august 10, 2005 serving the u.s. and coalition forces in kuwait that...

DESERTDESERT VOICEVOICEServing the U.S. and Coalition Forces in KuwaitAugust 10, 2005

Thathas tohurt Pg. 4

2 Desert Voice August 10, 2005

Volume 27, Issue 03The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for membersof the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voiceare not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorialcontent of this publication is the responsibility of theCoalition Forces Land Component Command Public AffairsOffice. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, aprivate firm, which is not affiliated with CFLCC. All copy willbe edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by thePublic Affairs Office.

PPaaggee 33 Small country, big task

Page 9 Doha begins to close

Pages 6&7 Swing batter swing

Page 8 Providing communication

Page 4 Kali training is a hit

Page 5 Cultures drawn together

Page 11 Community Events

Back page One game away

El Salvador’s history allows its troops tounderstand the trials of rebuilding acountry.

C-6 provides communication including e-mail, telephones and video teleconfer-encing. They are also responsible forsatellites, towers and cable runs.

Camp Doha’s closure is approaching.Services are relocating to Camps Arifjan,Buehring and Ali Al Salem.

In an unexpected two-game champi-onship, Ali Al Salem out hits Buehring inthe first Softball Championship atArifjan.

Michael Verrett uses art experience tohelp two cultures communicate. He alsodraws cartoons, writes stories, teacheschildren, in addition to his Army job.

Juan Santiago, Buehring’s shortstop,signals one out to the outfielders. Photoby Spc. Michael R. Noggle

On the coverPhoto by Spc. Robert Adams

Peter Cannon, Kali instructor, putsstudent Doug Gibson to the groundduring a demonstration to the rest ofthe class.

CONTENTS 03

Page 10 MPAD deploys to IraqThe 207th Mobile Public AffairsDetachment from Denver, Colo., heads tonorthern Iraq to take over the AnacondaTimes and other media operations.

44

6

88

66-77

Instructor Peter Cannon teaches groupthe Filipino martial art, Kali. Cannonteaches the group how to use a macheteand knife to fight and defend.

Soccer tournament, USA Express andKaraoke Night.

DESERTVOICE

EditorCFLCC PAO/Desert Voice Camp ArifjanAPO AE [email protected]

Find us online at www.dvidshub.net

CFLCC Commanding GeneralLt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb

CFLCC Command Sergeant MajorCommand Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irs Off icerCol. Michael Phillips

CFLCC Publ ic Affa irs Off icer , ForwardLt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger

Commander 1 1th PADCapt. Chevelle Thomas

NCOIC 1 1th PADStaff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy

Desert Vo ice Ed itorSgt. Jonathon M. Stack

Desert Vo ice Assistant Ed itorSpc. Robert Adams

Desert Vo ice Staff WritersSpc. Janine CooglerSpc. Debralee P. CrankshawSpc. Michael R. Noggle

1 1th PAD BroadcastersSpc. Christina BeermanPfc. Jheridiah Anderson

3Desert Voice August 10, 2005

In the Iraq stabilization mis-sion, the U.S.-led multinationalforce has 380 troops from thesmallest country in CentralAmerica.

By the end of May, theDominican Republic, Spain,Honduras andNicaraguapulled out ofIraq, leavingEl Salvador as the last LatinAmerican country fighting theGlobal War on Terrorism.

America, the El Salvadoriangovernment agreed July 29 tokeep its troops in Iraq for at leastanother year.

Tasked with the mission tohelp in the reconstruction andrehabilitation of Iraq, the smallcountry works hard to fulfill itsgoals, said El Salvadorian 1st Lt.Abner Portillo, liaison officer.

After surviving a 12-year civilwar, El Salvador had to endure aseries of earthquakes which tookthe lives of 1,100 people and pro-duced more than $3 billion indamage.

After the tragedies, the ElSalvadorian army played a keyrole in the reconstruction of thecountry, Portillo said.

“Our past has helped usunderstand how to help the Iraqiforces,” he said.

Although the task is huge, thissmall country is eager to do itspart, Portillo said.

