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EOD Airmen get high-tech , Page 5
Baghdad, Iraq September 9, 2005Vol. 3, No. 34
WASHINGTON — Iraqi Security Forces will provide the pri-mary security for the Oct. 15 constitutional referendum and theDecember elections, said a U.S. commander in Baghdad Friday.
In a news briefing, Army Lt. Gen. John Vines, commander ofMulti-National Corps - Iraq, said that because Iraqis will bemainly responsible for security, U.S. forces in the area will be
increased only by about 2,000 troops for the referendum andelections.
Vines said he expects insurgents to increase attacks as the ref-erendum approaches, but Coalition and Iraqi Forces will be pre-pared to defend the Iraqis’ democratic process.
“Unfortunately, there are those who want to deprive them ofthe opportunity to determine their own destiny, and they’ll useviolence to do it,” he said. “We’ll do everything we can to createthe conditions so Iraqis have the opportunity to be heard andmake their own decisions.”
Iraqi Security Forces continue to make progress in their train-ing, Vines said, and they are closely partnered with Coalitionunits in all aspects of their operations.
“They work together, they plan together, and, in some cases,they fight together,” he said.
On an average day, more than 30 combined operations are con-ducted throughout Iraq, and Coalition and Iraqi Forces are mak-ing progress against the insurgents, Vines said. Ultimately,
Iraqi Forces to provide bulk of election security
See ELECTION, Page 2
By Sgt. Sara WoodAmerican Forces Press Service
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Russell E Cooley IVU.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Reconnaissance Team, 3rd Infantry Division, visit a town literally made from trash and mud on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq.The team talks with the residents to make sure no insurgents have sought refuge. The Soldiers also handed out school supplies, toys and candy to the childern.
The big “C” word: how to makeyour marriage work Page 6
U.S. colonel receives DistinguishedService Cross Page 2
Rugby becomes reality getaway fordeployed troops Page 8
Inside
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Women celebrated their newright to vote Aug. 18, 1920, with the ratification ofthe 19th Amendment. Women and men in TaskForce Baghdad celebrated that milestone 85years later on Aug. 26 in a Women’sEquality Day ceremony at the dining facili-ty here.
The 3rd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment(Attack Reconnaissance) sponsored theceremony, which featured a song andvideo presentation and an addressby guest speaker Chief WarrantOfficer Sezandra Pinckney, BCompany, 603rd AviationSupport Brigade.
“The 19th Amendmentpaved the way for women inAmerica,” Pinckney said inher speech. “We live in amuch different countrytoday. We have madeprogress over the last 85years, but we still have away to go.”
The 19th Amend-ment grants U.S. citi-zens a vote that “shallnot be denied orabridged by the United
States or by any state on account of sex,” and is anamendment that Lt. Col. Morgan Lamb, 3/3 ARB com-mander, recognizes as an essential document to theprogress of America.
“Thankfully, we live in a nation that accepts change,and change has to occur [for progress]. That is why we
have this amendment,” Lamb said. “We realize therole of women, and that is why we
celebrate Women’s EqualityDay.”
Pinckney feels thatequality in the right to
vote was just the first step.Equality has led to more
political, leadership and mil-itary opportunities forwomen and is one of thereasons she celebratesWomen’s Equality Day.
“Today is not about‘woman versus man’ —it’s about woman and manand what they are doingfor their country,” she
said.
Editor.....................................................Sgt. Misha King
Assistant Editor.......................Spc. Ferdinand Thomas
Staff.......................................Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn
The Scimitar is an authorized publication for members of theDepartment of Defense. Contents are not necessarily the officialviews of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or DoD. The editori-al content is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of theMulti-National Force - Iraq. Stars and Stripes newspaper is notaffiliated with MNF-I and acts only as a distributing source for theScimitar. Questions and comments should be directed to the editorat [email protected].
Scimitar welcomes columns, commentaries, articles and letters from
readers. Send submissions to [email protected]
We reserve the right to editfor propriety, clarity and space.
The Scimitar can also be viewed on theWeb at http://www.mnf-iraq.com/
publications_theater.htm
ScimitarPage 2 September 9, 2005
MNF-I Commanding GeneralGen. George W. Casey Jr.
MNF-I PAOCol. Dewey G. Ford
Combined Press Information CenterDirectorLt. Col. Steven A. [email protected]
Command Information ChiefMaj. Patricia C. [email protected]
Command Information NCOICMaster Sgt. Michele R. [email protected]
Aviation Brigade celebrates Women’s Equality DayStory and photo by Spc. Derek Del RosarioAviation Brigade Public Affairs
Chief Warrant Officer Sezandra Pinckney and Staff Sgt. Tonya Chisholm openthe Women’s Equality Day ceremony by cutting the cake.
U.S. Army colonel receives Distinguished Service Cross
BAGHDAD — The Distinguished ServiceCross — second only to the Medal of Honorin military decorations — has been awardedto U.S. Army Col. James H. Coffman Jr. forhis role in leading Iraqi Special PoliceCommandos through a five-and-a-half hourbattle against insurgents trying to overrun anIraqi police station.
