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VIGILANT TIMESVol. 1, Issue 10 18th Military Police Brigade Newsletter September, 2005

Vigilant Times page I

ABU GHRAIB, Iraq - A remem-brance dedication ceremony was heldJuly 31 at Forward Operating BaseAbu Ghraib to unveil a wall of honorto be erected at one of the camps aptlynamed Camp Remembrance.

Camp Remembrance was named tohonor the heroes of Sept. 11. A wall ofplaques was revealed here to honorthe firefighters, police officers andcourt officials who died that day. Thiswall is in addition to the 306th MilitaryPolice Battalion Wall of Remem-brance the camp already had.

The 306th MP Bn. dedicates each dayof service in Iraq to one New Yorklaw enforcement official who diedSept. 11, 2001.

Guest speakers spoke to a crowd ofAbu Ghraib’s law enforcementprofessionals as well as several otherswho gathered for the unveilingceremony.

“Hard work, dedication and goodvalues were instilled in these people.They never turned their backs on afriend,” said Lt. Col. John Hussey,306th MP Bn. commander. “The copacross the street, the fireman nextdoor - that’s who is taking care of my

wife and kids while I’m here.”

“I didn’t know anyone who died onSept. 11, thank God, but in a way Iknow all of them,” added Hussey. “Irespect and understand all of them.”

The battalion is made up mostly ofNew Yorkers, but that’s almost acommon denominator after Sept. 11.

“Everyone serving in the military is aNew York City citizen when we seeCamp Remembrance,” said Col.James Brown, 18th Military PoliceBrigade commander.

He challenged those participating inOperation Iraqi Freedom to see CampRemembrance and want to change theworld and help create one without thehatred.

Maj. Gen. William Brandenburg, TaskForce 134 Detainee Operationscommander, noted how appropriate aname Camp Remembrance is.

“Several names were recommendedfor the camp. I can’t think of a bettername,” Brandenburg said. “Your rootsas a unit are in New York and NewJersey - police officers and firefightersfrom that area. You are one of thefinest units in theater.”

“Know you’ve made a difference,”added Brandenburg. “A simpleceremony today will make a differ-ence for those who follow.”

FOB Abu Ghraib is currently run bythe U.S. Army Reserve’s 306th MPBn., out of Uniondale, NY. Some ofits leadership also serve as cityofficials in New York. Hussey is achief clerk in the Rockland SupremeCourt System and the battalionsergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj.(cont’d on page 4)

Camp RemembranceNew detainee compound dedicatedto September 11 victims

Sgt. 1st Class Carolanne DiggsTask Force 134 Public Affairs

Chief Warrant Officer Jose Soto and Staff Sgt. George Mauras from the 306th MilitaryPolice Battalion stand at attention during a dedication ceremony for a new detaineecompound at Abu Ghraib prison July 31. The compound is dedicated to the memory ofthe N.Y. police officers and firefighters who perished on September 11, 2001 in theWorld Trade Center tragedy. (Photo by Sgt. Lynne Steely)

Brigade Briefs• September Birthdays

06- SPC Daniel Bandeira11- CPT Wayne Ludwig16- SGT Jared Dutka18- 1LT Shikith Russell19- MSG Tim Gilmore21- SFC Timothy French23- SSG Emmanuel Lorenzo24- PFC Lonnie Coleman

• There will be an M4/M9qualification range heldSeptember 13-16.

• A MK19 qualificationrange will held September21.

• There will be a recordAPFT test October 3 and4 for all personnel.

• We have approximatelysix weeks left until wemove. Plan ahead andstart packing or throwingaway your excess belong-ings.