Working hard for six months,the soldiers of the fourth rotationfrom the Cuscatlan Battalion aresetting high standards for thefifth rotation to fill.

“Every rotation is challengedto do more than the one before,”Portillo said. “We completedover 85 projects this rotation.”

Portillo was part of a super-vising team training Iraqi units.

After months of training,Portillo said he could see distinct

improvement in the reconstruc-tion and security forces.

At first, most of the Iraqi sol-diers did not know how to dotheir jobs. They were unsure ofthe responsibilities of all thesfunctions of the military, such aslogistics and personnel. Aftermonths of training, less supervi-

sion wasneeded, andthe Iraqi sol-diers were

completing missions on theirown.

Before the humanitarian mis-sions, Iraqi children had to travelfar in order to go to school,Portillo said.

Many people were ill becausethere was only one hospital in thearea and there were no roads toother villages, he said.

The engineers from theCuscatlan Battalion were taskedwith the job to reconstructschools, build water plants, roadsand medical centers.

Before heading back home asmall number of El Salvadoriansoldiers were assigned a newmission.

They were tasked to come toKuwait and prepare for theexchange of troops in August.

The group coordinated withTask Force Gator country officersand Camp Virginia command cellto obtain all needed materials forincoming and outgoing troops.

With all the countries in theCoalition rotating around thesame time, each country musthave a liaison officer to coordi-nate affairs.

Portillo said he is in charge ofgetting air and ground transporta-tion, food, tents and the initial-issue equipment for his country’stroops.

“After five months of hardwork, we are here to help thenext rotation settle in,” Portillosaid.

Proud of his country’s accom-

plishments in the reconstructionof Iraq, Portillo said it is anhonor to know and see what theCuscatlan Battalion has doneduring his rotation and through-out the two years of support forthe Global War on Terrorism.

“We are the smallest countryin Central America,” Portillosaid. “But we have the biggestheart. Although their culture andlanguage is very different fromours, we try to communicate withthem because we understandtheir troubles,” Portillo said.

With the Coalition Forces’

guidance, the stabilization of Iraqis slowly moving forward,Portillo said.

Local authorities are improv-ing their missions and the peoplehave been given a good start, headded.

Having a responsive securityforce, good health, access toother villages and education is agood improvement for the peopleof Iraq, he said.

He added, El Salvador hasprevailed as a country of hardworkers dedicated and compas-sionate to their mission in Iraq.

El Salvadorian army helps reconstruct IraqSpc. Janine Coogler11th PAD

“Our past has helped us under-stand how to help the Iraqi forces.”

El Salvadorian 1st Lt. Abner Portillo

Courtesy photos(Above) El Salvadorian Capt. Barillas Diaz, battalion medic, performs a check up on a baby in Iraq.(Below) Members of the El Salvadorian army train the Iraqi security forces in combat life-saving techniques.

Small country, big mission


On Mondays from 8 to 9 p.m. at the CampArifjan track, Peter Cannon shares his knowl-edge of the martial art, Filipino Kali, withpeople willing to learn and train.

Of the people who attend his lessons,many have previous martial arts experience.

“As a martial artist, it is really neat to par-ticipate and learn something new, but alsogive back what I know,” said JeremyYounger, Kali regular.

No matter whether they are beginners oradvanced, everybody listens attentively toCannon, who has more than 22 years of fight-ing experience.

“It is not as much teaching as it is shar-ing,” Cannon said. “I share it so everyonecan make use of it.”

The Filipino Kali martial art is basedaround the use of a knife and machete.Cannon teaches the group a combination artthat involves Kali weapons training as well asboxing techniques, takedowns, pressurepoints and locks.

“The martial art is mathematically sound,”Younger said. “You don’t need power orstrength, but through discipline and practice,you gain agility.”

Cannon doesn’t teach the group the wholecourse, but teaches them what they want tolearn.

“If they want more knives, we do moreknives,” he said. “It is the same for if theywant to do more stick training … or take-downs.”

During the sessions, Cannon demonstratesmoves on the experienced students to showthe group how to perform each move and thepain that it will inflict.

