The Dispatch

4 Outstanding Airman of the Year: Five Move On to Nat’l. The best and brightest of the Texas Air National Guard, the Outstanding Airman of the Year awardees move on to compete nationally for top honors.

6 Mission for Some: Watch Over Detainees Soldiers from the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are assigned to guard detainees at Camp Cropper and Camp Taji in Iraq, provoking thoughts of home and family.

7 Tax and Legal Questions? The Legal Assistance Tax Center in Bldg. 34 can help with everything from taxes to divorce, to creditor disputes, wills and any other legal issues Guardsmen and their families need.

10 Texas Troops: Making the Green Zone Greener Texas National Guard Soldiers are overseeing the cleanup of “Wedding Island,” a desolate 42-acre spot i the southwest corner of Baghdad’s Green Zone. The Iraqi Ministry of Tourism plans to turn Wedding Island into a golf course and public garden.

12 New Commander for the 56th BCT Under the eye of Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin, Col. Lee Henry leaves the 56th BCT in the capa-ble hands of Col. Jeffrey Breor.

13 ADT Contducts MEDEVAC Training in Afghanistan

Soldiers from the Texas Agribusiness Development Team train for medical emergencies amid rocky terrain.

2 THE DISPATCH February 2010

Cover- Col. Samuel L. Henry, outgoing commander of the 56th Brigade The 36th Inf. Div. honor guard proudly presents the colors amid the backdrop of the ruins of the original site of San Pietro Infine. (Photo by Capt. Randall Stillinger, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

Vol. 5, No. 2 February 2010

Public Affairs Officer Col. William Meehan

Public Affairs Chief

Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada

Public Affairs Staff Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson

Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Spc. Maria Moy John Thibodeau

Managing Editor Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada

Design and Copy Editor Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson

Contributing Writers and Photographers

Capt. Randall Stillinger Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada

Sgt. 1st Class Ross Dobelbower Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson

Sgt. Melissa Shaw Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson

Spc. Maria Moy Lindsay Wise Mayra Beltran

Commander in Chief Gov. Rick Perry

Adjutant General of Texas Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga

The Dispatch is a funded monthly newsletter published in the interest of the members of the Texas Military Forces. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of De-fense, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas or the Adjutant Gen-eral’s Department of Texas. Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.

Articles and photography are welcome and may be submitted to JFTX-PAO, P.O. Box 5218, Austin TX 78763-5218, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is the 10th day of the month for the issue of the following month.

February 2010 THE DISPATCH 3

Free Theme Park Admission "Here's to the Heroes," a program sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, provides free admission in 2010 for any active duty, active reserve, National Guardsman or ready reserve servicemember representing any of the five service branches and as many as three of his or her direct depend-ents. All servicemembers need to do is register online at www.herosalute.com or in the en-trance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense (DoD) photo identifi-cation. Each pass is valid for a one-day admission per person per year to five of Anheuser-Busch's seven theme park brands. Social Security Benefits Wounded Warriors The Social Security Administration (SSA) honors our nation's military personnel by offering expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security differ from Department of Veterans Affairs administered benefits and require a separate application. If you, or someone you know, were wounded while on active duty in the military, find out more about what Social Security can do for you by visiting the SSA Wounded Warrior website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors/. To learn more about Social Security for veterans, read a copy of the SSA publication, Military Service and Social Security. You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10017.html or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a free copy. Lifeline for Vets Extends Hours The National Veterans Foundation (NVF) announced that it’s extending the hours of its Life-line for Vets™ to aid a growing number of veterans who need help with crisis intervention and resource referrals. The new Lifeline for Vets™ hours will be 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., (PST) Monday through Friday. The Lifeline will continue to operate 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.(PST) on weekends. The Lifeline is staffed by trained veterans with access to extensive resources and information to help former servicmembers in need. The Lifeline's toll-free number is 888-777-4443. For more information, visit the National Veterans Foundation website at http://www.nvf.org/. Stop Loss Payment Coming After an initial delay caused by software and manpower issues, the first retroactive payments will be disbursed next week to Soldiers who were retained on active duty involuntarily under the "Stop Loss" program. Officials are working to reduce the current backlog for the thou-sands more who are expected to file their claims over the next year. As soon as software changes are tested and finalized, the staff will be better able to ease the backlog. The deadline to submit Stop Loss pay claims is Oct. 21, 2010. The Army's Retroactive Stop Loss Pay web-site is available at https://www.stoplosspay.army.mil/Default.aspx. The claim form for the retroactive stop loss payment is available in PDF format at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2944.pdf. Operation Military Child Care Operation Military Child Care is a DoD initiative to support the child care needs of parents who are activated or deployed. This program helps eligible families locate child care options in local communities and reduces child care fees for eligible families who are already using licensed or legally-operating community child care programs and providers. Eligibility is during the activation or deployment and for 60 days after the return of the deployed military parent. The fee assistance program is intended to help support military spouses’ employment, education, or special medical circumstances. Fee assistance will only be provided to single military families, dual military families, and military families with a spouse who is working or enrolled in school. It will also be provided to military families where the spouse is looking for work for a period of up to 60 days. Fee assistance will vary for each family depending upon total fam-ily income, location, DoD child care fee policies and available funding. For more information contact the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) at (800) 424-2246 or visit http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/operation-military-child-care.php or email [email protected].


Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas (Jan. 12, 2010) – During the Outstanding Airman of the Year Awards Ceremony here Sunday, the best of the best were recognized by family, friends and attending Airmen. The Outstanding Airman Of the Year ribbon was authorized by the secretary of the Air Force on Feb. 21, 1968 with the

criteria that the ribbon is to be awarded to enlisted Airmen nomi-nated by the major commands, field operating agencies and direct reporting units to Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year. This year’s nominations for the Texas Air National Guard assembled in the Auditorium and nervously awaited the board’s decision. Like in years past it was hard to make the final selection because the Airmen submitted for the award had exhibited the highest level of professionalism and leadership for their respec-tive organizations and as Brig. Gen. John Nichols, Commander Texas Air National Guard, said: “The criteria for selection were based on infinitesimal differences.” After the posting of the Colors and the singing of the National Anthem, it was finally time for the words the Airmen had been waiting for with nervous anticipation. The master of Ceremony said: “Today those individuals selected to represent the State of Texas at the national level will receive the Texas Outstanding Service Medal, a state flag that was flown over the Texas Capital in their honor, and Outstanding Achievement Medallion from USAA and a recognition crystal from the Senior Enlisted Advisory Council. All other nominees will receive the Texas Medal of Merit and a USAA Global War ON Terrorism coin.” The first category to be selected was the Airman of the Year and the Most Outstanding Airman of the Year in the entire State of Texas is: Sr. Airman Charity Pierce, 149th Fighter Wing (Deployed) Sr. Airman Pierce is a Security Forces Journeyman. The second group to be announced was the Non-

