CURRAHEECURRAHEEPRESPRESSS

September-October 2006Volume 1, Issue 6

Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 320th Field ArtilleryRegiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101stAirborne Division, reload during an artillery calibra-tion at Forward Operating Base Loyalty August 9.

Contents

Retention First To Meet Division Goal...................................2Currahee CAV Celebrates Birthday.......................................42-506th Baghdad Security.....................................................54-320th FA Completes Several Projects................................64th BSTB Works With Contractors........................................7Joint Effort Provides Humanitarian Aid..................................8801st BSB Logistics Support Statistics.................................83-67th AR Capture #4 on East Baghdad List........................93-67th AR Helps Save Local Girl’s Life...............................10Troops Assess Gas Station in Ramadi................................114-320th FA Finds Large Cache, 4 suspects........................121-61st CAV Captures Suspected Terrorist.........................13Senior NCO’s from 801st BSB Speak Out..........................13Tower Improvements Stop Debris.......................................14

Stories

MonthlyCurrahee 6...................1Chaplain.....................15

Safety Guy.................16CurraheePhotos...................16-22

Joint Effort providesHumanitarian Aid.For More Go To Page 8

Dear fellow Currahees, family members and friends, We have had some great successes along with tragic times over

the last two months. Our units have captured eight of the top ten"most wanted" terrorists in east Baghdad, protected the citizens ofBaghdad and Ramadi, and aggressively attacked insurgents at everyopportunity. The Currahee legacy of valor on the battlefield continuestoday, as our troops increase their disciplined and lethal reputationdaily. The enemy certainly understands the "spade."

Some of our Soldiers have been injured and several have fallen.We will never forget them. Considering the thousands of successfulpatrols and operations, the casualties are minimal due to the profi-ciency, leadership and comraderie of our Currahees. We work veryhard to ensure change for the better here in east Baghdad so that wehonor their memory and their honorable service. We maintain con-tact with our wounded Currahees, track their progress, benefit greatlyfrom the assistance of our Veterans and have sent Currahee shirtswith letters to Walter Reed Medical Center, other medical care facili-ties and the Rear Detachment for our wounded Currahees.

Multi-National Division - Baghdad started Operation TogetherForward II about a month ago to prevent extra-judicial killings, mur-ders, kidnappings and criminal behavior which threatens the securityof Baghdad. We have played an important role in securing and build-ing essential services for two large sections of east Baghdad.

One recent success is that the murder and kidnapping rateshave decreased. This is only possible because of the MiTT effortunder LTC Paul Finken and CSM James Clinton. Their teams ensureour Iraqi partners take the lead in nearly all of the operations andgrow in confidence and ability with each mission.

A few Field Grade changes have occurred. LTC Art Loureirosteps up as our DCO with the departure of LTC (P) Chris Pease andMAJ (P) Chuck Marcos is the new Regimental XO. MAJ DaveWomack is now the XO of 1-506th in Ramadi and MAJ Matt Keller isassisting LTC Matt Ferguson at Fort Campbell. This allows CPT (P)John McLaughlin to serve as the S3.

Leadership changes at the company level since the last letter:CPT Lonnie Johnston, B/4th BSTB; CPT Richard Buckner, C/4thBSTB; CPT Hugh Sollum, HHB/4-320th; CPT Jim Raines, A/4320th;CPT Chris Roberts, HHC/1-506th; CPT Matthew Stanley, B/1-506th;CPT Jason Lucero, HHT/1-61st; CPT Tim Gittins, C/1-61st; and CPTThomas Kapla, B/3-67th.

As we near the planned Regimental redeployment timeline ofmid-November, the Regiment stands at 100% complete for Soldierhaving taken or departed for Environmental Morale Leave. The Armyis helping take care of us by making sure all Soldiers had time torelax and refit.

The disciplined, professional performance of our Soldiers has

been the highlight of our mission in Iraq and I remain proud andinspired by their bravery and call to duty.

An example is SPC John Keck, medic, C Company, 1-61stCavalry Squadron, who continued to reload magazines for snipersduring a two-hour engagement in Jisr Diyala - even after beingknocked down by an RPG explosion during which he suffered seriousinjury to his left arm. With great physical courage he continued toplace the welfare of his fellow Soldiers above his needs. He is a trueCurrahee hero. Earlier in this same deployment, then PFC Keckreceived an ARCOM with "V" for proving life-saving medical treat-ment under intense fire.

SPC Louie Bolder, 4-320th Field Artillery Bn, while on patrol withhis Military Transition Team and Iraqi Army elements, distinguishedhimself by clearing an intersection with precision fire from his .50 calmachine gun allowing access to wounded IA Soldiers. While twomembers of his MiTT rendered aid, anti-Iraqi forces began firing froman overlooking balcony wounding one of the MiTT Soldiers. Withrounds hitting his vehicle, SPC Bolder engaged the gunmen and neu-tralized the threat. His covering fire allowed for the safe evacuationof all of the wounded. He is a Currahee Hero.

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Walnoha, 1st Platoon, A Company, 4thBSTB, distinguished himself through exceptionally gallant actionsunder enemy fire while serving as a Squad Leader and VehicleCommander on a Route Clearance Patrol 22 July. His platoon wasambushed by an enemy Armor Defeating Device on Route Pluto nearCP 506, in Baghdad, Iraq. He was riding as the Vehicle Commanderof the second vehicle when the lead vehicle of the patrol was struckby a powerful bomb. Realizing the doorway access to the strickenvehicle was blocked, SSG Walnoha instinctively ordered his vehicleto move further alongside to evacuate the casualties through the gunport. With total disregard for his own safety, he was the first to enterthe struck vehicle and assess the wounded. His actions to get twocritically wounded Soldiers stabilized and on their way to medicaltreatment helped save their lives. His excellent leadership and firmcontrol of the situation led to a flawless response to the emergencysituation. He is a Currahee hero.

The security of your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters,husbands and wives are foremost in our minds. We plan very con-sciously for their safety and security.

Our Currahee Regiment stands strong - thanks to your supportand the strength and courage of each of our Soldiers.

Currahee!!

COL Tom VailCDR, 506th RCT

CURRAHEECURRAHEEPRESSPRESS

The official magazine of the 506th Regimental Combat Team and its Soldiers

The Currahee Press is a monthly magazine published in the interest ofthe service members of the 101st Airborne Division’s 506th RegimentalCombat Team. The Currahee Press is an Army-funded magazineauthorized for members of the U.S. Army under the provision of AR360-1.

Content of the Currahee Press are not necessarily the official viewsof, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense orDepartment of the Army.

506th RCT CommanderCOL Thomas D. Vail

506th RCT Command Sgt. Maj.CSM Mark L. Atchley

506th RCT PAO OICMAJ James F. Lowe

506th RCT Asst. PAO1LT Georginia Bradshaw

506th RCT NCOICSFC Michael Brock

Editor:SGT Tanasha Stachelczyk

Staff Writers:PFC Paul David Ondik

SPC Alex Cook

Message From The Command Currahee 6

Currahee Press September-October 2006 1

September -October 2006 Currahee Press2

Story by PFC Paul David Ondik

The 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st AirborneDivision was the first BCT in the 101st Airborne Division tocomplete its retention mission.

The mission for the 506th RCT specifically is to maxi-mize the reenlistment options and bonuses for Soldiers inthe reenlistment window, said SFC Mark Wetherby,Regimental Career Counselor for the 506th RCT.

The 506th RCT mission to reach 100 percent in all cat-egories has also been accomplished. The regiment metand exceeded that mission with a 103 percent average.There are six categories which are initial term, mid-career,career, fiscal-year 2006 expiration of term in service, fiscalyear 2007 ETS, and the reserve component, whichincludes National Guard. These averages are the result ofa multi-tiered reenlistment mission, beginning onDecember 7 2005, tracking reenlistments through June 102006.

