iron advisor volume i issue vii

8/7/2019 Iron Advisor Volume I Issue VII

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Volume I, Issue VII F ebruary 28, 2011

I nsIde T hIs I ssue

A udIe M urphy h onors

I rAqIsr un M-16r Ange

p hoenIx h oldsnCo I nduCTIonC ereMony

p Age 3 p Age 10 p Age 15

Phoenix Battalion prepares for reintegration

February marks the beginning of the endof a long deployment for the 3rd SpecialTroops Battalion, 3rd Advise and AssistBrigade, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers

in Iraq. The Soldiers of this brigade areno doubt looking forward to tradingplaces with the new unit and completinga successful transfer of authority.

With the end of the deployment drawingnear, there is much to consider and planfor.

For many, the end of the deploymentmeans reuniting with family, being ableto relax, and getting reacquainted withthe forgotten concept of time off. Thereis housing to be found, unpacking tocontend with, and plenty of shopping tobe done. The excitement can be felt moreprofoundly with each day crossed off thecalendar. So what is everyone going to bedoing when we nally touch ground onmore familiar soil?

Pfc. Konnie Noorda, a signal supportspecialist with Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop, is excited to see her

See Home Page 4

by Sgt. Danielle Sweet-Reyes and 2nd Lt. Greg Godfrey

3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Photo by Spc. Khori D. Johnson

Spc. Justin Bartee, from Pleasant Hope, Mo., holds aphoto of his three-year-old son, Jonathan, who is kissinghis month-old sister, Teannah. Upon redeployment, Barteewill meet his newborn daughter for the rst time. Bartee isdeployed with HHT, 3rd STB, 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.


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February 28, 2011Volume I, I ssue VII

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Audie MurphyClub Induction

When Soldiers hear the nameAudie Murphy, most think in termsof the values: honor, duty, courage,leadership and sel ess service.

To be compared with Murphy isan honor many noncommissionedof cers of the Army aspire to, butfew achieve. Six NCOs within3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,4th Infantry Division received thehonor Feb. 14.

The NCOs received the Sergeant

Audie Murphy Award and weresubsequently inducted into the 3rdAABs Sergeant Audie MurphyClub at Memorial Hall on CampAdder:

-- Sgt. 1st Class Roberto C. Ayala,of Santurce, Puerto Rico, assignedto Company C, 1st Battalion, 8thInfantry Regiment.

-- Sgt. 1st Class ManuelChazaliaza, of Lima, Peru, assigned

to Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29thField Artillery Regiment.

-- Staff Sgt. Jerome K. Anderson,of St. Ann, Jamaica, assigned toCompany E, 1st Battalion, 68thArmor Regiment.

-- Staff Sgt. Christopther J.Farrington, of Hogansburg, N.Y.,assigned to Company B, 64thBrigade Support Battalion.

-- Staff Sgt. Walter J. Mack Jr.,of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,assigned to Company G, 3rd Bn.,29th FA Reg.

-- Staff Sgt. Charles H. MartinJr., of Little Rock, Ark., CompanyC, 1st Battalion, 8th InfantryRegiment.


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Continued from Page 1

family who is making the trip toColorado Springs, Colo., fromLyman, Wyo., to visit her for thefour-day weekend.

Capt. Ryan Purdy, of Mattoon,Ill., plans to celebrate his seventhwedding anniversary with hiswife. I joke with my wife thatthis is really our fourth weddinganniversary, because Ive beendeployed for the other three, hesaid.

Many, like Purdy, are planning

long-awaited excursions to Europeduring block leave. Others arelooking forward to going back home and simply hanging out withfamily members.

Spc. Justin Bartee, aninfantryman with HHT, who isgoing home to Pleasant Hope, Mo.,said, My daughter is a month old,and Im going to meet her for the

rst time.

1st Lt. Todd Geszvain and Staff Sgt. Lee Bellows from CompanyB, are also new fathers who cantwait to get home and reunite withfamily.

I am really excited to get homeand spend time with my family. Mydaughter will be seven months oldand crawling all over the place,

said Geszvain of Burlington, Wis.Planning has already begun for

successful reintegration. Leavedates are being chosen, familyvisits are being planned, andvacations are in the works. SomeSoldiers have their eyes set on far-off, exotic lands, while others wishto look no further than that rstcold beer and their own couch.

I cant wait to go to a hockeygame and watch a boxing matchbreak out! said Sgt. WilliamOelsner of McDonough, Ga.,

about his plans to see the ColoradoAvalanche play.The Fort Carson Morale, Welfare

and Recreation staff organizes anumber of events and has plentyof information about all the greatthings going on around FortCarson.

