vol. 2, issue 50 december 18, 2005 - defense video...

Vol. 2, Issue 50 December 18, 2005

3rd COSCOM HHCmotorpool takes vehiclemaintenance seriously

A carpenter comparesbuilding Iraq to building a

house

pg. 9

pg. 6

Getting vital signs in Iraq144th Area Medical Support Company kicks off its tour after training in Texas

Spc. Kristin Nelson, a medic of the 144th Area Support Medical Co. takes the temperature of Spc. Nicholas Skinner of the 116th Transportation Co. at the outpost clinic in Tallil, Dec. 5.

pg. 5pg. 5pg. 5pg. 5pg. 5Photo by Spc. Spencer Case

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

DECEMBER 18, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the3rd COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. Thecontents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and arenot to be considered the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, including the Department ofDefense or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.

Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars

and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000papers.

The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. inbuilding 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda Times,HHC 3rd COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Web site atwww.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Contact Sgt. Marshall Thompson via e-mail [email protected] or Sgt. 1st ClassJeffrey S. Mullett at [email protected]

3rd COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead

Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Brian McNerney

Deputy Public Affairs Officer207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CommanderMaj. Curtis Carney

207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NCOICSgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett

EditorSgt. Marshall Thompson

Staff WritersStaff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Sgt. Monika ComeauxSgt. Mitch ArmbrusterSgt. Jason MikeworthSgt. Ty D. StaffordSpc. Spencer Case

Opinion: The U.S. shouldrecruit more non-citizensBy Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

The U.S. armed forces should address recruiting woesby recruiting qualified non-citizens who want to immi-grate to the U.S. These individuals can help the militaryfill its ranks. In return, the military can give them en-trance into American society ascitizens with the prospect of betterjob security and salaries than theyare likely to have otherwise.

According to an article byMark Krikorian (National ReviewOnline, April 22, 2003) there is areservoir of potential recruits southof the border that the U.S. is unableor unwilling to tap.

“The U.S. embassy and itsconsulates in Mexico have alsobeen besieged by young menwanting to join our armed forces asa way of immigrating,” Krikorianwrote, [emphasis added]. “Therehave been so many inquiries thatthe embassy posted a notice at itsWeb site denying that illegal aliensor residents of Mexico can join the U.S. armed forces.”

Krikorian gave several reasons why he thinks thispolicy is appropriate, but his main objection seems to beconcerns about outsourcing our military to foreigninterests. Krikorian said he feared that recruiting non-citizens in large numbers might lead to the type of massdesertion that was exhibited when the San PatricioBattalion, composed of Irish immigrants, defected fromthe U.S. to fight for the enemy in the Mexican War.

“Not to put too fine a point on it, we should go to anylength to avoid developing a kind of mercenary army,made up of foreigners loyal to their units and command-ers but not to the Republic,” Krikorian wrote. “It didn’twork out well for the Romans.”

I think that Krikorian was being overly dismissive of alabor force that could relieve America’s fighting forces. Inanswering his objection, I first draw attention to the factthat many of the most publicized traitors of our historyhave been born and raised as American citizens. JohnWalker Lindh, “The American Taliban” was born in theU.S and gained an education at American colleges. Thesame can be said about Sgt. Hasan Akbar, who murderedtwo officers and wounded 14 Soldiers by throwing agrenade into a tent in Kuwait.

Second, it is reasonable to point out that San Patriciodefections occurred because the Mexican Governmentwas able to manipulate the loyalty to Roman Catholi-cism that Mexicans and Irish shared. If it were true that

our foreign recruits would have similar sentiments withradical Islam, this might be relevant. However, the U.S.could still screen recruits to make sure the risk of defec-tion would be minimal before enlisting them.

Lastly, recruiting immigrants would hardly be out ofsync with U.S. history. Over 144,000 Irish-bornservicemembers fought in the Union army in the Ameri-can Civil War. A CNN.com article posted July 3, 2002

cited an unnamed senior admin-istration official, claiming,“Executive orders, issued duringthe Persian Gulf War and theVietnam War and other wars,allowed some 100,000 non-citizens to become eligible soonerfor U.S. citizenship.”

To a lesser extent, the traditionof non-citizens serving in the U.S.military continues today. StaffSgt. Mataese Mataese Jr., a nativeof American Samoa, is currentlydeployed to LSA Anaconda as amotor pool sergeant for the Co. B,442nd Battalion, 100th InfantryRegiment. After serving in theArmy Reserve for 14 yearsMataese expects to get his U.S.

citizenship this month along with 45 others in hisbattalion. Mataese, who looks forward to greater travelprivileges as a citizen, said his service has prepared himfor citizenship.

“It’s helped me look and get a better perspective of thereason why I want to become a citizen,” Mataese saidabout the deployment. “This country has done a lot forme and for my family back at home, too. Fighting thiswar and being here and being able to get the opportunityto be a citizen will help in the future for my family.”

According to About.com, there are only about 60,000immigrants in all five branches of the military, half ofwhom are citizens already. President George W. Bushissued an order in July of 2002, allowing non-citizensserving on active duty after Sept. 11, 2001 to apply forcitizenship before serving the three years normallyrequired for citizenship.

While this is a step in the right direction, more couldbe done.

The inscription on the Statue of Liberty reads, “Giveme your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearningto breathe free…” Is there any reason why we shoulddeny others, like Mataese, who want to make better livesfor themselves and their family members at a time whentheir voluntary service in the military is in such highdemand? It is my opinion that there is not, and that weshould accept anyone into our ranks who is willing toserve for their citizenship.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Defense Secretary Donald H.Rumsfeld isn’t planning to leave his job anytime soon,he said here on Dec. 8.

“I have no plans to retire,” Rumsfeld said on CapitolHill after meeting with several members of Congress todiscuss the situation in Iraq.

The secretary’s comments came amid rumors and anews report that assert Rumsfeld would soon departthe Pentagon. “Those reports have been flying aroundsince about four months after I assumed my post in2001,” he said.

A New York Daily News article published Dec. 8speculated that Rumsfeld would leave his post early in2006 after the new Iraqi government is formed follow-ing Iraq’s Dec. 15 nationwide election.

Senior DoD officials seconded Rumsfeld’s commentsin brief remarks to Pentagon reporters here. “He saidhe has no plans to do so,” chief DoD spokesmanLawrence Di Rita told reporters.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said many ofthe legislators Rumsfeld met with on Dec. 8 had recentlyvisited Iraq.

Rumsfeld dismissesresignation rumors

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Coalition and Afghan forces arehelping Afghan civilians prepare for and depart on theannual Hajj religious journey.

Islam calls on all Muslims who are able to journey tothe holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, once in theirlifetimes.

A group of 148 Afghans began the journey on Dec. 7from Kandahar Airfield, in southern Afghanistan. Par-ticipants assembled at a stadium in downtownKandahar with assistance from Afghan National Po-lice officers and then rode buses to the airport, whereAfghan border police provided security. So far about500 Hajj participants have departed from Kandahar,with about 3,000 more expected over a two-week pe-riod, officials said.

Coalition troops gave each traveler a bag that con-tained a prayer rug, a towel, a thermos, razors, shavingcream and other personal-hygiene items.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for coalition forces tosupport those Afghans making this important journey,”U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O’Hara, public affairs officerfor the coalition’s Combined Joint Task Force 76, said.

Afghan, CoalitionTroops help Afghansdeparting on Hajj

DECEMBER 18, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

What effect will the elections have on stabilizing Iraq?

Master Sgt. Gary Earl35th ASG"If the Iraqis see that the electionsare successful, they will try to takethe lead."

Sgt. Brad Reed35th ASG"I don't think there will be anychange."

Maj. Cheryl Probst35th ASG"It has to, that's why we're here."

Staff Sgt. Terry Dambrowski35th ASG"I don't think it will have any ef-fect on us here on the LSA.”

Maj. Robert Geiser35th ASG"I think the Iraqi government willask to take the lead."

