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FRONTLINEServing the Fort Stewa rt and Hunter Army Airfield comm unities (w ww.stewart.army.mil) September 20, 2007

PRSRT STD U.S. Postag e Pa idPermit no. 43,

Hinesville, Ga . 31314

Vol. 41, Issue 36

Martial arts helpstudents kickback, relax,see Page 1C

MWR, HinesvilleArts Council

promotes Family

fun with bluesconcert, seePage 1B

KesslerElementary

Schooldedicated,

see Page 1B

4th BCT trains up fordeployment, see

Page 3A

THE

Pfc. Amanda McBride

Pfc. Donte Hill, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team attaches his night vision goggles to his Army combat helmet at NVG night driving training during training for deployment to Iraq, Sept. 7. See story on Page 8A.

Marne Huskydraws to end

CAB, 1/15 Inf takes down insurgents Staff Sgt. Sean Riley3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAM-MER, Iraq – Coalition troops capturedand killed several insurgents in theSalman Pak area during a pair of mis-

sions Sept. 12 and 13.On Sept. 12, Company A and the

scout platoon from 1st Battalion, 15thInfantry Regiment, conducted a nightair assault near Salman Pak.

Soldiers assaulted north of SalmanPak via UH-60 Black Hawk helicoptersto surprise known insurgents in the1/15 Inf. Regt. area of operations.

After the air insertion, scoutsdetained two suspected insurgents asCompany A secured its target area,detaining another insurgent and find-ing two AK-47 assault rifles and oneshotgun. In all, three insurgents weredetained and six buildings were cleared

during the operation. A day later, Sept. 13, Soldiers

responded to reports of small-arms firedirected against the Joint Security Station in Salman Pak. Soldiers from1/15 Inf. Regt. coordinated with AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to engage

insurgents.The helicopters opened fire on three

armed men after they were detectednear a building on the outskirts of thetown. Two were killed during theexchange. The third man, wounded inthe attack, moved into the building after meeting with four other armedmen.

The helicopters fired at the building after insurgents fired a rocket-propelledgrenade at them, killing two more and wounding another.

The remaining two men escaped.Soldiers moved to the site and evacuat-ed the wounded man.

Sgt. Ben Brody3rd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

BAGHDAD – On the final air assaultof Operation Marne Husky, Soldiersdetained an insurgent and discoveredbomb-making materials along the western bank of the Tigris, 20 milessouth of Baghdad, in the predawnhours of Sept. 15.

The detainee, who had high-levelcontacts in a local al-Qaeda cell, was

wanted for IED manufacturing and weapons transport.

“His story kept changing, so webrought him in,” said Capt. Pete Peters,3rd Combat Aviation Brigade’s intelli-gence officer. “Once he was at ourdetention facility, three sources posi-tively identified him as an al-Qaedaguy.”

Another man was detained aftertroops found IED components in hishouse.

See HUSKY Page 8A

Sgt. 1st Class Tami HillisParticipating in the Vanguard Dining Facility Ribbon Cutting Ceremony are (from left

to right) Pfc. Solomon Ji, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery; Command Sgt.Maj.Louis Torres, 4th Brigade Combat Team command sergeant major; Paul Andreshak, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield deputy garrison commander; Col.Thomas James,4th BCT commander; and Pfc. Paul Sin, Company E, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, Sept.17.The dining facility is 27,550 square feet.

“Soldiers are and always will be our most precious resource,” said James.“This is just another example of the Army, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the garrison command taking care of our wonderful Soldiers.”

3rd Inf Div Soldiers past,present, re-unite in Colorado

See story, Page 12A

Nancy GouldHunter Public Affairs

When brave Soldiers from the 3rdInfantry Division return home woundedfrom the Global War on Terror, the WarriorTransition Battalion guarantees them thesupport and care they need to return toactive duty or to transition to a new life inthe civilian sector.

The Warrior Transition Unit was stoodup at Winn Army Community Hospital onJuly 15 with almost 50 other units Army- wide.

The units operate as companies, battal-ions or brigades, depending on their size. Winn’s Warrior Transition Battalion is now about 50 percent operational but is

expected to reach full strength by January 2008.

“Our nation has to be ready to care for ageneration of young men and women who have sacrificed so much,” said JohnCollins, Winn Army Community Hospitalcommander. He said the Army Medical Action Plan was developed to facilitatethat care after publicity about inadequatetreatment of recovering Soldiers in WalterReed Medical Center’s outpatient careprogram. The plan directs a revamping of medical processes and streamlined andexpedited outpatient medical care. “Thisplan brought about changes that helpSoldiers get through the community med-ical system in a very methodical way andback into a unit or the civilian sector.”

Warrior Transition Bn,place to heal, transition

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky2nd BCT Public Affairs

MADHARIYAH – Coalition troopstook a break from combat operations

Sept. 5 to assess the medical needs of local residents near Patrol Base Whiskey 1.

Artillerymen of 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade CombatTeam, 3rd Infantry Division, andParatroopers from 1st Battalion, 40thCavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade CombatTeam, 25th Infantry Division, provided

medical care from an abandoned veteri-nary clinic in Madhariyah.

Iraqi troops joined the Americans,lending medics, translators and security.

"We came in and secured the sight

with the IA," said Capt. DaveUnderwood, commander, 1/9 FA.

Iraqi and Coalition troops also hand-ed out items to improve local residents’quality of life, including clothes, toys forchildren, and hygiene items such assoaps, shampoos, tooth paste and toothbrushes. Feminine hygiene items werealso provided to local women.

2nd BCT Soldiers help at clinic

See CLINIC Page 8A

See WTU Page 8A



2A Frontline September 20, 2007 3rd Infantry Division

Brig. Gen. James L. Huggins3rd Inf. Div. Deputy Commanding General - Manuever

Operation Marne Huskey ended last

Saturday and was considered a very success-ful operation. It was led by our Combat Aviation Brigade and was one of the numer-ous operations conducted here to clearinsurgent safe havens.

Third Infantry Division Soldiers are mak-ing a difference across Iraq by taking theoffensive, and we believe that this is making a difference. Our number one mission is toblock accelerants into Baghdad, and MarneTorch II, our latest operation, will help usblock the enemy’s avenue of approach toBaghdad through Arab Jabour and the TigrisRiver Valley.

After being in Iraq only four months, our2nd Brigade Combat Team is the division’smain effort for the second time leading Marne Torch II. Following up on their suc-cess in June with Marne Torch I, the“Guardian” Brigade Combat Team is attack-ing further south into Arab Jabour in orderto rid the area of al Qaeda and eliminate anenemy safe haven.

We didn’t just want to hold the line and

allow the enemy to regainstrength after clearing ArabJabour in June. We want tokeep him off balance andmaintain pressure. We want to

strike him whenever and wherever he is vulnerable.In addition to continuing

combat operations, Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment established PatrolBase Hawkes in order to helpsecure the population. By liv-ing amongst the Iraqi people,our Soldiers are gaining theirtrust and working with themto keep the community safe. I visited thepatrol base within the 48 hours of Soldiersbeing on the ground, and I was impressed with their motivation, worth ethic, anddetermination to hold that ground.

As Gen. David H. Petraeus pointed out inhis testimonies last week, our ability toensure that the Iraqis feel safe helps them totrust us, and helps reduce attacks. It alsohelps our intelligence since the Iraqis show us where improvised explosive devices areburied, take us to the houses of the bad guys,and warn us of attacks.

The future of Iraqdepends on us being able tohelp the Iraqis take control,and while we have beenleading the operations for a

while, it’s coming time toturn the missions over tothem. We continue tostrengthen our commit-ment to partner with theIraqi security forces and thelocal Iraqi concerned citi-zens, and then we can, and will, provide support as they take the lead and carry onthe fight to secure their

families and communities. All over Task Force Marne we are part-

nered with capable Iraqi units and capableIraqi leaders working hard to make this hap-pen.

We eagerly await the arrival of our FourthBrigade Combat Team – its equipment iscurrently being loaded on ships, and theSoldiers will start training in Kuwait nextmonth. The “Vanguard” Brigade will come inand help secure the central corridor – thecritical area between the Tigris andEuphrates River that insurgents use to infil-

trate Baghdad.Our successes have come at a cost. We

grieve for those heroes that have fallen. And we pray for the comfort of their loved onesleft behind.

Friday is POW/MIA day and our heartsturn to two missing Soldiers in Task ForceMarne. Spc. Alex Jimenez and Pvt. ByronFouty are members of the 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 10th Mountain Division(Light) and part of Task Force Marne. Thetwo were captured by Al Qaeda while provid-ing over watch for an IED crater May 12th.

Both Jimenez and Fouty are members of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment. Jimenez is from the Bronx,N.Y. and Fouty is from Waterford, Mich.Our prayers and thoughts are with their Families. We are reminded of our duty given to us in the Soldiers’ Creed, “I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Task Force Marne continues to search for its missing Soldiers, and we will not rest until they have been reunited with their Families.

Rock of the Marne!

Marne 6 Sends

The

Soldiers stand up for America and re-enlist on Sept 11Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky2nd BCT Public Affairs

FOB KALSU – While September 11 may be remembered forthe Twin Towers falling down, it was also a day when Americastood up.

On the sixth anniversary of the attacks, Spcs. Marcus andFelicia Reese, intelligence analysts with the 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stood up for Americaonce again by re-enlisting for five years here.

As part of their re-enlistment incentives, the couple, whohave been married for eight months, received a bonus andchoice of duty station.

Although the two won't be staying with the Marne Division,having chosen Hawaii as their next duty station, 2nd BCTcommander Col. Terry Ferrell nevertheless praised their com-mitment to the Army.

"What wonderful Soldiers; what wonderful people we haveserving our nation. Thank you," he said.

Ferrell also praised the couple's desire to serve, comment-ing that it takes a special type of Soldier to re-enlist in a com-bat zone.

Praise was also dished out by the couple.

In addition to each Soldier’s chain of command, Marcus, who works in the brigade's intelligence shop, also had specialthanks for the 2nd BCT command sergeant major, CommandSgt. Maj. Gabriel Berhaine.

"I'd like to thank sergeant major for asking me every otherday ‘When are you going to re-enlist?’ Well, today is that day."

Marcus reciprocated the push onto his spouse.Felicia, who works in the 26th Brigade Support Battalion

intelligence cell, said Marcus was involved in the juniorreserve officer training program in high school and enjoys the Army life, and thus was a major factor in pushing her to re-enlist as well.

"If this is what he wants to do, I support him. That's why Ire-enlisted," she said.

Just as the two rely upon each other for support, the Army counts on Soldiers like the Reeves to support its mission,Ferrell said.

"It is because of Soldiers like you that we are able to do what we are doing (fighting against terrorism) here for so many years," he said.

Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky

Spcs. Marcus (back left) and Felicia (back right) Reeve are congratulated by fellow Dog-Faced Soldiers after re-enlisting. The couple re-enlisted Sept. 11 at Forward Operating Base Kalsu for five years and got to choose Hawaii as thei next assignment.

Fort Stewart Museum Staff

This week in 1954, the 3rdInfantry Division was preparing to redeploy to the United Statesafter four years in the Korean War,750 days of combat behind them.

The Greek Expeditionary

Forces fought alongside elementsof the division. They began as abattalion-sized force of about1,000 men and in early 1954 hadbeen reorganized, with 3rdInfantry Division help, into a regi-mental-sized unit with two battal-ions.

Harry Truman bestowed aPresidential Unit Citation on theGreek Expeditionary Forces andthe South Korean Presidentawarded them the KoreanPresidential Unit Citation.

The Greeks credited their suc-cess to the American division they fought alongside and this farewellspeech explains colorfully theiradmiration for the 3rd Infantry Division in 1954.Greeks’ Farewell Message

"Dedicated to our Mother in

Korea"Our great omission is that the

Greek Regiment has not formally thanked, not even once, the 3rdInfantry Division, our mother inKorea.

This, our thanks, would only have been an outward expression.

Inwardly we have always felt deeprespect, gratitude and affectionfor our heroic and loving mother.

Under her wings, the Greek Expeditionary Battalion foughtand the Greek Expeditionary Regiment was organized; trainedand attained its combat effective-ness.

However, since we have men-tioned the name of the Division, we must proclaim that we Greeksare lucky and proud to haveserved under the command of the3rd Infantry Division, the "Rock of the Marne" in Europe and the"Blood Giver for Freedom" inKorea.

The 3rd Division has treated uslike a true child of hers. We haveheard words of esteem and praisefrom her lips.

Out of happy coincidence, the3rd Division patch, with its blueand white stripes, has the samecolors as our own national flag, so we in turn consider the 3rdDivision Greek.

The 3rd Infantry Division hasbeen characterized by its unity

and harmonious cooperation in aspiritual, intellectual and disci-plined sense.

The division has been a mod-ern christening pool of Siloam. Anyone entering this pool has abaptism of personality and takesthe oath, "I will not shame thesacred weapons of the 3rdDivision."

Perhaps we have been too out-spoken in our praise, for all know the glory of the 3rd Division.

Perhaps it is a lack of respect tospeak thus, but we kiss her handin adoration and ask her forgive-ness for our boldness in praising her.

Note: The pool of Siloam is inJerusalem, mentioned severaltimes in the Bible and here used toillustrate a place of honor.

A moment in Marne history: Korea

Marne Division transitions for upcoming operations



Rock of the Marne Frontline 3A September 20, 2007 The

Pfc. Amanda McBride4th BCT Public Affairs

4th Brigade Combat TeamSoldiers participated in severaltraining exercises Sept. 6 and 7around Fort Stewart in preparationfor their upcoming deployment toIraq.

Early on the morning of Sept. 6,Soldiers from 6th Squadron, 8th

Cavalry regiment woke up early and took part in a five-mile MarneStandard Squadron march to pre-pare troops for the rigors they willsoon face.

The battalion personnel officer,Lt. Carl Sundin said started off atMustang field, went several milesto West St, crossed over to MotorPool Road then went back down toMustang field.

Although some struggled tomake it back to Mustang field,everyone came together andpushed each other, so all whostarted the march could finish themarch as a team.

“Troopers finished the march with a sense of unit pride and asense of confidence,” Sundin said.

Though many troopers havedeployed, there are those whohave not, and the training they receive may help them to betteradapt to what they will go throughin the upcoming deployment.

“The march gave the guys expe-rience with the gear and heat,”said Lt. Ryan Ressler,Headquarters, HeadquartersTroop executive officer andPersonnel Security Detachmentplatoon leader. “Between NTC(National Training Center) and Vanguard Focus (a predeployment

exercise), I think there has been agreat improvement. From where we started to where we are now has proven that we are ready to goto Iraq.”

Later that day, Soldiers from 4thBattalion, 64th Armored Regimenttook part in the C-3 Shoot Houseto improve their skills entering and clearing rooms and buildings.

Soldiers were able to expandtheir basic knowledge and skillssets, a requirement that grows

more and more important forSoldiers in deployed environmentstoday.

Later that afternoon, 3rdBattalion, 7th Infantry Regimentparticipated in Counter Insurgenttraining to practice on how they will respond to an insurgentsattack.

Soldiers drove through mock vil-lages and had to clear a building and react to an improvised explo-

sive device.Throughout the training, theSoldiers were put to the test to seehow well they could work as ateam.

“Our communication improvedfrom the last time we did it,” saidPfc. Josh Bandeko, assigned toCompany A, 3/7 Inf.

“If you have bad communica-tion, you can’t perform well on theground.”

The next day, Soldiers from 1stBattalion 76th Field Artillery and4/64 trained with a C-H47,Chinook helicopter at the NationalGuard Training Center Helipad.

“Today we practiced security procedures, radio communica-tion, and loading and unloading the chopper,” said Sgt. DanielMartinkoski, assigned to 4/64,Scout Platoon.

“This training will come inhandy while we’re doing an airsearch mission.”

Though for many of theSoldiers, this was the first timethey took part in the training,many left with a sense of accom-plishment and an improved confi-dence.

“I always try to take something away from training,” said Pfc.Issofa Kolor, assigned to Co. B,

1/76 FA.“This was my first time in a heli-copter andhopefully we’ll get more opportu-nities to (train with the Chinook helicopter) again.”

All the Soldiers from in 4th BCT who participated in the differenttraining events were given oppor-tunities to take away something that will help them be better pre-pared for their upcoming deploy-ment.

Vanguardson the

homestretch todeploymentTroops continue toprepare for war

Pfc. Amanda McBride

From left to right: Pfc. Steven Kempf, Sgt.Daniel Evans and Cpl. Victor Torres, all assigned to Co. A, 4/64

Armor, mount up before going in to search rooms a the C-3 Shoot House Sept. 5.

Pfc. Amanda McBride

Soldiers from 3/7 Inf. help a “wounded” comrade after his humvee was hit by a simulated improvised explosive device Sept. 5 during Counter Insurgent training at the convoy live fire range.

Pvt.Jerome Arp

Soldiers with the 1/76 FA practice loading, unloading and security procedures with a C-H47, Chinook helicopter Sept. 6 at the National Guard Training Center Helipad at Fort Stewart.



What are some holiday-travel safety tips?Marne Voices

Speak Out“Don’t drink and drive.”

Wesley Wood3/69 Armor

“Know the weather conditionsfor the areas you’re traveling.”

Carmen and Geriak Southerland,3Family members

“People shouldn’t leave theirchildren or pets in a hot car orunattended.”

Staff Sgt. Edward BrewerWarrior Transition Unit

“Remember, if you have tothink too long about some-

thing, don’t do it.”

Sgt. Thomas LeyvaTroop A, 6/8 Cav.

“Give yourself plenty of time toget to your destination, and wear your seatbelt.”

Debbie PowellCivilian employee

“Make sure you get enoughsleep.”

Lt. Col. Pam MeyersTrial Defense Services

3rd Infantry Division4A Frontline September 20, 2007 The

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!Write a letter to

the editor!Send to:

Marne TV & The FrontlineAttn: The Frontline, Editor112 Vilseck Rd., Suite 109Fort Stewart, Ga. 31314

or fax it to 912-767-9366.visit www.stewart.army.mil

C

Frontline

ADVERTISING: (912) 368-0526THE Frontline OFFICE: 767-5669

The

3rd Inf. Div.PAO — Lt.Col. Randy Martin3rd Inf.Div. NCOIC — Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs3rd Inf.Div. Ops — Staff Sgt.Craig ZentkovichDiv.staff writer — Sgt.Ben BrodyDiv.staff writer — Spc. Emily J.Wilsoncroft1st Bde.NCOIC — Staff Sgt.Raymond Piper1st Bde. staff writer — Spc.Ricardo Branch2nd Bde. staff writer — Sgt.Kevin Stabinsky2nd Bde.staff writer — Sgt. Jason Stadel4th Bde.NCOIC — Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis4th Bde.staff writer — Pfc. Amanda McBride4th Bde.staff writer — Pvt. Jerome ArpAvn.Bde. NCOIC — Sgt.1st Class Thomas MillsAvn.Bde. staff writer — Pfc. Monica Smith3rd Sust.Bde. NCOIC — Master Sgt.Rodney Williams3rd Sust.Bde. staff writer — Pfc. Gaelen Lowers

Garrison PAO — Richard OlsonCommand Information Officer – Jim Jeffcoat

Editorial/Design StaffManaging Editor – Pat YoungEditor – Sgt. Tanya PolkGarrison staff writer – Jennifer ScalesProduction Manager — Sherron WalkerAdvertising Mgr. — Jessa Kajencki

Hunter Army Airfield Public AffairsHunter Army Airfield PAO — Steven HartAssistant PAO – Nancy Gould

112 Vilseck Rd., Suite 109Bldg. 419

Ft. Stewart, Ga. 31314

2007

Office, Fort Stewart, Ga. 31314-5000. All editorial content of theFrontline newspaper is prepared, edited, provided and approvedby the Public Affairs Office of Fort Stewart, Georgia and the 3rdInfantry Division and is printed by Morris Newspaper Corporatio nof Hinesville, Inc., a private firm in no way connected with the

Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract withFort Stewart, Georgia.The civilian printer is responsible for com-mercial advertising. Subscription rates ar $12 - 3 months, $20 -six months and $36 for 12 months. Rates are Third Class mailinside the continental U.S.

3RD INFANTRY DIVISION COMMANDER MAJ. GEN. RICK LYNCH

This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication formembers of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Frontline are not nec-essarily the official views of, or are endorsed by, the U.S. govern-ment, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or U.S.Forces Command. It is published weekly by the Public Affairs

GARRISON COMMANDER COL. TODD A. BUCHS

Sustainment Bde recalls the events from Sept 11 2001 at ceremony Pfc. Gaelen Lowers3rd Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs

QAIYARA, Iraq – September 11 is a day that, for this generation, will live in people’sminds forever. Most can recall exactly wherethey were and what they were doing whenthey first heard about it or saw the news. LikePearl Harbor, the 9/11 attacks on the WorldTrade Center buildings, the Pentagon andthe crash in Somerset, Pa. are events that willlive in infamy for America and its people.

Many people commemorate such events with prayer, a celebration or even parades.Regardless of how people choose to remem-ber an event, the important thing is that theevent is remembered, so that the lessonslearned and taught to us on these days willstay with us. The military especially remem-bers such events, particularly, Soldiers thatare deployed to war zones.

