Vol. 2, Issue 27 July 17, 2005 Proudly serving Logistics Support Area Anaconda Rigger Rigger Rigger Rigger Riggers suppor s suppor s suppor s suppor s support the W t the W t the W t the W t the War Fight ar Fight ar Fight ar Fight ar Fighter’s mission er’s mission er’s mission er’s mission er’s mission By Spc. Jerome Bishop Staff writer Inside a dark, spacious warehouse on Logistics Support Area Anaconda, nine Soldiers are making their contribution to an upcoming operation taking place hundreds of miles away. The Soldiers are parachute riggers with the 623rd Quartermaster Company in support of the 372nd Transportation Company, 129th Corps Support Battalion, 507th Corps Support Group, and their mission – to prepare two week’s worth of rations and water to be air-dropped to sustain operations in Iraq. “Right now we’re loading Meals, Ready to Eat for ongoing operations,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Hanrahan, air operations sergeant for the 623rd QM Co. “The most important thing is we’re taking people off the road by doing this. The key is sustaining the people who are setting up this operation with 15 days worth of food,” he said. “We’ll be dropping almost 4,000 cases of MREs,” Hanrahan said. “This is the only mission that has been dictated to us so far. As the operation moves on, that will dictate what we drop.” The supplies being loaded aren’t the only ones that will be dropped during the course of an operation. The riggers are prepared to get more supplies ready as time goes on. “Once [the unit we’re supplying] gets established,” Hanrahan said, “we’ll move on to support a different group.” Since their deployment started this past December, the Soldiers of the 623rd QM Co., had little opportunity to serve as parachute riggers. Much of their time is spent on the roads as convoy gun- truck escorts. Though their skills are in high de- mand, the Soldiers are excited to sup- port the war effort by doing the job they enlisted to do. “I feel like I’m making a difference,” said Pfc. Thomas Hutchinson, a para- chute rigger with the 623rd QM Co. “I think it’s necessary for us to do air drops to move on with the mission of helping the Iraqis take control.” “[The Soldiers]” are very happy to be doing this,” Hanrahan said. “They’re all excited to come off the road and actu- ally do their job. It’s very gratifying to know your job is supporting the war fighter.” Photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop Pfc. Thomas Hutchinson, a parachute rigger from the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, gathers the tops of the cargo net to attach it to the parachute on top of the pallet of MREs scheduled to be dropped for an upcoming mission. Sucessfully preparing a pallet of supplies for an airborne supply drop requires the utmost attention from the Soldier rigging it. “First you get an empty board with ties, along with honeycomb cardboard padding to help dissipate the weight of the cargo,” said Spc. Jameel Miller, a parachute rigger from the 623rd QM Co. “Then the cargo net is wrapped around the supplies and from there we tie up the load to encase it all. Finally we put the parachute on and tie it up and that’s all you need.” The riggers of the 623rd QM Co., know the importance of the mission they’ve been tasked, and couldn’t be happier about what they’re doing for the Army and for Iraq. “We’re parachute riggers,” Hanrahan said. “This is our job.”
Transcript
Vol. 2, Issue 27 July 17, 2005Proudly serving Logistics Support Area Anaconda
RiggerRiggerRiggerRiggerRiggers suppors suppors suppors suppors support the Wt the Wt the Wt the Wt the War Fightar Fightar Fightar Fightar Fighter’s missioner’s missioner’s missioner’s missioner’s missionBy Spc. Jerome BishopStaff writer
Inside a dark, spacious warehouse onLogistics Support Area Anaconda, nineSoldiers are making their contribution toan upcoming operation taking placehundreds of miles away.
The Soldiers are parachute riggers withthe 623rd Quartermaster Company insupport of the 372nd TransportationCompany, 129th Corps Support Battalion,507th Corps Support Group, and theirmission – to prepare two week’s worthof rations and water to be air-droppedto sustain operations in Iraq.
“Right now we’re loading Meals,Ready to Eat for ongoing operations,”said Staff Sgt. Matthew Hanrahan, airoperations sergeant for the 623rd QMCo. “The most important thing is we’retaking people off the road by doing this.The key is sustaining the people who aresetting up this operation with 15 daysworth of food,” he said.
“We’ll be dropping almost 4,000cases of MREs,” Hanrahan said. “This isthe only mission that has been dictatedto us so far. As the operation moves on,that will dictate what we drop.”
The supplies being loaded aren’t theonly ones that will be dropped during thecourse of an operation. The riggers areprepared to get more supplies ready astime goes on.
“Once [the unit we’re supplying] getsestablished,” Hanrahan said, “we’llmove on to support a different group.”
Since their deployment started thispast December, the Soldiers of the 623rdQM Co., had little opportunity to serveas parachute riggers. Much of their timeis spent on the roads as convoy gun-truck escorts.
Though their skills are in high de-mand, the Soldiers are excited to sup-port the war effort by doing the job theyenlisted to do.
“I feel like I’m making a difference,”said Pfc. Thomas Hutchinson, a para-chute rigger with the 623rd QM Co.
“I think it’s necessary for us to do airdrops to move on with the mission ofhelping the Iraqis take control.”
“[The Soldiers]” are very happy to bedoing this,” Hanrahan said. “They’re allexcited to come off the road and actu-ally do their job. It’s very gratifying toknow your job is supporting the warfighter.”
Photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop
Pfc. Thomas Hutchinson, a parachute rigger from the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, gathers the tops ofthe cargo net to attach it to the parachute on top of the pallet of MREs scheduled to be dropped for an upcoming mission.
Sucessfully preparing a pallet ofsupplies for an airborne supply droprequires the utmost attention from theSoldier rigging it.
“First you get an empty board withties, along with honeycomb cardboardpadding to help dissipate the weight of
the cargo,” said Spc. Jameel Miller, aparachute rigger from the 623rd QM Co.
“Then the cargo net is wrappedaround the supplies and from there wetie up the load to encase it all. Finallywe put the parachute on and tie it upand that’s all you need.”
The riggers of the 623rd QM Co.,know the importance of the missionthey’ve been tasked, and couldn’t behappier about what they’re doing forthe Army and for Iraq.
“We’re parachute riggers,”Hanrahan said. “This is our job.”
PAGE 2 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the1st COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. Thecontents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and arenot to be considered the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, including the Department ofDefense or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.
Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars
and Stripes central office, with a circulation of5,000 papers.