CountdownAs of Sept. 1

64more days until we transferauthority to the 43rd MP

Brigade

Vol. 1, Issue 10 Vigilant Times September, 2005

VIGILANT TIMESProduced by the 18th Military Police Brigade

Public Affairs Office, Baghdad, IraqPhone: DSN 302-2422-0112

Maj. Rob Simmons.....................................S-1 OICSgt. Lynne Steely............................Photojournalist

Vigilant Times page II

SoldiersThe life of a soldier

Is based on the soldierNo one made you join

You joined on your ownNo one is going to promote you

You have to get yourself promotedThe military is not an automatic

careerYou have to make it a career

To be a soldierYou have to want to be one

The life of a soldierIs based on the soldier

Larry William PompeoB 2nd 111th FA

Camp Bucca, IraqMarch 9, 2005

War TimeI am a soldier from the time of war

I look at the inside of my enemy’s eyesBombs lighting the night skyOut here if you choose fear

You will surely die For I am an American soldier

In the line of duty in a far away landHere I stand tall upon the dry land

With my rifle in my handGetting orders from everyone

I think about the ones I left behindNot knowing if I will ever get backI have a lot of pride and loyalty

Trying to free a countryTo make a better land

My spirit is strongMy flesh is weak

God help us to stand On our own two feet

Larry William PompeoB 2nd 111th FA

Camp Bucca, IraqApril 10, 2005


COMMANDERS CORNERBy Col. James B. Brown

DearFamilies,Friends andComradesof the 18th

MP Bri-gade!

The hottestmonth ofthe year has come and gone for usin Iraq and the cool weather andreplacements are on the way! Nowmore than ever is the time to beEVER VIGILANT with respect tosafety, standards, leadership anddiscipline. Here in Iraq, we arestressing the Soldier and CombatDisciplines that have helped us somuch throughout the year. Themost dangerous drive we all take, isthe one home when we are comfort-able and fatigued. Please re-commit yourself to consider safetyand proper risk assessment in allthat you do. We are lookingforward to our reunions with lovedones in a few months and we needto be safe here as well as our lovedones being safe where they are.

August was quite an eventful monthfor us. It opened with a greatvictory over a three man team ofterrorists that the 617th MP companyengaged and eliminated in Baghdad.Unfortunately, the day after thisvictory, we lost a dear friend andcomrade—SSG James “Jimmy”McNaughton. The lead article inthis month’s newsletter is about ourcommemoration and dedication ofCamp Remembrance at Abu Ghraibto our Fallen Law EnforcementHeroes from 9/11. SSG James

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McNaughton was one of the PoliceOfficers responding to 9/11 in NewYork City. He was also one of ourheroes here and we miss himterribly. Jimmy was the first NYCPoliceman to fall in battle here inIraq and his death was declared aNYC Police Line of Duty Death.This is because New York Cityunderstands that every free citizenhas a stake in this war and indefeating the forces of terror.Fortunately LTC John Hussey, thecommander of the 306th MP Battal-ion, was able to attend the funeral inNew York. Please join us incontinuing to pray for Jimmy’sparents and brother and his fiancéand fellow comrades who miss himso.

August has also been a month oftransitions for the 18th MP Brigade,we have taken over all theaterdetainee operations in Iraq and the503d MP Battalion is being re-missioned to another unit. We willmiss our Enforcer brothers andsisters, and we have had such awonderful run together. TheSpartans of the 793d MP Battalionare back home in the 18th MPBrigade though and that is awonderful development! Big kudosalso go out to the entire S5 team forthe completion of our project andwork in getting the Iraqi HighwayPatrol completely established andrunning out of its new nationalheadquarters! MAJ Andy Johnsonand his great team which includesCPT Taylor Lyle, LT Steve Lemelin,and included SSG JimmyMcNaughton, have much to beproud of. The IHP is going to be an

enduring law enforcement organiza-tion in Iraq and it is all thanks to the16th and 18th MP Brigades!

August brought the arrival of the785th MP Battalion from Fraser, MIunder the command of LTC RodFaulk. Much of the team has priordeployed experience at GITMO andthey have done a fantastic job insettling in and taking over the reinsat Camp Bucca! A warm thank-youand well done go out to all ourcomrades of the 105th MP Battalionas they complete their mission withus at Camp Bucca and head backhome to the hills of North Carolina.Thank you both LTC Tim Houserand CSM Lonnie Webster forleading such an outstanding teamthrough a challenging year at CampBucca!