Flanked by the commando unit Coffmanfought with, U.S. Army Gen. George W.Casey Jr., commander of Multi-NationalForces - Iraq, pinned the cross and eaglemedal on Coffman’s body armor during anAug. 24 ceremony at Adnon Palace inBaghdad’s International Zone. Iraq’sMinister of Interior, Bayan Jabr, and a num-ber of other high-ranking Iraqi and Coalition
leaders also attended the ceremony.“It’s humbling to me to be in the company
of heroes,” Casey said, noting Coffman’sextraordinary heroism in the battle that killed12 Iraqi commandos and wounded 24. “Suchexemplary conduct is a great example to Iraqicommandos and to all American Soldiers andwarriors.”
Coffman, 51, is a special assistant to thecommanding general of the Multi-NationalSecurity Transition Command - Iraq, U.S.Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, and a sen-ior adviser to the Iraqi Special PoliceCommandos. He accompanied a commandoQuick Reaction Force with the 3rdBattalion, 1st Iraqi Special PoliceCommando Brigade on Nov. 14, 2004, tohelp a commando platoon under attack in aMosul, Iraq, police station.
As the QRF approached the station, it wasbesieged with rocket-propelled grenades,small arms fire and mortar rounds. Coffman
and the commandos fought the insurgents forfour hours before help arrived. When the ini-tial firefight killed or seriously wounded allbut one of the commando officers, Coffmanrallied the remaining commandos while tryingto radio for assistance, according to his awardcitation.
“Under heavy fire, he moved from com-mando to commando, looking each in the eyeand using hand and arm signals to demon-strate what he wanted done,” the citation said.
At one point, an enemy round shattered hisleft shooting hand, damaging his M4 rifle inthe process. Coffman bandaged it and contin-ued fighting with AK-47 rifles he collectedfrom commando casualties until each ran outof ammunition.
“Col. Coffman, the blood you shed willnever be forgotten,” said Jabr, the InteriorMinister. “We, the forces of the [Ministry ofInterior] and the [Ministry of Defense] willcontinue to fight until we defeat terrorism.”
Story and photo by Sgt. Lorie Jewell Multi-National Security TransitionCommand - Iraq Public Affairs
Gen. George W. Casey Jr., commander ofMNF-I, pins the Distinguished ServiceCross medal on Col. James H. Coffman Jr.
though, the freedom of Iraq is not going to be won by force, hesaid.
“The success of our endeavor here, in large measure, is not amilitary solution,” he said. “It is a political solution, and it is onethat must be achieved by the Iraqi people, the Iraqi SecurityForces and the Iraqi government. We’ll do everything we can tohelp create those conditions so they can and will succeed.”
When considering the validity of the cause in Iraq, people needto remember how much progress has been made since U.S. forceshave been there, Vines said. Iraq now has a sovereign govern-ment, a transitional assembly, a draft constitution and ministriesof defense, electricity, oil, water and interior, he said. Theseaccomplishments point to great success, he added, but do notmean the threat has diminished.
“We’ve been successful enough that some may think there’s nolonger a threat,” he said. “I can assure you, there is. There aresome evil people that wish to attack us.”
The work of U.S. forces in Iraq and other parts of the worldagainst those who wish to spread terror has increased the safetyand defended the freedoms of all Americans, Vines said.
Electionfrom Page 1
ScimitarSeptember 9, 2005 Page 3
PERSPECTIVES
Living in San Francisco, I survived the Loma Prietaearthquake in 1989. I felt the impact when the World
Trade Towers were destroyed on 9/11. The world witnessedthe aftermath of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia lastDecember. I have even experienced personal loss of lovedones. There are those who might consider being deployed toIraq a personal disaster. What have I learned from all of this?Disasters or difficult times seem to bring people together.Sad but true, such events tend to unite people toward a com-mon cause. I predict Hurricane Katrina will probably garnerthe same support. After all, I believe people are for the mostpart good and find comfort in doing their part to help.
Even when a disaster occurs far away, you can probablyfind a way to help from the deserts of Iraq. Relief organiza-tions can often use help organizing donations or preparingboxes for disaster victims and their families. You can puttogether care packages with cards and other non-essentialitems to help boost spirits. You can also help by encouragingfriends and family to contribute to a relief organization suchas the Red Cross, or donate needed supplies to organizationslike the Salvation Army, Catholic charities or other charitableagencies recommended by the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency (FEMA). All donations, even a smallone, helps. What is a few dollars or a few hours of my time,if in the end I am able to help those who are not able?
I can’t help but realize that those of us in Iraq have some-how switched roles with the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Ifeel for the troops that are here in country waiting for a flightto go home. Normally leaving theater is a happy time. Itmeans leaving a war zone, reuniting with loved ones and
returning to homes and routines we left. Sadly, for somereturning to the area affected by Hurricane Katrina, it mightbe to face another war — destroyed homes, loved ones whohave been killed, remain missing and probably nightmares Icannot begin to understand.
