EstaEstabblished in 1917 to honor those wlished in 1917 to honor those who serho ser vvee

Vol. 1, No. 9 may 14, 2006MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – BAGHDAD “steadfast and loyal”

Shadow SoldiersInvestigation agents work

to uncover crime

Page 12

Soldiers, Iraqis launcheffort to revitalize Iraq’s

date palm industry

Page 3

Secretary of the Armymeets with MND-B

leadership, Iraqi soldiers

Page 4

BAGHDAD —

The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S.

Secretary of Defense, visited Iraqi and

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

Soldiers, making an impromptu appear-

ance at the Iraqi army’s Forward Operating Base

Honor and MND-B’s FOB Prosperity Wednesday.

The tour provided Rumsfeld an opportunity to

observe the soldiers of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi

Army Division, as they trained on infantry tactics

and first-aid procedures. While visiting with Maj.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Secretary of Defense sees progress of Iraqi soldiers, attends luncheon with MND-B Soldiers

Band Calendar ......Cartoon Corner ....Faces & Places ......

172023

This WeekMWR Calendars ...Religious Services ..Sports Round Up ...

171924

The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense met with Brig. Gen. Mohammed Wassif, commander, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division at the Iraqi army's

Forward Operating Base Honor, which is located in Baghdad's International Zone. Rumsfeld also observed Iraqi army training and met with Multi-National Division -

Baghdad Soldiers responsible for training Iraqi Security Forces.

RUMSFELD VISITS IRAQ

see Rumsfeld, pg. 9

I’ve had the opportunity to

travel to Iraq three times,

most recently last month,

courtesy of the nonpartisan

Business Executives for National

Security. On every trip I’m

struck by the difference between

the Iraq I hear and read about

back home and the Iraq I see in

person. Iraq defies expectations

and easy definition.

For me as a business execu-

tive, these visits provide a first-

hand look at the largest U.S.

reconstruction effort since the

Marshall Plan. As the father of a

Marine who recently returned

from a tour in Iraq, I find that

these trips also offer a glimpse of

our frontline troops that few mil-

itary families ever see. Among

my general impressions:

First, U.S. forces in Iraq

remain focused on their mission.

Talking with soldiers and

Marines over dinner in their

mess halls, it’s easy to see why

reenlistment rates among U.S.

troops in Iraq are the highest in

the military. These men and

women understand their mission

and believe they are making a

difference. Like my son, Joe III,

after he returned from a tough

mission in Fallujah, the Marines

I met said they would be happy

to return to Iraq because they

believe what they’re doing is

important.

Second, every Iraqi knows

that the battle for their country

will be won or lost by Iraqis, not

Americans. Fears of an all-out

civil war were palpable during

my visit.

The day before I arrived,

attacks on crowded markets in

Baghdad’s Sadr City killed

dozens of Shiites. Dozens of

bodies, mostly of blindfolded,

bound and executed Sunnis, have

turned up in the streets. But

despite the ensuing violence,

U.S. and Iraqi military leaders

called the bombing of the Shiite

Golden Mosque in Samarra a

defining moment for the fledg-

ling Iraqi army.

In the Abu Ghraib region out-

side Baghdad, a Shiite com-

mander claimed that “sectarian

divisions are exaggerated” and

said that local Sunnis are more

supportive since his largely

Shiite troops prevented further

violence after the mosque bomb-

ing.

Adel Abdul Mahdi, Iraq’s

interim vice president and a

leader of the largest Shiite party,

told me that he hoped the

Samarra bombing and its violent

aftermath could be a “turning

point” that promotes dialogue

and reinforces national unity.

Indeed, after a four-month stale-

mate, the selection of Jawad al-

Maliki as Iraq’s prime minister is

being greeted as a real chance

for national reconciliation. Every

Iraqi leader I met with – includ-

ing outgoing Prime Minister

Ibrahim al-Jafari, former prime

minister Ayad Allawi and Deputy

Prime Minister Ahmed Chalabi –

said that the Iraqi people’s desire

for a common future will avert a

civil war.

Third, dangerous failures in

Iraq’s economic reconstruction

are undermining progress on the

security and political fronts. U.S.

commanders are the first to

admit that this war will not be

won by the military alone. “You

are not going to shoot yourself

out of this problem,” says Lt.

Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commander

of daily operations in Iraq.

Of the estimated $300 billion

spent by Washington so far in

Iraq, just $21 billion has been

allocated for reconstruction, and

perhaps half this amount has

been redirected to pressing secu-

rity needs. U.S. funding, which

runs out this year just as a new

Iraqi government will need to

show tangible economic

progress, is a small fraction of

the estimated $70 billion to $100

billion that Iraqi reconstruction

may ultimately require.

This strategic failure is a

direct result of something else I

observed: Only one element of

the U.S. government – the mili-

tary – seems to be treating Iraq

as “the vital national interest”

that President Bush declares it to

be. Across Iraq, military person-

nel are heroically managing local

reconstruction and development

projects for which they lack the

proper training or tools.

Meanwhile, back in the Green

Zone, hundreds of civilian posi-

tions — from the departments of

State, Justice, Commerce and

Agriculture — go unfilled.

U.S. commanders expressed

frustration that dozens of Justice

Department billets sit empty

despite Iraq’s urgent need for

help in developing a functioning

judicial system. American troops

like my son describe risking their

lives to arrest suspected insur-

gents, testifying in Iraqi courts

and then watching in frustration

as the offenders are tossed back

on the streets. In government, as

in business, refusing to devote

the resources and personnel to a

strategic priority is a recipe for

disaster.

Unlike the military, civilian

agencies will never be able to

forcibly deploy their personnel

to foreign trouble spots. But

through a combination of

rewards (promotions) and pun-

ishments (less desirable assign-

ments, termination), agencies

could more effectively support

the critical political and econom-

ic efforts that will determine

Iraq’s fate.

My flight out of Baghdad was

a somber one. Our C-130 cargo

plane bore the flag-draped coffin

of an American soldier killed

helping the Iraqi people defend

themselves against a vicious

insurgency.

Back home, as the election-

year debate over Iraq rages on, I

think about that soldier’s sacri-

fice and recall a final impas-

sioned plea from an Iraqi general

named Aziz: “Iraqi troops will

finish this job; we will kill this

insurgency. But please tell the

American people and President

Bush that America cannot with-

draw before the Iraqi troops are

ready. We can’t stand alone yet.

We need more time.”

Nothing in history is

inevitable; events unfold as they

do because leaders and their

publics make choices. Neither

civil war nor a democratic, plu-

ralist government is predestined

for Iraq. But one fact is clear:

Premature withdrawal of U.S.

forces – before Iraqi troops are

ready, or before the political and

economic situation stabilizes –

will condemn Iraq and the region

to a future of chaos, destruction

and death.

TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 2

Multi-National Division – BaghdadPublic Affairs Office

Commanding General:

Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman

Division Command Sergeant Major:

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling

Public Affairs Officer:

Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington

Public Affairs Supervisor:

Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger

EditorSgt. 1st Class Mary Mott

Layout and DesignSgt. Kristin Kemplin

Photo EditorsSpc. Rodney Foliente

Staff WritersStaff Sgt. Christian Farrell

Staff Sgt. Kevin LovelStaff Sgt. Adam NavarroSgt. Joshua Middleberg

Spc. Karl JohnsonSpc. C. Terrell TurnerSpc. Jason Thompson

The Ivy Leaf is produced by the 363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Contributing Units1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

1st BCT, 10th Mountain Div.2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div.4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

4th BCT, 101st Airborne Div.Combat Aviation Bde., 4th Inf. Div.

Fires Bde., 4th Inf. Div.16th Engineer Bde.

Sustainment Bde., 4th Inf. Div.

may 14, 2006

The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publicationfor members of the U.S. Army. Contents ofThe Ivy Leaf are not necessarily officialviews of, or endorsed by, the U.S.Government, Department of the Army, or the 4th Infantry Division. The Ivy Leaf hasa circulation of 10,000. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including

inserts or supplements, does not consti-tute endorsement by the Department of theArmy, the 4th Infantry Division, or The IvyLeaf of the products and services adver-tised. All editorial content of The Ivy Leafis prepared, edited, provided andapproved by the Multi-National Division –Baghdad Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share?The Ivy Leaf welcomes columns, commen-taries, articles, letters and photos fromreaders. Submissions should be sent to theEditor at mary.mott@mnd-b.army.mil. andinclude author’s name, rank, unit and con-tact information. The Ivy Leaf reserves theright to edit submissions selected for thepaper. For further information on dead-lines, questions, comments or a request tobe on our distribution list, email the Editoror call VoIP 242-4464 or DSN (318) 847-1913.

NEWS FROM THE FRONT

BAGHDAD – Multi-National

Division – Baghdad Soldiers

detained two men suspected of

emplacing an improvised-explo-

sive device that killed two MND-

B Soldiers April 28 in Baghdad.

The two men were seen flee-

ing the scene of the IED attack

and were caught by MND-B

Soldiers and taken into custody.

(Courtesy of MND–B PAO)

Marines discover cache BAGHDAD – During a cache

excavation operation, Marines

from 1st Battalion, 1st Marine

Expeditionary Force, attached to

Multi-National Division –

Baghdad, discovered a large

weapons cache April 30 in a vil-

lage west of Baghdad.

The cache included 100 20mm

anti-air rounds, 3,000 7.62 ball

rounds, 1,000 7.62 armor pierc-

ing rounds, 65 mortar fuses, 24

grenades, 23 83mm mortar

rounds, three 120mm mortar

rounds and two 100mm mortar

MND-B Soldiers detain

2 suspects in IED

placement responsible

in deaths of 2 Soldiers

One Americans Opinion: “Dedication and Danger in Iraq”By Joseph E. Robert, Jr.

Chairman and chief executive

of J.E. Robert Companies

rounds. There were also three

115mm tank rounds, 12 57mm

fragmentation rockets, seven

80mm fragmentation rockets, 13

rocket-propelled grenade’s, an

improvised rocket launcher, two

107mm rockets, a 68mm rocket,

three 155mm artillery rounds,

five 130mm artillery shells, four

120mm projectiles, an anti-tank

rocket launcher, a machine gun,

three assault rifles and an Enfield

sniper rifle. An Explosive

Ordnance Disposal team was

called in to destroy the cache.

(Courtesy of MND–B PAO)

COMMENTARY

MND-B Soldiers find

weapons cache, detain

suspected terrorists

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A patrol

from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry

Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat

Team, 4th Infantry Division,

responding to a small-arms

attack, killed one terrorist,

detained six suspected terrorists

and found a weapons cache north

of Baghdad at approximately 5:30

p.m. Wednesday.

The weapons captured includ-

ed a 60mm mortar tube with 30

rounds, two rocket-propelled

grenade launchers with three

rounds, two RPK rifles with 500

rounds of ammunition, two

Russian SVD rifles with 80

rounds.

There was also a Russian

Moisen Nagant rifle with 20

rounds, an HKG3 rifle with 15

rounds, five AK-47 rifles with

240 rounds, an Albanian SKS car-

bine with 20 rounds, a Russian

Suomi KP-31 submachine gun

and an illumination star cluster.

(Courtesy of 1st BCT PAO, 4thInf. Div.)

page 3TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

Dr. Subhi Mansour Al-Jumaili, Iraqi deputy minister of agriculture, and key members of SkyLink Arabia, a company contracted

to conduct helicopter crop-spraying of Iraq’s date palm orchards and wheat farms, discuss the initiative led by the Iraqi Ministry

of Agriculture to stimulate the food crop and economy of Iraq and update the country’s agricultural practices at a SkyLink Arabia

operations center of the Baghdad International Airport Thursday.

Solving date palm industry problems

FOB KALSU, Iraq – The date palm

industry in Iraq once supplied roughly 30

percent of the world’s dates, an estimated

600,000 tons. Currently there are less than

fifteen million date palms left in Iraq,

which produce approximately 250,000 tons

annually.

To control the progressive loss of the

crop and regenerate the industry, the Iraqi

Government’s Ministry of Agriculture and

Coalition Forces have teamed up to combat

the problem by conducting aerial spraying

operations in April and May.

The Najaf, Karbala and Babil Provincial

Departments of Agriculture met Thursday

with CF representatives at the Regional

Embassy Office in Hillah to discuss

Harvest Light, an operation to spray date

palm trees with insecticide to eliminate the

insects that threaten to obliterate the crop.

Iraq dates were once considered top

quality because of their high sugar content,

superb flavor and texture. Drought, securi-

ty issues and insect infestation have con-

tributed to reduced yields in recent years. In

addition, Iraq’s small crop dusting helicop-

ter fleet was destroyed during the Iraq con-

flict, and the MOA’s pesticides were looted

in the chaos following the regime’s col-

lapse.

Previous aerial spraying operations were

carried out during the sanctions period by

the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture

Organization under the auspices of the Oil

For Food Program. No large scale aerial

spraying has been conducted since 2002.

Maj. Jeff Smith, civil affairs officer, 2nd

Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry

Division, spearheaded the meeting, bring-

ing the group together to discuss the sched-

ule and solicit the representative’s expert-

ise. Together, they reviewed maps of the

provinces, along with past statistics on the

hatch rates and palm tree density, to devel-

op a plan of attack.

Story by Maj. Anna Friederich

2nd BCT, PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Spc. Rodney Foliente, 4th Inf. Div. PAO

United Iraqi Alliance recognizes achievements of new government

BAGHDAD – Ridha Jawad

Taqi, a key leader of the Iraqi

National Parliament and a

spokesperson for the United Iraqi

Alliance, highlighted the recent

successes of the new Iraqi gov-

ernment during a press confer-

ence at Forward Operating Base

Prosperity April 29.

Taqi, a member of the national

parliament’s Council of

Representatives, addressed the

people of Iraq at the invitation of

Col. Michael F. Beech, com-

mander, 4th Brigade Combat

Team, 4th Infantry Division, rec-

ognizing the achievements of the

newly elected permanent Iraqi

government.

“We accomplished a huge

achievement in writing the con-

stitution and electing the new

government, especially the three

presidential posts,” Taqi said, to

the Iraqi national media.

Beech also congratulated the

Iraqi Assembly for electing its top

leaders in the forming of its

national unity government and

promised to work with the elected

officials “to bring security and

prosperity to Iraq.”

Both leaders took the opportu-

nity to address the successes of

the local and national security

forces in Iraq and their important

role in the establishment of the

new government.

Day and night, more than two-

thirds of security patrols in the

Baghdad area are conducted by

Iraqi Security Forces, said Beech.

“Iraqi army, national police

and Iraqi police are manning

more than 140 traffic control

points within the 10 Beladiyahs,

or neighborhoods, of Baghdad at

any given time,” he said.

Due to recent operations, more

than 100 weapons caches have

been recovered and more than

1,000 suspected criminals and

terrorists have been detained, he

added. Both leaders also

addressed future challenges fac-

ing the security of Iraq and the

new national government.

Taqi strongly argued against

the need for a society where only

one authority has the power to

carry arms.

“If we want to have a strong

government, we have to combine

those militias with the Ministry of

Interior and the Ministry of

Defense because only the govern-

ment is authorized to have

weapons, and we are working on

this issue.”

The peace maintained by the

Iraqi security, he said, will be the

foundation for establishing trust

between the new government and

the Iraqi people as a whole.

“It is critical to the nation’s

security that all Iraqis cooperate

peacefully with Iraqi Security

Forces,” Beech said, addressing

the current need to eliminate the

acts of violence in Baghdad and

Iraq.

“If any Iraqi citizen sees or

Staff Sgt. Brent Williams4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

see PALMS, pg. 10

Iraqi government, Coalition Forces team up to rebuild industry

see iraq, pg. 4

BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st

Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division

and Multi-National Division –

Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 87th

Infantry Regiment, thwarted an

attempt by terrorists to place an

improvised-explosive device on a

roadside in Baghdad April 14.

The Soldiers were on patrol in

western Baghdad when 1-87 Inf.

scouts reported suspicious activities

by maintenance workers allegedly

conducting repairs on a sign hanging

from a footbridge.

The 6th IAD soldiers provided

outer cordon security while 1-87 Inf.

Soldiers investigated the area.

An initial assessment turned up a

device that was later determined to

be a bomb. An explosives ordnance

disposal team was called in and det-

onated the device in a controlled

explosion.

The combined effort between the

Iraqi army and MND-B Soldiers

helped save the lives of civilians and

Coalition Forces.

“It is a rewarding feeling to know

that we disrupted terrorist activities

today,” said Spc. Justin Prewitt, a 1-

87 Inf. scout who observed the sus-

picious activities at the road sign.

“We spend hours each day

searching for this type of activity, so

it makes our whole team feel suc-

cessful after accomplishments like

the one today.”