Commissioned Officers of the Year, and the winner in this cate-gory was: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Alvarado, 204th SFS Tech. Sgt. Al-varado is a Security Forces Journeyman Next up the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers category, and the Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer selection was: Sr. Master Sgt. Kevin White, 217th Training Squadron Sr. Master Sgt. White is an Imagery Analyst Instructor Supervi-sor. The next selection was for 1st Sergeant of the Year and the win-ner was: Master Sgt. Darin Lacour, 149th Fighter Wing (Deployed) Last but not least was the Honor Guard category and the winner was: Tech. Sgt. Velia Mireles, 149th Fighter Wing These names will be submitted to the National Guard Bureau for competition at the National level against all Guards-men from all states and territories. Thereafter, the winners will compete against candidates selected from active Air Force major commands to represent the entire Air Force. “First of all I want to thank the family members,” said General Nichols, and he continued: “I saw quite a few of you yesterday – Thank you for coming. Thank you for loaning us your people, your family, your kids, your spouses. We take their talent and blend them into this organization. I want to thank the supervisors and leaders of the organization, to take the time and recognize these outstanding individuals.” To the winners he said: “I charge you to go back and share your energy.” He also ad-dressed the Senior Enlisted Advisory Council, a group of people who every year put on a ceremony that is recognized by many as second to none. “They are the ones who got us all together and worked on the nomination packages. They are the ones who put this event together.” He concluded: “One last thing to my Outstanding Air-men. This is a good time for you to mentor each other and to spread that enthusiasm at home. A perfect example of mentor-ship and growth is the 147th Fighter Wing, a unit who thought

Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces public Affairs

Outstanding Airmen: Five Texans Chosen to Compete Nationally

Non-commissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Alvarado, 204th SFS

Honor Guard Airman of the Year:Tech. Sgt. Velia Mireles, 149th Fighter Wing (Photos by Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson) See AIRMAN, next page


Until Every One Comes Home

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The U.S. Army, with oversight by TRI-CARE Management Activity (TMA), has created an interactive Web site that allows service members and their families to ex-plore behavioral health information. The site launched Aug. 5, 2008 at http://www.afterdeployment.org, and development continues. “Afterdeployment.org serves as an interactive, self-help solution to assist with behavioral health needs following deploy-ment,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director, TMA. Authorized by legislation, the site is a pilot project to help service members deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other behavioral health conditions. Visitors to afterdeployment.org will notice the user-friendly environment. By clicking on a video link play button, users can watch veterans, spouses and other family members tell real-life stories about how war changed their lives and how they dealt with the demands of readjusting after combat deployment. In addition to these first-person accounts, a tool bar on

the left side of the Web site links beneficiaries to educational topics that include: Getting Help, Check How You’re Doing, Staying Healthy Where You Live, Stories from Home and Far Away, and Links, Books, Blogs & Pods. In each of these areas, additional links offer detailed information on chosen subjects. A user-friendly environment is not all that matters to service members. Privacy is of paramount concern, and users don’t have to register to access the site. Afterdeployment.org provides confidential education on sensitive issues such as stress and triggers, conflict at work, reconnecting with family and friends, moods, anger, sleep, substance abuse, stress manage-ment, kids and deployment, spiritual guidance, living with physical injuries and health and wellness.

afterdeployment.org Explores Behavioral Health Information

http://www.uso.org/howtohelp/

that flying F-16s was everything they always wanted to do in their lives, and now they are the 147th Reconnaissance Wing with predators and it is everything they always wanted to do in their lives. It takes every single Airman to make that mission successful. We cannot do it without you. Stay in, stay tough, stay smart.” In attendance during Sunday’s ceremony were: Brig.

Gen. John F. Nichols, Commander Texas Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Don Harvel, Deputy Commander Texas Air National Guard, Col. Russell Malesky, Chief of Staff, Col. Connie McNabb, Joint Chief of Staff, Command Chief Master Sgt. Sam Davis, Col. John Conoley, Vice Commander 136th AW, Col. Kenneth Wisian, Commander 147th RW, Col. Kenneth Nereson, Commander 149th FW, Col. Will Allen, Commander 254th CCG, Lt. Col. Carl Alvarez, Commander 204th SFS, Lt. Col. James Marrs, Commander 217th TRS, Lt. Col. Mark Eubanks, Com-mander 272nd EIS, Lt. Col. David Penney, representing the 273rd IOS, Capt. Paul Bushow, Commander 209th WF and the command chiefs of the three wings. This year’s nominees for the Outstanding Airman of the Year were: Sr. Airman Ashleigh Fleisher, Airman 1st Class Jon Carter, Sr. Airman Charity Pierce, Sr. Airman Susan Sullivan, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Rushing, Sr. Airman Shelly Matthews, Staff Sgt. Matthew Robinson, Tech. Sgt. Antwain George, Master Sgt. Courtney Hinson, Tech. Sgt. Albert Cardenas, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Alvarado, Tech. Sgt. Joshua Stowers, Staff Sgt. Leslie Furtick, Master Sgt. Mark Jackson, Staff Sgt. Boevy Boeun, Tech. Sgt. Rodolfo Solis, Master Sgt, Constance Mick, Master Sgt. Claude Hoke, Sr. Master Sgt. Kathlyn Francis, Sr. Master Sgt. Ernest Delao Jr., Sr. Master Sgt. Kevin White, Master Sgt. Shawn Ho-nea, Sr. Master Sgt. Vaughn Williams, Master Sgt. Martinez, Master Sgt. Shane Wisener, Sr. Master Sgt. Maria Cornitius, Master Sgt. Darin Lacour, Tech. Sgt. Angela Alanis, Master Sgt. Rudy Robles, and Tech. Sgt. Velia Mireles.

Senior Non-Commission Officer of the Year Sr. Master Sgt. Kevin White, 217th Training Squadron

AIRMAN, cont. from previous page


BAGHDAD — Michael De La Cruz leaned against the metal railing of a cat-walk at dusk and watched Iraqi detainees lay out prayer mats on the concrete floor of an internment facility near Baghdad Inter-national Airport. This is De La Cruz's first deploy-ment. Working 12-hour shifts seven days a week as a correctional officer is not quite what the 20-year-old specialist from Ar-lington expected when he joined the Texas Army National Guard. “It's a very stressful job,” he said. “Like that guy in the white shirt. He could have been someone who killed somebody else's family, and that soldier is looking into his eyes, lighting his cigarette for him. You've got to always be on your toes.” But De La Cruz was trained not to dwell on crimes detainees might have committed, so he pushed that thought away. “We're supposed to treat these guys with dignity and respect, and that will save our guys' lives,” he said. De La Cruz and hundreds of other soldiers from the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Houston have been assigned to guard detainees at Camp Crop-per and Camp Taji, the last two U.S.-run

internment facilities in Iraq. The number of detainees in U.S. custody peaked at about 26,000 in 2007. As of Wednesday, 6,012 remained. Most detainees have been re-leased or turned over to the government of Iraq. U.S. forces plan to turn Taji over to the Iraqis in March and Cropper in August. By the time 72nd troops complete their nine-month tour here, there should be fewer than 100 detainees in U.S. custody. Training Iraqis The U.S. military has trained 2,000 Iraqi correctional officers to work at the facilities when American soldiers leave. Now the Iraqi officers work along-side Texas troops on the catwalks and in the detainee holding areas. Before the war, Omar Khamis was an archaeology instructor at Baghdad University. For the past few years, he's worked as a correctional officer at Crop-per. “So far, the detainees are cooper-ating with the Iraqi correctional officers,” said Khamis, a captain. “ ... Being Iraqis from the same culture, we might be able to work with them faster and comprehend their needs faster.” The internment facility divides detainees by religion and degree of ex-tremism. Each living area has a chief — often a religious leader — who speaks for

