By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th BCT PA Staff Writer

S g t .

Photo

Iraqi National Guard Takes Control

1/69th Recognizes Their Own

Insurgent Cleansing

256th Brigade Combat TeamPublic Affairs Office

Tuesday, March 1, 2005 Volume 1.....Issue 14

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Photo by Sgt. Thomas Benoit

TIGERTIGERTracksTracks

Agricultural Distribution

Soldiers of the Tiger Brigade, this is the timeof year to work on your 4100 for Enlisted PromotionSystem (EPS). All battalions have a copy of this andnow is the time to get them right for the 2006 promo-tion list. Here are some of the items that you need tolook at:

1. Heading iscorrect (Time inGrade, Time inService, andSocial SecurityNumber)2. All awardsare posted andthat your pointsare all there.3. All collegecredits are post-ed 4. APFT andWeaponsQualification

5. All other options that will help to boost yourpoints.

It is on you to ensure that this is completed. Ifyou have any questions or issues, see your PlatoonSergeants, they are there to help. Your battalion Sgt.Maj. and 1st Sgt. can also help and explain theprocess in more detail to you. The cutoff date isJune 1st, so help me help you on this.

A n o t h e rhistoric eventtook placehere in Iraqsince the lastedition of theTiger Tracks.As you willread about inthis issue, the40th Brigadebecame thefirst unit in thenew Iraqi Armyto assume

responsiblity for its own battle space. This is a most significant event, in that it con-

tinues the momentum from the highly successfulelections and further demonstrates the willingness,desire, and commitment of the Iraqi people to deter-mine their own destiny. Again, the 256th BCT fig-ured prominently into this development.

Our Task Force Bengal led the way in trainingthe 40th Brigade staff and assisting them in all areasto assume their mission. This was accomplished in

a very short amount of time and was another strate-gic victory for the Iraqi people. This developmentalso sets the stage to focus our efforts in the comingmonths to helping the Iraqi Security Forces to winthe fight against the insurgents as opposed to win-ning it for them.

The 3rd Inf. Div., “The Rock of the Marne,” isnow firmly in charge of Task Force Baghdad. Weare proud to join the 3rd ID team that led the coali-tion in defeating Saddam Hussein’s regime. Wethank the 1st Cav. Div. team for their support andwish them Godspeed in their redeployment to FortHood.

As part of the changes in the hand off fromone division to the other, the 256th BCT will assumegreater responsibilities and additional battle spaceacross TF Baghdad. This is another clear indicationof the confidence that Division has in the capabilitiesof the Brigade.

We will play a critical role in maintaining notonly the continuity, but pressure on the enemies offreedom during this transition. Keep up the greatwork. Continue to watch out for one another.TIGER BRIGADE!

To the Families and TroopsBG John Basilica, Jr.256 BCT Commander

CSM James Mays 256 BCT Sergeant Major

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 2

The Tiger Tracks is a publication of the 256thBrigade Public Affairs Office. This Soldier andFamily Support Group newsletter contains officialinformation and complies with the provisions of AR360-81 and AR 25-51. Questions or concerns canbe directed to the editor attaysha.deaton@id3.army.mil.Commanding General: Brig. Gen. John Basilica Jr.Editor: 1Lt. Taysha DeatonPhotographer Sgt. Thomas BenoitStaff Writer/Co-editor: Spc. Erin RobicheauxPhotographer/Video Editor/Graphics Designer: Spc. Chris Foster

Chapel ScheduleSunday:0900 Roman Catholic Mass - Sanctuary1030 Contemporary Protestant - Sanctuary1230 Gospel Protestant - Sanctuary1500 Traditional Protestant - Sanctuary1900 Non Denominational Christian -

Sanctuary2000 “Purpose Driven Life” - Prayer Room2130 Evening Christian Service - Sanctuary Monday:0900 “The Gospel of Matthew”- Prayer Room 1730 “Rosary” - Prayer Room1900 “R.C.C. Catechetical Instruction”- Prayer

Room2000 “Tough Questions Bible Study”- Sanctuary2100 “The Gospel of Matthew” - SanctuaryTuesday:1900 “Purpose Driven Life” - Prayer Room2000 Lenten Series - Sanctuary (Feb 15)2000 “Wild At Heart” BS - Prayer Rm (Feb 15)Wednesday:0900 “HIS Story – O.T. History as it

