April/May 2008 Published for the Soldiers, Families and ...static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_3378.pdf · by Capt. Richard Ybarra 115th MPAD MOSUL, Iraq — Fighting Eagles Soldiers

April/May 2008 Volume I, Issue 5Published for the Soldiers, Families and friends of the 3rd BCT, 4th ID

Mission readyMission ready

The Striker Beacon is published in theinterest of the Soldiers, Families andfriends of the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division. The StrikerBeacon is an Army-funded newsletterauthorized for members of the U.S.Army under the provsion of AR 360-1.Contents of the Striker Beacon are notneccessarily the official views of, norendorsed by, the U.S. Government,Depeartment of Defense or Departmentof the Army

3rd BCT Commander

Col. John H. Hort

3rd BCT CSM

CSM Daniel A. Dailey

3rd BCT PAO

Maj. Michael Humphreys

3rd BCT Public Affairs NCOIC

Sgt. Zach Mott

Striker Beacon staff writer

Spc. Elvyn Nieves

Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo

3rd BCT broadcaster

Spc. Michael Cox

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON2

BeaconBeacon’’s Lights Light

Fighting Eagles move off FOB Marezand into COP Knight to help secureMosul.

Page 4

Editor’s PenIt’s been a busy two months for

Strikers. Many have moved out toCombat Outposts and JointSecurity Stations, with still morecoming in the days and weeks tofollow.

Last month, we were able tospend a few days with Blackjackat Camp Liberty. We’ve includeda few photos from that trip on thecover and pages 6 and 7. In thecoming months we’re hoping tospend time with the other outlyingbattalions outside of the StrikerOperational Environment as our15 month stay here continues.

We’re always on the look outfor stories from Soldiers out theredoing the job. If you’ve got pho-tos we can use those as well.Simply send them to the e-mailaddress below with as muchinformation as possible and lookfor those stories and photos inthese pages.

I hope you enjoy this editionand I look forward to seeing yourproducts.

Thanks for reading,Sgt. Zach Mott

3rd BCT Public Affairs NCOIC

[email protected]

Blackjack operations help troopersand IA counterparts own the night.

Page 6 & 7

Phoenix Soldiers continue diverse andvaried missions. This month theymoved to COP War Eagle and kept fit.

Page 10

Mountaineers continue to place barri-ers along major throughfares to keepIraqis and American forces safe.

Page 11

On the coverSgt. Brandon Felton, a mechanic withComanche Troop, 4th Squadron, 10th CavalryRegiment, welds a hook onto a Humvee at theSquadron Maintenance Bay on Camp Liberty.Felton and other Blackjack mechanics worklong hours to ensure the troopers on the roadhave what they need and can rely on thatequipment.

Photo by Sgt. Zach Mott

3April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONCOMMAND COMMAND VVOICEOICE

Strikers, Family and friends of the

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th

Infantry Division,

As difficult as it is for me to recog-nize another sacrifice of our Soldiers,I know it pales in comparison to thepain felt by family for the death oftheir beloved Soldier and hero. Ourdeepest most heartfelt sympathies goout to the families dealing with thedeaths of nine great heroes and war-riors. Silver Lions SSG MichaelElledge and SGT ChristopherSimpson; our Wareagles SSG JosephGamboa, CPL Steven Candello, SPCJoshua Molina, SGT Michael Lilly,and CPL Jason Kazanick, ourEngineer brother SSG JeremiahMcNeal, and our friend and fellowleader MAJ Mark Rosenberg, allkilled by faceless cowards while theyfought for a free Iraq and a saferworld.

These Soldiers have paid the ulti-mate sacrifice, and their deaths willnot be in vane. Because of them, otherSoldiers and civilians will be saved.

The mission of the Striker Brigadein Baghdad has not changed, but it hasbecome more important than ever. TheBrigade recently took control of oper-ations in Sadr City just in time for thepolitical situation in Iraq to spur an

attempted uprising in the Iraqi portCity of Basra from rouge elementsformerly affiliated with al-SayeedMuqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army. Thisuprising resonated to al Sadr’s name-sake, Sadr City where the StrikerBrigade in partnership with the IraqiSecurity Forces is containing the vio-lence to the region.

This is a tense and difficult time forthe Striker Brigade, but our mission inBaghdad now is possibly more criticalthan ever. Progress is being made allover the city. Just west of the centralcanal from Sadr City, Iraqis are feel-ing a sense of security and stabilitylike never before. Just a month ago,Iraqis in Old Adhamiyah celebratedMoulib al Nabi, the Birth of theProphet festival, for the first time infive years. Markets are open and thestreets are filled with shoppers; chil-dren are going to school; Iraqis aregoing to work and each day moreneighborhoods are getting overhauledto inspire more economic growth.Strikers along side our partners in theIraqi Security Forces will not allowwhat is happening in Sadr City to spillover into these peaceful communities.

The brigade has some really toughweeks ahead of it, but I’m confidentwhen we are passed this recent rise in

violence,Baghdad and therest of Iraq willhave reached anew stage of development. IraqiSecurity Forces tested and tried herewill learn valuable lessons and experi-ences to better enable them to combatfuture threats to Iraqi sovereignty; andthanks to the Steadfast and Loyalefforts of the Striker Brigade, otherAmerican Soldiers will not have toreturn to Iraq.

I ask our Soldiers to remain vigilantand remember that our Iraqi partnersare fighting and dying for their coun-try. Together with the Iraqi SecurityForces, the enemy will gain noground.

For our Families and friends backat Fort Carson and elsewhere in theU.S., thank you for you continuedsupport and service. Without yoursupport, our mission would be impos-sible. We are at a critical time here, sonow more than ever the efforts youmake on the homefront ensures ourSoldiers remain mission focused andready. Thank you for all that you do. Steadfast and Loyal,

Strikers!

COL JOHN H. HORT

Commanding

HHOORRTT RREEPPOORRTT

CommunicatingCol. John Hort, commander ofthe 3rd Brigade Combat Team,4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad,speaks to an Iraqi soldier dur-ing a visit to the recentlyestablished Joint SecurityStation Tharwa 2 in the south-ern portion of the southernportion Sadr City district ofBaghdad April 13. The visitallowed Hort and his Soldiersto evaluate security condi-tions and life support at thestation.

Photo by Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo


Fighting Eagles move into sectorFIGHTINGFIGHTING EAGLESEAGLES

by Capt. Richard Ybarra

115th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq — Fighting EaglesSoldiers are working the latest phaseof the fight against al-Qaida in Iraq byliving among Iraqi citizens at CombatOutpost Knight in eastern Mosul andgaining their trust by constantpatrolling and interaction.

“We conduct atmospherics gather-ing, talk to the local populace and seewhat their needs are, what their secu-rity level is,” said 1st Lt. LarryGwinn, a platoon leader withCompany D, 1st Battalion, 8thInfantry Regiment.

Gwinn also stated that sanitationworkers had been hired through thelocal government and were making adifference in the community.

“It’s about hearts and minds. Wecheck and see how many schools arearound, doctors, retired Iraqi army,people that want to help us helpthem,” added Spc. Jamel Staton Co.D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Reg.

This requires frequent patrols thatoriginate from COP Knight. The COPis a small fortified base that allowsSoldiers to stay close to the surround-ing neighborhoods and act as a quickresponse force for citizens if needed.