In the midst of all of theexcitement with redeployment,the safety of the Phoenix Soldiers

is always a top priority. Traf csafety, alcohol awareness, familycohesion, nancial managementand stress management are a fewissues that are kept in mind whileSoldiers reintegrate stateside.

After an initial four-day pass,the brigade will undergo a several-week long reintegration period,

which incorporates a myriad of classes and brie ngs. This may allsound signi cantly less interestingthan a cold beer or a trip to Europe,but it is important nonetheless.

The reintegration period isimportant because its all abouthaving a system in place totake care of soldiers. After thisdeployment, we know each other so well that well be able to spotpotential problems with our battlebuddies, said Sgt. 1st ClassJeremy Venuti, of Flagstaff, Ariz.,

who is a platoon sergeant withCompany A.

Photo by Angela Geszvain

1st Lt. Todd Geszvain, from Burlington, Wis.,holds his new daughter. He was able to be therefor her birth while he was on leave from Iraq.Geszvain is assigned to Company B, 3rd STB.

Home: 3rd STB looks forward to rst times, good times


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As our deployment comes to anend, I imagine we are all excitedabout going home and spendingquality time with our loved oneswho have been eagerly waiting for our return. What a wonderful timeof reunion this will be! Our heartsare soaring with great anticipation.

As I look around and see theSoldiers whose steps seem a bitlighter with brighter countenance,now that we see our counterpart

Soldiers appearing in largenumbers, I know I share everyonesexcitement. I look upon all theSoldiers and civilians who camewith us as faithful heroes whoresponded to our nations call.

As I see familiar faces everyday, I am simply amazed at howdutifully and faithfully they havebeen carrying out their work in themidst of various challenges. Wehave lived through the scorchingdays in the desert and now throughthe cold nights of Iraqi winter.

The Iron Brigade warriors havedone a remarkable job throughoutthis deployment. Everyone who isredeploying should be recognizedand commended for the greatwork done in service to our nation.Every deployment experience is

unique, and we come away withrenewed sense of commitment and

make sacri ces associated withour time away from our families.

Although we do not enjoythe separation aspect of thedeployment, we gain somethingintangible. Weve learned to relyon our fellow Soldiers who werethere for us when we needed them.We have learned to share our liveswith our battle buddies and weknow how much we care for oneanother.

Friendships have been forged,and memories have been searedin our minds. Weve learned totrust our leaders to care for us inthe ways we would never haveexperienced. We are better menand women because of what wevegone through collectively. I knowwe will be more mature spouses toour loved ones back home, moremature parents to our children, andmore mature children to our parentswho love us unconditionally.

As we reintegrate with our families back home, we want toremember to be soft, gentle, patientand understanding throughout thisprocess. Everything takes timeand patience. Overlooking othersmistakes or faults goes a long wayin building solid relationships.

We want to be as gentle with our loved ones, as we try to adjust to

our life back in the states. Wevedone well while we were out here,and now it is a great time for us toshow that weve matured.

Even as we interact with our loved ones, remember to bethoughtful, and considerate. Wewill be amazed how our familiesand friends will appreciate our effort. Lets take away positivegains from this experience so thatwe may continue to serve with asense of pride and commitment.We should be proud to wear theStars and Stripes on our rightshoulder, as we leave Iraq andreturn home.

God bless all the proud brothersand sisters of Iron Brigade and thefamilies represented from now and

forever more!

Maj. John LimBrigade Chaplain

3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans toprosper you and not harm you, plans to give hope and a future.

-Jeremiah 29:11


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help themselves, the 3rd Adviseand Assist Brigade, 4th InfantryDivision, opened the Iron

Stronghold Resiliency Center onCamp Adder November 2010,where Soldiers can seek support inthe ve pillars of ComprehensiveSoldier Fitness: Physical,Emotional, Spiritual, Family, andSocial.

The new program is designedto bring the emotional, social,spiritual and Family aspectsof tness to the same level of

importance and cultural acceptanceas physical tness.

Aside from games, computersand movies, which allow them torelax from the various stressorsof a deployment and connect withfriends and family, Soldiers mayseek help from the chaplain, anutritionist or the equal opportunityrepresentative.