Since I have been in country, I have been the recipient ofnumerous letters, emails and care packages (some of which Ihave been able to share with the Iraqi people) from peoplewhom I haven’t even met. I realize the only reason our pathshave crossed is because I am here in Iraq. I get letters andemails offering, help, prayers and support on a daily basisnot only to me, but to the Iraqi people. Now it’s my turn toreturn the favor to people I have never met and where cir-cumstance such as a disaster have brought us together. Eventhough I am here in Iraq, I realize while I can’t offer myphysical self to help Hurricane Katrina victims, I certainlycan offer emotional and financial support. Whether you are aSoldier, Airman, Marine, Sailor or contractor, you can helpturn tragedies and disasters into opportunities.
For whatever reasons, disasters do bring communitiestogether. I have always believed that the heart and strengthof a city lies in its people. This is especially evident whenthe survival or rebuilding of a city, state or country is notnegotiable. The Iraqis have shown me that they are a deter-mined and resilient people. It is with this determination andperseverance that will make them successful in making theirnew government work for the good of everyone. CoalitionForces have come together to unite the Iraqi people as theywork towards putting what has been a disaster to their coun-try towards a democratic future where its people can moveforward. Yes, those affected by Hurricane Katrina, yourcities will rebuild and you will survive for the simple reasonthat you have the support of people far and near unitedtowards a common cause — you.
By Maj. Flora LeeCombined Press Information Center
Turning tragedy into opportunity
Help is on time...
Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jorge RodriquezCapt. John Fulk, a doctor with 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry, listens to the heart of an Iraqi man in westernBaghdad as part of a mission to provide medical assistance and toys in the White Gold village recently.
ScimitScimitar Pulsear Pulse
“Send cash.”
Robert TiltonRaytheon
“Send donations to the distributionfunds.”
Army Col. Nelson McCouchU.S. Army Military District ofWashington
“Send letters, donations and try toencourage the individuals.”
Air Force Lt. Col. Michael WelchJoint Air Power CompetenceCenter
“Continue to support anyone wehave in that area.”
Army Sgt. Christen Sean416th Engineers Command
“Donate and start a clothing drive. Iam sure lots of people out thereneed clothes.”
Elizabeth WarnerIraq Reconstruction ManagementOffice
“Support the troops that are gettingsent back to help with the disastereffort.”
Air Force Capt. Chris WattJoint Area Support Group –Central
“Send donations to charitable organ-izations, and send letters to the vic-tims.”
Navy Captain Kurt BakerNaval Forces Central Command
What do you think people serving here inIraq can do to help the victims of
Hurricane Katrina?
Scimitar September 9, 2005Page 4
Movement control team: ‘Gate keepers’ for fuel
TREBIL, Iraq — A team of eightSoldiers from the 1st Corps SupportCommand are responsible for operating alarge mission: controlling the movement ofthousands of gallons of fuel between theJordanian and Iraqi borders.
These “gate keepers” are the first and lastcontrol point for the fuel brought in bycivilian contractors and vendors distributedthroughout western and southwestern Iraqeach day.
Members of the 635th Movement ControlTeam, a unit from Weisbaden, Germany,have taken on the large mission, while run-ning their operations in an efficient mannerto ensure fuel gets to the warfighters.
“It’s our job to ensure what’s beenordered is received, staged and moved for-ward,” said Capt. Gary D. Whittacre, 635thMCT detachment commander. “We coordi-nate movement of military combat logisticspatrols within Iraq, but mainly providedirect support for civilian movement in Iraqand across the border.”
The 635th MCT is responsible for expe-diting, coordinating and monitoring trafficmoving through the transportation system.In this case, their main commodity is fuel,which is brought in from Jordan.
The 635th MCT is able to run their oper-ations by splitting up into two cells: opera-
tions and staging yard. The operations cell is responsible for
coordination, monitoring and dispersion offuel from Jordan to meet Corps SupportGroup requirements.
“We make a point of knowing when it iscoming in, where it is going and that the[military] escorts are here to guide them totheir final destination,” Whittacre said.
Additionally, their mission includes sup-port to Iraqi and Jordanian customs offi-cials at the border to ensure civilians crossthe border safely.
“We have a good working relationshipwith the different customs organizations.We learn from each other and work onways to improve the system,” Whittacresaid.
The staging yard cell is responsible forreceiving the trucks of supplies in a desig-nated area and staging them in lanes set upspecifically for inspecting and meeting upwith their security escorts.
“When trucks come through my yard, weinspect every truck to ensure they meet themaintenance and security requirements,”said Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Neff, mainte-nance technician, 635th MCT.
Neff created a 24-point inspection for thecivilian trucks that enter and exit across theborder. This system was developed basedon his past experience as a motor sergeant.To date, Neff has conducted more than4,000 inspections since the MCT arrived inApril.
“We have a great system in place here so
the trucks don’t break down on the way,”Neff said. “The trucks come in fromJordan, and they are inspected for mainte-nance and contraband. Once the deficien-cies, if any, are fixed, everyone is manifest-ed, and [civilian] convoy serials arestaged.”
The MCT runs a tight schedule to ensurethese trucks are staged so when militaryescorts arrive, the trucks are ready to leave.
“The only thing the escorts have to do isconduct a convoy brief, and then they areready to hit the road,” Neff said.