The Fighting Eagles’ rotate into

COP Knight every four days. While atthe COP Soldiers complete requiredduties that vary between thosedesigned to ensure the functioning ofthe COP to guard duty.

Soldiers fill the downtime by work-ing out, watching movies or playingportable computer games. Card gamesare a particular favorite of the Soldiersfor chewing up excess time on theCOP. A game or two of Chinese pokercan often be found going on at anytime during the day.

“When we are not on a mission wedon’t like to talk about a mission. Wetalk about things that get our mindsoff of it or play cards, watch a movieor have a fire and have a little smalltalk about times at home,” said Staton.

The rhythm of COP life goes onrelentlessly for the Soldiers as theymove from patrols to the COP andback to patrols. Breaking the cycleonly on the end of the fourth daywhen they return to ForwardOperating Base Marez.

A return to the FOB does not meana break from missions for theSoldier’s. It merely changes theirlocation for a different, but still busy,schedule.

“We pull PMCS (PreventiveMaintenance Checks and Services) on

all our vehicles; tanks, MRAPs andHumvees, get those fueled up andgreased down, order parts if we needto,” said Staton. “We also run mis-sions from FOB Marez, usually justinto a different sector.”

A grueling cycle such as this couldhave an affect on the morale of eventhe best units. To the contrary, thiscycle was just what the unit neededaccording to Gwinn. The FightingEagles, conducting operations inMosul for more than two months, arenow hitting a stride. Gwinn stated thathis Soldiers have adapted well and arein a rhythm.

“At first, before we had the actualcycle, it was pretty rough, as far as theoptempo goes, the Soldiers were get-ting pretty strung-out,” said Gwinn.“Now that there is more of a patternto our schedules, the guys are morein-tune with what is going on. Nowthat we can give them some pre-dictability, they can make adjustmentsto their personal schedules.”

Staton added that he and his fellowplatoon members could accomplishwhatever was required, regardless ofthe condition or mission.

“We are always going to make do… we are Soldiers first and foremost,”he said.

Photos by Capt. Richard Ybarra

Pfc. Andrew Barger, Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, fills his tray with food as his fellow platoon membersmove through the line at COP Knight after a mission into the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul. INSET: Spc. Jamel Staton, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, keeps an alert posture while utilizing available cover and con-cealment during a mission in the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul.

5April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACON

FFooxx CCoommppaannyy kkeeeeppss CCOOPP rruunnnniinngg

SILSILVERVER LIONSLIONS

by Spc. Elvyn Nieves


COMBAT OUTPOST 317 – The Multi-National Division– Baghdad Soldiers of Company F, 1st Battalion, 68thArmor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, stationed at Combat Outpost Callahan, are readyto continue their vital resupply mission and to maintaintheir vigilance on security in the area.

The Soldiers successfully made the move from CampTaji March 7; their task is to provide sustainability foroperations in the COP.

1st Sgt. Michael Young, Co. F, a Newport, R.I., native,said his Soldiers’ mission is to provide logistical support to1-68 AR so it can conduct its mission. The company pro-

vides the fuel, maintenance support, mechanics, cooks,fuelers and transportation assets to keep the battalion mov-ing.

“Without bullets, they’re not going to be able to fight;without food they’re not going to be able to sustain them-selves and without fuel they’re not going to be able to getthe vehicles running,” said Young.

Co. F is also in charge of security in COP Callahan, andmost Soldiers are rotating for guard shifts.

“We’re on the lookout for people shooting rocket-pro-pelled grenades at us, or have hostile intent, and keepingan eye for anything suspicious,” said Spc. Angel Marrero,a Pleasantville, N.J., native, who serves as truck driver.

Young said the noncommissioned officers under himunderstand the mission they have and are able to thinkahead and pre-plan.

“In comparison to our last deployment, we had moredowntime then,” said Young. “You don’t see a lot ofSoldiers watching movies this time around. When they’renot sleeping, it’s because they’re working.”

“I do pretty much nothing else but work since I gothere,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Bolte, aMarion, Kan., native, who serves as maintenance controltechnician for 1-68 AR.

Young said he understands the challenge during thisdeployment and he foresees it as one of great achieve-ments.

“I think this deployment is going to push my NCOs wayout of their limits,” said Young. “A year later, they’regoing to look back and see a lot of growth. My Soldiersare the biggest asset. When I get back and retire, I’ll knowthe Soldiers in the support company I was under will beable to pick up.”

Photo by Spc. Elvyn Nieves

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joseph Bolte, maintenance controltechnician for 1st Comined Arms Battalion, 68th ArmorRegiment, repairs the air conditioner of a vehicle that was pre-viously hit by an improvised-explosive device.

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON6 BLACKJACKBLACKJACK

ABOVE: During a joint operation in Ameriyah withthe Iraqi Army, Blackjack Soldiers search the airducts of a house for hidden munitions.LEFT: Pfc. Ronald Waford, Apache Troop, talks witha group of Iraqi children while on patrol south ofBakariyah in western Baghdad.CENTER: Spc. William Gwin, a mechanic withDragoon Troop, looks underneath a Humvee whileperforming maintenance at Camp Liberty.TOP RIGHT: Lt. Col. Monty Willoughby, commanderof 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, uses hisflashlight to read a document during a joint raid inAmeriyah with the Iraqi Army.INSET RIGHT: Capt. David Tier, Apache Troop com-mander, kisses an Iraqi baby while on patrol.FAR RIGHT: Specialists William Gwin (left) and RonLarrabee, both with Dragoon Troop, 4th Squadron,10th Cavalry Regiment, work on a Humvee enginewhile conducting maintenance at Camp Liberty.Inset Right photo by Sgt. Sharhonda McCoy, Leftphoto by Sgt. James Hunter; all other photos bySgt. Zach Mott.

Blackjack operations Owning theday and night

7April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONBLACKJACKBLACKJACK

Blackjack operations

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON8 ONON PPAATROLTROL

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LEFT: Pvt. Axel Marson gives “five” to an Iraqi child duringa patrol in the Qahira neighborhood of Baghdad. The childwas walking by with his sister, and after passing the Soldier,he decided to come back for his “five.” Marson serves as amortar infantryman with 4th Platoon, Company A, 1stSquadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

Photo by Tech Sgt. Adrian Cadiz, 1st Combat Camera Squadron

2nd Lt. Elizabeth Nelson provides security at a traffic check-point in eastern Baghdad with members of the 3rd Battalion,4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division. Nelson serves asthe military police platoon leader with Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion.


Spc. Francisco Lassiter conducts a foot patrol on the streetsof Baghdad’s Suleikh neighborhood as a Stryker vehiclepasses by. Lassiter, who serves as a tanker with 4th Platoon,Company A, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment,was part of a patrol that was gathering information from res-idents and visiting Iraqi Army checkpoints.

Photo by Tech Sgt. Adrian Cadiz, 1st Combat Camera Squadron

Sgt. Travis Jochinsen provides security at a traffic checkpointin eastern Baghdad as members of the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam Public Affairs Office interview members of the 3rdBattalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division. Jochinsenis a military policeman with 3rd Special Troops Battalion.

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ADHAMIYAH – During a joint

dismounted patrol with the Iraqi

Army on Chem Street, Multi-

National Division – Baghdad Soldiers

witnessed the changes and progress in

the area and its bustling market.

The Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 7th

Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade

Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division,

attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat

Team, 4th Infantry Division, along

with the Iraqi Army Soldiers of the

1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi

Army Division, and the Sons of Iraq

(Abna al-Iraq), have been working

hand-in-hand to provide Adhamiyah

residents with enough security for

them to feel safe walking the streets.

“What we’ve been doing in the last

four months is working with our IA

counterparts and putting them in the

front so people can see their IA is out

there to help security as much as we

are,” said Capt. Erik Kjonnerod,

commander of Troop A, 3rd

Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.

“We wanted to show them their Iraqi

Security Forces are out there as much

we are. They’re not sitting on check

points doing nothing. They go out on

patrols just like the Americans do.”

The awakening of the market on

Chem Street is attributed to the

progress in security in the area.

“When we first got here, we could

see an average of 15 to 20 shops

open,” said Staff Sgt. Germaine

Seabrook, a cavalry scout in Troop A,

3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.

“With the help of Iraqi forces, we

helped keep the security tight. Most

of the Iraqi people started coming

back, opening up shops, and the econ-

omy started rolling better. The people

from Adhamiyah can see how safe it

is now.”

The advantage of joint, dismounted

patrols is getting Soldiers to talk to

people and letting the people know

they are there for security, and they

do care about their concerns.

“In the beginning of our work

here, the streets were pretty much

desolated,” said 1st Lt. Matthew

Jensen, a platoon leader in Troop A.

“We didn’t see many people walking

around. People were scared to get out

of their homes. Through civil affairs,

micro grants, the Sons of Iraq and

our presence, people started coming

out. Most of the stores on Chem

Street are opened now.”

The populated market in Chem

Street proves the success of joint dis-

mounted patrols. The Iraqi people

feel more confident to get out of their

houses, walk the streets and approach

the ISF with their problems and con-

cerns. The SoI keeps the security and

peace in the area when the Coalition

Forces are not around. Thus far, it’s a

method the Iraqi people can see and

feel.

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON10 PHOENIXPHOENIX

Phoenix are moving out, staying fit

ABOVE: Pvt. Mathew Logston,Company A, 64th Brigade SupportBattalion, prepares to check to makesure the weapons of the Iraqi Soldier iscleared at the front gate of CombatOutpost 342. Photo by Spc. ElvynNievesLEFT: Sgt. Jamie Schott, Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 3rd SpecialTroops Battalion, checks the connec-tions on the battery of a 10k generator atCombat Outpost 342 in Baghdad. Photoby Spc. Elvyn NievesRIGHT: 3rd Special Troops BattalionSoldiers Staff Sgt. Patrick Sanders(rear), watches the time as Capt. CarlosMartinez holds the feet of Sgt. 1st ClassPatrice Cenance during an ArmyPhysical Fitness Test Camp Taji. Photoby Sgt. Zach MottBOTTOM: Multi-National Division –Baghdad Soldiers with the 3rd SpecialTroops Battalion begin the run event ofthe Army Physical Fitness Test at CampTaji. Photo by Sgt. Zach Mott


Can’t find the Striker

Beacon? Try looking at thefollowing places:www.dvidshub.net

To view the Beacon, andother Striker Brigade relat-ed content, you must create

a log on (anyone is eligi-ble) and click on publica-tions, scroll down to“Striker Beacon” (it’s inalphabetical order) anddownload a PDF version ofthe paper.

www.hood.army.mil/4ID/i

ndex.html

Information on the 4thID and 3rd BCT is locatedin the news section.www.armyfrg.org

Use your log on infor-

mation obtained at thedeployment fair or registerfor the 3rd BCT, 4th IDFRG and view all the latestinformation available onthe Striker Brigade as wellas events available locally.

Mountaineers are ready all night, every night

MOUNTMOUNTAINEERAINEER



BAGHDAD – In an effort to reducethe possibility of improvised-explo-sive device attacks between barriersthat have been moved or destroyedMulti-National Division – BaghdadSoldiers from 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division, havebeen conducting barrier maintenance.

While replacing broken barriers,Soldiers from Company A, 64thBrigade Support Battalion, have dili-gently strived to make sure the barrierline was straight and closed up emptyspaces to prevent the placement ofIEDs during an overnight missionMarch 23 and 24.

“Barriers don’t lay well (here)because of the uneven and muddyground,” said 1st Lt. Clay Hanika, aplatoon leader in Co. A, 64th BSB.“We usually lay those barriers on flat

surfaces, but last night we had to stickrocks underneath the barriers to bal-ance them out and lay properlyagainst the next barrier.”

This night’s route in a northernBaghdad neighborhood is a narrowroad that created a difficult challengeto these troops.

“We tried to minimize the amountof dismounted Soldiers in this streetsince you only have one way in andout,” said Staff Sgt. Ricardo Hamlin, apetroleum laboratory specialist in Co.A, 64th BSB. “Our biggest challengeis to be on the look out for boobytraps, IEDs and small arms fire.”

Hanika said thesetypes of missions are aconstant learning experi-ence where in order tosucceed he passes theinformation of what hesaw in the area to the

next convoy commander to give him aheads up to better prepare for the mis-sion.

The barriers serve to cut off exitavenues for criminals trying to stagean attack against Coalition or IraqiForces. When the enemy runs awayfrom combat, there won’t be manyescape routes because of the barriers.

“We’ve been doing this mission forthree months now and my Soldiersalways perform great,” said Hanika.“Every time we face a challenge, theSoldiers step up immediately to face itand we’ll continue to do so until weleave Iraq.”

Photos by Spc. Elvyn Nieves

LEFT: Staff Sgt. Ricardo Hamlin, a petrole-um specialist with Company A, 64thBrigade Support Battalion, guides the bar-rier with an Iraqi worker on a main supplyroute in a northern Baghdad neighbor-hood.ABOVE: 1st Lt. Clay Hanika (left) and StaffSgt. Ricardo Hamlin observe the base of arecently placed barrier to make sure it islevel.

How Full Is Your Glass?Commentary by Chaplain (Capt.) Phillip

Rittermeyer

64th Brigade Support Battalion

We all know the differencebetween the optimist and the pes-simist. Most optimists think thatpessimists are too negative andany good pessimist can tell youjust how annoying an optimistcan be.

But regardless of how full or how empty youthink your glass is, there is a lot to be said aboutkeeping a good, balanced attitude.

Given our current situation, it might seem easyto slip into the role of a pessimist but I wouldargue that it is just as easy to slip into the role ofthe optimist.

Focusing on the negative, while a bit more nat-ural for most people, actually becomes a detri-ment.

A poor attitude results in, among other things,people not wanting to be around you. If you sud-denly start seeing less and less of the people you

normally hang around thiscould be a sign your attitudeis slipping. Nobody likes tobe around negative people,not even negative people.

At some point in thecourse of this deploymenteven the most optimistic per-

son will have a bad day. The important thing toremember is that you can have a bad day or two,but an overall attitude that looks to the positive,seeks out the good in others, and tries to stayhappy, will get you down the road of deploymentwith fewer bumps.

As my grandfather says, “Every day may notbe good, but there’s something good in everyday.”

Stay alert, stay focused, and stay positive.

CAPTION THISCAPTION THIS

Caption This goes as such: I’ll write some silly caption here and if you can come up with something better, whilestill remaining printable in a command information publication, I’ll run the best one on the back page of the Striker

Bolt. Think you’re up for the challenge? Send your submissions to [email protected] Submission: That didn’t turn out right.