“With the destruction record of

these devices, you have to believe

that you have saved someone’s life

by safely destroying this bomb – and

that is a good feeling for all of us,”

said 2nd Lt. James Rembert, mem-

ber of the explosive ordnance

disposal team that destroyed the

device.

Story by

Capt. Douglas Herrmann1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt.,

1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.

Soldiers thwart

terrorist attempt

to emplace IED

on roadside in

Baghdad April 14

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 4

suspects an incident of terrorism or gangs

wearing Iraqi police or army uniforms, they

need to immediately contact their local

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces or

the TIPS hotline,” he said. “Coalition

Forces will investigate immediately.”

Taqi outlined the need to disband armed

militias in Iraq as the most pressing issue

challenging the security and prosperity of

the government. Admitting the challenges

are many, the spokesperson for the United

Iraqi Alliance political bloc emphasized the

need to support the Iraqi Security Forces

fighting to secure the future of Iraq.

“We need to mobilize, supply and train

the ISF,” Taqi explained. “Iraq’s security

forces have proven that they can handle the

security and have made a lot of sacrifices in

doing so.”

iraq, Continued from pg. 3

TARMIYAH, Iraq – Soldiers from

Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor

Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,

4th Infantry Division, conducted a com-

bined patrol with local Iraqi army sol-

diers and Iraqi policemen through the

streets of Tarmiyah April 21.

Tarmiyah, formerly a hotbed of ter-

rorist activity, became a relatively safe

town once Co. A started monitoring the

area near the end of March, said Capt.

William Rodabaugh, commander, Co.

A., 1-66th AR.

The Soldiers of Co. A conduct multi-

ple patrols through the town on a daily

basis to help reassure the local citizens

that both Coalition Forces and Iraqi

Security Forces are working together to

keep Tarmiyah secure.

“This town used to have a large prob-

lem with terrorists before we got here,”

Rodabaugh said. “Our job now is to

make sure that the town remains secure

for the people who live here. The citi-

zens appreciate us being here. They are

always greeting us in the streets and

thanking us for everything that we do.”

Multi-National Division – Baghdad

Soldiers have been monitoring Tarmiyah

for only a short period of time, and they

know the objective is to place the Iraqi

Security Forces in the lead for securing

the area as soon as possible. The daily

combined patrols, now routine, move

steadily toward achievement of that

goal.

“It’s great to see the IP and IA get out

with us on these patrols,” said Staff Sgt.

Christopher Wright, squad leader, Co. A.

“They know the area better than any

of us do, and the Tarmiyah residents

seem to be more comfortable when they

see us working together.”

MND-B Soldiers, Iraqi army, police conduct

combined patrol through streets of TarmiyahStory by Spc. Jason Thompson4th Inf. Div. PAO

BAGHDAD —

The Department of the Army’s

senior leader visited Baghdad’s

International Zone to check on

the progress of Iraqi Army

forces and to visit with Multi-National

Division – Baghdad Soldiers deployed in

support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Honorable Dr. Francis J. Harvey,

the Secretary of the Army, met with lead-

ers of the 4th Infantry Division’s 4th

Brigade Combat Team and the Iraqi

army’s 5th Brigade, 6th Division, during a

visit to their forward operating bases May

11.

Harvey traveled to the Iraqi army’s

FOB Honor to observe military training

that demonstrated the progress Iraq’s

Security Forces are making as they hone

the skills of their jundi (soldiers) as they

take an active role in providing Baghdad’s

security.

“Our view is that the ISF secured this

place,” Harvey said to Iraqi army Brig.

Gen. Mohammed Wasif, commander, 5th

Bde., 6th Div. “You did a great job on the

national election. You also did a great job

on the aftermath of the (Al Askari)

Mosque bombing.”

Wasif assumed responsibility for FOB

Honor back in January, taking over the

mission of providing security for the

International Zone and Karradah

Peninsula, said Col. Michael Beech, com-

mander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., while talk-

ing to Harvey.

“Since that time, his brigade has been

operating independently,” Beech

explained. “Although we are partner

brigades and often assist each other in

operations throughout central Baghdad,

his jundi work with my Soldiers on all the

entry control points.

“This is a great outfit – very well led,

very well trained,” he said of his Iraqi

counterparts.

Following demonstrations in first-aid

training, small-unit infantry tactics and

motorpool maintenance, the Secretary of

the Army stopped at FOB Prosperity to

meet with Soldiers of the 4th Brigade

Combat Team.

Joining Harvey for lunch with a group

of Soldiers selected by their units to

attend the special function at the King

Cobra Café were Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman,

commanding general, and Command Sgt.

Maj. Ronald Riling, both of Multi-

National Division – Baghdad, and Beech

and Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, Jr.,

both of 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Following the meal, the Soldiers intro-

duced themselves to the Secretary of the

Army, who then entertained a question

and answer session, during which Soldiers

asked a wide array of questions ranging

from Iraq’s terrorist threat to the length of

deployments for units abroad.

“Right now, the baseline that we are

trying to get to for the active regular army

is one year deployed for every three years

in service,” Harvey responded to one

Soldier’s question.

“We want to be able to do one year

deployed with 24 months at a home sta-

tion. That is part of the Army’s Force

Generation Model.”

Harvey said he foresees units having to

deploy for two six-month periods, one at

the beginning of their unit’s three year

life-cycle and one at the end.

“When the level of violence goes

down,” he said, “the ISF who you are

partnered with and train with, when they

take the lead and increasingly take the

lead, then I think we can really think

about changing.”

“I know the American people, a vast

majority of the people, have a great, high

regard for the American Soldier.

“Because of you and your fellow

Soldiers, peace freedom and the demo-

cratic way of life have been preserved.

Because of you, 50 million people in Iraq

and Afghanistan have been liberated from

oppressive regimes; and because of you,

the cycle of terrorism in the Middle East

is beginning to be broken.”

Secretary of the Army visits MND-B

Soldiers in Baghdad’s International ZoneBy Staff Sgt. Brent Williams

4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

The Secretary of the Army, the Hon. Dr. Frances J. Harvey (center), talks with Col. Michael Beech (left of Secretary), command-

er, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Col. Beech explained the role his Military Transition Teams play in observ-

ing and training the Iraqi army’s 5th Brigade, 6th Division, as the Iraqi security forces work to become self-reliant. The Hon. Dr.

Harvey visited the Iraqi army’s Forward Operating Base Honor to observe Iraqi soldiers conducting first-aid and other training.

Photo by 1st Lt. Joseph Kress, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

page 5TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –

When he went on patrol last

September on the 4th

anniversary of the 9/11

attacks, he had no idea

that the events of that day would separate

him from his unit for more than six

months.

“I never thought that day that I would-

n’t be back,” said Staff Sgt. Willie Hall,

who recently returned to his unit,

Company B, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry

Regiment, Multi-National Division –

Baghdad.

“I even had plans to finish watching a

movie with my buddies when our patrol

was over.”

Hall’s dismounted patrol came under

attack in Ghazaliya September 11 from a

vehicle-borne improvised-explosive

device followed by small-arms fire.

According to members of his unit, he

provided first aid to his fellow Soldiers

before realizing he himself was signifi-

cantly wounded in both the neck and arm.

After forcing their attackers to flee,

Hall’s unit evacuated him to receive treat-

ment for his injuries.

He was transported to Walter Reed

Army Medical Center for further treat-

ment and recovery. From there, he com-

menced on a six-month journey of treat-

ment and physical therapy he hoped

would bring him back to full health.

“As soon as I was feeling close to 100

percent, I knew I had to get back to my

platoon,” said Hall. “That is where I

belong.”

Hall’s efforts to recover were met with

his unit’s excitement when he made his

return to action.

“After I found out how bad he was

hurt, I wondered what would happen to

our unit,” said Spc. Thomas Neumann,

Co. B, 1-87 Inf. Regt. “He really showed

us that he stands by his men. We were all

very excited.”

“It was really good to have him back in

the platoon,” added Staff Sgt. Daniel

Morriss, Company B, 1-87 Inf. Regt.

“His return from a six month hospital

recovery inspired all of us. It was a great

example of leadership to everyone.”

Story by Cpt. Douglas Hermann1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt.,

1st Bde. Combat Team, 10th Mtn. Div.

Soldier makes triumphant return to duty after 6-month hospital recovery

Sgt. Willie Hall, Company B, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, patrols the streets of Baghdad with Iraqi

army soldiers. Hall recently returned to action after a six-month hospital recovery

after he was injured in an insurgent attack last September.

Photo courtesy of 1st Bn., 87th Inf. Regt. 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.

BAGHDAD –

The commanding general

of Multi-National

Division – Baghdad met

with four prominent

Iraqi governors at the Falaniko

House in the International Zone

April 28 to reaffirm the leaders’

joint dedication to continue work-

ing together and to discuss con-

cerns.

As Iraq returns to a state of

normalcy, the people will begin to

see a shift toward more civil

authority control and less of a

military presence and influence.

During the meeting, Iraqi

provincial government leaders

from Karbala, Babil, Najaf and

Baghdad provinces and Coalition

officials met in Baghdad to dis-

cuss and assess security in each of

the provinces as part of a long-

term goal of transferring security

from Coalition Forces to the Iraqi

provincial governments.

“This is a decisive moment in

the history

of Iraq,”

said Maj.

Gen. J.D.

T h u r m a n ,

command-

ing general,

M u l t i -

N a t i o n a l

Division –

B a g h d a d .

“The posi-

tive steps

we have

made with the last three elections,

and with the formation of the new

government, are very important.”

Thurman met with the gover-

nors and provincial council chair-

men of the four provinces in a

series of meetings that involved

each set of provincial leaders and

their corresponding local

Coalition Forces commanders.

He stressed the importance of

maintaining open communica-

tions to each of the governors and

that “this was a decisive time for

Iraq.” He

also stated

that he was

commit ted

to not allow

terrorists to

disrupt the

formation of

the new

government.

Central to

civil control

is the

enforcement

of civil and criminal statutes.

“Adhering to the Rule of Law

is fundamental to the provincial

security transition process,” he

said.

“Every success we have mar-

ginalizes the terrorists,” added

Mu’een Al-Majed, Baghdad

Provincial council chairman.

“When we succeed, the terrorists

fail.”

Both sides expressed opti-

mism about the recent political

progress made. They also stated

that, realistically, much work

remains before Iraq can truly be

free.

“The Iraqi people have sacri-

ficed a lot to not have to live in

fear and to have a future of free-

dom,” said Thurman. “We cannot

allow the terrorists to steal that

future.”

The over-arching theme of

each of the meetings was one of

cooperation and the desire to

ensure that each of the provinces

was fully prepared before taking

on the task of provincial security.

The Iraqi governors in atten-

dance wholeheartedly expressed

their desire to continue to work

together with Coalition Forces to

defeat the terrorists and to end the

violence in their country.

Only when working as one

team can they accomplish their

goals, said Assad Altaee Abu

Guilal, governor of Najaf.

Thurman focused on the need

to improve coordination between

Iraqi and Coalition Forces, stress-

ing the importance of an overall

“rule of law” as a key to peace.

He also stressed the need to con-

tinue to restore the essential serv-

ices all Iraqis need to carry on

with their lives.

“My number-one concern is to

not let the terrorists or anyone

else disrupt the formation of this

new government,” said Thurman.

The Iraqi leaders agreed.

“We want to work with

Coalition Forces to honestly

assess our ability to take over

security,” stated Dr. Aqil, the gov-

ernor of Karbala.

“When we work as a team, it

drives Zarqawi mad, and any-

thing that drives him mad is a

good thing,” added Mueen

Hameed Abd Al Majed, the

Baghdad Provincial Council

Chairman.

Thurman stated that he

believes that “everyday Iraqi citi-

zens” can perform a key part in

helping stop the terrorists.

“We need to let the people

know that they play an important

role in the security of Iraq,” said

Thurman.

He pointed to the successes of

the “national tip hotline” as a just

cause for the governors to push

for more civilian support.

“Our tip line helps us to stop

terrorists every day,” said

Thurman. “Approximately 80

percent of the tips we receive are

actionable.”

One area of concern that lead-

ers on both sides agreed on was

the necessity to reintegrate all of

the armed militias back into Iraqi

society.

“There are simply too many

guns in this country right now,”

said Thurman. “There is no room

for extra armed militias in the

streets. If they want to fight for

Iraq, they need to pledge their

allegiance to Iraq.”

The Iraqi governors brought

several ideas to the table on how

to more effectively deal with vio-

lence in Iraq. These included the

formation of neighborhood watch

organizations and a governmental

“weapon buy-back program.”

Thurman agreed that both ideas

deserved further discussion.

The leaders ended the day in

agreement that the meeting

helped each of them in knowing

where each others stood on many

key issues – and also with the

knowledge that both groups are

totally dedicated to the future of

Iraq.

“Only when we work together

can we achieve our goals,” said

Thurman. “It allows us to better

see our shortcomings and helps

us to more easily solve them.”

MND-B commander meets with provincial leadershipStory and photo by

Spc. Karl Johnson363rd MPAD

Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, greets Governor

Aqeel Mahmoud Kareem Al Khaz'ali of Karbala, at a leadership meeting at the Falaniko House in the

International Zone April 28. Leaders from Baghdad, Babil and Najaf were also in attendance at the

meeting to discuss concerns and reaffirm their dedication to a peaceful Iraq.

“The Iraqi people have sac-rificed a lot to not have tolive in fear and to have a

future of freedom. We can-not allow the terrorists to

steal the future.”Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman

Commanding General,Multi-National Division – Baghdad

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 6

Driving the Iraqi army forward

BAGHDAD –

It is not only the growing heat

of the upcoming summer

making the tin-roofed open

bay of the 4th Brigade

Combat Team’s 704th Support

Battalion Service and Recovery

section hot.

Inside the building, the S&R

section of Company C, “starts

fires for a living,” or welds, and is

constantly on the go to provide

recovery and fabrication assets

for the brigade.

The section has the task of

supporting the battalion as well as

the forward support companies

working with the 4th BCT in its

mission to secure and rebuild the

nation of Iraq.

It supports units on Forward

Operating Base Falcon, including

the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry,

4th Inf. Div.; 2nd Battalion, 506th

Infantry Regiment; and 2nd

Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment,

1st Armored Division.

Chief Warrant Officer-2

Robert Pruitt, an Allied Trades

Technician,

who has

spent his

m i l i t a r y

career, in his

own words,

“ s t a r t i n g

fires for a

l i v i n g , ”

heads the

section.

Led by

Pruitt, the

S&R section is composed of three

Soldiers serving in different

Military Occupational

Specialties: 63B, Wheeled

Vehicle Mechanic; 63H, Tracked

Vehicle Mechanic; and 44B,

Metal Worker.

The three MOSs combined

give the section the ability to

remain adaptable to whatever

mission may come their way.

With two wrecker trucks and one

M 8 8 A 2

H e r c u l e s

T r a c k e d

R e c o v e r y

Vehicle at its

disposal, the

section has

the ability to

recover any

piece of

equ ipment

from the

H i g h

Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle

to the M1A2 Abrams Main Battle

Tank.

With the ever-changing battle-

field and the constant change of

the terrorists’ techniques and pro-

cedures, the ability to adapt is

extremely important.

1st Lt. Casey Newell, a gun

truck platoon leader, with

Company A, 704th Spt. Bde. Said

he recognizes the necessity for a

section such as the Blacksmith’s

S&R.

“To be successful in this con-

flict means that you need to be

able to adapt to an ever-changing

enemy,” Newell said.

“The technical expertise

offered by Chief Warrant Officer-

2 Pruitt and his Soldiers provides

us with that means of adaptation,”

he said.

The S&R provides the means

of adapting by fabricating devices

such as the installation of the bal-

listic glass around the turret of the

M1114 humvee, which allows

gunners to have a greater field of

view while remaining protected

from enemy fire.

The Soldiers of S&R are learn-

ing to adapt as well by cross-

training with the other MOSs of

the section, said Staff Sgt. Gerald

Williams, the section noncom-

missioned officer-in-charge and a

wheeled vehicle mechanic.

“I thought there would be

more of a mission for recovery

than welding; however, with the

higher demands for fabrication, it

has allowed me the opportunity to

cross train with chief and learn

more about welding and develop

a better understanding of what the

44Bs are capable.”

Williams’ positive outlooks

are shared by the rest of the

Soldiers of the sections.

“I am proud just to be a mem-

ber of the section that helps make

up the backbone of the battalion,”

said Sgt. Eddie Corpuz.

Story by

1st Lt. Winfield Pinkstaff704th Support Bn.

4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Support battalion displays adaptability in service, recovery mission

FOB KALSU, Iraq –

Soldiers from Company B, 2nd

Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th

Infantry Division, trained Iraqi sol-

diers from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade,

8th Iraqi Army Division, in basic Soldier

skills here April 24-30.