We continue to receive tremendoussupport from a multitude of Ameri-can teammates at home in the U.S.who send us gifts and packages tosustain us and that make it possibleto keep working without having torun to the PX for a new toothbrushor soap etc. The support of theAmerican people has been amazingand shows us that our work here isappreciated.

Finally, I’d like to thank the fami-lies and loved ones of our Soldierswho have served so selflessly andhave raised and run our families.Your service to our country is notforgotten. Happy Labor Day to alland until we meet again, we shallremain…EVER VIGILANT!Col. Jim Brown, VIGILANT 6


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Michael Donohue, is a New YorkCity police sergeant.

“We’re fighting this global warbased on what happened on 9-11.These were the first to die. Theirmemory should never be forgotten,”Hussey said.

Each day, Hussey mails a letter to theNew York Fire Officers Union anddedicates that day of service to aparticular firefighter who died onSept. 11. The union forwards theletter to the family member.

A name is added to the wall ofremembrance each day, displayednext to photos of hundreds ofSeptember 11 heroes.

July 31, the day of the ceremony, wasdedicated to Firefighter MartinMcWilliams, FDNY, Engine 22.

306th MP Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. John Hussey, speaks at the Camp Remembrancededication ceremony July 31. (Photo by Sgt. Lynne Steely)

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Hometown Heroes

Chief Warrant OfficerJose L. Soto

The 306th Military PoliceBattalion’s Property BookOfficer, Chief WarrantOfficer Jose L. Soto, iscurrently at ForwardOperating Base Abu Ghraibserving in Support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom.Soto, a reservist fromBronx, N.Y., has not only

served his country in themilitary for the past 17years, he’s also a N.Y.police officer, keeping thestreets safe back on thehomefront.“Joining the military is onething (of two) that I alwayswanted to do,” said Soto.“The other is police work.”Soto has been with theNYPD for eight years andhas worked in severaldepartments. His lastassignment before his unitwas mobilized in December,2004 was working inCommunity Affairs. Heattended community, civicand town hall meetings,keeping the departmentinformed about what wasgoing on in the local public.

He also ensured thatactivity permits were issuedfor parades, block partiesand other public activitieswithin his departments area.As all members of theNYPD did on the morningof Sept. 11, 2001, heresponded to the tragicscene at the World TradeCenter.That morning Soto was offduty and on his way toinstruct a CPR class. Heheard the news as soon ashe entered the building.“At first I thought it was afreak accident when thefirst plane hit,” said Soto.“After the second plane hit,I realized it was deliberateand that there was a realcrisis.”He quickly flagged down apassing fire truck and raced

to the scene. Soto was sentto work at the top of theVerizon buildingapproximately 20 to 30blocks from ground zero,working security andobservation.Coincidently, Soto had metfire officer Ronald Bucca,whom the Camp Buccadetention facility wasnamed for, approximatelyone month prior to thetragedy that took his life.He learned of Bucca’s deathon the 11:00 news thatevening.Soto said he’s happy thatthe camp is dedicated to thelaw enforcement thatperished that day. “We’reremembering our own. Thewall here, and the history ofit will impact units thatcome after us.”

Capt. Frank Sperl

Sgt. Jared Dutka


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Promotions

Staff Sgt. Jamey Watson

Spc. Daniel Bandeira

Spc. Danelle Cavin

Spc. John White


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Iraqi Highway PatrolHQ opens in BaghdadSgt. Lynne Steely

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The Iraqi Highway Patrol

officially opened its new headquarters during a ribbon-

cutting ceremony August 25 in Baghdad.

The location was chosen back in February by members of

the 18th Military Police Brigade in coordination with the

Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq Civil

Affairs and the IHP. The Iraqi government owned site

was once a special police training compound under the

former regime. Construction was underway by April and

completed in late July.

The new headquarters is well received by the officers

who officially moved in and began operations from it on

July 30. The building previously occupied by the IHP

consisted of four ramshackle rooms in a dilapidated

building owned by the Baghdad Major Crimes Unit,

located in an extremely dangerous neighborhood. The

facility was a frequent target of insurgent attacks.