“You feel pain, but you have completetrust in him,” said Doug Gibson, who hasbeen practicing Kali at Arifjan since January.

Some group members take what they’velearned and practice throughout the week andreport any problems or questions they have toCannon.

“These guys are a very enthusiasticbunch,” Cannon said. “Hopefully they willkeep it up after they leave here.”

Many group members decided to take upKali to pass the time while on deployment.

“The best thing about this is that it hasgiven me something to look forward to other

than the doldrums of Arifjan,” Gibson said.“And the core group … has become real goodfriends.”

Sean Monaco, who has been practicingwith Gibson since January as well, metCannon in the Camp Doha Post Exchangeand introduced him to the group.

“Peter has been very generous with histime,” Monaco said.

Younger added, “In my experience, I haveonly taken a few martial arts, and I havefound that it is hard to find a good fighterwho is also a good instructor.”

Through word of mouth and passersby,new people have taken interest in the group.

“It is the brave ones that come up and askwhat we are doing,” Gibson said.

The sudents come and go because they areat Arifjan for a fixed amount of time.

Younger said, “Even though I am leavingin 20 days, I would like to keep seeing thisbeing offered … I would see it as a benefit.”

Instructor shares Kali knowledge to Arifjan’s willingSpc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

Bring the pain …

Photos by Spc. Robert Adams(Above) Peter Cannon, Kali instructor,puts Sean Monaco to the ground whiledemonstrating a take-down move at theArifjan track July 27.(Below) Sean Monaco (left) blocks a knifeswife by Jensen Joy during Kali training.

Peter Cannon highlightsCannon was born in Scotland.Cannon started boxing at the age of 10.

He now has 22 years of boxing experienceand about 10 years of Kali training.

He has also studied traditional MuayThai, Aikido, Karate and Judo before dis-covering Doce Pares, Black EagleEskrima, Arnis and Kali.

Cannon has trained U.S. Green Beretsin hand-to-hand combat. He has alsotaught American, British and Australianmilitary forces, police forces and bouncers.

When he drew pictures on thewall as a child, Lt. Col. MichaelVerrett said his mother liked hisdrawings, just not where he wasdoing them.

Throughout his life, Verretthas used his artistic talent to edu-cate and inspire young childrenwith his books and illustrations.

He also assisted in solvingcriminal cases by drawing policesketches and make people laughwith his cartoons and humor.

“One day I am going to takeart lessons,” Verrett joked as hequickly sketched a teddy bear onthe inside cover of a book.

Since arriving to Kuwait,Verrett has used his art and illus-trations to help two culturescommunicate.

One project involved prob-lems conveying convoy proce-dures to third-country nationalswho can’t read English orArabic.

Verrett was asked by Brig.

Gen. William Johnson, former143rd Transportation Commandcommander, forward, to make anillustration for each of the proce-dures.

Upon finishing the illustra-tions, they were immediatelygiven to every convoy command-er to use during their convoybriefs that involved embeddedTCNs.

According to an old Chineseproverb, “One picture is worthten thousand words.”

“In this case, it’s not onlyworth words, but Johnson toldme ‘this will save lives as well asmaterial,’” Verrett said.

The illustrations could also beused in the future, for Johnsonhas been briefing convoy proce-dures in the United States andacross the world, Verrett added.

Another project Verrett is set-ting up involves the Kuwaitschool system, where he said heplans on doing children’s art pro-grams before he leaves.

“This is something I am look-ing forward to,” said Verrett, who

educates children through artprograms back in the UnitedStates.

At these schools Verrett willconduct hour-long demonstra-tions, where he plans to showthem how to take basic lines andshapes and make characters.

“If you can write your namethen you are an artist,” Verrettsaid as he pieced together lettersof the alphabet to draw a pictureof a dog.

Verrett has also found time onthe side to keep his art and writ-ing skills fresh.

Since arriving here, Verretthas submitted more than 50 car-toons to the Desert Voice maga-zine, written 12 short stories thathe e-mailed back to schools inthe United States, written storiesfor his coworkers’ children, proc-duced framed drawings for goingaway presents and designed acoin for Johnson.

