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Central District, Gulf Region Division, IraqU.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Best Place for the Best People To Work

May 2009

Shoveling the first ground for the Iraqi corrections training academy, a Central District $6 million project, areTask Force 134 Commander Brig. Gen. David Quantock, Iraqi Minister of Justice Dara Noor al-Din, InternationalCriminal Investigative Training Assistance Program representative Jim Slade, Iraqi Prisons Director GeneralSharef al-Murtaza, Task Force 134 Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Robert Kenyon and Warden Omar.

“Future” is for citizen rehabilitationsays Iraqi Justice Minister

“All of Iraq needs to work hand-in-handto rehabilitate its citizens and give the sameopportunities to all citizens, so they canhave a better future,” said Iraqi Minister ofJustice Dara Noor al-Din to the more than100 attendees at the ground-breaking cer-emony for the new Iraqi corrections train-ing facility May 16.

Located near Victory Base, the new ForwardOperating Base (FOB) dubbed “Future” is avital part of a training academy for correctionofficials in charge of Iraqi citizens’ rehabilita-tion efforts. The FOB will eventually be dedi-cated as an Iraqi ministry facility and undergoa name change.

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The $6 million project, managed by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division,includes classroom renovations, a mock de-tention facility, a non-lethal firing range, forceprotection measures (guard towers, entry con-trol points, etc.) and a new dining facility forIraqi corrections officers and other staff. Witha rapid completion date of mid-June for someportions, the total facility will be finished laterin 2009.

“It is important that we build capacity andcapability into their Iraqi corrections system,said Task Force 134 Commander Brig. Gen.David Quantock. “We look forward to turningthis world-class facility over to the Iraqi Minis-try of Justice as the national training academy.”

The academy will train 700 students at a time,with a staff of 200. Quantock explained thatFOB Future is designed to be more than aguard training facility. The goal is to train war-dens, mid-level supervisors, senior and execu-tive level managers, and technical specialiststhat support a correctional institute and reha-bilitation venue.

“It’s a great project for us even if on a shortfuse to complete” said Officer in Charge Lt. Col.Michael Nyenhuis, Victory Resident Office.“Just as importantly, we understand it means

Iraq is demonstrating its intent to help all thepeople come together, so they can keep theircountry strong.” The Gulf Region Division’sCentral district is overseeing the projectthrough its Victory Resident Office.

Noor al-Din, a former judge who was im-prisoned by Saddam Hussein, summed up thevision of the facility by dedicating the acad-emy to a basis of equality, justice and the law.He described it as a shining star for humanelyrebuilding, rehabilitating and training citizensin order to ensure their success once theyreturn to Iraqi society.

As Iraq strives to build a secure, stable andself-governing nation, the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers Gulf Region Division has com-pleted hundreds of projects in the security andjustice sector. Since 2004, USACE has com-pleted 58 courthouse/correctional facilitiesprojects throughout Iraq and currently has 16ongoing. Examples of ongoing projects in-clude the $21.5 million Anbar Judicial Com-plex project being built on the Ramadi site offormer palaces for Uday and Qusay Hussein— Saddam’s infamous sons — and the $67.9million Taji Theater Internment and Reconcili-ation Center. The Center has a brick factory,textile mill and 10 classrooms for vocational-technical instruction.

“Future” is for rehabilitation

Photos: left, An Iraqi corrections officer attends the ground-breaking ceremony; Victory Resident Office Officerin Charge, Lt. Col. Michael Nyenhuis; GRC Project Manager Joe Minor; and GRC Deputy for Programs and ProjectManagement Larry Petrosino confer with GRC Commander Col. Ron Light on the “Future” construction.

Building for Baghdad’s youth

The Ziggurat of Agargouf “Future” is for rehabilitation

Photos: above, Justice MinisterDara Noor al-Din speaks about thevision for the correctional officertraining academy as an Iraqi reha-bilitation facility with an Englishtranslator; Minister al-Din and TaskForce 134 Commander BG DavidQuantock tour the site; Iraqi televi-sion stations record the ground-breaking event.

