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

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.

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.

Here's To The Heroes: A Military Tribute

Everyday is a day to thank our Veterans!

A beautiful tribute sung by the Ten Tenors, an Australian group.
Enjoy and give thanks to those now serving and those that have served.

Here's To The Heroes: A Military Tribute

Veterans Return Desks

Too bad there aren't more people like Ms. Cothren...the world would be a better place!

A lesson that should be taught in all schools . . And colleges.

Back in September of 2005, on the first day of school, Martha Cothren, a social studies school teacher at Robinson High School in Little Rock , did something not to be forgotten. On the first day of school, with the permission of the school superintendent, the principal and the building supervisor, she removed all of the desks out of her classroom.

When the first period kids entered the room they discovered that there were no desks.

'Ms. Cothren, where're our desks?'

She replied, 'You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn the right to sit at a desk.'

They thought, 'Well, maybe it's our grades.'

'No,' she said.

'Maybe it's our behavior.'

She told them, 'No, it's not even your behavior.'

And so, they came and went, the first period, second period, third period. Still no desks in the classroom.

By early afternoon television news crews had started gathering in Ms.Cothren's classroom to report about this crazy teacher who had taken all the desks out of her room.

The final period of the day came and as the puzzled students found seats on the floor of the deskless classroom, Martha Cothren said, 'Throughout the day no one has been able to tell me just what he/she has done to earn the right to sit at the desks that are ordinarily found in this classroom. Now I am going to tell you.'

At this point, Martha Cothren went over to the door of her classroom and opened it.

Twenty-seven (27) U.S. Veterans, all in uniforms, walked into that classroom, each one carrying a school desk. The Vets began placing the school desks in rows, and then they would walk over and stand alongside the wall. By the time the last soldier had set the final desk in place those kids started to understand, perhaps for the first time in their lives, just how the right to sit at those desks had been earned..

Martha said, 'You didn't earn the right to sit at these desks. These heroes did it for you. They placed the desks here for you. Now, it's up to you to sit in them. It is your responsibility to learn, to be good students, to be good citizens. They paid the price so that you could have the freedom to get an education. Don't ever forget it.'

By the way, this is a true story. Please consider passing this along so others won't forget that the freedoms we have in this great country were earned by U. S. Veterans.