Peace of

Mind

Photo by Spc. Elvyn Nieves


S

Steadfast and LoyalStaff Sgt. Michael Elledge

Company C

1st CAB, 68th Armor Regiment

December 21, 1966 to March 17, 2008

Sgt. Christopher Simpson

Company C

1st CAB, 68th Armor Regiment

July 19, 1984 to March 17, 2008

Staff Sgt. Joseph Gamboa

Troop B

1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

July 22, 1973 to March 25, 2008

Cpl. Steven Candelo

Troop A


June 11, 1987 to March 26, 2008

Spc. Joshua Molina

Troop C


April 8, 1986 to March 27, 2008Staff Sgt. Jeremiah McNeal

Company C

237th Engineer Battalion

November 16, 1984 to April 6, 2008 Cpl. Jason Kazarick

Company B


July 20, 1977 to April 7, 2008

Sgt. Michael Lilly

Company B


May 31, 1984 to April 7, 2008

Commentary by Chaplain (Capt.) Stephen Pratel

1st CAB, 8th Infantry Regiment

Perhaps you have heard the axiom “Never put a periodwhere God has put a comma.” This thought provokingsound bite has been used by philosophers, teachers,preachers, politicians and people from many walks of lifeover the last 40 years. For some time now, I have sought todiscover its source, and the closest I could get was toGracie Allen, one of America’s most famous and belovedcomedians. Though Gracie died the same month and year Iwas born, like many of you, I grew up watching her hilari-ous antics as part of the Burns and Allen act. If you don’tremember Allen you will surely remember Burns, as inGeorge Burns, the universally loved little cigar smokingman who played God in the popular 70’s era movies withJohn Denver. But I digress …

The story is told that in 1964, when Gracie was close todying, George was in such grief and sorrow that he couldbarely speak or function. They had been together sincetheir 20s and had spent nearly their entire adult livestogether. George told her that not only did he not want herto die, but that he also didn’t want to live without her. Inthat moment, he saw nothing but a big period, the end ofeverything he had loved and trusted in life. When she real-ized she was loosing her fight against heart disease, Graciewrote a note of comfort. In it she said simply, “George,never put a period where God has put a comma.’’ Georgewould later share those profound words with numerousfriends throughout his life, and because of his sharing,many have been blessed by its simple yet powerful truthwhich simply says, “It is OK … God is in Control.”

I don’t know if Gracie authored those words in a

moment of inspired loving wisdom to her husband, or ifshe was echoing something she heard during her lifetime.What is important is that we hear the words, and humblysubmit ourselves to their awesome truth and the staggeringhope that lies within. It’s OK … God is in Control. I don’tknow about you, but there have been times and seasons inmy life where I felt a big fat period had dropped on me …Opportunities blocked, relationships ended, doors closed,hopes dashed. Times when all I could see were dead ends.But one of the things that I found, is that God decides onthe punctuation of life, setting the commas, questionmarks, exclamations, periods and so on.

Now truth be told, most of us are horrible when itcomes to punctuation. Thankfully, God never misplaces aperiod or comma, or any form of punctuation in our lives.He places them judiciously and purposefully. And thoughHis choice of punctuation (i.e. ways) are not ours, they aretotally trustworthy and ultimately perfect for our lives. Asyou live through this deployment, whether you aredeployed in theatre, serving in a support or combat posi-tion, holding down the home front or fighting to keep theRear D under control, believe me, God cares about thepunctuation of your life and believe it or not, through allthe chaos, confusion, contradictions and complications ofour lives, God is in control and he has a plan. Our place isto learn to trust Him and look to Him for His guidance anddirection in discerning the punctuations. I’d like to expandon Gracie’s wit and wisdom and say, “Don’t let anyone oranything (including yourself) put a period where God hasput a comma and don’t ever put a comma where God hasput a period. It’s OK … God is in control.” Say good-night Gracie.

PEACE OFPEACE OF MINDMIND

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON14 SILSILVERVER LIONSLIONS

by Sgt. Zach Mott

Striker Beacon editor

FOB CALLAHAN, Iraq – Spottingirregularities is a tactic that is drilledinto the minds of Multi-NationalDivision – Baghdad Soldiers through-out training and in practice while inIraq.

Soldiers recently watched as a carpulled up to an entry control point atForward Operating Base Callahan innorthern Baghdad. They continued towatch as a woman stepped out of thecar holding a bag. Once the womandropped the bag near the gate, internalalarms were ringing and a carefulsearch was called for and conducted.

That search yielded a newbornbaby wrapped tightly in several cloths.Soldiers raced to the bag, retrieved thechild and brought him to the aid sta-tion to be examined.

“We unwrapped it to make sure hewas alive – and he wasn’t sick, hewasn’t dead, he wasn’t injured,” saidStaff Sgt. Paul Briscoe, the AidStation NCOIC at FOB Callahan. “Hewas a perfectly healthy baby. I’m

guessing three to seven days old. Hewas in perfect health. There wasn’t ascratch on him.”

This unlikely sight brought imagesof the Las Vegas native’s two childrento mind.

“It was like my kids were newbornsagain,” said Briscoe, who serves withHeadquarters and HeadquartersCompany, 1st Combined ArmsBattalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision.

After the medics were satisfied thebaby, who by this time had drawn thenickname “Alex Callahan” after theSoldier who found him and the nameof the base, was in no need of imme-diate medical attention, the focusshifted to what they would do with thechild.

An interpreter working at the basevolunteered to go to a nearby store tobuy diapers and formula while anotherinterpreter took care of Alex. Briscoesaid the aid station became a hub ofactivity as word spread throughout thesmall base of the new arrival.

“I’ve fed him twice, just holdinghim, watching him, making sure thathe’s alright,” said Doreen Haddad, aninterpreter with 1-68 AR, who helpedcare for Alex. “I’ve changed his dia-pers twice. I wanted to give him abath, but I wasn’t able to.”

While a forward operating baseisn’t the ideal location for a baby,Soldiers and those working at FOBCallahan ensured that Alex’s staythere was as comfortable as possible.

The baby is to be adopted by thebrother of a local national, who worksat the base. The brother, and his wife,have been married five years and havebeen unable to have a baby of theirown. The interpreters at FOBCallahan have taken a collection todonate to the family to help care forthe baby.

Despite the thousands of miles thatseparates the Soldiers from theirFamilies in Colorado, one constantremains with this baby and those theyleft behind.

“He’s sleeping and pooping – justlike a regular baby,” Briscoe said.

Baby left at doorstep finds new home

Photos by Sgt. Zach Mott

An Iraqi baby boy, nicknamed “AlexCallahan,” after the Soldier who foundhim and the base that he was left at,sleeps on a bed at Forward OperatingBase Callahan in Baghdad April 5.

15April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONSTRIKERSTRIKER

Photos by Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo

TOP LEFT: Capt. Nicholas Countouriots, a Military TransitionTeam member at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, explainsto Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey, the senior enlisted leaderof the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and Col. John Hort, com-mander of the 3rd BCT, how he was wounded.MIDDLE LEFT: Capt. Nicholas Countouriots, a MilitaryTransition Team member at Forward Operating Base War Eagle,is presented the Purple Heart by Col. John Hort, commander ofthe 3rd Brigade Combat Team, after been wounded.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Capt. NicholasCountouriots, a Military TransitionTeam member at Forward OperatingBase War Eagle, shakes hands withCol. John Hort, commander of the3rd Brigade Combat Team, after Hortpresented a Purple Heart to him for awound he suffered in action.