“I enjoy giving my art awayfor free,” Verrett said.

Once he finishes his tour here,Verrett said he plans to continue

volunteering his time to inspireand educate others with his art.

Verrett also has a future as anillustrator for Pelican PublishingCompany, who picked him upduring his tour here.

Editor’s note: The DesertVoice will start featuringVerrett’s comics again. The draw-ing at the bottom of the page ishis first edition.

Verrett has devoted 29years to the U.S. ArmyReserves. He is the CombinedLand Forces ComponentCommand, 143rd TransportationCommand container manager.He recently received a BronzeStar for unit accomplishments.

He has also worked 25years on the Baton Rouge, La.,police department, 10 of themas a police sketch artist.

He and his wife Melissahave three sons: Chris, 20;Brian, 17; Sean, 15.


Artistic Soldier uses skills while deployed to help othersDrawing Soldiers, cultures together …

Spc. Robert AdamsAssistant Editor

ARMYbyMichaelVerret

Verrett Biography

LIFE

6

Sun shines on Ali Al Salem

Ali Al Salem out slugs Buehring, 29-22Spc. Janine Coogler

Jamie Vaniterson, Ali Al Salem’s right outfielder, stands at the plate preparing to hit. Ali Al Salem won the first game, 22-14. The winforced a second game since Buehring beat Ali Al Salem earlier in the tournament. Ali Al Salem took the overall championship.

Doug Mills, Ali Al Salem softball team’sthird baseman, hit two home runs leading histeam to a 29-22 victory over Camp BuehringJuly 31 at the first Kuwait softball champi-onship.

The championship consisted of two gamesafter Ali Al Salem beat their undefeatedopponents from Buehring 22-14, in gameone.

The Air Force team faced eliminationfrom the start. Having lost to Buehring earli-er in the tournament, Ali Al Salem neededtwo victories.

Mills’ hitting heroics in game two allowedAli Al Salem to prevail as the champions.

After a disappointing display in game one,Buehring came out swinging, scoring 11 runsin the second inning and holding Ali AlSalem’s offense in check to take a 12-6 lead.

With the momentum and score inBuehring’s favor, it seemed for the momentthat Ali Al Salem wouldn’t have enoughenergy for a comeback.

In the fourth inning, Ali Al Salem catcherVernon Rogers ignited the rally with aninside-the-park home run followed later by a

two-run single by Mills, as Ali Al Salemscored nine runs, on what seemed to be aclueless Buehring defense, to take a 17-13lead.

“The errors really killed us,” said DJLegg, Buehring’s catcher. “Defense hasalways been strong for us and today it let usdown.”

Buehring tried to start another rally in thebottom of the fourth inning as second base-man Derek Trears lined a ball over the left-field wall. The team went on to add twomore runs to cut the lead to 17-16.

But that was as close as they got, as Ali AlSalem went on to add three runs in the fifthinning and four in the sixth inning to lead 24-16.

“This is a hitter’s game,” said JosephBonish, Buehring’s pitcher. “You have toout-hit your opponent and make big plays.”

Buehring failed to make the “big play”and instead watched Ali Al Salem take thegame and the trophy from them.

“We played well,” Legg said. “Theyplayed a little better and wanted the gamemore than we did.”

Teamwork and defense won the game,said Chambers, Ali Al Salem’s coach. Noone got upset with each other because some-one made an out or didn’t get enough

Spc. Janine CooglerSpc. Michael R. Noggle11th PAD

Spc. Michael R. NoggleThe Ali Al Salem softball team celebratesafter Mills hits a two-run homer in gameone of the softball championship.

Desert Voice August 10, 2005


Spc. Janine CooglerThe trophy and medals were displayedduring the championship. They went tothe Ali Al Salem team.play time.tournament, Ali Al Salem needed two victo-ries.

“We knew they were a good team, so wewere prepared to go in and play the basics,”Chambers said.

Game strategies for both teams were quitesimilar. Chambers and Mark Kline, Buehringcoach, agreed that the key to winning was tokeep it simple, hit line drives, go station tostation, and work hard on defense.