These numbers play an essential role in maintainingtroop end-strength requirements. But in truth the numbersare just a combined record of individual Soldiers makingimportant decisions about their future, and the future oftheir relationship with the Army.

"The main focus is, and always will be, to meet theSoldier's needs with the Army's needs," said MSG CharlesSeeburger, Senior Regimental Career Counselor.

The 506th RCT is a new unit and is currently in themidst of a combat deployment, two elements factored inbehind the numbers. The 506th RCT has also overcome

the fact that its first and second battalions are in separateareas of operation from the main brigade element. In thesebattalions, the chain of command and battalion level reten-tion non-commissioned officers play an even more vitalrole than usual in linking Soldiers interested in reenlistingwith the career counselors who can make it happen.

"The chain of command has supported this since thedeployment," said MSG Seeburger.

One of the most powerful draws for reenlistment is themonetary rewards. There are deployment bonuses forSoldiers that may be entitled and qualified for them of upto $15,000, SFC Wetherby said.

"Since approximately September 2003, we've had adeployment bonus to Soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, andKuwait, that is tax-free," said SFC Wetherby. The incen-tives available for troop's reenlistment go beyond mone-tary. One of the 101st's biggest incentives that is notmoney, is the Commanders Education Incentive. Soldierswho reenlist for current station stabilization are authorized,provided they are qualified, 16 semester hours of college-level courses during the stabilization period, SFC Wetherbysaid.

Soldiers interested in maximizing the value of theirreturn while reenlisting, as well as troops who just havequestions, should speak to their chain of command, whocan put them in touch with their unit's retention NCOs orcareer counselors.

506th RCT Retention First To Meet 101st Abn. Goal

COL Thomas Vail, commander, 506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, administers theoath of reenlistment to SGT Joshua Wicker, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 61stCavalry Regiment, 506th RCT, near the historic cross sabers in Baghdad's International Zone July 19.The reenlistment is unique in that he is the 506th Soldier to reenlist in the 506th Infantry Regiment - andthe 101st Soldier to reenlist in his Squadron in the 101st Abn. Div. (US edited photo by 1LT GeorginiaBradshaw 506th Regimental Combat Team PAO)

HHC

3Currahee Press September-October 2006

3-67th AR and 1-61st CAV

The 1st Squadron responded toreports of armed militia taking overcheck points in the neighborhood ofMustansirya June 23.

During the operation, CPT SeanTroyer, Military Transition Team, 1stSquadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment,and the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade,6th Iraqi Army Division, were travelingsouthwest of Sadr City when henoticed 30 to 40 anti-Iraqi forces car-rying RPGs and numerous small armsweapon systems. He brought his vehi-cle to a halt while attached elementscontinued to move down the road.

Moments later a fire fight ensuedwhen anti-Iraqi forces machine gunfire began from an unknown locationwest of their right flank and smallarms fire from their left flank.

The enemy direct fire did not hittheir vehicles but it was very close,creating ricochets and impacting theoverpass.

"As I was managing the situation,I glanced to my left and saw everySoldier, regardless of rank, doingexactly what the Army had trainedthem to do since basic training -- exe-

cuting well-aimed, controlled andlethal fire against a well-armed enemythat outnumbered us," CPT Troyersaid. "They were all on-line, behindcover and in the proper fighting posi-tion or stance and it was all instinc-tive."

The anti-Iraqi forces ran under-neath an over pass and appeared ontheir left flank. PFC Bates Beckham, agunner noticed a man with an RPGassuming a fire position toward theirlocation. PFC Beckham immediatelyengaged the enemy with a quick burstfrom his 240-B machine gun.

"My main thought was get theRPG guy down as soon as possible,"said PFC Beckham. "The safety of mybuddies was the only thing on mymind."

Another man carrying an RPGappeared and the 240-B gunner fromthe trail vehicle suppressed him, ter-minating the RPG threat to their posi-tion. The fire fight only lasted two min-utes. CPT Troyer order cease fire andconducted a battle damage assess-ment of two enemies killed and sevenwounded in action. Simultaneously, he

ordered his interpreter to call the bat-talion commander of the 2nd Bn., 2ndBde., 6th IA Div., to have his vehiclesto return to their location.

Minutes after the cease fire, thecoalition force heard a loud explosionthat impacted a structure approxi-mately 100 meters away from theirposition which caused the enemyforces to flee. It was later confirmedby SGT Keith Olsen and SPC DamionGuinn that it was an RPG aimed attheir location.Soon after, the Iraqi andcoalition forces were able to link up,then left the area due to the vulnera-bility of their position; however, thepatrol was still receiving sporadic butdistant multiple gun fire. No Soldierswere injured and no coalition equip-ment was damaged.

"I received feedback from ourinterpreters who have friends who livein the area and witnessed the fire-fight," said CPT Troyer. "They wereextremely glad to see this kind ofaction taken against the armed militiagroups that harass their neighbor-hoods and cause harm to the Iraqi cit-izens."

Anti-Iraqi Forces Attack 1-61st CAV MITTStory by 1LT Georginia Bradshaw

Soldiers of Companies C and D, 3rd Battalion, 67thArmor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th InfantryDivision, serving with 506th Regimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division, in a precision operation, captureda high value terrorist and several of his top lieutenants inNew Baghdad July 25.

Operation Together Forward, a Multinational Division -Baghdad operation, concentrates on disrupting murders,kidnappings and bombings in Baghdad. The suspectstaken into custody are believed to be key players in kid-nappings that result in murder as well as deadly road sidebombings.

Several of the suspects jumped from roof top to rooftop in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid capture.

The Soldiers detained a total of 13 individuals at thelocation and also recovered many documents, two AK-47

semi-automatic rifles and a light machine gun. Evidenceindicated the primary suspect controls numerous cacheswithin the Fedalayah and Kamaliyah areas. Additionally,this group is believed to be responsible for attacks againstresidents of east Baghdad and controlling extra-judicialkillings in the New Baghdad Area.

"This operation was the culmination of many months ofhard work on the part of the battalion. It illustrates the pro-fessionalism and dedication of our Soldiers who were ableto remove high-level terrorists without firing a single shotand proves our effectiveness in executing precision offen-sive operations based on intelligence gathered and refinedat he company and battalion level," said LTC MarkBertolini, commander, 3-67th Armor Bn.

None of the suspected terrorists or the Soldiers wereinjured during this operation.

3-67th AR Soldiers Capture HighValue Terrorist In New BaghdadStory by MAJ James Lowe

Currahee Cav Celebrates BirthdayStory and photos by CPT Jason LuceroCommander, HHT, 1-61 CAV

1-61st CAV

September-October 2006 Currahee Press4

1st Squadron, 61st CavalryRegiment, 506th Regimental CombatTeam, celebrated their secondBirthday as an organization in trueCurrahee Cav style. The Soldiers ofthe Squadron spent half the day outlooking for insurgents, and the otherhalf conducting traditional organizationday competitions.

The first event was the "IronWarrior" competition where a five-manteam from each Troop demonstratedtheir strength, speed, endurance, andlethality. The Soldiers bench pressedtheir body weight as many times asthey could, followed by as many repe-titions as they could execute on chin-ups, dips, and rope-rolls with a 10pound weight at the end of the cord.This was followed by a two-mile teamrun in full combat equipment endingon the forward operating base rangewhere their marksmanship skills wereassessed via a "stress shoot."

None of the Soldiers knew whatthe events would be and the fiveSoldiers from each troop were fromseparate weight classes. It was agreat event, and Company C cameout on top with Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop right behindthem.

