 3rd HBCT battalion commanders, like Ashe, will be working with their Iraqi counter-parts to ensure that Iraqi Security Forces are fully trained and able to maintain security in their areas of operation.
Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair (middle), the commander of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, speaks with Col. Sallum, the commander of the Hilla SWAT unit, following a transfer of authority ceremony between Sinclair’s unit and the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their deployment, the 172nd Brigade helped provide security in the in the Babil, Wasit, Karbala, Najif and Diwayniah provinces during Iraq’s provincial elections in January.
Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks with his Iraqi Security Forces counterparts following a transfer of authority ceremony between his unit and the 172nd Infantry Brigade at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. Jones ate with the Iraqi leaders and stressed his desire to continue the good relationship they have enjoyed with previous American units operating in the area
An honor guard composed of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade Soldiers stood at attention during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. At the ceremony, the 3rd HBCT’s commander, Col. Pete Jones, stressed that his unit will continue to work with Iraqi Security Forces and support the U.S. State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams working in the Sledgehammer Brigade’s area.
An honor guard composed of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade Soldiers stand at attention during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. At the ceremony, the 3rd HBCT’s commander, Col. Pete Jones, stressed that his unit will continue to work with Iraqi Security Forces and support the U.S. State Department’s Provincial Reconstruction Teams working in the Sledgehammer Brigade’s area.
Maj. Gen. Fadhil Radad, the Babil Provencial Police Chief (left), and Brig. Gen. Hamil, the district police chief of al Mahawil. salute the colors of Iraq and the United States of America during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade’s transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. One of the 3rd HBCT’s responsibilities during their current deployment will be to support Iraqi Security Forces in the Babil, Wasit, Karbala, Najif and Diwayniah provinces.
Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven W. McClaffin case the colors of the 172nd Infantry Brigade during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. The 172nd Brigade, who turned their battle space over to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, helped provide security Iraq’s provincial elections in January as part of their deployment.
Col. Pete Jones (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. James Pearson uncase the colors of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division during a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. The 3rd HBCT, who took over their battle space from the 172nd Infantry Brigade, is deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the fourth time.
Brig. Gen. Elicerio, the deputy commander of the 34th Infantry Division (right), thanks Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair, the commander of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, during the transfer of authority ceremony between Sinclair’s unit and the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their year-long deployment, Sinclair’s brigade was affected by the Status of Forces Security Agreement, which pulled all American forces out of Iraqi cities.
Lt. Col. Robert Ashe, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, speaks to Col. Sallum, the commander of 2/31 Iraqi Army Battalion, 8th Division, following the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and 172nd Infantry Brigade’s transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their up-coming deployment, 3rd HBCT battalion commanders, like Ashe, will be working with their Iraqi counter-parts to ensure that Iraqi Security Forces are fully trained and able to maintain security in their areas of operation.
Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair (middle), the commander of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, speaks with Col. Sallum, the commander of the Hilla SWAT unit, following a transfer of authority ceremony between Sinclair’s unit and the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. During their deployment, the 172nd Brigade helped provide security in the in the Babil, Wasit, Karbala, Najif and Diwayniah provinces during Iraq’s provincial elections in January.
Col. Pete Jones, the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks with his Iraqi Security Forces counterparts following a transfer of authority ceremony between his unit and the 172nd Infantry Brigade at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 17. Jones ate with the Iraqi leaders and stressed his desire to continue the good relationship they have enjoyed with previous American units operating in the areaSunday, November 15, 2009
Veterans Day: Got The T-shirt
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Natalie Hedrick, 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – According to the Defense Manpower Data Center approximately 68 percent of Soldiers today have deployed to the Middle East at least once. That is especially true for Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. After their current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the brigade will be the most deployed unit in the Army.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd HBCT, humbly remembers those who fought before him.
“Veterans Day is a day of remembrance,” the two-time deployer said, “Not really me, but a day for people to remember the guys in the past.”