Buehring jumped to an early 3-2 lead aftertwo innings, but was quickly erased after AliAl Salem scored five runs, highlighted by ablast from Mills over the left-field fence. Thescore was 7-7 when Buehring scratched fourruns across the plate in the bottom of thethird.

The next inning was the closest Buehringcame to Ali Al Salem for the rest of the game.After a few runs, Mills came to bat again witha man on base and sent one deep into thedesert night, hitting his second home run ofthe game and collected six hits combinedfrom both games.

“They could hit,” Bonish said. “They hitwell and we weren’t able to execute.”

While Bonish, like most of his teammates,was a little depressed by the outcome of thegame, he was able to thank the Morale,Welfare and Recreation center for hosting agreat tournament and for great recreationareas.

MWR offers events like the championshipto help Soldiers deal with idle time, saidJoshua Belcher, MWR supervisor.

He added, “These types of activities motivate them on and off the field.”

Spc. Michael R. Noggle(Above) Juan Santiago, Buehring’s shortstop, flips the ball to Charles Trears, secondbaseman, forcing out the Ali Al Salem base runner. (Below) Buehring first baseman, Juan Salita, hits a line drive in game one of the champi-onship. Buehring lost to Ali Al Salem in the two-game championship.

Spc. Janine Coogler


Communication is importantto Soldiers of all levels, whetherit’s a commander video confer-encing to home station to accom-plish the mission or Joe callinghome to talk to his wife and chil-dren.

C-6 is the element that ensurescommunication is available andsecure.

Communication across Kuwaitand even into Afghanistan andIraq is controlled by C-6, accord-ing to Maj. Gen. Dennis Lutz,Coalition Forces LandComponent Command communi-cation officer and 335th TheaterSignal Command commander.

This includes e-mail, tele-phones, mobile communicationsin convoys and video teleconfer-encing. The shop is alsoaccountable for satellites, towersand running cable to supportcommunication.

C-6 is comprised of four sec-tions: plans, operations, projectsand information system manage-ment division. The shop also hasa staff group and an administra-tion section.

Plans works on future plansand operations focuses on currentoperations.

Theprojectssectiontakes onmajortelecom-municationprojects,based on theamount of money, time andinvolvement of the project man-agers. They are currently work-ing on 33 projects costing, morethan $750 million, said Col. LuisRoldan, projects chief.

ISMD works to eliminatecyber threats including hackersand viruses.

C-6 works closely with the

335th to plan and manage com-munications in theater, accordingto Sgt. Maj. Albert Kent, C-6ISMD, forward, sergeant major.

“Since (Lutz) is the command-er of both, there is a lot moreinteraction,” Kent said. “It’sgood that the general is dual-hat-ted because he is better able tosee the communication needs ofthe theater.”

While C-6 manages and plans,335th Soldiers are doing most ofthe monitoring and hands-onwork, Kent said.

There are 90 Soldiers in C-6,but Lutz has 1,200 signalSoldiers and 1,200 civiliansworking for him.

Lutz said he thinks communi-cation is essential to today’s mili-tary.

“The demand for communica-tions continues to increase,” hesaid. “The appetite of the militarykeeps getting bigger with videoteleconferences and data imagingfeeds.”

The call for communicationhas also allowed signal Soldiersto be placed on other missions.

“One of the force multipliersin today’s Army is communica-tion,” Lutz said. Years ago wewould have had more Soldiers,but because we can reach back tothe states for supplies and infor-mation we have less.

One ofthese commu-nicationalmeans isquicklybecoming afavorite ofcommandersand Soldiers.

“Video teleconferencing hasbecome a monster,” Kent said.“Commanders use it as a mainform of communication. Theylike to see who they’re talkingto.”

C-6 provides one of the mainvideo conferencing hubs in the-ater, according to Kent.

“When the holidays come,

there will be more support onVTC for holiday messagesbecause we are adding an unclas-sified hub,” he added.

Lutz said he thinks it’s easyfor people to realize how essen-tial communication is to the the-ater.