3rd AAB strengthens Soldiers beyond physical training

A few years ago, a deployed

Soldier looking for help on anemotional level had few resourcesoutside of a behavioral healthprovider. And too often, seeinga behavioral health professionalcame with an unwanted side effect:the negative stigma and perceivedweakness associated with askingfor help.

Over the last two years, theArmys continuing efforts to help

Soldiers deal with the pressuresof deployment have expanded toa variety of resources at home andoverseas designed to help Soldiersbalance issues with emotionalhealth, family relationships,combat-related stress and self con dence all the while reducingthe stigma.

In its own effort to help Soldiers

by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs

Photo by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin

Sgt. Blake Pittman, an intelligence analyst from the 110th Combat Sustained Support Battalion outof Tifton, Ga., relaxes by playing a video game after work. Pittman comes to the Resiliency Center almost every evening after work, exercising the social aspect of the Armys Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program on Camp Adder.

Sgt. Blake Pittman goes to thecenter almost every evening after work, exercising the social aspect

of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.He has also begun volunteeringduring the evenings, when thecenter is busy, helping out at thefront desk.

Ive spent a lot of time in themovie room. A couple of mycoworkers and I had a semi-regular movie night for awhile.Depending on whos with me, Imight also play some Xbox or

ping pong, said Pittman, assignedto the 110th Combat SustainedSupport Battalion out of Tifton,Ga.

Pittman, who is originally fromDouglasville, Ga., also encourageshis friends to use the center.

Now that the Resiliency Center is open, its become a home away

See Health Page 7


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charge, assigned to 3rd Battalion,29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rdAAB.

Pittman believes that theComprehensive Soldier Fitnessprogram, which is guiding units

to create resources like the IronStronghold, is vital to the Armyand to Soldiers.

I have some military backgroundwith my family, and hearing

stories from them, I get a feelingthat things are much better now,he said. Think about the clichdimage of the homeless vet beggingfor alms on the street corner. Thatits become a stereotype of sorts is

a travesty. We need to take careof our veterans, and I believe [theresiliency center] helps because itbuilds better Soldiers.

The center has seen more than6,000 people come through thedoors in the last few month,and with reoccurring events andinnovative ways to reach Soldiers,the Soldiers who run the center hope to attract a whole lot more.

Everyones friendly, and Ifeel more comfortable talking tothem. Going to [the clinic] seemsdaunting because its a clinicalsetting, and that atmosphere justisnt present here, said Pittman.Taking the stigma away fromseeking help is a huge step in theright direction.


from home, another place tounwind, he said.

In addition to spiritual andnutritional guidance, Soldierscan take classes in yoga,

communication techniques, anger management, and relaxationmethods.

The Iron Stronghold was builtby 3rd AAB Soldiers for use byevery Soldier on Camp Adder andits outlying bases. Soldiers run thecenter to keep it open 24/7.

The center helps Soldiers dealwith their problems by showingthem better ways to think aboutsituations, what is really causingthem to feel a certain way, howto be optimistic about situations,how to control their emotions,and lastly it helps them realizethat its okay to ask for help, saidStaff Sgt. Sebastian Zarasua, of Crawford, Neb., and the centersnoncommissioned of cer in

Health: The Iron Brigade uses Comphrehensive Soldier Fitness to take care of its veterans and build better Soldiers

Photo by Spc. Khori Johnson

Spc. Jeremiah Juhlin, of Cottonwood, Ariz.,concentrates while he takes his next shot in agame of pool at the Iron Stronghold.


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Bulldogs prepare to end fourth tour in support of Iraq

Since the initial moments of

Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003,the world has been watchingIraqs story unfold. While mostare familiar with Iraqs journey,Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29thField Artillery Regiment, has beentrudging across its landscape fromits liberation to rebirth.

As the Bulldog Batteryapproaches the end of its fourthdeployment to Iraq, it has becomeapparent to them how much hardwork and dedication they haveput into the advancement of thiscountry.

During OIF I, which was ahigh-intensity combat situation,the Battery B Bulldogs providedcannon re to support Soldiers onthe ground, according to 1st Sgt.Craig Collins, who has been withthe unit since 2004.

These operations includedillumination missions that couldbring sunlight during twilight,smoke missions that could provideconcealment to an entire platoon,and re missions that couldeliminate or suppress any threat.

After arriving in Iraq to supportOIF 10-11 and Operation New

by Spc. Khori D. Johnson3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs

Photo by 1st Sgt. Craig Collins

Field artillery Soldiers establish a line of protection during a security operation near Nasiriyah, Iraq.

Battery B, 3rd Bn., 29th FA Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., conducts route-clearing and maneuveringoperations in southern Iraq.