The "Iron Warrior" was followed

by traditional competitions. D Trp.(Forward Support Company) won thebasketball competition, A Trp. wonthe soccer event, C Co. took first involleyball and horseshoes, and thefinal event was the always populartug-of-war, where A Trp. came out ontop.During the break in the events, theCurrahee Cav Cooks served a home-style barbecue meal complete withseveral cakes decorated with theCurrahee and Squadron Crests.During the meal, the SquadronCommander, LTC Brian Winksi, ledthe Squadron in singing "HappyBirthday" to the unit, followed by thecutting of the cake by the oldest andyoungest members of the Squadron.

"My food service personnel havebeen working at the Detainee HoldingArea for over nine months and havenot been able to cook for theSquadron. This was a big opportunityfor us to give our 1-61st Soldierssome real home Currahee chow…smokin style," said SFC VashonRogers, a native of Lufkin, Texas, pla-toon sergeant, Headquarters platoon,D Trp. .

The majority of B Trp. continuedto keep the pressure on the enemythroughout the day. They were con-ducting combat operations in north

Baghdad, leaving a little less than halfthe Troop to participate in the compe-tition. The B Troop contingent per-formed admirably in every event theyparticipated in. LTC Winski and CSMChris Fields brought B Trp. a BBQlunch in mermites and spent the after-noon with them up north.

The Organizational Day festivitiesconcluded at the SquadronHeadquarters as LTC Winskiaddressed the troop, emphasizing theimportance of understanding unit his-tory and celebrating it with events likethis.

The Squadron Commander brieflyreflected on the unit's World War II lin-eage as the 601st Tank DestroyerBattalion that was activated in August1941 and deployed to combat for thefirst time in August 1942 fightingacross North Africa and Europe untilAugust 1945. "Just like us, the 601stformed from scratch and deployed tocombat one year later………and justlike us they kicked butt everywherethey went," said LTC Winski.

CSM Fields and LTC Winskiclosed the day by passing the coveted"Commanders Cup" traveling trophy toC Co. who will carry it with pride 'tillnext August.

SPC Noah Sidonio, C Company, 1-61CAV, 506thRCT leads the pack during the two-mile team runwearing full combat equipment during the IronWarrior competition on Aug. 16. (Courtesy photoby CPT Jason Lucero, HHT, 1-61 CAV)

SFC Vashon Rogers and SPC O'shea Epps, TroopD, 1-61 CAV. 506th RCT, cooks "Currahee style"during the celebration of the two year anniversaryof 1-61 CAV Organizational Day Aug. 16.(Courtesy photo by SSG Lisa Washington, DTroop, 1-61 CAV)

The night is calm in Al Dora. The heat from the dayprior still hangs in the air, but is slowly cooling off.

It is still a couple of hours before sunrise and Soldiersfrom the 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment servingwith 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, passaround jokes, clearing their minds of anything that may begoing on around them.

They patiently wait for the Iraqi National Policemen togather their equipment and mount their vehicles.

The night sky is still upon them. “Let’s go,” the platoonsergeant says. “Get it on.” They put their gear and gameface on.The jokes and stories go away and seriousnesstakes over.

The Currahee Soldiers, along side the INP, move intothe area. They cordon it off and, on foot, move through themuhallahs, searching every home, looking for weapons,caches, ammunition and explosives.

Since August 7, during Operation Together Forward,the Currahee Soldiers and INPs worked at least 12-hourdays as the security in Baghdad heightened, clearing andsearching each home in Al Dora.

The homes in Dora, all 4,284, were completely clearedearly Friday morning. They detained 24 people, registered339 weapons and confiscated 71 weapons.

“Our main focus was to remove all illegal weaponsfrom Al Dora to reduce sectarian violence and improvesecurity,” said 2LT Thomas B. Cotton, platoon leader, 1stplatoon, B Company, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf. Regt.

2LT Cotton said three to five people a day were dyingin Dora alone due to sectarian violence; three to five toomany. Many homes within the area were abandonedbecause of the fear of sectarian violence, he said.

In one home, during a search on Thursday, there wasblood on the floor with ammunition casings covering theground. Pictures were scattered throughout the home as ifthe family raided their home for essentials and left it aban-

doned.While

searchinganotherhome,nationalpolicefound amanual onhow to per-form aJihad. Aninterpretersaid to him,“We neednot to shedeach oth-ers blood.We arehumanbeings, andI respecthumans.”

Ineachhome, Iraqis are allowed one AK-47 and two magazinesfor protection. Currahee troops registered each weaponkept in the Iraqi homes for accountability and security rea-sons.

The national police were the main push in the opera-tion, 2LT Cotton said. The U.S. troops were simply there toprovide guidance, advice and support to the INPs.

2LT Cotton said giving the national police the lead inthe operation, basically gives them on-the-job trainingbecause “by working with us, they learn from us.”

The INPs were very professional throughout the opera-tion, he said. They are well trained and thorough.

Throughout the operation, the Iraqi local nationalsreacted well to the presence of U.S. troops and nationalpolice, giving security forces much needed “face time” withthe local nationals, said SPC Patrick A. Blanchard, 203Gunner, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf. Regt.

Their cooperation was much needed to help securethe area, he said. The national police need the support andtrust from the local nationals to take their mission to anoth-er level; to have complete control and trust of their commu-nities.

“The national police need to demonstrate to these peo-ple they are an impartial enforcer of public security,” said2LT Cotton. “The people will trust the police.”

The national police and Currahee troops will continueto maintain a presence in the area, keeping sectarian vio-lence to a minimum.

2-506th Baghdad SecurityStory by SFC Laurence LangCommand Information Chief MNC- Iraq

Currahee Press Septembr -October 2006 5

11 AUGUST 1969 — THUA THIEN PROVINCE COUNTEROFFENSIVE PHASE V, VIETNAM

On the 11th of August, On the 11th of August, the Currahees of the 1st the Currahees of the 1st BN 506th INF were BN 506th INF were heavily involved in heavily involved in patrols to keep NVA and patrols to keep NVA and VC rocket and mortar VC rocket and mortar teams away from the teams away from the new fire bases being new fire bases being constructed in the A constructed in the A ShauShau valley. valley. Operation Montgomery Operation Montgomery RendevousRendevous turned out to turned out to be a 2 be a 2 ½½ month long month long operation which resulted operation which resulted in the Currahees in the Currahees claiming 323 enemy KIA, claiming 323 enemy KIA, along with 39 crew along with 39 crew served weapons and 144 served weapons and 144 individual weapons individual weapons being captured.being captured.

2-506th Infantry

A Medic with the 2nd Battalion, 506thInfantry Regiment, treats a young Iraqigirl with burns on her face in Al Dora,during Operation Together Forwardwhere U.S. troops and Iraqi NationalPolice cleared all 4,284 homes in Dora.They detained 24 people, registered 339weapons and confiscated 71 weapons.(U.S. Army photo by SPC James P.Hunter, MNC-I PAO)

Several beautification projectsand improvements in Zafaraniya andthe area outside of FOB Loyalty werecompleted by 4th Battalion, 320thField Artillery Regiment, 506thRegimental Combat Team, 101stAirborne Division around July 31.

The projects included five play-grounds, two soccer fields, one soccerpark and a sewing co-op.

CPT Shelia Matthews is the civilmilitary operations officer for 4-320thFA and handles all of the CERP proj-ects in the battalions' area of opera-tions.

"I have the best job. I get to inter-act with local leaders and people inthese neighborhoods," said CPTMatthews.

"I have seen such an improve-ment with the Neighborhood AdvisoryCouncil members. I participate inweekly meetings with local leaders todiscuss long term and short term proj-ects and in the beginning we wouldhave to provide the agenda for thesemeetings. Now they already have anagenda waiting," said CPT RaymondJohnson, commanderA Battery 4-320th FA.