The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave.in building 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda
Times, HHC 1st COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Website at www.mnf-iraq.com/coalition-news/publica-tions/anaconda.htm
Contact Staff Sgt. Christopher Williams via e-mailat [email protected]
1st COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine
Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Virginia Zoller
Deputy Public Affairs Officer27th Public Affairs Detachment CommanderMaj. Sean Wilson
Anaconda Consolidated Press Center Sergeant MajorSgt. Maj. Joseph Adelizzi
27th Public Affairs Detachment NCOICStaff Sgt. Jennifer K. Yancey
EditorStaff Sgt. Christopher Williams
Staff WritersSpc. Jerome BishopSpc. Kate A. HoitSpc. Laura E. RuscioPfc. Mark B. Matthews
Iraqi, Coalition fIraqi, Coalition fIraqi, Coalition fIraqi, Coalition fIraqi, Coalition forces thworces thworces thworces thworces thwararararart attt attt attt attt attacacacacacks, discoks, discoks, discoks, discoks, discovvvvver wer wer wer wer weapons caceapons caceapons caceapons caceapons cachehehehehe
U.S. Army photo
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment find a weapons cache along the Tigris River in the Al Rashid district of Baghdad July 1.
Coalition forces captured terrorists andthwarted attacks, discovered a weaponscache and assisted injured worshippers inand around Baghdad July 10.
Task Force Baghdad Soldiers conducteda precision raid against a terrorist safe-house just west of Abu Ghraib Sunday.
Two out of the 10 house occupants wereidentified as specifically targeted terroristsand were taken into custody for question-ing.
“Today we took two known terrorists offthe street and prevented another possibleterrorist attack before it could even get offthe ground,” said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, aTask Force Baghdad spokesperson.
“Aggressive, offensive operations byIraqi Security Forces and Coalition forcesare taking the fight directly to the insurgentsand degrading their capabilities all across
Iraq.”During a routine patrol in the Ameriyah
District that same day, Iraqi and CoalitionForces noticed a black BMW parked in thedriveway of a house that was typically un-occupied. Soldiers searched the house andfound a bag of raw C-4 plastic explosivesand four other containers believed to befilled with explosives.
Also hidden in the house were 20 handgrenades, one machine gun, a sniper rifle,an AK-47 assault rifle, a loaded 9 millime-ter pistol with a silencer, and 500 to 700rounds of ammunition. A team of explo-sives experts safely removed the munitions.
“It was a joint Iraqi and U.S. patrol. TheIraqi Soldiers took the lead,” said Capt.Mike Benoit of 1-69th Infantry. “They wereaggressive and used their insight, whichled us to the cache.”
An East Baghdad resident alerted IraqiSoldiers that a terrorist was preparing tofire a rocket at around 8:30 a.m. July 10.
Coalition Soldiers responded immedi-ately and cordoned off the suspected site.
After searching the area, the Iraqi Sol-diers discovered the rocket ready to be firedfrom an improvised launcher and safelydisarmed the rocket launcher and took itback to their base. The terrorists were notseen or captured.
“The terrorists must have gotten scaredby our presence. If he would have fired therocket while we were in the area, he wouldhave been captured by us,” said an IraqiSoldier.
“The capture of the rocket before it wasfired probably saved the lives of numerouscivilians. The terrorists often miss their in-tended target causing death and destruc-
tion to innocent civilians,” he said.Iraqi police officers and Task Force
Baghdad Soldiers responded to a car bombattack against a mosque in south Baghdadby securing the area around the shrine andevacuating injured worshippers to a localhospital.
The blast occurred at 10:30 p.m. and in-jured 15 people including at least one child.
“Iraqi insurgents and foreign fightershave nothing positive to offer Iraq,” saidLt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Task Force Baghdadspokesperson. “They deliberately choose tostrike civilian targets to maximize the num-ber of dead and wounded. The violence ofthe insurgents steals from all Iraqis thechance for employment, prosperity and toworship peacefully.”
(Army News Service)
PAGE 3JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
Question of the Week
What do yWhat do yWhat do yWhat do yWhat do you likou likou likou likou like mose mose mose mose most about sert about sert about sert about sert about serving?ving?ving?ving?ving?
Spc. Jennifer Moran1st COSCOM
“Traveling. In two years I’vebeen to Korea, Iraq, NorthCarolina and Virginia.”
Sgt. Raymond Velez301st Area Support Group
Spc. Dwane Phillips50th Signal Battalion
“The medical benefits that myfamily and I receive. It reallyhelps us out.”
Pfc. Chris McCollum82nd Airborne Division
Staff Sgt. Rubin Mares368th Finance Battalion
The Anaconda Times has a dedi-cated Web site containing the cur-rent and past issues at www.mnf-iraq.com/coalition-news/publica-
tions/anaconda.htm
“The mental and physicalchallenges and the camaraderie.”
“Learning different job skills. Itprepares me to work with alltypes of people.”
“I’ve been in since 1972, and Ireally enjoy mentoring mytroops.”
RRRRRecruiting fecruiting fecruiting fecruiting fecruiting focus ofocus ofocus ofocus ofocus ofCSA meeting in SeattleCSA meeting in SeattleCSA meeting in SeattleCSA meeting in SeattleCSA meeting in Seattle
Less than two months after a Seattle highschool was in the national spotlight for itsattempt to bar military recruiters from theschool, Army Chief of Staff Gen. PeterSchoomaker met with about 70 communityofficials in Seattle.
In May Garfield High School’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association voted for aresolution to bar recruiting on the highschool campus. When recruiters returnedto the school they were met by protests fromparents.
The July 1 event at Seattle Seahawk’sQuest Field, sponsored by the Army’s Se-attle Recruiting Battalion, was aimed atexposing Congressional staff members, lawenforcement officers, retired military, busi-ness managers and academic administra-tors to some of the issues facing the Army.
With the Army having just met its Juneactive-duty and Army Reserve recruitinggoals for the first time in four months, thediscussion quickly turned to recruiting, re-enlistment, and the future of the all-volun-teer force.
“We really challenged ourselves to growthe Army and we placed the bar very high,”said Schoomaker.
In responding to a Seattle TV reporter’squestion about how he viewed attempts bygroups to ban military recruiters from highschools, Schoomaker responded it was in-trusive and unfortunate.
“It’s their right to act that way,”Schoomaker said. “I trust people will makethe best decision if they are provided theoptions.”
“What we’re finding out through sur-veys and other means is that this genera-tion wants to serve,” he said. “And whenthey do we find this is an extraordinarygeneration of young people with tremen-dous talents who are serving with a great
deal of honor and effectiveness.”The resolution currently posted on
Garfield High School’s Web site states thePTSA’s concerns are to protect young stu-dents from the life-and-death decision thatmilitary service presents.
The resolution states, however, that eachGarfield student should be made aware of– and be assisted in accessing — appropri-ate and affordable career opportunities andeducational programs, including thoseabout the military.
The No Child Left Behind Act requireseducational agencies receiving assistanceunder the Elementary and Secondary Edu-cation Act of 1965 to give military recruit-ers the same access to secondary school stu-dents as they provide to postsecondary in-stitutions or to prospective employers.