“The training was a weeklong mission

for each company in its battalion,” said

Capt. Colin Brooks, commander, Co. B,

2-8 Inf. Regt. “They will rotate companies

each week; another company going

through the training will be taught by

Iraqi soldiers who took the training in the

previous weeks.”

One of the skills taught in the training

involves clearing rooms. Soldiers from 2-

8 Inf. constructed “rooms,” lining desig-

nated areas with engineering tape, so Iraqi

soldiers could simulate entering and clear-

ing them.

“This part of the training is teaching

the IA soldiers techniques when entering

and clearing rooms,” said Staff Sgt.

Steven Pena, infantryman, Co. B, 2-8 Inf.

Regt.

“We want them to understand that to

clear a room, you have to do it as a team.

We are trying to teach them that commu-

nication between the team members is

vital.”

During the training, the Soldiers of 2-8

Inf. Regt. conducted physical training

with Iraqi soldiers, which included several

two-and-a-half-mile runs around the

perimeter of Kalsu while carrying litters

and water jugs.

“The purpose of the physical training

is to push them past their physical thresh-

old and increase their mental toughness,”

said Brooks.

Iraqi soldiers waited patiently for their

chance to train with the American

Soldiers during the reflexive fire portion

of the training. This training taught Iraqi

soldiers the proper stance for firing

weapons at close-range and trigger disci-

pline to decrease the chances of acciden-

tally firing a weapon without intent.

“When I see the American Soldiers

training us, I feel more confident in my

ability to fight terrorists,” said Pvt.

Muhammed, 2nd Bn., 4th Bde., 8th IAD.

“This training is a good opportunity to

improve our abilities to fight,” said Capt.

Majed, commander, 2nd Bn., 4th Bde.,

8th IAD.

“It is also a good opportunity to learn

what helps the American Army defeat ter-

rorists successfully. My sergeants are

learning more and more from the

American sergeants.”

“The main goal of this training is for

the IA soldiers to become proficient in

these critical tasks so they can provide

their own security in the future,” conclud-

ed Brooks.

Story and photo by Pfc. Edgar Reyes2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, conduct physical training alongside Soldiers from Company B, 2nd

Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a weeklong training course here April 25.

2nd BCT Soldiers teach Iraqi army basic soldier skills, conduct physical fitness training

“To be successful in thisconflict means that you

need to be able to adapt toan ever-changing enemy.”

1st Lt. Casey NewellGun truck platoon leader,

Company A, 704th Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team

page 7TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –

One of the life-giving

sources that every

Soldier depends on

throughout their

year-long tour in Iraq – especially

during the summer months – will

now be produced and bottled

here.

The new 52,000 square-foot

facility known simply as “Bottled

Water Factory Six” is situated

next to the “Z” Lake, between

Camp Liberty and Camp Victory,

and will produce 200,000 to

450,000 one-liter bottles of drink-

ing water 24 hours-a-day, seven

days-a-week, to meet the hydra-

tion needs of Multi-National

Division – Baghdad Soldiers and

civilian workers.

The facility was built, paid for

and is owned and operated by Al

Morrell Development and Oasis

International Waters, Inc.

“The contract is to supply the

military with bottled-water capa-

bility. The company supplies the

water for a price. Our contract

says that we supply and own all

of the infrastructure, while the

military gave us the land to put it

on and the water source,” said

Tom Newell, Middle East general

manager, AMD.

The “Z” Lake, which is sup-

plied by the Tigris River, is the

source of the water used in the

purification and bottling process,

said Newell, but the facility also

has a backup of 150,000 gallons

of source water on site.

“The plant took about 90 days

to build,” said Newell.

Water from the plant will save

the U. S. government a substan-

tial amount of money.

“The (present) cost of a case of

our water is $3.50 per case of

one-liter bottles. The military was

previously buying cases of 1.5-

liter bottles for $12.50 a case,”

said Newell. The water produced

here will have an added safety

and welfare benefit for Soldiers.

“Currently, bottled water used

by U. S. Forces comes from

Kuwait. By producing our own

water, it ensures better force

health protection and quality con-

trol,” said Maj. William Argo,

MND-B environmental science

officer, 4th Infantry Division. “In

addition, it will reduce the num-

ber of trucks (military and civil-

ian) on the road delivering water

across Iraq.”

“This is some of the safest

water around. It’s filtered four

times before it enters the bottle,”

said Master Sgt. Dwayne Wooten,

contracting officer representative,

18th Corps Support Battalion,

Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf.

Div. “You’re getting pure water.

We don’t re-introduce new miner-

als into the water.”

“We’re taking water to the

‘Aquafina’ level, which is totally

pure water,” added Newell.

A multi-step process insures

that the water is safe, said

Wooten.

“Basically, Reverse Osmosis

Water Purifying Unit systems can

take virtually any water source

and make it drinkable where

other filtering processes cannot,”

said Argo. The final filtering

process pushes the water through

an ozonator, a system that kills

any microorganisms that still may

be present.

“Ozone is used in bottled-

water production to essentially

sanitize the water and is key in

destroying any microbiological

contamination,” said Argo.

“Environmentally, ozone

leaves no harmful breakdown of

products and it also increases bot-

tled water shelf life,” said Argo.

The factory will be manned by

at least 70 workers. Production

will run on two 12-hour shifts,

said Wooten.

Story and photos by

Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel363rd MPAD

“What’s in zee-water?”Fresh bottles of drinking water travel through a conveyor in various stages of the capping process at the new Oasis International Waters Inc. water bottling plant here.

The new plant will produce 200,000 to 450,000 bottles of drinking water daily.

Kenneth Alfarez (left), an engineer from General Electric Corporation, describes the intricate, multi-

step water filtration process with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and plant workers dur-

ing a tour of the new Oasis International Waters Inc., water bottling plant here. The plant will produce

200,000 to 450,000 one-liter bottles of fresh drinking water daily.

New water bottling plant opens at Camp Victory’s “Z” Lake, provides MND-B Soldiers pure drinking water, no aftertaste

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 8

BAGHDAD –

For 18 hours a day, the

Soldiers work through the

heat, wind and rain, wait-

ing patiently for the two

words that are music to a Field

Artilleryman’s ears to be called

over the radio. The platoon works

throughout the day performing

daily maintenance, reorganizing

the ammunition bunker and com-

pleting daily tasks that range from

guard duty to picking up mail as

they wait, ready to react.

It is relatively quiet in the oper-

ations center. The sound of tapping

on computer keys softly fills the

air in the tent, but the silence is

broken with those two words

repeated over and over.

“Counter fire, counter fire,

counter fire.”

Suddenly the dance begins. The

door to the operations center flies

open as a Soldier yells out to the

gunners: “Counter Fire!”

The Soldiers drop their tools,

grab their helmets and move in an

organized fury to their positions.

Measurements, degrees and

azimuths are called from the radio

operator and the Soldiers lift the

Howitzer and rotate it to its

ordered position.

In minutes, the rounds are ready

to fire and the anticipation fogs the

air as they await the final com-

mand to fire.

This is a normal day for the

Soldiers of the Counter Battery

Platoon of 1st Battalion, 320th

Field Artillery Regiment. The pla-

toon, stationed at Forward

Operating Base Mahmudiyah, sup-

ports the 1st Battalion, 502nd

Infantry Regiment, and more

recently, 1st Battalion, 22nd

Infantry Regiment.

“Some days are pretty boring,”

said Sgt. Kevin Hoople, gunner for

1st Platoon, 1-320th FA. “We stand

on call 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-

week. As soon as we get a counter

fire, the adrenalin starts pumping.”

In the past seven months, the

Counter Battery Platoon has fired

more than 100 missions to help

deter terrorists. The platoon fires

the most counter battery in the

Baghdad area. Some days, the

Soldiers have conducted up to five

missions in an 18-hour period and

fired as late, or as early, as 3 a.m.

“This is one of the hottest spots

in Iraq right now,” he said. “Most

of the artillery units are in Mosul,

Striker and really big crowded

cities. There are a lot more open

spaces out here and more opportu-

nity for the mortar guys to shoot –

and a lot more opportunities for us

to shoot.”

The Soldiers work tirelessly

through 18-hour shifts and, even

on their time off, stand ready to

answer the call 24 hours-a-day.

Throughout their shifts, they never

know what to expect and when to

expect the action. Because of this,

they have to be on their toes.

“When we first started this mis-

sion, I wasn’t really sure how it

was going to go,” said Hoople,

who works in one of three sections

with in the platoon.

“We were told we weren’t going

to be doing a lot here. So far, it has

turned out we actually have been

doing a whole lot. We managed to

shoot almost more rounds than our

entire battalion did in the begin-

ning of the war.”

He said since 1st Platoon

arrived in Mahmudiyah, mortar

attacks have decreased by 50 per-

cent due to the counter fires and

area-denial missions. The terrorists

are not getting enough time to

launch multiple rounds and are not

as accurate due to the pressure the

Counter Battery Platoon puts on its

targets.

“I believe we have been making

a difference through area denials,”

said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Brown,

platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, 1-

320th FA.

“There are a couple of areas out

there that are heavy in insurgent

activity. We have shot some area

denials into that area and the activ-

ity ceases for a while. It slows (the

terrorists) down and makes (terror-

ists) stop and think about attacking

Coalition Forces because we know

where they are.”

Area denial missions target

known insurgent mortar sites,

Brown said.

“What that is doing is limiting

the terrorist’s advancement into

that area,” he said.

“Our platoon shoots rounds into

that area to let the terrorists know

we know where they are. It lets the

terrorists know we are here – and

we are able to reach that area. It

disrupts their movement.”

The Soldiers are doing great,

Brown said. Every day, the platoon

“tweaks” something. The Soldiers

take a look at their counter-fire

drills. They rehearse, and after

every mission, the Howitzer

Section conducts an after-action

review to see if there is anything

that can be done to make the

team’s time faster and the drill

more efficient.

“I think our platoon has done

excellent,” Hoople said.

“This mission has been a god-

send for these guys. This is the real

dream of field artillery. You get the

real effect of field artillery getting

to shoot anywhere at anytime. This

is what artillery is all about.”

Counter fire platoon keeps terrorists on toesStory and photos by

Spc. Kelly Kent McDowell2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.

ABOVE: Pfc. Brett Myles from the Counter Fire Platoon, 1st

Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, restacks ammo for

the howitzer April 25 in Mahmudiyah. Myles and the other

members of his platoon are the most utilized counter-fire pla-

toon in the Baghdad area.

BELOW: After receiving the call for a counter fire mission

April 25 in Mahmudiyah, Sgt. Timothy Olsen lifts the rear of

the Howitzer and moves it quickly to acquire the appropriate

range of the fire. From the time counter fire is called over the

radio, the Soldiers of 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 320th Field

Artillery Regiment, have a minimum time to be ready to fire

on the target.

page 9TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

OperaOperation Bation Babil Pbil Perer imeterimeterPhoto by Pfc. Edgar Reyes, 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

TARMIYAH, Iraq – Local

tribal leaders of the town of

Tarmiyah, located approximately

25 kilometers north of Baghdad,

met at the post office here for a

Qada council meeting April 22 to

discuss issues and concerns with-

in the community regarding safe-

ty, security and proposed com-

munity improvements.

Lt. Col. Rocky Kmiecik, com-

mander, 1st Battalion, 66th

Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade

Combat Team, 4th Infantry

Division, has attended the week-

ly meetings since the beginning

of February to discuss relevant

topics with more than 25 sheiks

from the Tarmiyah area.

“During the first few meet-

ings, the leaders would constant-

ly ask about security issues with-

in the town,” he said.

“Recently, since we moved in

and secured the town, the topics

have focused more towards per-

sonal issues, such as helping the

government reestablish (itself)

and making life easier for the

people of Tarmiyah,” said

Kmiecik.

Among the issues discussed at

the meeting were the securing

and distribution of propane, fer-

tilizer and school supply ship-

ments, repaving of roads, recon-

struction of the local Qada build-

ing and improvements for the

medical clinic.

Other issues may be brought

up to the U.S. Soldiers in the

area, or to local leaders, by the

residents of Tarmiyah. Those

issues are then discussed in the

meeting so everyone can work

together to try to solve the prob-

lems within the community, said

Kmiecik.

“Working with the local lead-

ers, it helps to instill trust in both

the Coalition Forces and the gov-

ernment among the local Iraqis,”

he continued.

“With that, it helps us secure

the area because the Iraqis know

that terrorists are working against

them, and we are working with

them.”

The meetings also provide an

opportunity for senior leaders of

different tribes to meet in a

peaceful manner to settle their

own differences, said 2nd Lt.

Timothy Middleton, platoon

leader with Company A, 1st Bn.,

66th Arm. Regt.

“(The Qada) is a group of

individuals who have the com-

munity’s best interest at heart.

We can learn from them what we

can do to help the community get

back on its feet,” he said.

Story by

Spc. Jason Thompson4th Inf. Div. PAO

Tarmiyah leaders discuss issues during Qada council

FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from an Explosive Ordinance Disposal team analyze artillery shells found in a cache near the town of Al-Hak during a raid led by the

Iraqi army Friday. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, took the lead, assisted by Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry

Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and performed a raid in the town of Al-Hak during Operation Babil Perimeter early Friday morning. In

total, IA and MND-B Soldiers discovered bomb-making materials, triggering devices, a 152mm round, a 132mm round, three 82mm rounds, two PKC machine guns,

an RPK, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with two RPG rockets, and a 57mm aerial rocket with an improvised launcher.

Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general,

MND-B, Rumsfeld also took advantage of

an opportunity to observe U.S. forces train-

ing Iraqi soldiers.

“They are increasing in their capabili-

ties every day. This is an exciting time to

be here with the new permanent govern-

ment of Iraq. They are making impressive

progress,” said Rumsfeld.

“It was monumental to have the

Honorable Mr. Rumsfeld here today to

observe our Iraqi partner brigade honing

their battle skills and to meet and eat with

the fine Soldiers of the 4th BCT,” said Col.

Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th

Inf. Div.

Rumsfeld also took the time to visit

with Soldiers from 4th BCT and to partake

in a special luncheon at the King Cobra

Dinning Facility at FOB Prosperity.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, Jr., 4th

BCT, hosted the luncheon for the brigade,

allowing each of the battalions to select

Soldiers to attend the special occasion.

“It is good for the Soldiers to see some-

one from Washington come down to show

them that they appreciate what we do on a

day-to-day basis here in Iraq,” Moody said.

Upon finishing his lunch with the

Soldiers, who serve in south and central

Baghdad, the Secretary of Defense ener-

getically made his way from table to table,

joining the variety of Soldiers, shaking

their hands, posing for photographs and

listening to their concerns. This time, he

would ask the questions.

“How are you? Where are you from?

What do you do?” he individually asked

the more than 60 Soldiers, who joined him

for lunch.

“It was interesting, very interesting,”

said Pfc. Allah Johnson, a fuel specialist

with Company C, 704th Support Battalion,

a 22-year old Detroit native. “I got a

chance to see someone that you don’t usu-

ally see as a Soldier because we are out

here doing our job.”

For 1st Lt. Casey Newell, platoon

leader, Company A, 704th Spt. Bn., having

the Secretary of Defense visit was an

incredible boost to morale.

“It’s important to know that the people

who are making the policies stand behind

what they are trying to do – to know that

they are pushing through with us, that they

support us,” said Newell, a graduate of

Illinois State University. Newell said that

a visit from a dignitary like Rumsfeld

reminds the Soldiers that they are all fight-

ing for the same cause. “It’s nice to know

that the leadership is behind us,” he said.

rumsfeld,

Continued from pg. 1

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 10

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –

The hard, flat ground braces him

as he locks in on the small, dark

figure in front of him. The early

morning sun, already large in the

sky, beats down on his position.

As the slow, deliberate breaths entering

and exiting his lungs relax his muscles,

the front sight of his weapon steadies on

his target. Gently, he begins to squeeze

the trigger … and a resounding BANG!

could be heard from miles around.

Soldiers from Company B, Brigade

Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade

Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,

spent a day sharpening their marksman-

ship skills April 17 at the Caughman

Range here.

“We need to make sure all our Soldiers

are qualified on their individual weapons

per Army regulation,” said Chief Warrant

Officer-2 Charles Conger, Company B,

BSTB.

The Soldiers from the BSTB have a

myriad of different types of military occu-

pational specialties. The Company B

Soldiers consist of intelligence analysts,

unmanned aerial vehicle operators and

several other combat support specialties.

Firing their weapons is not something

these Soldiers do every day.

“I would like to be helping the guys

out there, but I consider myself lucky that

haven’t had to fire my weapon while in

country,” said Spc. James Weigl, military

intelligence systems maintainer, Co. B.