JJJJJoint Leoint Leoint Leoint Leoint Legggggal Center gal Center gal Center gal Center gal Center gets supporets supporets supporets supporets supportttttfrfrfrfrfrom om om om om ‘Sho‘Sho‘Sho‘Sho‘Show Me’w Me’w Me’w Me’w Me’ sta sta sta sta state late late late late lawywywywywyererererersssssBy Sgt. Ty StaffordStaff Writer

Soldiers from the 35th Area SupportGroup deployed to Iraq in September tosupport the Mayor’s Cell, or garrisoncommand, for the 3rd Corps SupportCommand at Logistical Support AreaAnaconda.

The 35th ASG, a National Guard unitfrom Lexington, Mo., also has representa-tives at the Joint Legal Center office,which recently opened in October. The35th ASG legal staff works with the 3rd

COSCOM lawyers and paralegals alongwith Soldiers from the 40th Corps SupportGroup and other tenant units.

At the legal center, Col. StephenDanner, 35th ASG Command JudgeAdvocate, is not only responsible for hisunit, but acts as a legal advisor to the 3rd

COSCOM commander.“JAG officers have a dual role; we have

to wear two hats. On one hand we have tobe the special staff to the commander andon the other hand we have to representour own unit on legal matters,” he said.

Danner and the legal team from the35th bring knowledge to the militaryjustice system from their civilian jobswhich aid the center.

“I don’t think there is any doubt thatwe bring a specialty to the table. I’mdoing the same job here as I do in mycivilian job. I work with construction,contracting and developing through myown company and I’ve been in privatepractice for 25 years, so I’ve already beenthrough most of the operational functionswe do here,” Danner said.

Two NCOs on the staff work for the

state of Missouri and Capt. KeithEssmyer, administrative law section, isanother Missouri lawyer who works for alaw firm that specializes in governmentalrelations.

The administrative law section focuseson providing legal advice to commandersin theater.

Although the enlisted representativesat the legal office do not work in the lawarena in their civilian jobs, they collec-tively have a great deal of time workingwith military law, said Sgt. 1st ClassDonald Neal, 35th ASG Senior Legal NCO.

The governmental experience helpsrelate to the mission of the 35th ASG,because Anaconda is run much likemunicipalities that are common in theUnited States, Danner said.

Danner cited as examples that theProvost Marshal and the Directorate ofPublic Works resemble a city police forceand department of public works.

Danner spent two years working as acity attorney in Chillicothe, Mo., from1981 to 1982 and also served as a staterepresentative and a state senator.

“I’m very familiar with the govern-ment process,” he said.

The mixture of active and reservecomponents at the JLC enables thelawyers from all the units to specializemore.

“We utilize all of our joint assets andeach attorney in the office brings anexpertise and capability to the office,”Danner said.

For the active duty lawyers, they workon a day-to-day basis on Uniform Code ofMilitary Justice; however, the 35th doesnot drill on UCMJ action, Danner said.

“Where they have UCMJ practice, we

have other areas we work in that they arenot as familiar with, like contracts andstate laws and how they pertain to theSoldiers,” he said.

“As a Guard unit from Missouri wehave not had much experience withcitizenship matters, yet here our legalassistance office will be hosting a cer-emony on Dec. 17 where 114 Soldiers willbe receiving their citizenship. This is a

good example of a combined jointactivity where we can jump in and be ofassistance” he said.

The 35th ASG has been an activeparticipant in laying the ground work atthe JLC and will continue to meetmission requirements of the 3rd

COSCOM command and maintain thesynergy of LSA Anaconda and itsSoldiers through legal support.

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Neal reviews contract material at the the 35th Area Support Group’soffice in the Joint Legal Center on Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Iraq.

Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford


Freedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies107.7 Baghdad107.9 Sinjar105.1 Mosul, Fallujah107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad107.1 Ridgeway102.5 Camp Taji

“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”

Iraqi army school trains combat medicsBy Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

As the Iraqi army expands and gets stronger, there isan increasing need for combat medics. The Iraqi ArmySupport and Services Institute at Taji has been running acourse for the past couple of months to fulfill that need.

“We started and built up the course here. We had adisc, a laptop and some students in the classroom,” saidStaff Sgt. Brandy N. Hall, an operating room technicianwho is now an instructor at the basic medic course of theIASSI. Hall is a Reservist from San Antonio, Texas andhas been with the school since April. Since she is asurgical technician in her civilian life, she has plenty ofmedical experience to share with her students.

“We are training them to be combat medics, so whenthey go out on convoys, they can help their own, andthey don’t have to rely on American sources to come inand help them out,” said Spc. Christian A. Thompson, acombat medic and a basic medic course instructor at theIASSI.

Sixty students attend the course in each rotation. Theyare broken down into two 30-soldier teams for instruc-tion purposes. Iraqi units from all over the country sendtheir soldiers. Some already have medical training, butfor some, everything they learn is new.

The course is five weeks long, but includes some off-time for religious holidays and breaks for the students tovisit their families, said Sgt. 1st Class Patty A. McFarland,the NCOIC of the basic medic course.

Students learn patient assessment, trauma assess-ment, medical emergencies, some preventive medicine,how to call in a nine-line medical evacuation request,how to properly administer IVs, and how to deal withmass casualties, McFarland said.

Students also practice giving each other differenttypes of shots with saline solution. Thompson said a lotof medications used by the Iraqis come in the form ofinjections, so students need to be proficient at adminis-tering them.

“This course is really intense. It is a lot of informationin a short period of time. They do 80 percent hands-on,”McFarland said. “Students enjoy the practical exercisesand sometimes need to be reminded how vital it is tomemorize certain things.”

The highlight of the training for both students andinstructors is the mass casualty exercise at the end of thecourse.

“We are yelling at them, trying to create as muchchaos as possible. At the end we brief them about what

they did right, what they did wrong,” said Navy PettyOfficer 3rd Class Jami M. Skornia, a hospital corpsmanwho is also an instructor at IASSI.

The instructors said they want to make sure they usemoulage techniques that are easy to reproduce. Theydon’t want to use simulated injuries out of a state-of-the-art moulage kit, because the Iraqi army would not haveaccess to things like that. They use Surgilube, foodcoloring and markers to simulate the injuries.

“As they go along, they will save more and more lives.I feel awesome. I bring in all my knowledge to give it tosomeone else,” McFarland said. “I watch their enthusi-asm and their eagerness to learn.”

“The students like to show you that they listen toyou,” Skornia said. “It really makes me feel good thatonce I am done teaching and start asking questions, theygive me the correct answers.” Skornia is stationed inOkinawa, Japan, and gives different medical classesback home on a regular basis, which made her theperfect candidate for this job.

Being a female instructor for the all-male Iraqi armydoes’t pose any difficulties for McFarland, Skornia orHall.

“Once you stand up there in front of the class andyou take charge of the class, they treat you the same asthe male instructors,” Hall said.

“They do thank us and appreciate what we do forthem, and I appreciate the opportunity to be able to teachthem,” Skornia said.

The students aren’t the only ones who learn newthings during the course. The daily interaction enablestheir instructors to learn about the Iraqi culture and topick up some of the language.

“I have learned more Arabic than I ever thought Iwould. I can carry on a small conversation, and, if needbe, I can get my point across and understand what theyare saying without an interpreter,” Hall said.

All instructors hope they make a lasting impressionon their students.

Thompson said he had the chance to do everything hewanted to do during his deployment and being assignedto IASSI was a bonus.

“This allowed me to leave something behind when Igo back home,” he said.

Hall hopes that a couple of years down the road shewill read articles about her students teaching their ownstudents.

“It is one of the better jobs that you can have here,because you know what you are doing here is going tomake all the U.S. troops eventually able to go home. TheIraqi army is going to be strong enough,” Skornia said.

An Iraqi student at the basic medic course of the Iraqi ArmySupport and Services Institute spikes an IV bag. Studentslearn almost everything U.S. combat medics learn.

An Iraqi student at the basic medic course of the Iraqi ArmySupport and Services Institute sets the drip chamber on anIV as Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jami M. Skornia makessure he does everything by the book.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux



144th ASMC kicks off tour in Iraq

29th BCT doctors and nurses help local Iraqis

By Spc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

TALLIL, Iraq – About 70 Soldiers ofSpringville, Utah, kicked off a deploymentto Iraq with the 144th Area SupportMedical Company last month aftercompleting two months of training inTexas.

“I feel it’s a great opportunity,” saidthe 144th’s 1st Sgt. Jerrid Floyd about thedeployment. “This gives my Soldiers theopportunity they need to become futureleaders.”