the detainees. As an officer in charge of one compound at Cropper, Capt. Gregory Brown deals with the chiefs daily to ad-dress their concerns about everything from medical problems to broken air condition-ing units. “It's been a learning process,” said Brown, 34, of Round Rock. “You get to see a little more of the Iraqi culture than you would just running patrols and things like that.” Activities available The detainees are allowed to lis-ten to approved radio stations and watch pre-recorded TV for a few hours a day. Ping-pong and soccer are popular, with intramural leagues organized by compound and zone. “They have a great volleyball team,” said 1st Lt. Steve Higginbotham, 39, of The Woodlands. Spc. Maria Wiggin, 34, of Dallas, teaches sewing in a green canvas tent in Com-pound Six, where detainees make stuffed lions and camels to give to their children. A chief who attends her classes is fluent in English, and translates for her. “They have been very respectful,” Wiggin said. “They have no problem with me, as a woman, telling them what to do and, you know, I respect them and treat them how they want to be treated.” Wiggin's sewing class is one of several courses offered at Compound Six, including others on computers, gardening, painting, civics and Quranic interpretation, which is taught by local instructors. “It's all part of the counterinsur-gency effort,” said Col. John “Mack” Huey, who oversees Cropper as com-mander of Fort Hood's 89th Military Police Brigade. “ We're trying to reach out and touch those who are willing and educate them and teach them a vocational skill, so that when they're released, they can actu-ally get a job and not be enticed back into the insurgency.” Huey said U.S. detainee opera-tions have come a long way since Ameri-can soldiers snapped humiliating photos of prisoners at Abu Ghraib. In the scandal's aftermath, the Army issued more then 250 recommendations that have been imple-mented at Cropper and Taji, he said. The International Red Cross

Mission for some: Watch over detainees Story by Lindsay Wise Houston Chronicle

“We are supposed to treat these guys with dignity and respect and that will save our guys' lives,” said Spc. Michael De La Cruz, 20, of Arlington. (Photo by Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle) See GUARD, next page


Look for the Texas National Guard on facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin/Texas-

Army-National-Guard/171437136571?ref=mf

Jokes about lawyers abound, but legal questions are no laughing matter. When faced with a stack of papers from an attorney's office, even the bravest Soldier or Airman might need someone to help navigate through an endless sea of com-plex, specialized language or help file a tricky tax exemption. To help with sticky legal situa-tions and simple questions, and everything in between, Capt. Sergio Tristan and Staff Sgt. Jennifer L. Candate, of the Legal As-sistance Tax Center are standing by. Lo-cated in Bldg. 34, on Camp Mabry, the Center is open to all Texas Military Forces members, as well as spouses, for personal legal and tax questions. The Legal Assistance Tax Center can help with a wide range of problems, said Captain Tristan. Personal legal mat-ters, such as questions on family law and divorce are also within the scope of the office. "The Legal Assistance Center on Camp Mabry helps soldiers, airmen, and retirees deal with civilian legal issues through counseling, advise, document re-

view, and referral," said Captain Tristan. We are capable of handling estate issues such as wills and trusts, power of attor-neys, tax issues, landlord/tenant issues, reemployment rights, and creditor dis-putes." Coming to the office when a situation has just come up is always the best idea, said Captain Tristan, since it's usually smaller and more manageable. Waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress and pain, and may cre-ate more problems than it solves, as well as costing more money and time. "Additionally, the Legal Assis-tance Center runs the first ever Tax Center for the Texas Military Forces," Captain Tristan said, and "the Tax Center will pro-vide free tax services to our clients.” The Legal Assistance Tax Center is open Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Center will also be open during 36th Infantry Division Special Troops Bn. drill periods. Before coming to the Center, military members or spouses should have

all needed paperwork, including W-2s, supporting documentation and a completed intake interview form. The form is avail-able though email or at the Texas Military Forces website at http://www.agd.state.tx.us/. For questions, con-tact Staff Sgt. Jennifer L. Candate at 512-782-1169 or [email protected].

“Legal Eagles” Stand Ready to Serve TXMF

makes periodic checks on conditions at the detention facilities, but those reports are not made public. Family time On one afternoon last week, detainees in yellow and white uniforms lined up on a red strip of paint outside the intern-ment facility to wait for their families to arrive for visitation. A few minutes before 3 p.m., a little girl in red streaked across the courtyard and jumped into her father's arms. Another man squatted on the ground with a toddler in the crook of each arm, kissing one then the other, again and again. Minutes later, everyone moved into another room where detainees have an hour to talk to their relatives through a glass partition. Spc. Daniel Muniz, 19, of Dickinson, sat at a small table and col-

ored with a handful of Iraqi children dressed in bright sweaters, pinstripe suits and frilly pink dresses. Part of Muniz's job involves searching and escorting detainees, “but the lighter side of this is just interacting with the kids,” he said. Sometimes the soldiers play tag or catch with the chil-dren while their mothers talk with the detainees. Muniz pulls funny faces to make them laugh. Despite everything that separates Muniz from the visi-tors and detainees, he sees similarities. “Whenever they have their 10 minutes of interaction outside on the line, I see a lot of grown men crying, and I know what they're feeling,” Muniz said. “I haven't seen my family in a long time, so just seeing them just makes me think about home, and what it will be like for me when I go back.”

GUARD, cont. from previous page


BAGHDAD — It was still dark when soldiers from Houston's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team used their boots and gloves to clear a gap in a razor-wire fence. Eight men wearing helmets, body armor and night-vision scopes maneuvered through the hole. The last one hooked the wire back onto the fence post. The Texas Army National Guard troops literally had stepped “outside the wire,” a term soldiers use to describe terri-tory beyond the protective walls of U.S. bases. Their 3-kilometer pre-dawn foot patrol would hug the perimeter of Victory Base near Baghdad International Airport, never stray-ing more than a few hundred yards into the surrounding farm-land. Still, that's farther than most soldiers from the 72nd are likely to get during the brigade's nine-month deployment. The troops have to keep a low profile in accordance with the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement, which required the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq's cities. Iraqis take the lead in most security operations, with U.S. soldiers restricted to bases, rural areas and joint missions with the Iraqi military. For the infantrymen of the 72nd who venture outside the wire daily, the relative calm feels like a mixed blessing. “In a way, it sucks, and in a way it's comfortable,” said Spc. Keith Bennett, 28, of Conroe. “You pick a job in the military and you train up for it and then you sit on the sidelines. On the other hand, doing this, you're more likely to come home.”