The range provides Soldiers from

throughout Camp Liberty the opportunity

to zero and qualify with their weapons

and gives them a chance to work on one

of the most important basic Soldier skills.

Rifle marksmanship has long been a

deciding factor in the success of military

units. An old military adage expresses that

point explicitly: “There are only two types

of people on the battlefield: marksmen

and targets.”

For many Soldiers, a day at the range

is a chance to train in an area they enjoy.

“Not everyone is excited at first, but

morale picks up once rounds start going

down range,” said Conger.

The Caughman Range is available to

any unit supporting Multi-National

Division – Baghdad. For more informa-

tion on how to schedule time at the range

for your unit, contact Range Control at

VOIP 242-4154.

Story and photo by Spc. Karl Johnson363rd MPAD

Soldiers sharpen marksmanship skillsat Camp Liberty’s Caughman Range

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles Conger, intelligence electronic warfare maintenance technician, assists a Soldier with the finer points of rifle marksmanship during a day

at the Caughman Range here April 17. Company B, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Soldiers used the day at the range

to qualify on their individual weapon systems.

“In recent years, ground spray-

ing has been used but proven to

be less and less effective against

the insects,” said Smith.

Due to the structure of the date

palm tree and the way it is infect-

ed, aerial spraying is the most

effective way of combating the

problem, Smith said.

“In addition, spraying at this

time will pay off because the bugs

are at a stage where they have

hatched but are not mature, mean-

ing their bodies are still soft and

will absorb the chemical, killing

them.”

Coalition Forces, in conjunc-

tion with the MOA, contracted a

company to conduct the spraying

by using helicopters and fixed-

wing aircraft. Iraqi Security and

Coalition Forces will provide

security measures for protecting

the pesticides, fuel, equipment,

crew and aircraft prior to and dur-

ing the spraying operation.

Master Sgt. Ronald Wegner,

operations sergeant, 490th Civil

Affairs Battalion, 4th Inf. Div.,

assisted in the meeting and

emphasized that the Iraqi govern-

ment and the MOA are in the lead

in this operation.

“Everyone of you sitting here

are the experts and we are here to

assist in any way we can,” he

said.

One of the main concerns on

the DAG representatives’ minds

was the priority of spraying.

Imad Lefta, Hillah mayor, voiced

his concerns about the window of

opportunity for the spraying to be

most effective.

Due to the milder weather in

southern Iraq, he said, the insects

hatch sooner in some areas,

requiring earlier spraying than in

other areas. This is one of the

considerations the team took into

account as it developed the plan.

The group concluded the

meeting by developing a prioriti-

zation of spraying by province

and geographic area inside each

province.

Date palm preservation is an

economic opportunity for Iraq.

The scheduled crop dusting is

part of a larger Iraqi government

program, which will provide jobs

in farming, packaging and in the

palms,

Continued from pg. 3

page 11TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

BAGHDAD —

Soldiers from the Iraqi army and

Multi-National Division –

Baghdad surprised between 400-

500 children of Al Hudaybiya

Elementary School April 23 with free

school supplies during a celebration to

mark the completion of the school’s reno-

vations in Bakaria, within the Gazaliyah

neighborhood, located southwest of

Baghdad.

Troops from 1st Battalion, 87th

Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat

Team, 10th Mountain Division, visited the

school they supported throughout the

reconstruction project to distribute school

supply packages.

Assisting them were soldiers from 2nd

Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army

Division, in addition to Soldiers from

Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st

BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., and from Company

A, 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, which is

attached to 4th Infantry Division.

“We’re doing this to provide for the

educational welfare of the people of

Gazaliyah and the children of Al

Hudaybiyah School,” said Capt. Mark

Taum, a Honolulu native and team leader

with Co. A, 448th CA.

Education and academics is a key line

of operation civil affairs Soldiers focus

on, which helps to improve conditions for

the Iraqi people, said Taum.

“This application shows the village and

surrounding people of Bakaria that despite

combat operations, the Coalition and

(Iraqi security forces) can also enhance

the welfare of the neighborhood,” he said.

The reconstruction took around 40

days to complete and cost approximately

$62,000. It was funded by the 1-87 Inf.

commander’s emergency relief program,

which provides immediate assistance to

the populace, said Capt. Nick Armstrong,

effects coordinator, Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 1-87 Inf.

Soldiers from 1-87 Inf. noticed the

school was in dire need and requested

reconstruction funds for the school, said

Taum. A civil affairs team then assessed

the school and verified the need.

Local contractors were chosen for the

project, added Armstrong, “which helps

put the money in the pockets of the local

economy.”

Some of the renovations included set-

ting up the school yard and soccer field,

revamping the electric and plumbing, put-

ting in new bathrooms, tiling, painting the

exterior and interior, and repairs to the

ceiling, windows and doors, said Ghanim,

headmaster for the school, through a

translator.

The school supplies students received

were donated by the Family Readiness

Group of 1st BSTB, 1-10th Mtn. Div.,

from the unit’s home station, Fort Drum,

N.Y., said Armstrong.

One young male student pointed at his

chest and then pointed at the chest of one

of the Iraqi soldiers, telling a U.S. Soldier,

“It’s good,” before receiving his supplies.

The Iraqi soldier patted the boy on his

shoulder and returned his smile.

“It helps to show that the Iraqi army

cares about the local population, the chil-

dren, their safety and well-being,” said

Armstrong.

Such events reassure the locals and

helps gain their support in cleaning up

their neighborhoods and making them

safer, added Taum. The students represent

Iraq’s future and events like this help

reassure them of their government and

provide hope for a better tomorrow.

“I am very happy because you fix our

school and our country,” said Ali, a fourth

grader at the school, through a translator.

He also proudly held up his new school

supplies, pointing excitedly.

The children put on a loud and boister-

ous performance which included the

singing of the Iraqi national anthem for

the Soldiers, and engaged Soldiers in con-

versation, high-fives, antics, smiles and

laughter.

“Seeing and hearing the Iraqi children

sing and show their appreciation is a ben-

efit of doing these missions,” said Taum.

“Having an event where the school offi-

cials and the Iraqi army work together

sets the conditions for future humanitarian

missions and greater cooperation.”

Imeena, a teacher at the school,

expressed her thanks to the Iraqi govern-

ment and the American Soldiers, adding

that the children and teachers have more

hope for the future.

“I was very glad by what happened

today,” said Ghanim. “The neighborhood

is very pleased about the renovations done

on this school. This project will strength-

en our bonds.

“I entered education because of my

love of teaching and of the children.

Those kids will grow up and they will be

the future.”

Soldiers surprise students with free supplies

Story and photos by Spc. Rodney

Foliente, 4th Inf. Div. PAO

A boy holding his new gift salutes as the class erupts in thanks for the school supplies, which were donated by the Family Readiness Group of Brigade Special Troops

Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, after a ceremony celebrating the completion of renovations for the Al Hudaybiya Elementary School in

Bakaria of the Gazaliyah neighborhood located southwest of Baghdad April 23.

Children receive supplies, celebrate school opening with Iraqi army, MND-B Soldiers

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and the U.S. 1st

Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, unload boxes of school supplies,

which were donated by the Family Readiness Group of Brigade Special Troops

Battalion, 1st BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., April 23.

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 12

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –

They are the “shadow Soldiers,” work-

ing mostly behind the scenes – a combina-

tion of police detectives, secret service

agents and forensic investigators. Their

skills include photography, writing,

reporting and a keen sense of handling

difficult and complex interpersonal rela-

tionships that rival that of any Ph.D. in

psychology – and beyond all of that, of

course, they are Soldiers first.

Their roles vary from investigating

crimes of a felonious nature committed

against Soldiers and civilians employed

on military bases, to guarding visiting

members of the Department of Defense.

Criminal Investigation Division agents

serve both in uniform and in civilian

attire, depending upon the missions.

They are sworn to uphold the law as it

affects the military and enforce it fairly

and without prejudice – and they take that

job seriously.

Soldiers of the 481st Military Police

Detachment (CID), 10th Military Police

Battalion, currently stationed in Iraq have

a varied and all-encompassing role.

On Camp Liberty, Forward Operating

Bases Falcon, Kalsu, Loyalty and

Prosperity, and the International Zone, the

small unit serves as both an investigative

and protective service. CID services on

adjacent Camp Victory falls under the

76th MP Detachment, also under the 10th

MP Bn.

Unlike their role back home in either

Germany or the U.S., the unit also investi-

gates civilian crimes as well as crimes

involving military members.

The unit is made up of roughly 15

agent-Soldiers in addition to Sgt. 1st Class

Robert Billingsley, detachment sergeant,

serving in the role of first sergeant, a chief

warrant officer-3 who serves as the spe-

cial-agent-in-charge and one full-time

vehicle mechanic.

This is a small career field, with only

about 900 CID military agents and rough-

ly 2,000 total in CID worldwide – if you

throw in civilians working at forensic lab-

oratories and related fields.

Billingsley is typical of the Soldiers in

his unit who have chosen CID as a career.

An intense and dedicated man, the native

of Banner County, Neb., said he believes

the work of the CID is a vital one to the

defense of his fellow Soldiers and his

nation. Billingsley said he realizes that

for a Soldier who steps outside the law,

the CID can be seen as a “villain,” but

simply because the individual accused of

crime is a fellow Soldier, the charge can-

not be dropped.

“The cost of not conducting the inves-

tigations is much higher,” he said. “We

create a layer of transparency so the pub-

lic can’t say to the Army ‘oh, you’re just

covering stuff up.’ That is why we exist.”

The Army’s version of the Federal

Bureau of Investigation, the Soldiers do

not investigate a crime unless it is in the

felony category. Misdemeanor crimes are

investigated by MP Investigators.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Melanie

Hacker, one of two female investigators in

the unit, originally entered the Army 10

years ago as an MP, but “CID was always

my goal,” she said. Hacker recalled being

profoundly affected by a college professor

who was a CID agent and inspired her to

make law enforcement her career.

Hacker, who hails from Athens, Tenn.,

has been an agent for five years now and

is a “team leader.” She teaches and clari-

fies the CID’s role in dealing with rape

and other sexual-assault cases to students

in the Army’s new Sexual Assault

Prevention and Response Program classes

that train unit victim advocates. She also

serves as a liaison and subject-matter

expert with the newly formed Iraqi police

version of the CID and convoys weekly to

Baghdad to meet with Iraqi officials to

confer on cases.

A great deal of the agent’s responsibili-

ty lies in “writing a good report,” said

Billingsley. The ability to separate fact

from fiction, then put it down on paper in

an unbiased, cohesive manner, is a big

part of the job. It has to be fair, accurate,

thorough and give the commander and

trial counsel a clear idea of what the case

is against the Soldier, reiterated Hacker.

“We are fact finders – we don’t work

for either side. On our oath, we are

‘deterred by neither fear nor prejudice,’

and we take that oath very seriously,” she

said

“Do what has to be done,” is another

tenant of the CID.Being an agent “can be

a lot of fun and very rewarding, but it is

in some ways a thankless job,” said

Hacker. “You have to view your rewards

on a personal level because you don’t

always get a ‘thank you’ from everyone.”

Agents are encouraged to take advan-

tage of the many educational opportuni-

ties afforded them. Hacker has been to

courses in child abuse prevention and

intervention, crisis negotiation, detective

service training and sexual-assault

response services.

Agents have the opportunity to become

a polygraph examiner and can apply for a

Masters degree program in forensic medi-

cine offered by George Washington

University. Opportunities also exist to

attend the prestigious FBI Academy.

Those who would like to apply to

become an agent, but do not have the req-

uisite six months of law enforcement

experience, can perform on-the-job-train-

ing with a CID unit for six months to

“evaluate and make sure that this career

field is the right thing for them,”

explained Hacker.

The CID school, conducted at Fort

Leonard Wood, Mo., is a six-week course.

A new agent serves a one-year apprentice-

ship period but is “fully credentialed as an

agent” during that time, said Hacker.

The agents investigate economic

crimes, including contract fraud, which

can take years to resolve, computer

crimes, sabotage, sex crimes, counter-drug

activities, child abuse, murder, suicide,

arson and any other of a variety of felony

matters. They attend autopsies and inter-

view countless people in the course of

their investigations.

“You have to be an approachable per-

son,” stressed Hacker, because the work

of an agent is intensely personal. “We are

all ‘Type-A’ personalities,” she laughed,

“independent thinkers.”

The “glamour side of the job” is the

opportunity agents have to guard high-

ranking Department of Defense leaders,

said Billingsley, but most is routine police

investigative work. Agents also are called

upon to give testimony at Court Martial

trials and in federal and civilian courts.

See story on qualifications and how to

become a CID agent in the next issue of

the Ivy Leaf.

Story by Sgt. 1 st Class Mary Mott

363 rd MPAD

Criminal Investigation Division agents workbehind the scenes to ‘do what has to be done’

The U.S. Army version of “Men In Black.” Sgt. 1st Class Robert Billingsley (left) originally from Banner County Nebraska,

detachment sergeant for the 481st Military Police Detachment (Criminal Investigation Division), 10th Military Police Battalion,

before a CID mission on April 28, with Special Agents Alex Alvarado, from Metairie, La., and Perry Doegah. Doegah, originally

from Accra, Ghana, is a naturalized American citizen who now calls Killeen, Texas home.

Criminal Investigation Division Agent Chief Warrant Officer 2 Melanie Hacker, a

native of Athens, Tenn., listens intently April 30 as the chief of the Al-Hurryah police

station near Baghdad describes the way he secures a crime scene. Hacker, a 10-

year Army veteran, is one of two female investigators in the 481st Military Police

Detachment (CID), 10th Military Police Battalion, and serves as a liaison with various

Iraqi police departments on their newly-formed criminal investigation and forensic

science operations. The detachment supports Multi-National Division – Baghdad,

based at Camp Liberty, among other military forces in Iraq.

page 13TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

CAMP ANACONDA, Iraq — Troops

at Logistical Support Area Anaconda now

have two 24-hour computer labs thanks to

the family of Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin,

the only Soldier still listed as captured in

the war on terror.

Maupin’s parents, Keith and Carolyn

Maupin, of Union Township, Ohio, near

Cincinnati, donated 90 computers with

Web cams to help deployed troops stay in

touch with loved ones.

The computers are now being used in

three Matt Maupin Computer labs, the

first of which opened at the Blackjack

Education Center in September.

The two newest labs are located at the

east and west Morale, Welfare and

Recreation facilities on LSA Anaconda.

“(The labs) bring Mr. and Mrs.

Maupin’s dreams to fruition,” said Staff

Sgt. Matthew Stegmann of Missouri’s

35th Area Support Group.

“Today, fulfillment is achieved by the

friends and family of Sgt. Maupin because

today Mr. and Mrs. Maupin are enabling

service members, currently stationed at

LSA Anaconda, to make communications

with friends and family members.”

Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead, the com-

mander of 3rd Corps Support Command

and LSA Anaconda, spoke at both dedica-

tions.

“With each strike of the key someone

is sending someone else a message that

‘I’m OK, I’m safe, I’m alright’ or ‘I’m not

OK and need support,’” she said.

“And we can thank Sgt. Maupin’s

mom and dad for making that happen for

a lot of soldiers in the way they wanted it

to happen for their soldier.” Halstead

added that she applauds Maupin’s parents

for “never giving up” hope. She also said

that she carries a photo of Maupin in her

notebook to remember him.

Maupin, from Batavia, Ohio, graduated

from Glen Este High School in 2001 with

a 3.85 grade-point average.

He joined the Army Reserve and was

assigned to the 724th Transportation

Company from Bartonville, Ill. Maupin

arrived in Iraq in February 2004 with the

724th in support of Operation Iraqi

Freedom, where his unit’s primary mis-

sion was transporting fuel.

During phone calls home he com-

plained that the computers provided for

soldiers to e-mail family members were

inadequate.

Maupin’s combat logistics patrol came

under attack by small-arms fire near

Baghdad International Airport on April 9,

2004, the anniversary of the fall of

Baghdad.

After the attack, his official status was

listed as “whereabouts unknown.” A video

broadcast April 16, 2004 on al-Jazeera

showed Maupin alive, sitting on a floor

surrounded by armed men. His official

status then changed from “Whereabouts

Unknown” to “captured.”

Maupin’s family, community and the

Army still hope he will be found a year

and a half to two years after his capture.

He has received two promotions since his

capture, first to specialist, then to ser-

geant.

The three computer centers, with pho-

tos of Maupin on each desktop computer,

will help keep Maupin in the hearts and

prayers of troops at LSA Anaconda.

“On behalf of all the soldiers, I know

we all appreciate having these comput-

ers,” said Staff Sgt. Katharyn Mudd, a

multimedia illustrator with the 35th ASG.

Sgt. Robert Koelling, a truck driver for

the 35th ASG said, “It’s a perfect tool for

family, friends, anybody, just to let them

know you’re OK.”