Forward Operating Base Q-West remem-bered September 11 and honored the occa-sion with a candlelight service put togetherby the FOB chaplains. The event featuredsuch performances as a praise dance by Spc. Alice Pete and special music with guitaraccompaniment by 1st Lt. Adam Vanhornand Maj. Stephanie Gradford.

There were several poems recited and sev-eral prayers and bible scriptures read but themain speaker was Lt. Col. Linwood Clark,deputy commander of the 3rd SustainmentBrigade and FOB Q-West, who was present atthe Pentagon during the attacks on Sept. 11.

“Do you remember?” Clark began. “It wasSeptember 11th. At first we thought it was ahoax; the next thought maybe a trailer fornew movie. Certainly no pilot in the world would be that careless enough to fly into oneof the World Trade Center towers. Shortly after (9 a.m.) the news broadcast cameacross the different local and national net- works a second plane crashed into the sec-ond tower.”

“I remember my boss explaining that we’dbetter be prepared for a long day and to can-cel all plans for the upcoming week,” Clark continued. “I remember that eerie feeling that this wasn’t over. At (9:43 a.m.) the explo-sion rocked the building. Like so many in ou roffice we knew at this point what was going on. We too had been hit.”

Clark recalled the events that took placeduring the time of the explosion. He told thecrowd about the shouting of the emergency crews, the feeling of the heat from the explo-sion, the confusion of thousands of people

completely clueless and asking themselvescould this be real.

Clark told of the 184 lives lost in a singlemoment at the Pentagon. One hundredeighty-four individuals forever linkedthrough the horrific events that unfolded onSeptember 11, 2001.

“September 11, 2001 will be rememberedas one of the most shocking days in American history,” Clark continued. “Armedterrorist shijacked four passenger jets andused them as weapons against the UnitedStates. The attacks destroyed the World TradeCenter, damaged the Pentagon and killed

more than 3000 people.”“9-1-1 was the number we called if we

slammed a hand in the hatchback,” Clark said. “The number that brought predictableheroes to our doors – firemen, cops and theambulance crews. 9/11 caused a rippleeffect. Each of us was affected by it in one way or another, no matter how small thateffect might have been. Never forgetSeptember 11, 2001.”

“I remember!” said Clark. “You see in ourlifetime we always have something that youalways remember that has an impact on yourlife. I remember!”

Pfc. Gaelen Lowers

Soldiers stand in prayer at FOB Q-West, during a candle light ceremony remembering 9/11.

EditorialSean W. StrateDirector of Emergency Services

Recently, some community members haveinquired why the installation decided to grantaccess to individuals without valid military identification and to vehicles without validDepartment of Defense window decals.

The perception is that Family membersremaining at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army

Airfield are less safe, especially during adeployment when a significant number of spouses are away from the home.

Installation leaders understand the sensitiv-ity of this issue. Rest assure that the safety andsecurity of our Soldiers, Families, and civiliansremains a top priority of the United States Army and Stewart-Hunter, especially during this deployment.

In an effort to dispel uncertainty, rumors,and misperceptions about local installationaccess, we need to look at the Army’s require-ment for installation access.

Myth: Only personnel with military identifi-cation are allowed to come on post.

Fact: Army installation access policy requires identity verification of all personneldesiring access and that only authorized indi-viduals are granted access.

Myth: Only vehicles with Department of Defense decals are allowed to come on post.

Fact: Army installation access policy requires all vehicles be assessed for authorizedaccess and a cursory review is made to ensurethere are no obvious signs of concern.

The Army recognizes a “one-size-fits-all”approach to installation access policy does not work. Installation commanders have beengiven latitude to develop local access policiesthat satisfy DA general policy guidance andmeet the needs of the local community.However, these policies are implemented only after a very deliberate and detailed analysis of

the local threat is conducted and they aredesigned to be flexible in response to the ever-changing environment in which we live. TheStewart-Hunter installation access policy sat-isfies all requirements of the overarching Army policy.

Prior to May 28, personnel access was grant-ed to all individuals possessing valid photoidentification, providing they were not barredfrom the installation.

Valid photo ID is required for all personnel

16 years-of-age and older if attempting accessin a vehicle. Identification is required for any-one attempting access on a bicycle or as apedestrian. Vehicle access was granted to allprivately owned vehicles bearing DoD decalsor those vehicles who obtained a temporary vehicle access pass.

The temporary vehicle access pass require-ments consisted of a valid driver’s license,vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.These procedures had more to do with vehicleregistration than verifying identity of person-nel accessing the installation. For example, if aPOV without DoD decals carrying two occu-pants wanted to access the installation, oldpolicy required that the registered owner, thedriver in most cases, to come to a visitor cen-ter with a valid driver’s license, vehicle regis-tration, and proof of insurance.

Security personnel screened the registeredowner’s name against the installation bar ros-ter, inquired about the destination, and issued

a temporary pass. The registered owner thendrove to the gate where both driver and pas-senger showed valid photo IDs prior to thevehicle being granted access.

The identity of the passenger was never ver-ified and he/she was never screened againstthe installation bar roster. This presented obvi-ous concerns since the identity of all person-nel was not being screened against the instal-lation bar roster IAW Army policy and wecould not be certain that only authorized indi-

viduals were being granted access. Not having 100 percent visibility on who was accessing our installation and using law enforcementand security assets to issue and monitor com-pliance with temporary vehicle access passes,the following occurred during the 90-day peri-od immediately preceding May 28.

• 27 barred individuals were apprehended while attempting to access the installation.

• 220 DUI checkpoints were conducted by law enforcement/security personnel.

• 513 random vehicle searches were con-ducted by law enforcement/security person-nel.

Effective May 28 personnel access is grantedto all individuals possessing valid photo iden-tification, providing they are not barred fromthe installation. Vehicle access is granted to allPOVs that do not show signs of concern.

Community-members benefit fromincreased security now as the identity of allindividuals requesting installation access isverified and checked against the installationbar roster at the point of entry. Stewart-Hunter installation access policy now satisfiesall requirements of the overarching Army poli-cy. Additionally, law enforcement and securi-ty assets are able to directly monitor compli-ance with Army installation access policy andcompliance with Federal and State criminalcode. As a result, the following occurred dur-ing the 90-day period.

• 89 barred individuals were apprehended

while attempting to access the installation, a329 percent increase over the previous 90-day period.

• 643 DUI checkpoints were conducted by law enforcement/security personnel A 292percent increase over the previous 90-day period.

• 1525 random vehicle searches were con-ducted by law enforcement/security person-nel. A 292 percent increase over the previous90-day period.

Myth : Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield are “open posts”.Fact: Fort Stewart and Hunter Army

Airfields are NOT “open posts”.Effective July 28, each subsequent Saturday,

access to the Stewart Main Post area is limitedto DoD I.D. card holders from 11 p.m. untilSunday morning at 3 a.m. During this time,each DoD ID card holder may escort one guestonto the installation as long as the guest pos-sesses valid photo ID and they are not barredfrom the installation.

Myth: The installation doesn’t care aboutmy safety.

Fact: The installation DOES care about thesafety of our community members.

As previously mentioned, local installationaccess policies result from deliberate anddetailed analysis of the local threat and aredesigned to be flexible in response to the ever-changing environment in which we live.

The outstanding relationships we share with law enforcement agencies in Savannah,Hinesville, and our other partner-communi-ties was a significant factor in the installationcommander’s decision to revise the installa-tion access policy.

Should the environment change, the instal-lation will quickly adjust procedures to ensurethat a safe and secure environment is main-tained for all community-members. Please letus know what you think: http://ice.disa.mil [email protected].

Stewart-Hunter DES explains installation access myths, facts

“Community-members benefitfrom increased security now asthe identity of all individualsrequesting installation access isverified and checked...”

Sean W. StrateDirector of Emergency Services



Sgt Luis Delgadillo2nd BCT Public Affairs

ARAB JABOUR – In the early morning hours of Sept. 14, CoalitionForces air assaulted into a farm fieldsouth of Baghdad, and captured theleader of an Al Qaeda improvisedexplosive device making cell.

Soldiers of Company B, 1stBattalion 30th Infantry Regimentcaptured the IED cell leader andseven other suspected insurgentsduring building clearing operationsconducted south of Patrol BaseMurray.

Upon landing in a barren farmfield, Soldiers began making their way through deeply rutted muddy fields to their first target house.

The mission was designed tosecure the area around the prospec-tive location of Patrol Base Hawkes,a new patrol base being constructedin Arab Jabour.

The Soldiers of Co. B had doubtsabout their first target.

Outdated intelligence reports ledthem to a house where the IED cellleader was reported to live. “The firstbuilding we went to we thought wasthe high value target, and then Icame to find out that the building

was not there anymore,” said 2nd Lt.Derrick M. Anderson, platoonleader.

Anderson was in the correct loca-tion -- it was the building which hadbeen reduced to rubble. The secondbuilding they reached yielded betterresults.

Once the perimeter of the build-

ing was secure and the residents were asked to come outside, Anderson and his Soldiers began theprocess of identifying the group.

The IED cell leader was the firstperson identified.

First platoon was also able todetain seven males, in the samebuilding, related to the known bombmaker, who were also suspected tobe involved in the IED cell.

Anderson said disrupting this cell was key because the area in whichhe and his Soldiers were clearing buildings was known for a highnumber of IEDs targeting CoalitionForces.

Earlier that morning, CoalitionForces encountered six IEDs enroute to the location where Co. B wasto meet up with its transportation.

The Soldiers detained all eight of the suspects and moved on withtheir mission.

While awaiting further instruc-tions, at a house used as a hasty rally point, the Co. B Soldiers got the wordthat they would have to marchanother kilometer to reach awaiting vehicles.

Staff Sgt. Anthony C. Stridiron Jr.,a squad leader, said he was pleased with how the mission turned out and

he was pleased with how the Soldiersaccomplished their task.“So far the platoon has shown me

nothing but great things,” saidStridiron.

He also said that even the Soldiers who were new attachments to Co. Bperformed well and the group as a whole could do great things.


2nd BCT Public Affairs

ARAB JABOUR – Concerned citizensin Arab Jabour and al-Buaytha found weapons caches and turned them overto Coalition troops Sept. 11.

Arab Jabour citizens delivered a weapons cache in a Bongo truck to theSoldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion,30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, while they were con-ducting a picket line on a local high- way.

Picket lines employ stationary secu-

rity vehicles positioned on roads trav-eled by Coalition Forces to preventinsurgent activity.

An explosive ordnance disposalteam was called to destroy the cache, which consisted of 250, 12.7 mmrounds, one 122 mm rocket warhead,31 rockeat propelled grenades, 15 pro-pelled chargers, one rocket propelledgrenade launcher, one rocket propelledgrenade mortar, two 60 mm mortarsand other bomb-making materials.