Quintessia Fuller

Tony Carter

James Brinson

Moe Gissendanner

BU1 Gabe Marrero Cathy Brown

ShereenStevenson

MelissaBlackburn-Walton

LaWandaLamar

ShariValente

Awards of Cen-tral District Mugsand CommandCoins recognizean individual’soutstanding dutyp e r f o r m a n c e .Well Done!

GRC’s RM

GRC Mugs& Coins

Susan Fink Paul Yates

The Way Ahead...The Way Ahead...The Way Ahead...The Way Ahead...The Way Ahead...Colonel Ronald N. Light, GRC CommanderColonel Ronald N. Light, GRC CommanderColonel Ronald N. Light, GRC CommanderColonel Ronald N. Light, GRC CommanderColonel Ronald N. Light, GRC Commander

This issue of the GRC News once againis filled with success, short term wins, andcontinued progress toward fulfilling ourmission here in Iraq. Sadly, it also containsthe painful news of our fallen comrade,CDR Duane G. Wolfe. CDR Wolfe’s deathis hard on us, his family, and the countlesspeople he touched during his vibrant life.

I have spoken at length to his family, andthey are convinced that he was here in Iraqwillingly, for what remains an honorable,worthwhile cause. When I think of CDRWolfe’s passing and then ask myself“what’s next?”, I am reminded of what

excerpt from the speech of President Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg,Pennsylvania, November 19,1863 for the National Cemetery dedicationon the battlefield site.

“. . . in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate —we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, whostruggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add ordetract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, tobe dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought herehave thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicatedto the great task remaining before us — that from these honored deadwe take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the lastfull measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these deadshall not have died in vain . . .”

President Abraham Lincoln once said aboutthose who died at Gettysburg: “we takeincreased devotion to that cause for whichthey gave the last full measure of devotion.”The paragraph containing those inspiringGettysburg words is reprinted below.

Although his passing is fresh in our minds,we must continue the mission, and in sodoing we honor CDR Wolfe’s sacrifice. Thankyou for your continued service in Iraq; I amgrateful for every member of our team, and Iam so honored to serve along side of you,especially in these difficult times.

Essayons. Can Do.

Skit cast members take a bow. Well Done!!

Engineer Day Activities

Central District celebrated Engineer Day on May 15. A series of skits told theCorps of Engineers’ story from its beginnings to date. Following the program werea variety of foods, along with volleyball and horseshoes competitions. Shari Valenteand CPO Robert Hyatt won the horseshoes pitching with the combo team of PMD/E&C victorious at combat volleyball.

Engineer Day Activities

Engineer Day Activities

Al Abrar School Donations

Central District staff members of the Vic-tory Area Offices and Command Staffpacked more than 750 individual bags fordelivery to Al Abrar school in order to givesomething to every child and staff memberat the school.

Special mention for assistance in mak-ing this mission go belongs to CommandGroup’s Carol Seaton and Victory SouthResident Office NCOIC, BU1 Gabe Marrero,for coordinating the donations, the packing,and arranging the visit.

The school is in the Mahmoudiya area,south of Victory Base Complex. GRC builta six-classroom addition to this rural school,where more than 650 children attend in 12classrooms.

All of Central District Resident and AreaOffices routinely distribute needed items tothe Iraqi communities around our projectsites. The District Security Teams, AegisDefence Services, contribute mightily to thesuccess of these missions in donations andsecurity services.

Photos, right, counter-clockwise: Packing items around the table are CS1 Joseph Robinson, Curtis Bragg,Robert Schnell, LTC Michael Nyenhuis, SCPO Mark Runyan, Betsy Hall, LTC Pete Bako, SFC Kurt Holzer & WOAlton Spencer; two Al Abrar teachers examine the presents; children smile at the gifts; cheering the donations.