Soldiers experience howimportant communications arewhen the Internet and telephonedoesn’t work one day, Lutz said.

Lutz said he has one goal inmind: improving communication.

He said, “I want to providebetter communication, more reli-able communication and do itwith fewer Soldiers.”

C-6 makes connection possibleSpc. Debralee P.Crankshaw11th PAD

“The demand for communicationscontinues to increase. The appetiteof the military keeps getting biggerwith video teleconferences and dataimaging feeds.”

Maj. Gen. Dennis Lutz, C-6

Spc. Debralee P. CrankshawCpl. Maurice Horstead, Headquarters and Headquarters Company,Third U.S. Army network administrator, attaches cables during acommunications exercise at Camp Arifjan.

Creating communication contact ...

Staff Sgt. Fred Bunkley, 269thSignal Company, 504th SignalBattalion early entry commandpost platoon sergeant, con-nects wires to a Digital Non-secure Voice Terminal during acommunications exercise atCamp Arifjan.

Moving is a way of life forSoldiers. They know how difficultand time consuming it can be forone family. But what about mov-ing an entire military camp?

“Picking up and moving is adifficult job and there’s a lot todo,” said Lt. Col. Scott Rubitsky,Camp Doha garrison commander,Area Support Group – Kuwait.

Doha is closing in the nearfuture. Its assets are moving toother camps to better serve ser-vicemembers supportingOperations Iraqi and EnduringFreedom.

“We lose a lot of time movingback and forth,” said Maj. JimBlair, assistant operations officer,projects, ASG – Kuwait. “Theservices are distributed better sothere is less time traveling.”

Doha was the logical place tobegin operations when the UnitedStates moved into OIF and OEF,said Maj. Jeffrey Doll, CampDoha executive officer, ASG –Kuwait.

“It had the support structure inplace,” Doll said. “It is no longerbeneficial as new main supportcamps are in place and opera-tional.”

Doha wasn’t intended to be apermanent facility, Blair said.The intent of the United Stateswas to move out since at least themid-90s when the Kuwaitis beganbuilding Camp Arifjan.

The exact date of the closingcannot be released, but Rubitskysaid it would be “sooner ratherthan later.”

The closing of the 15-year-oldbase is dependent on movingorganizations and servicemembersto other locations, Rubitsky said.The command must also coordi-nate giving the area over toKuwaiti officials.

Many services have alreadybeen moved. The vehicle washrack went to Camp Arifjan, thelibrary is now at Camp Virginiaand there is limited billeting. The

food court, theater and a fewother services are scheduled toclose or relocate within the nextweek.

There is just too much to list.A lot of stuff has already left, butthere is still a lot left, Rubitskysaid. In another week or twothere will be a big change.

The bulk of the operations willmove to three main bases, CampsArifjan, Buehring and Ali AlSalem, Blair said.

A few big projects are still tobe moved, but it is unlikely theywill in the near future, Blair said.These projects include the com-munications hub and the aviationwash rack.

“Those things take time tomove,” Blair said.

The planning for the closurebegan approximately one yearago, Rubitsky said. The construc-tion of buildings at other campswas set in motion shortly there-after. Upon completing the build-ings, organizations set out tomove onto the other camps.

To complete this move for

large units, the installation trans-portation office in Arifjan pro-vides the means. Units contactSgt. 1st Class Renee Johnson,ITO noncommissioned officer incharge, ASG – Kuwait. She, inturn, contacts the three contrac-tors the Army uses and conducts asite survey with them. After thesurvey, the companies provide herwith bids and she chooses the bestvalue for the Army.

The Army is responsible formoving equipment, but not per-sonal property, Johnson said. TheSoldiers are responsible for mov-ing their gear.

“The most difficult part is theuncertainty – not knowing whenthey will move,” Johnson said.“The unit doesn’t exactly knowbecause it depends on whether thebuildings are ready.”

Transportation has movedmore than 10 large units and stillhave about 15 to relocate,Johnson said. The largest unittransportation will move is theAerial Port of Debarkation withapproximately 850 Soldiers.