The National Guard unit’s headquar-ters is currently at Logistical SupportArea Adder, near the ruins of the biblicalcity of Ur.

The unit’s main mission is augmentingthe 10th Combat Support Hospital at theoutpatient clinic where servicememberson base go for sick call, and providingground ambulance support as needed.The 144th also has several squad-sizedelements assisting with other clinics,spread out throughout Camp Cedar II,Combat Support Center Scania and CampEcho.

Though the unit was born as recentlyas September, 2004 and consists largely ofnew Soldiers, the 144th’s leaders say theyhave no doubts about their troops’abilities.

“I believe they are fully prepared forthis mission,” Floyd said. “I think they’remore than capable and maybe overquali-fied for some of the duties they’re asked toperform.”

Many of the Soldiers already had achance to prove their skills. Just monthsafter their unit’s birth, about 40 Soldiers

from the 144th participated in the unit’sfirst mission, providing humanitarian aidin Nicaragua in support of Task ForceNew Horizons from January to May 2005.The Soldiers stayed in Nicaragua in shiftsthat ranged from a few days to severalmonths.

“It gave me some more hands-ontraining for my job in the Army,” saidSpc. Jacob Street, a medic from Salt LakeCity, who spent two weeks in Nicaraguatreating lacerations and heat casualties.

The 144th was activated on Aug. 10.The Soldiers say the activation took noone by surprise.

“When I got in the unit I knew I wasgoing to be deployed, it was just a matterof when,” said Spc. Kristin Nelson anursing student at the University of Utahwho left behind her parents and eightsiblings in Mapleton, Utah.

“It’s hard leaving your family behind,but at the same time, this is why we areSoldiers. It’s part of our job and responsi-bility,” said Staff Sgt. David Openshaw, aplatoon leader in the 144th who leavesbehind his wife and two children at EagleMountain, Utah.

The unit trained at Ft. Bliss and CampBullis, Texas, from Aug. 13 to Nov. 11,where the Soldiers learned skills and inwhich all the medics had to recertify.They practiced pre-hospital trauma lifesupport and tactical combat casualtycare, which included classroom instruc-tion and mass casualty scenarios.

Since the unit arrived in Iraq Nov. 17,Soldiers of the 144th say nothing tooexciting has happened. However, thatcan be a blessing as well as a curse. AsStreet put it, “A boring day for a medic isa good day for everybody else.”

Spc. Jacob Street, a medic of Utah's 144th Area Support Medical Company sweeps out theback of an ambulance in Tallil, Dec. 5. The 144th recently arrived in theater.

Photo by Spc. Spencer Case

By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Doctors and registered nurses (RN)working with the 29th Brigade CombatTeam saw a need to help Iraqis in the areaof Logistical Support Area Anacondaduring their deployment in Iraq.

With limited resources, these Soldiersfound a way to serve the medical needs ofthose in their area of operations.

“We have taken care of Soldiers,civilians, Iraqi army and Iraqi civilians,”said Capt. Shirley Haynes, an RN at theLava Clinic. Haynes was a cross-leveledSoldier from the Oregon National Guard.“We take for granted what we have.These people have poor health care andthey appreciate any little thing that youcan do for them.”

Medics have dealt with burns, breaks,malnutrition and skin diseases whilehelping the civilians and the Iraqi army,Haynes explained. The group helps thesoldiers of the Iraqi army but they are also

trying to help get the Iraqi army used togoing to the local hospitals for care.

“We give medical support to the safervillages,” said Capt. Roy Ouano. “Thepeople are grateful for the treatment. Weprovide them ‘tailgate’ medicine.”

The Soldiers helping civilians outsideof the forward operating base are limitedto the equipment and supplies that theycan carry with them. In extreme cases,some of the civilians get treatment atmilitary hospitals. Some civilians cometo the gates with medical needs andmedics are assigned to help those people.The people are happy for any help thatthey receive.

“They are thankful for anything youcan do for them,” said Lt. Col. C. TuckerJoustra, a doctor attached to the unit fromLamar, Mo.

The 29th’s devotion to helping peoplehas crossed boundaries and helped thosewith medical problems. They have beenable to create a link to the people in thesurrounding communities offeringsupport and care to anyone.Capt. Roy Ouano with the 29th BCT examines a local woman near LSA Anaconda.

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster


LSA LSA LSA LSA LSA ANANANANANAAAAACONDCONDCONDCONDCONDAAAAADining FDining FDining FDining FDining Facilityacilityacilityacilityacility

Hours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of Operation

DFAC 1Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DFACs 2 & 3Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DFAC 4Breakfast 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC hours for all locations are sevendays a week. All patrons must be in the properuniform and be able to present appropriateidentification.

CarCarCarCarCarpenter comparpenter comparpenter comparpenter comparpenter compares Ires Ires Ires Ires Iraq to a baq to a baq to a baq to a baq to a buildinguildinguildinguildinguildingBy Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

For Staff Sgt. Jeff Cuff, his tour in Iraqwas much like his job as a carpenter inhis home town of Lancaster, Pa.

“We were definitely still trimming thehouse,” said the 30-year-old carpenter,comparing his mission in Iraq to buildinga home. “The foundation had been laidbecause we took down Saddam Hussein,but it could take a while to put up all thefinishing touches.”

While in Iraq with the 254th Quarter-master Company, an Army Reserve unitout of York, Pa., Cuff played an instru-mental role in presenting an amiable facefor the coalition to local Iraqis near CampCedar II and Camp Adder in southernIraq.

Cuff was in charge of patrolling thewater pumps that supplied water for thetwo camps, a job that brought him indaily contact with Iraqis who operatedthe pumps.

“Staff Sgt. Cuff was a great asset to thisunit and to these camps because therelationship he developed with the localpeople was very helpful,” said 1st Sgt.David Ritter of the 254th.

Local people reported anything theysaw as abnormal to coalition troops.Gaining that level of rapport with thelocal population took serious work, andwas a slow process, Cuff said. But henoted it was a worthy cause and that heaccomplished it by using simple tech-niques such as distributing bottled waterduring his daily visits and making aneffort to learn some Arabic.

He asked family and friends in theUnited States to donate shoes and cloth-ing items, and when they responded, hedistributed the items to the local people.Though he slowly gained their trust, hewas still having issues speaking thelanguage at the end of the deployment.

“At first it was like charades,” Cuffsaid of his communication with the localpeople. “But now I know a few of thewords and they can understand me alittle bit.”

He considers the local people thecinder blocks of Iraqi democracy.

“The mission was great. I’m a peopleperson and I really liked that I got to talkwith the local people, got to know themand their history. This is their countryand they are trying hard,” he said as hisone-year deployment ended in December.“I’m definitely going to miss them.”

The feeling seemed mutual. During hislast week doing patrols, an Iraqi man wasupset because Cuff could not take time tosit and drink tea with him. Another Iraqifamily who lives near Camp Cedar gavehim prayer beads to take home, a gesturethat symbolizes closeness in the Iraqiculture.

Though the deployment has beenrewarding, getting to Iraq was a lengthyprocess for Cuff. He was initially de-ployed in 2003, but his unit never made itto Iraq and returned home within twomonths of leaving Pennsylvania. Duringtraining for that deployment, Cuff injuredhis shoulder and had to spend eightmonths undergoing therapy at Ft. Dix,N.J. When the unit was finally deployedagain late last year, he volunteered tomobilize to southern Iraq.

“I believe in this mission. I mean, weare here, we have a job to do and we arecommitted till the end,” he said.

He felt so strongly about helping Iraqisthat he essentially volunteered for asecond deployment when he signed anindefinite re-enlistment with the military.He said that re-enlisting made sensebecause he already has 16 years in the

military and he wants to complete the 20years required for retirement. He alsomotivated at least 15 other Soldiers to re-enlist. Combined, Cuff and the Soldiersgot over $200,000 in re-enlistment bo-nuses. As he returned to Pennsylvania, hesaid he hoped to build a home of his ownnext, saying he wants to marry within thenext year.