Newcomers OrientationThe May 6 Newcomers Orientation Class introduced incoming GRC team members to the basics of Central

District Project Management. Led by the Human Resources/S-1 staff section, others who helped in providngmaterials for the newcomers were Logistics, Safety and Victory Area Office staff. Briefers from Project Manage-ment, Contracting, Engineering and Construction Services, Project Controls, Stanley Baker Hill, Resource Man-agement, Counsel, Safety, Victory South Resident Office and Aegis discussed the way a project is deliveredfrom inception to finish with all the relative functions of GRC’s staff sections involved. The day-long orientationfeatured a project site visit to the Iraqi New Al Muthana Airbase project, beside Baghdad International Airport,followed by an after-action review and wrap-up session.

Photos: upper left, DPPM Chief, Larry Petrosino, presents a Central District mug to ProjectManager Johnny Grandison as one of two outstanding newcomers in the class, Chief of Engi-neering and Construction, Ted Eilts, presents the GRC mug toTaji Resident Office ProjectEngineer Sal Resureccion; below, classroom sessions begin the day-long Orientation.

The May 6 Central District Newcomers Class and staff visit the New Al Muthana Airbase(NAMAB) construction site. Below, Aegis Security Escort Team (SET) briefers pose withNewcomers and Central District staff after the Aegis movement SOP briefing.

Newcomers Orientation

“I feel like I helped rebuild my home. I wasborn and raised just four kilometers from thishospital, so it is a special place for me,” saidEngineer Wathiq Abdul Jabbar, at Al-AlwaiyaMaternity Hospital’s ribbon cutting ceremonyin Baghdad’s Muhalla 902 Saturday. With a2004 capacity of only 37 beds, equipment fail-ures and structural damage caused roomsand buildings to remain unused over manyyears. But that has all changed. The com-pleted, extensive, hospital makeover, de-scribed as a “skin off, skin on” by AbdulJabbar, brought back the hospital’s capabil-ity to a full 344 beds.

“I want to thank the American taxpayer forthe help and assistance in making this reno-vation possible.” continued Abdul Jabbar. Hewent on to acknowledge the expertise andsupport of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’(USACE) Central District (GRC) in the diffi-cult construction process of a turbulentBaghdad city center. With better security, heconcluded, more projects and improvementsin his home area are possible.

The Muhandis Inbbar Group’s ChairmanJabbar directed the construction during the$2.4 million GRC project and spoke to offi-cially open the hospital after the renovation.

Leading the event were Alwaiya Director Dr.Intisar Hassan Al-Tuijari and Rusafa area CityCouncilman Dr. Muhammad. Others presentwere USAID PRT Representative KarolyOkolicsanyi, hospital staff and Iraqi govern-ment officials, as well as U.S. Army repre-sentatives from GRC and the maneuver areacommander of the 3rd Brigade of the 82 Air-borne Division, Col. Tim McGuire. In his briefremarks, McGuire echoed Abdul Jabbar’scomments.

“I congratulate the people of Iraq on therefurbished hospital,” said McGuire. “We arehonored to be here and celebrate with you.This is a sign of the friendship of the Americapeople with the Iraqi people and we look for-ward to a long term partnership, ensuring abright future for the children of Iraq.”

The Alwaiya complex consists of ten build-ings and includes both outpatient and pa-tient services, such as operating rooms andtheaters, delivery rooms, patient wards anda pre-mature section. The hospital has anexternal clinic, pharmacy, emergency rooms,pre-natal health center and nursery. Alwaiyaserves more than 1 million women on theRusafa (east side) of the Tigris River.

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Alwaiya Maternity Hospital ribbon cutting

Photos: above,;Dr Muhammad (in suit) and Alwaiya Hospital Director Dr. Al-Tuijaricut the ribbon; a proud grandmother show off her newborn; opposite page top,two views of the courtyard demonstrate the renovation; below, left, CSM Carl Beaty,COL Ron Light, Cpt Sean Heenan and CPT Chad Wendolek pose in the hospitalceremony’s courtyard; COL Light is interviewed by Baghdad’s AlSumaria TV.

The GRC scope of work for repairs andrenovations expanded the 15,000 squaremeter hospital from a 300 bed to a 344 bedfacility while maintaining the full servicesthroughout the duration of the project. Reno-vation work included the HVAC system, boil-ers, electrical, structural, fire alarms, a nursecall system, a data communication network,the TV system and elevators.