In al-Buaytha, concerned citizensdelivered a weapons cache to theSoldiers of Company A, 1-30th Inf.Regt.

Concerned citizens delivered thecontents of the cache to the Soldiers while they were conducting a picketline on a road north of Patrol BaseMurray.

The cache consisted of 16, 57 mmanti-aircraft rounds and was taken toPB Murray by an explosive ordnancedisposal team.

Iraqi citizens turn inweapons to 2nd BCT

Sgt. Luis Delgadillo

First Lt. Cesar Santiago, executive officer of Co. B,1/30th Inf., 2nd BCT walks with his Soldiers while they transport detainees to awaiting transport vehicles near Patrol Base Hawkes in Arab Jabour, Sept. 14.

Air assault nets IED cell leader



6A Frontline September 20, 2007 The 3rd Infantry Division

Maj. Joe Sowers3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASEHAMMER, Iraq – Coalition troopsteamed with Iraqi policemen andconcerned local citizens to rid amajor road of improvised-explosivedevices and al-Qaeda cell membersduring a two-day operation inTuwaitha.

The purpose of the mission was tonot just clear the route, but to alsoestablish an Iraqi capability to keep

the route safe for civilian and mili-tary traffic.

Capt. Brian Gilbert, commanderof Company D, 1st Battalion, 15thInfantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, currently attached to 3rdSquadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was met by about 60 citizen volun-teers at his company’s combat out-post at the outset of the operation.The volunteers from Tuwaitha thenled his Soldiers south into the villageof Tuwaitha as they provided addi-tional eyes during the route clear-ance.

This was in stark contrast to thereception 3/1 Cav. Soldiers had pre-viously received in Tuwaitha.

“When they (3/1 Cav.) went downthere before, the citizens were very non-compliant; no waving, no smil-ing,” Gilbert said. “There wasnobody willing to fight (terrorists)and they encountered multipleIEDs.”

After clearing the route, Soldiers worked with volunteers and police-men from the 1st National PoliceBrigade to establish checkpoints with blast protection. The check-points will be manned by nationalpolicemen and Iraqi civilian volun-teers from the local concerned citi-zens’ group. Concerned citizengroups are made up of volunteers who commit to work with CoalitionForces to decrease violence in theirneighborhoods.

By manning the checkpoints,

Iraqi security forces and local citi-zens will be better able to monitorand control traffic around Tuwaitha.Leaders from 3/1 Cav. are optimisticthat national police and concernedcitizens will help reduce violence inTuwaitha following the expulsion of al-Qaeda elements from the area.

As night approached during thetwo-day operation, local citizensprovided an empty house for theSoldiers to rest in and contributedpersonnel for security patrolsthroughout the night. Soldiers werealso treated to meals provided by thelocal populace.

The route into Tuwaitha had beena dangerous stretch of road forSledgehammer Brigade Soldiers with a history of roadside bombs.The clearing operation resulted inthe discovery and neutralization of four IEDs along the route. Soldiersand Iraqis found two anti-tank mines, one mortar round and onelarge homemade explosive device in

plastic containers.Traveling on the road into

Tuwaitha from Jisr Diyala has been adangerous proposition for bothSoldiers and citizens. In the days fol-lowing the mission, Gilbert receivedfeedback that citizens are now ableto travel to Jisr Diyala to shop for thefirst time in six months.

Gilbert said he believes the com-mon threat of al-Qaeda promptedthe Tuwaitha citizens’ desire to work with the 3rd Heavy Brigade CombatTeam Soldiers.

“Al-Qaeda is a threat to the localsand also a threat to U.S. Soldiers,”Gilbert said. “They wanted us tocome down there and fight withthem. So we did.”

Gilbert said 3/1 Cav. plans to clearout greater numbers of insurgentsand help legitimize more concernedcitizens groups.

“Now that they have cleared out AQI and established concerned citi-zens groups, we can provide med-ical operations and projects that willprovide enduring employment,”Gilbert said.

Sgt. Timothy Kingston

Sgt. Edward Bumgardner from Co. D, 1/15 Inf., pulls security during Operation Tuwaitha Sunrise,an operation conducted with Iraqi national police and concerned citizens to clear al-Qaeda from Tuwai tha, I raq, southeast o f Baghdad, Sept. 5.

Soldiers, Iraqis clear out al-Qaeda along Tigris

3rd HBCT hosts medical operation

Courtesy photo

First Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Soldiers provide security at the entrance to a free medical clinic hosted by 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team medical personnel in Salman Pak, Iraq, Sept. 11. Coalition troops, working with the Salman Pak Council, provided free medical assistance to local residents in Salman Pak. The 1/15 Soldiers screened and treated about 140 people, handed out newspapers, children’s toys and sports clothing.

Sgt. Natalie Rostek3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATINGBASE HAMMER, Iraq – TheSoldiers of 3rd Squadron, 1stCavalry Regiment, welcomeda new troop commander while saying farewell toanother during a change of command ceremony Sept. 15at Patrol Base Cashe.

Capt. Jimmy Hathaway,spent one year asHeadquarters Troop com-mander before relinquishing his command to Capt. DavidSmith.

“For the past 12 months,this troop has been led by acommander who believes in

action,” said Lt. Col. JohnKolasheski, commander, 3/1Cav. Regt. “He is a true leader who affected many in our

organization, our Soldiersand Iraqi families.”

Hathaway always led fromthe front, Kolasheski said. Hegave one example of Hathaway heading a lengthy mission to get much neededmedical aid to an Iraqi boy he came to know well. Themission was a success.

Hathaway, an infantry offi-cer, came to HeadquartersTroop after commanding Company A, 1st Battalion,15th Infantry Regiment, for18 months.

“Capt. Hathaway led a very challenging organization,”Kolasheski said. “This is atough day for me because of the friendship we have. It’sbeen an honor to command

with you. Good luck as youmove out.”Hathaway will be assigned

to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat

Team’s staff as assistant oper-ations officer.

Although Hathaway willbe greatly missed, Kolasheskithinks highly of Smith and isconfident he will be able tofill the outgoing comman-der’s shoes.

“I have no doubt Capt.Smith will take the reins andmove out smartly,” he said.

Smith is no stranger to 3rdHBCT, having served as bat-talion maintenance officerfor 1st Battalion, 30th Inf. when it was assigned to thebrigade.

During 3rd HBCT’s deploy-ment in support of OperationIraqi Freedom III, Smith wasassigned as the Military Transition Team Leader for

2nd Battalion, 2nd Iraqi Army Brigade at FOBNormandy, where the 1/30Inf. was stationed.

After redeploying to theU.S. Smith assumed com-mand of Company B, 1/30Inf., and after the unit wasre-designated as the 3/1 Cav.,Smith remained commanderof Troop B.

Hathaway is confident of the incoming commander’sability to commandHeadquarters Troop and wished Smith good luck dur-ing his final moments incommand.

“You are the perfect per-son for the job,” Hathaway said to Smith.

“You are commanding agreat group of Soldiers and you will enjoy every minuteof it.”

“Thank you for handing

over a great troop,” Smithsaid.“I will work hard to build

on your success.”

3/1 Cavalry unit farewells commander, welcomes new

Sgt. Natalie Rostek

Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, the outgoing commander of HHT, 3/1 Cav., hands the troop guidon to Lt. Col.

John Kolasheski, commander 3/1 Cav., signifying his relinquishment of command during a change of command ceremony, at Patrol Base Cashe, Iraq,Sept. 15.




Fort Stewart - Hunter Army Airfield BriefsGet educated with Marriage 101

The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Ministry Team spon-sors a Marriage 101 Seminar for singles, engaged couples, new-lyweds, and seasoned partners. Explore your personalstrengths and weaknesses and discover secrets to morerewarding and satisfying relationships. The seminar is held 9a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Victory Chapel. The event has a catered lunch and materials are pro-vided. For more information or to make reservations, call theFamily Life Chaplain at 767-7028.

Civilian fitness program opensEnroll now for the Fall ‘07 session of the Civilian Employee

Fitness Program. The program runs now through Dec. 13. Tolearn more about the program visit online at www.stew-artmwr.com/sports/newman.htm . For additional informationor to learn about specific requirements, call 767-9336.

Bazaar vendors neededThe OSC Fundraising Committee is now accepting applica-

tions for vendors to participate in the Holiday Bazaar 2007.The bazaar will take place 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Nov. 3 at ClubStewart. For vendor applications, please contact Brenda at448-2028 or by e-mail at [email protected] . Foradditional information, visit online at www.thesteelmagno-lia.org.

Security guard force change Wackenhut Security International will soon assume the

duties as the Installation Access Control guard force. WSI is the United States government's largest contractor for

professional security services, with 8,000 employees protecting key sites in the U.S. and abroad. They are currently transition-ing with AKAL Incorporated and will be in full operationalcompliance by Oct. 9. Although the contractor for security forces is changed, the local employee base and management will remain in place. This will ensure a smooth transition withno loss of service.

Neighborhood porter neededGMH Military Housing at Hunter Army Airfield seeks a

temporary, full time porter for the time frame of Oct. 1through Nov. 16. The porter is responsible for trash collec-tion and any other duties associated with the cleanliness and

appearance of the grounds.Duties also include, but are not limited to, removing trashfrom vacant units and performing basic prep of units forcontractors or before move-ins. Candidates must be able topass a drug and background check before employment andhave a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Salary is $8 hourly. Send resumes to James Cooper at 459-2143 or e-mail to [email protected].

Introduction to scuba divingThere will be scuba classes at Fort Stewart 5-7 p.m., Sept. 25

and 26 at the Leisure Activities Center; and at Hunter 5-7 p.m.,Sept 27 at the Hunter Fitness Center. The event is a free intro-

duction class for those who have always wanted to learn how to scuba! Participants must be 15 years or older. Equipment will be provided and participants must bring swimsuits and t-shirts. For more information, call 767-9336 at Stewart or 315-2019 at Hunter.

StewartPOW/MIA observance

Sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, a

POW/MIA observance will be held at 6:30 p.m., tomorrow atthe Fort Stewart Museum. Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch will be theguest speaker. A candlelight vigil and reception follows.

Lady and Sons tour and buffetEnjoy a buffet dinner at Lady and Sons, Saturday followed by

a guided trolley tour of Savannah’s Historic District. Sign uptoday. The cost is $30 for adults, $20 for children ages 4-9. Nochildren under 4. Round-trip transportation from the FortStewart Youth Center included. To sign up or learn more, call767-4491.

Hispanic Heritage Month DisplayEnjoy a Hispanic Heritage book display and audiovisual

materials at the Fort Stewart Library, Sept. 30. Open to military,retirees and Family members. For more information, call 767-2828.