Despite the challenges they have faced,the MCT members made great strides to getthem to where they are today.
“We’ve come a long way living outhere,” Whittacre said. “There’s no situationor operation we can’t handle. We arealways ready to serve.”
Fuels Airmen keep more than planes operational
ALI BASE, Iraq — For 19 years now, Master Sgt. DavidChandler’s mother proudly tells everyone she meets that her son“passes gas for a living” in the U.S. Air Force.
The fuels manager with the 407th Expeditionary LogisticsReadiness Squadron fuels management flight here is not fazed.He has heard them all and is ready to dish out a few jokes him-self on a moment’s notice.
However, the petroleum, oil and lubricants specialist alsoknows his job is serious business.
“We provide fuel to keep it rolling — whether they are vehi-cles, aircraft, [generators to provide] power or light carts,” saidChandler, who is from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Andunlike having to drive to the corner gas station for a tank of gas,Chandler and crew deliver directly to the customer.
“Our mobility and flexibility are our greatest assets,” he said.“If you can land it here or tell us where the equipment is, we goto you.”
Since May, the fuels Airmen have distributed over 3.3 milliongallons of liquid energy to the Air Force, their sister services andCoalition customers.
It is not as simple as it seems, however. The fuels specialistsdo not just hook up a fuel line to the receptacle and mindlesslypump away. There is a science to ensuring there is a proper blendof fuel.
And the proper blend of fuel is a tad bit more of a concern tocustomers who maneuver at more than 20,000 feet above theground.
Dedicated to perfectionism, the fuels Airmen check their prod-uct to ensure conductivity is high enough, water content is cor-rect and the fuel will ignite at a certain flash point.
“If condensation forms in a [C-5 Galaxy] fuel tank that holds
20,000 gallons and it clogs up the fuel line, then you have 100dead service members on your hands. It’s a big deal,” said Tech.Sgt. Roy Townsend, 407th ELRS fuels information service centersuperintendent, who is deployed from McConnell. “Attention todetail is critical in my career field,” Townsend said.
That is where Staff Sgt. Jason Bello, noncommissioned officerin charge of the 407th ELRS fuels lab, steps in. He filters gasolinethat is not up to par before it ever gets to the customer. If a batchturns up with the levels out of balance, he blends it with approvedfuel until he creates a safe mixture suitable for his customers.
While some Airmen here may spend much of their day behindcomputers, more than 15 fuels specialists have a front row seat to
see a parade of the world’s most interesting air-craft.
“I always like [that in POL I can do] differentthings and interact with [many different culturesand people who fly] on foreign aircraft,” Bellosaid.
They recently refueled Belgian aircraft, MarineCorps CH-53 and CH-46 helicopters, along withtheir standard routine of supporting C-130Hercules, Italian helos and Army aircraft here.
“We recently got to ‘hot refuel’ 40 Marine heli-copters and go ‘under the blades,’” said Chandler,who until then was the only one in his crew to hotrefuel a helicopter. Hot refueling is the fueling ofaircraft while their engines are still running.
Most of the time, fuels Airmen refuel aircraftwhile the propellers are off, but with a hot refuel,the blades are turning, and any mistake can turndeadly.
“The Marines loved the support,” Chandler said.“They had a limited amount of ground time sched-uled, and we jumped in and got them gassed andon their way.”
However, Airman 1st Class Sarah Stewart saidwhat most people do not know is the services they provide donot just affect flightline operations.
“If there is a generator on base, there is a good bet that I’vebeen there,” said Stewart, a 407th ELRS fuels operator, who isalso deployed from McConnell.
Without their products, the entire base, which is powered bygenerators that run off fuel, would come to a screeching halt.
“When you get on the plane to go home, you’re welcome.When you power up your computers, you’re welcome. Whenyou call home or enjoy the air conditioning, you’re welcome ...because without POL you’re out of luck,” Stewart said.
Story and photo by Capt. Sonise Lumbaca1st Corps Support Command Public Affairs
By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Phillips407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Neff, maintenance technician, 635th Movement ControlTeam, 1st Corps Support Command, shows a third country national a deficien-cy on a battery in one of the trucks in the staging yard at Trebil, Iraq.
Photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Maurice HesselAirman 1st Class Sarah Stewart drives a diesel truck to provide fuelto more than 40 U.S. service members and Coalition customers daily.
Scimitar Page 5September 9, 2005
CAMP HURRICANE POINT, ARRAMADI, Iraq — Shawn M. Gallagherroutinely puts his life on the line to supportthe ongoing war on terrorism, but he doesnot let the risks get him down.
“It’s an adventure out here for me,” saidthe lance corporal, “and I enjoy it.”
Each day, the 21-year-old from Fairfax,Va., takes to the streets of the Al-Anbar capi-tal with Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th MarineRegiment and conducts security and stabi-lization operations in support of OperationIraqi Freedom.
Gallagher has maintained a high level ofmotivation throughout his deployment,which is now more than halfway finished. Hesaid he has been able to maintain his zealbecause of his partner, Youry, a four-year-oldBelgiun Malinois.
“It’s easier being out here with my dog,”said Gallagher, who is a military dog handlerfrom Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni,Japan.