Soldier earns Purple Heart

Capt. Nicholas Countouriots, a MilitaryTransition Team member at Forward OperatingBase War Eagle, chats with Col. John Hort, com-mander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, afterHort presented a Purple Heart Medal to him for awound he suffered in action.

Capt. Nicholas Countouriots, a Military Transition Team member at ForwardOperating Base War Eagle, pays close attention to Col. John Hort, com-mander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, after Hort presented him a PurpleHeart Medal for a wound suffered in action.


MND-B, IA leadersplan for operation

LEFT: Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond (center), commandinggeneral of the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-NationalDivision – Baghdad, observes as Col. John Hort (left),commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.,provides guidance to subordinate commanders over a ter-rain model during a combined arms rehearsal at the 11thIraqi Army Division Headquarters in Adhamiyah. Also inattendance at the brief was Iraqi Army Lt. Col. YahyeaRasoull Abdallah al-Zubadie (right), commander 3rdBattalion, 42nd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division. His unitis partnered with units from 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., to secureparts of Sadr City from special groups that have terrorizedthe district. BELOW: Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Yahyea Rasoull Abdallah al-Zubadie (left), the commander of 3rd Battalion, 42ndBrigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division; along with Lt. Col.Michael Pappal (center), commander, 1st Combined ArmsBattalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division; and Lt. Col. Dan Barnett(right), 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, bothof whom are battalion commanders in Multi-NationalDivision – Baghdad, rehearse operations at the 11th IA Div.headquarters in Adhamiyah. The commanders study acombined operation in the Sadr City district of Baghdad tosecure the population from special groups that have ter-rorized the district.Photos by Maj. Mike Humphreys

17April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONMOUNTMOUNTAINEERAINEER

SStrikers assist Iraqitrikers assist Iraqi

brothers-in-armsbrothers-in-arms

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Adrian Cadiz

LEFT: Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division chat asthey provide security at an Iraqi Army combat patrol basein the Sadr City district of Baghdad. Soldiers from the 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division were in SadrCity to check on the welfare of the Iraqi Army soldiers andmeet with Iraqi Army leadership to discuss security plansin Sadr City.ABOVE: Sgt. Matt, a military policeman with Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 3rd Special Troops Battalion,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, provides security at a SadrCity District of Baghdad Iraqi Army combat patrol base.Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision were in Sadr City to check on the welfare of theIraqi Army soldiers and to meet with Iraqi Army leadershipto discuss security plans in Sadr City.

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON18 MOUNTMOUNTAINEERAINEER//PHOENIXPHOENIX

Iraqi children demonstrate artistic skillsby Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo


BAGHDAD — A group of Iraqi chil-dren, between the ages of 2 and 12,were invited to Forward OperatingBase War Eagle for an opportunity toshowcase their artistic skills and cre-ativity by painting the concrete wallsused to protect citizens.

The children live in a village nearWar Eagle and walk by the t-wallsdaily on their way to school, saidCapt. Megan Welch, a logistics officerwith the 64th Brigade SupportBattalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team,4th Infantry Division, Multi-NationalDivision – Baghdad, adding that thechildren find the route to school to bea safer way to get to there.

The focus of this painting sessionwas to establish a rapport with theadult and younger residents of the vil-lage. For Welch, it was a chance for

the children to make something prettythat they see daily, so she planned thet-wall painting day.

This is one more effort MND-BSoldiers are trying to help establish asolid relationship with the residents ofthe village and the Iraqi communities,said Welch, a native of La Crescent,Minn. It provided the Iraqi children anopportunity to see Soldiers not as sim-ply armed protectors but someone tointeract with also.

As part of the artwork, the childrenpainted Iraqi and American flags,palm trees, flowers, hearts and otherdesigns of their imagination to give

the t-walls a vivid look.The painting also provides the chil-

dren a better feeling of how peoplebehind the uniform are, and it showsthem Soldiers care for children too,said Welch.

“The kids who participated had agood time and, for us, it was a goodopportunity to interact with the neigh-borhood kids,” said Capt. WalterZurkowsky, a native of NewHampshire, N.H., who serves as exec-utive officer for Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop, 3rd BCT.

Welch and her fellow Soldiers fromthe Mountaineer Battalion organizedthe day and said they hope to hostsimilar events.

“We had a lot of fun with the kids.It was a good, cooperative communi-ty-building event, and we look for-ward to seeing many of these in thefuture,” Welch said.

Photo by Capt. Walter Zurkowski

An Iraqi child paints a design on a t-wallas others watch at Forward OperatingBase War Eagle. The children were invit-ed to paint the t-wall they walk by daily ontheir way to school.


Two Iraqi girls celebrate after painting a t-wallat Forward Operating Base War Eagle. Duringthe day, children of the village near War Eagle,who were between the ages 2 and 12, paintedtheir artwork on the t-walls that line the way totheir school.


Soldiers patrol Sadr City streets with IA

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Adrian Cadiz, 1st Combat Camera Squadron

BELOW: Iraqi children in the southern portion of the Sadr Citydistrict of Baghdad cheer as Sgt. Jake Veith, who is assignedto the 42nd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division MilitaryTransition Team, provides security as Iraqi Army soldiershand out food products during a humanitarian aid mission.LEFT: An Iraqi Army soldier from the 42nd Brigade, 11th IraqiArmy Division, takes cover and points to where his men needto go during a firefight against armed criminals in the south-ern portion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad.ABOVE: Capt. Will McNutt, assigned as the 2nd Battalion,42nd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division Military TransitionTeam chief, provides security from a building rooftop as IraqiArmy soldiers from the 42nd Iraqi Army Brigade, 11th IraqiArmy Division, battle armed criminals in the southern portionof the Sadr City District of Baghdad.


Engineers construct Striker headquartersby Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo


FOB WAR EAGLE – Soldiers fromthe Minnesota National Guard’s 851stVertical Engineer Company are con-structing a three-story structure thatwill soon become the headquartersbuilding for the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, 4th Infantry Division, atForward Operating Base War Eagle.

“The structure consists of morethan 10,000 square feet of construc-tion, what would be considered in theUnited States as a commercial site,”said Spc. Michael Passeretti, carpenterand NCOIC of the project with the

851st VEC.Thus far, the crew has torn down

and rebuilt most of the internal struc-ture – in little more than two-and-a-half weeks, he said.

Passeretti, who has more than 20-years of experience in the field as acivilian general contractor, along withhis team, was given the responsibilityto deliver this project before April 10.

The project is “a high-profile mis-sion,” said 1st Lt. Josh Savage, pla-toon leader for the 851st VEC.

“This is the first three-story build-ing we have ever built,” Savage said.

On the economy, a construction ofthis kind wouldcost an estimated$600,000 to $1million in theUnited States,Passeretti said,adding that mostof the Soldiers ofthe 851st VECworking on theproject have mili-tary occupationalskills other thanvertical engineers.

The project, hesaid, has provided

him the opportunity to teach Soldiershow to use the tools and deal withmeasurements. Even though theSoldiers may not have the school-trained skills for working on this typeof a project, the team is running aheadof schedule and is projected to bemeet its target date.