Roadside bombs Though the U.S. has suffered only one combat-related death in Iraq since November, soldiers who traveled outside the wire on the foot patrol and two other recent missions know that a routine mission can turn deadly in an instant. Alpha Company's convoy mission to deliver construc-tion equipment to a site near the Green Zone was 10 minutes out of Victory Base Friday morning when the radio crackled to life with a warning: Possible IED (improvised explosive device) ahead. The road had been blocked off. “Roger that, we're going around,” replied Javier Espinoza, a 29-year-old staff sergeant from Brownsville. Espinoza called up to his gunner, Cody Butler, 19, of Kerrville: “Anybody on the rooftops, let me know.” Espinoza's Humvee — No. 5 in the convoy — made a U-turn over a median, exited the highway and inched into Bagh-dad rush-hour traffic. “Are we seriously doing this?” Espinoza asked. The move went against every instinct he'd honed during three previous deployments. So even as he urged his fellow sol-diers to stay alert, Espinoza fell back on one constant between this tour and the others: humor. “I'm scared,” he mock-whispered. “Hold me.” It started to rain. From the turret, Butler announced that traffic thinned around the next corner. Then he cursed. “Holy (expletive), we're in downtown Baghdad, aren't we?” “Yeah, they got an IED somewhere here, it's gonna be ugly,” Espinoza said. “God, I hate getting blown up.” As the convoy negotiated a traffic circle, a passer-by threw his flip flops at the Humvee. The soldiers were visibly tense as the convoy came to a stop, leaving their vehicle in a bad spot under an overpass.

Soldiers of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team con-ducted a security mission at the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, just outside the Green Zone. The Texas National Guard troops have to keep a low profile in accordance with the terms of the US-Iraqi security agreement, which required the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq's cities last June. Iraqis now take the least in most security operations, with US Soldiers restricted to military bases, rural areas and in-vite-only joint missions with the Iraqi Army. (Photos by Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle.)

Soldiers from the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team climb through razor wire to begin a pre-dawn foot patrol mission in Baghdad, Iraq. The 72nd’s quick response force in Camp Cropper surveyed the perimeter of the exterior wall for any tampering.

See PATROL, next page

Sotry by Lindasy Wise Houston Chronicle

72nd IBCT: Outside the wire, inside the danger zone

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis cen-ters across the country, our mission is to provide immedi-ate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888-628-9454. From immediate suicidal crisis to information about mental health, crisis centers in our network are equiped to take a wide range of calls. Some of the reasons to call 1-800-273-TALK are listed below. • Call to speak with someone who cares. • Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting your-

self. • Call to find referrals to mental health services in your

area. • Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're

concerned about. February 2010 THE DISPATCH 9

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Why should I call the Lifeline?

The first Humvee in the convoy radioed to announce that electrical wires strung across the narrow streets were too low to allow the large trucks they were escorting to pass. They'd have to alter their route again. “There is no alternative route,” said the driver of Espinoza's Humvee, Pvt. 1st Class Leroy Aguillon, 23, of San Antonio. A man came out of his house and spoke to the Ameri-cans' translator. A few minutes later, he retrieved a pole from his yard and used it to lift the wires high enough for the trucks to pass.

The convoy finally got moving again. Children waved and shouted for candy as Aguillon steered past a trash-strewn play-ground. "Wave, Butler, wave,” Espinoza told the gunner. “Hearts and minds, hearts and minds. You wave today and they don't shoot you tomorrow.” Watching and waiting First Lt. Lee Kain only has to glance at the narrow clock tower that looms over Iraq's Ministry of Justice to be reminded that it takes just a minute for everything to come crashing down. Suicide bombers blew up the ministry in October, kill-ing dozens of people and injuring hundreds of others. Kain ex-pects insurgents to try again, but all he can do is watch and wait and remind his men not to let boredom lull them into compla-cency. Even though the ministry's new building is only a few hundred yards from the watchtowers manned by Kain's platoon, there wouldn't be much Kain could do in the event of a bombing unless the Iraqis asked for help, he said. “We can't do diddly,” said the chemical engineer, 32, from League City. “We could call it up to somebody who could call it up to somebody who could maybe get some Iraqis out there, but we couldn't do anything directly.” The exception is if soldiers spot an insurgent setting up a mortar, aiming a rifle, or some other obvious sign of “hostile in-tent,” Kain said. He hasn't told his wife and three children that he travels outside the wire to the ministry five days a week as part of his platoon's mission to monitor a discreet VIP entrance to the neighboring Central Criminal Court of Iraq. He doesn't want his family to worry. At the same time, he's as restless as his men. “South Austin probably gets more action than this place,” he said.

PATROL, cont. from previous page

Iraqi Security Forces blocked Alpha Company’s convoy that was about 10 minutes outside of Victory Base on Friday morning when the convoy received a warning: possible IED ahead. The troops had to detour into the downtown area of Baghdad.


BAGHDAD — Wedding Island is a dusty, debris-strewn tract of land on the banks of the Tigris River that once hosted lavish mar-riage celebrations of Baghdad's elite amid leafy palm trees and blooming flowers. It's almost unrecognizable now, after seven years of war. Most recently it was a staging site for construction materials used to build the massive U.S. Embassy nearby. But if 1st Lt. Sean Trobaugh squints hard enough at these desolate 42 acres in the far southwestern corner of Bagh-dad's Green Zone, he can see the piles of gravel and scrap metal replaced by the lush grass of a golf course. The 41-year-old Texas National Guardsman from Katy and a group of soldiers from Houston's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are overseeing the cleanup of Wedding Island be-fore the property is transferred to the government of Iraq later this month. They've been told it will go to Iraq's Ministry of Tourism, which plans to transform the area into a golf course and public gardens. Trobaugh's team is slated to transfer four Green Zone properties, including a military base, to the Iraqi government and will assist in turning over a dozen others during the nine-month mission. The goal is to shrink the size of the U.S.-controlled Green Zone from the original 2,228 acres to 329 acres by the time the brigade's deployment ends in August. On his better days, Trobaugh can imagine returning to Wedding Island someday to play a few holes or picnic by the water — as a tourist, not a soldier. “If the security situation has improved, yes,” Trobaugh said. “I would like to take my family here and have a look around. I mean, this is the birthplace of civilization.” On his bad days — environmental hazards and contractor prob-lems have delayed the handover of Wedding Island for almost four months — he wonders if the golf course will ever exist. The 72nd's symbolic and politically sensitive project reveals the security risks and logistical challenges that accom-pany the drawdown of U.S. troops in Iraq from 111,000 last month to 50,000 by the end of the summer. “This is really an amazing time for Iraq, for us to be here,” Trobaugh said, comparing the historic moment to the re-construction of Germany and Japan after World War II. “We're going to be moving from an occupying force to a supporting force. … We blasted Iraq up, and now we're going to fix it.” Iraqis control entry Baghdad's Green Zone was established after the 2003 invasion as the headquarters of the U.S. presence in Iraq. It is barricaded by blast walls and concertina wire. According to the terms of the U.S.-Iraqi security agree-ment, a significant chunk of the Green Zone is already controlled by the Iraqi government, which monitors most entry points now. The changes come with risk. Two main arteries through the Green Zone were supposed to be reopened to traffic last year, but remain closed after a series of bombings of government facilities. Col. Mark Campsey, commander of the 72nd, said the Green Zone will remain a target as long as insurgents believe they can destabilize the Iraqi government through bloodshed.