The new building has running water, flushing toilets and

electricity; commonplace commodities for the average

American but a luxury for many Iraqi’s. It is also more

spacious, enabling the officers to conduct maintenance

and small-scale training.

The cost of the renovation totalled approximately $2

million, part of the Iraqi Relief and Reconstruction Fund

allocated by U.S. Congress for the rebuilding of Iraq. The

project included the overhaul of eight buildings, 11 guard

towers, a surrounding wall, new security gates, sewage

system, water, and electricity.

The Iraqi police are not the only ones to benefit from this

large-scale project, however. Outlying communities have

also gained many important, long-term advantages.

“There is now an increased police presence in a neighbor-

hood that desperately needed it,” said Maj. Andy

Johnson, Civil Affairs Officer for the 18th MP Brigade.

“The surrounding neighborhoods have also gained a

working sewer system, running water and electricity.”

The project has also provided employment to over 200

Iraqi workers for over five months said Johnson.

The site is large enough for future expansion as Iraq’s

security forces grow, and its location is ideal due to the

ease of highway access and proximity to the local airport.

This is the site for the new IHP headquarters back in Marchwhen several families were living on the government ownedproperty illegally.

This is what the IHP headquarters looks like today after therenovation. Here the officers prepare for the dedicationceremony.


The violence facing this group of Iraqi police officers on a

daily basis has now decreased to a degree. The headquar-

ters is no longer positioned on a main highway as was the

previous one, where drive-by shootings and small arms

attacks were almost a daily occurrence.

This is a major step towards consolidating Iraqi control

over the security of the main highways and commercial

arteries in Iraq said Johnson.

Johnson and his team monitored the construction process

on a near daily basis and ensured there was adequate

security at the site. Since December, the 18th has overseen

the start of at least six other highway patrol stations which

are currently under construction between the Kuwaiti

border and Baghdad. Upon completion, there will be one

station located every 50-60 kilometers.

Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, MNSTC-I Commander, gave a

special thank you to Johnson and 18th Commander, Col.

Jim Brown, for their tremendous efforts throughout the

past year, helping to transform the IHP.

Petraeus also commended IHP Commissioner, Maj. Gen.

Ali Al Khazali and the officers of the Highway Patrol for

their spirit and dedication.

IHP officers celebrate the opening of their new headquarters.The occassion is a significant event towards the independance ofIraq’s security forces.

“The members of the IHP have demonstrated courage,

initiative and determination. Under the command of Maj.

Gen. Ali, they have come a long way in a short time.”

Petraeus also stressed the importance of honesty, integrity

and cooperation within the organization, with fair and

impartial treatment to all Iraqi’s “to continue the already

courageous path of the IHP.”

“The way ahead will be difficult,” Petraeus told them. “The

enemies of democracy do not want to see Iraq improve.

You have shown you are ready to meet the challenge. Let

me say shukran (thank you) for your service to your

country.”

Also in attendance were Maj. Gen. Ali Galeb, the Deputy

Minister of Interior for Iraqi Police and Maj. Gen. Joseph

Fil, Commander of the Civilian Police Assistance Transi-

tion Team.

Following the ceremony, a traditional Iraqi feast was

prepared both to commemorate the occasion as well as to

bid farewell to the 18th MP Brigade who have handed over

IHP operations to the 42nd Military Police Brigade.

For more information on other reconstruction projects

throughout Iraq visit: www.rebuilding-iraq.net

Maj. Andy Johnson and several members of the 18th MPBrigade partake in a traditional Iraqi feast of mutton, rice andbread with IHP Commissioner Ali Al Khazali and IHP officers.