“We are fortunate to have the lead-ership we have,” said Passeretti.“They allow me to do my job basedon my 20 years of experience.”

The Soldiers have managed to keepup with the pace and demands of thegiven jobs while down-range, as evi-denced by the fact they have con-structed more than 100,000-squarefeet of floor in little less than the sixmonths they have had “boots onground,” he added

“I’m highly impressed,” saidSavage. “I feel like a coach – coach-ing a pro team.”

For the Soldiers of the 851st VEC,the construction of the brigade head-quarters is merely one of numerousprojects the team will face together.Next up is building a Morale, Welfareand Recreation facility at War Eagle,which, of course, will be followed byvarious other missions throughoutMulti-National Division – Baghdad.


Spc. Michael Passeretti cuts a piece of wood with an electricsaw while helping to build a new headquarters building for the3rd Brigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base WarEagle. Passeretti serves as a carpenter and project noncom-missioned officer in charge with the 851st Vertical EngineerCompany.

Staff Sgt. Daniel Jonckowski drives a nail while building stairswhile helping to build a new headquarters building for the 3rdBrigade Combat Team at Forward Operating Base War Eagle.Jonckowski serves as a construction supervisor with the851st Vertical Engineer Company.

21April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONMOUNTMOUNTAINEERAINEER

Improvements continue at FOB War EagleLEFT: Sgt. 1st Class David Mays welds apost while constructing a barbed wirefence in Forward Operating Base WarEagle. Mays serves as the maintenanceNCOIC with 3rd Special TroopsBattalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.BELOW: Sgt. 1st Class David Mayswelds a post while constructing abarbed wire fence in Forward OperatingBase War Eagle. Mays serves as themaintenance NCOIC with 3rd SpecialTroops Battalion.

Spc. Patrick May cuts plywood duringthe construction of the Striker Brigadeheadquarters at Forward OperatingBase War Eagle. May serves as a car-pentry and masonry specialist with the851st Vertical Engineer Companyattached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team.


Spc. Derek Oldakowsky, hammers a nail as he constructs a picnic table at ForwardOperating Base War Eagle. Oldakowsky serves as a carpentry and masonry special-ist with the 851st Vertical Engineer Company which is attached to 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division.


Four Silver Lions awarded Bronze Stars with Valorby Sgt. Zach Mott


BAGHDAD – Multiple improvised-explosive devices, rocket-propelledgrenades and a hail of gunfire greetedSilver Lions’ Soldiers as they conduct-ed route clearance in the southern por-tion of the Sadr City district ofBaghdad April 11.

Abrams Tanks from Company C,1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68thArmor Regiment, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, accompanying the route-clear-ance vehicles rushed into action tosuppress the swelling attack that dis-abled a Coalition Forces vehicle andinjured a Soldier.

The RPG and small-arms firequickly turned to the two tanks andthe Bradley Fighting Vehicle as theymaneuvered to protect and then treatthe injured Soldier. Sgt. 1st Class JohnWeatherly, the platoon sergeant lead-ing the armored escorts, directed histroops to engage the criminals – whowere firing from behind the cover ofbuildings and other nearby structures– once they were positively identified.

“We moved up beside the Husky onthe right side to put ourselves betweenthe Husky and Sadr City … andengaged,” said Weatherly, a Culpeper,Va., native.

Weatherly’s gunner, Sgt. RuddieWilliams, is on his second tour in Iraqwith the Silver Lions and said he wel-comed the opportunity to use theskills he’s practiced so much.

“It’s nice having a vehicle that hasthe capability to actually do that –with the tank – and using it for whatit’s for and not just rolling down thestreets,” said the Morgantown, W. Va.,native.

The fighting continued for morethan 30 minutes as Williams scannedrooftops, alleys, windows and every-thing in between for criminalsattempting to engage the patrol as oth-

ers worked to treat the injured Soldier.“I was worried about guys on the

ground that were helping with recov-ery and excited at the same time as Igot to do what I was trained to do,” hesaid.

Clashes between special groupsand members of the Iraqi SecurityForces, as well as Americantroops, in the northeastern portionof Baghdad have increased inrecent weeks. Weatherly, Williamsand other members of the 1-68 ARhave been at the tip of that fight-ing beside the ISF to help secureBaghdad.

Despite this lofty task,Weatherly, who is on his secondOperation Iraqi Freedom tour,remains humble about his actions.

“We’re doing our job. That’s allit is – helping (support) Iraqi(Security) Forces when we’re doingour job,” he said.

His previous experience in Iraq waswith the 1st Armored Division duringOIF I.

In helping protect their fellowSoldiers, the Silver Lions were able tokill 12 criminals and destroy a cachein a secondary explosion that night.They also continued to provide securi-ty so the night’s mission could beaccomplished.

“We just held the intersection sothey could finish placing the guardtower at (Joint Security Station)Tharwa,” he said.

Missions are a daily occurrence forthese men, and the events of one daysometimes blur into those of the oth-ers. As Weatherly was recounting theactions that day, his voice took on analmost dulled tone – not because hedoesn’t see what he did that day asdull, just that the pace hasn’t slowedsince that day.

“It might have only been six daysago, but a lot has happened since

then,” he said.For their actions, Weatherly and

Williams were awarded the BronzeStar with Valor during a ceremony atForward Operating Base CallahanApril 17.

From left, 1st Lt. Galen Peterson, Sgt. 1st Class John WRuddie Williams stand at attention after being awarded the Bronze SOperating Base Callahan in northern Baghdad April 17. The Soldiers serve with CompCombined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Tawards for their actions against criminal elementportion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad in recent weeks.

BAGHDAD – Col. John Hort (left) congratulates 1st Lt. Galen Peterson (right)as Staff Sgt. Danny Key, a St. Louis native, stands by. Peterson and Key werelater awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for their actions in quelling a criminal attack on an Iraqi Army checkpoint in the southern portion of the SadrCity district of Baghdad March 27.

23April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONSILSILVERVER LIONSLIONS

Four Silver Lions awarded Bronze Stars with Valorby Sgt. Zach Mott


BAGHDAD – Two Multi-NationalDivision – Baghdad Soldiers led thecharge to secure an Iraqi Armymanned checkpoint near Sadr City in

the earliest days offighting that broke outthere March 27.

First Lt. GalenPeterson and Staff Sgt.Jason Key were part ofa group of four Soldierswho raced to support acheckpoint that was onthe verge of beingoverrun by an estimated100 special groupsmembers.

For their valorous

efforts, Peterson and Key, along withtwo of their fellow 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry DivisionSoldiers, were presented Bronze StarMedals with Valor during a ceremonyApril 17 at Forward Operating BaseCallahan.

“They were taking (rocket-pro-pelled grenade) hits on their vehiclesleft and right, pretty much gettingblown apart,” Peterson said, about theIraqi Army forces manning the check-point.

The platoon leader for Company C,1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68thArmor Regiment, 3rd Brigade CombatTeam, ordered his troops to drive tothe checkpoint in their humvees, butthe group was unable to get closerthan 300 meters because of disabledvehicles blocking their path.

“We dismounted the four and weassaulted toward the checkpoint,” hesaid. “All the IA guys were all pinneddown between the Colorado barriersand the curb. They were just tryingnot to get killed.”