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd HBCT, has been in the unit all nine years of his military career.
The Nicaragua native moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was 14-years-old and said he didn’t really pay attention to the holiday despite his grandfather being a former Marine.
“For some kids it’s just a day off of school but now that I am grown up and I joined the service I really understand what it means,” he said.
Lunsford, a Greensboro, N.C. native, admitted he was one of those kids.
“When I was little it was a day I got out of school to go hunting,” the 23-year-old said. “But I respect it more now.”
Lunsford said although he is not a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he has visited outposts before and enjoys listening to the stories the veterans have to tell.
“It’s neat to hear what they did and how things are different,” he said.
Sanchez has seen the differences first hand having deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“New Soldiers need to understand this is the best deployment the 3rd Brigade has ever had,” he explained. “The conditions have improved 150 percent. This is pretty much a five star resort compared to what the unit has had in the past.”
Lunsford believes it is the support from home that makes it all worth it. His best memory comes from walking into the hanger at Lawson Army Airfield at Fort Benning, Ga. upon returning from his last deployment and hearing the cheers from all the families and friends who came to welcome home their Soldier.
“I got to see my daughter for the first time,” he said.
Sanchez has walked into that same hanger four times already and said he comes home from each deployment more knowledgeable than when he left.
Deployments submerge Soldiers in multiple cultures, not only from the country they are deployed to but also within the unit and supporting units from other nations, he explained. During his previous deployment Sanchez served beside soldiers from the country of Georgia who resided at the same combat outpost.
“The Army is the best school for life,” he said. “Going on the old Army slogan, ‘Be all that you can be,’ you can. You can do anything and go anywhere in the Army.”
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, measures a table at his workshop Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Nicaragua native has been in the brigade the entire nine years of his military career and currently serves as head of the brigade’s Repairs and Utilities section during his fifth deployment to the Middle East.
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, measures a table at his workshop Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Nicaragua native currently serves as head of the brigade’s Repairs and Utilities section and says Veterans Days means more to him now that he has served though five deployments to the Middle East.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares his vehicle for a mission Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Greensboro, N.C. native humbly feels Veterans Day is a day to remember heroes who served in the past.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares his vehicle for a mission Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Greensboro, N.C. native believes it is the support from home that makes deploying multiple times worth it.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – According to the Defense Manpower Data Center approximately 68 percent of Soldiers today have deployed to the Middle East at least once. That is especially true for Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. After their current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the brigade will be the most deployed unit in the Army.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd HBCT, humbly remembers those who fought before him.
“Veterans Day is a day of remembrance,” the two-time deployer said, “Not really me, but a day for people to remember the guys in the past.”
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd HBCT, has been in the unit all nine years of his military career.
The Nicaragua native moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., when he was 14-years-old and said he didn’t really pay attention to the holiday despite his grandfather being a former Marine.
“For some kids it’s just a day off of school but now that I am grown up and I joined the service I really understand what it means,” he said.
Lunsford, a Greensboro, N.C. native, admitted he was one of those kids.
“When I was little it was a day I got out of school to go hunting,” the 23-year-old said. “But I respect it more now.”
Lunsford said although he is not a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he has visited outposts before and enjoys listening to the stories the veterans have to tell.
“It’s neat to hear what they did and how things are different,” he said.
Sanchez has seen the differences first hand having deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq four times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“New Soldiers need to understand this is the best deployment the 3rd Brigade has ever had,” he explained. “The conditions have improved 150 percent. This is pretty much a five star resort compared to what the unit has had in the past.”
Lunsford believes it is the support from home that makes it all worth it. His best memory comes from walking into the hanger at Lawson Army Airfield at Fort Benning, Ga. upon returning from his last deployment and hearing the cheers from all the families and friends who came to welcome home their Soldier.
“I got to see my daughter for the first time,” he said.