On August 28, more than 250 support-

ers gathered at the American Legion Post

72 in Mount Carmel, Ohio, to support the

Maupin’s and released 504 balloons signi-

fying the number of days the now 22-

year-old Soldier had been missing since

being captured in Iraq.

At that event, Carolyn Maupin told a

reporter from The Cincinatti Enquirer that

“it doesn’t serve any purpose protesting

the war or the president. Please keep all

the troops and Matt in your prayers.”

Story by Spc. Spencer Case207th MPAD

Missing Soldier’s parents donate 90 computers to

help deployed Soldiers stay in touch with families

Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin, motor trans-

port operator, 724th Transportation

Company, was captured April 9, 2004

during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. His

parents, Keith and Carolyn, continue to

support the U.S. military, most recently

through donating 90 computers to

troops at Camp Anaconda, Iraq.

Babil farmers use democracy to voice concerns to city council

FOB KALSU, Iraq —

Farmers from the northern Babil

province met with members of

the Nahia city council April 29 at

the General Culture Center in

Iskandariyah.

Democracy was in full swing

as the local farming community

requested the meeting to discuss

ways of re-

imple-

menting a

co-op pro-

gram with

farmers’

unions

throughout

the region.

“The

unions will

act as

liaisons

between

farmers

and the

Nahia council and Ministry of

Agriculture,” said Lt. Col. James

Howard, commander, 2nd

Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment,

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th

Infantry Division.

Members of the MOA and

Irrigation Department were on

hand to hear the concerns and

appeals of the community. The

Nahia city council represents res-

idents of Iskandariyah, Haswah,

and Hateen Apartments.

Under the previous regime,

the co-op program flourished

between farmers’ unions, allow-

ing farmers throughout southern

Iraq to resource among them-

selves and produce significant

profits, said Capt. Carlos Badillo,

information officer, 2-8 Inf. If

one farmer was low on seed and

another was in need of a com-

bine, through the farmer’s unions

they would be

able to help

each other out.

Things

changed after

the fall of the

regime, and

there is a

sense of

urgency to get

the program

up and run-

ning once

again.

“Coalition

Forces handed

out items to my villagers,” said

Sheik Emad Mohammed Tlall

Al-Gurtani. “Where was the gov-

ernment? How come they

haven’t helped yet? Our elected

leaders need to start helping their

own people before we are all out

of work.”

Farmers are not asking for

large projects from the MOA,

just long-term support, said one

sheik in attendance. Farmers

expressed a desire to the MOA to

sustain them in their quest for

newer farm equipment, a pro-

gram to spray insecticides, and

alleviating the cost of fertilizer.

“The price of fertilizer has

skyrocketed,” he said. “If we

don’t get any help, then a lot of

us will be out of business,” he

said.

The union will happen, said

Sebah Khafaji, city council presi-

dent. Groundbreaking is sched-

uled very soon for a new union

building and a new water pump

to facilitate irrigation in the area.

The local governent has been

feverishly attempting to gain the

attention of the MOA, he contin-

ued. He said he felt their pres-

ence at the meeting was a posi-

tive sign that the farmers had

been heard and soon another step

towards improving the economy

of Iskandariyah and surrounding

areas would transpire.

This was a good first step in

the process, said Howard.

Everybody is committed to

standing up the agricultural co-

ops and seeing the economy

blossom. Soon, it will become

reality.

Story and photo by

Cpl. Michael Molinaro

2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

“Where was the govern-ment? How come they

haven’t helped yet? Ourelected leaders need to

start helping their peoplebefore we are all out of

work.”

Sheik Emad Al-Gurtani

A local farmer talks about the price of fertilizer to members of the Nahia city council April 29 at the General

Culture Center in Iskandariyah. Farmers requested the meeting in an effort to speed-up the process of

standing up a new farmer’s union program in the area so farmers would be able to resource off of each

other and boost the economy.

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 14

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq –

Fire Station-One, one of two sta-

tions run by the fire department on

Camp Liberty, is primarily respon-

sible for protecting Multi-National

Division – Baghdad Soldiers.

To better protect MND-B Soldiers, the

department volunteered to work with

Multi-National Corps – Iraq to further the

department’s expertise in a unique setting,

the Al Faw Palace.

The firefighters of Heavy Rescue 621,

Fire Station-One, together with Engine

Company 611 of Fire Station-Two on

Camp Victory, participated in a mass-

casualty scenario organized by MNC-I.

Touted as “the MASCAL to end all

MASCALs” by palace staff, Soldiers of

MNC-I, working with Camp Liberty’s

Fire Station-One firefighters, launched the

exercise April 14 to

test the effectiveness

of policies and pro-

cedures that military

leadership had put in

place for emergency

situations.

After conducting

an internal mass-

casualty exercise in

January at the

palace, military

leaders felt the sce-

narios should be

more complex and

involve more emer-

gency responders,

said Maj. Kevin Titus, operations officer,

Special Troops Battalion, MNC-I.

“We realized we needed to go that

next step and involve the fire department,

the troop medical clinics, the military

police, and all the outside agencies that

would actually be there in a real emer-

gency,” said Titus.

Although the fire department, operated

by Wackenhut Services Inc.’s WSI Fire

and Emergency Services – Iraq, partici-

pates in military mass-casualty exercises

on a quarterly basis, the department likes

“to do different scenarios each time to test

our capabilities,” said Stan Cole, fire

chief, WSI, which encompasses Camps

Victory, Liberty, Striker, Dublin and

Cropper.

For MNC-I’s exercise, the department

was given just enough information about

the scenario “that we know what to bring,

but we don’t know all the details so we

still have to be reactive,” said Cole, a

native of Atlanta, Ga.

The exercise at the palace began with

reports that the structure had received sev-

eral direct mortar hits and suffered numer-

ous casualties. Aid and litter teams inside

the palace rushed into action, diligently

searching each floor for wounded

Soldiers. Once casualties were discovered

and treated, they were evacuated to a

nearby casualty col-

lection point.

To make the

exercise more realis-

tic, some casualties

were taken by ambu-

lance to troop med-

ical clinics, and a

few were transported

to the Mercy

Landing Zone in

preparation for med-

ical evacuation by

helicopter to the

combat support hos-

pital in Baghdad.

Adding complex-

ity to the exercise was the fire department

HR team’s evacuation of a casualty from

the palace roof. Upon receiving the report

of an injured worker on the roof, trapped

under a fallen structural beam, HR-621

climbed the ornate staircases leading to

the top of the palace.

“Those spiral staircases are very steep

and very slippery,” said Titus. “In my

mind, I was

thinking (the

firefighters)

were going to

have to carry the

casualty down

that spiral stair-

case in a litter,”

said Titus. “As

soon as we got

up there, they

were like ‘hey,

we could rappel

him off of the

roof.’”

An emer-

gency evacua-

tion using ropes

to transport a

casualty to a

safer location is

often a last

resort, saved for

an occasion simi-

lar to the Al Faw

scenario where

“the person is incapacitated and we aren’t

able to get him down the stairway or if

there’s not a stairway for him to come

down,” said Jake Myers, theater chief of

operations, WSI.

The casualty, represented by 200

pounds of rubber fire hose, was “pack-

aged” onto a litter and secured by the

four-man HR team. The litter was then

secured by a highly technical configura-

tion of ropes and carabineers in prepara-

tion for the evacuation to medical person-

nel 70 feet below. The “Strength and

Honor” HR team performed four safety

checks and prepared several “back-ups,”

ropes tied in the event other knots fail,

before preparing to lower the litter over

the edge of the palace’s 70-foot high wall.

This is the true test of the rope-rescue

system – when the full weight of the litter

is held by the knots and suspended in the

air, said Firefighter Jason Lech, of HR-

621, who calls Seattle home. “Everyone

holds their breath … ah, okay, he’s three

feet down, we’re good to go,” described

Lech.

Firefighter Jesse Walsh, hooked to the

litter by only ropes and carabineers,

swung himself off the roof and grabbed

hold of the litter. Walsh, a native of

Portland, Ore., walked the litter down the

face of the palace to waiting emergency

personnel on the ground. With their mis-

sion completed, the firefighters then set to

work untying the massive amounts of rope

required for the exercise.

This was a great opportunity for the

firefighters to familiarize themselves with

Al Faw, “the palace being a primary target

and one of our primary responsibilities as

fire protection,” said Mitchum, of

Islamorada, Fla.

“We really welcome any opportunities

to participate on any level, but especially

something as serious as this where we

really get to be reminded of the operation

and the mission we are really here for,”

said Mitchum.

The coordination between different

agencies benefited all those involved, said

Titus. In a time of emergency, “these

agencies will know each other by sight

and will have worked together before and

it will pay off.”

Soldiers, firefighters launch unique mass casualty exercise at Al Faw PalaceStory and photos by

Sgt. Kristin Kemplin

363rd MPAD

Joseph Harris (left) and Jason Lech, firefighters with Heavy

Rescue 621, secure ropes during a rope-rescue mission at Al

Faw Palace April 14. The mission was to lower a casualty from

the roof of the palace to the ground, 70 feet below.

Lt. William Mitchum (left), a native of Islamorada, Fla., and Firefighter Jesse Walsh,

of Portland, Ore., both of Heavy Rescue 621, carefully lower a litter cradling a casu-

alty, represented by 200 pounds of rubber fire hose, off the roof of Al Faw Palace

April 14. Walsh walked the litter down the 70-foot face of the building to waiting

emergency personnel on the ground.

“I was thinking (the firefight-ers) were going to have to

carry the casaulty down thesprial staircase in a litter. Assoon as we got up there, theywere like ‘hey, we could rap-

pel him off of the roof.’”Maj. Kevin Titusoperations officer,

Special Troops Battalion,Multi-National Corps – Iraq

page 15TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006 TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leaf

Fires battalion brings Easter cheer to Zafarania Girls Orphanage

BAGHDAD – An excited

group of young girls from the

Zafarania Girls Orphanage

received an extended visit from

26 Soldiers from the 4th

Battalion, 320th Field Artillery

Regiment, as well as units within

the 506th Infantry Regiment,

101st Airborne Division, April

16. The Fires battalion spon-

sored the event. The Soldiers

worked hard to get selected to

make the trip to the orphanage.

When they heard what a differ-

ence spending time with the girls

would make, the Soldiers were

ready. Donations flowed in from

the United States from churches

as well as from Soldiers’ families

and friends, and totaled more

than one-hundred boxes. Soldiers

also chipped in to add more food

and drinks.

“Spreading the love to the

girls by sharing clothes, toys and

the Easter egg hunt really made

the event special,” said Capt.

Jimmy Major, chaplain,

Headquarters and Headquarters

Battery, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt.

“I heard about the Easter plan

for the orphanage at the chapel,”

said Lt. Col. Kim Chaney,

administrative officer,

Headquarters and Headquarters

Company, 506th Inf. Regt.

“My wife, Greta, my brother

Todd’s youth group, my sister

Julia, my son’s girlfriend Cara

along with their family and

friends sent eleven boxes of

donations. Their hearts went out

to the girls at the orphanage.”

“I felt like they treated me

like their mother. It was unex-

pected that they were so com-

fortable with us as we communi-

cated mainly with signs and

facial expressions,” said Sgt.

Gloria Hernandez, human

resources specialist, HHC, 506th

Inf. Regt.

The setting included green

grass, beautiful cool weather, and

twelve young girls who live at

the orphanage. Events included

an Easter egg hunt with over 300

eggs, a wonderful meal, gift giv-

ing from the donations sent to

Iraq and even some special danc-

ing.

“It was like an oasis amidst

the poverty and desperation,”

said Chaney. The beauty of the

grounds with the lush grass and

the flowers was striking and we

all felt how precious the girls

were, he added.

The key to giving is giving to

someone who cannot give some-

thing tangible back – but these

girls did give smiles, laughter,

and shared dancing and fellow-

ship. For the Soldiers, the experi-

ence of sharing with the girls

shone in their own faces. The

Sisters who care for the girls

were very gracious and set the

tone with loving kindness.

“I realized how much we are

alike in so many ways by spend-

ing the afternoon hunting Easter

eggs with the girls,” said Spc.

Leah Bentsen, human resources

specialist, HHC, 506th Inf. Regt.

“The girls and the nuns were

so excited. They even brought us

a little bit of home by singing a

Christian song in English,” said

Spc. Charles Joseph, HHB, 4th

Bn., 320th FA Regt.

“It was a very enjoyable expe-

rience for both the girls and my

Soldiers. It was a great way for

the Soldiers to spend their Easter

if they had to be away from their

families,” said Lt. Col. Kevin

Milton, commander, 4th Bn.,

320th FA Regt.

Sgt. 1st Class Bridget Childs, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops

Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, with girls at the Zafarania orphanage for Easter, April 16.

Story and photo by

Maj. James Lowe506th Inf. Regt., PAO,

101st Abn. Div.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After being given a

mission to reenlist more than 400 Soldiers, the

Combat Aviation Brigade Retention Office

completed its mission in late April and is now

focusing on its Fiscal Year 06-07 mission.

The team of career counselors and battalion

retention NCOs has retained a total of 469

Soldiers and secured more than $6 million in

bonus money for these Soldiers to lead the 4th

Infantry Division’s brigades in total dollars.

According to CAB Career Counselor Staff

Sgt. Roy Williams, closing out the deployment

mission is a big accomplishment for the

brigade, which received a mission that was

twice the size of its garrison mission.

“I think it’s very significant,” he said. “It

shows the hard work and dedication of the

career counselor team and the team of reten-

tion NCOs we have, to finish the mission

halfway through the fiscal year. It is a very

stellar performance.”

Williams said the brigade had a mission of

401 Soldiers, many of who reenlisted to

receive a tax-free bonus that in some cases

amounted to more than $22,000.

“Right now we’re at $6.1 million and count-

ing,” he explained. “Our Soldiers are very

happy. They’re happy with being able to do

their jobs and having extra cash when they

return home.”

He pointed out that in addition to the bonus-

es all of the Soldiers’ entitlements received

while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi

Freedom 2005-07 are also tax-free. He said

that means many Soldiers could return home

with thousands of dollars in the bank.

Williams also added that the Eagle Brigade

was the division’s first major brigade to close

out its mission. He pointed out that the Special

Troops Brigade had also finished it mission,

which was significantly smaller than the

CAB’s.

“That shows the type of leadership and the

Soldiers we have,” Sgt. 1st Class Jacynthia

Hinton, the CAB’s senior career counselor

said. “It also shows the enthusiasm of the reen-

listment NCOs about completing the mission

and the drive and initiative that the career

counselors have.”

Hinton said her office is now turning its

focus to its fiscal year ‘06 and fiscal year ‘07

missions. For the Fiscal Year 2006-07 expira-

tion of term of service mission, which is sepa-

rate from the retention mission, the CAB has a

requirement of reenlisting 140 more Soldiers.

Those with ETS dates between October 1,

2005 and September 30, 2007 are targeted. It

currently needs 35 Soldiers in the FY06 ETS

category and 82 soldiers in the FY07 ETS cat-

egory for overall mission completion.

As for the bonuses, both career counselors

agreed the additional bonus of $7,500 has

ended as of April 30, but Soldiers are still eli-

gible to receive the $15,000 that they are enti-

tled to throughout the deployment.

“The $15,000 will be here until December

31, 2006 or until the Army runs out of money

to award for bonuses,” Williams said.

With retention bonuses topping $6 million for reenlistees, Combat AviationBrigade proves it can ...

Soar beyond expectations

A helicopter pilot communicates with a crew chief before taking off on a

mission April 12. AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter pilots from 4th

Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade have flown more than 13,139

hours while conducting aerial security, recon and ground-support mis-

sions since arriving in Iraq. The brigade has reenlisted 469 Soldiers since

deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in November 2005.

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers

Combat Avn. Bde. PAO

Photo by Spc. Creighton Holub, Combat Avn. Bde. PAO

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 16 TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leaf

GUIDANCE

Here’s the scoop on the health benefits of drinking coffee (and other caffeinated beverages)

For many years people

have wondered and wor-

ried about whether or not

drinking coffee could be

bad for their health. Based on

numerous studies

completed over

the last few years

scientists are now

reaching a consen-

sus that, taken in

moderation – less

than 20 ounces a

day – coffee is not

only safe, but

healthy for most

people to drink.

Here are some

considerations rel-

evant for Soldiers

that consume cof-

fee.

Hydration in Moderation.It is important to stay hydrat-

ed while exercising and drinking

coffee prior to working out will

not lead to dehydration. For

years we have assumed that

drinking caffeinated beverages

will lead to dehydration, because

caffeine can promote increased

urination. However, during exer-

cise our bodies release enough of

the hormone adrenalin to blunt

the diuretic effect of caffeine.