Dawn, Battery B conductedoperations at Joint Security StationJenkins as a quick reaction force,

where they were required to beready at a moments notice torespond to a variety of situationsor threats. They also partneredwith nearby Iraqi security forces toassist in maintaining security andstability.

Following the closure of JSSJenkins, the Bulldogs movedoperations to Camp Adder, wherethey assumed the route clearanceand maneuver missions, ensuringsafe travel on the roadwaysfor Iraqi citizens and militarypersonnel.

The Bulldog Battery is one of the key elements in the battalionseffort, said Battery Commander,

Capt. Wyatt Brown.We cover thousands of kilometers a week, he said.

According to Collins, theBulldogs have cleared more than40,000 kilometers of roadwayssince assuming the mission.

Theyve also worked closelywith the Iraqi Police and the IraqiHighway Patrol to keep the roadssafe.

Along with route clearance, thebattery conducts missions to

See Progress Page 9


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prevent indirect re and improvised

explosive devices against Iraqi andU.S. forces.Our Soldiers have had a huge

impact on this area, said Collins.Sometimes its transparent, andyou dont see how much goodyou are doing because nothinghappens. But our actions haveprevented a lot of things fromhappening. Weve prevented theseinsurgent elements from having

freedom of movement and gettingto do whatever they want to do.

Although patrolling roadscan be a monotonous task, theBulldog leadership prevents anypotential complacency by keepingthe Soldiers well rested and wellinformed.

Were the working horse of the battalion, said Sgt. MitchellMarks, of Tif n, Ohio, a cannoncrew member. Our chain of command usually tries to scheduleour missions so that we getmaximum rest. They know howimportant that is.

During mission briefs, theBulldog leadership gives their Soldiers up-to-date statistics,

charts, and graphs, so they can seerst-hand the results of their hard

work.Able to see the fruits of their labor, they continue to staymotivated during their day-to-day operations, said Spc. JoshuaPeters, a cannon crew member from Lincoln, Neb.

Since the Bulldogs spend somuch time outside the wire, theyhave forged positive relationshipswith both the security forces and thepeople of Iraq. Such relationshipsare critical to the synchronizationof the security effort.

Relationships are a pacingitem, said Brown, referring to theArmys term for a mission-criticalpiece of equipment. We cannotafford to lose a good relationship,not only with our ISF partners, butwith the local populace as well. We

always make sure to respect themand their culture in everything wedo when we are in their area.

Recently, a citizen within theBulldogs area of responsibilitywitnessed insurgents emplacingan IED with the intent to harmU.S. forces. Due to the strongbond that the Bulldogs have with

the people in the area, the witnessreported it to the Iraqi army, who

was then able to catch the culpritsand prevent anyone from beingharmed.

Thats one point for the goodguys, said Collins. Every oneof our guys is an ambassador for the United States, and they actaccordingly. We dont do anythingthat would be disrespectful to theIraqis, because its unprofessionaland goes against the very grain of what were trying to accomplish inthis country.

Be it dropping shells in OIF I or clearing the roadways in OperationNew Dawn, the Bulldogs areinvested in working toward abrighter future for Iraqs nextgeneration.

I hope that once we nallycomplete our mission here, we

leave this country in a better condition than that of the Saddamera. And I think weve reallyplanted the seeds for that, saidCollins. Back in 2003, during thecourse of my patrols in Baghdad, Iknew an elderly gentleman that hadthree or four small children. Mygoal is that I want those children tohave a free society to grow up in.

Progress: Bulldog Soldiers gain motivation with solid statistics


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Company D trained the Iraqileaders on everything from care andmaintenance of the new weapons

to basic ri e marksmanship.As the 3rd AAB prepares toredeploy back home to FortCarson, Colo., in March, the visitto this range shows exactly whatthey came to southern Iraq to do.

Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Ramirez, anarmor crewmember in CompanyD, known as the Dark Knights,was one of the instructors for theIraqi Army on the M-16 and washappy to see how the range wasgoing during his visit.

I think its a great event,seeing the Iraqis train up their ownsoldiers, said Ramirez, a nativeof San Antonio, Texas. Its a greatfeeling seeing the progress that wehave made with these soldiers andsee how far theyve come sincewe rst deployed out here to now,towards the end of our deploymenthere.