FSSG holds membership drive Are you a foreign born spouse and interested in networking

with other spouses from your cultural background?The Foreign-born Spouse Support Group invites you to meet

people who are familiar with the area and with Army life andhave the opportunity to network and participate in activitiessuch as games and coffee club. Contact ACS at 767-5058/5059for dates, times and to sign up.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Visit Rocky’s to watch the live on Pay-Per-View World Heavy

Weight Championship Knock Out Fight 10 p.m., Saturday. Thecost is free for military, Department of Defense civilians anddependents 18 and up. Admission is free for ladies 10-11 p.m.,and $10 for other civilians. For more information, call 767-8715.

Visit newly redone OSC gift shopCome and check out the newly redone OSC gift shop. Shop

of the Marne is open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and the first Saturday of the month.

The Shop of the Marne is a not-for-profit gift shop run by theFort Stewart Officers’ Spouses’ Club. If you are interested involunteering at the shop please call 767-9268.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Army FamiliesParticipants in this workshop, will learn how to anticipate all

phases of deployment, abandon unhealthy behaviors, buildFamily traditions, unity and a “nurturing Family culture”, plus

learn practical skills for dealing with financial issues. The classis 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sept. 27 at Club Stewart. Space is limited.For more information, call 767-1257/1297.

GC Golf Scramble at Taylors Creek CourseThe next Garrison Commander’s Golf scramble starts at 8

a.m., Sept. 28. There will be a shotgun start. The cost is $25 formembers or $30 for non-members. Space is limited to the first25 teams. For more information, call 767-2370.

HunterCardio incentive program kickoff

A Cardio program kicks off 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 24 at HunterFitness Center. The Cardio program is designed to motivatepatrons to reach a mileage milestone. Awards earned at certainmilestones. This is a self directed program. There is no cost. Toregister, call 435-8205.

Leave no trace workshop available A natural resource conservation class will be held 6 p.m.

Sept. 24 at the Outdoor Recreation Checkout Center. Learnand share some of the best practices to prevent damaging ournatural resources while enjoying an outdoor experience. Theevent is free. To register, call 435-8205.

Kids’ fishing rodeo

Take your child fishing 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sept. 29 at HalstromFishing Lake. The lake is stocked and lots of fish will be biting.Bring your poles and bait. License and post permits are waivedfor youngsters. Pre-register at Hunter Pass and Permit; call 315-9564.

Fall Racquetball TournamentThere will be a single elimination tournament consisting of

a men’s open, novice, and senior; and women’s open division,10 a.m to noon Sept. 29 at the Hunter Fitness Center. Prizes will go to the top two in each division. The event is open toStewart-Hunter active duty Soldiers, reserves, retirees, Family members and DoD civilians 18 and up. There is no cost.Register by Sept. 28. For more information, call 315-2019.

Walk to Iraq and BackJoin Families of deployed service members in a display of

patriotism at Hunter Army Airfield Fitness Center at 9 a.m.,Sat., Oct. 27, for a patriotic ceremony, including remarks fromguest speaker Pete Liakakis, chairman of Chatham County Commissioners. A Halloween costume contest follows, and atwo-mile walk behind a Marne Division Color Guard and alocal high school band. Costumes prizes will be awarded in thefollowing age groups: 0-6; 7-12; 13-19; 20 and up. For addi-tional information, contact Deb Doser, at 271-9915.

Teen cookout, Invitation to Youth Ministry ChoirCome to the free cookout and bring friends for fun, food, fel-

lowship and a christian karaoke contest 1 – 3 p.m. , Sept 22 atHunter Chapel..For more information, call 412-2913.

Watch K-9 demoJoin us as the Directorate of Emergency

Services K-9 team shows off the skills of their highly trained police dogs. Hunter’sdemonstration will be 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sept.26 on the ball field on North PerimeterRoad, across from the Youth Center.

The demonstration at Fort Stewart is3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 20 at the ball field inBryan Village North at the intersection of Lorraine and Schofield. Look for anappearance from McGruff the crime dog, a

fire truck and other exciting things youdon’t want to miss!

StewartPlan for the holidays

There will be a planning and budgeting meeting for the Holiday Seminar 11 a.m. tonoon, tomorrow at the Southern OaksCommunity Center.

Hunter

Ladies only movieLadies, this night is about getting to watch a “chick flick” with no complaintsfrom men 6-8 p.m., Sept. 21 at Ken HellerJr. Community Center.

Enjoy popcorn, drinks and our featuredfilm “Because I Said So”.

The movie is rated PG-13, so no femaleunder the age of 13 will be allowed in with-out adult supervision.




Pfc. Amanda McBride4th BCT Public Affairs

You’re preparing for your mission and you know that without these you won’t beable to see. You stare out of your humveeand everything around you is green.Though it’s green, you’re able to see every-thing in the dark environment - eventhough it is nighttime.

Soldiers throughout the Army go oncountless missions every day and night while deployed and night vision gogglesgive Soldiers the ability to see and performtheir duties at night.

Soldiers from the 4th Brigade CombatTeam participated in night driving training Sept. 14 in preparation for the brigade’supcoming deployment.

Though Soldiers are required to take partin the training, the main objective is to get

the Soldier familiarized with the differentNVGs and how to use them.

“The purpose of this training is to famil-iarize Soldiers with the PVS 7 and the PVS14, said Sgt. 1st Class Charles Purnell, mas-ter driver. “It allows them to know the capa-bilities and limitations of these devices. Italso allows them to get used to depth per-ception and the safety requirements they need to put in place while driving at night.”

Throughout the entire training exercise,safety was always required and it wasalways the top priority no matter what.

“The safety aspects that are used whenSoldiers are doing this training is that we will not go above 15 miles per hour,” Purnellsaid. “The TC (track/vehicle commander) will have NVGs on to ensure that the Soldierisn’t going too far to the left or to far to theright.”

Before Soldiers are allowed to drive the

humvees with the NVGs on, they must firsttake a class on the NVGs to get familiarized with how they work and how to properly use them.

“Another aspect is that the Soldiers get ablock of instruction first so they are famil-iarized with the piece of equipment,”Purnell said.

“We also do a daytime dry run over theroute we will be taking so the Soldiers are

familiar with the course prior to doing it with the NVGs at night.” Another important aspect covered in the

training was for Soldiers to identify inter-sections and other obstructions in the road.

“The purpose of Soldiers identifying roadintersections to the left and the right is itallows them to know that they are using proper scanning techniques to identify road intersections,” Purnell explained. “Not just road intersections; it could be obstruc-

tions in the road; it could be puddles of water; it could be different things that canbe seen through the NVGs.”

Although the Soldiers did a dry run of theroute they would be taking in the daytimeprior to the night training, some Soldiersstill were apprehensive about driving withthe NVGs on.

After given the opportunity to drive withthe NVGs on, many left with a confidence in

their driving, some got over their initialfear, and others learned valuable informa-tion.

“I was uncomfortable at first because Ithought it was going to be harder to see my surrounding areas,” said Pvt. Brandy Swackhammer, assigned to Headquarters,Headquarters Company, 4th BCT. “I feelcomfortable driving now in NVGs and Ithink that having us help each other wasbeneficial.”

During the operation, four Apacheattack helicopters circled overhead, fir-ing hundreds of 30mm cannon roundsat the insurgent positions.

Over the past month, Soldiers fromCompany B, 3rd Battalion, 509thParachute Infantry Regiment, 4thBrigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Divison, teamed up with aviators from3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rdInfantry Division, and conducted sevenair assaults in the Tigris River Valley.

Operation Marne Husky disruptedinsurgents who fled the towns of Salman Pak and Arab Jabour in front of earlier U.S. offensives, said Lt. Col.Robert Wilson, 3rd CAB’s executive offi-cer.

“We were able to use our combined-

arms capability to insert forces intoareas that the enemy previously

thought were safe havens,” Wilson said.“By disrupting and capturing insur-gents in this area, we set the security conditions for Baghdad.”

From Aug. 15 to Sept. 15, troops from3rd CAB and Co. B, 3/509th PIR, cap-tured 80 suspected insurgents andkilled another 43. Pilots flew 420 hoursduring Marne Husky.

The mission was unique for Multi-National Division – Center, in that theunit primarily responsible was the avia-tion brigade. Typically an infantry brigade or battalion would control theground and artillery forces.

“It’s a great opportunity for us,” said Wilson.

“Baker Company is a well-led, very dynamic unit. Their experience in air

assault operations made them a greatselection to work with us.”

Sgt. Ben Brody

Aboard a Chinook, Soldiers from Company B,3rd Battalion,509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and Rocky, a military working dog, wait for the order to launch an air assault in the Tigris River Valley,Sept. 15.

HUSKY From Page 1A

“The WTB at Winn continues to transitioninto a place of refuge and healing for thatgeneration of Soldiers as the 55-memberstaff cadre is hired and the “working parts of the battalion gel,” said Lt. Col. LeonardPorter, the Warrior Transition Battalioncommander.

Staff members include doctors, nurses,social workers, physical therapists, counselors,and others funded with GWOT dollars. Winn’s WTB services also include special garrisonassets now available for transitioning Soldiers

and their Families.“The garrison understands that the WTB is a

number one priority at Fort Stewart,” saidCollins. “Col. (Todd) Buchs (Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander)and I work together closely to run day-to-day activities.”

Buchs also supports the Town Hall meetingsfor transitioning Soldiers and their Families where presenters, such as Veterans Affairs rep-

resentatives, explain benefits. Attendees canquestion a forum of representatives thatincludes the American Red Cross, Directorateof Morale, Welfare and Recreation and othersubject matter experts about medical care,financial support and other relevant issues.

Caregivers at the battalion include Soldiersand civilians who at any given time supportapproximately 200 wounded Soldiers andtheir Families — Families whose worlds havebeen turned upside down as a result of thetrauma they received in the Global War on

Terror, according to Porter.“These injuries change lives,” Porter said.

“Soldiers are disfigured from IED exposure,gunshot wounds and others have post trau-matic stress and traumatic brain injuries.Since they can no longer perform their jobs,they worry about their careers and have realfear and anxiety about their futures. ”

To help minimize that stress, they’reassigned a triad of caregivers that consist of a

primary care manager (a physician); a nursecase manager and a squad leader who ensurestheir medical, educational and social needsare addressed and met.

The team expedites appointments and ser-vices at the installation and expedites referralsto agencies made outside the gates. According to Porter, the team helps to eliminate the pos-sibility of service fragmentation and worksclosely with the Veterans Administration toexpedite benefits for those deemed unfit toreturn to active duty.

Before the WTU, warrior transition care wasoverseen by the Medical Process andRetention Unit— the unit that had oversight of Sgt. Eddie Cockel, a South Carolina NationalGuardsman who returned from Iraq inOctober 2006 with an injured shoulder.

“I received excellent care in Medical Hold (asection of the Medical Process and RetentionUnit) when I returned from Iraq,” he said, “butthe WTB is better because there are more case- workers and Soldiers now that have quickeraccess to them than we had in the past.”