Sanchez has walked into that same hanger four times already and said he comes home from each deployment more knowledgeable than when he left.
Deployments submerge Soldiers in multiple cultures, not only from the country they are deployed to but also within the unit and supporting units from other nations, he explained. During his previous deployment Sanchez served beside soldiers from the country of Georgia who resided at the same combat outpost.
“The Army is the best school for life,” he said. “Going on the old Army slogan, ‘Be all that you can be,’ you can. You can do anything and go anywhere in the Army.”
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, measures a table at his workshop Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Nicaragua native has been in the brigade the entire nine years of his military career and currently serves as head of the brigade’s Repairs and Utilities section during his fifth deployment to the Middle East.
Staff Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, measures a table at his workshop Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Nicaragua native currently serves as head of the brigade’s Repairs and Utilities section and says Veterans Days means more to him now that he has served though five deployments to the Middle East.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares his vehicle for a mission Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Greensboro, N.C. native humbly feels Veterans Day is a day to remember heroes who served in the past.
Spc. Matthew Lunsford, Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares his vehicle for a mission Nov. 6 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq. The Greensboro, N.C. native believes it is the support from home that makes deploying multiple times worth it. First Time Deployers Take Pride In What They Do
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – War stories. In the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the only brigade in the U.S. Army to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom four times, they aren’t hard to find.
Soldiers in the brigade, many who have been in the brigade for all four deployments, can tell stories of combat patrols, seeking cover from indirect fire and the excitement of riding on Blackhawk helicopter for the first time.
As the 3rd HBCT gears up to remember Veteran’s Day, many of the brigade’s Soldiers will soon be able to claim the title of combat veteran for the first time.
“About half of the brigade are first time deployers,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Hairston, the 3rd HBCT’s operations non-commissioned officer.
For many Soldiers, this deployment is their chance to contribute to their country.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been outside the wire twice,” said Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “On those two days, I felt I did more for my country than I did back home when I was working a nine to five job. It was a good feeling.”
For Saunders, a native of Houston, his job is much more than going out on patrols.
“Our job isn’t just about kicking in doors in here,” he said. “By showing them (the Iraqi people) that we are here to help their forces and let them do what they want to do, we are showing them that we aren’t here to take over. We came here to help them liberate their country from Saddam.”
For many Soldiers, becoming a veteran is part of a family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Navy,” said Pvt. Allen White, a Soldier assigned to Company B, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion. “I grew up respecting him and what he did. I think it was natural to want to follow in his footsteps.”
Both White and Saunders understand that the 3rd HBCT’s current mission changes what their military jobs were in previous deployments.
Rather than do his job as a petroleum specialist, White, a native of Hampton, Ga., is now helping control and route passengers at the FOB Kalsu air terminal.
“I was expecting convoys and fuel missions this deployment, but we are Soldiers and we do whatever we are ordered to do,” he said.
Although his job isn’t what he expected, White is just ready to serve and help his fellow veterans.
“It’s a tremendous honor to serve over here,” he said. “After I spend a year over here, whether I’m in combat or not, I’ll always be proud of what I did for my country. Helping Soldiers get home and seeing that big smile on their faces has been a great feeling.”
After serving 15 years as a non-commissioned officer, 1st Lt. Jason Horton, a team leader in Headquarters’ Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is finally getting his chance to deploy as an officer.
“This deployment will be a point of personal pride,” he said. “I don’t flaunt things well, but I view this deployment as an opportunity.”
Having been a recruiter for a good part of his military career, Horton has experienced several Veterans Days. For he and the rest of the 3rd HBCT’s first time deployers, their first Memorial Day as a combat veteran will be experienced overseas.
“I think everything is magnified during a deployment,” said Horton, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. “It will be a unique experience for me.”
Saunders agrees with Horton’s assessment.
“The holiday changes for me slightly,” he said. “It has always meant something for me, but now that I’m a part of it; it’s different. It feels good to not be on the sidelines anymore.”