Prophecies Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King” - Prayer Room

1030 EML Briefing - Sanctuary1500 “Chaplet of Divine Mercy - Prayer Room1800 Catholic Choir Practice - Sanctuary1900 Midweek Worship Service - Prayer Room2000 “HIS Story – O.T. History as it

Prophecies Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King” - Prayer Room

Thursday:0900 “Revelation – Church Victorious” - Prayer

Room1900 Praise Team Practice Session -

Sanctuary1900 “Revelation – Church Victorious” - Prayer

Room2030 Evening Service Musician’s Practice-

SanctuaryFriday:1900 Bible Study- Prayer Room1900 Gospel Choir Practice (Instr. Only)-

Sanctuary2000 “Marriage Enrichment” - Prayer

Room2000Prayer G r o u p -Sanctuary

Saturday:0900 Lutheran Worship Service- Prayer Room1030 EML Briefing- Sanctuary1800 Women’s Bible Study- Prayer Room1900 Catholic Mass- Sanctuary1900 Intercessory Prayer Group -

Counseling Room2000 Gospel Choir Practice- Sanctuary2100 “So You Call Yourself A Man”- Prayer

Room

LTC Robert Baker,Jr256 BCT Chaplain

I just returned from my 2 weeks R&Rand, prior to leaving, I was looking forward to see-ing my family. As I anticipated seeing and hearingfrom them in person, I was reminded how God likesto hear from us.

The Bible says that HE inhabits our praises,that we are the apple of HIS eye and that He givesfavor to those who, by faith, have accepted HISgrace into their lives.

In the Old Testament, in the book ofNumbers, the Lord instructed the priests of Israelto confer upon them a preistly blessing.

By doing this, the nation of Israel could besure they were called by HIS name and that Hewould bestowe upon them all of the Blessings, thatGod had to offer them.

The following is the that Blessing:“The Lord bless and protect you;

the Lord make HIS face shine on you, and be gracious to you and give you peace.”

I would like to offer this blessing to the256th Brigade Combat Team. May the blessings ofthe Lord be upon you and yours.

Chaplain’s CornerChaplain’s Corner

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not rely on your own understanding;think about Him in all your ways and HE will

guide you on the right paths.”

-Proverbs 3:5-6

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

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By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th Brigade Combat TeamPublic Affairs

A long running joke in theUnited States Army is that theterm "military intelligence" is amajor oxymoron. However, theprocess of capturing insurgents,gathering information, and send-ing them through the legal sys-tem lays that claimto rest.

The overallspectrum is not asmall one, and ittakes many ele-ments and very dif-ferent pieces tocome to the onecommon goal of get-ting the bad guys offof the streets. Thepersonnel involvedhave various pointsof view, but in theend their goal is onein the same.

"It all starts with target-ing."

Col. Ronnie D. Johnson,Deputy Brigade Commander forthe 256th Brigade Combat Team(BCT) oversees the targetingprocess and coordinates theseizure development, known as"cordon and search."

He says that the two mainelements are combat operationsand the intelligence that is gath-ered on the target.

"We round up as muchinformation as we can from asmany sources as we can," hesaid, "Information can come frominformants, people just comingup to us in the streets, or it cancome from our commanding

Division, or other highersources."

The information is givento intelligence analysts who deci-pher it and determine who thetarget will be. All angles of theperson's affiliations are consid-ered and if he is deemed as a

potential asset, the decision ismade to take the case higher.

The analysts then presentthe information to Johnson, andif he agrees with the content, hewill, in turn, present it to theBrigade Commander for the finalapproval. Once it is decided thatthis is a target that the militaryneeds to pursue, the project isthen turned over to one of thetask forces. The process startsall over again, only this time, atthe battalion level.

Staff Sgt. Chris Hebertfrom Lafayette, La, is the MilitaryIntelligence non-commissionedofficer for 2nd Battalion, 156thInfantry Regiment, and says thatno matter how much planning

goes into an operation, it's thepatrols on the ground that makeor break the outcome.

"We rely heavily on thepatrols to bring back most of the information that we need to makethe arrest," he said, "and that'ssimply because they're out there

and they're the onesthat have the con-nections in theneighborhood tomake it happen."