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Around Camp Victory

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Vigilant Times page IX


James Dennis McNaughton

Staff Sgt. James “Jimmy” Dennis McNaughton wasborn in Centereach, N.Y. in 1978. He graduatedfrom Centereach High School in 1996 and enlisted

in the Regular Army. Jimmy attended Basic Training andAdvanced Individual Training at Ft. McClellan, Ala. Heserved as a Military Policeman in California and with theHeadquarters & Headquarters Company of the 18thMilitary Police Brigade in Mannheim, Germany. He alsoserved in Bosnia. Jimmy’s professionalism was recognizedearly in his career when he was selected as the BrigadeCommander’s driver. He completed his active dutyenlistment in 2000 and joined the Army Reserve. In 2001he was appointed as a New York City Police Officer. As anOfficer in Manhattan’s Transit District 2, he patrolled theCity’s subways and responded to the World Trade Centerattacks on September 11, 2001. Jimmy’s father William is aretired New York City police officer and his fiancee,Liliana Paredes, is currently an officer with the NYPD.Jimmy was mobilized in 2002 in support of OperationNoble Eagle and served a year-long stateside deployment.In October, 2004 Jimmy was mobilized again as a memberof the 306th Military Police Battalion and deployed to AbuGhraib, Iraq. There, he was designated the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the Level twocompound containing over 300 detainees. Abu Ghraibreceives many high level visitors; Jimmy was always at theforefront greeting the VIP’s. He had the honor to brief theSecretary of the Army as well as the Multi-National ForceIraq and Multi-National Corps Iraq Commanding Generalsabout Level two. Because of his noticeable leadershipskills, he was offered numerous opportunities of greatresponsibility. Jimmy was assigned briefly to the unit’sconvoy team. Additionally, he accepted a challengingposition mentoring and training the Iraqi Highway Patroland served in this role until his last day of service.Staff Sgt. McNaughton’s service awards include: BronzeStar Medal (posthumous), Purple Heart (posthumous),Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal,Combat Action Badge (posthumous), Army Good ConductMedal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed ForcesExpeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global Waron Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War onTerrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal,Non-Commissioned Officers Development Ribbon, and theArmy Service Ribbon. He is survived by his brother Ryan,his father William and fiancee Liliana Paredes.

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InMemory ofSSG James D. McNaughton

April 13, 1978-August 2, 2005

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Patriot DaySeptember 11

(Original proclamation by the President of the UnitedStates of America declaring September 11 as a national

day of observance, Patriot Day.)

On this first observance of Patriot Day, we remember andhonor those who perished in the terrorist attacks of September11, 2001. We will not forget the events of that terrible morningnor will we forget how Americans responded in New YorkCity, at the Pentagon, and in theskies over Pennsylvania -- withheroism and selflessness; withcompassion and courage; and withprayer and hope. We will alwaysremember our collective obligationto ensure that justice is done, thatfreedom prevails, and that theprinciples upon which our Nationwas founded endure.

Inspired by the heroic sacrifices ofour firefighters, rescue and lawenforcement personnel, militaryservice members, and othercitizens, our Nation found unity,focus, and strength. We foundhealing in the national outpouringof compassion for those lost, astens of millions of Americansparticipated in moments of silence,candlelight vigils, and religiousservices. From the tragedy ofSeptember 11 emerged a strongerNation, renewed by a spirit ofnational pride and a true love of country.

We are a people dedicated to the triumph of freedom anddemocracy over evil and tyranny. The heroic stories of thefirst responders who gave their all to save others strengthenedour resolve. And our Armed Forces have pursued the waragainst terrorism in Afghanistan and else-where with valorand skill. Together with our coalition partners, they haveachieved success.Americans also have fought back against terror by choosingto overcome evil with good. By loving their neighbors asthey would like to be loved, countless citizens have answered

the call to help others. They have contributed to relief efforts,improved homeland security in their communities, andvolunteered their time to aid those in need. This spirit ofservice continues to grow as thousands have joined the newlyestablished USA Freedom Corps, committing themselves tochanging America one heart at a time through the momentumof millions of acts of decency and kindness.