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks the oil in his humvee at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions.
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks his humvee’s radio at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, communicates with the flight tower at Forward Operating Base Kalsu’s air field, Nov. 6. White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is shifting his duties to help run the air field and ensure that Soldiers get to and from Kalsu with no problems
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, leads a civilian off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, helps Soldiers with their bags as he guides them off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – War stories. In the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, the only brigade in the U.S. Army to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom four times, they aren’t hard to find.
Soldiers in the brigade, many who have been in the brigade for all four deployments, can tell stories of combat patrols, seeking cover from indirect fire and the excitement of riding on Blackhawk helicopter for the first time.
As the 3rd HBCT gears up to remember Veteran’s Day, many of the brigade’s Soldiers will soon be able to claim the title of combat veteran for the first time.
“About half of the brigade are first time deployers,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Hairston, the 3rd HBCT’s operations non-commissioned officer.
For many Soldiers, this deployment is their chance to contribute to their country.
“Since I’ve been here, I’ve been outside the wire twice,” said Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. “On those two days, I felt I did more for my country than I did back home when I was working a nine to five job. It was a good feeling.”
For Saunders, a native of Houston, his job is much more than going out on patrols.
“Our job isn’t just about kicking in doors in here,” he said. “By showing them (the Iraqi people) that we are here to help their forces and let them do what they want to do, we are showing them that we aren’t here to take over. We came here to help them liberate their country from Saddam.”
For many Soldiers, becoming a veteran is part of a family tradition.
“My grandfather was in the Navy,” said Pvt. Allen White, a Soldier assigned to Company B, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion. “I grew up respecting him and what he did. I think it was natural to want to follow in his footsteps.”
Both White and Saunders understand that the 3rd HBCT’s current mission changes what their military jobs were in previous deployments.
Rather than do his job as a petroleum specialist, White, a native of Hampton, Ga., is now helping control and route passengers at the FOB Kalsu air terminal.
“I was expecting convoys and fuel missions this deployment, but we are Soldiers and we do whatever we are ordered to do,” he said.
Although his job isn’t what he expected, White is just ready to serve and help his fellow veterans.
“It’s a tremendous honor to serve over here,” he said. “After I spend a year over here, whether I’m in combat or not, I’ll always be proud of what I did for my country. Helping Soldiers get home and seeing that big smile on their faces has been a great feeling.”
After serving 15 years as a non-commissioned officer, 1st Lt. Jason Horton, a team leader in Headquarters’ Troop, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, is finally getting his chance to deploy as an officer.
“This deployment will be a point of personal pride,” he said. “I don’t flaunt things well, but I view this deployment as an opportunity.”
Having been a recruiter for a good part of his military career, Horton has experienced several Veterans Days. For he and the rest of the 3rd HBCT’s first time deployers, their first Memorial Day as a combat veteran will be experienced overseas.
“I think everything is magnified during a deployment,” said Horton, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. “It will be a unique experience for me.”
Saunders agrees with Horton’s assessment.
“The holiday changes for me slightly,” he said. “It has always meant something for me, but now that I’m a part of it; it’s different. It feels good to not be on the sidelines anymore.”
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks the oil in his humvee at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions. 
Pfc. William Saunders, an infantryman assigned to Headquarters’ Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, checks his humvee’s radio at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Iraq, Nov. 6. Saunders, who is deploying for the first time, takes the time to ensure all of his equipment is in good working order before leaving FOB Kalsu on missions.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, communicates with the flight tower at Forward Operating Base Kalsu’s air field, Nov. 6. White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is shifting his duties to help run the air field and ensure that Soldiers get to and from Kalsu with no problems
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, leads a civilian off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Allen White, a petroleum supply specialist assigned to the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, helps Soldiers with their bags as he guides them off the airfield at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, Nov. 6. Despite being a fueler, White, a first time deployer to Iraq, is being asked to help run air field operations during the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s current deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Saturday, October 31, 2009
THIRD BRIGADE'S NEW MISSION
THIRD BRIGADE'S NEW MISSION
Now that the 3rd Brigade has deployed back to Iraq for their 4th Tour, theyll begin their new mission of Advising and Assisting Iraqi Security Forces, empowering them to take control of their own country. Our Ron Andruss spent some time with the Sledgehammers newly created Security Transition Teams before they left and shows us how they prepared for this new mission.