In the process ofgathering the infor-mation, Hebert saysthat patrol leadersand their Soldiersare usually the bestway extract it.

"Many times apatrol leader willknow the specifichouse and evenhave relationships

with people in the area," he said.Before the task force can

go after the target, the personnelmust make sure that they haveenough information to identifythat the target is, without adoubt, their man of the hour.

To do this a team, orpatrol, is given the task to gathermore information. The size ofthe team is dependent on themission and varies depending onthe size of the area that needs tobe covered. The information togather may be different eachtime, as well.

After the final piece is col-lected, the intelligence team, incollaboration with the battalion and company commanders, put

Part IThe Capture

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 4

Process of EliminationProcess of Elimination

“...just capturing the sus-pect in and of itself is a

victory.”

--Col. Ronnie D. Johnson

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 5

together the actual cordon andsearch.

When the patrol executesthe operation and makes thearrest, Hebert says that it's cru-cial that they gather the evi-dence needed to keep the insur-gent in custody.

"Evidence collectionand photographs are a bigdeal to the Iraqi govern-ment," he said, "they willtake a photo of the weaponwith the owner next to itabove scientific evidenceany day of the week."

Pictures, along withsworn statements from thepertinent parties involved inthe cordon and search, arethe key to good evidencecollection. Everything goesinto a packet to build acase against the target.

Johnson says thatthe success rate of the256th is steady.

"About 60% of thetargets that we execute, weget the person," he said, "andjust capturing the suspect in andof itself is a victory."

What is particularly sig-nificant and impressive, though,is the number of detainees thatremain in custody and are fur-ther processed into the AbuGhraib Prison.

Brig. Gen. John Basilica,Jr., commander of the 256thBrigade Combat Team, praisesthe Soldiers of the TigerBrigade, and credits them forthe success.

“This is a direct result ofthe quality of the packets puttogether by the capturing unit,”said Basilica. “The TigerBrigade has a better than 50%retention rate, which insuresthese insurgents are off thestreets for the remainder of our

tour here in Baghdad.” A lot of times the patrol

will execute a cordon andsearch, and the target in ques-tion is nowhere to be found.Sometimes it happens, though,that they'll wind up arresting

someone else connected to thattarget.

For example, in a recent operation, the 256th conducteda cordon and search and target-ed seven suspects. They onlyarrested two of the targets, butalso an additional eight whothey were not specifically after,who just happened to be at thewrong place at the wrong time,or the right time for the 256th.

There are also missionsthat don't require such intricateplanning. Enduring missions,like being on the lookout forrocket men and improvisedexplosive device (IED) in-plac-ers, implore the use of severaldifferent tasks because theactivity isn't driven by any par-ticular timeline.

Sometimes snipers may

be placed where it is believedsomeone may be wiring IED's ora patrol may cover a generalarea where a rocket man maybe launching rocket propelledgrenades (RPG's).

On Dec. 3, 2004 aninfantry scout platoon ofHeadquarters Co. 1stBattalion, 69th InfantryRegiment, was on a routinepatrol on the lookout forsuspicious activity. They hitan IED and the attackwounded three Soldiers andkilled Staff Sgt. HenryIrizarry.

The gunner on the truckin front of Irizarry's saw thetriggerman and, along withair support and the quickreaction force (QRF),chased him and his brother,who was acting as a decoy, into a house andheld them until they couldbe detained.

Once they had beenarrested, the triggerman,

Ziyad Hassin Ali Hammadi, andhis brother, Falah Hassin AliHammadi, were brought to theBrigade Interrogation Facility(BIF) to be questioned.

Now it falls into thehands of the Judge AdvocateGeneral's office (JAG) and theTactical Human Teams (THT) toextract information from the twoinsurgents. In conjunction withthe patrol's evidence packet, thelegal process of keeping thekillers of an American Soldier offof the streets has begun.

Since arriving in Baghdad, Soldiers of the 256thBrigade Combat Team have captured manyweapons caches, due to well planned and exe-cuted cordon and search missions.