“It's not necessarily what we're doing in the Green Zone that's keeping the Green Zone safe,” Campsey said. “It's what we're doing in the city — the constant pressure on the networks that are constructing (improvised explosive devices) or stockpil-ing rockets and mortars.” Campsey said Iraqi security forces — partnered with U.S. investigators — prevent 50 percent of IED attacks. Raids across central Iraq on Tuesday, for example, netted hundreds of pounds of explosives and 25 suspects accused of plotting attacks against civilians and officials. Scrap metal remains On Jan. 6, Trobaugh visited Wedding Island with four other soldiers to talk to the Iraqi and Sudanese contractors work-ing on the cleanup. The soldiers were supposed to be attending a handover ceremony that day with Iraqi officials, but a site inspection in the morning had revealed a hazmat problem in the form of an oil pit. The contractors had since burned off most of the oil, but they still hadn't carried off the scrap metal Trobaugh had asked them to remove. The contractors complained they didn't have the proper paperwork for their trucks. Trobaugh and his team suspected the contractors were just stalling so they could sell as much gravel and dirt as possible before the turnover, but their contract is with an Iraqi company, not the U.S. military, so the soldiers didn't have much leverage. “There's no threatening we can do,” said Master Sgt. Edward Hansen, 46, of Houston. “All we can do is make recommenda-tions.” At home, Hansen manages an A/C wholesaler. He deals with contractors all the time, but his experience in Iraq has been much more frustrating. “Of course in the U.S. we hold our contractors to a higher standard,” he said. “As a consumer you have a way of checking on them by going to the Better Business Bureau, but here they don't have a way of doing that. Hopefully they'll have that, too, eventually.”

An oil pit was discovered at Wedding Island the day the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team was supposed to transfer the property to the Iraqi government. The hazard delayed the transfer, and the team is pressuring the con-tractors to clean it up. (Photo by Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle)

Story by Lindsay Wise Houston Chronicle

Texas Troops: Making the Green Zone a Little Greener


Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas— On the coldest recorded weekend since 1962, Soldiers of 36th Infantry Division throughout the state of Texas stood up to be counted in preparation for the 36 ID Headquarters’ upcoming deployment to Iraq. With the initial ac-countability formation complete, Major General Eddy M. Spurgin, Commanding General of the 36th Inf. Div., presented his “Road to War” brief, outlining the future plans for the divi-sion.

“We are going to deploy the 36th Infantry Division Headquarters for the first time to a combat theater since World War II … that’s historic,” said General Spurgin.

The 36th Inf. Div. Headquarters mobilized for active duty in 1917 and deployed to Europe during World War I. It was again called up for active service and deployed into the European theater in 1943 in response to the outbreak of World War II. During that deployment, the 36th Inf. Div. Headquarters was on point for a multitude of operations, to include an amphibious as-sault landing as part of Operation Dragoon, part of the American 6th Army Group, in 1944.

Before returning home for deactivation in 1945, the 36th Inf. Div. was credited for the liberation of a Nazi concentra-tion camp at Dachau. The 36th Inf. Div. was recognized by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for their humanitar-ian work in 1995.

Since the drawdown of American military forces has already begun, the 36th Inf. Div. Headquarters will command a

number of Active Duty and Reserve component units in theater responsible for the orderly transition out of the country, in addi-tion to overseeing nine provinces located south of Baghdad, Iraq.

According to General Spurgin, one of the 36th Inf. Div.’s primary missions while in theater will be to produce clear and concise orders to the units that fall under their command.

“The orders that we produce at Division Headquarters are going to have an impact on thousands of young men and women that we are going to be commanding in those nine prov-inces of Southern Iraq,” General Spurgin stated.

Additionally, General Spurgin informed all the Soldiers that they were hand-picked to be in the 36th Inf. Div. “You are here for a reason. You have special skills. You were picked to be in this division,” he stated.

A number of the Soldiers deploying with the 36th ID have unique skills through their civilian jobs that will be essential for the continuing mission in Iraq and a successful deployment for the division.

“We are going to get the finest equipment that the U.S. Army can provide a division headquarters, and you are going to get the finest training the U.S. Army has to offer,” said General Spurgin.

With a number of pre-mobilization training events scheduled to begin during the summer months, the Commanding General stated that he cannot afford to lose a single member of his team; stressing the importance of maintaining a high level of physical fitness.

According to Staff Sgt. Robert R. Harris, State PDHRA Program Manager, when the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in 2008 thru 2009, about 80 percent of non-combat-related injuries were due to inadequate physical fitness.

Sergeant Harris went on to say that a majority of the cases were from Soldiers not being physically fit enough for the missions that they were required to do, both in and out of combat.

“You need to start getting yourself in good physical con-dition now,” said General Spurgin. He suggested that Soldiers of the 36th Inf. Div. start working on their flexibility before the scheduled training events begin. “I cannot afford for you to get hurt,” he added.

“These brigades that we are going to be commanding and controlling in theater are no longer called Infantry Combat Teams or Brigades. They are called Advise and Assist Brigades, because they are advising and assisting the Iraqi Security Forces,” stated General Spurgin.

The Commanding General of 36th Inf. Div. also in-formed the Soldiers that a number of the missions will be of a non-combative nature, but since this is still a combat theater, that they will be expected to be capable of a full spectrum of mis-sions, even ones that could be potentially dangerous. “I’m going to give you my best, I promise. All I ask of you is that you give me your best. We are going to go on and do great things for the state of Texas, for our Army, and the Iraqi people when we get into theater,” continued the Commanding General. “There is no doubt in my mind, and as I said earlier, that we are going to build one of the greatest teams that this state has ever put out, and we are going to be the best division headquarters in the United States Army …,” continued Spurgin, “I know it because of the caliber of people in this room, we are Texans, and we are from the greatest division there ever was, the 36th Infantry Division.”

36th Infantry Division: On The Road to War Story and photo by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin addresses Soldiers from the 36th Inf. Div. as they start down the “Road to War.”

FORT WORTH, Texas— A hanger for the 136th Airlift Wing, which would normally hold a C-130 airplane, provided shelter from the cold on January 9 as the 56th Brigade Combat Team changed leadership. The Saturday morning of the event was the

coldest that Fort Worth had experi-enced in several years, but the morn-ing went off without a hitch as Col.

Jeffrey Breor assumed command from Col. Lee Henry. Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin, 36th Infantry Division Commander, serving as the Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, was joined by several general officers as the brigade with a very active history changed hands once again. During his command of the bri-gade, Colonel Henry deployed the brigade to Iraq, returning in August. He will now serve on the home front as Rear Detach-ment Commander for the 36th Infantry Division as it prepares to deploy. Prior to taking command of the 56th BCT, Colonel Breor led the 36th Inf. Div. staff planning and execution effort, which included training counter-insurgency tactics in the Republic of Hon-duras, and also through multiple hurricane consequence management efforts in sup-port of civilian authorities along Texas’ Gulf Coast. Family and friends of both incom-ing and outgoing commanders were on hand to witness the passing of the brigade colors and everything that it symbolizes.