“I think we are hearing a drumbeat ofthe Army not making its goal. I think it’simportant to know we set the bar high,” saidSchoomaker. “I think the glass is more thanhalf full on this but everyone wants to talkabout the 16 percent that we are still reach-ing for. We’re still optimistic, but it’s goingto continue to be a challenge.”
But recruiting is only half of the end-strength equation, Schoomaker said. Re-enlistment remains well above the goalwith Soldiers re-upping at significantlyhigh rates across the Army.
“Those who have been deployed are theones who we are retaining at the highestrate,” said the Army chief of staff. “So giventhe opportunity to serve, people are find-ing out how important it is to be part ofsomething that’s bigger and to be sur-rounded by others like them who they cantrust and who have the same values andpride.”
(Army News Service)
PAGE 4 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
ON ON ON ON ON THE SPOTHE SPOTHE SPOTHE SPOTHE SPOTTTTT
Freedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies107.7 Baghdad107.9 Sinjar105.1 Mosul, Fallujah107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad107.1 Ridgeway102.5 Camp Taji
“““““AlAlAlAlAlwwwwwaaaaays ys ys ys ys TTTTTherherherherhereeeee,,,,, on the on the on the on the on the Air!”Air!”Air!”Air!”Air!”
One yOne yOne yOne yOne year doear doear doear doear down, fivwn, fivwn, fivwn, fivwn, five te te te te to goo goo goo goo goBy Pfc. Mark B. MatthewsStaff writer
Soldiers look at deploymentin many different ways. Somesee it as a way of furtheringtheir careers and some see it asa stepping stone to financialsecurity. However, one Soldiersees it as an opportunity tomake a difference and he plansto make that difference as longas the Army will let him.
Spc. Jonathan Laureles, acombat medic with the 29thSupport Battalion, 29th Sup-port Brigade, recently began hissecond consecutive tour in Iraqand already extended for athird, which will begin Febru-ary 2006.
Laureles works as a medic atthe North Exit Control Point.He treats U.S. Soldiers forillness and injuries as well asIraqi National Guard soldiersby conducting a sick call and bymaking daily checks around thearea to ensure all the Soldiersare feeling up to par.
Although Laureles spentmore than a year in theaterwith well over a year to go, hehas his own reasons for volun-teering to stay tour after tour.
“I know it sounds crazy, butI just really like it here,” saidLaureles. “I really love doingmy job.” The medical field wassomething Laureles had alwayswanted to do and the Armygave him the opportunity and
training to go out and make adifference, Laureles said.
Being that Laureles has beenin theater for more than a year,his command seems to appreci-ate his experience and knowl-edge of the standard operatingprocedures of the North ECP.
“Laureles is a tremendousasset to us. Outside of what heknows about the medical sideof the house he also knows a lotabout how the North ECP isrun,” said Staff Sgt. Paul-Michael Hayes, 29th Spt. Bn.,29th Spt. Bde. “He also knows alot of the faces of people whohave been kicked off the postbefore, so he can recognizethem and let us know about it.”
Although some people mightquestion Laureles’ motives forcontinuing to extend his tour inIraq, he assures everyone thathe is just here to help and makea difference.
“People often say that I mustbe doing it for the money orthat I don’t have a family backhome that loves me, and that’snot true,” said Laureles. “Ofcourse my family misses me,but they are also very support-ive and understand that I ammaking a difference over here.”
As of today, Laureles hasextended to do three consecu-tive years in Iraq. However, hehas already spoken with hisleadership to see if he cancontinue extending until hisexpiration of term of service in2009.
Photo by Pfc. Mark B. Matthews
Spc. Jonathan Laureles, 29th Support Battalion, 29th Support Brigade, checks the blood presure of an IraqiNational Guard soldier during one of his medical rounds at the North Exit Control Point June 27.
PAGE 5JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
By Spc. Laura E. RuscioStaff writer
There are many valuableresources for servicemembersat Logistics Support AreaAnaconda including themedical care provided by thededicated Soldiers at the1065th Troop Medical Clinic.
The clinic began providingcare to servicemembers andcivilians during OperationIraqi Freedom I and is underthe supervision of the 1065thArea Support Medical Com-pany, a Puerto Rican NationalGuard unit currently attachedto the 261st Area SupportMedical Battalion.
The medical clinic offersmany services including 24-hour urgent care, optometry, apharmacy, an emergencyambulance service and sick callto handle all minor injuriessuch as broken limbs andlacerations. Since the facility isonly equipped for the treat-ment of minor injuries, thehealth care specialists workclosely with the Air ForceTheater Hospital for evacua-tion of all major injuries.
“This is our mission,” saidPfc. Adam Loete, 261st ASMB,
Clinic ofClinic ofClinic ofClinic ofClinic offffffererererers high-quality cares high-quality cares high-quality cares high-quality cares high-quality carePhotos by Spc. Laura E. Ruscio
Pfc. Samual Njenga, 261st Area Support Medical Battalion, checks a patient for lower back and knee injuries during sick-call at the 1065th Troop Medical Clinic July 7.
health care specialist.“We are a model for other
clinics in theater and willcontinue to set that standard.”
Sick call is available to allservicemembers from 7:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. daily and to civilianson a space-available basis.
Along with sick call, theclinic’s mental health section isopen to all servicemembers andcivilians in need.
The mental health specialistsare available to assist troopssuffering from combat stressand also offer self-improve-ment classes including smokingcessation.
The clinic’s emergencyambulance service responds toall emergencies within theirjurisdiction and providessupport for Morale, Welfareand Recreation events here.
The medical facility isstaffed with almost 80 dedi-cated, well-trained troops whoare ready to answer the call ofduty at any given moment.
“The troops endure manyhardships while serving in awar zone,” said Capt. MattBershinsky, 1065th ASMC,physician’s assistant.
“We take a huge level ofsatisfaction in helping themstay in the fight.” Sgt. Monica Aviles, optometry technician, conducts an eye exam at the 1065th Troop Medical Clinic July 7.
PAGE 6 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMESNews Briefs
U.S. Army photo
A Marine prepares a Talon II remote-controlled robot to go down range and investigate a possible IED along the shoulder of a busy highway in southern Iraq.
TTTTTrrrrroops comb stroops comb stroops comb stroops comb stroops comb streets ofeets ofeets ofeets ofeets of Ir Ir Ir Ir Iraqaqaqaqaqfor IEDsfor IEDsfor IEDsfor IEDsfor IEDs
The improvised explosive device, or IED, is the greatestcasualty producer in Iraq, and the three-letter acronym hasfound its place in the military vocabulary.
To help combat the problem, specially trained militarycombat engineers and explosive ordnance disposal teamshave joined forces to hunt and remove the IEDs that arehidden in tons of trash and debris that litter Iraq’s high-ways and roads.
The job is very tedious and dangerous as the teams em-ploy their high-tech equipment to scour the endless milesof roadway looking for signs that may reveal the locationof the low-tech threat.