Staff Sgt. Jeff Cuff, the NCOIC of the water supply mission with the 119th Corps SupportBattalion, checks on the growth of a local leader’s plantation while developing communityrelations near Camp Cedar II in southern Iraq.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda


Unit becomes stronger from diversitySgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Sometimes people do get a second chance for a firstimpression.

The 220th Transportation Company stationed atLogistical Support Area Anaconda recently arrived intheater with a group of Soldiers from a variety of back-grounds and filled with a depth of experience. Some unitmembers are veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom I.Others served during Operation Enduring Freedomwhile some cut their teeth on Operation Joint Forge. Eventhe commander wears a combat patch, earned duringOperation Desert Storm.

The 220th, an Army Reserve unit from Keene, N.H.,drew Soldiers from across the United States in prepara-tion for deployment to Iraq.

“We’re a cross-level unit like many of the Reserveunits in Iraq. We’re a conglomeration of many unitsbrought together to form a single unit,” Capt. LanceOliver, the commander of the 220th, said. “The seniorNCO leadership in the company is very good. Most ofthem are veterans of OIF I. We built the company aroundtheir leadership experience.”

Oliver said organizing the unit to meet the needs oftheir mission has been challenging.

“It’s been a little stressful just getting started. We’vehad to do some reorganization in the company to createa gun truck platoon,” Oliver said. “But we’ve beenconcentrating on learning our mission and ‘improvingour foxhole.’”

Spc. Nicholas Ducharme, a gunner with the 220th’sguntruck platoon, said he feels the training is paying off.

“I think I take the training here a little more seriouslythan I would back in the States because you know it’sthat much closer,” Ducharme said. “I’ve started to trust alot more of the guys.”

Trusting their leadership is an tendency that comeseasily to the platoon.

“That’s one huge thing you’ve got to have is confi-dence in your leaders,” Spc. Paul Watkins, a gunner andveteran of OEF, said. “A lot of it is going to be learningon the fly. The prepara-tion was great but it’sstill going to come downto instinct ...”

Sgt. Jonathan Daige, agunner and truck com-mander who served inOIF I, said he felt confi-dent in his leaders.

“When somethingcomes down, we don’tquestion it,” Daige said.“We just put it together.They inform us prettygood.”

Sgt. Michael Tetlow, atruck commander for the220th, said a lot of hisconfidence comes fromseeing the experience ofother unit members beingapplied to the currentmission. “We’ve got a lotof guys here that wereover here before that areon their second or thirdtour, so it helps out a lot.”

Spc. Rick Mazza, adriver and gunner withthe 220th on his second

From left: Pvt. Jeff Geiger, Spc. Josh Grandfield and Staff Sgt. Alan Mixer, all of the 220th Transportation Company atLogistical Support Area Anaconda, work to load panels on their truck after completing an inventory. The 220th is finishingtheir left-seat ride and are excited to take on their new mission in Iraq.

tour in Iraq, said a lot has changed since his first tripduring OIF I.

“The first time, we were living in tents, sleeping indirt,” Mazza said. “Now we’ve got a better quality oflife.”Mazza also noted that the mission outside of thewire has changed too.

“During the war you had to worry about small armsand rocket propelledgrenades,” Mazza said.“Now you have to worryabout sand bags on the sideof the road. You know[threats are] there, and youknow you have to drive bythem.”

“It’s just part of the jobthough,” Daige said.

Both Mazza and Daigesaid they’re impressed withhow much the supplysystem and availableequipment has improved.

“Supplies are great now.Last time, if you neededanything you had to waitmonths,” Daige said. “Theytry to get us everythingnew.”

Mazza added, “You needit you get it. For the mostpart, the equipment we getis awesome. It seems a littlebit more prepared thistime.”

Oliver said the livingconditions were a welcomerelief compared to what he

endured during the Gulf War.“I was here in ’91,” Oliver said. “We didn’t have

bases in ’91. We just stayed out under camouflagenetting.”

Watkins, who served with a Military Police unit atGuantanamo Bay, Cuba handling prisoner transport,said he feels he is seeing a bigger picture of events in Iraqhere than he was seeing back in the States.

“I’d say you don’t hear anything on the news [in theStates] about what’s really going on here,” Watkins said.“Once you get here, you hear a lot more of the truth.”

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Clark, an assistant platoonsergeant with the 220th, said he thinks the unit is morethan ready for the mission.

“The train-up was some of the best training I’ve hadin 20-plus years,” Clark said. “It was pretty high-speed.”

Clark, who transferred through two units to join the220th for their deployment to Iraq, said the unit is excitedabout its mission. He said they will transport everythingfrom bullets to sheet rock.

Sgt. Cindy Fournier, a driver and truck commanderwith the 220th who served during Operation Joint Forge,said she is adjusting well to her new duty position.

“I was originally a train mechanic,” she said. “Ivolunteered to come over. It’s a little different driving atruck than a humvee, but it’s not hard to figure out.”

Tetlow, a former heavy equipment operator who hadleft the military for eight years before deciding to rejoin tosupport the effort to free Iraq, said the 220th sees thevalue of their mission to the Soldiers they support.

“Nothing happens without transportation,” he noted.Oliver agreed with Tetlow.“That’s what we do. We drive trucks and protect those

who drive them,” Oliver said. “Hopefully, we’re provid-ing aid and comfort to our fellow Soldiers deployed overhere, as well as hopefully helping with the larger pictureof creating a stable, more secure Iraq.”

Hopefully, we’re

providing aid

and comfort to our

fellow Soldiers

deployed over here, as

well as hopefully

helping with the larger

picture of creating a

stable, more secure

Iraq. - Capt. Lance Oliver

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

DECEMBER 18, 2005 PAGE 9PAGE 8 DECEMBER 18, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

A group of Egyptian drivers share a tradition: after completing a supply run through the roads of southern Iraq, the men enjoy some tea and celebrate making the journey safely.

Truckin’ in the Middle EastBy Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

Soldiers planning a post-deploymentcareer change may want to look intoworking for Kellogg, Brown and Root, acivilian contracting company thatprovides an array of services for Ameri-can military operations throughout theworld.

As of Dec. 8, the company was seeking1,127 employees to fill positions in atleast eight nations, including the UnitedStates, Afghanistan, the United Kingdomand Djibouti. The company had over 710openings in Iraq alone, where thousandsof its employees coming from severalcountries are acting as combat multipli-ers. This is particularly true of KBR truckdrivers, wrote KBR spokesperson JulieSpringer in an e-mail.

\“The KBR truck driver is adirect force multiplier who takes the placeof an 88M Soldier that would otherwisebe deployed to the theater,” Springerwrote. “The KBR driver transports allclasses of supplies to include mail, all

across Iraq, traversing an area the size ofCalifornia. The 2000 [plus] KBR men andwomen driving trucks in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom have beenserving the military on the battlefield 24/7 for nearly three years without pause.”

According to Springer, KBR hirescivilians to fill a variety of occupations,including supply transportation, ware-housing, laundry services, dining facili-ties, vehicle armoring and maintenance,construction, billeting, and supportingthe military through a variety of morale,welfare and recreation (MWR) servicessuch as sports facilities.

The civilians allow Soldiers to focuson more tactical duties such as securityescorts and anti-insurgency operations.

Like Soldiers, the contractors may beexposed to the hazards that the warpresents. For example, since arriving inIraq, 25 KBR truck drivers have died dueto insurgent attacks. However, the vastmajority of KBR occupations are “insidethe wire,” which means they are signifi-cantly safer.

While the majority of employees areAmericans, the company hires a signifi-

cant number of Third Country Nationals(TCNs). Springer wrote that TCNs andAmerican employees receive reasonablecompensation, particularly for truckdriving.

“KBR offers salaries competitive withother commercial trucking companies,although the amount will vary basedupon location and environmental condi-tions,” she wrote.

For TCNs, the difference between theirhome-country salary and the salary theymake working for KBR is substantial. ForMohammad Ayad, a 40-year-old truckdriver from Egypt and a father of fivechildren, the amount he makes drivingtrucks between Kuwait and central Iraq isabout two times what he makes at home.Moreover, the job is much more stablehere, he said, even though insurgentshave hit his combat logistic patrolsbefore.

“We got chances to work in Egypt too,but we make a lot more here, and there isalways work here,” he said. “And herewe are also helping the Iraqi people.”