Together they have cleaned upthese areas dramatically but they stillneed our help, said CPT Johnson.

CPT Johnson's interaction withthe leaders takes place at the weeklymeetings, but his battery spends themajority of their time patrolling theneighborhoods and interacting withthe local people. When they are out,the Soldiers not only ask securityquestions, but also questions pertain-ing to the beautifications of the neigh-borhood.

In these meetings the councilmembers propose projects after themeetings I would go to CPTMatthews. Then, she would decide ifwe were able to do them, said CPTJohnson.

The difference between the soc-cer field and soccer park is not onlythe size but that the soccer parkcomes with changing rooms andbleachers, said CPT Matthews.

The sewing co-op was the least

expensiveproject andprobably themost benefi-cial of themall. Theitems provid-ed for thisproject werefive sewingmachinesand materi-als.

One oftheSindaboldNAC mem-bers, awoman,opened upher home to the women so they couldcome there and work using the equip-ment without having to pay. They areable to sew and make items and sellthem. By doing this they are able todraw an income for themselves andtheir family.

Not only are projects beingbrought up by battery commandersbut also Soldiers.

The Quick Reaction Force ele-ment in G Company, 4-320th FA whichis their support company, patrol thearea right outside FOB Loyalty, cameup with their own beautification proj-ect.

SSG Christian Walters, QRF pla-toon sergeant, G Co. spends a lot oftime in the neighborhood outside ofthe FOB and states the locals are veryreceptive to him and his Soldiers.

"We patrol the area frequently andthey have something like a neighbor-hood watch set up. They inform us ifthere has been anything suspiciousgoing on," said SSG Walters.

The Soldiers and SSG Waltershad wanted to do something nice forthe children in the neighborhood. Theyhad noticed an area that had been asoccer field but it was not level soevery time it rained, it would flood andthe children would have to wait weeksbefore they could play, said SSGWalters.

"We didn't know how projectsworked, so we were going to gettogether and donate money so wecould have one built," said SSGWalters.

When he approached CPTMatthews she told the Soldiers theydidn't have to pay for anything. Hegave her the coordinates to theareaand with that information the localcontractors began the project. Walterswould have liked to be present whenthe project was completed, but he washome on leave. He believes nowwhen he goes to the neighborhoodthe children have a better understand-ing of why he and his Soldiers arethere.

"Many people in this area are justabove middle class. It looks like priorto the war they were doing okay forthemselves and during the war youcould tell they lost stuff. But they takecare of what they have. They are real-ly good about trash and keeping thearea clean," said SSG Walters.

"I know we are trying to win theheart and minds of the people, but Ithink the adults are set in their waysand beliefs and the children are thefuture," he added.

506th RCT has spent approxi-mately 2 million dollars on projectssince coming to east Baghdad and willcontinue to help in the building of anew and improved city.

4-320th FA Completes Several Projects in JulyStory by SGT Tanasha Stachelczyk

September-October 2006 Currahee Press6

4-320th FA

CPT Shelia Matthews civil military operations officer for 4thBattalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 506th RegimentalCombat Team, 101st Airborne Division cuts the ribbon at thesewing co-op opening.

Currahee Press Septembr -October 2006 7

4th BSTB

Story by PFC Paul David OndikSoldiers from the 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion,

506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Divisionassisted in improving quality of life in the impoverishedAdhamiyah section of east Baghdad.

Troops met with community leaders and local contrac-tors at the areas District Council headquarters August 31.

LTC Christopher Hall, commander, 4th BSTB, met withSheik Hassan, DC chairman. The two discussed a varietyof topics, but chief among them was increasing the consis-tent availability of electricity to local citizens. For projects tomake it from the drawing board to the homes and busi-nesses of the people, they first have to navigate an intri-cate web of contacts. In order to work on this problemSoldiers coordinated with local leaders, civilian contractors,and the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity.

The goal of the 506th RCT is that these local man-agers can achieve almost complete autonomy, able tonominate projects, delegate authority, and execute, withoutCoalition guidance, said MAJ David Biggins, operationsofficer, 4th BSTB.

There are three primary obstacles that need to beovercome to in effort to improve the quality electricity forthe citizens of Adhamiyah, said LTC Hall. Power genera-tion capacity needs to be improved, the existing networkinfrastructure needs to restored, and in some places, newpower networks need to be built, said LTC Hall.

"What I want to do with our friends from the MOE isfind out what we can do immediately about the electricalpower network," said LTC Hall.

One way to relieve operations in desperate need ofpower is to provide them with small and medium sizedgenerators. It is a viable stop-gap measure that the 4thBSTB uses while the extensive rehabilitation of the entirepower grid continues, said MAJ Biggins.

Outside of Hassan's office, the main downstairs areaof the DC building is buzzing with activity. Papers arepassed, while mixed groups of Iraqis and Soldiers formand disperse. To walk through this area is to run a gauntletof multiple conversations in English and Arabic, rangingfrom whispers to shouts.

"Basically this is the operations center where contrac-tors get their marching orders for the day," said CPT MattFalvo, a projects purchasing officer. "This is the nerve cen-ter of it all."

It is CPT Falvo's job to contract local Iraqis to do workimproving the community. The large majority of work donein Adhamiyah is done by people from the neighborhood,paid by Coalition forces, which keeps money in the com-munity.

Work in Adhamiyah isn't finished, and probably won'tbe for a long while. The effects of not only war damage,but decades of disrepair under the Baathist regime hadcrippled a large part of the areas infrastructure. Greatstrides have been made, and in a relatively short period oftime, a system to accelerate this progress has been insti-tuted. The 506th RCT, by working together with Iraq's lead-ers, and its people, hope to keep this positive momentumgoing, towards a brighter future.

506th RCT Works with Local Contactors in Adhamiyah

CPT Matt Falvo, projects purchasing officer, HHC, 506th RCT,101st Abn. Div., shakes hands after completing a contract with anIraqi contractor at the District Council headquarters in theAdhamiyah section of east Baghdad August 31.

LTC Christopher Hall battalioncommander, 4th BSTB, 506thRCT, 101st Abn. Div., and MAJJohn Sottnik, civil affairs plan-ner, Co. A, 414th Civil AffairsBattalion, discuss projects withSheik Hassan, District CouncilChairman, in the Adhamiyah sec-tion of east Baghdad, August 31.

September-October 2006 Currahee Press8

4-320th FA and 801st BSB

A consequence management plan was created to pro-vide humanitarian aid to displaced citizens in Zafaraniya inresponse to the recent bombing and gas explosions in thearea.

Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field ArtilleryRegiment and 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 506thRegimental Combat Team set out to accomplish this mis-sion August 14.

Elements from the 506th RCT provided items consist-ing of rice, beans, cooking oil, canned fish, blankets, veg-etables, assorted condiments, cooking utensils and stovesfor Iraqis affected by the bomb.

"It was a lot of fun being with the Soldiers and helpingthe people. We downloaded the humanitarian packets byhand. We formed a chain with the Iraqi soldiers to down-load the items, which felt like there was a lot of teamwork

which built camaraderie," said SGT Mark Faulkner, anative of Oklahoma City, Okla., team leader, 801st BSB,506th RCT.

The items were delivered to the ZafaraniyaGovernment Center. The 1st Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 1stIraqi National Police, neighborhood advisory council andtribal leaders assisted with the download and distribution ofthe items to the local citizens.

"Coalition forces assisting Iraqi security forces andlocal government leaders in humanitarian aid help the localcitizens to realize our combined presence is one of growthand facilitation of an emerging government for all of Iraq,"said SFC Richard Powell, master gunner, 4-320th FA. "Theinclusion and participation in this endeavor by all religiousand ethnic groups contributes to a more stable and pros-perous Iraq."