Pfc. Justin L. Buxbaum, Company B, 467th EngineerBattalion, said he knew very little about IEDs before hewas deployed to Iraq with his unit.
Now the private, who has been in the service for onlysix months, finds himself face to face with the deadly de-vice as he drives a heavily armored truck called the Buffaloto a suspected IED location.
The vehicle has an armored V-shaped hull undercar-riage designed to deflect the explosion and shrapnel froman IED outwards, away from the crew.
“You are always going to be scared … and I have been,”Buxbaum said. “But I have a lot of faith in my equipmentand training.”
He added that the work is slow and meticulous. He andhis crew never lose focus as they clear the routes becausethey have people’s lives to think about and can’t affordany doubts in what they are doing.
“It is a very rewarding feeling knowing that the job thatwe perform may save someone’s life so that they can goback home to their families.”
(Army News Service)
America SupporAmerica SupporAmerica SupporAmerica SupporAmerica Supports ts ts ts ts YYYYYou:ou:ou:ou:ou: ride ride ride ride ride,,,,,concerconcerconcerconcerconcert to honor ft to honor ft to honor ft to honor ft to honor fallen,allen,allen,allen,allen,wounded troopswounded troopswounded troopswounded troopswounded troops
Plans are under way for the second annual Tribute tothe Troops Motorcycle Ride, to be held Sept. 9 to 11 in Min-nesota, Wisconsin and Iowa to honor the families of fallenservicemembers and raise funds for wounded troops andtheir families.
The ride and benefit concert to follow it will correspondwith the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terroristattacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
The event will include three separate motorcycle rides -one to the north and northeast region of Minnesota, one inthe Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, and one to thesouth, southeast and southwest Minnesota region. Up to225 motorcycles are expected to participate, according toGregg Schmitt, event organizer.
All three motorcycle rides will end in Hamel, Minn.,where Rockie, country music band The Killer Hayseedsand other local bands will present a benefit concert.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Wounded War-riors Hospital Fund. The fund supports hospitals andmedical facilities in the Afghanistan and Iraq theaters ofoperation as well as in Germany and the United States bydonating morale and comfort items such as televisions,DVDs and computers for use by the patients and hospitalstaff. The fund also provides financial help forservicemembers’ loved ones who can’t afford to be withwounded troops during their recovery.
Coalition forces released Cyrus Kar, an Iranian-bornU.S. citizen July 10, Multinational Force Iraq officials an-nounced.
Kar, his Iranian companion and their taxi driver weredetained by the Iraqi Army near Balad, Iraq, on May 17following a search of their taxi. In the vehicle were 35 wash-ing-machine timers, a common component used for theconstruction of improvised explosive devices.
IEDs have killed or wounded over 40 members of thecoalition forces and over 40 Iraqis in the vicinity whereKar was detained, noted officials.
After being detained by the Iraqi Army, the three menwere transferred to coalition forces.
Kar was detained as an imperative security threat toIraq under the authority of the U.N. Security Council Reso-lution 1546.
Based on the FBI investigation, the testimony of Kar andthe witness he called, and other witness statements, a De-tainee Status Board determined Kar was not an enemy com-batant and recommended his release, which was approved.
“This case highlights the effectiveness of our detaineereview process,” said Brig. Gen. Don Alston, coalitionforces spokesman. “We followed well-established proce-dures, and Mr. Kar has now been properly released.”
“This case has been resolved appropriately,” saidAlston. “We understand this has been difficult for Mr. Karand his family, however, we owe the coalition forces, Iraqisecurity forces and Iraqi civilians a thorough investiga-tion, especially when the circumstances relate to seriousand potentially dangerous activity.”
(Multinational Force Iraq)
News BriefsPAGE 7JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
Courtesy photo
Divers with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command searchfor downed aircraft from the Vietnam War in the Gulf of Tonkin.
ArArArArArmmmmmy diy diy diy diy divvvvvererererers sears sears sears sears searccccch wh wh wh wh waaaaaterterterterters ofs ofs ofs ofs ofVietnam for wreckageVietnam for wreckageVietnam for wreckageVietnam for wreckageVietnam for wreckage
Dive teams returned home to Oahu this month after a30-day deployment to Vietnam in support of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, or JPAC.
The groundbreaking JPAC mission was the first in a setof programmed trips to Vietnam to conduct underwatersearches for downed aircraft from the Vietnam War.
The mission was truly joint endeavor, containing ele-ments from all four branches of service.
1st Lt. Charles Denike and Staff Sgt. Matt Hayden ledseven Army divers from the 7th Engineer Detachment (Dive)and five Navy divers from Fort Shafter, Hawaii, to Vietnamto locate aircraft wreckage on three suspected crash sitesin the Gulf of Tonkin.
The teams worked from two different shore locationsand surveyed 12 square kilometers of sea floor over threeseparate crash sites. They used side-scan sonar and ma-rine magnetometer equipment, and that survey missionalone proved to be the most comprehensive underwatersurvey ever conducted by JPAC in Vietnam.
Toward the end of the 30-day mission teams located anaircraft wing section proving to be the most significantdiscovery for the underwater investigation team.
The team also took advantage of a rare opportunity tointeract with veterans from the Vietnam War — the warthe veterans referred to as the “American War.” Some Viet-namese veterans had actually witnessed the aircraftcrashes, so they provided dive teams with information tonarrow down search areas.
The dive mission was one of many missions sponsoredby JPAC, worldwide, to locate, recover and identify per-sonnel still missing in action from service to the UnitedStates.
(Army News Service)
ArArArArArmmmmmy ay ay ay ay awwwwwararararards neds neds neds neds new w w w w AKAKAKAKAKOOOOOcontractcontractcontractcontractcontract
A contract valued at more than $152 million has beenawarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation to manage ArmyKnowledge Online, the Army’s enterprise Web portal.
Under the agreement, Computer Sciences Corporationand Science Applications International Corporation, orSAIC, are major subcontractors with Lockheed Martin tohelp manage the AKO portal.
This past year, the Army’s Chief Information Officer/G-6, Lt. Gen. Steven Boutelle, directed two fundamentalbusiness process improvements for AKO.
As of June 1, responsibility for system development and
oversight, and day-to-day management of AKO operationswere moved from Network Enterprise Technology Com-mand/9th Army Signal Command to Program ExecutiveOffice Enterprise Information Systems.
Lockheed Martin will provide systems operations andmaintenance; network communications, hardware andsoftware integration and 24/7 help desk support for boththe unclassified and secure Army networks.
The award is for a base year with six option years andis a performance-based, fixed price, time & materials con-tract established by the Army Contracting Agency’s Infor-mation Technology and Electronic Commerce CommercialContracting Center, known as ITEC4.
Bryon Young, director of ITEC4, said he believes theAKO-ES competition and resulting award “is an excellentexample of the benefits that can be achieved through a per-formance-based acquisition strategy.”