The salaries can also be attractive toAmerican citizens. A truck driver who

gets paid hourly can make around$90,000 in eleven months, room andboard covered. That employee may alsoqualify to have a substantial amount, insome cases as much as $80,000, tax free.Of course, the salary depends on the jobthe employee is doing and on the numberof hours he or she works.

What’s more, the company extendsspecial invitations to military veteransbecause of their background.

“KBR is always happy to employ thosewho have served with distinction in theU.S. armed forces. Our transportationmission in particular has many opportu-nities well suited for former militarydrivers, mechanics, and movementcontrol specialists, just to name a few,”wrote Springer. “Because KBR performscritical operations in contingency envi-ronments such as Iraq and Afghanistan,we have found that the specialized skillsand leadership gained through militaryservice is often a tremendous benefit tothe company.”

Soldiers interested in post deploymentcareer changes can check the company’swebsite at www.kbrjobs.com.

By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

The motorpool of Headquarters andHeadquarters Company of 3rd CorpsSupport Command is alive on Tues-days. It’s the designated commandmaintenance day, when operators andvehicles pay a visit to the mechanicsand prescribed load list clerks.

HHC takes this task so seriouslythat the first sergeant checks over anddispatches his own vehicle, and onTuesdays, the company executiveofficer spends his whole day in themotor pool.

The 15 Soldiers who work in themotor pool provide maintenance fornearly 100 vehicles, and the numbersare still growing, said Staff Sgt. SamuelJ. Lee, an HHC light-wheel vehiclemechanic from the motor pool. Inaddition to the vehicles of HHC, themotor pool oversees the dispatchingand maintenance for the vehicles of sixother units.

Sgt. Anthony Nichols works on asmany as five vehicles a day. “I knowthe job of the 62B [light-wheel vehiclemechanic], just as well as my primaryMOS, which is generator mechanic,”Nichols said proudly.

He cross-trained himself and claimsto know everything there is to knowabout humvees. He is also in charge ofthree Soldiers, teaching and mentoringthem every step of the way, as theygain more experience and becomebetter mechanics.

The crew spends long hours in themotor pool. Although their officialhours for customer service are 8:30a.m. to 7 p.m., they stay as long as theyneed to, to assist other Soldiers toaccomplish their mission. On Tues-days they open at 8 a.m. for commandmaintenance.

Lee said that his Soldiers are“motivated and wanting to learn.”

Sgt. 1st Class Keith L. Godley, the G-4 logistics management NCO is aregular customer in the motor pool. Heworks with the same people backhome; they deployed together.

“I think we have a very goodworking relationship. They have a lotof technically proficient Soldiers andthey are willing to help,” he said.

Nichols normally spends 15 to 16hours in the motor pool, runningaround in his grease-stainedmechanic’s coveralls. “If we have a lotof work, we stay until we have the

mission completed,” he said. Vehiclesthat go off post take priority and arefinished as soon as possible.

“Everything is taken care of 100percent. I don’t want them breakingdown outside the wire,” Lee said.

The key for vehicles running smoothlyis proper preventive maintenance checksand services, the mechanics said. Evencustomers like Godley agree.

When operators come in for commandmaintenance, they should first pick uptheir DA Form 5988-Es with their ownvehicle’s bumper number, so they are ableto conduct the PMCS and write down thefaults.

“They should not neglect PMCS. Whenit is command maintenance, come on overand do it properly. It does not take longerthan an hour to do a good PMCS,”Nichols said.

When conducting the PMCS, Soldiersshould follow the technical manuals stepby step. All faults should be annotated onthe 5988 with the corresponding itemnumber from the technical manual, theyshould not just be numbered in increas-ing order, for the sake of being numbered.

Once an operator is done, he or sheshould walk a mechanic through thefaults found. The mechanic checkseverything over, and signs the formunless the vehicle is ‘deadlined.’ Theoperator then sees the PLL clerk todispatch the vehicle.

Operators must make sure that theyhave a current license, with the propercode authorizing them to operate theparticular vehicle they are trying todispatch, said Spc. Norman Black, anautomated supply specialist, who workson the dispatching and orders parts forthe motor pool.

If a vehicle must remain in the motorpool because a fault makes it too danger-ous to operate, it may take some time toget the proper parts in and install them.Once a mechanic gets his hands on avehicle, he doesn’t only look at thingsthat are annotated on the 5988.

“Understand that when you bring avehicle down for one problem, and wefind other things that are wrong with it,we fix those other things. Sometimes youmay not get it back the same day…butyou will be better off in the long run,” Leesaid.

Black cautions everyone to be patient.“Everybody is waiting for a part,” he

said.If Soldiers are understanding about

how busy the mechanics are, they willreceive greater customer service in return,Black said.

Busy Tuesdaysfor motor pool

Pfc. Jose L. Aliagafigueredo, a light wheel mechanic with Headquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 3rd Corps Support Command motorpool works on a humvee.


Sgt. Anthony Nichols, a generator mechanic with Headquarters and Headquarters Com-pany, 3rd Corps Support Command motorpool works on the engine of a humvee.


Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda


Going onEmergency

Leave?

Don’t forget,

you MUSThave civilianclothes tobe able to

fly out!Also make sure you

have a copy of your

orders on you at all

times, even when

you are at home!

Sustaining Soldiers by managing stress to improve mission readiness

LSA Anaconda, BaladBldg. 4116 Ohio Street(near Air Force Theater Hospital)DSN: (318) 829-1402e-mail: [email protected]

Patriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat Stress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrololololol

Command ConsultationsCombat and operational stress supportMental Health counselingPsychoeducational briefingsPsychiatric consultation

Critical Incident Debriefings/Trauma Management

Clinic Hours: Open Sunday—Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emergency 24 hour Service and Mobile Treatment Team Available

Please call in advance to eliminate waiting

New Year’s resolutions: LegalFor many, New Year’s is just a celebra-

tion. For others, it’s a chance to start overand rebuild themselves. The AnacondaTimes will begin a series of articles to helpSoldiers bring in the new year with usefulinformation from Logistical Support AreaAnaconda officials and subject matterexperts.

By Sgt. Ty StaffordStaff Writer

Much like the mobilization anddeployment process, Soldiers need tomake sure they have their legal affairs inline prior to the New Year to avoiddistractions and legal ramifications thatcould negatively affect their performance.

Family, financial and contractualproblems can affect Soldiers’ futures. IfSoldiers are worrying about these things,they are most likely not going to be combateffective.

The 3rd Corps Support Command JointLegal Center Legal Assistance Section atLSA Anaconda can help Soldiers ensurethey are problem free for 2006.

The Legal Assistance Section offersadvice and assistance on various legaltopics for servicemembers and Depart-ment of Defense civilians, including wills,leases, financial issues, powers of attor-ney, citizenship and naturalizationinformation, taxes, sales contracts, familylaw guidance and military administrativelegal matters, to name a few items.

“I think that one thing that is over-looked is how important legal assistanceis. That is where we help the individual

Sgt. 1st Class Victor Haan, NCOIC client services, greets a Soldier at the legal assistancesection located in the new Joint Legal Center at Logistical Support Area Anaconada, Iraq.

Soldier with problems at home withcontracts, family matters and powers ofattorney,” said Col. Stephen Danner, 35th

Area Support Group command judgeadvocate.

“We cannot represent a Soldier in acivil action but we can give advice to acourse of action,” said Maj. DavidHanson, legal assistance section chief.

Soldiers should not assume anythingabout previous, current or future legal

matters and should come to the legalassistance office to ensure all informationand documentation is obtained to stay ontop of their issues, Hanson added.

The legal assistance section can help totake the burden off the Soldier and puttheir mind at ease so they can focus ontheir mission and bring the new year inright. The office is located on the corner ofHawk Street and Pennsylvania Ave., orcan be reached at (318) 829-1838.

Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford


Combat stress teams help Soldiers in IraqThe following is part one of a four-part series about combat stress.

By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Some battlefield wounds don’t leavevisible scars, but cut deeper than anybullet could.

The mission of the 883rd MedicalCompany Combat Stress Control team isto help treat wounds that are not mea-sured in liters of blood or broken bones.They work to heal the minds of Soldiersexposed to the stresses of modern armedconflict.