By: Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

For months, a group of Soldiers of the256th Brigade Combat Team (BCT), also knownas Task Force (TF) Bengal has been trainingSoldiers of the 40th Infantry Brigade of the Iraqi

N a t i o n a lGuard (ING)on combatand staffopera t ions .On Feb. 21,2005 thetorch waso f f i c i a l l ypassed dur-ing a trans-fer ofa u t h o r i t y(TOA) cere-mony, andthe colors ofthe 40th INGw e r eu n c a s e d .

The Iraqi Soldiers became the key-holders totheir own country's security.

In the words of Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli,commander of the 1st Cavalry Division and afacilitator of the ceremony, "This is just the begin-ning."

He continued, encouraging the Soldiers ofthe 40th ING to be responsible for their areas ofoperation as the first brigade to assume their ownsector.

"You are the pioneers of a nation that isfree at last," he said.

Historically, the road to independence hasnever been an easy one. The ING has trained formonths in order to bring them to this one moment,the moment where military authority is transferredto their own control.

Cpt. Steven Finney, from New Orleans,La., is the operations officer for TF Bengal. Hesays that the training has been intense and theIraqi Soldiers have learned a lot. They receivedhands on training within their sectors and also

on the logistical side of the military procedures"We taught them staff and supply functions

and then tested their knowledge through threeCommand Post Exercises. "Following the finalexercise at the end of December the 40th INGwas given the green light to take operational con-trol of some of their units. The brigade is alsotaking over the command and control of the 301stand 302nd ING Battalions.

Brig. General Jaleel Khalaf Shwail, com-mander of the 40th Brigade, showed immensegratitude to Chiarelli as he received the commandwith open arms.

"This is a historical event and a turningpoint in our country," he said, "the 40th Brigadeand its battalions have reached a very high levelof training and are ready to fight terrorists."

Following the TOA, Chiarelli presented aplaque to Jaleell in memory of those men whogave their lives on Jan. 31st to ensure that allIraqi's were free to cast their vote in the first dem-ocratic election. Fourteen members of combinedsecurity forces, including ING Soldiers and IraqiPolice, were killed trying to protect their people."We dedicate this plaque to the martyrs, yourbrothers in arms," he added, "they are heroeswhose great work will not be forgotten.

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 6

40th ING TOA

Passing the TorchPassing the Torch

Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Brigadestand at their official acceptance of

authority for their sector.

Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Brigade smile forthe camera after the Transfer of Authority

ceremony was a successful event.

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 7

By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Legend has it that when Gen. George Custerfirst heard the tune to the jovial Irish folk song,"Garryowen," he liked it so much that he had histroops sing it regularly.The song also becamethe unofficial battlehymn of the 7thCavalry, and hasdescended among theranks of the 1stBattalion, 69th InfantryRegiment's graces. On Feb. 11, 2005,Soldiers of the 1/69thInf. Bn., 256th BrigadeCombat Team (BCT)had a reason to cele-brate, and the legacyof "Garryowen" was alla part of it.

The 1/69th isan involved infantrybattalion, with many ofits noncombatanttroops participating inmissions beyond theircertified fields. Cooks,administrative special-ists, and mechanics, are only the tip of the iceberg ofthe Soldiers who have performed in combat opera-tions. Even before the plan for the Close CombatBadge (CCB)--which is awarded to those Soldierswho find themselves in combat missions, though arenot MOS qualified--was made known, the leadershipof the 1/69th wanted their Soldiers to be recognizedfor their contributions. The collective group of 1stSergeants, along with the Bn. Sgt. Maj. andCommander, came up with a design for the plaquethat is inclusive to all of the recipients, no matter whattheir job is.

Spc. Jason Garcia, from Manhattan, New York,is a personnel clerk for Headquarters Co. 1/69th. Hehad a personal hand in designing the plaque and said that the fact that it was a collaborativeeffort of all of the leadership makes it that much morespecial.

"All of the 1st Sergeants came up with the ver-biage, and they wanted it to be just right," he said.Garcia also claims that the project kept grow

ng bigger and bigger."At first it was going to

be a certificate, some-thing that the Soldiercould frame," he said,"but everyone felt that itshould be more." Spc. Mike Timblin of

North Tonawonda, N.Y.,was awarded the plaquefor a mission where hebecame combat support. "I drove the colonel on

one of his missions andwe hit an IED (impro-vised explosive device),"said Timblin.Luckily, the IED wasn't

prepped for detonation,so they escaped majoractivity, but the mission wasn't over with yet."Later on we also took

small arms fire and werehit with an RPG (rocket

propelled grenade)."Timblin says that he has also had a few more engage-ments since then.