To celebrate their partnership,the U.S. and Iraqi forces arranged

Iraqi army unit conducts rst solo ri e range

The explosive bangs of ring

ri es and the whiz of the bulletsecho off the massive berm at thefar end of the ring range. Theunits second day of marksmanshiptraining on the M-16 ri e is astypical as any basic training canbe. Half-way through the day, the

rst U.S. Army Soldiers show upto pay a visit and see how their Iraqi counterparts are doing, nowthat they are training on their own.

The company of Iraqi soldiersin the 38th Iraqi Army Brigadeassigned to the 10th Iraqi ArmyDivision, are learning to bepro cient with the M-16 ri esprovided by U.S. Forces after switching from the AK-47.

Company D, 1st Battalion, 8thInfantry Regiment, 3rd Adviseand Assist Brigade, 4th InfantryDivision, has helped the Iraqiarmy division in Maysan makethe switch to the new weaponswith training that began in July.

by Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs

Photos by Sgt. Christopher H. Jelle

Left: Spc. Joshua Felts, an infantryman from Hemphill, Texas and assigned to Company D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., competes withan Iraqi soldier of the 38th IA Bde., 10th IA Div., during an M-16 range in Maysan, Iraq, Feb. 9. Right : Iraqi soldiers of the 38th IA Bde., 10th IA Div., scoretheir target during an M-16 ring range in Maysan, Iraq, Feb. 9.

a friendly shooting competition.After a quick practice round anda few small sight adjustments,

one of the Iraqi soldiers and Spc.Joshua Felts, an infantryman fromHemphill, Texas, red ten roundsat a target 200 meters down-range.The perfect 10 out of 10 from bothcompetitors underscores the levelof pro ciency that these Soldiersadhere to.

This is the second time we shoothere, said the Iraqi companycommander who was enthusiastic

about seeing better scores from hissoldiers this time, compared to thelast. Im sure the more experiencethey get with training, the higher marks they will attain.

One of the Iraqi soldiersexpressed great appreciation for all the hard work and training fromthe American Soldiers who workedto ensure their training was doneright and able to be passed on tothe future Iraqi soldiers.


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by Pvt. Chastity R. Boykin3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., Public Affairs

While there have been far fewer combat-related deaths than in previousyears, motorcycle accidents have been onthe rise.

In scal year 2010, the Army reported

115 privately owned vehicle fatalities, 40of which were on motorcycles.In scal year 2011, motorcycle crashes

made up 50 percent of POV fatalities.Now is the time of a traditional springspike or high risk period for Soldiers.The risk is even greater for Soldiers whoare just returning home from deployment.

For the 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade,4th Infantry Division, the loss of a life for any reason is unacceptable, and leaders atall levels will emphasis motorcycle safetyfor all returning Soldiers.

According to the 4th Infantry DivisionsCommand Motorcycle Safety Policy,preventative measures include mandatorytraining, leader mentorship, and thereinforcement of a Soldiers personalresponsibility to keep safe.

Military leaders have extra leveragein changing behavior, and they arequickly adapting what they know aboutrisk management and applying it to

motorcyclist training. Regulationsmandate the use of helmets, safetygear, training, and other measuresregardless of state law. Violators canbe punished under the Uniform Codeof Military Justice.

Additionally, unit mentorshipprograms will go into effect at brigade,battalion, and company levels.

Unit mentors must have ve years of experience as a licensed motorcyclistand must have completed all requiredtraining. The unit mentor will beresponsible for advising Soldiers onall safety requirements, purchasingand maintaining safe motorcycles andpersonal protective equipment, andpromoting unit safety standards. Also,mentors are responsible for organizingunit riding events that promote safety.

Soldiers must complete all required

training before riding motorcycles or even being allowed to register their motorcycle on Fort Carson.

The Basic Rider Course is theinitial step for all new riders. In thiscourse, Soldiers learn basic ridingskills and steps for licensing. One year after completion of the basic course,Soldiers must take the ExperiencedRiders Course to learn new skills and

be evaluated on the skills they havedeveloped the previous year.

Soldiers who ride sport or touringbikes must complete the MilitarySports Bike Riders Course in lieu of the Experienced Riders Course, inorder to learn skills speci c to thesports bikes.

Soldiers who have completed alltraining, but have been deployed for more than six months, must completethe Motorcycle Refresher Courseupon returning to Fort Carson beforeriding.

Soldiers are also responsible for wearing and maintaining the proper personal protective equipment.Helmets must meet DOT standardsand safety glasses or goggles mustmeet or exceed ANSI Safety CodeZ87.1. PPE also includes long sleevedshirts or jacket, long pants and gloves.Additionally, motorcyclists must wear a highly visible jacket or vest in thedaytime and re ective vest at night.