Soldiers from the 801st BSB and 4-320th FA, 506thRCT, 101st Abn. Div., 1st Bde, 2nd Battalion, 1st INP,NAC, and tribal leaders download Humanitarian Aiditems at the Zafaraniya Government Center.(Courtesy photos from 4-320th FA)

Joint Effort Provides Humanitarian Aid

Do you know how much 801st & the FSCs have done in Logistics support?

Story by 1LT Georginia Bradshaw

Soldiers from the 801st BSB and 4- 320th FA, 506th RCT,101st Abn. Div, 1st Bde, 2nd Battalion, 1st INP, NAC, andtribal leaders download Humanitarian Aid items at theZafaraniya Government Center. (Courtesy photo from 4-320th FA)

Distribution:Combat Logistics Patrols - 738Miles driven - 88,748Fuel - Over 3.5 million gallonsBulk water - 250K gallonsBottled water - 167K casesTrans Mng. Rqsts - 486

ASL and Excess Mng.Materiel Release Orders - 117,259 Materiel Receipts - 82,680 Managed value of ASL -- $22.3 mil.Reduced ASL stockage by --$10.9 mil.

Maintenance:Cmpl Maint. work orders - 3,947Special tools added- $238KHUMWV upgrades- 1,600+

Combat Service SupportAutomation:Computers systems configured - 152STAMIS rodeos - 4Property Book:Property Book data input - 28,532PBO change of cmd reviews - 26Ammunition Management:Managed ammunition - over $40 mil.Rounds issued - 1,602,322Rounds used during combat - 440,686Medical:Dentist Team cared for patients - 536Improved First Aid Kits -3,550Distr. Eagle First Resp. bags - 160 Total patients seen - over 6,800Medical equip. rcvd - 5,683

Finance:Finance Rodeos - 69Casual Payments - 30,916 /$5,240,360Check Cashing - 14,267 / $3,705,348Fin. Cust. supported office calls -7,967

Mail:Incoming mail processed - 176,093Outgoing mail processed - 33,495

Currahee Press Septembr -October 2006 9

1-61st CAV and 3-67th AR

Soldiers of 1st Squadron, 61stCavalry Regiment, and the 4thBattalion, 320th Field ArtilleryRegiment, 506th Regimental CombatTeam, 101st Airborne Division, andelements of the 2nd Brigade, 6th IraqiArmy Division, in a precision opera-tion, captured east Baghdad's thirdhighest "most wanted" terrorist inAdhamiyah July 30.

The actions were part ofOperation Together Forward, aMultinational Division - Baghdad oper-ation, concentrating on disrupting mur-ders, kidnappings and bombings inBaghdad. The suspect taken intocustody is believed to head criminalelements which have conducted dead-ly road side bombings againstCoalition Forces and Iraqi SecurityForces, sectarian murders and kid-nappings that resulted in murder. Heis believed to act as a financier, plan-

ner and director of those criminalactivities in east Baghdad.

In a combined mid-morning cor-don and search operation, Soldiersfrom B Troop, 1-61st Cav. Sqdn. dis-covered the individual at a hospitalcomplex in Adhamiyah. This marksthe second high value capture for theBrigade in the last week as 3rdBattalion, 67th Armor Regiment cap-tured a different individual July 25.

"In a thorough search of a buildingwith a lot of people in it, the attentionto detail at the Soldier level accountsfor this capture. The Soldiers knewwho they were looking for andmethodically found him," said LTCBrian Winski, commander, 1-61st Cav.Sqdn., who was present at the site forthe operation.

The Soldiers detained the sus-pected terrorist. During the search, 1-61st Cav. Sqdn. Soldiers received

sniper fire. The shot fired did notinjure anyone in the operation.

"The key to success was all of thejunior officers and noncommissionedofficers who were able to make gooddecisions based on the intent of theoperation," said CPT Will Arnold, com-mander, B Trp, 1-61st Cav. Sqdn.

"This was a combined operationwith 1st Bn., 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div. sol-diers together with us," said LTCWinski.

All the pieces came together fromthe 4th Brigade Special TroopsBattalion providing quality militaryintelligence and then to our intelli-gence officer, CPT Jason Lucero, andhis guys cross-referencing the situa-tion on the ground to that data, addedLTC Winski.

Neither the suspected terrorist norany Coalition or Iraqi Soldiers wereinjured during this operation.

1-61st CAV and 1st Bn., 2nd Bde., 6th IA Div.Capture High Value Terrorist In East BaghdadStory by MAJ James Lowe

Soldiers of B and D Companies, 3rd Battalion, 67thArmor Regiment, attached to the 506th RegimentalCombat Team, 101st Airborne Division, captured eastBaghdad's fourth highest terrorist leader along with threeof his associates Aug. 25 in Al Oubaidy.

The actions were part of Operation Together Forward,a Multi-National Division - Baghdad operation, in order toreduce assassinations, kidnappings, and prevent escala-tion of sectarian violence in order to restore Baghdadsecurity to Iraqi control.

"We've been looking for the leader of this cell forabout four weeks now. We've decided to target him abouta week and a half ago," said 1LT Randall Weaver, anative of Susanville, Calif., platoon leader, D Co..

The unit received information that there was a terror-ist cell operating in Al Oubaidy. Meanwhile, Soldiers fromB and D Companies set up a cordon and knock aroundtwo houses in the Al Oubaidy area. The combined patrolreported detaining four local nationals. One of those localnationals fit the description of their target.

"Not a single shot was fired and we accomplished ourmission," said LTC Mark Bertolini, a native of Bellerose,N.Y., battalion commander, 3rd Bn., 67th AR.

In a related event, the unit received another tip that amilitia military took over the gas station across from FOBRustamiyah.

Other sources indicated that the deputy of the HVIleader that was captured the day prior was operating atthat gas station. Elements from 3rd Bn., 67th AR, weresent to conduct an area reconnaissance in order to gath-er information for future operations.

Upon arriving at the gas station the Soldiers identifiedtheir targets and started moving to detain the local nation-als. A vehicle containing their targets attempted to fleethe scene.

The Soldiers captured four local nationals. It waslater confirmed that the unit had apprehended the deputyof the HVI they caught Aug. 26.

"This is a result of many weeks of hard work by ourbattalion and brigade staffs and culminated by a precisionoperation that was executed flawlessly by our Soldiers,"said LTC Bertolini.

These captures will disrupt attacks against coalitionforces and extra judicial killings against the local nation-als in the area. Neither the suspected terrorists nor anyCoalition forces were injured during this operation.

3-67th AR Capture #4 On East Baghdad ListStory by 1LT Georginia Bradshaw

The 3rd Battalion, 67th ArmoredRegiment, 4th Infantry Division wasable to give desperately needed med-ical attention to a local national whowas close to death on June 17 atForward Operating Base Rustamiyah.

Hiba Mohammed Abdul Ridhawas injured by shrapnel during a ter-rorist mortar attack on her collegeMay 2.

The injury was unable to healbecause of a preexisting lupus infec-tion. Ridha's father, Sheik RaheemShareef Jabratallah, a tribal leader inFedaliyah contacted the 3-67th AR ina last ditch effort to save his daugh-er's life.

They brought Ridha directly to thegates of FOB Rustamiyah, said 2LTJoshua Prentice, Battle Captin at the3-67th AR Tactical Operations Center.Because of lupis-like symoptoms itwas determined that the leg was indanger, 2LT Prentice said.

"Six weeks ago she was in classat her college and there was a mortarattack. She recieved a minor injury,"said CPT David McCaughrin, fire sup-port officer and Civil Affairs officer incharge for 3-67th AR. "Unable to heal,it was only a matter of time before thewound became gangrenous," CPTMcCaughrin said. Gangrene, oncestarted is usually irreversable. In this

case it progressed sofast that her life wasin danger.