Friday, October 9, 2009
NCOs Keep Soldiers Ready
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, slowly file on to a plane destined for Kuwait at Lawson Army Air Field, Fort Benning, Ga., Oct. 7. The 3rd HBCT will train in Kuwaitt before beginning their 12 month deployment in Iraq
Story and photos by Sgt. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
FORT BENNING, Ga. – A year in Iraq loomed large as one by one, Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division began to board a plane at Lawson Army Airfield. For many of them, this would be their first trip outside of the country. Many of the senior members of the 3rd HBCT have made the trip at least three times before.
As everyone waited for their time to leave, noncommissioned officers were there answering questions, directing their Soldiers and offering words on encouragement to their subordinates.
When the time to board the plane arrived, every Soldier was ready to go. Months of preparation had ensured that Soldiers’ families were prepared financially for the deployment, vehicles were stored safely away, medical records had been updated and countless other tasks were accomplished to ensure that every Soldier who got on the plane was prepared to go to Iraq and do their job effectively. The job of ensuring readiness will not end for the NCOs once they get on the plane, however.
“My NCOs are in charge during the whole deployment process,” said 1st Sgt. Lawrence Jordan, Headquarters Company. “Wherever our Soldiers will be, our NCOs will be there ensuring everything is running like it should. Whether it is clearing out of the barracks, zeroing weapons at the range, or attending classes in Kuwait, our NCOs will make sure that our Soldiers are doing what they are supposed to and getting everything they need.”
For the Sledgehammer Brigade’s NCOs, it is an important responsibility that extends beyond checking off a list of duties.
“I take my job very seriously,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jose Lopez, a platoon sergeant in Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. “I am responsible for 25 Soldiers and their families. My job is to ensure that 25 Soldiers are focused and not worrying about home. It is also to ensure 25 families will see their Soldiers return here safe and sound.”
Training is a key component for leaders like Jordan and Lopez. According to Lopez, training keeps Soldiers sharp and focused.
“We will continue to train in Kuwait,” he said. “We will continue to train in Iraq. The training never stops. The day our Soldiers quit training will be the day they leave the Army.”
Making training and readiness a priority is music to the ears of leaders like Command Sgt. Maj. Antonio Jones, Brigade Special Troops Battalion.
“I expect our NCOs to set the standard out front,” he said. “Our Soldiers need to know what is expected of them before we land in Kuwait and Iraq. We cannot allow them to go on vacation for a year.”
The new security agreement means less combat patrols and more time on the Forward Operating Bases. Unlike past deployments, Soldiers will not be required to kick in doors or search for high value targets. They will be asked to remain ready to assist their Iraqi counterparts. According to Jones, this will be a huge change for the 3rd HBCT’s combat veterans and may be a disappointment for Soldiers on their first deployment.
“All that work in the past, has set the stage for today,” said Jones. “Our new Soldiers will be an important part of this when this is over, whatever role they play. This is much bigger than 3rd Infantry Division. This is about making history.”
Lopez agrees. He was there with the 3rd HBCT the first time they deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has seen Iraq change from a country on the verge of economic collapse and torn apart by sectarian violence; to a country that is ready for America to leave.
“Whether a Soldier was there at the beginning or coming to Iraq for the first time, we are all doing something to help the change that has occurred in Iraq,” he said. “It is something that everyone can be proud of at the end of the day. My job is to ensure that my Soldiers will be able to finish what we started.”
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