Story and photos by Capt. Randall Stillinger Texas Military Forces public Affairs

New Commander for 56th BCT: Col. Breor Takes Reins

Left- The Color Guard stands at atten-tion during the 56th BCT Change of Command. Top right- Col. Lee Henry, outgoing commander, speaks to Soldiers, family and friends during the ceremony. Bottom right- Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin passes the colors to Col. Jeffery Breor, incoming commander of the 56th BCT.

The Texas Adjutant General Jose S. Mayorga and Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Icenhower presented an Employer Sup-port of the Guard and Re-serve 50Star Award to Wal-mart and the Walmart Foun-dation, at a ceremony in Ben-tonville, Ark. On Jan. 16. The Foundation contributed $50,000 to help transport 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team members during the Thanksgiving holiday. From left to right: Kathy Cox, Pro-gram Manager for the Wal-mart Foundation, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Icenhower, Mar-garet McKenna, President of the Walmart Foundation and Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga. (Photo courtesy of Walmart.).

ESGr Presents 5-Star Award to Walmart Foundation

Forward Operating Base, Ghazni Afghanistan. Taking ad-vantage of all the assets available here on FOB Ghazni is what Texas Agribusiness Development Team is all about. The Security Team and selected members of the Agriculture Team set about proving that fact on a sunny, but chilly morning.

The day’s training was coordinated by Staff Sgt. Larry Logan and his fellow medics; it consisted of simulated injuries and the employment of Medical Evacuation Blackhawk helicop-ters.

Medivac helicopters are angels in the sky which swoop down to care for you if, heaven forbid, you ever need medical attention. Not all injuries are life threatening here in Afghanistan so the scenarios consisted of many different types.

The main point of the training was to start an intrave-nous line and call in over the radio a nine- line medical evacua-tion request to have the helicopter come to the casualties’ loca-tion. Texas ADT was assisted in this training by the helicopters and crews of Charlie 23 Medivac unit, 3rd Infantry Division, For-ward Surgical Team based at FOB Ghazni.

To ensure safety, the day began with “cold loads”. A cold load is a term which means the helicopters are sitting sta-tionary with their engines off. This allowed time for instruction from the Medivac crews and gives the ADT soldiers an opportu-nity to ask questions. Once the practice time was completed, each squad of soldiers was given a stretcher, Combat Lifesaver Bag, smoke grenades, a radio, and simulated injury. Squad members were used.

The scenario began with the helicopter taking off and flying away in the bright blue sky. Each squad in succession had to start an IV, provide security for the landing zone, contact the inbound helicopter, and mark the landing zone with a smoke gre-nade. After the helicopter landed, the team moved the stretcher and loaded the patient into position for his or her flight. As ex-pected, all squads performed flawlessly. This was due to the fact that they have completed this training before. This training had the Medivac helicopters buzzing overhead against a background of snow-capped mountains made this training evolution an out-standing event.

Just when the soldiers thought the training had reached its completion, the helicopter crews brought out the hoist and “Jungle Penetrator”. This ominous sounding piece of equipment is actually just a small seat lowered by a cable hoist from the open door of the helicopter. This device is used to recover sol-diers in need of medical care from terrain that is not suitable for the helicopter to land.

In the mountains surrounding FOB Ghazni, evacuating injured Soldiers could easily require the use of this seat. This made familiarizing the Texas ADT Soldiers paramount. Several lucky Soldiers, or unlucky depending on their level of fear of heights, were chosen to ride the lift. One soldier, Security team Squad leader Sgt. Jeffery Palmore of Frisco, Texas, said that he had a blast hanging from a cable under a hovering Blackhawk helicopter. Other soldiers watched with excitement all along knowing they were safe on the ground and would stay that way.

Overall, the training was a complete success. Everyone, including the pilots and crews of the Blackhawks, walked or flew away with better training on a skill and job. While this training won’t help the soldiers every day, it will benefit them in their time of need.


Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ross Dobelbower Texas Agribusiness Team

Texas ADT Conducts MEDEVAC Training in Afghanistan

Soldiers practice using the “Jungle Penetrator” during MEDEVAC training in Afghanistan. (US Army photograph)


“Welcome to Dallas” It was by most accounts the perfect vacation for any

child. After all, how often are family members treated like roy-alty, or get free presents, fly first class, be the stars of a parade, or even get to hang out with the Dallas Cowboys on the field of their brand new stadium?

It was the kind of vacation that many only dream about, but all of the children on this charter flight would give up their seat in an instant… if they could change the past. Any kid on this American Airlines Boeing 737 would gladly trade in their all expense paid vacation on the Snowball Express just to have their mom or dad back.

What makes this flight special is that each of the chil-dren has lost a parent in defense of freedom in Iraq or Afghani-stan. Although most families are travelling from cities across the country, at least four that are participating this year are part of the Texas Army National Guard family.

A few passengers and a full flight crew boarded “Snowball Express 7” (the plane’s call sign) at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport. Its first destination was San Antonio, where 25 family members were waiting patiently for the plane’s arrival. While American Airlines generously donated this airplane and eight others for the week, British Petroleum (BP) graciously cov-ered the bill for the fuel required to move those aircraft.

As the special passengers boarded, volunteers lined the pathway to cheer them on and wish them a safe trip and a fun time. A little boy named Charlie, who was clearly the hit of the party, led them on board to begin their trip.

The plane, decorated up and down the aisle, soon took off from San Antonio with cheers from the passengers. Our des-tination was Killeen, Texas, the home of Fort Hood and many more families of fallen Soldiers.

Two columns of Patriot Guard Riders greeted the flight at the Killeen Airport terminal and they rolled the stairs up to the airplane for the next group. The flight crew came outside in the chilly but clear evening to welcome 55 more passengers onto the charter plane. When everyone was on board, the doors closed

and the Snowball Express prepared for the trip back to Dallas. The flight to Dallas was unlike the usual American Air-

lines flights. It was a flying party with decorations, fresh baked cookies, candy, singing, dancing, and cheering. The flight crew, all seasoned Snowball Express veterans, knew how to take care of their special passengers.

On the flight was Izumi Isherwood, who has been volun-teering with the Snowball Express for the past three years. Ms. Isherwood, who is normally a flight attendant for American Air-lines, recalls her more memorable moments from volunteering: “I remember the smiling faces of the children, and the difference we are able to make to have them feel happy and making lasting friendship with other children of the fallen.” Assisting with the charter flights is only a small part of her volunteer efforts. She spends months behind the scenes coordinating travel arrange-ments and assisting families as they prepare to board the Snow-ball Express.

During the flight, a few children assisted the flight atten-dants while others ran around. Little Charlie was generous enough to give up his seat next to mom so he could sit between Trish Lynn and her daughter Sadie, from The All-American Cowgirl Chicks, who would be performing for the families the next day.

Upon arrival at the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, hundreds of volunteers with cowbells, drums, lots of clapping and plenty of yelling were there to welcome the families to their home for the next four days. And it wasn’t long before they were on buses being escorted by the Patriot Guard to their hotels in downtown Dallas. “Ranch and Rodeo Day”

The second day started out with a convoy that turned heads across Dallas County. Over 40 buses made the trek to the Southfork Ranch in Plano escorted by the police and the ever-present Patriot Guard Riders. The journey caught the attention of

Children and Families Board the “Snowball Express!” Story and photos by Capt. Randall Stillinger Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

See EXPRESS, next page

Csilla Lyerly and her son Zack await the takeoff of “Snowball Express 7.” Captain Sean Lyerly, from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, was killed when the Blackhawk helicopter that he was piloting was shot down over Iraq on January 20th, 2007.