"The girl definitelywould have died," saidLTC Mark Bertolini,commander of 3-67thAR. "Certainly in aweek or two, andprobably within threeor four days."

Ridha had severalmedical problems.Gangrene was one,but liver failure wasanother, seperateproblem, said CPTMichael Curtis, battal-ion surgeon, 3-67thAR.

"When shearrived, she wasunstable, and we were able to stabi-lize her," said CPT Curtis, a native ofSalt Lake City, Utah.

"Here we were able to have ourfemale medics and our femaleproviders care for her," CPT Curtissaid.

3-67th AR took pains to accom-madate for this patient in a mannersensitive to Iraqi cultural sensitivities.Ridha's condition was assessed at thegate, and it was clear that she was in

need of immediateassistance.

"As it turnedout, once we gother in here, it wasobvious her legactually shouldhave been ampu-tated a couple ofweeks ago," saidLTC Bertolini. "Obviously herfamily was verygrateful for thecare."

At this point itwas no longer thecase that wasfocused on the lossof a limb, Ridha's

life was in danger.3-67th AR made sure that females

were tasked to transport her to the aidstation, and that only females were inthe room where she was cared for,said CPT McCaughrin.

Ridha remained in the care of 3-67th AR for 24 hours.They contactedMAJ Aaron Baker, brigade surgeon,506th Regimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division at which pointshe was medevaced to 10th CASHand then sent to Medical City Hospitalfor further treatment.

"We remained culturally sensitive,and when we do that it shows thelocal Iraqis that we care about theirwell-being," said LTC Bertolini. Givingthis type of aid demonstrates to thelocal populace that the the Army iswilling to provide scarce rescources tohelp them, LTC Bertolini said.

Jabratallah is a good friend of LTCBertolini's, as well as an extremelyinfluentual member of the community,CPT McCaughrin said.

"He has been a big part of oursecurity here," said LTC Bertolini."One story like this carries a long way.It wouldn't suprise me if a couple ofthousand people hear about this in thenext few days."

September-October 2006 Currahee Press10

Story by PFC Paul Ondik

3-67th AR Helps Save Local Girl’s Life3-67th AR

16 AUGUST 1970 — THUA THIEN PROVINCE Counteroffensive, Phase VII, Vietnam

During the middle part of August, During the middle part of August, the Currahees of 3the Currahees of 3--506 INF began 506 INF began to hear rumors of a move north to to hear rumors of a move north to link back up with the 101st, and by link back up with the 101st, and by 16 August, preparations for the 16 August, preparations for the reunion with the 101st were well reunion with the 101st were well under way. (The 3under way. (The 3--506 had been 506 had been operating virtually autonomously operating virtually autonomously for the last few months.) for the last few months.) ConnexesConnexes were packed, the clubs were packed, the clubs dismantled, and the units readieddismantled, and the units readiedfor the journey to link back up with for the journey to link back up with the 101st. the 101st. Transportation would be Transportation would be by air, land, and sea by air, land, and sea -- Soldiers and Soldiers and vehicles would fly to vehicles would fly to PhuPhu BaiBai in Cin C--130 transports; 130 transports; connexesconnexes would would arrive by LST (Landing Ship, Tank).arrive by LST (Landing Ship, Tank).

Soldiers from 3- 67 AR and 801st BSB serving with506 RCT, 101st Abn. Div., bring an Iraqi girl fortreatment for a leg infection at FOB RustamiyahJun 17.

Troops Assess Gas Station In RamadiStory and photos by PFC Paul Ondik

1-506th Infantry

Currahee Press September-October 2006 11

On the morning of July 14, B Company, 1st Battalion,506th Infantry Regiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division worked with Company 2, 3rdBattalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division and MarineCivil Affairs, to assess a gas station near Observation PostTrotter in Ramadi.

"First we're going to do a quick, cursory, sweep of thegas station," said 2LT Jason Jones, platoon leader, 1st pla-toon, B Company. "Then we'll move to engage the cus-tomers."

The gas station itself is just across the road form OPTrotter. One of the company's most important missions isto keep the road secure. The unique challenge posed bythe gas station was evident from the long line of cars andIraqi locals waiting outside of them in the shade thatstretched down the road.

"Our job on this route is to look down the road. That'skind of hard when you got a line of cars running down it,"said 1LT Tom Sheep, the B Company fire support officer."They'll wait all day sometimes. They'll wait days and daysin a row sometimes," 1LT Sheep said. "That is one of thethings we want to do today is find out if we can improvethe lines."

While part of the unit spoke with the gas station ownerand workers, Jones led a squad from 1st Platoon down theline of cars. Accompanying them was an Iraqi Army squad.

"As far as our company, this is the first or second timewe've used the IA. We're going to start using them a littlemore," said 2LT Jones.

"Other companies have used them a lot more, onraids," 2LT Jones said.

On this mission, there was also a light Quick ReactionForce in support back at OP Trotter.

This mission fulfilled a dual role. It increased securityaround OP Trotter, and allowed troops to help improveessential services for local Iraqis.

"A lot of the problems in our backyard are waterpumps, electricity, and gas," said 1LT Sheep.

SPC Billy Underwood, infantryman, B Company, 1st Battalion,506th Infantry Regiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division, and 2LT Jason Jones, his platoonleader, check the results of explosives tests during an opera-tion in Ramadi July 14. Checking around a corner, 2LT Jason Jones,

a platoon leader, B Company, 1st Battalion,506th Infantry Regiment, 506th RegimentalComat Team, 101st Airborne Division, main-tains security during a gas station assess-ment in Ramadi July 14.

September -October 2006 Currahee Press12

Story and photos by MAJ James Lowe

4-320th FA

In a predawn raid, Soldiers ofBattery A, 4th Battalion, 320th FieldArtillery Regiment, 506th RegimentalCombat Team, 101st AirborneDivision, seized a large cache ofexplosives and captured four terroristsin Adhamiyah Aug. 3.

Operation Guinness, a battalionlevel operation which was part ofOperation Together Forward, a Multi-National Division - Baghdad operation,concentrating on disrupting murders,kidnappings and bombings inBaghdad. The suspects detained arebelieved to have launched bombingattacks against Coalition Forces andIraqi Security Forces.

At about 3 a.m., Battery A Soldierscordoned off the neighborhood sur-rounding the house pointed out by atip. Four individuals were in the resi-dence and were detained. TheSoldiers searched the house andfound 130 anti-personnel mines, oneanti-tank mine rigged as an impro-

vised-explosive device, one stick ofrocket-propelled grenade propellant,an RPG launcher, 25 rounds of .50-caliber ammunition and various otherbomb making materials. A U.S. NavyExplosive Ordnance Disposal teamsecured the explosives.

"We received some very specificintelligence that led us to the site.Battery A led by CPT Michael Stewart,executed the mission flawlessly withassistance from the EOD team," saidLTC Kevin Milton, commander, 4-320th FA.

Pivotal to the operation was theblending of various skill sets to bringthe right forces to the battle.

"Operation Guinness was anexcellent example of intelligence driv-en operations that integrated all avail-able asset. Our leaders integratedmilitary working dogs, human intelli-gence teams, attack air, CombatCamera and EOD," said MAJ BruceCoyne, operations officer, who provid-

ed battalion-level coordination at thesite of the operation.

"After detailed rehearsals, the bat-tery commander maintained momen-tum through precise command andcontrol of his assets," MAJ Coyneadded.

"We have rehearsed and execut-ed raids like this many times, and wewere able to enter and search the tar-get house quickly and smoothly," saidCPT Stewar. "Our Soldiers are simplythe best in the profession, and we cando this anytime, anywhere."

Neither the suspected terroristsnor any Coalition Soldiers wereinjured during this operation.