For more information contactCarlos Ortiz, brigade tactical safetyspecialist at:

[email protected]


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Iron Soldiers nd useful hobbiesduring their deployment

While being deployed for the last11 months, Soldiers of CompanyF, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Advise and AssistBrigade, 4th Infantry Division,have discovered hobbies and skillsthat have bene ted the unit, fellowSoldiers and families back home.

Many Soldiers spend their timeoff in the gym or in front of a

game console, but the Soldiersof Company F have found someconstructive ways to spend thedeployment.

After deploying last March, Pvt.Benjamin D. Corson, an armamentrepair specialist, was assigned asthe repair and utilities specialist,

by Capt. Mark Nettles1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Photo by Capt. Mark Nettles

Members of Company F, 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div., inspect sheet metaldesigns of the battalion crest. Sgt. Ricki French,a welder, from Louisville, Ill., made these plaquesof the battalions crest.

building, repairing and maintaining

the battalions working and livingareas.This position has allowed him

to pass his rst deployment veryquickly. I get in the zone andthe hours quickly disappear,said Corson about carpentry, hisfavorite hobby.

The 25-year-old has built manythings for the unit to include amorale, welfare and recreation

theater that seats 45, a fully-functioning wood shop, woodensniper shades for the companysvehicles, display cases, coveredwalkways, and a podium. Corsonis most proud of an Iraqi weapons

See Hobbies Page 13

capabilities of the DBE in theeastern most point of the BasraProvince.

Training the Iraqis in our ownbackyard allows us to go intodetail and spend time on topicsthat would be dif cult to teach[elsewhere], said Spc. EduardoZamora from Denver, Colo.

The instruction included rstaid, map reading, patrolling, andvehicle and personnel searches.The Blackfoot troopersintegrated real-life scenariosinto training which allowed for a deeper understanding of thematerial. The cavalry trooperstested their DBE counterparts withpractical exercises at the end of

Blackfoot Soldiers train Department of Border

Enforcement at JSS Minden

The Soldiers from Troop B, 4thSquadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment,recently hosted a training courseat JSS Minden for the 9thBrigade, Department of Border Enforcement.

Attached to the 1st Battalion,68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Adviseand Assist Brigade, 4th InfantryDivision, the cavalry troopersinvested a tremendous amount of time, hard work and dedication,which all came together during the

rst day of training at JSS Minden.The training was designed

speci cally to increase the

by Spc. Joshua McBride4th Sqdn., 10th Cavalry Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Photo by Pfc. Jesse Vint

Sgt. Carlos Murray teaches members of the 9thBde, 4th DBE Region how to read a map. Murrayis assigned to Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav.Reg., which is currently attached to 1st Bn., 68thArmor Reg., 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

each training day.The Department of Border

Enforcement handles personneland vehicular traf c on a daily

See Training Page 14


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display case in the battalionheadquarters.

I made something professional

out of plywood and wood glue, hesaid. I was always taught quality

rst, even if it takes extra time.The Land-O-Lakes, Fla., native

loves carpentry and began histrade at age nine under the tutelageof his father. Even though his jobas the battalion carpenter is endingsoon, Corson looks forward toexpanding his carpentry skills after returning to Fort Carson, Colo.

Im working on getting acontractor license for Coloradoand do construction business onthe weekends, said Corson. Mydream is to one day own a customfurniture business.

Corson isnt the only Soldier who is using this deployment toful ll a dream. Sgt. Ricki French,a Bradley Fighting Vehicle system

maintainer, wants to change hismilitary occupational specialtymore to his liking.

When the companys MOS-trained welder was transferred,French became the welder bydefault and has enjoyed the job.

The native of Louisville, Ill., hasbeen xing equipment and weldingsince he was 14, working on his

neighbors corn and soybean farm.French nds value in being able toweld and create things with metal.

Stuff costs too much to letsomeone else x it. I get to makesomething out of nothing, he saidwith a grin.

The 27-year-old is usuallyfound in the battalion motor poolfabrication shop, a facility hehelped build, bent over a pieceof metal in a pair of soot-stainedcoveralls. His work for thebattalion is needed most when the

project is either too expensive or unique to buy.While in Iraq, French has builtagpoles, security doors, gates,

equipment racks, fences, BBQgrills, and repaired dozens of damaged vehicles and containers.But Frenchs real skill as a welder really shines through in some of his more unusual projects.