“I remember the way Dohawas when I was here in 2003.Now it’s a lot less busy – qui-eter,” Rubitsky said.

Doha was once a central hubfor logistics and troops, includingCoalition soldiers. Rubitsky saidhe believes it was established todeter possible aggressions towardKuwait.

The closing will positivelyimpact the Kuwaiti publicbecause there will be less militarytraffic in the metropolitan areas,Doll said.

He said the traffic has alreadybeen reduced.

The move has run smoothlybecause the plan was put togetherwell, Doll said. “What used totake place here has migrated,mainly to Arifjan. There is noth-ing here to come to anymore.”

According to Doll, there willbe a change in Doha’s nicknamein the near future because of therecent migration.

Doha was referred to as HappyValley, Doll said. Soon it mightbe called Sleepy Hollow.


Spc. Debralee P.Crankshaw11th PAD

Doha closure fast approaching

Illustration by Lt. Col. Michael Verrett

Soldiers of the 207th Mobile PublicAffairs Detachment headed to Iraq after com-pleting training at Udairi Range, Kuwait, July 31.

The reserve unit of about 25 Soldiers fromDenver, Colo., will take over the newspaper,broadcast and media-escort responsibilitiesfor the 1st Corps Support Command atLogistics Support Area Anaconda and CampDiamondback.

“We are going to tell the Soldier’s story,”said Spc. Carolyn Ennis, broadcast journalist.“That’s our mission and that’s what we arehere to do.”

Thecivilianmedia hasa majorimpact onhow theUnited States views the war, said Maj. CurtisCarney, 207th MPAD commander. It isimportant for the public to know the wholestory in Iraq and hear a lot of goodwill storiesand there is a great opportunity to tell it there.

The media has a very effective way ofsending news - whether it’s positive or nega-tive - to the rest of world, Ennis said. Theyhave an objective to meet; just like theMPAD has a mission objective to meet.

The MPAD’s broadcast journalists will

record packaged video stories as well as com-mand information messages for theArmed Forces Network-Germany.All footage will be sentthrough the Digital Videoand Imagery DistributionSystem via satellite for useby major news circuits.

There are many greatthings servicemembers dothat never get recognized,Ennis said. Many of theheart-lifting messages to fami-lies and friends at home comefrom military public affairs person-nel.

Around the holidays, the unit will giveSoldiers the chance to send home a video

holiday messages, thatcan be seen on localstations from Soldier’shometowns.

Two-man teams of abroadcaster and a photojournalist, will beresponsible for covering activities in northernand central Iraq.

The photojournalists in the detachmentwill be in charge of the Anaconda Times, aweekly newspaper that is also sent electroni-cally over the Internet.

“We have to win the hearts and minds ofthe people and we have to maintain themorale of the (Soldiers) who are fighting,”said Pfc. Spencer Case, photojournalist. “For

instance, writing stories on civil affairsgroups building schools and helping

people get running water …you can write a story about

that and get people in theworld to realize the goodthat we are doing.”

The general publicobserves very little ofthe good servicemem-

bers do on a regularbasis, said Sgt. Ty

Stafford, photojournalist.The main audiences will be

Soldiers, Airmen, Marines andSailors.

“A lot of times these Soldiers don’t haveaccess to the Internet or CNN and we’re thefront line for them as far as getting news tothem,” Stafford said.

“It’s a morale booster; we get a lot of pos-itive feedback,” he said.

Many of the younger Soldiers were eagerfor the chance to write stories.

“I have always wanted to do this,” Casesaid.

“I’m going to have the opportunity to seethe whole country and get some good writingexperience as well,” he said.

Ennis explained that with the broadcastingskills the Army has provided her, she feelsconfident in herself and the unit’s mission.

Ennis added, “I’m really looking forwardto meeting all these people and this country.”


207th MPAD deploys to AnacondaSpc. Michael R. Noggle11th PAD

“We have to win the hearts and minds of the people and we have to maintain the morale of the(Soldiers) who are fighting.”