The plaque, which reads, "Task ForceWolfhound Recognizes You as an Infantryman inWord and Deed," was awarded to approximately 140Soldiers. On the bottom is the infamousterm,"Garryowen."

The song is commonly heard among Irish her-itage units, and according to Garcia, Lt. Col. GeoffreySlack, commander of the 1/69th, was adamant abouthaving the term printed on their plaque.

"Lt. Col. Slack came up with the idea to put iton there," said Garcia, "it's a part of our history thathe's proud of and wants us to be, too."

1/69th Award

Garryowen CelebrationGarryowen Celebration

Spc. Mike Timblin preps the Blue Force Tracker beforerolling out on a patrol. Timblin, who is a tanker and not eli-gible for the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), was presented aplaque by the leadership of the 1/69th for his role in combat

operations.

By Spc. Chris Foster256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

The 256th Brigade Combat Team (BCT),continues to assist the Iraqi people with humani-tarian projects to improve the agricultural aspectof their economy. While the 1088th Eng. Bn. of256th oversees water pipeline projects, they arealso helping the 199th Forward Support Battalion(FSB) to plant a seed in thefarm lands of Iraq.

In a warehouse inSadr City, sits farm equip-ment that has lain dormantfor the past three years. Itwas purchased during thereign of Sadaam Hussein andhis regime. The 199th is coor-dinating the movement anddistribution of the equipmentto the units of the 256th.With the help of Iraqi workers,Maj. Andre Vige, OperationsOfficer of the 199th FSB,loaded a New Holland tractoronto a trailer that would takeit to Camp Liberty, Iraq, andeventually, to a local farmer.

"I don't know what kind of intent SaddamHussein had," said the St. Martinville, La. native,"but I do know that the intent of the 256th is tomake sure that the co-op farmers get the equip

ment they need for agricultural growth."In only two days time, the 199th and

1088th Battalions successfully delivered 37 oper-ational tractors and 72 irrigational water pumps toa holding area at Camp Liberty. Soon they will bedistributed among the units of the 256th BCT togive out to the co-op farmers. Agricultural entre-preneurs will be able to sign out the equipment touse in the process of developing their crops, andit will be returned when they are through.

With these new assets, Iraqi farmers havethe ability to expediently cultivate and expandtheir land, therefore increasing the amount of pro-duce grown. Soldiers of the 256th are hoping thatthis project will cause the local economy tostrengthen, therefore giving the Iraqis a betterfuture.

Cpl. George Well from Effie, La. is a gun-ner for the 199th FSB and was involved in main-taining security for this project.

"I love what we are doing out here," hesaid, "it's like sowing a seed and watching it grow;years later you come back to check on it, and it

has grown into a strong tree."During the loading of the

equipment, Well and gunnersfrom additional trucks scannedtheir sectors looking for anyAnti Iraqi Force terrorists thatwould try to disrupt their mis-sion.

"I would rather be out herehelping these people insteadof doing nothing (about it),"said Well.As the 256th continues toassist the Iraqi people to seekgrowth in their own economy,the country is becoming anation that can stand on itsown. Years from now Soldiers

of the Tiger Brigade will be able to see the fruitsof their sacrifice and hard work, and will know thatthey planted a seed that became a tree.

AgriculturalDevelopment

Planting Iraq's FuturePlanting Iraq's FutureThe Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 8

Sgt. Leo Geautreaux, from Erwinville, La.,and Sgt. Joseph Thomas, from Baton

Rouge, La. both with HHC 1088th, secureone of the 37 tractors that were convoyed

to Camp Liberty.

Operations Officer, Maj. Andre Vige, fromSt. Martinville, La. and Sgt. 1st Class DerekShire from Heska, La. both with 199th FSB,load tractors onto trailers so they can be

secured.

By Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Thirteen improvised explosive devices (IEDs),five mortar attacks, and one vehicle born improvisedexplosive device (VBIED); this may sound like aninsurgent Christmas Carol, but it is actually the scorecard of Sgt. 1st ClassPatrick Sandel.