Cockel is a part of the WTB because histreatment was more than six months, a pre-requisite for battalion admittance. After a yearat Winn, he’s nearly recovered and is waiting for a decision from the Army’s MedicalEvaluation Board to his request to retire. Forconvenience, he spends week days and nightsin a modular home, located near the hospitaland complete with amenities. He travels homeon the weekends.

The improvement in Cockel’s shoulder hasallowed him to work at the hospital butSoldiers with more severe injuries are not bur-dened with the responsibility of work; nor arethey required to attend Soldier training orother routine activities as healthy Soldiers are.Their primary responsibility to is to recuperateand seek the treatment they need throughtheir squad leaders and their other care givers.

Squad leaders have the full-time responsi-bility to care for up to 12 Soldiers at one time,said Porter. Their platoon leaders expect themto know the status of each Soldier and their

Family and designates them the primary liai-son to the services their Soldiers need.“The triad of care if a beautiful thing,” said

Larry Wooten, Winn’s Family ReadinessSupport Assistant. The three primary care-

givers work with other service providers whoare already in place.”

Wooten works with ACS staff to resolveSoldier and Family issues (such as trans-portation); facilitating a continuum of careand services and ensuring that the needs of wounded transitioning warriors get priority over other Soldiers and Family members.

Services for transitioning Soldiers are now available at ACS but by Spring 2008 two ren-ovated National Guard units, co-located by the modular barracks, will house services,

including recreational services complete with leisure equipment, for transitioning Soldiers. Later it will be replaced with anewly constructed one-stop service facility,also located at the complex, according toDonna Finny, the SFAC director.

The renovated buildings, and the new facility to follow, will include informationand referral services, entitlements and bene-fits counseling, Family services, money man-agement assistance, emergency financialassistance, education services, employmentassistance, legal assistance, substance abuseinformation and referrals, installation accessand vehicle registration, and many other ser-vices.

These Soldiers get first priority in all servicesout of the ACS building now, according toFinny. She will hire a separate staff to runSFAC facilities when they are completed, which she says will have a USO atmosphere.Staff will service Soldiers these facilities, or if necessary, take services to transitioning Soldiers at the hospital or their homes.

A toll-free number, 877-433-6114, is alsoavailable for requests and information, along with the number of the program ombudsman,Charles McClain, which is 800-984-8523.

“Our staff is leading the way with a numberof best practices,” said Collins. “We’ve got Lt.Col. Porter, who was in place here before thetransition. He has the advantage of knowing and utilizing an infrastructure already in place.

“We’ve made progress but still haveimprovements to make,” said Collins. “It’s

important that everyone understands that the Warrior Transition Battalion is the numberone priority here. We have to be ready to carefor a generation of young men and women who have sacrificed so much.”

Nancy Gould

Sgt. Eddie Cockel, a South Carolina National Guardsman and transitioning warrior at Winn Army Community Hospital shows off the amenities he enjoys at the two-person modular barracks he shares with another recovering Soldier. He returned from Iraq in October 2006 with an injured shoulder.

WTU From Page 1A

4th BCT Soldiers practice their night vision

With the new school year coming soon, school-aged chil-dren were given supplies such as pens, pencils, paper and book bags.

"We want the Iraqi people to know that we care and that weare doing as much as we can for them. We haven't forgottenabout them," said Maj. Catherine Haverty, 3rd Civil AffairsBattalion, Detachment 1.

The event was an initial step in a larger project that couldbring more permanent medical care to the region.

"We're hoping to turn this into a local clinic," said Capt.Daniel Joyce, 1/40th Cav. battalion surgeon. "We are working on a CERP (commander's emergency response program) project to get power and water here.”

Most importantly, the region needs doctors. Currently, fourlocal Iraqi doctors and a female obstetrics/gynecology doctorhave been identified as possible candidates to work at the pro-

posed clinic."We are working with them right now to figure out their

schedules so they can come in and work with residents to rein-

vigorate the health care system here," Underwood said. Working with Iraqis will put an Iraqi face on the mission andmake the clinic truly an Iraqi enterprise, he added.

Although Coalition Forces will continue to provide medicinefor the clinic, the medicine will be purchased through a localIraqi company, Haverty said. She expects the medicine toarrive within 10 days.

"It makes you feel pretty good," Joyce said. "It shows we careenough to come out here. They are going to remember an American doctor looked at my baby and said ‘he is OK.’"

Even with limited resources, Joyce, who has a background asa family doctor, Haverty, an emergency room nurse with 35 years experience, and an Iraqi army medic, Sgt. Maj. Kalid Latif

Miza, were able to examine several patients and view commonproblems in the area.

"Most of the illnesses are minor," Haverty said. "Most of

them are skin, bug bites, aches and pains from arthritis, andrashes."Overall, 106 men, 43 women and 153 children were exam-

ined; the youngest being a baby born less than 12-hours priorto the event.

The infant, who had a bump on his chest, was examined by both Haverty and Joyce. They believed the child's diaphragmhad shifted to the left, causing the bump. The injury was notserious and should disappear as the child grows older, themedical professionals agreed.

Haverty said the people were generally healthy and thatmost problems could be solved through proper hygiene andminor medications.

CLINIC From Page 1A



Sgt. Natalie Rostek3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATINGBASE HAMMER, Iraq – Army Chief of ChaplainsChaplain (Maj. Gen.)Douglas Carver visitedchaplains and chaplainassistants of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat TeamSept. 15 during a trip toFOB Hammer.

Before sitting down with religious leaders todiscuss mentorship andSoldier welfare, Carvertook a tour of the brigadeheadquarters. During thetour he asked Soldiers thequestion he deems themost important.

“‘How are you doing?’ isthe most important ques-tion Soldiers can ask eachother,” Carver said. “Not just ‘How are you doing?’but ‘How are you really doing?’ and really listen totheir answer.”

After the tour Carver

met with chaplains andchaplain assistants of 3rdHBCT and the 557th

Expeditionary Red HorseSquadron residing at FOBHammer.

“Soldiers need us,” hesaid. “They need us forencouragement, comfort,relieving their fears andencouraging their hope.”

Carver said whenSoldiers return to the U.S.from their current deploy-ment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedomthey are going to needguidance from their reli-gious leaders to return tonormalcy from a stressful15 months.

After emphasizing theneed for chaplains andchaplain assistants inarmed forces units, he warned the religious lead-ers of compassion fatigue.Compassion fatigue iscaused by the stresses of providing constant sym-pathy and empathy toSoldiers on a steady basis.Carver encouraged reli-gious leaders to take time

for themselves.“Find time to rest. Restis your time to replenish,

to sit back and listen toGod,” he said. “If you arenot resting, you are nothearing God. If you arenot hearing God, what are you telling your Soldiers?”

Carver awarded coins tothree deserving 3rd HBCTreligious leaders. Awardees were:

• Chaplain (Capt.) Anthony Randall, chap-lain, 3rd Squadron, 1stCavalry Regiment.

• Pfc. James Bullock,chaplain assistant, 3/1Cav. Regt.

• Pfc. Courtney Stephens, chaplain assis-tant, 203rd BrigadeSupport Battalion.

“When this tour is over,”Carver said, “you aregoing to know something about your personalfaith.”

The 3rd HBCT isassigned to the 3rdInfantry Division, FortBenning, Ga., and hasbeen deployed in support

of Operation IraqiFreedom since March2007.


2/69 Armor remembers two fallen SoldiersSgt. Natalie Rostek3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –Soldiers, leaders, and friends of Company D, 2ndBattalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attended amemorial service Sept. 13, for two of their fallencomrades at the Forward Operating BaseRustimiyah chapel.

Spc. Keith Nurnberg, of Illinois, and Spc. Javier

Paredes, of Texas, both from Co. D, were killed Sept.5 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their vehicleduring a combat patrol.

“While they are no longer standing in our forma-tion, they will always be a part of the Panther (2/69 Armor Regt.) team and the Panther Family,” said Lt.Col. Troy Perry, commander, 2/69 Armor Regt.

The chapel was packed with Soldiers during theremembrance. Those who were unable to fit in thechapel could only listen as close friends and lead-ers spoke at the podium next to the upright rifle,helmet, ID tags, and boots of Nurnberg andParedes.

Cpl. Vincent Bone, who was Nurnberg’s closefriend, spoke to the audience about his relation-ship with his fallen buddy.

“One thing we had in common was our accents,”Bone said. “When we both became excited,nobody could understand a word we were saying.”

Bone also ensured Nurnberg’s wife, who was notpresent at the service, that Co. D will always bethere for her and her Family.

“Tanya, Keith lived for you,” he said. “You werehis heartbeat here in Iraq.”

Nurnberg is survived by his wife, and parents, Allen and Barbara Nurnberg.

Paredes, a medic, and his brother, Pedro, wereraised by his aunt, Maria Acevedo.

“Paredes was an orphan,” said Chaplain (Capt.)Tracy Kerr, 2/69 Armor’s religious leader, “buteveryday in this battalion he found himself sur-rounded by more male influences and father fig-ures than he could ever imagine.”

Cpl. Matthew McIvor, a medic who served withParedes, remembered his fallen comrade as a hard worker who wanted the best for his unit.

“If you needed to move a mountain, Paredes wasthe man to get the shovel,” he said. “He had hopedto finish this tour never having to treat one of hisown Soldiers.”

Although Paredes and Nurnberg were two very different Soldiers, Capt. Alexis Perez, Co. D com-mander, said they were both devoted 2/69 ArmorRegt. Soldiers.

“They were two Soldiers from two differentplaces,” he said, “but they were both bound by onerule – loyalty to their team.”

The 2/69 Armor Regt. is assigned to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team from Fort Benning, Ga., andis currently attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2ndInfantry Division.

Sgt. Natalie Rostek

Lt. Col. John Kolasheski (left) commander of the 3/1 Cav., and Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Huell, senior enlisted leader for the 3/1Cav., honor the memorials of Spc. Keith Nurnberg and Spc. Javier Paredes during a service Sept. 13, at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, Iraq.

Chief of Chaplains preaches to 3rd HBCT

Congressional delegates visit outpostStaff Sgt. Sean Riley3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Membersof the U.S. House of Representatives visited 1st Battalion, 15thInfantry Regiment to tour a portion of the battalion’s area of operations Sept. 14.

The congressmen arrived at Combat Outpost Cahill to meet with members of 3rd Infantry Division and 3rd Heavy BrigadeCombat Team before moving to the Joint Security Station inSalman Pak. The Salman Pak JSS houses Iraqi national police,Iraqi police, and U.S. military personnel from 3rd HBCT.