GRC Project Officer, Capt. Sean Heenan,acknowledged the many that were part of thehospital renovation, “I was fortunate to behere and see this great project across the fin-ish line. So many people contributed to thesuccess, but ultimately, the only thing worthremembering is the help this hospital pro-vides the mothers of the Rusafa area ofBaghdad.”

Abdul Jabbar credited Director Al-Tuijariwith successfully keeping the hospital going

in spite of the challenges. “She was avail-able day and night,” he said. “I often had tocall her at odd hours and she was very help-ful every time.”

The Officer in Charge of GRC’s IZ ResidentOffice, Capt. Chad Wendolek, put the cer-emony in accurate context, “A ribbon cuttingis just a small expression of the dedicationand hard work all the team members from theIZ Resident Office and Central District put intothis project. I hope the Iraqi mothers and thechildren born here, cared for here, are told ofthe personal sacrifice many US citizens madeto help their nation and provide a future forgenerations to come.”

USACE’s Central District, Gulf Region Di-vision, has 83 reconstruction projects in pre-award with 181 active works for a total of $1.28billion. Since 2004 the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers in Iraq has completed more than4,500 projects, valued at nearly $7 billion.

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2009

2006

Alwaiya

Command Coins for a Great Job!LTC Tony Jocius SSG Sterling Fennell

The experience of a lifetimeAir Force 2LT Marcus Hunt, Officer in Charge, Taji National DepotCentral District (GRC), Gulf Region DivisionU.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Taji, Iraq

Given this was my first deployment to Iraq, I had many emotions as I unloaded from theC-17 on November 5, 2009. I was informed of the many challenges and long hours the jobwould bring, but there was one aspect of my military training, that was stressed since myROTC days at Pitt. The concept of “Teamwork” is one I relied upon to accomplish themission at Iraq’s Central District.

During my first formal introduction working with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers(USACE), I immediately felt an aura of teamwork and an environment of individuals dedi-cated to the mission of rebuilding Iraq. As all newcomers are briefed on topics such assafety, the USACE mission in Iraq and standard operating procedures, to name a few, Ibegan to feel energized and eager to embark on this unique challenge in my life.

When I pulled up to my new home for my six-month deployment in Taji, I was greeted withopen arms by the entire Taji team and particularly, Lt Shane Deckert, a great friend of mine in theCivil Engineering Squadron at Andrews AFB. During our turnover, I quickly realized the magni-tude of projects currently in construction and projects awaiting award that I was soon to inherit.

As the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Iraq National Depot Office (INDO), I was blessed with astrong and experienced team of Quality Assurance Representatives, Project Engineers, and myResident Engineer, Glenn McMaken, whom I often referred to as my “Right-Hand Man.”

Two projects in particular I would like to share are the Regional Training Center and LocationCommand–I projects. These projects consisted of a diverse bill of quantity and scope of workproviding modern living quarters for the Iraq Army and their new recruits. I was amazed that theIraqi troops lived and trained in substandard and hazardous living conditions, as judged bymost Western standards. Witnessing the upgrade and immediate impact these projects had onthe Iraqi Army’s morale greatly enhanced my deployment experience and added to the list ofsignificant rewards during my deployment.

All-in-all, this has been an experience of a lifetime and I will always remember my Taji familyand the overall impact USACE has in rebuilding Iraq. 2LT Hunt briefs COL Piazza.

Hot bread from the Iraqi bakery!

For more information on challenging GRC jobs in Iraq visit: http://cpolwapp.belvoir.army.mil/coe-gwot/

Al Tash Police StationRibbon Cutting

LCDR Curtis Smith led theRamadi RO in celebrating thecompletion of the $389,000 AlTash Expedient police Stationin rural Al Anbar. Others par-ticipating in the ceremony wereCSM Carl D. Beaty, Chief Will-iam Harrell, Alex Miller, RamadiQA Sam, Fadhil Al-Naji, Con-tractors Yaseen and Emad,along with the Iraqi NationalPolice staff and workers.