Gallagher and Youry deployed here in Mayand were attached to 1st Bn., 5th Marines tosupport OIF.
“I don’t get very homesick because ofhim,” said Gallagher on the companionshipprovided by his short, brown-haired col-league and four-legged friend. “I’ll play withhim and exercise him. When I am having abad day, he cheers me up. My job is greatbecause I get to play with a dog and havecompanionship.”
Gallagher and Youry seldom have muchplaytime, however, because they are always
on the go. The two are often the frontlinedefense against insurgents transportingweapons and explosives into the city.They work for hours at theinfantry battalion’s vehicle checkpoints, where they search vehi-cles entering the city.
Youry “sniffs out” explo-sives, explosive makingmaterial, grenades, rock-ets and even rifles andammunition,explained Gallagher.Youry picks up on thescent of residual gunpowder, which iswhat he has beentrained to detect.
Gallagher and Youryalso accompany infantry-men on patrols and othermissions. The team recent-ly hit the streets withMarines fromCompany A forwhat proved to bea large undertaking.
The Marines cor-doned off a por-tion of the city’smarket place in anattempt to captureinsurgents. Gallagherand Youry searched more than100 vehicles during the two-houroperation.
Gallagher’s job, though funand exciting, “can be hardsometimes,” he said. “[Youry]is like a little child. He can’t
tell me when he’s tired or hurtingso I have to constantly remain alertto his needs.”
Gallagher’s mindfulnessprompted him to improveYoury’s abilities to work underthe scorching Iraqi sun.
“I could tell he was strugglingto work when we first got here,”
he explained “He wasn’t use tothe heat.”
Gallagher placed hisdog on a light physi-cal training programto help him get
acclimated. “I started tak-ing him outon half-mile-runs
once aweek toget him in
shape,” he said.“He needed toget in better shape for themany missions we do. It
didn’t take long for himto get in good shape.Before, he’d be breath-ing so hard that hewasn’t sniffing well,which is counterpro-
ductive because hiswhole purpose is to
smell and find explo-sives.”
Gallagher contin-ues to take his dog onafternoon runs within
the confines of the camp here. The site is amorale booster for many of the Marines.
“It’s cool seeing them jogging together,”said Lance Cpl. Michael S. Fisher, a squadautomatic gunner with 1st Squad, 2ndPlatoon, A Co. “In a way, seeing a dog outhere and patting him is a little reminder ofhome.”
Gallagher and Youry will return to MCASIwakuni, Japan, in November when they fin-ish their seven-month OIF deployment,which is Youry’s second and Gallagher’sfirst.
“I’m a boot compared to him,”Gallagher said, laughing. “He’s been heremore than I have.”
Story and photos by Cpl. Tom Sloan2nd Marine Division
Lance Cpl. Shawn M. Gallagherand Youry take a break from theirvehicle searches to providesecurity for Marines during amission in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Shawn M. Gallagher and Youry, hismilitary police dog, search a vehicle for explo-sives during a recent mission in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
Marine forms camaraderie with four-legged friend
Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen rely on high-tech, raw nerves
ALI BASE, Iraq — Soldiers of the 56th Brigade CombatTeam encounter explosive situations daily as they travel alongIraq’s highways during convoy escort missions. But things hitcloser to home when the Texas Army National Guardsmen founda suspicious package in a trailer near their headquarters recently.
Security forces Airmen with the 407th Air ExpeditionaryGroup and Soldiers of the 56th BCT quickly evacuated everyoneand cordoned off the area around the package.
Within minutes,explosive ordnance dis-posal Airmen arrivedalong with two of theirbomb disposal robots.EOD Airmen are spe-cially trained to dealwith a variety of explo-sive devices. The teamsquickly deployed theirspace-age-looking vehi-cles to the area wherethe package was found.
Senior AirmanCameron Champion,from Dobbins AirReserve Base, Ga.,assigned to the 407thExpeditionary CivilEngineer Squadron, gin-
gerly maneuvered a robot tethered by a thin fiber optic cablethrough a maze of concrete barriers and military vehicles in theparking lot to remove the package.
Champion recovered the package and relocated it to a safe areaadjacent to an 18-inch thick reinforced concrete blast wall, whichwas designed to protect people from the blast of an artillery rock-et or mortar round.
The Airman used the robot’s mechanical gripper and explosivetools to open the package and reveal the contents inside thatturned out to be harmless. The suspicious package turned out tobe nothing but a foreign military field ration that had been leftunattended. Despite the ordeal, everyone agreed that acting onthe side of caution was the best judgment call.
The team regularly receives suspicious package calls and treatsevery one of them as the real thing, said Master Sgt. ThomasCarroll, EOD team chief who is deployed from McGuire AirForce Base, N.J.
“We can’t afford to make any second guesses because it maycause someone to lose their life,” Carroll said.
The Lewiston, Maine, native emphasized that safety is para-mount in their business because they handle dangerous materialssuch as explosives and ordnances. They use the robots to go intoharm’s way in place of a human because humans do not get asecond chance if something should go wrong.