“It was a great opportunity to display how Iraqi security forces and Coalition Forces are working together at the (JSS) to

enhance the security for the good people of the Mada’in Qada,”said Lt. Col. Ryan Kuhn, deputy commanding officer, 3rdHBCT. “The congressmen could see firsthand how the officers,noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers from both sides are working together to solve security problems and enhance thecitizens’ quality of life.”

The delegates, Rep. Steve King, of Iowa; Rep. Joe Wilson, of South Carolina; Rep. Devin Nunes, of California; Rep. TomLatham, of Iowa; Rep. Patrick Tiberi, of Ohio; Rep. PeterHoestra, of Michigan; and Rep. John Boehner, of Ohio, toured

the outpost and the JSS during their visit.The 1/15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.,Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Sgt. Natalie Rostek

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Douglas Carver, Army Chief of Chaplains gives a coin to Pfc. Courtney Stephens, chaplain assistant, 203rd BSB, during Carver’s visit to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

$1000 Reward(0264-07-CID093)

A reward of $1000 is being offered for information lead-ing to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsi-ble for the damage to private and government property located at building 1720, Fort Stewart, GA 31314. This inci-dent occurred between 3 p.m. Aug. 31 and 8 a.m. Sept. 4.

Anyone having knowledge of the incident, but not wish-ing to be identified, will be briefed on available options inmaintaining their confident iality.

Those with information concerning this matter areencouraged to call the U.S. Army CID office located at FortStewart, Ga. At 767-5030, or the military police desk atStewart at 767-4895. The reward offer expires Dec. 11.




College level exams availableCollege Level Examination Program and DANTES Subject

Standardized Tests are available on post. Please call ColumbiaCollege at 877-3406 for more information and testing dates.The exams are free for military personnel and for non-military examinees, CLEP tests are $85, and DSSTs are $90.

Free college course offeredColumbia College Spouse’s Opportunity Scholarship pro-vides a tuition waiver for an initial classroom course withColumbia College at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith Army Education Center for spouses of military personnel enrolled intheir school. This is a value of $450, which is the cost of theirthree credit-hour classroom courses. The program is an incen-tive for eligible students to embark on a degree program, whilecompleting the financial aid process (i.e. FAFSA) and securing ongoing financial support. Please call 877-3406 at Stewart or352-8635 at Hunter for more information.

Attend Green-to-Gold briefingThe Green to Gold briefing is held the first and third

Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R.Smith Education Center and at 2 p.m., the second and fourthThursday at the Hunter Education Center.

Tuition assistance deadline announcedTuition Assistance Deadline is Sept. 24 for fiscal year 2007.

All college course enrollments with start dates through Sept. 30must be requested in GoArmyEd before Sept. 24. This is neces-sary due to year-end close-out and fiscal year “change-over”. Attempts to enroll in courses starting between Sept. 24 andOct. 1 will not be approved if Soldier hasn’t enrolled prior toSept 24. For more information or clarification, call the Sgt. 1stClass Paul R. Education Center at 767-8331.

Georgia HOPE Grant offeredThe HOPE Grant is money given by the state of Georgia to

students with financial need to attend vocational/tradeschools. The grant covers certificate and diploma programs. Any Soldier or Family member of a Soldier who is stationed inGeorgia may be eligible. If you are interested in attending a

Georgia vocational or trade school, inquire with your school'sfinancial advisor or visit the Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. SmithEducation Center to speak with a counselor.

$4500 tuition available for Soldiers All active duty members have $4500 per fiscal year for edu-

cation. This entitlement is separate from the Montgomery GI

Bill benefits available from the Veteran’s Administration.Details are available at 1:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, during aone-hour brief at the education center, room 223. Thewww.goarmyed.com Web site provides 24-hours, 7-days-a- week virtual access for Soldiers. Our education counselors areavailable to assist in educational goal setting and advising.

Central Texas College offers scholarshipsThe Central Texas College Foundation office has more than

100 scholarships available to students. These scholarships arenot just for students at the central campus, but many scholar-ships are available for students attending one of Central TexasCollege's World Wide Campus. Filling out a single applicationgives students the opportunity to be considered for all of theiravailable scholarships. For more information, call 767-8331.

College term dates announcedCentral Texas College , now - Oct. 6, 767-2070 at Stewart, 315-

4090 at Hunter. Columbia College , now - Oct. 6, 767-5336 atStewart, 352-8635 at Hunter. Embry Riddle , now - Oct. 7, 767-3930 at Stewart, 352-5252 at Hunter. Savannah Tech , Sept. 28 -Dec. 13, 408-2430 at Stewart. Webster University , now - Oct. 11.

Savannah Tech offers child careChild care is available at the Hinesville Airport Road

Hinesville campus. Contact Natasha Brown at 408-3024 ext6026 for more details .

Take advantage of education programsSoldiers and civilians can take advantage of the HOPE grant

and tuition with opportunities available at the Sgt. 1st ClassPaul R. Smith Education Center and local institutions. Available programs include Web site Technician Certificate inonly two courses; Child Care Manager Certificate with only fivecourses; and Medical Transcription Certificate with only eightcourses. For more information call 408-2430.

ESL classes taughtEnglish as a Second Language classes are available. The

beginning courses are offered 8-10 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Intermediate courses are offered 10 a.m. to noon,Mondays and Wednesdays, and 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays andThursdays, building 100, room 227. Call 368-7322 for moreinformation.

Injured Soldier, spouse scholarships offeredCertain schools are offering scholarships and reduced

tuition for severely injured Soldiers and their Family members.For more information, send an e-mail to: [email protected].

Get free test prep softwareThe Victory Sports Group of NFL football players is sponsor-

ing SAT and ACT test prep software for military Families. There

is a small shipping charge for delivery. For more information,e-mail eKnowledge Support at support@eKnowledge .com , orcall 951-256-4076.

Use the learning centerThe learning center has 55 computers with Internet access.Complete your homework or research for your classes and

access the Army’s basic skills automated program. The learning center is open seven-days-a-week (closed on federal holidays).

The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.,Saturday and Sunday.

Learn about GED, enrichment coursesGED preparation courses, offered in partnership with the

Liberty County Adult Education Program, are held at the edu-cation center on Fort Stewart.

These courses prepare you to take the GED or refresh yourskills in basic education subjects. Courses are free of charge ona space available basis. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. tonoon and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 6-9 p.m.,Tuesday and Wednesday in rooms 225 - 228. For more infor-mation, call 368-7322 or 368-7329.

Reduced online tuition availableSoldiers enrolled in Webster’s Graduate classes will receive a

reduced rate, while deployed. Contact Marsha Sands [email protected] , or 354-0033/DSN: 315-5906 for additionalinformation.

Embry-Riddle Tuition to be awardedTo show their support and appreciation of our nation's mil-itary, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's SavannahCampus is sponsoring an opportunity for one student toreceive tuition assistance in the amount of $1,000. This award will be presented Sept. 28, during the Savannah Jazz Festival's"Military Appreciation Night."

Criteria for tuition assistance announcedMust be a current student in, or an entering adult student

into an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide aca-demic course of study.

.• TA recipient must be active duty or reserve, Air NationalGuard, Coast Guard, or an active duty military spouse, or vet-eran.

• Must fill out Interest Form available Sept. 27-28 during theFestival.

• Must be present at the time of the drawing.Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest,

fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aero-space, offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering.

For more information about Embry-Riddle, call the Sgt. 1stClass Paul R. Smith Education Center at 767-8331.




Justice serves Soldier $15,000Pfc. Monica K. Smith3rd CAB Public Affairs

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A call to theCriminal Investigation Division led to onestaff sergeant receiving $15,000 and thecapture and conviction of a rapist.

CID received a report April 14 that a woman had been raped here. Unable tofind any leads, posters were placedthroughout Camp Striker offering a rewardto anyone with information leading to theperpetrator.

The poster stimulated responses, saidCID Special Agent Joel Mooney. Two phonecalls were placed. The first call provided nonew information to the investigation. Thesecond came from Staff Sgt. Wendy Forbs,a personnel administrative sergeant withthe 875th Engineer Battalion.

“There was a poster on the wall with areward for $15,000 for any information to arape that occurred in April,” said Forbs. “Ididn’t think much about it at the time, butthen later I started thinking about it.”

Forbs made the call in June and told theagents about her experience on theevening of the rape.

Forbs was outside her trailer, chatting online with her husband on her computer, when someone began throwing rocks.Forbs said the man came towards her andasked to talk. She responded, saying she was chatting with her husband. Forbs saidthe man was undeterred and began to talk with her.

“I was only half listening to him and I feltsorry for him,” said Forbs. “He was telling me about the awful things he’s beenthrough and I was only half listening. Thenhe tried to come on to me and I ran himoff.”

Forbs said she wasn’t sure if her informa-tion held any importance in aiding thecase, but felt compelled to call anyway.

“I thought, ‘Oh, they’re going to think I’m wasting their time,’ but it turned out to bethe guy who was eventually convicted of the rape,” said Forbs. “At the time, what Iknew didn’t seem like much, but they saidit was the missing puzzle piece that puteverything together.”

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” said Forbs. “I’mglad I got the reward, but it’s a terribletragedy what happened. I’m glad I was ableto help, but I was kind of freaked out. That

very well could have hap-pened to me.”

CID Special Agent incharge Aaron Arguellogave special thanks toForbs during an awardsceremony commending her courage to call.

As a result of her call, acourt martial sentencedthe convicted rapist to;reduction to E-1, forfei-ture of all pay andallowances, a dishonor-able discharge and 10 years confinement.

“Staff Sgt. Forbshelped us out tremen-dously,” Arguello said.“Her call led to the iden-tification, apprehensionand conviction (of theperpetrator). Her infor-

mation broke the case wide open. (She is) fully deserving of this award.Justice has been served.”

Pfc. Monica K. Smith

Staff Sgt. Wendy Forbs (right) receives a $15,000 check from CID Special Agent Donna Trantham. Forbs provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the April 14 rape on Camp Striker.

Private Issac C. Maxwell,3/7 Inf., 4th BCT, convictedby summary court-martial; AWOL, FTR, disobeyed alawful order from a superi-or commissioned officer;forfeiture of $867 for onemonth, hard labor without

confinement for 45 days.

Private Adam L.Franklin, 703rd BSB, 4thBCT, convicted by summa-ry court-martial; AWOL,two counts FTR, wrongfuluse of cocaine; forfeiture of $867, confinement for 30

days.

Private Justin D.Courtney , 6/8 Cav., 4thBCT, convicted by summa-ry court-martial; AWOL,five counts of FTR, derelictin performance of duties,

assault; forfeiture of $867pay for one month,reduced to Pvt. (E1), con-finement for 30 days.

Private Matthew J.Jones, 1/30 Inf., 2nd BCT,convicted by special court-martial; three counts of

AWOL, indecent acts withanother, possession of alcoholic beverage whileunder the age of 21;reduced to Pvt. (E1), con-finement for 13 months,bad conduct discharge.