The welder made 12-inch-

high copies of the Silver LionsBattalion crest out of plate steel.The crests were used for a varietyof purposes around the battalionsarea of operation.

I am most proud of the unitcrests, said French. I want peopleto look at them and appreciate howdif cult they were to build.

While some Soldiers were honing

skills as a part of their deployedduties, others were spendingtheir down time developing other unique hobbies.

Spc. Adam Rivera, a petroleumspecialist, did not mean to developa new hobby when he wasteleconferencing with his 3-year-old son A.J. a few months ago.

My son likes superheroes,said the Union City, N.J. native,Superman and Wolverine.

Rivera drew his son a pictureof a superhero with an M4 ri e.

His son promptly asked his father for that superhero for Christmas.The idea was planted and Riverawent to work transforming thedrawing into workable blueprints.According the Rivera, it took manyhours of his free time to design onhis computer.

Rivera sent the computer renderings to a company in NewYork City and had a six-inch

plastic action gure with movablearms and legs built. The entireproject cost $35 to mold, cast andpaint the action gure.

A.J. opened the present onChristmas Day and receiveddaddys toy. He forgot aboutthe rest of his toys, said Rivera.My son has a toy nobody elsehas.

Hobbies: Special skills being used for the Army and Family


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Continued from Page 12basis. Instructing them on howto search for contraband inuncommon locations allows for amore secure border and ultimatelya safer Iraq, said Pfc. SterlingMurphy from Fredericksburg, Va.

The training event concludedwith the trainees planning andexecuting a dismounted patrol toestablish an overnight observationpost near the Shat al ArabWaterway. The trainees exercisedtroop leading procedures, mapreading techniques, and thefundamentals of patrolling tocomplete their mission.

Spc. Joshua Forbes, from Casey,Ill., said he was excited to see theDBE troops take such initiativeand apply everything they learnedduring the nal mission of thetraining course.

Training: Ensuringa safer enviromentfor all Iraqis

Photo by Pfc. Jesse Vint

Spc. Jared Diaz, Spc. Eduardo Zamora, andSpc. Josh McBride instruct critical life savingskills during a rst aid class for the 9th Bde, 4thDBE Region. All three Soldiers are assigned toTroop B, 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., which iscurrently attached to 1st Bn., 68th Armor Reg.,3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div.

Iron Soldiers gain resilience throughthe help of Iron Strong Program

The 3rd Advise and AssistBrigade, 4th Infantry Divisionrecently initiated the Iron StrongProgram, a program operated outof the Iron Stronghold ResiliencyCenter on Camp Adder whichdemonstrates the brigadesdedication to the Army-wideComprehensive Soldier Fitnesscampaign.

The Iron Strong Program is aninitiative which brings Soldiersfrom every battalion to CampAdder to have a break from their daily mission and participate inactivities designed to enhanceSoldiers resiliency.

The whole concept of theprogram is to have Soldiers comeand take a knee, said Staff Sgt.Sebastian Zarasua, the resiliency

center noncommissioned of cer in charge, from Crawford,Neb., assigned to Headquartersand Headquarters Battery, 3rdBattalion, 29th Field ArtilleryRegiment.

We aim to give them sometime off, create a very relaxedenvironment, and while theyrehere away from their units, givethem some good classes based onthe ve pillars of ComprehensiveSoldier Fitness.

Throughout the program,Soldiers are exposed to the vepillars of Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: Physical, Emotional,Spiritual, Family, and Social. Eachpillar is represented by resiliencycenter staff members, like the


Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

3rd AAB Soldiers listen intently during one of many class sessions during the Iron StrongProgram, which is an initiative forged by theleadership of the 3rd AAB, 4th Inf. Div..

brigade chaplain for the spiritualpillar and a nutritionist for the

physical pillar.One of the bene ts of assemblinga mixture of Soldiers from all over the brigade lies in the fact that theyget to meet and get to know a widerange of Soldiers and military

occupational specialties.Once they break the ice, the

mixed group of Soldiers makesfor a very positive and supportiveenvironment, said Spc. JustinHowell, an infantryman fromFort Collins, Colo., assigned toCompany A, 1st Battalion, 8thInfantry Regiment.

While the Soldiers learn how tomanage stress and become more

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resilient, they also get the chance

to kick back and enjoy a little timeoff through barbecues, karaoke,and other fun activities.

With the program recentlynishing its second iteration, there

has been a very positive responseby participating Soldiers.