Maureen JordanCommand Coins for Jobs Well Done by the Ramadi Team!Chief William Harrell

Steven Paul

Central District Command Coins for Jobs Well Done!

SSG Tim St Clair

For more information on challenging GRC jobs in Iraq visit: http://cpolwapp.belvoir.army.mil/coe-gwot/

It’s not all that differentBlaine Kemsley, Baghdad Area OfficeProject Management Branch ChiefCentral District (GRC), Baghdad, Iraq

To tell you the truth, like most people deployed for the first time, I had noclue what to expect coming to Baghdad. My mind had images of sleeping inArmy tents and diving into foxholes; of eating MREs and riding in HUMVEEs;of watching old Greta Garbo movies in black and white like Hawkeye Pierceand Trapper John.

What I found, to my pleasant surprise, were living and working conditionsvery similar to home…only without the element of family. My room was com-fortable and had many of the amenities to which I was accustomed in Albu-querque. My workspace was eerily similar to the one back in my home dis-trict. The food, though provided in helpings to feed a good-sized elephant,was more than satisfactory. Even the climate was similar to my hometown.My cable network had over 350 stations, albeit mostly in Arabic, and commu-nication with family and friends was a click away.

Something I didn’t expect was the dedication and openness of the people with which I worked. Most people come hereout of a sense of duty, patriotism or support for our troops. The attitude overall is very positive. There’s a constructivewillingness to work, driven by a common purpose, which makes for a very enjoyable atmosphere. The camaraderie and

genuine friendship are unlike anyplace I have ever worked. There is an au-thentic concern for one another, particularly for those travelling “outside thewire” that is unparalleled. Missing one’s family is difficult, but your co-work-ers here make it a lot easier to tolerate.

I debated coming for years, and truly regret not having made the effortearlier. There’s a lot of satisfaction in giving a little of yourself to somethinggreater. And the benefits I have derived have outweighed my sacrifice 100 to1. Given another opportunity, with family and home office support, I would dothis again anytime, despite the danger, despite the risks, despite the heat.This was an investment with amazingly high dividends.

Blaine readies for the mission.

CPT Sean Heenan

Blaine hands over a donated box of hometowngoodies for the Chaplain’s distribution.

DEPARTING MEMBERS

Wilson MeadowsProcurement Tech

George HaskettGRC GIS

MAJ James Benning IIFallujah RO OIC

Peter CollinsFRO WWTP Const Mgr

LCDR Isabelle DetterLoyalty RO OIC

Martha “Susan” FinkDistrict Counsel

Jeff FollettPM Fallujah RO

Maurice “Moe”Gissendanner PM IZ RO

Louie BrackettPM Victory AO

Craig BieberProject Controls

Jeffrey JonesIT Specialist

Tracy WickhamContracting Chief

Jerry SweanIZ Proj Eng

Navy Chief RobertHyatt Taji RODep NCOIC

Aaron “Wyatt” CoxTaji RO Con Rep

Willie LeeVRO QA Const

Rep

Curtis BraggVAO Office Eng

Paul IjamesRamadi RO

Con Rep

Dan FinchOffice Engineer

Tony FaresProject Engineer

Roberto Lopez

Paul Ijames

Tony Fares

DEPARTING MEMBERS

Chris WinderAl Asad RO

Construction Rep

Karthik BharatPM Taji RO

Blaine KemsleyPM Branch Chief

Baghdad

AF SrAJessica Comer

Military S-1

Command Mugs and Coins for a Great Job!

Congratulations to GRC’s BU1 Gabe Marrero forattaining his university degree while in Iraq.