After exercise it would be best to

re-hydrate with non-caffeinated

beverages to assure a quicker

post-workout recovery.

The bottom line is, don’t be

concerned if you drink coffee in

moderation. Caffeinated coffee

consumption, up to three cups a

day, will not lead to any signifi-

cant levels of dehydration. To

assure good hydration status, you

must monitor how much and

how often you urinate, and check

the color of your urine. When

you are well-hydrated, urine

should come out clear or pale

yellow.

Antioxidants – Health

Food in a Cup.One of the interesting con-

cepts emerging from recent

research is that coffee can actual-

ly be thought of as a form of

“liquid health food.” This con-

cept starts to make sense if you

view it from the perspective that

coffee is derived from beans

which, in general, are usually

good for our health.

There is more to coffee than

just water and caffeine. Hundred

of compounds are leached from

the coffee beans during process-

ing. One of the compounds

found in substantial amounts is

magnesium, which may help our

bodies regulate blood sugar lev-

els. This may be why heavy cof-

fee drinkers seem much less like-

ly to develop adult-onset type

diabetes.

Other compounds found in

high amounts in coffee are

polyphenols, a

class of antioxi-

dants that may

help our bodies

fight off cancer

and other diseases.

The best sources

of these antioxi-

dants are berries

and fruits. Since

the average

American does not

consume large

quantities of fresh

fruit and vegeta-

bles, java is easily

the largest source of antioxidants

in our diet.

The Caffeine Connection.Caffeine is the most widely-

used drug in the world and its

stimulant effects account for why

coffee, tea and sodas are the

most popular beverages con-

sumed.

Caffeine enhances alertness,

concentration, and memory. It

can also enhance physical per-

formance for endurance athletes

involved in vigorous aerobic

activity lasting half an hour or

more. This is one reason why

high doses of caffeinated drinks

are banned by the International

Olympic Committee.

Caffeine is used by the main-

stream medical community to

help treat asthma and migraine

headaches, and is a component

of Anacin®, Excedrin Extra

Strength®, Midol® and

Dexatrim®. It is also the main

component of No-Doze®,

Vivarin® and various “trucker”

pills.

It is commonly used by stu-

dents cramming for tests and

over-the-road truck drivers trying

not to fall asleep at the wheel.

Some health-conscious types

even take coffee enemas so that

the caffeine can relieve constipa-

tion and help stimulate colon

cleansing.

Now caffeine is even being

embraced by the U.S. Army in

the form of “Stay Alert Caffeine

Supplement Chewing Gum.”

This is like getting a stick of Joe,

and has the caffeine equivalent

of a six-ounce cup of coffee.

However, since it is absorbed

through sublingual tissues in the

mouth, it gets caffeine into the

blood about four or five times

faster than a pill going through

the stomach and intestines. For

those that need to stay sharp dur-

ing continuous combat opera-

tions, this may be the best deliv-

ery method available to help sol-

diers stay alert and stay alive.

Caffeine use may also be ben-

eficial in preventing Type II dia-

betes, gallstones, kidney stones,

depression, Parkinson’s disease,

and other medical conditions,

though the jury is still out on

recent studies supporting these

conclusions.

The Dark Side of Coffee

Consumption.Despite the many positive

consequences of drinking coffee

in moderation, there are some

adverse effects that can occur,

especially when consumed in

excess. Too much caffeinated

coffee can make people nervous

and jittery, lead to insomnia,

panic attacks, heartburn, elevated

blood pressure and rapid or irreg-

ular heartbeats.

Caffeine is a mildly addictive

stimulant and can cause signifi-

cant withdrawal when abruptly

stopped in about 15 percent of

people who use it regularly.

Withdrawal symptoms include

headaches, fatigue and drowsi-

ness.

Used at high doses, caffeine

may contribute to miscarriage

and low birth weight babies so

women who are pregnant or try-

ing to get pregnant should

decrease their coffee and caffeine

consumption.

Unfiltered coffee may contain

cafestol, a substance that can sig-

nificantly increase blood choles-

terol levels.

The Bottom Line.Most of the negative conse-

quences of drinking caffeinated

coffee only occur when a person

drinks too much of it. The

alchemist Paracelsus got it right

when he said “the dose makes

the poison.” Too much of any-

thing, even water and vitamins,

can be dangerous.

On the other hand, drinking

coffee in moderation is perfectly

safe, and probably quite healthy

in ways we are only beginning to

understand. So if you drink caf-

feine in moderation, don’t feel

guilty. Just sit back, relax and

enjoy a nice healthy cup of Joe.

To learn more about the bene-

ficial effects of caffeine read the

2001 Institute of Medicine arti-

cle: “Caffeine for theSustainment of Mental TaskPerformance Formulations forMilitary Operations”

By Maj. Mitch

Meyers, Preventive

medicine officer,

4th Inf. Div.

So, you don’t know jack about joe?

page 17TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

UpcomingBand Events:May 16Woodwind Quintet: DeFlurreyDFAC @ 11:30 a.m.

May 19Tuba & Euphonium: DeFlurreyDFAC @ 11:30 a.m.

May 23Brass Band: Blizzard DFAC @11:30 a.m.

May 26Brass Quintet: IronhorseOasis DFAC @ 11:30 a.m.

May 30Tuba & Euphonium:IronhorseOasis DFAC @ 11:30 a.m.

SSUUNNSSUUNN MMOONNMMOONN TTUUEESSTTUUEESS WWEEDDWWEEDD TTHHUURRTTHHUURR FFRRIIFFRRII SSAATTSSAATT

Closest to the Pin

10 a.m. to noon

Mother’s Day

Texas Hold’em

@ 8 p.m.

V Corps Rock Band

performs @ 8 p.m.

Karaoke Night

@ 8 p.m.

Salsa Night

@ 8:30 p.m.

Flag Football Team

Captain’s Mtg.

@ 6 p.m.

R&B @ 8:30 p.m. Flag Football Tourney

(TBA)

Armed Forces Day

Jazz/Old

School Cards

Night @ 8:30 p.m.

Closest to the Pin

@ 10 a.m. to

noon

Chess Tourney &

Texas Hold’em

@ 8 p.m.

Ping Pong Tourney

@ 8 p.m.

Karaoke Night

@ 8 p.m.

Softball

Captain’s

Mtg. @ 6 p.m.

Spades and

Dominoes

@ 8:30 p.m.

Reggae Night

@ 8:30 p.m.

Softball Tourney

(TBA)

Closest to the Pin

@ 10 a.m. to

noon

Texas Hold’em

@ 8 p.m.

4 on 4

Volleyball Tourney

@ 7 p.m.

Eight-ball Tourney

@ 8 p.m.

Karaoke Night

@ 8 p.m.

1144 1155 1166 1177 1188 1199 2200

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MAY Division MWR Calendar

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CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –

After a week of early morning

races and other physically chal-

lenging events, the Fires

Brigade’s 324th Network

Support Company claimed top

honors in the brigade’s Iron

Gunner Desert Fitness

Competition, which took place

April 24-27.

The Soldiers were presented

the “Commander’s Cup” April

29 at a rooftop ceremony held at

the Fires Brigade’s headquarters

building.

The Soldiers of 324th NSC

claimed one of the top three

spots in three of the five events.

The four-day competition

kicked off April 24 with a torch-

lighting ceremony at Fires

Brigade headquarters. The

brigade’s best athletes on Camp

Liberty gathered to welcome

torch bearer Pfc. Katrina Wiltz,

324th NSC, the brigade’s Soldier

of the Quarter, as she presented

the flame to the top enlisted

Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj.

Gilbert Canuela.

An Army Physical Fitness

Test competition immediately

followed the opening ceremony.

Each of the brigade’s units

sent their top athletes to compete

on the course next to Z Lake.

After the push-ups, sit-ups and

run were over, Sgt. Oscar

Delgado from Headquarters and

Headquarters Battery, Fires Bde,

took top honors in the NCO

competition after muscling his

way to 88 push-ups, 81 sit-ups

and the two-mile run in 13 min-

utes, 11 seconds, earning 298

points.

Pfc. Andrew Giddens, 324th

NSC, won the junior-enlisted

competition with 75 push-ups,

91 sit-ups, and finished his two-

mile run in 13 minutes, 24 sec-

onds, earning 294 points.

As with the other events, first

place in each event earned the

team 15 points, second garnered

10 and third 5, said Sgt. 1st

Class James Herron, 324th NSC,

the event organizer.

In the next individual event, a

weightlifting competition held

April 25 at the Scorpion Morale,

Welfare and Recreation center,

Soldiers earned points for the

number of repetitions in lifting

75 percent of their body weight

and how many pull-ups they

could do.

Staff Sgt. Mark Taylor,

Company A, 589th Brigade

Support Battalion, won the NCO

competition, lifting 140 pounds

47 times and completing 19 pull-

ups.

Pfc. Julian Ming, Company

B, 589th BSB, was the winning

Soldier, lifting 145 pounds 56

times and completing 18 pull-

ups. It was the only event that

the 324th NSC Soldiers didn’t

place in.

“Our company is full of

young, energetic Soldiers, but

under the pressure of the bench

press, they didn’t fair very well,”

said 1st Sgt. Allen Braswell,

324th NSC.

The Soldiers of 324th NSC

placed second in the final three

events en route to their overall

victory.

The Iron Gunner Relay, held

April 26 in a small field near

324th NSC headquarters,

required teams of four to team

up as one team member could

buddy carry a teammate 50

meters, switch positions, and

have the remaining teammates

do the same.

After the buddy carry, all four

team members ran the 50 meters

to liter carry another teammate to

the starting point. Once there, the

four Soldiers sprints back to the

other point where two picked up

water jugs, carried them a lap,

and then passed the water jugs to

their teammates. When the water

jugs were back to their original

location, the team ran back to the

starting point and performed 10

four-person push-ups.

Sgt. Barron Rhodes, Sgt.

Fahad Jaha, Spc. Damian Wilson

and Pfc. Brandon Fowlkes, from

HHB, finished the course in 3

minutes, 21.03 seconds, claiming

first place.

Capt. Samuel Burns, 1st Sgt.

Hubert Ervin, and Pfc. Samuel

Smith, Company A, 589th

Brigade Support Battalion, took

first in the Guidon Relay, held

April 27 around Z Lake. The

team completed two miles in 12

minutes, 5 seconds. The Guidon

Relay required each unit’s first

sergeant and commander to each

run half a mile, and the third

Soldier to run a mile.

Battery A, 26th Field

Artillery, won the last event, the

Sandbag Relay, also held April

27 in the same field as the Iron

Gunner Relay. Sgt. Joseph

Massey, Spc. Michael

Constancio, Pfc. Michael Probst

and Pvt. Cody Purcell moved 20

sandbags from one pallet to

another pallet fifty meters away

in 48.89 seconds.

When all scores were totaled,

324th NSC claimed top honors

with 45 points, HHB and Co. A,

589th BSB tied for second place

with 40 points each, and Co. B,

589th BSB and Btry. A, 26th FA

tied for third with 35 points.

“Initially, the strategy was just

to show up and have fun,” said

Braswell on his team’s success-

ful venture. “As the games went

on, the points mounted and the

competitiveness grew stronger.”

Soldiers said they were glad

to have something different to

wake-up to.

“I think it’s a great break

from the daily rigors of doing

maintenance on trucks and going

on convoys,” said Probst.

The Commander’s Cup win-

ners agreed.

“It got us out of the normal

routine,” said Spc. Anthony

DeLuca, a member of 324th

NSC’s Sandbag and Iron Gunner

relay teams.

The Desert Fitness competi-

tion was part of a series. Each

month a different Fires Brigade

unit is tasked with organizing a

competition.

In the first event, held in

February, Pfc. Rachael Nadeau,

HHB, proved her knowledge of

operations and intelligence, scor-

ing highest on a test designed by

Fires Brigade S-2.

In March, Sgt. Matthew

Edmonds, HHB, and Spc. Daniel

O’Dell, Headquarters and

Headquarters Company, 589th

BSB, showed off their weapons’

knowledge in a competition

organized by HHB, placing first

in both the Soldier and NCO

positions.

Story and photo by

Spc. Allison Churchill

Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Support company takes top honors in competition

Pfc. Andrew Giddens, 324th Network Support Company, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, works

his way to a win in the Iron Gunners Desert Fitness Army Physical Fitness Test competition April 24

next to Z Lake. Giddens' win in the event helped spark his company to win the Commander's Cup for

the overall Desert Fitness event. Sgt. Maj. Kevin Jones, operations sergeant major, Fires Bde., count-

ed the lower enlisted competitors in the APFT.

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 18

GUIDANCE

The Reserve

Component to

Active Duty

Program is

designed to

allow enlist-

ment of mobi-

lized Army

Reserve or

Army National

Guard Soldiers

into the

Regular Army.

RC Soldiers

with less than

18 years active service may apply to trans-

fer from the RC to the RA anytime within

six months of their projected demobiliza-

tion or release from active duty date.

Additionally, soldiers who have out-

processed from the demobilization site but

are granted leave en route to their parent

unit, or who are on terminal leave, may

also apply for enlistment in the RA under

policy prior to the end date of their leave

since they have not yet been released from

active duty. Soldiers who apply at the

mobilization station will be placed on spe-

cial orders extending them on active duty

until the application is processed.

If a RC soldier is the recipient of an

enlistment or reenlistment incentive and is

in the process of fulfilling the service obli-

gation required by the incentive, the

Soldier will be notified that the unearned

incentives may be subject to statutory

recoupment on a pro-rata basis upon enlist-

ment into the RA.

Grade determination is not required for

mobilized RC Soldiers. These soldiers will

be enlisted into the RA at their current

rank. Once a Soldier enlists in the RA, the

Soldier will remain with their current

deployed unit until it redeploys to the

demobilization station, then the Soldier

will receive permanent change of station

orders to the new duty station.

The following is a list of required docu-

ments needed in the application process:

(1) RC to AC application; (2) DD Form

368; (3) copy of all mobilization orders;

(4) copy of all DD 214 (certificate of

release or discharge from Active Duty); (5)

DA Form 1059 (service school academic

evaluation report) “NCOES validation “;

(6) DA Form 705 (Army physical fitness

test scorecard) height/weight; (7) DA Form

3349 (physical profile); (8) Enlistment

Records Brief or Personnel Qualification

Record (DA Form 2-1); (9) DA Form 1506

(statement of service – for computation of

length of service for pay purposes); and

(10) most recent physical (less than five

years old).

To assist you in this process before you

contact a career counselor, please read the

most frequently asked questions. All appli-

cations will be forwarded by the Soldier

directly to Human Resources Command

via Email to RCAC@hoffman.army.mil .

For further assistance contact your RC

Counselors, Master Sgt. Bass, and Sgt. 1st

Class David Porter; via e-mail at

donna.bass@mnd-b.army.mil;

david.porter1@us.army.mil; or via phone at

DSN 847-2265/2352 or VoIP 242-4115.

‘RC to AC Program’: Mobilized reserve component

Soldiers can now ‘go active’ with minimum of fuss

Q: What is the term of the enlistment

for the RA?

A: The minimum is three years.

Q: What is the estimated turn-

around time for the RC to AC

process?

A: Upon receipt of the complete appli-

cation, the process takes approximate-

ly 21 days.

Q: Can the Soldier request a specif-

ic unit of assignment?

A: Soldiers will be assigned in accor-

dance with the needs of the Army.

Q: Can the Soldier remain in theater

or do they have to return to the

mobilization station for re-assign-

ment?

A: The Soldier will remain mobilized

with their reserve component unit until

that unit’s mission is complete. Once

the Soldier has cleared the demobiliza-

tion station, an assignment order will be

published with 15 days of permissive

temporary duty to clear home station

and prepare for their next duty assign-

ment.

Q: Can flagged Soldiers participate

in the RC to AC program?

A: No, the regulation states that no

favorable actions can be given to

flagged Soldiers.

Q: What happens if the Soldier does

not like the installation determined

for his or her first assignment?

A: The Soldier has the option of not

signing the enlistment contract to par-

ticipate in the RC to AC program.

Q: Can the Soldier take leave en

route to the next duty location?

A: No. The Soldier will be granted 15

days of permissive TDY which will

begin the first day after the release date

on the Soldier’s discharge order and

DD Form 214.

Q: Can the Soldier’s rank or grade

be changed if the Soldier is promot-

ed in his or her Reserve or National

Guard unit after the RC to AC con-

tact is signed?

A: No. The rank and grade the Soldier

is when the contract is signed will

remain the rank and grade the Soldier

will be on active duty.

Q: What does the Soldier need to do

after contracting in theater, so the

Soldier’s pay will not be affected?

A: Soldier will not contract in theater;

any contract signed in theater will be

null and void. Soldiers must wait until

reaching the demobilization site to sign

the enlistment contract.