“We’re broken down into two teams, arestoration team and prevention team,and both of them have a little bit differentfocus,” Maj. Ed Moschella, a psychiatricnurse with the 883rd at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda, said.

“The restoration team is based in theclinic. We do all of the clinic operations.We teach classes, see patients on aregular basis, handle command referralsand consultations,” he said. “We alsohave psychiatrists here that providebehavioral health services.”

The Patriot Clinic at LSA Anacondaoffers psycho-education, redeploymenteducation and screenings, and a residen-tial program. Handling command refer-rals is a major part of the work they do.

“The first step in the process is todetermine what the command’s intent is.Are they looking to do a formal mentalstatus evaluation to determine theSoldier’s rehabilitative potential versusseeing if they’re competent to participatein administrative actions?” Moschellasaid. “Then we spend time talking to theSoldiers and find out what the Soldiers’interests and needs are.”

Moschella said the two groups ofSoldiers using the clinic the most are newarrivals and those who are going home.

“People early on in their deploymentwill find they’re having adjustment

difficulties for a variety of reasons.”Moschella said. “Maybe they’re new incountry, or have been cross-leveled into aunit that they have no working relation-ship with prior to the deployment.”

For Soldiers, smoothing the transitioninto a high-stress combat zone can take alittle work on their part, but is worth thepayoff of a reduced-stress environment.

“Learn to develop healthy copingskills. The folks we usually see early onare the folks who for whatever reasonhave a hard time adapting,” Moschellasaid. “Enjoy some recreational activityand communicate with your family.”

Moschella also said taking care of thebody helps take care of the mind. Somebasic personal maintenance can help easeday-to-day stress.

“First, take care of yourself. Make sureyou’re eating, getting plenty of fluids.Make sure you’re getting four to six hoursof rest a night, Moschella said. “Also,develop a relationship with a battle-buddy so that you have someone that youcan confide in and turn to for support indifficult times.”

Many issues Soldiers have are notrelated to the anxieties of a new locationor a new unit. Soldiers preparing toredeploy have a different set of reasonsfor seeking help.

“The second biggest group of folkswe’re seeing is people redeploying.Although redeployment is generally apositive and happy time, it has its ownset of difficulties and it’s a very stressfultime for Soldiers,” Moschella said. “Asthe operational tempo slows down forpeople who are redeploying, they begin torealize they’ve just been through what-ever type of experience it’s been for them.Whatever the issues are that they’ve dealtwith, they may not be at the forefrontbecause they’ve been so caught up intheir mission. As they start to wind downthey have more idle time on their hands,they start realizing ‘Wow, I’ve beenexposed to some really stressful events,’and that’s when a lot of the reactions

Capt. Jeffery Cox speaks with Col. Lewis Van Osdel, a psychiatrist with the 883rd MedicalCompany (Combat Stress Control) at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

begin to surface.”Moschella said Soldiers on their way

out of theater may seek care from militaryproviders because talking about theirexperiences in Iraq with friends or familymay not create the support they hopedfor.

“When you’ve been exposed to some

pretty horrible stuff, families don’t knowhow to deal with that when you tellthem,” Moschella said. “Everybody’s firstinclination is to share their experiencewith the people that are close to them,and a lot of folks aren’t equipped to offersupport when they hear stories that arepretty overwhelming.”


Iraqi government capture, prosecute, convict terroristsAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Iraqi Ministry of Justice officials an-nounced today that the country’s Central Criminal Courthas convicted seven members of al Qaeda in Iraq for hei-nous crimes against the Iraqi people.

Four of the convicted terrorist-insurgents were membersof a Mosul bombing cell led by Abu Talha. They were foundguilty, on Nov. 23 of attacking Iraqi police, Iraqi nationalguard and coalition forces — all Article 194 violations ofthe Iraqi penal code. All four convicts were sentenced tolife imprisonment, 20 years under the Iraqi system, offi-cials said.

The other three convicted terrorists were based in theAdhamiya area of Baghdad. They were found guilty ofthreatening the public safety, crimes against the security ofIraq, and belonging to armed groups that threaten the Iraqipeople.

Officials said the Mosul bombing cell convicts are for-eign fighters from Jordan, Syria and Algeria. They report-edly entered Iraq illegally and committed crimes rangingfrom murder and terrorism to possession of illegal weap-ons. They were captured in a house where the kidnappedgovernor of Anbar was found murdered. These terroristsresisted arrest, and a firefight ensued before they all even-tually were captured, officials said.

Iraqi police, Iraqi national guard and coalition forcesraided the house on May 29 and apprehended the fourterrorists: Bilal Mahmoud Abdul Hadi, aka AbuMuhommad; Abdullah Muhammed Atala Muhammed,aka Abu Muhammed; Mohammed Ben Rabit Saada, akaAbu Amar; and Ishmail Muhammad Abdullah BinAbdullah, officials said.

Elsewhere, the three convicted insurgents in Baghdad’sAdhamiya terrorist cell planned and participated in armedattacks against Iraqi police, national guard and civilians,and coalition forces. The Adhamiya terrorist cell also pro-

vides safe passage into Iraq of foreign fighters from Mo-rocco, Tunisia and North Africa, officials said.

· Iraq’s Central Criminal Court found Musab KasarAbdul Rahman al-Hafith, aka Yunis, guilty of threateningthe public safety on Nov. 16. He was sentenced to 15 yearsimprisonment.

· Uthman Awad Hamid Ahmed al-Jubouri, aka OssmanAwad Hamid Ahmed, was found guilty of crimes againstthe security of Iraq on Nov. 22 and sentenced to 10 yearsimprisonment.

· Daud Salman Mohammed Ali al-Barmani was foundguilty Dec. 5 of belonging to armed groups who threatenthe Iraqi people on and sentenced to 10 years imprison-ment.

Officials hailed the convictions as a landmark for theIraqi judicial system. The verdict reinforces the will of theIraqi people that former regime members, terrorist-insur-gents, foreign fighters and their supporters be held account-able and punished by an Iraqi court of justice.


East MWREast MWREast MWREast MWREast MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

WWWWWesesesesest MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

PilatesPilatesPilatesPilatesPilatesThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Pilates classes at 5:45 a.m. Mon-day, Wednesday and Friday.

AerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsThere will be an aerobics class Mon-

day, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m.Freestyle aerobics is Saturday at 9a.m., and today at 1 p.m.

KKKKKarararararaaaaateteteteteKarate classes will be Sunday,

Monday, Wednesday and Friday at7:15 p.m.

TTTTTae Boae Boae Boae Boae BoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Tae Bo classes Tuesday, Thurs-day and Saturday at 5:30 a.m.

KKKKKobobobobobushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen Jushi Sessen JutsuutsuutsuutsuutsuThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers classes in the feudal warriorcombat art Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday at 8:30 p.m.

CaCaCaCaCapoeirpoeirpoeirpoeirpoeiraaaaaThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers capoeira classes Sunday at 6p.m and Monday, Wednesday andFriday at 8:30 p.m.

Brazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuBrazilian Jiu-JitsuCombaCombaCombaCombaCombatititititivvvvveseseseses Classes will beSundays at 8:30 p.m. and Wednes-days and Fridays at 8:30 p.m.

LSLSLSLSLSA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaFitnessFitnessFitnessFitnessFitnessCenterCenterCenterCenterCenter

KKKKKarararararaokaokaokaokaoke Nighte Nighte Nighte Nighte Night

Open-mike nights willbe every Saturday at 8 p.m.

TTTTTaaaaabbbbble le le le le TTTTTennisennisennisennisennisTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A Table tennis tour-nament will be everySunday at 3 and 8 p.m.

DarDarDarDarDartststststsTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A darts tournamentis held Sundays at 8p.m.

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

An 8-ball tourna-ment will be heldevery Monday at 3and 8 p.m.

Anaconda ChoirAnaconda ChoirAnaconda ChoirAnaconda ChoirAnaconda ChoirJoin the Anaconda Choir, nowforming. Practice now forChristmas.Practice is held at the TuskegeeChapel on Wednesday andThursdays from 7:30 p.m. to8:30 p.m.