“Combining the great things that AKO has done in thepast with the net-centric future that Army modularity willprovide - this is a great opportunity for the Army,” saidKevin Carroll, PEO EIS executive officer, as the contractannouncement was made from his Fort Belvoir office.
(Army News Service)
RRRRRumsfumsfumsfumsfumsfeld,eld,eld,eld,eld, Rice: Rice: Rice: Rice: Rice: U U U U U.S.S.S.S.S..... will will will will willstand by Britainstand by Britainstand by Britainstand by Britainstand by Britain
If terrorists thought they could intimidate the people ofa great nation during today’s attacks in London, “theypicked the wrong people and the wrong nation,” said De-fense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld.
History is filled with examples of tyrants, fascists andterrorists intent on carrying out violence against the Brit-ish people “only to founder,” Rumsfeld said.
“Before long,” the secretary predicted, “I suspect thatthose responsible for these acts will encounter British steel.”It’s a steel of “uncommon strength” that “does not bend orbreak,” he said.
“The British people have learned from history that thiskind of evil must be confronted. It cannot be appeased,”Rumsfeld said. Giving in to terrorists’ demands will onlyincrease their demands, he said.
David Manning, British Ambassador to the UnitedStates, called the outpouring of support from the Ameri-can people today “enormous and overwhelming.”
“We are very touched by it” and feel “a great solidarity”with the American people, he said.
Terrorists “want to move the world backward” whilethe rest of the freedom-loving world, including those attoday’s Group of Eight summit of leaders from industrial-ized nations, are working to move it forward, Manningsaid.
“They will not prevail,” he said of the terrorists. “Weshall prevail. And it is enormously encouraging to knowthat we have such a close bond with our American part-ners.”
(American Forces Press Service)
U.S. Army graphic
Defense Manpower Data Center. Divorce rate statisticsamong Active-duty Soldiers as submitted by the Army Re-sources Command during fiscal years 2000-2004.
An increase of divorces among Active-duty Soldiers hasArmy chaplains undertaking a number of programs to com-bat the rising trend and help Soldiers cope.
Divorces among officers tripled from fiscal year 2002 to2004, according to statistics compiled by the Defense Man-power Data Center. After Operation Iraqi Freedom began,there was an increase of 3,024 divorces Army-wide.
“These statistics are a sign of a loss of a dream. Peopledon’t get married to divorce,” said Army Chaplain Col.Glen Bloomstrom, director of the Ministry Initiatives Di-rectorate for the Office of the Chief of Chaplains.
Several programs now help Soldiers cope with life andparenting after divorce. Divorce Care Support groups andparenting classes are mandatory for Soldiers at Fort Hood,Texas.
Also available is Army One Source which is a toll-freenationwide number as well as a Web site that allows Sol-diers to contact a consultant regarding life’s issues.
Although deployment is an indicator of the stress onthe force, both Bloomstrom and Lt. Col. David Scheider,director of Family Life Chaplin Training Center, agreedthe problem is many couples do not have the skills neededto make their marriage work. “Anytime there is a lot ofstress, there is a higher opportunity for people to stray,”said Scheider.
There has been a doubling of total Army divorces fromthe 2000 fiscal year to the 2004 fiscal year – an increase ofnearly 5,000 divorces over this period.
“We recruit a Soldier, and retain a family,” he said. “Weneed to listen to the other part of the fighting force which isthe family that stays home and supports the Soldiers.”
(Army News Service)
Golden Medic exerciseGolden Medic exerciseGolden Medic exerciseGolden Medic exerciseGolden Medic exerciseccccchallenghallenghallenghallenghallenges Res Res Res Res Reseresereseresereservvvvve Soldiere Soldiere Soldiere Soldiere Soldiersssss
Soldiers from Miami to Michigan descended upon FortGordon June 11-24 to participate in the largest Army Re-serve medical exercise of the year.
Golden Medic 2005 brings various medical and sup-port units together, and immerses them into a realistic war-time scenario to test their battle plans.
“This exercise makes us put everything together,” saidCol. Margaret Wilmoth, commander of the 332nd MedicalBrigade. “We combine pre-mobilization, mobilization, warfighter and de-mobilization activities all into one exercise.”
Wilmoth sees Golden Medic as a benefit to all Soldiers.She said they may not appreciate it now, but if they get
mobilized, hopefully they’ll remember back to the exerciseand know how to react in a given situation.
“This type of exercise really brings the noncommis-sioned officers into the action,” said Command Sgt. Maj.Gary Glenn, command sergeant major of the 332nd.
Glenn explained that often times during drill weekendsor smaller exercises, the NCOs either plan the event or teachclasses. They do not have many opportunities to use theirfirst line leaders and follow through with checking on Sol-diers’ basic needs, but this operation will force them toperform pre-combat checks and after action reviews.
Wilmoth said it is an opportunity to bring enlisted Sol-diers and NCOs into the plan and let them grow into fu-ture leader and the same goes for the junior officers.
For some, this might be the last training exercise beforeheading out to help fight the war on terror. Wilmoth saidshe hopes all Soldiers come away with a renewed sense ofconfidence in their military occupational specialty andability to deploy.
(Army News Service)
JULY 17, 2005 PAGE 9PAGE 8 JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
AROUND ANACONDA
Photo by Spc. Laura E. Ruscio
And the verdict is ...Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Webster, 939th Military Police Detachment, guides military working dog Jury, in and around dining facility fourto check for explosive devices during a mass casualty exercise.
Interested in submitting your photos to the Anaconda Times?Interested in submitting your photos to the Anaconda Times?Interested in submitting your photos to the Anaconda Times?Interested in submitting your photos to the Anaconda Times?Interested in submitting your photos to the Anaconda Times?Contact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor atContact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor atContact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor atContact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor atContact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor at
Once, twice, three times the privateA Soldier is doused with water while doing push-ups during a promotion ceremony July 8.
Photo by Spc. Kate A. Hoit
Side outSoldiers take advantage of the never-ending supply of sun as they play pool volleyball at the LSA Anaconda outdoor pool.
Photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop
Cross over to the bronze?A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III ascends along the horizon as it prepares to take off from LSA Anaconda’s airfield.
Photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca
It’s gettin’ hot in hereA Soldier from the 536th Maintenance Company welds metal together to up-armor an Iraqi7-ton vehicle in continuing efforts to help strengthen the Iraqi military.
PAGE 10 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
If you have any suggestions for Quotable Quotes contact Public Affairs at DSN 318-829-1412 or e-mail the editor [email protected]
On LDRSHIP
“Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you shouldnever wish to do less.”