Passengers on the Snowball Express enter the new Cow-boy Stadium for a concert and other activities.


traffic helicopters as the news media tried to figure out what was going on. The roll-ing barricade shut down the highways to allow these special families an unfettered trip on “Ranch and Rodeo Day.”

The Southfork Ranch, which be-came famous in the “Dallas” television show, hosted the families for a chilly, but fun day of pony and carnival rides, horse grooming lessons, archery, line dancing, and the ever-popular mechanical bull.

From there, the Snowball Express rolled on to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which opened its doors exclusively for the families and volunteers. Stetson cowboy hats were given to each child to get them in the mood for classic rodeo fun. Although most of the events were per-formed by professionals, a few of the Snowball children found themselves in the center ring. Even sheep riding was a ro-deo event, and the kids had a blast and the crowd went wild.

If there was any doubt about where this year’s Snowball Express was being hosted, Ranch and Rodeo Day cleared it up. Welcome to Texas. “Walk of Gratitude”

The third day started with a proc-lamation by Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert at the City Hall before moving on to the Con-vention Center a few blocks away. The route between the two buildings was lined with Patriot Guard Riders, volunteers, and locals that came out for the “Walk of Gratitude,” an annual event that allows people to show their respect to the fami-lies.

Upon arrival at the Convention Center, the families were treated to a laser-light show on the wall of the main conven-tion hall. Also waiting for them were mul-tiple video games, bounce houses, climb-ing walls, police cars, fire trucks, plenty of food, entertainment, arts and crafts, and of course autographs/pictures with the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

There were plenty of things to do to keep them busy, but the highlight of the huge room was a n elaborate, curtained-off area with a big Neiman Marcus sign on the outside. Children lined up at the entrance to the “store” and were then personally escorted inside by a store employee, with-out mom or dad around. While inside, the children shopped around to “buy” brand new presents for mom, or for the few dads that were around. Many couldn’t help smiling as the kids worked so hard to pick

out just the right gift. After that was done they would sit down and create hand-made cards to go along with the perfect present.

When sneaking a peek in the back rooms one would see about 20 Neiman Marcus employees delicately wrapping all of the special gifts that would soon be shipped back home to be opened on Christmas Day.

Dinner was a catered meal in the next convention hall over and was fol-lowed by a show and rock concert. “Cowboys Day”

The highlight of Saturday was a trip to the new Cowboys Stadium in Ar-lington. It was an early-to-rise day stand-ing in the end zones waiting for the buses of families to arrive. The pictures of chil-dren entering the stadium for the first time and being blown away by the sheer enor-mity of the place, which included the two gigantic high-def TV screens that stretch from one 20-yard line to the other, were precious. Needless to say plenty of those pictures were taken as family after family came onto the field, most of them looking up as they walked or ran.

The field, with its signature blue-and-silver star on the 50-yard line, was decorated for a party: a few hundred round tables, bounce houses, slides, and giant lollipops and candy canes that were two stories tall. A performance stage with giant speakers and spot lights filled the opposite end zone.

The first performers were the Carter Twins, which caught the attention of every teenage and pre-teen girl in the place. As photos were taken of the kids cheering the band, two teenagers wearing hand-made “I Love the Carter Twins” shirts stood out. One of the Twins (hard to tell which one) magically appeared in-between them. It made their day as they screamed and were shocked.

Two hundred holiday-decorated motorcycles with American flags from the Patriot Guard Riders made a grand (and loud) entrance as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” echoed through the stadium before it was time for the main attraction of the evening. Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band took center stage for the remainder of the evening and put on a show that the families will not soon forget.

From his multiple visits to the war zones to his appearance at the Fort Worth Skyball benefit dinner, Senise is everywhere. He and his “Lt. Dan” alter ego, is fast becoming this generation’s Bob Hope as his ardent support for the U.S.

military and its families seems to be never-ending.

The Lt. Dan Band didn’t disap-point the families who really enjoyed the concert, once they were able to take their eyes off of the TV screens.

The party on the field continued into the evening. Former and current Dal-las Cowboy players signed autographs while boys spiked footballs in the end zone after catching a long pass. Cheerleaders taught dance moves while parents sat back and caught their breath.

That day was big, loud, fun, and exciting, not unlike the behemoth stadium on game day. “Homeward Bound”

As the families boarded their charter planes back home, many undoubt-edly reflected on this amazing experience.

The mother of a Soldier in the Cowboys Stadium took a picture of a 101st Airborne Division patch as a fond re-minder of her son. Tanya Bush, who was there with her grandson, Colton, told the story of how many of her son’s belongings were destroyed in the incident that took his life and of how she wanted the picture as a reminder of the patch that he wore proudly on his shoulder. Specialist Joshua Munger was serving with the 101st in Iraq on No-vember 2nd, 2005 when the vehicle he was driving ran over an IED exploded, killing Munger and two other Soldiers.

When it became clear how much the patch meant to the families, one Sol-dier gave his patch to a family member which brought tears and hugs all around on the field. This simple act brought per-spective into what was a big deal, and what is really not.

Another touching moment came when several little kids in the front row

EXPRESS, cont. from previous page

See EXPRESS, next page

Capt. Jim Thomas, the pilot of “Snowball Express 7,” sticks his head outside and watches family members board his plane at the airport in Killeen.

CAMP MABRY, Austin, Texas (8 Jan, 2010) – Eight students graduated from the 18 week-long University of Foreign Military Cultural Studies For Red Team Leaders Course here Friday .

During the course, students were exposed to study and research, tactics techniques and procedures: application of diverse theories; doctrine related to war gaming; coalitions and adversaries; regional military and civil cultural anthropology, and application of this knowledge to various contemporary operation environments. Students used case studies and actual operational plans and had an opportunity to provide feedback to deployed commands. The course is taught at the Master’s Degree level in a seminar setting and included intense dialogue and massive reading projects. Eventually everyone who attended the course will deploy overseas and have a much better understanding of the challenges in austere and adversarial conditions.


while Gary Sinise and his band played.

A Soldier asked one of three girls to dance and after being re-buked two times, the third girl, who appeared to be about five-years old agreed to dance with him when Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” was played.

After a few twirls she said shyly, “My daddy used to dance with me.” The Soldier imagined her daddy coming home at the end of the day, dressed in ACUs, for a quick dance or two around the living room.

Many Soldiers have to steel their hearts after personally dealing with the deaths of several Soldiers but the Snowball Ex-press was a reminder of the sacrifice that was made by so many military men and women across the country. It was a fun-filled vacation, but also an event that allowed families that have en-dured similar heart-wrenching experiences to meet and get ac-quainted with others in their situation. Finally, it allows the chil-dren of our fallen heroes the opportunity to have fun and play with others, but would gladly trade their seat on that plane for one more dance with their daddy.