Investigation into this incident byCoalition and Iraqi Security Forcescontinues.

"This mission was a victory for ourunit and the people of Iraq," said MAJCoyne.

4-320th FA Finds Large Cache, Detains Four Terrorists

4-320th FA Helps Rebuild Fire StationStory by SFC Richard Powell

A sack of anti-personnel mines were discov-ered along with a large weapons cache duringan early morning raid by Battery A, 4thBattalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 506thRegimental Combat Team, 101st AirborneDivision, Multi-National Division – Baghdad,from a home in Adhamiyah August 3. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 4th Bn., 320th FARegt., 506th RCT, 101st Abn. Div.)

Baghdad has a fire departmentthat does more than fight fires - itfights terrorism.

Built with the help of 4th Battalion,320th Field Artillery Regiment, 506thRegimental Combat Team, 101stAirborne Division the department isstaffed with Iraqis who are takingcharge of their own safety.

New to the emerging governmentbut not new to firefighting, COL LaithAbbas, director for the Iraqi Civil

Defense Headquarters and ControlCenter, has overseen the building ofthe Baghdad Fire Department. The"Tomahawks" of 4-320th have provid-ed materials and expertise Laith hasprovided the motivation and the men.

The result is a "command andcontrol" headquarters much like theAmerican 911 system. Firefightersrespond to a number of emergencies,including fires, explosions and terror-ists' attacks. The firefighters also take

on extra responsibilities in a combatzone, responding to discoveries ofunexploded ordnance. They mustensure proper disposal of these dan-gerous pieces of artillery and otherweapons which did not explode whenfired.

By containing fires that may haveotherwise spread across the city, theirefforts have prevented millions of dol-lars in damage. Local citizens, includ-ing families whose houses have been

Currahee Press September-October 2006 13

Senior NCOs from 801st BSB Speak Out

saved from destruction are prais-ing the firemen for their courage.

Khadim Mansour is one Baghdadresident whose family is grateful.

One hot July afternoon, an elec-trical fire started in his home in aneighborhood in the eastern part ofthe city, said Mansour.

The chief of the local fire sta-tion, Abbas Asfir Namah, respondedwith his men. The firefighters chargedup the stairs toward the second-storyfire and extinguished it in time to savethe home.

The battalion has supplied water,phone lines, and security to help thefire department. The 4-320th FA hasalso installed barriers to improvesecurity at the ICDC compound

The fire department building hasbeen renovated, with new living spacefor firefighters and a well system tomaintain water. A pit for unexplodedmortars has been built outside the sta-tion, and the U.S. Army has assistedin helping clear over 10,000 haz-ardous rounds from the pit.

No fire department would be com-

plete without a truck, and theseBaghdad firefighters have a new oneto carry water. With a combination oftheir own bravery and Tomahawk aid,the ICDC will be protecting the resi-dents of Baghdad from both the forcesof nature and the forces of terrorismfor years to come, said LTC KevinMilton, commander, 4-320th FA .

In addition to saving houses,these Iraqis provide benefits that areharder to put a price on. Their servicehas brought confidence, strength, andunity to the community, said Namah.

At a fire in east Baghdadfirefighters are able to putout a fire and save themans home with the newequipment including a firetruck and water which wasprovided by 4th Battalion,320th Field ArtilleryRegiment, 506thRegimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division.(Courtesy photo by 4-320th FAR, 4th BCT, 101stAbn. Div.)

4-320th FA and 801st BSB

I would like to send my love and appre-ciation to my ex-wife, Tracey, who duringthis deployment gave me the greatestnews from home I could have asked for;we will be remarrying upon my return. Ilove you sweetheart. I would also like totell my son David congratulations on hisrecent engagement to his high schoolsweetheart, to my daughter Erika andyoungest son Alex that I love and missthem very much. I am very proud of allthree of them.

I like the living conditions forSoldiers, and Friday night seafooddinner.

What do you like best aboutFOB Rustamiyah?

Would you like to say anythingto anyone at home?

What is your positive soldierstory for deployment?

The most positive Soldier story I have isthat we have traveled over 80,000 onthe roads of Baghdad and there has notbeen any loss of life or injury to ourSoldiers.

What is your positive soldierstory for deployment?

I have several mentionable storiesand all of them conclude on the samenote, the development of Warriors.Since I have been assigned to the801st BSB, I have witnessed theSoldiers of the "Maintaineers" devel-op, mature, and perform. TheSoldiers trained, deployed, and arenow executing the Battalion's mis-sions in a combat environment,expertly.

MSG EugeneBrown

SFC DarrinHarris

SFC CoryBryson

SFC JerryKirby

September-October 2006 Currahee Press14

Tower improvements stop rocket debrisStory by PFC Paul Ondik

801st BSB

The hard work by the 801st Brigade Support Battalionto strengthen defenses at the gates of Forward OperatingBase Rustamiyah paid off August 5 when a rocket impact-ed near the gate with no casualties.

"It was roughly about 60 ft. away where it hit," saidCPT Ryan Schwankhart, commander of B Company, 801stBrigade Support Battalion, 506th Regimental CombatTeam, 101 Airborne Division.

The improvements on the gate were made over a peri-od beginning on August 1, when the problem was identi-fied, to August 4, when the project was completed. Thegate was attacked by a rocket on August 5.

To harden the gate the tower was reinforced with 25 ft.of steel, and with ballistic glass. When the rocket struck 20meters from the tower on August 5, debris and rocks hitthe glass and armor, but the Soldiers inside were keptsafe.

"Before, for the Soldiers in there, there was nothing up

there but a piece of plexiglass," said 1SG Brian Pirtle, firstsergeant, B Company.

Before these improvements were made it was neces-sary for guards to remain low in the tower if they wanted tobe safe from enemy sniper fire. Now, with the ballisticglass, it is possible for these guards to maintain a maxi-mum field of vision even during times when the enemythreat is high.

The value of these improvements for better security forthe FOB is obvious, and after the attack on August 5, thevalue for the safety of the troops inside was clearlyevident.

"A lot of times in a maintenance company, we workbehind the scenes," said CPT Schwankhart. After the rock-et impacted and word came that the troops inside thetower were uninjured, the troops that worked to make theimprovements felt a sense of pride, CPT Schwankhartsaid. "They were like 'I did that."

A Soldier searches throughthe crater made by a rocketduring an unsuccessful attackon a newly reinforced guardtower at Forward OperatingBase Rustamiyah August 5.(Courtesy photos )

From the Chaplain’s office...

Team Spirit- The Key to Mission SuccessStory by Chaplain (MAJ) James Choi

In his study "The AmericanSoldier" released in 1949, SamuelStouffer reported on the World War IISoldiers' attitudes about facing battle.Combat infantrymen returning fromthe war stated their primary motivationin combat was their brothers-in-arms.The study recognized what we allknow to be true, strong group tiesdeveloped during combat are criticalto a unit's success. After a recentresearch in the same subject, Dr.Leonard Wong, associate researchprofessor at the U.S. Army WarCollege's Strategic Studies Institutesaid the paper "Why They Fight:Combat Motivation in Iraq" validatedthe popular belief that unit cohesion isa key issue in motivating Soldiers tofight. The desire of "not letting yourbuddy down" has been the conven-tional wisdom as to why Soldiers fight.

It is true that the esprit-de-corpsamong Soldiers is one of the most

important factors of a unit's success.We Currahees have been accomplish-ing our missions successfully for thelast ten months of our deployment ineastern Baghdad.

With a true sense of unity andshared responsibility, we have writtensuccess stories that will be added toour Regiment's storied history.

Soldiers from squad-level onpatrol to the Regimental TOC havebeen working as a team for the samegoal -- rebuilding this troubled nationand restore freedom to the people ofIraq. All of us have different tasks toaccomplish but we have one focusthat is the purpose for our existencehere.