A Soldier withC Co., 3rd Battalion,156th InfantryRegiment, attachedto 1st Battalion,156th ArmorRegiment, thisDeRidder, La. nativehas faced encoun-ters more times thanany one Soldier inthe 256th BrigadeCombat Team(BCT). He countshis blessings every-day that he is stillhere.

“That first IEDscared the (you knowwhat) out of me,” he said with a reflective grin.

Sandel says that his inaugural mission outsidethe wire was a prophetic vision into what laid aheadfor him and his Soldiers. The very first time he ven-tured into his area of operation he was met with a mor-tar attack. A few days later, he hit the first IED, andonly now has it begun to slow down.

“November and December were busy for us,”he said, “right now it’s been three weeks since I’vebeen hit and that’s the longest I’ve gone without in awhile.”

According to Sandel, his platoon’s reaction toan attack has improved with each incident, and is, infact, now second nature to them. Whether they areconducting mounted or dismounted patrols, if some-thing happens, they shut it down immediately andbegin sweeping the area for threats. He says thatalong with incorporating the training that they received

at Ft. Hood, they have a strategy that works best forthem and within two seconds of getting hit, they areout and scanning their sector.

“It’s just like brushing your teeth now,” he said,“we have this processdown to an art.”

Recently, theplatoon lost Sgt. SethTrahan, fromCrowley, La., to anIED attack. Sandelsays that until thishappened, getting hitseemed normal andlike it was just part ofthe job. The Soldierswere clearing anintersection and asTrahan rounded thecorner, the devicewent off, instantlykilling him andwounding two others.

“We weren’tcomplacent on thepatrols, by anymeans,” says Sandel,

“but until it killed somebody, getting hit was a routinething.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Stuckey fromShreveport, La. is the Sgt. Maj. for 1/156th AR. Hefeels that Sandel’s spirit and enthusiasm for his jobhave not diminished over time, even in the face ofsuch adversity.

“A lot of the guys who get hit by IEDs getscared and start to wear down, but Sandel has not,”said Stuckey.

Stuckey says that the leadership that Sandelhas shown is exemplary and shines through in hisown attitude for his job, and also in the attitude of hisSoldiers toward him.

“He never stops and he’s always high spirited,”said Stuckey, “his Soldiers like to go out with Sandeland I think they’d do anything for him.”

Counting Blessings

InvincibleInvincibleThe Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 9

Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Sandel of “CharlieRock” 3/156th, attachedto 1/156th, on patrol in his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Page 10

256th Court Martials

1. PV2 Ryan K. Bell C. Co. 1088th Article 91(3 Charges) Specifications of Assault of a noncommis-sioned officerArticle 91(1 Charge) Specification of Disrespect of a noncommis-sioned officerArticle 134(2 Charges) Specifications of Communicating a ThreatPunishment:Reduction to E1, Forfeiture of $700 per month for 6months, 90 days confinement2. SPC Charles Richard B Co. 1088thArticle 92(1 Charge) Violating 256th BCT General Order No. 1 byconsuming alcoholArticle 121(1 Charge) Specification of wrongful appropriation of amotor vehicle (LMTV)Article 128(1 Charge) Specification of assault consummated by abatteryPunishmentReduction to E1, 90 days confinement, and Bad ConductDischarge3. SPC Kyle Johnson, B Co. 1088thArticle 92(1 Charge) Specification of Violating 256th BCT GeneralOrder No. 1 by consuming alcoholArticle 121(1 Charge) Specification of wrongful appropriation(LMTV)PunishmentReduction to E1, 90 days confinement, and Bad ConductDischarge4. SPC Jeremy Ventress, B Co. 1088thArticle 92(1 Charge) Specification of Violating 256th BCT GeneralOrder No.1 by consuming alcoholArticle 121(1 Charge) Specification of wrongful appropriationArticle 111(1 Charge) Specification of physically controlling a vehi-cle while drunkPunishmentReduction to E1, 120 days confinement, and Bad ConductDischarge

5. PFC Lee Cox, A Co. 2/156th INF BNArticle 92(1 Charge) Specification of Violating 256th BCT GeneralOrder No.1 by consuming alcoholArticle 112a(1 Charge) Wrongful possession, use and distribution of acontrolled substance (Valium)Article 121(1 Charge) Theft of properrty from a vendor at the CampLiberty Bazaar.PunishmentReduction to E1, 60 days confinement, and Bad ConductDischargeConsequences of a Bad Conduct Discharge:-Deprivation of all benefits of the Dept. of Veterans Affairs