Peterson led the movement as Key,Sgt. Kyle Kincaid and Spc. CoryBushell followed. The group tookcover behind whatever they could –buildings, vehicles, trees – as theymaneuvered as close as they could tothe checkpoint.

When further movement wasimpossible, the group took refuge in abuilding that was previously occupiedby Coalition Forces.

“We set up two guys on the bal-cony on the second floor, and myselfand the LT went up to the top floor,”Key said. “As soon as we got upthere, we started taking precision fire.They knew we were there.”

The humvees provided what coverfire they could to keep the specialgroups members at bay. Peterson,Kincaid and Bushell fired at theenemy positions while Key set up the

anti-tank weapon. Once prepped, Keyfired a round at the window wheremuch of the small-arms fire was origi-nating.

“That pretty much quieted that guydown,” said Key, a truck commanderwith Co. C, 1-68 AR.

This helped serve as a boon to theIraqi Army soldiers who, up until thispoint, were resigned to seeking refugewhere they could.

“I think the Iraqi Army kind of fol-lowed us a little bit after that,” saidKey. “Once they (saw) us come outwith some bigger stuff – like the AT-4– the BMP finally lit up the main gunround and they started actively engag-ing the enemy at that time. That waskind of like a morale booster for them.It seemed to turn the tide on that littlesituation.”

The lull brought on by eliminatingthe primary enemy position served asan opportunity to maneuver theSoldiers out of the building.

“We used that time to get backdown. Then we started taking morefire – this time straight down the roadtoward the Sadr City traffic circle,”Peterson said.

Awaiting Apache helicopters used aHellfire missile to quiet that gunfire.

Ninety minutes after the battlebegan, humvees left the scene boundfor a Coalition Forces outpost toresupply on ammunition and othergoods in case they were called intoduty again.

After operating mostly fromhumvees during the last deploymentfor the Silver Lions, the tankers areused to pounding the ground withsomething other than the pads of thetrack that hurls their tank along.

“The guys are used to the infantryfight,” Peterson said. “My guys actu-ally do really well at it. They’re goodat tanking, but these guys are reallyalso good at being infantrymen too.”


t, 1st Lt. Galen Peterson, Sgt. 1st Class John Weatherly, Staff Sgt. Danny Key and Sgt.ter being awarded the Bronze Star with Valor at Forward

Operating Base Callahan in northern Baghdad April 17. The Soldiers serve with Company C, 1stArmor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and earned the

awards for their actions against criminal elements while conducting operations in the southernportion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad in recent weeks.

t) congratulates 1st Lt. Galen Peterson (right)ands by. Peterson and Key were

alor for their actions in quelling a crimi-Army checkpoint in the southern portion of the Sadr

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON24 WWAR EAGLEAR EAGLE

Iraqi Army provides first aid supplies to Sadr Cityby Spc. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo


BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers conducted a combinedmedical assessment in the southern portion of the SadrCity district of Baghdad April 17.

The operation was supported by Headquarters andHeadquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker CavalryRegiment, which is currently attached to the 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National-Division – Baghdad, by providing citizens with essentialmedicines and personal hygiene supplies at Joint SecurityStation Tharwa 1.

For the assessment, Iraqi Security Forces provided mili-tary and civilian doctors to ensure visitors received med-ical supplies and were not in need of immediate or criticalmedical care.

Among the attendees were citizens ranging from thevery young to the elderly.

During the event, the ISF had the opportunity to dealdirectly with the Iraqi citizens as they showed the peoplethey can care for them. The assessment brought more than400 citizens in less than two hours, making the event asuccessful one.

“It really turned out good; it was successful and turned

out better than I thought,” said Capt. Ryan Mendenhall, anative of Ephraim, Utah, who serves as the fire supportofficer for the HHC, 1-2 SCR.

Mendenhall said he was surprised by how quickly thepeople reacted and came to the project.

“This is just a small step to let the people know that weare not here to destroy a home. There is a lot of workahead of us, and we will continue doing it; eventually, itwill pay off,” Mendenhall said.

For others, the amount of people who attended theassessment was unbelievable, due to the gunfire that couldbe heard in the distance.

“It exceeded my expectations; I didn’t expect anybodyto show up because what was going on,” said Sgt. 1stClass Lawrue Bush, a native of Cleveland, who serves asthe fire support NCO with HHC, 1-2 SCR. For the ISF andSoldiers of the HHC, 1-2 SCR, this is not the end for thismission.

The Soldiers are expecting the next assessment to be abigger, and they are preparing to get more supplies, saidBush.

The combined efforts are geared toward helping toimprove the location where the assessment was conducted.

“Hopefully the next one is a little bit better,” Bush said.


An Iraqi Army doctor provides med-ical care for an Iraqi boy during acombined medical assessment atJoint Security Station Tharwa 1 inthe southern portion of the Sadr Citydistrict of Baghdad April 17. Thecombined mission provided medicalchecks, medicines and personalhygiene kits for the local residents.


Soldiers provide support to ISFduring MEDCAP mission


BELOW: A Soldier from Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1stSquadron, 2nd Stryker CavalryRegiment, which is attached to 3rdBrigade Combat Team, scans his sec-tor from the corner of a wall at JointSecurity Station Tharwa 1. TheSoldiers from HHC, 1st Squadron, 2ndSCR, were supporting a Medical CivilAction Program in Tharwa 1.

WWAR EAGLEAR EAGLE

Staff Sgt. John Reyes takesa short break as he sits ontop of a pile of stones at theentrance of Joint SecurityStation Tharwa 1. Reyesserves as infantryman withHeadquarters andHeadquarters Company, 1stSquadron, 2nd StrykerCavalry Regiment.

Sgt. Brian Rich (left) and Staff Sgt. John Reyes stand guard dur-ing a combined medical assessment at Joint Security StationTharwa 1 in southern portion of the Sadr City district of Baghdad.Rich and Reyes serve as infantrymen with 1st Squadron, 2ndStryker Cavalry Regiment, which is attached to the 3rd BrigadeCombat Team, 4th Infantry Division.


Silver Lions on patrol


Pfc. Brandon Wynn puts a tank reactive tile in place in order to close thetank’s skirt and finish track maintenance on his M1-A2 Abrams tank atCombat Outpost Ford in northeast Baghdad. Wynn serves as a tankerwith Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment,3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

Staff Sgt. Luis Hernandez calibrates to perfection the cannon of his tdevice at Combat Outpost Ford in northeast Baghdad. Hernandez serves with 2nd Platoon,Company C, 1st Combined Arms BattInfantry Division.

Sgt. Nathan Yancer inspects a .50 cal machine gun cham-ber of an M1-A2 Abrams tank at Combat Outpost Ford innortheast Baghdad. Yancer serves as a tanker withCompany C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th ArmorRegiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision.