Airman 1st Class Ian Wise, an EOD technician deployed fromMountain Home AFB, Idaho, took safety to heart while he pre-pared the explosive cartridge for the robot during the hottestpart of the day.
“I don’t let the heat bother me because I’m trying todo my best to stay focused,” Wise said. “I try toconcentrate on what I am doing at the moment tomake sure I remember all the training I’ve
received for the job and don’t miss a step.”Spc. Brian Clay said the incident was a sobering reminder they
are in a combat zone and cannot become complacent. It couldhave been a real bomb.
The specialist was one of the first responders who helped evac-uate the area. The North Webster, Ind., native said he has a new-found respect for the EOD team and the dangerous work itsAirmen perform. He said he was glad they were able to safelyidentify and destroy the package — even though it may havebeen someone’s meal.
“Any job that deals with explosives isa dangerous job,” Clay said. “TheAir Force EOD team did agood job today, andI really respectthem for whatthey do.”
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Lek Mateo56th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
Explosive ordnance disposal Airmen with the 407th AEG mon-itor the progress of a robot as it slowly moves in to investigatea suspicious package found unattended on base.
Airman 1st Class Ian Wiseinstalls an explosive cartridgeinto the firing attachment of arobot before it investigates asuspicious package found unat-tended on base.
ScimitarSeptember 9, 2005 Page 6
Marriage: the most difficultjob in the world. How does
one make it work?This is the fifth and final of our
discussions on why relatively few ofus fully and deeply enjoy the mar-riage relationship and what we cando about it. My encouragement hasbeen to use this deployment as anoptimum time for introspection andpersonal growth toward makingwhat we have back home even bet-ter.
A few years ago on the occasionof Peter Graves’ 50th weddinganniversary, someone asked himhow he managed to stay married tothe same woman for 50 years — afeat rarely accomplished in the enter-tainment industry. I like his reply. Itcame in two words: “We promised.”
What an absolutely novel idea!That a husband and wife — on thestrength of their word given to eachother — could remain faithful toeach other for so long!
We live in times that encouragenot-so-happy couples to ditch theirspouses and seek their happiness andfulfillment in someone else. Now, Irealize the pain that many haveundergone through divorce.
But my encouragement to you —wherever you are in your marriageexperience — is to take what youhave and invest everything in mak-ing it work.
Making marriage work is indeedthe hardest job in the world. It is
especially difficult if we are in thehabit of making decisions basedupon how we feel at any givenmoment, rather than based uponwhat we know to be the right thingto do or the right thing to say.
Think back to the day that you andyour “Sugar Biscuit” were married.Whether you said formal vows ornot, the concepts that ran throughyour mind included phrases like “forbetter, for worse” and “in sicknessand in health.”
Isn’t easy to have those warm,gushy, romantic feelings toward eachother when you are riding on top ofthe world and everything is goingyour way? But what about thosetimes when one or both of you aregoing through the very pits of life’sexperience? And the emotions andfeelings that you are experiencingare negative and painful. What then?
Let me illustrate. If you are likeme, you are convinced that the mostdespicable invention ever devised onthe face of the earth is running.(Don’t get me wrong; I can, I justdon’t enjoy the process.) Now, onthe Army side, part of our physicaltraining test is a two-mile run. And,let’s say, today you have the privi-lege of running that event. The GOis given and you’re off. You findyourself a quarter mile into the runand already you’re experiencing thesymptoms of total body shutdown.You’re sucking wind, your heart isracing at 400 beats per minute andyour legs seem heavier than lead.Every part of you is absolutely mis-erable. And you think to yourself,“And I still have seven times this farto go!” Friends, this is no party at
this point. It isnot pleasurecity!
What do youdo? Everythingin you says,“STOP!” Andyou feel likedoing just that!Do you stop?No. Why not?In spite of how you feel at thatmoment, you keep going. Why?Because your brain tells you that tokeep going is the right thing to do.And you are mentally aware that asyou persevere in placing one foot infront of the other, you will indeedeventually cross the finish line.
In everyday life and work con-texts, do we not practice this princi-ple? Very often we are faced withunpleasant tasks that we carry out inspite of not really feeling like it. (Formany, it may start with yourresponse to the alarm clock the firstthing in the morning!)
Why, then, can we not apply thisprinciple of COMMITMENT to ourmost important human relationship?Feelings will fluctuate with changingcircumstances. Commitment is thatwhich seeks first and foremost thewelfare of the other and says, “I amhere to be the best possible hus-band/wife for you NO MATTERWHAT.”
What keeps you going and work-ing — oftentimes very painfully andunselfishly — through the most chal-lenging times as a husband or wife?
It really does go back to all that’simplied in those two words: “Wepromised.”
Chaplain (Maj.) Doug Peterson 525th Military IntelligenceBrigade
CHAPLAIN’S TALK
ChaplainPeterson
The Big “C” Word!
NEWS IN BRIEF
Services established for Army Reservefamilies, Soldiers affected by hurricane
FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. — Army Reserve familymembers and Soldiers affected by Hurricane Katrina nowhave a way to contact the Army Reserve through a newly cre-ated call center.