-Adversely stigmatizes the character of your mili-tary service and will limit your future employment,civil service preference, and educational opportu-nities

-May adversely affect your future with regard tolegal rights, economic opportunities, and socialacceptability

-Terminates military status and will deprive you ofany military retirement benefits

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

For Your InformationFor Your Information

Marne Tax CenterOpens 7 March 2005

Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday 0900-1630 and 1800-2000

Located in the Legal Services Center (Bldg C25)

Services include free e-filing Federal and StateIncome Tax Returns (the fastest way to get yourrefund!)

Soldiers need to bring:(1) Military Identification Card (2) W2 and other tax documents (3) Legal documents as necessary.

Staff Sgt. Sara L. PartlowB/134 SignalEast Grand Forks, Minn.

“I am truly honored to be aSoldier serving our country.Being deployed has been avaluable, exciting and chal-lenging experience. Living ina country occupied by theless fortunate, serves as a constant reminder of why weas Americans should appreciate the freedoms we have.”

Sgt. AlfredSchneiderA Co. 3/156th St. Bernard, La.

“I’ve heard thatthe 3rd ID is high speed. I knowthat there will be a lot of changesand I’m prepared for them.”

Spc. Tab MerkelD/101 CAVPine Bush, N.Y.

“I expect the sameeffect as from 1stCav. They will com-

bine the problems of both the National Guardand the Regular Army.”

Sgt. Shane GarcieA Co. 1/156thNatchitoches, La.

“The war haschanged since they

were here the first time, and I hope that theycan adapt to that.”

Staff Sgt.Robert WilliamsHHC 1088thBaton Rouge, La.

“I was in 3rd ID along time ago and I know that there are going tobe a lot of changes. They’re pretty strict, and asthey put their foot in the ground there will be alot of noticeable differences.”

In Their Own Words

Soldier’s VoiceSoldier’s Voice

Page 11Photographs by Erin Robicheaux

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

What are your expectations with the tran-sition from 1st Cav to 3rd ID?

Staff Sgt.Chris G.NappierB Battery1/141 FAChalmette, La. “Deployment has been good so far.Just getting to know my Soldiers morein depth than what I could on a regu-lar drill weekend has been great.”

In general, how has this deploymentexperience been for you thus far?

Sgt. Joshua M. Ransonet a,Medic, and Spc. Zebe N.Ransonet, a scout, both withHHC 2/156th are brothersfrom Lafayette, La.

1Lt. David L. Bourgeois,Executive Officer for B Co.1/156th AR Bn., and Sgt. GaryW. Bourgeois, Tank Commanderfor C Co. 1/156th AR Bn., arebrothers from Bossier City, La.

Spc. Jennell M. Joseph and Spc. Edmond L. Jr.Joseph, from Donaldsonville, La. are siblingswith 1088th A Co. En. Bn, and serving together inOperation Iraqi Freedom III.

One Big HappyFamily

256 BCT Families256 BCT Families

Capt. Mark Carbo, a Physician’s Assistant for CCo. 199th Forward Support Battalion, is serving

in Baghdad with his brother, Sgt. 1st ClassGreg Carbo, a Sr. Mechanic for A Co. 199th.

Both brothers live in Alexandria, La.

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Page 12 Photographs by Thomas Benoit

Sgt. Thomas M. Cappetta and Spc.Christopher J. Cappetta, with E Troop 101Cav, are brothers from Rochester, N.Y. Herethey link up with their uncle, Maj. Anthony N.Cappetta, with 416th ENCOM FET-22, fromYardley, PA.

A released Iraqinational gladlytakes a cigarettelighter with thetips hotline numberengraved on it, onFebruary 17, 2005,during a detaineerelease done by the 256th Brigade CombatTeam.

First Sgt. AlbertVan Zant, fromNatchitoches,La., is with A Co.,1/156th ArmoredBattalion, helpsSoldiers of hisunit distributefrozen chickensto the locals in

their area. Here,Van Zant is unloading boxes forhis Soldiers to hand out.