EXPRESS, cont. from previous page

Gary Sinise is surrounded by the families of fallen military members at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

UMFCS Red Team Leaders Course Graduation

By Spc. Maria Moy Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

Support the troops! Donate blood through the armed forces blood program. Www.militaryblood.dod.mil

Donation centers located at ft. hood, ft. sam Houston and lackland air force base. Donate today!


Congratulations Selectees to the Army Senior Staff College!

Lt. Col. George Otieza Army War College

Col. Jeffrey Lewis Army War College

Lt. Col. Robert Gaudsmith Army War College

Col. Richard Noriega Univ. of Texas Fellowship

Col. A. Bentley Nettles Tufts University Fellowship


Nebraska will host the annual National Guard Marathon and Recruiting Retention workshop. Runners who qualify to be a member of the Texas Military Forces Marathon team will be invited to participate in the annual running of the Lincoln\National Guard Marathon and will also be given the opportunity to represent Texas on the All Guard Marathon Team. Additional duties of the Texas and the All Guard Marathon team include attending various Recruiting and Retention work-shops and pre-race expos. Interested runners must meet the qualifications stated below to attend the Recruiting/Retention Workshop as a member of the Texas Marathon Team; however, one seat will be reserved for a "New Runner" meeting the qualifications (defined as an individual who has not participated in the Recruiting/Retention Workshop in the last two years) and a "Rookie" par-ticipant, defined as one who has not run a marathon, but is physically capable to complete a marathon. This is at the discretion of the Soldier's unit and Marathon Team Captain. Finish times must be equal to or faster than the qualifying times listed. State coordina-tors may be required to furnish proof of qualification. RUNNER TYPE MARATHON TIME MILE PACE Open (Men under age 40) 4 hours, 00 minutes 9:09 Masters (Men age 40 and over) 4 hours, 15 minutes 9:43 Women (All ages) 4 hours, 30 minutes 10:31 Official results must be dated within 18 months of the upcoming National Guard Marathon (3 May 2010). Readiness NCOs or interested Soldiers must contact the TXMF Marathon Team Captains NLT 18 February 2010. Contact either WO1 Lisa Buckley, E-Mail: [email protected], Texas Army G-4 Logistics, Comm: 512-782-5128 or DSN 954-5128 or CW2 Michael Long, E-Mail: [email protected], Texas AGR Services, Comm: 512-782-5641 or DSN 954-5641.

Texas Guard Runners: Going the Distance

It's No Secret! OEF/OIF post-deployment readjustment is challenging for Veteran Military Service Members and for their Families Reintegration can be difficult and peer support groups have proven to be beneficial for anyone who has experience one or multiple deployments. Operation Resilient Families of-fers basic education and skill development around some of the issues most common to the post-deployment readjustment experi-ence. It also offers considerable opportu-nity to identify and incorporate strategies for strengthened personal and family resil-ience. That's why a team of military personnel, veterans, families and their ad-vocates recently joined together to develop "Operation Resilient Families." This peer-led program offers the opportunity for veterans and their family members to reconnect with one another as a family unit, as well as with other families sharing similar experiences. By participat-ing in this program, you will experience a

safe, confidential, and peer-supportive environment designed to help you:

• Develop greater understanding of some of the common experiences of returning combat veterans and their families

• Explore your personal and family strengths, resources and resilience strategies

• Enhance personal and family skills in communication, goal-setting and prob-lem-solving.

• Make new friends who understand and share the bond of having served - whether on the battlefield or on the home-front.

POC: Deborah Evans, State Family Pro-gram Director, 512-782-5322 to sign up! Additional Information: If you are interested in becoming a peer facilita-tor to help lead a group, please contact the POC listed above. Who: Operation Resilient Families is open to OEF/OIF: Veterans, Spouses, Significant

Others, Parents and Other Adult Family Members (including "family-like" friends).

NOTE: While veterans and their family members are encouraged to jointly participate in Operation Resilient Families, this program equally welcomes veterans or family members who attend alone. What: Operation Resilient Families (PILOT PHASE) is peer-run education and support group for OEF/OIF veterans and their fami-lies.

When: Thursdays, 7-9pm, beginning 2/4/10

Where: Bell County Help Center, 201 E Avenue D, Killeen

Operation Resilient Family Support Group

U.S. Army Launches Virtual Judge Recruitment for eCYBERMISSION

Volunteers needed to support web-based science, math and technology

competition for youth WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Army is looking for volunteers with a background or interest in science, technology, engi-neering, math or education to virtually judge a nationwide competition open to students in the sixth through ninth grades. Now in its eighth year, eCYBER-MISSION is a free, web-based, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition that allows students to work together to solve a problem in their com-munity while using the scientific method. Virtual Judges are responsible for scoring student project submissions, known as Mission Folders, on the eCYBERMIS-SION web site. Virtual Judge registration is open through Friday, Feb 26, 2010, at www.ecybermission.com. Michael Lombardi, Research, Development and Engineering Command Program Manager for eCYBERMISSION, urges Americans to serve their country by

registering to volunteer. “America’s future competitiveness and national security rests partly on our leadership in STEM educa-tion. eCYBERMISSION Virtual Judges are in a position to promote these impor-tant skills among our next generation of leaders.” Virtual Judges have diverse back-grounds in science, technology, engineer-ing, math or education disciplines, and work in the academic, private industry, government and non-profit sectors. They are of vital importance to the success of eCYBERMISSION, and choose to volun-teer because they:

• Believe promoting STEM educa-tion to America’s youth is impor-tant to our nation’s continued global competitiveness;

• Enjoy supporting and volunteer-ing for an education-related com-munity service activity;

• Want to contribute their expertise in a fun and unique way to the next generation of America’s leaders;

• Are interested in discovering how today’s students learn and apply

math, science and technology in a school setting; and

• Enjoy the flexibility of volunteer-ing online at their convenience during the Regional and Alternate Judging periods, from March 1 through March 29, 2010.

Virtual Judges get to experience firsthand the scientific talent and passion of students nationwide. eCYBERMISSION gives stu-dents from all backgrounds a chance to compete and win up to $8,000 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds, and Virtual Judges have the opportunity to determine the winners based on their Mission Folder submissions. Since the competition’s inception in 2002, the U.S. Army has awarded more than $6.7 million in prize money, and over 58,000 students have participated. Prospective Virtual Judges can learn more and register to volunteer at www.ecybermission.com using the code ARMY. More information is also avail-able by calling 1-866-GO-CYBER (462-9237) or by e-mailing [email protected].


This Month in Military History: February 1823- The militia formally began in Texas almost at the same time as English speaking settlers arrived. On February 18, 1823, the emperor of the newly independent Mexico authorized Stephen Austin "to organize the colonists into a body of the national militia, to preserve tranquility. . ." Austin's militia soon battled Indian raiding parties. Despite these activities, Austin's militia remained small, and not particularly well organized. 1836- Santa Anna's troops besieged the Alamo from February 23 to March 6, 1836. 1864- US Navy bombards Lamar, Texas. 1956- In February, 1956, Headquarters and Service Company of the 386th Engineers aided in local recovery from the Bryan tornado, which caused over $1,000,000 in damage. The Fall of the Alamo" by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk


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