The toll free number for the center is 1-877-464-9330, orfrom a military phone DSN 367-9330. Phones have beenmanned 24 hours a day as of noon Friday. Operators takedown information to aid deployed Army Reserve Soldiers indetermining the status and whereabouts of their familiesaffected by Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, callers arescreened to determine what other assistance they may need.The call center has information, and will help guide callersto specific resources.
In addition to the toll-free number, there is a Web siteestablished where families of deployed/mobilized ArmyReserve Soldiers and Army Reserve civilians may providetheir current contact information. The address of the Webpage is: http://www.arfp.org. The Web site also providesinformation and links to the many agencies providing specif-ic relief to those in need.
Army Reserve Soldiers and Army Reserve civilians who
have been dislocated as a result of the hurricane should alsocall the number or log into the Web site to aid is establishingaccountability.
Ramadi-based terrorists capturedBAGHDAD, Iraq — Multi-National Forces raided a sus-
pected terrorist hideout in Ramadi, Iraq, Aug. 23 and cap-tured a pair of known terrorists based in Ramadi.
Captured were Durayd Jassar Khalifah Hamud (aka AbuJabbar), a known terrorist leader and weapons dealer for theNu’man Brigade and Ali Husayn Muhammad Jasim, (akaKhalid Nazal or Abu Umar), a known improvised explosivedevise cell leader in the Nu’man Brigade.
Multiple intelligence sources led Multi-National Forces toAbu Jabbar’s and Khalid Nazal’s Ramadi location. Multi-National Forces raided the location and detained them with-out incident.
Abu Jabbar, a key al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in the Ramadi-based Nu’man Brigade, is alleged to have facilitated the pur-chase, transportation and distribution of weapons for thebrigade.
Khalid Nazal was an IED cell leader who was responsiblefor numerous IED attacks in the Ramadi area.
Coalition Corner... highlighting countries serving with MNF-Iraq
South Korealocal name: Taehan-min’guk
The Republic of Korea is located in eastern Asia on the south-ern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordering the East and
Yellow Seas. It has over 3,400 islands, and its neighbors are NorthKorea and Japan across the East Sea. Size-wise, it is slightly largerthan Indiana.
Over 48 million people inhabit this country, with over 10 millionliving in Seoul, the capital. Korean is the official language spokenby these millions, and English is widely taught in junior high andhigh school even though it is not an official language. The country’scurrency is the South Korean Won.
Although relatively small in size, South Korea has thousands ofbeautiful and historic temples. Most of them were built in remotemountain areas after the Joseon Dynasty proclaimed Confucianismas the state religion, banning Buddhism from cities in the 14th cen-tury. Seoul also boasts the enchanting Changdeok Palace, which wasstarted in 1405 as a royal residence to King Taejong. In 1463, KingSejo expanded it and created Biwon, the famous “Secret Garden,” asix-acre private getaway used for centuries as a hidden relaxationretreat for royalty.
Not only does South Korea have historic getaway spots for kings,it also has modern-day retreats for the average person. ChejudoIsland, one hour south of Seoul and the country’s largest island, issuch a place because of its isolated location. Besides beautifulbeaches and landscaping, the island boasts unique features such asthe Tolharubang, stone grandfathers, which are black lava statues ofa kind old man, which were once regarded as guardian deities.These statues are seen everywhere on the island. Other must-seesites include Yongduam, an unusual rock formation that looks like adragon’s head with its mouthopen, and Manjanggul Cave,the longest lava tube in theworld.
South Korea’s nationalfood is kimchi, which is fer-mented cabbage, pickled withsalt and chili peppers. It isserved at almost every meal,along with rice, which is astaple food in the Korean diet.Amazingly, there are over 100different types of kimchi, var-ied by the region it is grownin and by the amount of saltand level of spice used.Fermented foods have recent-ly become highly valued for their disease-prevention effects.
South Korea — yet another piece of the Multi-National Force -Iraq puzzle, dedicated to rebuilding Iraq.
References: www.cia.gov, www.iexplore.com, www.marimari.com,www.lifeinkorea.com, www.asiafood.org, seoulscene.com, www.orientalarchitecture.com.
Coalition Corner is compiled by Sgt. Misha King, Scimitar editor,[email protected].
ScimitarPage 7 September 9, 2005
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CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq — Finding aneffective way to make time pass quicker is amystery for many deployed service membersin Iraq. The troops of Camp Taqaddum founda way to do just that: a touch Rugby league.
Every Sunday, 20 or more Marines, Sailors,Soldiers and civilians meet before sunset onan open field that varies in elevation in certainspots and is covered by sand and rocks. Some
even play during the week when time permits.“We started out with 10 players, and four of
them didn’t know how to play,” said MarineCol. Bob DeStafney, Combat LogisticsRegiment 25 commanding officer at Camp“TQ.” “As time passed, more people started toshow up. Now we have about 25 people whocome out to participate regularly.”
DeStafney, known as the Marine whobrought the sport to TQ, also plays in theleague. He said the league is not like mostothers where a team may travel or host otherteams during a season. This league is morelike pick-up Rugby. Two to four differentteams are made out of the 20 or more peoplewho come out to play, and the action begins.