Robert E. Lee
“““““YYYYYou lika the sauce, sauce is good, no?”ou lika the sauce, sauce is good, no?”ou lika the sauce, sauce is good, no?”ou lika the sauce, sauce is good, no?”ou lika the sauce, sauce is good, no?”By Spc. Laura E. RuscioStaff writer
During deployments servicemembersare forced to say goodbye to many of theluxuries they know so well; however,Logistics Support Area Anaconda hasseveral facilities to make life a littlemore like home.
One of the most recent additions toLSA Anaconda is the Balad Café. The caféis located under the Sustainer Stadium,next to the outdoor pool.
The restaurant opened in May to giveservicemembers and civilians moredining options.
Originally the menu consisted of coffee,cappuccino, slushies and other softdrinks, but recently expanded the menuto include chicken and beef doners,french fries, hotdogs and ice cream.
In the near future, the Balad Café willalso be serving cheeseburgers andchicken wings as well as bake cakes forspecial events and host barbeques.
Jimmie Bryant, resturant owner, isconstantly thinking of ways to improvethe café to better serve the troops.
The resturant will soon expand it’smenu and hours to include breakfastbeginning at 6 a.m., and more optionsfor lunch and dinner.
The breakfast menu will featurecoffee, cappuccino, donuts and pastries.
The lunch and dinner menu willinclude chicken wings, chicken and beefdoners, hamburgers, hotdogs, frenchfries, slushies and ice cream.
The Balad Café is open 9 a.m. to 9p.m. seven days a week.
“We do this for the servicemembersbecause we care,” Bryant said.
“We will continue to do all we can tomake life a little better for the troops.” Photo by Spc. Laura E. Ruscio
Inci Bryant, Balad Café employee, prepares chicken for troops during lunch July 8.
Kellogg, Brown and Root
Q & AYou ask the questions and KBR
answers ...
Q: Why can't the DFAC server con-tinue to serve if soldiers are notallowed to leave the DFAC? Serversleave for shelters, but soldiers can'tleave until the All Clear is given.
A: KBR has a contractual agreement toprovide for the safety of the DFACserving staff. In the case of red alerts,this includes requiring them to seekshelter. It is LOGCAP agreement that allmilitary food workers are prohibited fromserving food, and it is the militarycommand that prohibits personnel fromleaving the DFAC.
Q: The DFAC hours are not optimumfor a 24 hr/day flying operation. A 24-hour DFAC would help. If thissolution is not feasible, due tobudgetary constraints, can you slideone DFAC hour to the right 3-4hours? This would allow folks on ashift or mission during normal DFAChours to get a meal.
A: The LOGCAP contract calls for KBR toprepare 4 meals daily. A few alternativesto your time-shift solution are currentlybeing considered by the military andKBR. In addition, the ACO is looking forother solutions that will still fall withinthe military, LOGCAP, and KBR guide-lines.
Customer Surveys can be found at all Morale,Welfare and Recreation centers and DFACs.
Stop by and fill one out today!
PAGE 11JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
By Capt. David SmallU.S. Central Command Air Forces ForwardPublic Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) — What’s in a name?In the case of Ali Base, years of history.
Ali Base, situated near the city of An Nasiriyah, insouth central Iraq, is the main airfield in southern Iraqfrom which Iraqi, Coalition and U.S. Airmen operate.Until January, Coalition forces called the base Tallil.Now, all use the legacy name: Ali Base.
“Our Iraqi partners have always referred to thisinstallation as Ali Base,” said Col. Dennis Diggett,former 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander atthe base.
“It appears that sometime after Operation DesertStorm in the early 1990s, Ali Base was incorrectlylabeled ‘Tallil’ on Department of Defense maps,” saidLt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III, U.S. Central Com-mand Air Forces commander. “It’s a bit of a mystery.We don’t know why that was done.”
The discrepancy came to light in January at a jointceremony where Iraqi and coalition forces stood upthe 23rd Squadron, the new Iraqi air force’s C-130Hercules unit there.
Air ForAir ForAir ForAir ForAir Force recognizes hisce recognizes hisce recognizes hisce recognizes hisce recognizes histttttorical name of Irorical name of Irorical name of Irorical name of Irorical name of Iraqi air baseaqi air baseaqi air baseaqi air baseaqi air base“As part of the 23rd Squadron activation ceremony,
Maj. Gen. Kamal Abdul Satar Al-Barazenchi, chief ofstaff of the Iraqi air force, unveiled a new sign: AliBase. We learned then that the base had always beenAli,” General Buchanan said. “In fact, we learned thatGeneral Kamal himself had even been the Ali Basecommander during part of the Iran-Iraq War.”
General Buchanan said he looks on that day as amilestone in the cooperation between the U.S. AirForce and the new Iraqi air force.
“It was a great day for our partnership. We assistedIraq by giving them three C-130s and committing totraining Iraqi pilots, navigators and (maintainers) sothey can in turn work to secure stability for their owncountry,” the general said.
“I thought it was a great sign of our mutual respectthat General Kamal and his staff were willing to tell usabout our oversight.”
General Buchanan then directed Airmen to call AliBase by its legacy name.
Because Tallil had become the commonplace nameused by Airmen but was never its official name, therewas no need to take any official act to rename it AliBase, CENTAF officials said. Coordination is underway with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agencyto incorporate the revision into future charts and
maps.“Ali Base has a history that is important to the local
Iraqi community, and as coalition partners, it isimportant we respect that,” General Buchanan said.
Built in the 1970s and serving as the busiest militaryairfield during Iraq’s war with Iran in the 1980s, it isnow home to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, theIraqi air force’s 23rd Squadron, and the U.S. Army’sLogistics Support Areas Cedar and Adder.
When the 1991 Gulf War occurred, the airfield washeavily bombed and virtually destroyed. Ultimately,the base became off limits to Iraqi forces while U.S.and British patrols enforced the no-fly zone oversouthern Iraq.
Airmen in air and space expeditionary force rota-tions with Ali Base as an endpoint can expect someconfusion concerning the name change, officials said.No money will be spent to correct institutional dis-crepancies between the two names, having erred incalling it Tallil for so long, CENTAF officials said.
Some of these institutional discrepancies include e-mail on the global address list, administrative codes,phone books and directories.
Many of these things have already been correctedhere, but may be slow to change throughout the rest ofthe Air Force.
By Spc. Kate A. HoitStaff writer
Every month the four dining facilities onLogistics Support Area Anaconda competeto be named the top DFAC. Over the pastthree months, DFAC One has taken thetitle and trophy.
On July 7, DFAC One’s 158 Tamimi foodservice personnel, Kellogg, Brown and Rootemployees, and Soldiers gathered tocelebrate the accomplishments of thehardworking employees who have made
Photos by Spc. Kate A. Hoit
Col. David W. Fitzgerald, 301st Area Support Group commander and Logistics Support Area Anaconda mayor, presents atrophy to several of DFAC One’s food service personnel for their hard work.