27April/May 2008April/May 2008 BEACONBEACONSILSILVERVER LIONSLIONS

Silver Lions on patrol

Sgt. Nathan Yancer cleans his tankloader’s M-240 machine gun on an M1-A2Abrams tank at Combat Outpost Ford innortheast Baghdad. Yancer serves as atanker with Company C, 1st CombinedArms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rdBrigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision.

aff Sgt. Luis Hernandez calibrates to perfection the cannon of his tank with a muzzle referencedevice at Combat Outpost Ford in northeast Baghdad. Hernandez serves with 2nd Platoon,

Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th

April/May 2008April/May 2008BEACONBEACON28 STRIKERSSTRIKERS

Strikers patrol Sadr City at night


RIGHT: Striker Soldiers remain observantto their surroundings during a visit to therecently established Joint Security StationTharwa 2 in the southern portion of theSadr City district of Baghdad.TOP RIGHT: Striker Soldiers remain vigi-lant to possible threats during a visit to therecently established Joint Security StationTharwa 2 in southern portion of Sadr City.TOP LEFT: Striker Soldiers remain alert asthey provide security during a visit to therecently established Joint Security StationTharwa 2 in the southern portion of theSadr City.MIDDLE RIGHT: Striker Soldiers providesecurity during a visit to the recently estab-lished Joint Security Station Tharwa 2 inthe southern portion of the Sadr City.MIDDLE LEFT: A Striker Soldier looksthrough the sites of his weapon while pro-viding security at Joint Security StationTharwa 2 in the southern portion of theSadr City district of Baghdad.


Taji to get CHUs!!!by Sgt. Zach Mott


Commanders for the Camp Taji-based contingent of Strikers are work-ing with several local architects inhopes of creating a modern take onthe typical “CHU Pads.” Within recentdays a leader emerged from the packand construction has begun in theStriker Village.

“My design is an update ofEuropean Gypsy encampments,” saidAli Ahmed Husseini about his win-ning design. “I think of it as a littleslice of home in Iraq.”

Early designs centered on the tradi-tional Hesco-encased pads that propa-gate other FOBs and camps through-out Iraq. But, because Strikers do notrest on the laurels of others, a chal-lenge was issued to revamp thedesign, to think ‘outside the box.’

Soldiers who have glimpsed at the

model design, as shown at the top ofthis article, are excited at the opportu-nity to live in modern buildings whiledeployed to Iraq.

“This is fantastic, I love modernarchitecture,” said one of the Soldierswho attended the unveiling who willremain anonymous because I didn’tcatch his name.

That same Soldier also mentionedhow much enjoyed the flora thataccompanied the design.

“If only they had a green thumblike my dad, then we’d be able togrow our own food.”

Soldiers were also excited at theprospect of getting one of the pent-house CHUs. Others, by contrast, pre-ferred the lower level CHUs for thesimple fact that they don’t want towalk up the stairs wearing all theirgear.

Now that this design is approved

and funded, the compounds are cur-rently being constructed. While theinitial approval called for the CHUpads to be constructed in as little astwo hours, Husseini leaves the time-line more in the hands of others.

When questioned, he had oneresponse, “En sha Allah.”

Husseini immediately ran back tohis car yelling something about notbeing able to rush perfection as hewhipped a beret toward the reporter.

Initial planning is being made toprepare CHUs at Forward OperatingBase War Eagle, where the Strikersare set to move in the coming days,weeks or months … we’re not sureyet.

For those at other camps, FOBs,Combat Outposts or Joint SecurityStations, there are currently no CHUplans. But, keep your fingers crossed.Husseini has many plans in mind.

30 BEACON April/May 2008

CAPTION CAPTION THIS RESULTHIS RESULTSTS

The ResultsThis month there were a few less submissions.MAJ Horine celebrates the approval of his Chapter 15

by baking a batch of his special Teaberry Swirl MintCookies for the TOC – Capt. Joe Hill

MAJ Horine celebrates as he proves lard is useful asa hair gel and for baking cookies – Capt. Joe Hill

MAJ Horine does his best Cameron Diaz impressionwhen he asks, “Is that hair gel?” – Capt. Joe Hill

Brian prepares for his annual visit to the dentist.C is for cookie, that’s good enough for me.

Will they send me home if I’m not in accordance withthe Army height/weight standards?

Years later, Brian would woefully reflect on that infa-mous day when he confided his cookie fetish to anothermember of the command

Cookies are power. If I share my cookies, I lose mypower.

Got Milk!With a badass haircut, the white man’s overbite and

150 cookies, Brian gets ready for a date with Zunda theDFAC dessert lady.

Striker Top 10This month’s Top 10 list was inspired by

none other than Striker 3 as supplied by Sgt.Pedro Martinez. Here we go:

Top 10 Reasons Lt. Col. John “JohnnyD” Digiambattista Rolls Up His Sleeves10. Are you going to tell him not to?9. AR 670-1 does not apply if your last

name has more than 13 letters.8. Prior to enlisting in the military, LTC

Digiambattista was a bovine artificial insemi-nator, ever since then he’s always felts he’sneeded to go “elbow deep into any situation.

7. He suffers from a constant plague uponhis lower arm known only as SWS or SweatyWrist Syndrome, exposing said lower skin isthe only panacea for this illness

6. You try taming the wild beasts that

inhabit his arms in an ACU jacket.5. He was an arm model for men’s watch-

es in the Sears Spring Catalog of ’05 and istrying to relive his former glory days.

4. Due to an unforeseen error in his uni-form issue, he received sets of Large/Regulartops with Small/Regular Sleeves.

3. Local Nationals have told him thatexposed forearms are a sign of masculinity.

2. He got into a “Who’s forearms are har-rier” contest and beat out Robin Williams forbragging rights for the next 10 years.

1. He’s Johnny D by God, what more rea-son could you need?

If you’ve got a submission for the monthly‘Top 10’ list, send it [email protected]


Dear Sauce,

Tax season passed and the nearestH&R Block isn’t on my normal patrolroute. What can I do? Do I even need tofile taxes this year? I’ve heard thatSoldiers are exempt from filing taxeswhen they’re overseas. Help me outSauce.Brokejack

Dear Brokejack,

Those are all excellent questions. But,let me set the record straight: Soldiers areNOT exempt from filing taxes whiledeployed overseas. However, you canwait to file your taxes until after youreturn. The Internal Revenue Service

allows deployed servicemembers a 180-day grace period from the time they returnfrom deployment to file their taxes. Thismeans that you will have six months tofile your 2007 and 2008 tax year returnsfrom the time we return in 2009. Be sureto note “OIF Extension” on your tax form.Your local tax office can better assist youwith this when the time comes.

If you would still like to file your taxesfor the 2007 tax year, there are numerousonline options to help you through theprocess. The Sauce is particularly fond ofthe ones that send money to his account.Be sure to “donate” your refund to TheSauce.

with Sgt.with Sgt.

Zach MottZach Mott

Soldiers, NCOs compete for honors

Quarter BoardLEFT: Staff Sergeants Brandon Bray (left) and Dwayne Smith(right) flank Spc. Jasmine Buck (center left) and Sgt. CandiceCaudill (center right) after earning the quarterly Soldier andNCO honors for the Striker Brigade. Buck, Company C, 64thBrigade Support Battalion was named the 3rd Brigade CombatTeam Soldier of the 2nd Quarter. Caudill, Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop, 3rd BCT, was named the 3rd BCT NCO ofthe 2nd Quarter.BELOW: The Soldiers and NCOs who competed for the quar-terly honors are kneeling in the front row. The NCOs whoaccompanied their Soldiers to the board stand in the secondrow. The senior NCOs who presided over the board stand in theback row.



Documents

April/May 2008 Published for the Soldiers, Families and ...static.dvidshub.net/media/pubs/pdf_3378.pdf · by Capt. Richard Ybarra 115th MPAD MOSUL, Iraq — Fighting Eagles Soldiers