Q: Can Active Guard and Reserve

Soldiers apply for the RC to AC pro-

gram?

A: No.

Master Sgt. Donna

Bass, retention

career counselor,

4th Inf. Div.

Frequently asked questions

page 19TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

CCaarrttoooonn CCoorrnneerr

“No tree has

more honor than

that under which

(the virgin) Mary,

daughter of Imran

delivered her

child.” – The

Prophet

Muhammad

At the time of

this writing, a

large multi-million

dollar Coalition

Forces-sponsored

program is under-

way to spray some 75,000 hectares of

Iraqi date palms in southern and central

Iraq in a fight against the infamous pest

known as the dubas bug. One reason that

such a large effort is being put into a sin-

gle crop is, of course, that it is the most

important cash crop in Iraq. Another is

that the date palm, botanical name

Phoenix dactylifera, has a major histori-

cal, cultural and religious significance to

the people of Iraq.

Many experts around the world – and

all Iraqis – believe the current count of

varieties, more than 400 different kinds of

date, to have originated in Mesopotamia

where evidence has been found of culti-

vated palm trees dating to 4,000 B.C.

The date palm and its fruit were

revered in several ancient cultures, but it

is the Arab culture that has always held it

in greatest esteem. The nomadic Arabs of

Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula have, for

thousands of years, depended on the date

as a principal food source because dates

are not only very nutritious, but are very

light when dry and remain edible for a

very long time; an especially valuable

characteristic for a desert-roving people.

The Queen of Sheba is said to have

taken dates with her on the journey to

meet King Solomon – a journey which,

incidentally, initiated the intense and rich-

ly rewarding trade of myrrh and frankin-

cense.

The Prophet Mohammed, who lived in

a desert village at the centre of “date cul-

ture,” conse-

crated the

fruit. They

were his

favorite food

and dates were

mentioned

many times in

the Qur’an.

According to Islamic tradition, a date

tree was said have sheltered and provided

a rich food source for Mary when she was

pregnant with Jesus and during the mirac-

ulous birth.

Muslims regard dates and milk as the

two best of all foods, al-atyabayn. This is

hardly surprising, considering the fact that

dates are rich in natural energy-giving nat-

ural sugars, phosphorus, calcium, potassi-

um, magnesium, iron, sulfur, selenium,

zinc, copper, fluoride, boron, cobalt and

manganese, as well as a number of vita-

mins, protein, and dietary fiber. It has

been said that man can live on dates and

milk alone for extended periods of time

with no ill effects.

Arabs believe that dates also have

medicinal properties effective against con-

stipation and intestinal disorders, sexual

weakness, liver ailments, fever, the com-

mon cold, and labor pain. Some Arabs

even claim that dates help drunks to

become sober (however, date liquer,

known as `Araq, is quite potent). The date

palm, including the fruit, is also used to

produce excellent animal feed, sugar and

cooking oil. The fronds and trunks are

used to weave baskets and build homes.

In fact, no part of the date palm tree goes

to waste.

During the holy month of Ramadan,

Muslims traditionally break their fast with

dried dates soaked in warm milk. In many

Arab countries, including Iraq, young men

will stand on street corners offering

passers-by dates at the time of the break-

ing of the fast

(iftar) as an

act of charity

to those who

were unfortu-

nate enough

not to be at

home at the

time.

In modern times, the date palm occu-

pies such a place of honor

among Arabs that the Saudi

Arabian Royal house of Saud

have adopted the palm tree

and crossed swords as the

symbol of their dynasty.

The date palm has adapt-

ed to areas with long, dry

summers and mild winters,

where it is dependent on man

for irrigation. It has unique

characteristics that enable it

to thrive in sand and to grow

well where water is close to

the surface without being

aquatic.

In Iraq, with its sandy

soil and abundant water,

plentiful sun and mild win-

ters, it is hardly surprising

that Iraq was once not only

the world’s largest producer

of dates, but was famed as

the producer of the world’s

finest dates as well.

In fact, most strains of the

very best of the world-

famous California dates were

imported from Iraq in the

19th and 20th centuries.

Needless to say, Iraqi date

palms are a great source of pride to the

Iraqi people.

In the 1950s, the date palm population

of Iraq was approximately 32,000,000

trees. Today the number of Iraqi date

palms is no more than 15,000,000, many

of which are afflicted with the dubas bug

and other pests, which greatly reduce their

yield.

It is very important to give the date

palm the attention it needs in order to

nurse back to health what is not only a

major economic food crop, but also an

important symbol of the Iraqi national

identity.

By Jake Lester,

Senior cultural

and political

advisor

Culture Experts

Of Dates and Dubas:The fight to preserve the

Iraqi date palm

Date clusters hang down from the crown of a tree.Image courtesy of wikipedia.com

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 20

GUIDANCE

CAMP STRIKER CHAPEL

Sunday

9 a.m. Catholic Mass

10 a.m. Contemporary Protestant

10:30 a.m. Protestant (Pad 6, Tent

410)

11:15 a.m. Traditional Protestant

4:30 p.m. Protestant

6 p.m. LDS

7 p.m. Praise Service (Gospel)

7:30 p.m. Praise and Testimony (Pad

6, Tent 410)

Monday

9 a.m. Catholic Mass

Wednesday

9 a.m. Catholic Mass

6 p.m. LDS Bible Study

7 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study

7:30 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study (Pad 6,

Tent 410)

Thursday

5 p.m. Purpose Driven Life

7 p.m. Praise Choir Practice

Friday

9 a.m. Catholic Mass

11:15 a.m. Catholic Mass (TOC

Conference room)

Saturday

6:45 p.m. Catholic Mass (Pad 6,

Tent 410)

Daily 6:30 a.m. TOC Prayer Service

(TOC Conference room)

DIVISION CHAPEL

Sunday

9 a.m. Contemp. Protestant Worship

10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass

1 p.m. Episcopal Worship Service

3 p.m. Gospel Worship

8 p.m. Collective Protestant Worship

Monday

6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing

7 p.m. Bible Study

Tuesday

7 p.m. Bible Study

Wednesday

6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Brief

7 p.m. Bible Study

8 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Thursday

6:30 p.m. Bible Study (Women)

7:30 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal

Friday

12 p.m. Islamic Prayer

6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing

7 p.m. Bible Study

Saturday

7 p.m. Bible Study (Men)

8 p.m. Contemporary Protestant

Praise Band Rehearsal

WARRIOR CHAPEL

Sunday

9:15 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass

10:30 a.m. Contemporary

Protestant

12:30 p.m. Gospel Protestant

5 p.m. Latter Day Saints

7 p.m. Non Denominational

Christian

Wednesday

7 p.m. Gospel Prayer

Thursday

7 p.m. General Protestant

Friday

6:30 p.m. Wicca Circle Meeting

ENGINEER CHAPEL

Sunday

8 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass

10 a.m. Traditional Protestant

11:30 a.m. Lutheran Worship

1 p.m. Latter Day Saints

7 p.m. Traditional Protestant

Tuesday

7 p.m. Bible Study

Wednesday

7 p.m. LDS Bible Study

Thursday

7 p.m. Bible Study

Friday

9 p.m. Prayer & Praise

Saturday

10 a.m. Reunion & Suicide Brief

CAMP VICTORY CHAPEL,

BLDG 2

Sunday

9 a.m. Orthodox Liturgy

Monday

4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass

7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

Tuesday

4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mas

Wednesday

4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass

7 p.m. Men’s Gospel Fellowship

Thursday

4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass

7 p.m. Spanish Bible Study

Friday

4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass

6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service

8 p.m. Women’s Gospel Bible Study

Saturday

5 p.m. Orthodox Vespers

11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist

Religious services, AA meetings,

and mandatory R&R briefingsChaplain’s CornerThe Day of PentecostVICTORY CHAPEL SER-

VICES, BLDG 31

Sunday

7 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.

Traditional Protestant Worship

10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass

noon Gospel Protestant Service

2 p.m. Mormon Worship

4 p.m. Episcopal/Lutheran

Worship

6 p.m. Contemporary Protestant

Service

Monday

10 a.m. SGM’s Meeting

1:30 p.m. Protestant Gospel

Prayer Meeting

3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and

Suicide Intervention Briefs

7 p.m. Gospel Protestant Bible

Study

Tuesday

7 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday

9:30 a.m. R&R -- Reunion and

Suicide Intervention Briefs

7 p.m. Korean Bible Study

8:30 p.m. Protestant Music

Rehearsal

Thursday

6 p.m. Roman Catholic Music

Rehearsal

6:45 p.m. Men’s ‘Purity’ Bible

Study

Friday

1 p.m. Jumu’ah (Islamic Prayer)

5 p.m. Prayer Gathering Service

6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship

Music Rehearsal

8:30 p.m. Protestant Music

Rehearsal

Saturday

9 a.m. Seventh-Day Adventist

Music Practice

11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist

3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and

Suicide Intervention Briefs

4 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal

7 p.m. Roman Catholic Music

Rehearsal

8 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass

“When the Day of Pentecosthad come, they were all togeth-er in one place. And suddenlyfrom heaven, there came asound like the rush of a violentwind, and it filled the entirehouse where they were sitting.Divided tongues, as of fire,appeared among them, and atongue rested on each of them.All of them were filled with theHoly Spirit and began to speakin other languages, as the Spiritgave them ability.” Acts 2:1-4

We, as Christians, celebrate

the birth of Jesus and all the

world pauses to celebrate

Christmas. We celebrate the

death and resurrection of Jesus

and all the world pauses to cele-

brate Easter.

However, on June 4, we will

celebrate another major festival

in the

church

year about

which very

little is ever

made men-

tion. In

fact, it does

not get the

fanfare or

the “hype”

that Christmas and Easter have

gotten throughout the years.

It is the day of Pentecost.

Have you ever seen a

“Pentecost Play,” or a

“Pentecost Pageant?” Probably

not; yet Pentecost is a major

festival in the church because it

is the celebration of the coming

of the promised Holy Spirit. It

is, in fact, the birthday of the

church. The coming of the

Holy Ghost was foretold by

several of Christ’s predecessors,

including John the Baptist and

John the Beloved.

Pentecost has its roots in the

Jewish festival year. In

Biblical times, there were three

great Jewish festivals which

every male Jew who lived with-

in 20 miles of Jerusalem was

legally bound to attend. They

were the Passover, the Pentecost

and the Feast of Tabernacles.

The name “Pentecost” is

derived from the Greek word,

“Pentecostas,” meaning 50.

Another old-time name for

Pentecost was the “Feast of

Weeks,” so called because it fell

on the fiftieth day, after a “week

of weeks,” i.e., seven times

seven equals 49; seven weeks

each having seven days, follow-

ing the celebration of the

Passover.

The Passover fell in the mid-

dle of April. Therefore,

Pentecost fell at the beginning

of June. By that time, the rainy

season was over and traveling

conditions were probably at

their best. Some scholars

believe that there may have

been up to a million people

from all over the Mediterranean

world who flocked to Jerusalem

at the time of Pentecost.

The Feast of Pentecost was

significant for two major rea-

sons.

First, it

had an

historical

signifi-

cance in

that it

commem-

orated the

giving of

the law to

Moses on Mount Sinai.

Second, it had an agricultural

significance in that at Passover,

the first portion of the grain had

been offered to God in gratitude

for the harvest, and then at

Pentecost, two loaves were

offered to God in thanks for all

the grain gathered. It was a

festival holiday in which no

work was done and the streets

of Jerusalem were filled with

people celebrating.

The Hebrew word for wind

is “ruach.” This is the same

wind or spirit of God that

moved across the face of the

deep in the beginning of cre-

ation; this is the same spirit of

God that led the Hebrew people

out of slavery in Egypt and into

the promised land. This is the

same spirit of old that spoke

through the prophets foretelling

of the Christ who would come.

This is the same spirit of God

who raised Jesus Christ from

the dead. This is the same spirit

of God that empowered those

God-fearing Jews in Jerusalem

to go forth out into the world

and to proclaim the greatness of

God.

This is the same spirit of

God that lives and works

throughout the ages in the lives

of believers everywhere. This

is the same spirit of God that

empowers us, just like the early

disciples to go out in our mis-

sion, out into the world and to

pass our faith on to others

everywhere from generation to

generation.

This same spirit of God is

alive and well today and brings

strength to the weak, gives

courage to those who are afraid,

gives light to those who live in

darkness, brings comfort to

those who grieve, gives peace

to those who are in turmoil and

gives hope to those who have

none. This same spirit of God

lives in your heart by faith. So

on the birthday of the church,

let us, as people of God, ask in

prayer that the Holy Spirit

anoint our work and our min-

istry.

NOTE: Shavuot, the pente-

costal Jewish holiday, as do the

other “Pilgrim Festivals,” rec-

ognized the partnership of har-

vest — the farmers sweat with

the Lord’s sun and water. Later

in history, Shavuot expanded its

significance as it became the

accepted day commemorating

the birth of Israel as a people.

This birthday is the day the

Ten Commandments were

received and Israel sealed its

covenant with their God.

Shavuot, is also called the Feast

of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:

10); Feast of Harvest (Exodus

23: 16); and the day of first-

fruits (Numbers 28:26).

Chaplain (Capt.)

John Sutton, Jr.

5th Engineer Battalion

“Pentecost is a major festi-val in the church, because it

is the celebration of thecoming of the promised

Holy Spirit. It is, in fact, thebirthday of the church.”

Victory Base Open Circle Meets every Friday at 6:30 p.m., Warrior Chapel, Riva Ridge.The Topic on May 19 will be “Witchcraft and the Nocturnal

Tradition” and on May 26 it will be “The Pentagram/Pentacle:What it means to us.” The group also has special monthly rituals.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VBOC_Baghdad/

page 21TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

GUIDANCE

$ Pay Attention $230th Finance Battalion

“Always There and Ready”

Central Criminal Court of Iraq.

The Central Criminal Court of Iraq hears

cases involving Iraqis or foreign nationals who

are accused of committing crimes against the

Iraqi people or Coalition Forces. Most of the

convictions are based on the testimony and

information Soldiers provide at the point of

capture. The results of some CCCI cases for

the month of April 2006 are summarized

below:

1. A Multi-National Division – Baghdad

unit captured multiple detainees September 21

who, while in their vehicle, attempted to avoid

a CF patrol. A search of their vehicle revealed

weapons, which included SA-7 systems (sur-

face-to-air missiles), a mortar bipod, 12-gauge

primer rounds and AK-47s.

The detainees were charged with, and con-

victed of, possession of illegal weapons. Each

detainee was sentenced to seven years in Iraqi

prison.

2. An MND-B unit in conjunction with the

Iraqi Army captured multiple detainees on June

15, 2005. The detainees belonged to a cell of

insurgents known for kidnapping, murder and

extortion. Money extorted from the kidnap-

pings was used to fund the operations of Al

Qaeda in Iraq. The detainees were charged

with, and convicted of, organizing and joining

an armed terrorist organization for the purpose

of stopping and delaying the laws execution,

and disturbing the national security and stabili-

ty in the country.

Each detainee received a life sentence,

which is the equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi

prison.

3. An MND-B unit captured a detainee on

December 14 during a raid on the senior leader-

ship of the Revolutionary Ghadab Brigade

associated with Al Tawhid Al Jihad. The

detainee admitted to “repairing” cars for the

RGB with full knowledge that it was a terrorist

organization, recruiting individuals for Al

Tawhid and using a forged citizenship identifi-

cation card.

The detainee was charged with, and convict-

ed of, organizing, heading, leading or joining

armed groups.

He received a life sentence, which is the

equivalent of 20 years in Iraqi prison.

4. An MND-B unit captured a detainee

October 22, 2004, after finding weapons in his

residence, which consisted of AK-47s, pistols,

9-milimeter ammunition and body armor. The

detainee was charged with, and convicted of,

possession of illegal weapons.

He was sentenced to one year in Iraqi

prison and a 50,000 dinar fine.

Iraqi Court Convictions

The EagleCash card will be landing by mid-June at the

Liberty Complex, Life Support Area Anaconda, and Camp

Speicher. Soldiers can enroll in the program and receive their

card during the bulk enrollment period scheduled for June 1-10

(see specific location enrollment schedule below).

Similar to a debit card, the EagleCash card allows the card-

holder to transfer a monetary value on the card and then, as each

transaction takes place, the value on the card is debited.

To better facilitate the enrollment process it is recommended

that Soldiers complete the EagleCash card enrollment form prior

to seeing a representative at one of the bulk enrollment sites.

Once value has been stored on the EagleCash card, it can be

used at the post exchange, post office, and local vendors located

throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan that are affiliat-

ed with the Army Air Force Exchange Service. There are no fees

or interest incurred for using this card. Another important bene-

fit of the EagleCash card is the ability to recover funds that are

stolen or lost.