Those whom we lost last September 11 will forever hold acherished place in our hearts and in the history of our Nation.As we mark the first anniversary of that tragic day, weremember their sacrifice; and we commit ourselves tohonoring their memory by pursuing peace and justice in the

world and security at home. By a jointresolution approved December 18,2001 (Public Law 107-89), theCongress has authorized andrequested the President to designateSeptember 11 of each year as “PatriotDay.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGEW. BUSH, President of the UnitedStates of America, do herebyproclaim September 11, 2002, asPatriot Day. I call upon the people ofthe United States to observe this daywith appropriate ceremonies andactivities, including remembranceservices and candlelight vigils. I alsocall upon the Governors of the UnitedStates and the Commonwealth ofPuerto Rico, as well as appropriateofficials of all units of government,to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. Further, Iencourage all Americans to displaythe flag at half-staff from their homes

on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time, or another appropriatecommemorative time, to honor the innocent victims wholost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my handthis fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord twothousand two, and of the Independence of the UnitedStates of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH


Vigilant Times page XIII

Military Police lend helping hand to Iraqifamilies

Spc. Brandon Beck passes out food and toiletries to Iraqi families during a recentgoodwill mission.

Above: Spc. Matthew Vanderlugt shakes hands with a young Iraqiboy.

Top Left: Spc. Bradley Swope quickly passes out donated itemsfrom atop a humvee to a crowd of villagers.

Bottom left: Company Commander, Capt. Wayne Ludwig passesout candy to some Iraqi children while Spc. Brandon Beckunloads boxes of donated supplies.

During a recent trip to Hillavillage in Iraq, Soldiers from

the 18th Military Police Brigadepassed out a variety of food, toys,toiletry and hygiene items to localIraqi families.

The villagers welcomed theSoldiers and made short work ofthe donated items. The childrenenjoyed talking and shaking handswith the Soldiers and especiallyliked having their picture taken.Many of the children werebarefoot and asked if we hadshoes for them.


Read about it...In The Ghosts of Vietnam, an American Soldierreminisces on life, love and loss during his four years inVietnam.

Book DescriptionRaised in rural northeastern Maryland, Jim Stewartspends his childhood playing baseball, catching frogs inthe woods, and learningto play guitar. Apersonal tragedy strikesthe day he graduatesfrom high school. Jimfinds the need to leavehome and joins thearmy in February of1966.

After a grueling stint inbasic training, Jim isshipped off to Vietnamas a military policeman.He endures mortarshelling, takes part in Operation Cedar Falls, and makeslifelong friends along the way. While stationed at Saigon,he even meets a girl, falls in love, and has a child.

After his tour of duty ends, Jim returns to Vietnamdetermined to be with Mai. When he starts working at theArmy Post Exchange in Saigon, Mai gives birth to theirdaughter. Jim insists they move to America, but Mairefuses. Jim then makes a decision that will haunt him therest of his life.

Rich with detail and brimming with emotion, Jim shareshis extraordinary journey through a tumultuous time,revealing his internal struggles as he copes with TheGhosts of Vietnam.

The author, Jim Stewart, with the 18th MP Brigade in Vietnamduring the late ‘60’s.

About the authorJim Stewart, author ofThe Ghosts of Vietnam,was born inWilmington, Delawarein 1946 and was raisedin the countryside northof Elkton, Maryland.He enlisted in the Armyin 1966 at age 19 andserved two years inVietnam as a militarypoliceman. He spent anadditional two yearsthere working as acivilian. He retired as a police officer in 2001. Jim’s 208page novel, The Ghosts of Vietnam, can be purchased atAmazon.com, Books-a-Million and Barnes and Noble.Check out Jim’s website:

Military Police ofVietnam

www.geocities.com/militarypoliceofvietnam

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Surprise visitor

Gym dedication

You never know who you’llrun into when you’re onCamp Victory. Sgt. 1st ClassChris Warner got to meetSergeant Major of the ArmyKenneth O. Preston whiledining in the Coalition DiningFacility. (photo courtesy ofSFC Warner)

A dedication ceremony washeld August 21 at thegymnasium at ForwardOperating Base Abu Ghraib inremembrance of Staff Sgt.James D. McNaughton whowas killed August 2 inBaghdad.