Pfc. Spencer Case

Jazz it upSpc. Debralee P. Crankshaw

Chaplain (Maj.) David Crary, of the 10 memberband Sand Castle, performed July 30 at theCommunity Center for the first Morale, Welfareand Recreation Jazz Night. All the band mem-bers are Soldiers at Arifjan. They performed avariety of songs including “Smooth Operator”,“Fly me to the Moon”, “Everything I Do” and“Brick House”. During intermission, refresh-ments were served. MWR staff are looking intomaking Jazz Night a regular event.

WednesdayMad Dogs and Englishmen SoccerTournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 soccer fieldIndoor Volleyball League preseason, Zone 1Fitness CenterHip Hop Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Food Court Country Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 StageThursdayMad Dogs and Englishmen SoccerTournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 soccer fieldIndoor Volleyball League preseason, Zone 1Fitness CenterDead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19Country Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterMexican Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 foodcourtR&B/Old School Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stage FridayMad Dogs and Englishmen SoccerTournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Soccer FieldIndoor Volleyball League preseason, Zone 1Fitness CenterDead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19Arifjan Boxing Team, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6 fit-ness centerR&B/Old School Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 foodcourtHip Hop Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageSaturdayMad Dogs and Englishmen SoccerTournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Soccer FieldIndoor Volleyball League preseason, Zone 1Fitness CenterDead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19R&B/Old School Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterMexican Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 foodcourtCountry Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageSundayPoolside Cinema, 7 p.m., Zone 1 poolDead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19Mexican Music Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1Community CenterMondayUSA Express, 7 p.m., Zone 6 stageIndoor Volleyball League, Zone 1 FitnessCenter, through Sept. 17

Karaoke Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterDead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19Arifjan Boxing Team, 7:30 p.m., Zone 6gym TuesdayBingo Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterIndoor Volleyball League, Zone 1 FitnessCenter, through Sept. 17Dead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19WednesdayIndoor Volleyball League, Zone 1 FitnessCenter, through Sept. 17Dead Lift Competition sign-up, Zone 1Fitness Center, through Aug. 19Hip Hop Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 CommunityCenterSalsa Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 food court For more information call 430-1205/1302

WednesdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleAerobics, 5:30 p.m., MWR Tent 1ThursdayBillards, 8 ball, 6 p.m., MWR buildingWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleTae-Kwon-Do class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1FridayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleAerobics, 6 p.m., MWR Tent 1SaturdayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., MWR Tent 1Tae-Kwon-Do Class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1SundayBazaar, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., MWR Tent 1Walking Club (10 miles), 4:30 a.m., com-mand cell flagpoleMondayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpoleMassage Therapy, 9:30 a.m., PSS Tent 3Aerobics, 6 p.m., MWR Tent 4TuesdayUSA Express, 7 p.m., stageTae-Kwon-Do class, 7 p.m., MWR Tent 1WednesdayWalking Club (5 miles), 5 a.m., commandcell flagpole

Aerobics, 5:30 p.m., MWR Tent 1For more information call 828-1340

WednesdayHalo tournamentThursdayIndoor soccer tournamentFridayDancing Night, 9 p.m., Kuwaiti GymWednesdaySummer Fest 5KFor more information call 839-1063

WednesdaySpades tournament practice, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.ThursdaySpades tournament practice, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.FridaySpades tournament practice, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.SaturdaySpades tournament, 6 - 10 p.m.SundaySpades tournament, 6 - 10 p.m.For more information call844-1137

For information call 825-1302

For information call 823-1033

WednesdaySpades tournament, 7 p.m., MWR tentThursdayKaraoke Night, 8 p.m., Dusty RoomFridaySpa Day, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Dusty RoomSundayBilliards doubles, 7 p.m., Sports LoungeMondayDominoes tournament, 7 p.m., MWR tentTuesdayBingo, 7 p.m., Dusty RoomWednesdayBench and pull up, 4 p.m., Gym

For more information call 832-1045


Virginia

Victory

Spearhead/SPOD

Arifjan

Buehring

Kuwaiti Naval Base

Navistar

Community happenings for Aug. 10 through Aug. 17

One gameaway

august 10, 2005 serving the u.s. and coalition forces in kuwait that...

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