GRC ARRIVING MEMBERS

Danny HallContract Specialist

Ft Knox, KYEkron, KY

Navy SCPO (ATCS)Mark RunyanVAO NCOIC

NAVAIR Pax River, MDPeoria, IL

Rick McMillenPM Branch Chief

BaghdadJacksonville District

Jacksonville, FL

John RowlandRamadi RO Con Rep

Norfolk DistrictNewport News, VA

Scott SeufertDistrict Counsel

Baltimore DistrictShrewsbury, PA

Scottie CarterIT Specialist

TAC Winchester, VA

LTC Steve LaCasseVAO Incoming OIC

HQ PACAFHickam AFB, HICenterville, MN

John MadisonLoyalty RO

Project Engineer

Dan HayesPM Victory AO

William “Wes” ButlerVictory RO

Construction Rep

Roberto LopezFallujah ROAdmin Asst

DEPARTING MEMBERS

A-OIC MAJ Ralph Adam Dec-08 ongoingA-OIC LTC Paul Williams Dec-07 Dec-08A-OIC LTC Pete Conlon Sep-07 Dec-07OIC LCDR Mike Robison Nov-08 Apr-09OIC LCDR Paul Chan Mar-08 Sep-08OIC LCDR Tabitha Pierzchala Sep-07 Mar-08Resident Engineer Nabil Abourialy Jun-08 ongoingResident Engineer Mitchel Glenn Sep-07 Oct-08Project Engineer Jon Rozenblat Mar-09 ongoingProject Engineer Al Everett Mar-08 Mar-09Project Engineer Andy May Sep-07 Apr-08QA Rep Jim Joyner Sep-07 Mar-09QA Rep Tom Dodd Sep-07 Mar-09QA Rep Mel Good May-08 Apr-09QA Rep Mike Lauret Nov-08 Apr-09LN QA Rep Adel Adnan Shakhili Mar-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Hassan Shnawa Saleh Mar-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Laith Ahmed Mottlak Mar-08 Aug-08LN QA Rep Haider Abbas Alwan Mar-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Jamil H. Mozan Mar-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Salah Ali Nawar Aug-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Kareem Mohammed Yasin Sep-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Ali Farouq Nsaif Aug-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Firas Hammadi Laibi Aug-08 Mar-09LN QA Rep Ahmed Abdul Hassan Flayyeh Aug-08 Apr-09LN QA Rep Ammar Moheil Deham Mar-08 Apr-09LN QA Rep Hani Yousif Danial Nov-08 Mar-09Project Manager Karthik Bharat Nov-08 May-09Project Manager Mike Vantzelfden Mar-08 Nov-08Project Manager Joe Gandara Nov-07 Mar-08Engineering John Thompson Sep-07 ongoingResource Management Melinda Marquis Sep-07 Feb-09

Theater Internment Facility andReconciliation Center staff members

Central District Nominee for USACE 2009Project Delivery Team of the Year Award

The Project Delivery Team (PDT) for the Theater Intern-ment Facility and Reconciliation Center (TIFRC) in an ex-traordinary demonstration of teamwork, talent, and tenac-ity, delivered this vital project in support of CoalitionForces’ mission in Iraq. Every day, this focused, deter-mined PDT overcame a full range of obstacles to projectcompletion, from 130 degree weather, dust storms, andeven the rare rain shower, to constantly changing teammembers, a demanding customer, and multiple otherstakeholders. On top of this, the PDT delivered this projectin a hostile, combat environment, in a notoriously dan-gerous part of Iraq.

The composition of the PDT is an astonishing featureof this successful project. With an average quarterly per-sonnel turnover of 41%, the Central District, Gulf RegionDivision, took deliberate steps to ensure continuity amongPDT members. This included a standard in-theater over-lap, where possible, between outgoing and incoming PDTmembers; the requirement to assemble, brief, and thenturnover a detailed continuity book from PDT member toPDT member; and explicit procedures to ensure the teammaintained continuity during rest and recuperation (R&R)periods as PDT members returned to the United Statesfor up to three 21-day R&R periods per year.

The team’s diversity is manifest in an unprecedentedmix of talented Department of Army and Navy FacilitiesEngineering Command civilians; active duty and reserveU.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy personnel; Schedule A ci-vilian personnel; Facilities Engineer Support Teams(FEST); local national (Iraqi) Quality Assurance Represen-tatives; engineer professional services personnel fromStanley Baker Hill Inc.; and, of course, the prime contrac-tor and its sub-contractors.