Dedicated to providing a variety ofservices including:

Powers of Attorney and NotariesCitizenship Application Preparation and Immigra-

tion IssuesDivorce and Family Law Issues

GuardianshipsTax Services

Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act IssuesFLIPL and Reprimand Rebuttals

Personnel Claims and Wills

LSA Anaconda Soldier’sLegal CenterDSN 829-1947

TEXAS HOLD’EMat the

Panther PavilionMondays at

2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnamentTTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdays ays ays ays ays attttt

1 1 1 1 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.

Going Home?Naval Customs will be holding

briefings for returning units. TheBriefings will cover MILVAN

inspection and restricted items.

The brief will cover container andMILVAN inspections, prohibited items,and tips on how to make the process gowell. Customs inspectors will be there to

answer questions

For questions and reservations callMT1 McCreary:

829-1824

Redeployment Briefings

Briefing will be held in a newlocation. For location call

Staff Sgt. Litrena Gordon at829-1815

• College classes on-line• Computer classes• GED study sessions• CLEP study sessions and testing• College entrance examination preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)• GT improvement classes• Pre-test GT predictor• On-line military education (eArmyU, ACCP, Smart Force, AARTS, ACES)• Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test study session

DSN 829-4010

Blackjack Education Center

offers the following programs

DECEMBER 18, 2005 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

December 183 p.m. Aeon Flux6 p.m. Into the Blue9 p.m. Two for the Money

December 193 p.m. Greatest Game Ever Played6 p.m. Aeon Flux9 p.m. Lord of War

December 203 p.m. Into the Blue6 p.m. Lord of War9 p.m. Aeon Flux

December 213 p.m. Lord of War6 p.m. Aeon Flux9 p.m. Into the Blue

December 223 p.m. Aeon Flux6 p.m. Into the Blue9 p.m. Two for the Money

December 233 p.m. Curse of the Were-Rabbit6 p.m. Domino9 p.m. Chronicles of Narnia12 a.m. Chronicles of Narnia

December 243 p.m. Into the Blue6 p.m. Chronicles of Narnia9 p.m. History of Violence

December 253 p.m. Chronicles of Narnia6 p.m. Curse of the Were-Rabbit9 p.m. Domino

Roman Catholic MassSaturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 8 p.m. Provider Capel AnnexMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel- Sacrament of Reconciliation(30 minutes prior to each mass)

Church of ChristSunday 2 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Islamic PrayerFriday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel

Samoan Congregational ServiceSunday 4 p.m. Provider Chapel

Spanish-speaking Worship ServiceSunday 2 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Jewish PrayerFriday 6:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex

Protestant-GospelSunday 11 a.m. Sustainer Indoor Theater

Sunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel

Protestant Praise and WorshipSunday 9 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 11 a.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148)Sunday 6:30 p.m. MWR Tent 29th Spt. Bn.Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelWednesday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 11 a.m. Town Hall

Protestant-TraditionalSunday 9:30 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 10 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 5:30 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Protestant-Liturgical ServiceSunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital Chapel

Latter-day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 4 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelWednesday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex (FHE)

Movie Synopsis for Dec. 18 - Dec. 25Aeon FluxPG-13, sci-fi, 99 minCharlize Theron, Francis McDormand

In the 25th century, a rampaging virus has forced theremnants of humanity into the seclusion of a finalcity. There is great political conflict within, however,and this is the story of an acrobatic assassin, AeonFlux, whose latest target is the government’s topleader.

Lord of WarR, action, 122 minNicholas Cage, Jared Leto

A wily arms dealer dodges bullets and betrayal as heschemes his way to the top of his profession, only tocome face to face with his conscience. But it’s not easyto leave a life of girls, guns and glamour when nobodywants you to stop, not even your enemies.

DominoR, action, 120 minKeira Knightley, Mickey Rourke

Domino Harvey rejects her privileged Beverly Hillslifestyle as the daughter of a famous actor and a Fordagency model to become a bounty hunter in pursuit ofsociety’s nastiest criminals.

The Chronicles of NarniaPG, adventure, 125 minTilda Swinton, George Henley

The book tells the story of Peter, Susan, Edmund, andLucy, who are separated from their parents in Londonduring the German air raids of World War II. They aresent to the country for safety and find a magicwardrobe that transports them to the mystical worldof Narnia, a once peaceful land of talking beasts,dwarfs and giants. However, Narnia has been frozenby the evil White Witch, and the kids must help thelion Aslan break her spell.

Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-RabbitG, animations, 94 minPeter Sallis, Helena Bonham-Carter

Wallace and Gromit are cashing in with their humanepest-control outfit, “Anti-Pesto.” With only days to gobefore the annual Giant Vegetable Competition,business is booming, but Wallace & Gromit arefinding out that running a “humane” pest controloutfit has its drawbacks as their West Wallaby Streethome fills to the brim with captive rabbits. Suddenly,a huge, mysterious, veg-ravaging “beast” beginsattacking the town’s sacred vegetable plots at night,and the competition hostess, Lady Tottington,commissions Anti-Pesto to catch it and save the day.Lying in wait, however, is Lady Tottington’s snobbysuitor, Victor Quartermaine, who’d rather shoot thebeast and secure the position of local hero - not tomention Lady Tottingon’s hand in marriage.

Religious schedule subject to change


Going full circle: Soldier ends Iraqtour with same unit from Vietnam WarBy Sgt. Susan Redwine159th CAB PAO

Few Soldiers can claim to have a careerspanning 38 years, but one pilot on theLSA not only has those bragging rights,but can also say he concluded his careerwith the same unit he began it with.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Alfordbegan his military career as a pilot inVietnam with Company A, 4th Battalion,101st Aviation Regiment in 1967, andrecently was able to fly with the verysame company in Iraq.

Alford arrived in Iraq last year with hisNational Guard unit, 1st Battalion, 126th

Aviation Regt., from Rhode Island, andhas been flying UH-60 Blackhawkmissions throughout the country.

Alford said the veterans of Company Aform a very active network and he learnedthrough Internet correspondence that hisold unit, nicknamed the Comancheros,was deploying to Iraq to the very samebase as his current National Guard unit.

After that, it was just a matter oftouching base with his former unit toarrange to go out on a mission and comefull circle in his military career.

“Before they even arrived in country, Ihad been e-mailing back and forth,”Alford said. “So I had a good idea whenthey arrived in country and what theywere going to do. I sort of forced myselfon them after that.

“One of my first rides was with theComancheros,” he said. “I wanted one ofmy last flights to be with them. I don’tplan on coming back again.”

The unique nature of Alford’s missionalso made an impression on currentComancheros.

“To see something like this come aboutand materialize is one of the most moti-vating things that I could have for my

Soldiers and myself,” said 1st Lt. RobertMassey, a platoon leader for Company A.

Alford, who works full-time for theSocial Security Administration and lives inFramingham, Mass., said he left themilitary after his tour in Vietnam, butjoined the National Guard in 1988 becausehe missed flying and the camaraderie offellow Soldiers.

Current members of Company A areaware of the unique pride that keeps theirunit glued together and eagerly point outthat they can trace their lineage back toVietnam.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua D.Havill, a Blackhawk pilot for Company A,said that in his 12 years of service, henever had a unit patch until he became aComanchero and cited it as an example ofhow to establish unit pride.

The unit develops a new patch for eachdeployment or mission. For Alford’s lastmission, he was able to put on theComanchero’s latest patch and gave hiscrew souvenir patches with the design hewore in Vietnam.

“The standard for earning that patch isbeing fully-mission qualified,” Alford said.“But you also have to be one of the guys,too. You have to earn it from your peers.”

Part of the bond the unit shares comesfrom the Soldier lifestyle.

“You’re away from home and 24-7you’re around each other,” Massey said.“This is your family. You depend on eachother.

“It’s the people that make the camarade-rie, that’s where the tradition lies,” Masseywent on. “The people that have come andgone from this unit…people that aremotivated and excited to do the job make itfun.”

This enthusiasm is apparent in theSoldiers of the unit.

“I think I’m blessed,” said Pfc. RichardMontgomery, Blackhawk crew chief for

Right: Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Alford, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment of theRhode Island National Guard shows off the patches he's worn in combat missions over 38years of service. The patch on his uniform is from Company A, 4th Battalion, 101st Avia-tion Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, also known as the Comancheros. Thepatch in his right hand is his current unit serving in Iraq and the patch in his left hand theoriginal Comanchero design from Vietnam. Alford, a native of Framingham, Mass., wasable to fly a mission with his original unit, the Comancheros, while serving in Iraq recently.Left: Alford as a young warrant officer in Vietnam.