Maj. Andy Johnson stopped onthe roadside on return from arecent convoy to pick somefresh Iraqi pears. (photo by 2ndLt. Stephen Lemelin)

Delicious Detour


Vigilant Times page XVI

Labor Day Grandparents DaySeptember 11

Grandparents Day, the first Sundayafter Labor Day, was first

proclaimed by West VirginiaGovernor Arch Moore in 1973.The idea behind it began in 1970 byWest Virginia housewife MarianLucille Herndon McQuade. She feltthat a special day should be set asidejust for Grandparents.A native of Fayette County,McQuade’s compassion for theelderly dates back to 1956 with the“Past Eighty Party”, and her workwith seniors continued throughout theyears.In 1971 McQuade was elected Vice-Chairman of the West VirginiaCommittee on Aging and appointed asdelegated to the White HouseConference on Aging by GovernorArch A. Moore. Her efforts persuadedPresident Richard Nixon to proclaim aNational Shut-In Day in 1972.In 1978 the United States Congresspassed legislation proclaiming the

first Sunday after Labor Day asNational Grandparents Day.As President of the VocationalRehabilitation Foundation, Vice-President of the West Virginia HealthSystems Agency, appointed to theNursing Home Licensing Board andhaving served as Co-chairman for theBi-Centennial Centenarian Search forthe West Virginia Commission onAging, McQuade has dedicated herlife to advocating for senior citizens.Please take time on this day to spendtime with Grandparents, or elderly ina nursing home that may not havefamily. Ask them for stories about thepast, look at old family photographs,work on your family tree; no matterwhat the activity, just the time spenttogether can make a world ofdifference in their lives.

Every time an elderly personpasses away we lose a library.

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it,and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth

seeking the successive autumns.”-George Eliot

FAMOUS SEPTEMBERBIRTHDAYS07-1860- Grandma Moses painter09-1941- Otis Redding Musical artist11-1971- Wayne Ludwig HHC Commander15-1890- Agatha Christie Writer16-1983- Jared Dutka Military policeman18-1981- Serena Williams Athlete28-1901- Ed Sullivan TV host

Labor Day is the first Monday inSeptember and is a creation of thelabor movement, dedicated to thesocial and economic achievementsof American workers. It constitutesa yearly national tribute to thecontributions workers have made tothe strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. The first Labor Day holiday wascelebrated on September 5, 1882, inNew York City in accordance withthe plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union urgedsimilar organizations in other citiesto follow the example of New Yorkand celebrate a “workingmen’sholiday” on that date. The ideaspread with the growth of labororganizations, and, in 1885, LaborDay was celebrated in manyindustrial centers of the country. The form that the observance andcelebration of Labor Day shouldtake were outlined in the firstproposal of the holiday--a streetparade to exhibit to the public “thestrength and esprit de corps of thetrade and labor organizations” ofthe community, followed by afestival for the recreation andamusement of the workers and theirfamilies. The vital force of labor addedmaterially to the highest standard ofliving and the greatest productionthe world has ever known and hasbrought us closer to the realizationof our traditional ideals ofeconomic and political democracy.It is appropriate, therefore, that thenation pay tribute on Labor Day tothe creator of so much of thenation’s strength, freedom, andleadership--the American Worker.(www.dol.gov)

The first day of Autumn occurs when thehours of night and day are of equal length.This year it’s September 22.For more information about Autumn and someactivities for children visit:www.theholidayzone.comwww.calendar-updates.com/Holidays/US/autumn.htm

please share with your spouse what you dream about for

your time back together. Do you want to have lots of

guests over and entertain every evening, or do you want

quiet time alone with no visitors? Do you want to travel

and see the sights, or go for long walks in the forests near

your home, or do you want to fly away and visit family?

If neither spouse knows what the

other one wants, then you will

probably have tension; you won’t be

synchronized with each other.

The worst possible dynamic for

reunion would be for either spouse

to try to force their “dream” on their

partner, and ignore their partner’s

“dream.” Charles Swindoll says,

“Rigid love is not true love. It isveiled manipulation, a conditionaltime bomb that explodes whenfrustrated. Genuine love willinglywaits! It isn’t pushy or demanding.While it has its limits, its boundariesare far-reaching. It neither clutchesnor clings. Real love is not short-sighted, selfish, or insensitive. Itdetects needs and does what is bestfor the other person without beingtold. (Five Meaningful Minutes ADay, pg. 220.)