Private Benny Castellano, 416thTransportation Company,260th QuartermasterBattalion, convicted by Summary Court-Martial; AWOL, confinement for 30days and forfeiture of 2/3pay for one month.

Justice Served Justice Served

Special to the Frontline

Thomas Vose was born in ClearwaterFla., but has lived all over the United States.His father was a contractor forGTE and Bell South Telephonecompanies back in the 1960sand 1970s, so his Family wasconstantly on the move fromstate to state for the first

twelve years of his life. The y finally settled in Largo, Fla.and that is where he graduat-ed from high school in 1982.Nineteen days later hebecame Private Vose and took basic at FortJackson’s tank hill in South Carolina. Hisfirst duty station was Fort Lewis, Wash. with the 497th Transportation Company.His main mission was to directly supportthe 2/75th Ranger Battalion. In 1984, he was assigned to the 2nd Air Defense,Service Battery, 4th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, located in Garlstadt, Germany.

During his tour of duty in Garlstadt, hemet his wife Dewantee. They have beenmarried for 21 years. Vose was honorably discharged from the Army in 1986 andstarted working for the military at CarlSchulz Kaserne, located in Bremerhaven,Germany. He worked at the Officers’ Clubas a supply clerk. In 1993, due to the mili-

tary drawdown in Europe, the post wasclosed and he was relocated to Hanau,Germany. He became the lead registrationclerk for the 414th Base Support Battalion.He worked in the vehicle registration officefor the Provost Marshal before coming toFort Stewart in 2005 to work for the

Directorate of Emergency Services.

Vose works in the PoliceServices Branch as a police ser-vices clerk, where his primary duty is the processing of mili-

tary police reports. He handlesa variety of different types of police reports to include juve-nile, military police investiga-tions, suspended license and

patrol cases. He also works with traffictickets, forwarding them to the Central Violations Bureau, relaying them to unitcommanders for action and assessing traf-fic points when tickets are returned.Thomas also tracks and processes clothing allowances for police officers. He serves asa backup for the customer service counterproviding copies of police reports, con-ducting local records checks. He processestaxi permits and provides general cus-tomer service. Vose has been trained andcertified in ergonomics and provides work-site surveys as required throughout thedirectorate. He is currently training on theDefense Travel System, which is used toprocess travel orders and vouchers.




3rd Inf Div veterans gather in Colorado SpringsSgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis4th BCT Public Affairs

The backdrop for this years Society of the 3rd Infantry Division’s Annual Reunion were the Colorado Rocky’s inColorado Springs. More than 100 3rd Inf. Div. associationmembers, as well as their Family members and friends,attended the 88th reunion Sept. 12-16.

This year’s events included a presidential reception din-ner and entertainment, board meetings, business meetings,tours of the Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy,a Chuck wagon dinner and western show, a ladies luncheon with a Native American storyteller, a banquet dinner andawards program, and wrapped up with a MemorialBreakfast.

However, the highlight for many of those attending thereunion was the opportunity to see old friends and also theopportunity to make new ones.

“I can honestly say that this week has been probably oneof the best of my life and the main reason is because of everyone who is sitting in this room,” said Lt. Col. Paul Gale,3rd Inf. Div. rear-detachment commander, during the ban-quet dinner, Sept. 15. “I am truly humbled to be here with you tonight to give a presentation to the assembled heroesand that is exactly what everybody in this room is; you areheroes. There are heroes here from every major campaignthat this division has fought in, minus World War I, and thatis truly amazing.”

In addition to the Veterans of wars past, 28 Soldiers fromFort Stewart and Fort Benning traveled to Colorado Springsto participate in the reunion. Of the 28 Soldiers, seven of them were wounded Soldiers who were recognized for theircourage and dedication to the 3rd Inf. Div.

“The Soldiers who serve in our great division understandthe meaning of dedication and sacrifice,” Gale said. “OurSoldiers are fighting a global war on terrorism against anenemy who is determined to eradicate our way of life, ourideals, and our very presence on the face of this Earth. Weare sending our magnificent Soldiers into harms way todefend and uphold what we all in this room hold dear. Weare taking the fight to the enemy, ensuring he cannot bring his foul and evil ways to our country ever again.

“In this righteous fight we have had Soldiers who havemade the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives indefense of this great country and the defense of all of our

freedom. In this honorable fight we have had Soldiers whohave made other sacrifices facing enemies and sustaining wounds. I have with me tonight seven fine Soldiers from theMarne Division who have made that sacrifice, fighting aruthless but tenacious enemy. These Soldiers fought with allthey had and they were wounded while doing so.”

The seven Dogface Soldiers attending the reunion werePfc. Travis Koch, Spc. Jarrod Pounds, Pfc. Dustin Bohannon,Spc. Randell Mullally, Pfc. Zachary Nelson, Pfc. CharlesNewman, and Sgt. Todd McKenna.

“I got a chance to talk with Travis (Koch) and he told me,‘Sir, this has been one of the most remarkable experiencesof my life, and I would recommend that every Soldier in thedivision have the opportunity to spend time with thesegreat heroes that we have in this room,’” Gale said.

In addition to the wounded Soldiers, this year’s reunionalso had three special guests from Europe.

“We are honored to have a French soldier here whoserved in the French 2nd Armored Division and fought

along side the Marne division,” said John Shirley, master of ceremony for the banquet dinner. “Also for the first time wehave two Soldiers from the German army. Both were para-troopers and saw a lot of combat and both were capturedand spent time in POW camps in Texas and Missouri.”

During his remarks Gale encouraged the Veterans that thedivision they fought with and the division they served withis still the division that is fighting right now in Iraq.

“From Pearl Harbor to the landings in Africa, Italy andFrance, from the campaigns in the frozen tundra of Korea,to the sweltering heart of Vietnam, and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, and the closure of the Cold War, to the eth-nic cleansing in Bosnia and the liberation of Kuwait, and thetragedy of 9/11, to the liberation of the Iraqi people fromSaddam Hussein and securing of that country, this greatdivision has answered the call to this great nation for thepast 90 years. For the past 90 years Marne Soldiers havedefended and protected the life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Rock has never failed and it never will,” Galesaid.

The Society, according to their Web site at www.3rdiv.org ,is the oldest continuous U.S. Army Division Association, with it’s founding in 1919, two years after the 3rd Infantry Division was formed in 1917 at Camp Green near Charlotte,N.C. The division has 51 Medal of Honor recipients, with themost recent being Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith.

Due to the 3rd Infantry Division’s current operations in

Iraq, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Inf. Div. commanding gener-al, was unable to attend this year’s reunion. Since he wasunable to personally be there, Lynch sent a video from Iraqso he could address those attending the reunion.

In the video he expressed his appreciation for the mag-nificent men and women of today’s Marne division whounderstand and appreciate the history and traditions of thisdivision and those at the re-union who helped make it hap-pen. Following the video, Gale went on to explain the typesof operations the division currently is doing in Iraq and thesuccesses the division has had since they arrived there.

At the end of the night, the association recognized 13 var-ious association members with awards.

The memorial breakfast, Sept. 16, ended the reunion onan appreciative, but somber note as it did a role call forthose who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the past year,both veterans of wars past, and also active-duty Soldiers.

Next year’s reunion is scheduled to be held at FortBenning.

Sgt. 1st Class Tami Hillis

Spc. James Clayton, 233rd Transportation Company, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, speaks with Curtis Halvorson, who spent two years in the service, about the 3rd Inf. Div. display.




Kalif AlihIslamic Lay Leader

The month of Ramadan this year is cele-brated Sept. 13 through Oct. 13 at MarneChapel.

In the Quran, Allah revealed, " Oh you whobelieve! Fasting is prescribed to you as it wasprescribed to those before you, that you may learn God-consciousness ." (Quran 2:184 ).

For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is agreat month, a noble season, a month in which rewards for good deeds are multiplied,and committing bad deeds is more seriousthan at other times. The gates of Paradise areopened and the gates of Hell are shut. It is amonth whose beginning is mercy, its middleis forgiveness and its end is redemption fromthe fire.

This month is also well-regarded as themonth of the Quran. Many Muslims in the world read this book several times during themonth. Additionally, standing in prayer afterbreaking the fast gives us a means to relay to Allah our fears, drawing nearer to him andrelying on him for comfort and support.

During the last 10 nights of the month,much time will be spent in intense worship,seeking the night of power during the oddnights. The night of power commemoratesthe night when angel Gabriel visited ProphetMohammed as he meditated in a cave on

spouses between dawn and sunset, we mustalso control our tongues and increase in actsof generosity toward others.

Personally, Ramadan not only cleanses my body and spirit but strengthens my faith andhelps me reflect on the many blessing Allahhas bestowed upon me.

In addition, I use this month to study andlearn about the things Allah wants me toembrace and the things he wants me toavoid. In short, this is the month I do a per-sonal inventory of myself.

This is the month I will be recognizing my shortcomings in living up to the promise Imade to Allah, my shortcoming in fulfilling my duties as a Muslim, my shortcomings innot keeping away from the desires, anddoubts that I may have fallen into.

We all need a breakthrough in this world.Today, fasting, contemplation and medita-tion, as with Prophet Mohammed, wouldhelp us to search deep within our souls tofind the meaning behind our lives and estab-lish within ourselves what we could do toimprove the human condition.

Muslims are fasting this month out of obe-dience, belief, commitment and love.

All people of faith need to grasp the way of their prophets, who were commissioned by Allah, and use fasting as a means to improvethemselves and their fellow human beings.

This is Allah’s way of leading humanity to

Stewart celebrates the

month of Ramadan

Nancy Gould

First Lt. Daniel Ludwig, platoon leader for the 110th Quartermaster Company, 260th Quartermaster Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, greets his wife, Georgia after

redeploying from Iraq.He was among 30 Soldiers from the 110th QM Co. who were greeted with the

applause and cheers from spouses, Family and friends when they returned to Hunter Army Airfield, Sept. 17 after a 13-month deployment to Qayarrah West, Iraq.Ludwig said he and his wife plan to relax for a few days, then head to Louisiana to eat crawfish with Family and friends.

110th QM Soldier110th QM Soldier sscome home frcome home fr om Iraqom Iraq

Steve Hart

Lance Cpl. John Holland hugs his wife, Megan, after getting off the bus at the 2nd Beach and Terminal Operations Company's headquarters at Hunter Army Airfield, Sunday.

Holland was one of 24 Marines who returned to Hunter Army Airfield from

Anbar Province after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with logistical support to the Multi-National Forces West.

Hunter Marines return homeHunter Marines return homeHunter Marines return homeHunter Marines return home

110th QM Soldier110th QM Soldier sscome home frcome home fr om Iraqom Iraq

Documents

US Army: frontlineonline09-20-07news