DFAC One wins best dining facility three months in a rowDFAC One wins best dining facility three months in a rowDFAC One wins best dining facility three months in a rowDFAC One wins best dining facility three months in a rowDFAC One wins best dining facility three months in a rowthe dining facility what is it today. TheDFAC has battled the other three diningfacilities throughout the year based onseveral procedures including: facility’scleaniness inside and out, food prepara-tion, temperature of the food being storedand served, tracking of inventories, andfollowing recipes.
“We base the score on percentages, andthey received 99.4 percent,” said ChiefWarrant Officer Walter Hart, 301st AreaSupport Group installation food advisor.
Along with being awarded a trophy, theworkers also looked forward to collecting
$1,000. Mr. Tanvir Azmi, Tamimi GlobeCompany, area manager, promised them$1,000 if they won three months in a row.
Azmi kept his word, and at the cer-emony he presented them with themoney.
“I’m going to distribute the $1,000 tomy day and night shift workers for themto spend on whatever they want,” saidFaisal Yhan, Tafga Company, food servicesupervisor.
Considering that the majority of the foodservice personnel are from India theywanted to continue a tradition that is
common in their country; if you win atrophy three times in a row you get to keepit. Col. David W. Fitzgerald, 301st AreaSupport Group commander and LSAAnaconda mayor, agreed and allowedthem to have the trophy permanently.
All of the food service personnel andSoldiers recognize the hard work anddetermination everyone has put intomaking DFAC One, one of the best intheater, Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald added, “On behalf of all theSoldiers on Anaconda, we want to saythank you for a job well done.”
Upon winning best dining facility three months in a row,DFAC One received a trophy, numerous awards and 1,000dollars.
PAGE 12 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
East MWREast MWREast MWREast MWREast MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule
Protestant-TraditionalSunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital ChapelSunday 9:30 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 10 a.m. Freedom Chapel
Movie Synopsis for July 17 - 23The Great RaidR, WarBenjamin Bratt, James Franco, Joseph Fiennes
Set in the Philippines in 1945, "The Great Raid" tellsthe true story of the 6th Ranger Battalion, under thecommand of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci (Ben-jamin Bratt) who undertakes a daring rescue missionagainst all odds. Traveling thirty miles behind enemylines, the 6th Ranger Battalion aims to liberate over500 American prisoners-of-war from the notoriousCabanatuan Japanese POW camp in the most auda-cious rescue ever.
Fantastic FourPG-13, Action/Adventure, 123 minIoan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba
When an experimental space voyage goes awry,four people are changed by cosmic rays. Reed , inven-tor and leader of the group gains the ability to stretchhis body, and takes the name, Mr. Fantastic. His girl-friend Sue, gains the ability to turn invisible and cre-ate force fields, calling herself the Invisible Woman.Her younger brother Johnny gains the ability to con-trol fire, including covering his own body with flame,becoming the Human Torch. Pilot Ben is turned intoa super-strong rock creature calling himself Thing.Together, they use their unique powers to explore thestrange aspects of the world, and to foil the evil plansof Doctor Doom.
Kingdom of HeavenR, Epic Warfare, 145 minOrlando Bloom, Eva Green
Balian is mourning the deaths of his wife and babywhen his father arrives and asks him to join the Cru-sades in Jerusalem. Balian agrees, and embarks on theperilous journey. Along the way, he reveals his giftsof inherent goodness and fair treatment of all humanbeings. Upon reaching Jerusalem, a city where hismeager beginnings no longer matter, Balian earns re-spect.
War of the WorldsPG-13, Sci-Fi, 117 minTom Cruise, Miranda Otto, Dakota Fanning
A contemporary retelling of H.G. Wells's seminalclassic. The sci-fi adventure thriller reveals the ex-traordinary battle for the future of humankindthrough the eyes of one American family fighting tosurvive it.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the GalaxyPG, Action/Adventure, 103 minMartin Freeman, Mos Def
Earthman Arthur Dent is having a very bad day.His house is about to be bulldozed, he discovers thathis best friend is an alien and to top things off, PlanetEarth is about to be demolished to make way for ahyperspace bypass. Arthur’s only chance for survival:hitch a ride on a passing spacecraft. For the novicespace traveler, the greatest adventure in the universebegins when the world ends. Arthur sets out on a jour-ney in which he finds that nothing is as it seems: helearns that a towel is just the most useful thing in theuniverse, finds the meaning of life, and discovers thateverything he needs to know can be found in one book:The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Religious schedule subject to change
PAGE 14 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
By Pfc. Mark B. MatthewsStaff writer
It is always a great feelingfor servicemembers to get carepackages. Most of the timethese packages include small“creature-comforts” that helpmake life seem a little more likehome.
However, what better way tomake you feel more at homethan the gift of communication.
Soldiers in the 519th Move-ment Control Team wereadopted by the town ofMinden, Miss., and receivedtelephones to help break downthe communication gaps, not
only between Soldiers intheater, but also Soldiers andtheir families back home.
“These 12 telephones wereceived are an example of thekind of small-town supportthat the military is receivingfrom all across the nation,”said Maj. Sherb Sentell, 519thMCT Hub commander.
The 519th MCT found outthat due to the progression ofthe operations in Iraq and theavailability of new DefenseInformation System Network(DSN) lines, that they couldreceive phone lines. However,they were lacking one veryimportant element - tele-phones.
“Our Signal officer con-tacted us and asked if we couldcontact people back home tosee if we could get a fewtelephones donated to us,” saidSentell. “So I contacted thepresident of our chamber ofcommerce in Minden, Miss. andshe immediately went to theboard of directors to pass aresolution, which they did, thatwould authorize the chamberto purchase these phones.”
The resolution allowed thechamber to accept donationsand for any amount of moneythat was still needed to pur-chase the telephones thechamber would pay, saidSentell.
Twelve telephones werepurchased for the battalion’scommunication needs and thechamber is authorized to buy18 more telephones if they areneeded.
The communication needs ofthe 519th MCT have been met,due the help of one smallcommunity in Mississippiwhere this commander is proudto be from.
“I am so blessed to be a partof a community that is whole-heartedly behind the military,”said Sentell. “My unit is 88percent cross-leveled and thisis just one of the many commu-nities that have adopted us.”
Soldiers with the 519th Movement Control Team stand in front of theirbattalion after receiving 12 new phones in the mail. The Soldiers wereadopted by the town of Minden, Miss., to help with communication.
Photos by Pfc. Mark B. Matthews
Maj. Sherb Sentell, 519th Movement Control Team Hub commander, triesout one of the new donated telephones in his office at Logistics SupportArea Anaconda June 27.
PAGE 15JULY 17, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES
Fighting Crime on AnacondaFighting Crime on AnacondaFighting Crime on AnacondaFighting Crime on AnacondaFighting Crime on AnacondaThe MPs can fight it, you can prevent it
By Spc. Jerome BishopStaff writer
Getting together with a group offriends, watching some TV or a movie,and enjoying a few frosty beers is aperfectly normal activity for anyone backin the states, but not on Logistics SupportArea Anaconda.