Faces in theBrigade

256th BCT256th BCT Photo AlbumPhoto Album

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Maj. Brad Sonnier, from St. Martinville, La.,Civil Affairs Officer for 2nd Battlion, 156thInfantry Regiment, hands out school bags tothe students of different schools in theirsectors.

3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment and ETroop 101 Cav, hand out chalk boards to schools inIraq, so the students will have a better learningenviorment.

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Over the past several months, units of the256th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) have beenbuilding relationships with the local people and arehelping the United States to win the war on ter-ror.

In addition to medical clinics, blanket dis-tributions, and bringing school supplies to areaschools, the Soldiers have also handed out frozenchickens and fuel. Larger projects that areimproving the quality of life include construction ofwater pipelines, and building additions to business-es and clinics.

At the Saba Al Boor Police Station, Spc. JadeBernard from Abbeville, La. with HHC 256thMilitary Police Platoon, along with Dept. ofDefense Police Advisors, train the Iraqi Police inproper techniques for apprehending and searchingan Iraqi female suspect.

Command Sgt. Major Steven Stuckey, Sgt. 1st ClassGerald Giles, and 1st Sergeants Lumus St Julien, AlbertVanzent, Jeffrey Gore, and Sgt. Major Kelly Craig of the1/156th Armored Battalion, present Command Sgt. Maj.James Mays with $2,600.00 for the 1st Cavalry Division’sBronze Memorial Fund. The memorial honors all the fallenSoldiers of units attached to 1st Cavalry Division inOperation Iraqi Freedom II. The money was raised by theFirst Sgts. and Sr. Leadership of the 1/156th AR, who col-lected it from the soldiers of the 1/156.

Staff Sgt. Michael Dugas, from Lake Charles, La. andCommand Sgt. Maj. Gary Ermantinger, from NewOrleans, La. of 3rd Battalion, 156th InfantryRegiment, uncase their Battalion’s Colors during aceremony to signify the recognition of HHC 3/156th.

Faces in theBrigade

Page 14

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

256th BCT256th BCT Photo AlbumPhoto Album

(left) Brig. Gen. John Basilica, Jr., commander of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, presents a farewell gift to1st Cavalry Division’s commandling general, Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli on February 25, 2005. (right) The Sr.

Leadership of the 256th BCT, take a picture with the plaque that was presented to them by Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli.

The Sporting News

Free Subscriptions!!!

Free one year (60 issues) subscriptions of TheSporting News are being offered to servicemen

and women of the armed forces. The gift isbeing provided by FirstSwing (www.firstswing-

camps.com), and will begin arriving in six to eightweeks, but will not automatically renew at the end

of one year. To request a free subscriptionSoldiers should email FirstSwing at

firstswing36@hotmail.com and provide their firstand last name, mailing address and zip code.

**FirstSwing has agreed not to use the personalinformation of the military recipients for any

purpose other than for sending the gift subscriptions.**

FRIENDS OF BILL W

Meetings Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8 PM

Camp Tigerland across from the Mayor Cell BusStop at Tiger Plaza

In the big green tent marked (A)For information try www.geocities.com/baghdadaa

or for help try www.baghdadaa@yahoo.com**AA Meetings are also open to Al-Anon (friends

and family of persons suffering from alcoholand/or drug addiction), and to anyone who feels

they need help coping with dependency.

The Tiger Tracks March 1, 2005

Announcements

Attention Soldiers!!!Attention Soldiers!!!

Page 15

Attention: Soldiers and Family MembersIf you would like to express yourselves or have something you would like to share (ie. poems, stories, issues youwould like to address, quotes, pictures from home, etc). Please send us your submissions for the next edition,Feel free to email us at taysha.deaton@id3.army.mil or any of the PAO staff members. We want your VOICE!

In Loving Memory

FFallen Soldierallen Soldier

Sgt. Seth R. TrahanStaff Sgt. Nicholas J. Olivier

A Soldiers Story

I was that which others did not want to beI went where others feared to go And did what others feared to do

I asked nothing from those who gave nothingAnd reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal

Loneliness.....Should I failI have seen the face of TerrorFelt the stinging cold of fear

And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments Love I Have Cried, Pained, and HopedBut most of all I have lived times

Others would say were best forgottenAt least I am able to say that

I Am Proud of what I was....A Soldier

-Anonymous

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