Initially a design-build contract with an aggressive 240-day period of performance, the PDT overcame obstacleafter obstacle, coaching both the customer (who had onlya conceptual idea of the final project layout), and the primecontractor, an Iraqi firm with very little experience in thedesign/build process. Even the acquisition agent was non-standard on this important project: the Joint ContractingCommand- Iraq (JCC-I) awarded the contract on 25 Sep-tember 2007 for $64,981,189, using the low price/techni-cally acceptable method; the contract established thecompletion date as 29 May 2009.

The project included 170 distinct facilities on a 366,000square meter (90-acre) site. The structures consist of 13general purpose detainee facilities, classrooms, voca-tional-technical buildings, medical facility, tactical oper-ating center, dog kennels, water treatment plant, waste

water treatment plant, lift stations, 5 generator sets, sally ports,entry control points, concrete roads, gravel roads, guard tow-ers, guard shacks, 14 kilometers of interior fencing, and pe-rimeter T-Walls, and an Iraqi brick factory. All total, the TIFRCfacilities will house 5,000 detainees, the largest Coalition fa-cility of its kind in Iraq.

Karradah Street Scenes in southeast Baghdad

The $7.86 million project at Baghdad Police Col-lege will construct barracks and classroom build-ings to expand the capacity to 2,800 classroomseats and 2,000 bed spaces. The construction isscheduled for completion in August 2009.

Baghdad Police College Phase II

The $28.55 million project at Victory BaseComplex involves the construction of a 61,159square foot, two-story pre-engineered build-ing with protective blast roof and communi-cations systems. The scheduled completiondate is 23 September 2009.

Victory Base Complex Admin Facility

In Memory ofCommander Duane G. Wolfe

Navy Commander Duane G. Wolfe deployed to the GulfRegion Division December 21, 2008, as the Officer inCharge of Central District’s Al-Anbar Area Office in Al Asad,Iraq. He was responsible for 59 personnel including U.S.Military, U.S. Government Civilians, and Host Nationemployees at the Al-Anbar Area Office and threegeographically dispersed subordinate Resident Officeslocated in Al-Anbar Province.

The Al-Anbar Area Office is responsible for overseeingnearly $300 million in planned and ongoing constructionprojects, many of which are providing essential services tothe Iraqi people. Projects include the first-ever waste wa-ter treatment facility for Fallujah, a location command forthe Iraqi Army in Habbaniyah, a judicial complex and a 132kilovolt substation in Ramadi.

Commander Wolfe resided in Los Osos, Calif. He beganhis military career with the U.S. Navy in 1972 and servedon active duty for 5 years. In 1978, he joined the U.S. NavyReserves and served until his death, May 25. His homeNavy Reserve unit is Navy Operational Support Center, PortHueneme, California. In addition to his military service, hewas a Department of the Air Force civilian employee, work-ing at Vandenberg Air Force Base as the civilian Deputy

The family asks that friends and family write downand send memories about CDR Wolfe for them tocompile in a book. They ask that it contain:1) Your full name; 2) The date;3) How you knew CDR Duane Wolfe; 4) The memory;5) Any picture of you, Duane, or you with Duane.

These or any other thoughts may be emailed to:duanegwolfe@sbcglobal.net; or mailed to:417 Woodland Drive, Los Osos, CA 93403-3733.

Commander of the 30th Space Wing Mission SupportGroup, the Wing’s most heavily deployed unit.

Commander Wolfe’s awards and decorations include3 Navy Commendation Medals and 6 Navy AchievementMedals. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Starwith “V” Device for Valor, Purple Heart, Combat ActionRibbon, National Defense Service Medal with ServiceStar, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medalwith “M” Device for Mobilization, Overseas Service Rib-bon, and the Combat Action Badge.

Commander Wolfe is survived by his wife, Cindi, hisdaughters Carrie and Katie, and his son Evan.

Killed in Action25 May 2009

Near Fallujah, Iraq