It was a really nice break.Also, seeing some new faces wasreally helpful, said Spc. ShannonNastold, an Arabic linguist fromCincinnati, Ohio, assigned toCompany A, 3rd Special TroopsBattalion.

Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

Staff members of the Iron Stronghold ResiliencyCenter and other 3rd AAB Soldiers, who aretaking part in the Iron Strong Program, enjoy agood time with a little karaoke.

Break: Soldiers take a knee, rechargetheir batteries to accomplish the mission

all from Company A; Sgt. AlekseyKolyushin, Sgt. Steve McGloin,Sgt. Robert McHugh, Sgt. MatthewPerry, Sgt. Corey Trammell, and

Sgt. James Williams, all fromCompany B; and Sgt. MackeyIssac with the 422nd MilitaryPolice Company.

The ceremony placed speci cemphasis on what makes a goodleader and several portions of theceremony, such as the recitationof the NCO Creed, brought lightto what is expected of the newly-inducted NCOs who are allassigned to 3rd STB, 3rd Adviseand Assist Brigade, 4th InfantryDivision.

Ive been around a lot of great NCOs who I have learnedfrom, said Arend, a re supportspecialist from San Diego, Calif.Ive learned to have loyalty tomy Soldiers through them. Also,

Phoenix Battalion holds NCO Induction Ceremony

The 3rd Special TroopsBattalion recently welcomed 23

noncommissioned of cers into theNCO Corps during an inductionceremony at Memorial Hall onCamp Adder Feb. 4.

The inductees were Sgt. CliffordArend, Sgt. Jared Boss, Sgt.Kevin Broderick, Sgt. SamuelBrown, Sgt. Matthew Murr, Sgt.Nicolai Rosario, and Sgt. GilbertoSalinas, all with Headquartersand Headquarters Troop; Sgt.Crystalynn Johnson, Sgt. AnthonyPalumba, Sgt. Shaun Phillips, Sgt.Steven Thorsen, and Sgt. DeniseWilkie, all from Headquarters andHeadquarters Company.

Also inducted were Sgt. JeffreyCollins, Sgt. Jeremy Klingler, Sgt.Amon Santiago, Sgt. Christopher Szuhay, and Sgt. Mark Wangerien,



Sgt. Clifford Arend, a re support specialist fromSan Diego, Calif., takes his rst steps as anaccepted member of the NCO Corps during 3rdSTBs NCO Induction Ceremony at MemorialHall at Camp Adder Feb. 4.

Ive learned that integrity is animportant quality to have. Youhave to lead by example.

See Break Page 16


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Col. James E. RaineyCommander

Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. WilsonCommand Sergeant Major

Maj. Alan S. BrownPublic Affairs Of cer

Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. JohnsonPublic Affairs Noncommissioned Of cer

Staff WritersSgt. Christopher H. Jelle

Spc. Khori D. JohnsonPvt. Chastity R. Boykin

The Iron Advisor is produced in the interestof the Soldiers of the 3rd Advise and AssistBrigade, 4th Infantry Division. The Iron Advisor is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1.

Contents of the Iron Advisor are notnecessarily the views of, nor endorsed by theU.S. Government, Department of Defense,Department of the Army or the 4th InfantryDivision. All editorial content of the Iron Advisor is prepared, edited, provided and approved by

Public Affairs Of ce the 3rd AAB Public Affairs Office.The Iron Advisor welcomes article

commentary, and photos from readers. The IronAdvisor reserves the right to edit submissionselected for the publication.

All issues of the Iron Advisor can be vieweonline from your home computer at:

www.facebook.com/3bct4idSubmissions should be emailed to

Staff Sgt. Nathaniel G. Johnson [email protected]


Page 16


Command Sgt. Maj. Leida

Anderson, the battalion sergeantmajor, hopes the ceremony instillsa level of con dence and pridein the inductees that will drivethem to do well in their careers asleaders.

This makes NCOs step up andfully understand their responsibilityof when they accepted the rank of sergeant, she said.

Every NCO has taken the

necessary steps to make sure thatthey are successful in their jobs,said Anderson. I hope that whenwe transition back to garrison, weput forth that effort to ensure thatwe are as successful in garrison aswe have been [in Iraq].


1st Sgt. Shawn Carns, with HHT, leads a formation of 23 newly-inducted NCOs in the Charge of theNoncommissioned Of cer during the 3rd STBs NCO Induction Ceremony at Memorial Hall at CampAdder Feb. 4.

Leaders: Joiningthe NCO Corps

iron advisor volume i issue vii

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