As a team, we've been makinghistory in this country. Let's commitourselves to continue our legacy aswe approach the end of our deploy-ment. Let's continue to have prideand confidence in what we are doing

with a sense of purpose. Each one ofus is an important member of thisgreat organization - The 506thRegimental Combat Team.

Each one of us is an importantlink in the chain of mission success.We can maintain a strong team spiritby taking care of each other, encour-aging each other, trusting each other,laughing together and overcomingadversity together.

I am glad that the religious activi-ties such as Interfaith Praise Nightcontributed in building the spirituality,camaraderie, and team spirit amongour Soldiers. We can finish ourdeployment strong if we stay focusedand work as a team.

The Scripture says, "Though onemay be overpowered, two can defendthemselves. A cord of three strands isnot quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes4:12)

Currahee Press September-October 2006 15

LTC Kevin Milton, commander, 4-320th Field Artillery,served as the featured speaker for the FOB LoyaltyInterfaith Praise Night Sept. 10.

Soldiers perfom at the Interfaith Praise Night onFOB Rustamiyah Sept. 17.

16

Safety Guy Speaks...Story by Rod Lowell506th RCT Safety

First of all, let me say that you all continue to do great in the area of safety and are setting the example for all sol-diers in the theater of operations. You have also set very high standards for all in-bound units. As you get ready to rede-ploy please don't let your guard down. Be especially careful during your left seat-right seat, and pass on those thingsthat you have made a routine part of your daily operations that have helped ensure the safety of your soldiers and self.The following list is just a reminder of some of the things we can do to greatly reduce risks to our equipment and selvesduring the upcoming re-deployment phase:

1. Prepare Risk Assessments and use them as a safety tool in all load-up and redeployment activities.2. Maintain awareness of what is going on around you. Be aware of moving vehicles to include ATVs and

forklifts.3. When conducting uploading operations wear all required PPE to include helmet, eye protection, and

gloves.4. Use ground guides.5. Do not climb on top of conexes or tricons.6. Maintain a safe distance (always add a buffer zone) between you, the vehicle, and container during crane

and flatbed load-ups.7. Drink plenty of water. You will most likely be uploading in an open area and it will still be hot out.8. During load-up operations conducted during hours of darkness, ensure you have adequate lighting and

can be seen. Wear your reflective PT belt or vest, and carry either a flashlight or chem.-lites. 9. Slow down. Don't be in a hurry. Do it correctly, in a safe manner the first time. Cutting corners is a good

way to get hurt.10. Make on the spot corrections when you see someone doing something wrong. It may save someone

from injury or even possible death.11. Lead by example and set the tone for safe operations for your team or detail.12. Use the buddy system.

Once again, congratulations on your overall success during the last 10 months. Let's make our last two monthseven safer and more successful.

September -October 2006 Currahee Press

Currahees in Action

An Iraqi National Policeman and a Soldierwith the 2nd Battalion, 506th InfantryRegiment climb onto a rooftop duringOperation Together Forward. INPs and U.S.troops cleared 4,284 homes in Al Dora. Theydetained 24 people, registered 339 weaponsand confiscated 71 weapons over a five dayperiod.

2-506 IN BN / A CO / 2nd PLT takes abreak with Iraqi soldiers during a housesearching operation in Baghdad.

Photos of 2nd Battalion506th Infantry Regiment

Photos of 3rd Battalion67th Armored Regiment

Currahees in Action

Currahee Press Sepember-October 2006 17

Photo of Headquartersand HeadquartersCompany, 506thInfantry Regiment

SPC Timothy Adams constructs a Jersey barrier cordonin a dangerous section of East Baghdad by cutting offthe rings on the barriers to prevent them from beingmoved by the local populace.

SSG Ernest Miller and SGT Allison Mclean, HHC, 506thRCT conduct a monthly strength roster scrub to ensure100 percent accountability for all the Soldiers in the506th RCT, Aug. 15.

SFC Mark West, SFC George Gadberry andLTC Paul Finken, members of the 506th RCTBrigade MiTT Team at the Old Ministry ofDefense complex discuss an improvisedexplosive device that blew up near the com-pound Sept. 9.

SSG Jacques Andrews and SPC JasonPreston of B Company 3-67 AR wasdirecting National Police to their nextobjective during Operation Hound Dawn,a battalion - level cordon and knock oper-ation, Sept. 12.

Photos of 1stSquadron, 61stCavalry Regiment

Currahees in Action

September-October 2006 Currahee Press18

SPC Justin Hinderliter, a combat medic,rotated out of B Company, 1st Squadron, 61stCavalry Regiment, 506th Regimental CombatTeam, 101st Airborne Division, and nowworks in the Aid Station at Forward OperatingBase Rustamiyah,

Soldiers of Headquarters andHeadquarters Troop won their round ofthe tug of war competition. TheseSoldiers took part in the celebration ofthe two year anniversary of 1stSquadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment,506th Regimental Combat Team, 101stAirborne Division, Organizational DayAug. 16.

CPT David Holstead outgoing commander for Headquartersand Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 61st CalvaryRegiment along with the Squadron Commander LTC BrianWinski and incoming Troop commander CPT Jason Luceroduring the HHT change of command ceremony.

Photos of 4thBattalion, 320th FieldArtillery Regiment

Currahees in Action

19Currahee Press September-October 2006

SPC Aaron Gulley, a logistical specialist, G Company, 4thBattalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 506th RegimentalCombat Team, 101st Airborne Division, leans against hishumvee during an operation in Zafriniyah July 25. Gulley isa native of Oklahoma City. This 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment,

506th Regimental Combat Team, 101st AirborneDivision, Soldier waits for the command to fire dur-ing an artillery calibration test at ForwardOperating Base Loyalty Aug. 9.

SSG Justin Cramer, truck commander, GCompany, 4th Battalion, 320th Field ArtilleryRegiment, 506th Regimental Combat Team,101st Airborne Division, talks to one of his 50cal. gunners during an operation in ZafriniyahJuly 25.

SPC Khari Lewis, a .50 cal. gunner, G Company,4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 506thRegimental Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division,takes a sip of water to help alleviate the broilingheat in Zafriniyah July 25.

Photos of 4thBrigade SpecialTroops Battalion

Photos of 801stBrigade SupportBattalion

Currahees in Action

September-October 2006 Currahee Press20

CPT Ryan Schwankhart, commander of B Company,stands in the crater made by a rocket during anunsuccessful attack on a newly reinforced guardtower at FOB Rustamiyah Aug. 5.

LTC Scott Coy 801st BSB com-mander waiting for the arrival ofgenerals at the Old Ministry ofDefense complex to conduct abattlefield circulations inAdhamiyah Sept. 9

SPC Patty Armenteras, tactical communications andhelp desk clerk conducts a system analysis check ona laptop Aug. 15.

Soldiers awaiting the arrival of MG JamesThurman and the LTG Peter Chiarelli for circu-lation in Adhamiya Sept. 9

Currahees in Action

21Currahee Press September-October 2006

Photos of 1st Battalion,506th InfantryRegimental

1LT Jeffrey Eden, distribution platoon leader, ECompany, unstraps palletes of water during anoperation distributing it to local nationals with thehelp of the 2nd Bde., IA in Ramadi July 2.

SPC Rob Bueno, infantryman, B Company takescover behind a pickup truck in the outer securitycordon during a gas station assessment in RamadiJuly 14.

1LT Jeffrey Eden, distribution platoon leader, ECompany directs a forklift during a water distri-bution mission in Ramadi July 11.

SFC John Clipp, distribution platoon sergeant, ECompany gives water to Iraqi locals after building upfighting positions in Ramadi July 11.

23Currahee Press June 2006