“We would eventually like to have a seven-on-seven tournament against other guys atTQ,” said Spc. Nicholas Lieb, one of the reg-ular participants in the league. “Playing guysfrom other forward operating bases would benice, too.”
Sundays are more like Rugby class,DeStafney said. A lot of the guys who comeout and do not know much about the gameseem to get a little confused. “The most diffi-cult thing is teaching beginners that the gameis not American football.”
To solve that problem, the veterans on thefield stress the warm up drills to the begin-ners a little bit more than usual. Catching theball and running is one of the main things onedoes in the game, so they work on that themost. Pre-game practices are packed with
short and long catch and throwing drills. Thisis also a time for the veterans to pay attentionto each person’s weak spots and helpstrengthen them.
DeStafney said every person that has comeout to participate so far has taken pleasure inthe experience. “Once we get them, we gotthem. They come out one time and they’rehooked. People enjoy the sport because it’sfast. It requires fitness and making decisionsfairly quickly,” he explained.
“I love playing,” Lieb said. “I started play-ing in the league when I got to TQ in June. It
has been memorable.” Even though the league is split into two
different teams, they are all one big team. TheTQ Rugby players are trying to find peoplewho want to join their club every day, andthey have a special way of doing it.DeStafney said he and his touch Rugby play-ers motivate others to come out and sharetheir experience.
He added, “When I meet someone and theytell me, ‘I’m bored.’ I tell that person, ‘meetme Sunday, and I’ll un-bore you.’ They usual-ly come to out play and love it.”
Rugby becomes reality getawayRugby becomes reality getawayStory and photos by Spc. Ferdinand ThomasScimitar Assitant Editor
Marine, Sailors and Soldiers run a few practice drills before starting their every-Sunday game of touch-Rugby.
Service members practice passing inmotion in preparation of the game.
CAMP TIGERLAND, BAGHDAD — For a couple ofhours, laughter rang out in the midst of the combat zone inBaghdad.
The Comics on Duty World Tour brought four comedi-ans to the Tiger Den dining facility at Camp TigerlandAug. 12. Dave Mishevitz, Sarah Tiana, John Bizarre andDanny Bevins formed the side-splitting team who keptthe Task Force Baghdad Soldiers rolling with laughter.The comics touched on subjects such as the funnier sideof military life in a combat zone, politics, relationshipsand random acts of everyday life.
John Bizarre, an Air Force “brat” and brother of aMarine, has appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “The DrewCarey Show,” “The District” and now he adds a MiddleEastern tour to his resume.
Bizarre said he jumped at the chance to perform for theU.S. Armed Forces. So far, his travels include Japan,Afghanistan, South Korea and the Persian Gulf. He saidhe is always amazed at the attitudes of the Soldiers heencounters.
“Everyone is so strong, and what is surprising is theconsistency of the bravery and dedication of theSoldiers,” he said. “No matter where I go, the attitudesare great and I’m amazed at how much the troops do, andthey do it without complaining.”
Bizarre said one of the most rewarding aspects of thetour is having the opportunity to meet America’s heroesafter each show.
“I always look them in the eye, shake their hand and
make sure I see their name. It makes me feel so good eachtime to see that they are in the moment,” stated Bizarre.
During this particular show, he offered a present to anySoldier in the audience with a birthday approaching.
Pfc. Justin Morrison from Alexandria, La., 156th InfantryRegiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd InfantryDivision, quickly raised his hand and told the comic his 18thbirthday was the very next day.
After making sure his hands were good and dry, Bizarre
cupped them together and after a little “tuning,” he proceed-ed to transform his hands into a musical instrument of flatu-lence as he squeezed out the tune, “Happy Birthday to You.”He even managed to hit all of the high notes.
Morrison said it was one of the most unique birthdayexperiences he ever had, and he was glad he took the time tocome out and enjoy the show.
“These guys were hilarious,” he said. “I was surprised athow much they really knew about our lives out here.”
Richard J. Davis, of Davis Entertainment Groupand executive producer of the Comics on Duty WorldTour, said his motivation for this project, as well asthe comics’ motivation, is strictly the individualSoldier.
“As far as money, we do this for next to nothing,and we try to get to as many bases as possible,” saidDavis. “It’s about reaching as many troops as we canin the time that we’re here.”
In the nine days the comics were in the area, theyperformed 17 shows.
Davis said the comics are true Americans whosegoals are to get out there and show support to theSoldiers.
“Just being funny doesn’t necessarily make themqualified — there are so many more elements. I lookfor comics who will provide a lot of interaction withthe Soldiers, which is as beneficial as the laughter,” hesaid.
Davis said he began the tour to brighten the attitudesand bring brighter outlooks to the Soldiers in the field.
“When you have the opportunity to positively affectsomething, even if it’s only 14 Soldiers at a time, thateffect ripples on, and makes their time here, even iffor a moment, a little more enjoyable,” he said.
American comics take drums of laughs to IraqStory and photo by Spc. Erin Robicheaux256th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
Dave Mishevitz, a comedian on the Comics on Duty World Tour,entertains Task Force Baghdad Soldiers at the Tiger Den diningfacility in Baghdad Aug. 12.