Photo by Sgt. Susan Redwine courtesy photo

Company A. “There’s no other place Iwant to go. The people here are reallywonderful and there are rich traditions.It sounds kind of corny, but I like it. It’s alot of fun, I love flying with these guys.”

Montgomery, who also flew withAlford during the mission, said Alfordwas very down-to-earth and answeredthe many questions posed to him, andAlford said he was able to mentor thecurrent Comancheros because of hisexperiences in both Iraq and Vietnam.“You have to keep in mind that you canget shot at and die any day,” he said.“You can’t get complacent. You have tokeep it in your head all the time.”

“I had a lot of questions for him,”Montgomery said. “He told me every-thing I wanted to know.”

Montgomery said he was able to askabout Alford’s experiences in Vietnam,how many flight hours he’s logged, thetypes of aircraft he’s flown and even hisfamily.

“Knowledge drips off the guy,” Havillconcurred.

Alford said he enjoyed the flight hetook with the Comancheros here.

“It was great. I loved it. It was fantas-tic.”

Alford will be redeploying to theUnited States in December.

240th Quartermaster Company puts emphasis on PTBy Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

The brisk morning air in Iraq can be intimidatingduring the winter months, but the Soldiers of the 240th

Quartermaster Company know that cool mornings are nomatch for the physical training program they have beendoing since they arrive in Iraq.

The 240th has undergone a rigorous training programwhile living and working at Forward Operating BaseSeitz that has sent their scores through the roof.

“We don’t allow the elements to change how we dothings,” said 1st Sgt. Shelton Williamson, the 240th firstsergeant.

Williamson said that the company has been dedicatedto physical fitness while being deployed, so much so thatthe company average PT score rose from 242 to 275.These Soldiers have worked hard to improve and theresults show it.

“The pressure is on me to keep up,” said Capt.Courteney Abraham, the 240th commander. “I made adeal with the Soldiers, for the first APFT anybody thatbeat the commander’s APFT score would be first in linefor Qatar passes.”

With an added incentive on the line, the Soldiersfaced the challenge of beating the commander’s score of284.

“I had Soldiers on the first APFT scoring very high, Ibelieve the high score was a 346,” Abraham said. “But

because of our competitive nature that just made me trainharder and work harder. When they see me doing thosethings, then it pushes them to do more.”

It’s not unusual for Soldiers in the 240th to put in 12 to14 hours a day. The PT provides a positive outlet for thehard-working servicemembers.

“Their leaders are abnormal. On our last APFT, wehad a 361 and a couple of scores of 340,” Williamsonsaid. “We had 50 or more Soldiers score 270 and above.”

Williamson added that the Soldiers see the gym as asafe haven, or a place they can go and release the stressesthat they experience without getting into situations thatcan have a negative influence.

Soldiers have to be trucked to a location where theycan do PT each morning because the conditions at FOBSeitz are not conducive to a running program. However,the Soldiers of the 240th made the transition from garri-son physical fitness to the training that is available tothem at Seitz with a positive outlook, and have the PTscores to prove it.

We don’t allow theelements to change

how we do things.- 1st Sgt. Shelton Williamson


2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 ArArArArArmed Fmed Fmed Fmed Fmed ForororororcescescescescesRRRRRugbugbugbugbugby Championshipy Championshipy Championshipy Championshipy Championship

Story by Brian Berger

CAMP LEJEUNE , N.C. – Air Forcecruised Navy 46-14 in the championshipmatch of the 2005 Armed Forces RugbyChampionship. The win gave the AirForce their second consecutive ArmedForces Rugby Crown. The match was arepeat of the 2004 championship inwhich Air Force defeated Navy 23-12.

The competition was wide open afterthe first day of round robin play. AirForce had been the favorite heading intothe tournament after winning the 2004Armed Forces Rugby Championship. TheMarines rewarded the hometown fans inattendance with a huge 16-15 victory overthe defending champion, Air Force. Laterin the day, the Marines were forced totake on a fresh Army team that wasplaying in its first game, and though theMarine’s dominated most of the game, afew “mental mistakes” cost them dearlyand Army prevailed 14-6. In other firstday action, Navy defeated Coast Guard24-19 as they scored in final seconds ofthe match. Air Force proceeded to handle

Navy 22-6 in their initial encounter. In thefinal game of the day, Coast Guard andArmy played to a 12-12 draw.

The second day of competition startedjust like the first day with the Marinesagain winning the first match. This timethe Marines defeated the Coast Guard 5-0in a hard-fought contest. Air Forcecrushed Army 40-8 in the second match,and Navy held on to defeated the Marines35-17, after leading 35-0 at the half. Thechampionship stage was set after the AirForce clobbered the Coast Guard 37-0 onthe final match of the day. The Marineswould play the Army in the consolationmatch, and the Air Force would bematched-up against the Navy in thechampionship match.

The Marines avenged an earlier loss bydefeating the Army 32-7 in the consola-tion match.

Rugby is a physical game, oftendescribed as “football without pads” or“organized chaos,” but players from thefive services emphasized that afterbeating up on each other on the field, theyall fight together on the same team in thebigger scheme of things.

Air Force Repeats as Champion with winover Navy - Marine Corps crushes Armyin Consolation Match to take Third

Air FAir FAir FAir FAir Forororororce ce ce ce ce WWWWWins theins theins theins theins the2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 ArArArArArmed Fmed Fmed Fmed Fmed ForororororcescescescescesGolf ChampionshipGolf ChampionshipGolf ChampionshipGolf ChampionshipGolf ChampionshipCpl.Cpl.Cpl.Cpl.Cpl. Darhonda Darhonda Darhonda Darhonda Darhonda VVVVV..... Hall Hall Hall Hall Hall

The 2005 Armed Forces GolfChampionship took place September19-23 at the Legends Golf Course onMarine Corps Recruit Depot, ParrisIsland, N.C. Thirty-six of the best maleand female golfers in the military teedoff for the opportunity to compete forthe title of the Armed Forces’ bestgolfer.

In individual competition, NavyENS Bill Hurley shot a 4 under par 68on the opening day of competition andnever looked back. At the end of fourchampionship rounds it was ENSHurly beating out his Navy team mateCTR1 Rob Frank by 6 strokes to winthe gold. ENS Hurley finished with afour round score of 283. CTR1 Frankshot a 289 to capture the silver, andAir Force SMSGT Mark Garner earnedthe bronze after shooting a 296.

On the women side, Navy ENSNicole Johnson took the gold bybeating out Air Force CPT Linda Jeffreyby one stroke in the final round. ENSJohnson finished with four-day totalscore of 303. CPT Jeffrey, who had tosettle for the silver, wrapped up herperformance with a score 304. AirForce MSGT Tammy Garcia recorded a

score of 325 to take the bronze.“All of the golfers do their military

commitments first and golf second,”commented Bill Brown, Depot SportsDirector. “If the golfers dedicated moretime to golfing, they would play betterand far more advanced. I wouldn’t besurprised if one of the golfers couldcompete with Tiger Woods … they areextremely respectable golf players.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if one of thegolfers could compete with Tiger Woods… they are extremely respectable golfplayers.”

courtesy photo

Rudolph’s5K Swim

(100 laps)Christmas Eve @the Indoor Pool

Event Starts at 6:30 p.m.Participants are required toswim 2, one-mile swims byDec. 20.

Participants may compete inteams of two (50 laps each) orsolo (100 laps)

Sign up at the Indoor Pool orcontact:[email protected]@Halliburton.com&[email protected]


AROUND 3rd COSCOM

Corner office with a view

Waiting roomIraqi women wait during medical screenings by the 29th Brigade Combat Team in a village outside of LSA Anaconda.

courtesy photo

Slam dunk tourA Soldier from the 211th Maintenance Company dunks abasketball a few weeks before leaving for home.

Somtimes the big corner office isn't all it's cracked up to be, as one Soldier at Logistical Support Area Anaconda learnswhile working on his laptop.


Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

vol. 2, issue 50 december 18, 2005 - defense video...

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