If a service member loses cash, it is gone; however, with the

EagleCash card, the service member simply goes to the finance

office immediately and has the card turned off. The remaining

money on the card will then be placed on a new card. At the end

of tour you may also receive a cash refund for any value remain-

ing on your card.

Another convenience of the EagleCash card is the ability to

use a kiosk. The kiosk is an ATM-like machine that allows a

service member the ability to perform transactions on their card

24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week without having to visit the

finance office and wait in line. Using the kiosk allows a service

member to transfer value directly from the bank account of their

choice to their card. No checks or casual payments are required!

Funds can be loaded to the card or unloaded from the card into

your bank account.

Funds can also be transferred between two cards and the

kiosk can also be used to check the balance remaining on your

card.

Service members need not worry about the security of their

EagleCash card because you will have the ability to select your

own Personal Identification Number, which is entered into the

kiosk to process a transaction and can be changed at any time at

the kiosk.

The EagleCash card and the kiosk will be a convenient, sim-

ple and fast way for service members to manage their money

without the need to carry large sums of cash and without having

to wait in long lines at the finance office.

SFC Austin A. McLaughlinInternal Control NCOIC, 230th Finance Battalion

Bulk Enrollment Schedule:Jun. 1: Victory Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner

meal period).

Jun. 2: Liberty Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner

meal period).

Jun. 3 – 4: Liberty PX (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

Jun. 5: Slayer Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner

meal period).

Jun. 6: Striker Dining Facility (during Lunch and Dinner

meal period).

Jun. 7: Café de Fleurry (during Lunch and Dinner meal

period).

Jun. 8: Riva Ridge Dining Facility (during Lunch and

Dinner meal period).

Jun. 9: 4th Inf. Div. headquarters.

Jun. 10 – 11: Victory PX (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).

Eagle Cash Stored Value Card

1. A Private from Company F, 3rd Battalion,

67th Armored Regiment, 506th Regimental

Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division pled

guilty at a General Court-Martial April 25.

He was convicted of receiving and possess-

ing child pornography.

The military judge sentenced him to reduc-

tion to E-1, confinement for 15 months and a

bad conduct discharge.

2. A Sergeant from Company A, 4th Brigade

Support Troop Battalion, 506th Regimental

Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division pled

guilty at a Special Court-Martial April 28.

He was

convicted of

disobeying a

noncommis-

sioned offi-

cer, violating

General

Order

Number 1,

failure to report to guard mount and sleeping on

guard duty.

The military judge sentenced him to reduc-

tion to E-1 and a bad conduct discharge.

Criminal Justice Statistics

Notice: Finance offices one-day closure

All finance offices throughout the Multi-National Division

– Baghdad, Multi-National Forces – Iraq and Multi-National

Forces – West footprint will be closed May 28, in order to

upgrade to the new Deployable Disbursing System, version

2.31. Normal office hours will resume May 29. We apologize

for any inconvenience this may cause.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE O’RYAN, Iraq – When Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry

Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, had a local national truck turn over right

outside their FOB early the morning of May 4, they responded to a call for help. As they searched

through the wreckage of toilets and shower units that had spilled out of the truck, they found a

bonus -- four cases of Royal Horse Scottish whiskey. Led by 1st Lt. Michael Miller (right), Company

D, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT platoon leader, the unit smashed the bottles; behind Miller is Staff Sgt. Timothy

Schuchard, section leader, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT. 1st Lt. Miller is the son of Lt. Col. Jack Miller, provost

marshal on Victory Base Complex, one of whose major tasks is, coincidentally, to locate and destroy

illegal stores of alcohol. The senior Miller joked “we are kind of the Elliot Ness family in Iraq.”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Calvin Coates, 1-8 Inf., 3rd BCT, 4th ID, Section Leader

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 22

Corps of Engineers Update

SADR CITY, Iraq –

Formerly known as Saddam City,

Sadr City has always been a low-

income section of the Baghdad

area. Under the former regime,

inhabitants of the city were occasionally

punished for challenging Saddam

Hussein’s rule. The city is among the

most impoverished and neglected in the

country.

Following the war, the run-down city

of more than two million inhabitants was

in urgent need of essential services.

Broken pipes allowed both untreated

water and sewage water to inundate the

streets.

This water also seeped into the pure

water supplies through sub-standard and

leaking pipes. Many streets were unpaved

and mounds of garbage and debris were

piled up in most of the neighborhoods

within the city.

Redevelopment of the area was a part

of the terms under which former militia-

men agreed to lay down their arms and

start to rebuild.

Sadr City resident Abu Yass said there

was a lot of frustration among his fellow

city dwellers, stemming largely from bro-

ken promises by the government. He said

the inhabitants who suffered under the

iron rule of Saddam Hussein were hoping

that the ushering in of a new era would

bring both jobs and overall prosperity.

The U.S. Corps of Engineers Gulf

Region Division and its Project and

Contracting Office has played an impor-

tant role in the reconstruction efforts tak-

ing place in Sadr city.

The agency’s efforts cover all sectors

dealing with essential services, including

electricity, water, sewage, surfacing roads

with asphalt, and restoring schools and

clinics.

“Thank God,” said Yass, through a

translator. “After a period of time we

started to see our hopes getting closer and

closer to reality such as drinking water,

cleaner streets and better sewage (dispos-

al) thanks to those who participated in the

reconstruction process, including the gov-

ernment and the multi-national forces.”

“Our city has started to witness a tan-

gible change; less trash in the streets, the

sewage (situation) is improving, and the

drinking water is better than last season,”

remarked Abu Alaa.

To date, the Corps of Engineers Gulf

Region Division has completed about 27

compact water unit projects.

Each of these water units supplies

about 15,000 liters of clean drinking water

daily to the city which helps to improve

the living condition of all of its residents.

Corps of Engineers Note: The authors,

J. Anajar and M. Alubeidy, are Iraqi Local

Nationals working for the U.S. Corps of

Engineers, Gulf Region Division, Public

Affairs Office in Baghdad, Iraq. This arti-

cle was originally written as a commen-

tary for the Iraqi newspapers.

In 2005, Sadr City received fresh drinking water for the first time in more than eight years. Since that time, the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers has finished many other water projects for the city.

Story by J. Anajar and M. AlubeidyGulf Region Division

U.S Army Corps of Engineers

Photo courtesy of Gulf Region Division

Sadr City residents remember broken promises of old regime,

grateful for U.S. Corps of Engineers improvements within city

Sponsored by 16th Engineer BrigadeWhen: May 20, 2006 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ironhorse Oasis Dining Facility

AAssiiaann PPaacciiffiicc HHeerriittaaggee MMoonntthh OObbsseerrvvaannccee 22000066

Road improvements near

completion in Sadr City

About 200,000 residents of the Abu

Ghraib neighborhood of Baghdad now have

electricity with the installation of more than

a mile of feeder line from a substation.

Throughout Iraq, the U.S. Corps of

Engineers has added 1,366 mega watts (each

mega watt equal to one million watts) of

capacity and increased power generation to

1,240,000 homes and improved electricity

distribution to approximately 220,000 homes

to date.

The Al Tahreer Company of Baghdad has

a $942,350 contract to repave 5,300 meters

of roadway on Shaeed, Dakhell and Abu

Thar Streets in Sadr City. The project started

Oct. 30 and is scheduled for completion

some time in May. Formerly known as

Saddam City, Sadr City has always been a

low-income section and is among the most

impoverished in the country.

200,000 in Abu Ghraib

receive electricity

Keep in mind as you

read this that the

below descriptions

are about your sun-

sign only. You have other

planets that affect you as an

individual and no two individ-

uals have the same astrologi-

cal make-up. The sun tends to

be the most obvious part of

your personality -- your con-

scious self.This column is not

meant to be taken as a serious

reflection on who you are, or

what kind of a Soldier you

are; it is a light-hearted look

at astrological sun signs for amusement purposes only.

This issue we will feature the “Earth signs.”

Taurus ( Apr. 20 – May 20). The bull. Ruled by the

planet Venus, a fixed earth sign and a material protector.

A Taurus Soldier is usually his or her “own boss,” and

much like the bull they are proud, stubborn and ready to

fight for their pasture lands. They are healthy and do

what is natural for them, and that is to protect and hold

on to their territory. Taurus Soldiers are patient and

dependable and if they commit to teaching another

Soldier a skill, they will stick with it until that Soldier

has truly learned the skill, not just skimmed the surface.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22). The virgin, ruled by

Mercury. A mutable earth sign; marked by material sensi-

bilities and is a material servant. Virgo Soldiers are

everywhere. They can perform in any military occupa-

tional specialty. They are behind the desk, knee deep in

paper work, in supply rooms, driving trucks, directing

troops at the highest levels. They never seem to stop.

Virgo Soldier can easily separate the “wheat from the

chaff” and are good at assessing the abilities and

strengths of their fellow Soldiers. They are known as

“never tiring,” and can be relied upon to get the job done.

Capricorn (Dec.. 22 – Jan. 19). The goat. A cardi-

nal earth sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorns are

material leaders. The Capricorn, like the goat, is the

sure-footed “never tiring” Soldier that is going to climb

to the top if for no other reason than that the top is there.

No one need feel shaky or insecure around a

Capricorn; they train themselves from birth to see and

interpret the ways of the world accurately and to appreci-

ate the times they are living in; they believe in new atti-

tudes, new possibilities … so they go into conflicts with

this in mind. In past wars, it was the Capricorn who left

the farm first to join the war effort.

Editor’s Note (Sgt. 1st Class Mary

Mott): Two of our “regular

columnists” from the 363rd

Mobile Public Affairs

Detachment, Staff Sgt. Christian Farrell,

sports writer, and Staff Sgt. Adam Troy

Navarro, better known as Uncle Troy, are

out of the loop right now and can not con-

tribute to this issue.

Standing in for both of them, with one

combined column is Sgt. Joshua John

Middleberg, broadcast journalist extraor-

dinaire. By the

way, both

Staff Sgt’s.

Farrell and

Navarro are

video guys as

well, which

may or may

not explain

some things

about their

regular

columns.

SO… here

goes, straight

from the sensi-

tive e soul of a

nice Jewish

boy from the

eastern U.S. –

and who could

possibly be

more qualified to talk sports or give

advice … I ask you?

By way of introduction, I am Sgt.

Joshua Middleberg, a broadcast journalist

(videographer) with the 363rd Mobile

Public Affairs Detachment. I produce

video news stories that you may have

seen on American Forces Network or the

Pentagon Channel.

Why do I offer this preface? Well, I’d

like to start off by explaining that I know

nothing about writing for a newspaper.

So, when the noncommissioned officer in

charge of our print journalism section

walked into our office and asked: “Who in

here is a sports fan?” I delivered a regret-

table answer: “I am.” “Good!” she said.

“Our regular sports columnist is out on a

mission, so I’ll expect a sports column

from you by close of business tomorrow.”

Ah, the perfect set up. I’ve been in the

Army for five years, this month, so I

should have known better. There’s noth-

ing to do, but drive on like a good Soldier

should. Now, when

I said: “I am a fan,”

I meant the word

“fan” in terms of

someone who sits on

the couch during the

weekend, in his box-

ers, favorite cold

beverage in hand,

watching other peo-

ple run around and

beat each other up

for my entertain-

ment. It makes me

laugh.

Nor, can I do

things like rattle off,

from memory, the

NCAA basketball

tournament champi-

ons for the last

twenty-five years.

So, what to write about? Our 1st

Sergeant suggested golf. Sorry, I know

nothing about golf except that Tiger

Woods is really good and it’s great to

watch when I’m having trouble sleeping.

Ten minutes of listening to Verne

Lundquist whisper about the “action” out

on the links and I’m out like a light.

Baseball? I like to watch it, but don’t

know enough about it. Ditto for basket-

ball, hockey and NASCAR racing. The

National Football League draft offered

some surprises when Mario Williams, out

of North Carolina State, became the first

pick and a few others went lower than

expected. Arizona might be a team to

watch in the next few years. The combi-

nation of Matt Leinhart at quarterback

with the big tight end from Georgia,

Leonard Pope, last year’s draftee, Larry

Fitzgerald out of Pittsburgh, and the

acquisition of running back, Edgerin

James from Indianapolis, may pose an

offensive challenge for the rest of the

NFL.

College Football? It is by far my

favorite sport, but this is not the season.

Besides, I begin every college football

season with the unwavering expectation

that my beloved alma mater, The

University of Georgia Bulldogs, will win

the national championship. Logic does

not play into my opinion on this matter. I

have wildly and blindly determined that

the “silver britches” will win every

national championship from next season

until, once again, the dinosaurs roam the

earth. “Go Dawgs!”

And now, we come to the second half

of what the erstwhile editor of this paper

dumped on me … the advice column.

Normally written by New York cop, Staff

Sgt. Navarro, alias Uncle Troy, who

knows how to give advice – I don’t.

What I do know is that no matter what

your military occupational specialty or

what job you are doing, while you are

here in theater you have taken on a chal-

lenge that is far greater than what most of

your fellow citizens would ever be willing

to endure. Yet, you continue to adapt and

overcome.

My biggest reward as an Army broad-

cast journalist has been the opportunity to

cover many different units, from traveling

with the band to conducting patrols with

infantry-men. I hold nothing but respect

for all of you. I send thanks to those of

you who have tolerated my camera and

questions while you’re out on mission and

I want to let all of you know that it has

been my good fortune to serve with you.

I’ve found more inspiration from you than

from any sport. So … my advice to each

and every one of you Soldiers is to keep

on doing what you are doing, because it is

right. You are incredibly brave, resilient

people, and on those days when you feel

“blue,” you need to remember that – and

know that you really ARE a hero.

page 23TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy Leafmay 14, 2006

SPORTS

Sports Roundup with “Josh the Mensch”by Sgt. Joshua Middleberg363rd MPAD

Sports reflections and “Uncle Troy” – The full-meal extra value deal, extra condiments column

1. Bull Durham (1988).

2. Rocky (1976).

3. Raging Bull (1980).

4. Hoosiers (1986).

5. Slap Shot (1977).

6. The Natural (1984).

7. Field of Dreams (1989).

8. Caddyshack (1980).

9. The Hustler (1961).

10. The Longest Yard (1974).

11. North Dallas Forty (1979).

12. Jerry Maguire (1996).

13. Hoop Dreams (1994).

14. Breaking Away (1979).

15. White Men Can’t Jump (1992).

16. The Bad News Bears (1976).

17. Chariots of Fire (1981).

18. Brian’s Song (1971).

19. Eight Men Out (1988).

20. When We Were Kings (1996).

21. Pride of the Yankees (1942).

22. A League of Their Own (1992).

23. Bang the Drum Slowly (1973).

24. Tin Cup (1996).

25. Hurricane (1999).

26. The Color of Money (1986).

27. Rounders (1998).

28. Rocky III (1982).

29. Rocky II (1979).

30. Heaven Can Wait (1978).

– Courtesy of espn.com

ESPN’s Top 30 SportsMovies of All-Time

Uga, a white English bulldog, is the mascot

for the University of Georgia Bulldogs foot-

ball team.

The Astrology of Soldiers: What your ‘Earth sign’ says about you

By Nancy Anderson

Astrologer

Waukomis, Okla., the

Spirit of America

may 14, 2006TThe Ivy Leafhe Ivy LeafPage 24

FACES AND PLACES

BAGHDAD – Spc. John Ruiz, 1st Platoon, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, waves goodbye to students at Al-Widha Primary School for boys and girls after a rib-

bon-cutting ceremony April 25. The newly renovated school has been in the Al Rasheed district since 1958 and was used as a polling site for the December elections.

Photo by Spc. Kelly Kent McDowell, 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div.

Photo by Spc. Jason Thompson, 4th Inf. Div. PAO

ABOVE: CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Maj. Hugo Silva, 16th Engineer Brigade battle captain,

and an Iraqi army soldier stationed at Camp Taji, find common ground while com-

paring flat bread and tortillas during a stop at an Iraqi army bakery at Camp Taji.

Civilian bakers prepare the flat bread daily by hand and bake it in a brick oven at

the site’s bakery for the Iraqi army soldiers. Maj. Silva and other 16th Engineer

soldiers visited the base to tour previously completed and upcoming engineer

projects for the Iraqi army base and also attended the Iraqi army Engineer School

Jundi graduation April 20.

RIGHT: TARMIYAH, Iraq – A pair of Iraqi policemen patrol with Soldiers from

Company A, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th

Infantry Division, near a marketplace along the streets of Tarmiyah April 21. The

Soldiers of Company A conduct multiple patrols through the town on a daily

basis to help reassure the local citizens that both Coalition and Iraqi Security

Forces are working together to keep Tarmiyah secure.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tracy L. Ballog, 16th Eng. Bde PAO