Openly share what you would both like to see happen

when you get back together again. Then when you find

your differences, find ways to honor both “dreams”.

Remember that in marriage, nobody wins if somebody

loses.


CONNECTIONSBy Brigade Chaplain, Lt. Col. Thomas Evans

Vigilant Times page XVII

Wonderful Reunion It was a long year for the husband and wife. He had

been in Vietnam for 12 months. A routine day included

walking or crawling through the jungle, and when he

slept, he usually just lay down wherever he was at the

time. On a really luxurious night, he slept in a little pup

tent. He dreamt of getting home to his living room, his

shower, his kitchen and of course

his wife. He dreamed of never

leaving the comforts of his house

for at least a month.

His wife had also had a long

tedious year. She had recurring

trouble with the car, and spent

weeks cooped up in the house.

She vowed that when he got home,

she was going to be freed from

what felt like house-arrest.

When the reunion finally happened, he threw open the

front door and took a deep breath of “home air”. She ran

to him at the door, and joyfully announced, “Guess what

I’ve done. I’ve made reservations and paid for every-

thing in advance. We are going camping for a whole

month. We will sleep under the stars, and I’ve found the

campgrounds that are way out in the wilderness. They

call it primitive camping. This is going to be great.”

This couple missed one of the important details of

reunion. They kept their needs and their dreams secret

from each other.

Now that our own reunion is finally getting here,

Financial Insider


Legal Tips

Relocating-With redeployment right aroundthe corner, many servicememberswill be relocating after theirreturn so it’s best to start planningahead. Here are a few tips to get started.Will you be leasing, buying or selling a home?Before signing a lease, check for a military termination clausein case you need to end the lease early.Tax planning and moving expenses.Some moving expenses are deductible from your federal taxessuch as packing, renting a trailer and travel and lodging. Checkthe IRS pub. 3-The Armed Forces Tax Guide.Driver Licensing/Vehicle RegistrationBe sure to check for state-specific information. Go towww.driversmanuals.com for everything DMV related.Spouse unemployment benefitsMilitary spouses may be eligible for benefits for loss of workdue to relocation. Visit the Military Spouses’Career Networkat: http://mscn.orgFor a comprehensive guide to military moving, check out ArmyPamphlet 55-2 go to: ftp://pubs.army.mil/pub/epubs/pdf/p55_2.pdf

TIDBITS

Vigilant Times page XVIII

Base Realignment andClosure- The restructuring of theDepartment of Defense throughBase realignment and closure (BRAC) isintended to maximize the nation’s military effectivenesswhile minimizing costs on excess installations andredundancy. Should an installation be slated for closure or a unit selectedfor relocation, military members affected would experiencechanges in some aspects of their paychecks like any otherpermanent change of station. For instance, when a membermoves from one base to another, variances in local housingcosts could affect their basic allowance for housing (BAH). DFAS military pay officials have urged all members of themilitary to keep themselves informed on the progress of the2005 BRAC. Rather than trying to plan their future based onrumor and speculation, knowing the facts is a good way to reducestress on themselves and their families. Background information and the latest news on the 2005BRAC is available online at the Department of Defense BRACwebsite at: http://www.defenselink.mil/brac/

Hot off the pressCombat Zone- True tales of GI’s in IraqThis is a 120-pagecomic book fromMarvel Comics andwritten by journalistKarl Zinsmeister.A real-life dramaabout today’ssuperheroes-American Soldiers.To buy visit:www.taemag.com

WebsitesHelping the children ofIraqYou can help the children ofIraq through your donations.www.beaniesforbaghdad.comwww.operationiraqifriendship.orgwww.icdworld.orgMake a differenceFind out how you can volunteer your time tomake a difference in the world. Take a look!visit:www.usafreedomcorps.gov

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