Since the beginning of OperationIraqi Freedom, alcoholic beverages ofany type have been prohibited forservicemembers, and in most places,including LSA Anaconda, it’s prohibitedfor everyone else as well.
“For some people it’s been so longwithout a drink,” said Sgt. 1st Class KerryBuckner, Law and Order noncommis-sioned officer in-charge from the 939thMilitary Police Detachment, 42nd MPBrigade. “When they do drink, theirtolerance is different.”
“Some people just handle it differ-ently,” he said, “so there’s people pickingfights and getting in trouble with theirchain of command with disorderlyconduct. Plus you have the whole dehy-dration issue with the heat.”
A common problem of a more deadlynature also occurs from time to time onpost as a result of drinking.
“Lately, we’ve had a couple of drunkdrivers coming in the south gate,”Buckner said.
“We had to go down there a fewtimes to apprehend them.”
Servicemembers, especially, knowthat there’s no consumption of alcoholin theatre, as stated in General Order1A.
Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailorsalike don’t have to know why it’sprohibited, the simple fact that it is anorder not to consume it is enough.
“You can get any kind of Article 15 (orservice unique equivalent),” Bucknersaid. “It also falls under Article 92 of theUniform Code of Military Justice which isa failure to obey an order or regulation.”
“In our case, it’s a failure to obeyGeneral Order 1A which we use to governthis post,” he added.
The maximum punishment as writtenin Article 92 of the UCMJ states a servicemember can be punished with a “dis-honorable discharge, forfeiture of allpay and allowances and confinementfor two years.”
A problem as big as illegal alcoholcan’t be ignored by MPs.
As a result, several methods havebeen implemented by the MPs of rootingout booze as well as seeking assistance
from other Soldiers on post.“The gate guards do some checking.
All of the trucks get x-rayed beforecoming on post but some things don’tshow up,” said Buckner.
“We also rely on random searchesthrough the third country national lanesat the movement control yards alongwith civilian parts of post.”
Although alcohol made its way ontopost by car or truck, it’s also been snuckin by air.
“Sometimes it also comes in onplanes that land on post,” Buckner said.
“We also work with the post office todetect alcohol. When they get a package
Illegal alcohol sIllegal alcohol sIllegal alcohol sIllegal alcohol sIllegal alcohol still problem on postill problem on postill problem on postill problem on postill problem on posttttt
they think might contain alcohol by thesmell of a leaking product or the de-scription on the label, they call us.”
“We have drug dogs that go throughthe post office daily,” he added.
“A lot of help that we get also comesfrom tips that we get which lead us tolarge raids, as well as when Soldiers’chain of command turn up resultsduring unit health and welfare inspec-tions,” Buckner said.
After a raid or confiscation of anyalcohol, the remaining contraband isstored as evidence until the end of legalaction against the servicemember orcivilian who was caught with it.
Afterward, the alcohol is eitherburned or emptied completely.
Anyone on post has the ability toprevent alcohol from disrupting opera-tions and safety on post, not just the MPsor the gate guards.
“If a Soldier or anyone knows someonewho has alcohol they can talk them intodestroying it or they can come into theMP station and leave an anonymoustip,” Buckner said.
Illegal consumption of alcohol is aproblem that Soldiers have the ability toprevent.
Stepping in at the right time couldresult in saving someone’s life.
Courtesy photo
Various brands and types of alcohol are being discovered throughout LSA Anaconda by the MPs, like this stash found earlier this year.
PAGE 16 JULY 17, 2005ANACONDA TIMES
required to stop and touch the football-shaped ball to his or her foot and thenpass it to a teammate. It’s faster thanregular rugby and requires more run-ning and passing skills, Larowe said.
Marine Col. Bob DeStafney broughtthe sport to the installation in earlyMarch.
“I never go anywhere without myball and shoes,” DeStafney said. “I’vebrought them with me on every deploy-ment.”
DeStafney put the word out that thesport was coming to Taqaddum.
Through flyers placed on communitybulletin boards, Larowe, also an avidplayer, answered the call and brought afew Army comrades along.
“I’ve played in the past and wasexcited when I saw that there wereothers interested. I brought a few otherSoldiers on board who never knew howto play until they arrived here in Iraq,and they have since excelled,” Larowesaid.
“This game is ideal for members ofthe military because it requires fitness, alot of thinking and it is a very inexpen-
Photos by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca
Maj. John A. Larowe, executive officer for the 620th Corps Support Battalion, turns to to make an over-the-shoulder catch while a Marine attempts to defend him during a rugby match.
By Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st COSCOM public affairs office
TAQADDUM, Iraq — With a littlenetworking between the Army andMarine forces on a small installation outwest, one sport favored among theEuropeans has achieved popularity withAmericans and is on the rise in Iraq.
The sport is Rugby - Touch Rugby tobe exact.
The groups here play touch rugbyrather than the full-contact versionbecause of the turf that is available tothem, which is made up of a combina-tion of sand, gravel, various-sized rocksand foreign debris.
“Players can get seriously hurtplaying on this type of ground if en-gaged in full-contact rugby,” said Maj.John A. Larowe, executive officer, 620thCorps Support Battalion, 561st CorpsSupport Group, 1st Corps SupportCommand.
To limit injuries, the players playtouch rugby in a similar manner thatflag football is played, he said.
“Even during touch rugby playerscan get scrapes and bruises,” Larowesaid.
Touch rugby is very similar to play-ing rugby. Instead of being tackled bythe opponent, the player on the oppos-ing team is tagged. The player is then
A Marine passes the ball to a teammate while a Soldier from the opposing team tries to breakup the offensive during a rugby game at Taqaddum, Iraq.
sive sport,” Larowe said. “Above all, itsfun and something that builds esprit decorps.”
“On (Taqaddum), there’s reallynothing to do here after the duty day iscompleted and I like to be active,” saidSgt. Tung Li, 620th CSB.
Li has been involved with the sportsince June.
“Just playing this game does a lot forme. It keeps me fit. I am playing on ateam with others in my unit and I get tomeet new people like the Marines who Imight not have under different circum-stances,” Li said.
The group of 10 to 25 Soldiers andMarines participate in the game every,Sunday and Thursday.
They are currently trying to puttogether matches where they cancompete against other installations inIraq.
“We know that there are othergroups out there involved in the sportand would like the chance to playagainst them. However, the mission,which is why we are here in the firstplace, takes priority,” DeStafney said.
“Rugby is a game that you haveeither played and loved or not playedand don’t understand. In either case, itgives the new guys something they cantake back home with them,” Larowesaid. “The best thing about this sport isthat it is an outlet for us.”
