Monday, April 30, 2007

Coalition Forces engage in soccer competition

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coalition Forces engage in soccer competition   Story and photos by Pvt. 1st Class Joseph Labutka   3rd HBCT, Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE, Hammer – They partner on the battlefield, but on the soccer field the two squared off.

Soldiers of the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, and the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team played soccer against Iraqi army soldiers from the Besmaya Range Complex, the Bey May Eagles, to promote camaraderie and partnership Tuesday.

Sporting brand new soccer uniforms, the Iraqi army soldiers took to the field like professionals, doing drills and stretching exercises. The Sledgehammer Soldiers conducted a warm up routine similar to the standard exercises done before a regular day of physical training.

Both teams were anxious to show their soccer skills to the opposing players and to deepen their relationships with their partners. The difference between the American and Iraqi players was obvious.

Before the game, Spc. Mikael Lawal warned his teammates that the Iraqi soldiers were good runners, but he still felt the Sledgehammer soccer players had an edge.

“You’re talking diversity,” said Lawal, a gunner for Company B, 203rd BSB, “We have all kinds of styles.”

Spc. Coty Lowe, an intelligence analyst for Headquarters Company 203rd BSB, responded to Lawal explaining that soccer is the only sport Iraqis play, but the Americans have an advantage in diversity within their own team.

“Asia, South America, North America, Africa; we have representatives from all other continents,” Lowe said.

As the teams took to the field to begin the game, Chaplain (Capt.) Mike Swartz, with 203rd BSB, presented Col. Fahil Abbas, commander of the Bey May Eagles, with a 203rd Eagles coin as a sign of friendship.

Abbas later joined his fellow Iraqi soldiers scoring four additional goals against their American counterparts.

Both teams complimented each other’s skills after the game with handshakes and pats on the back. The final outcome favored the Iraqi soldiers with a score of 11-0.

“Both teams played very good and respected each other.” Wsam Khzer, a soldier with the Iraqi Military Police said through a translator. “It doesn’t matter who won, just that we’re working together.”

Hard Rock Platoon Keeps Streets Safe in Salman Pak

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hard Rock Platoon Keeps Streets Safe in Salman Pak   Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER – Young infantrymen face the fear of stepping on the streets of Baghdad. But not alone, combat veteran noncommissioned officers take them under their wings.

Soldiers from 3rd platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment patrolled the streets of Salman Pak in conjunction with the military police and the Iraqi National Police.

“This is just another chance for the people to see our faces and know that we are here to help out,” explained Pfc. Paul Jernigan, an infantryman with 3rd platoon.

Led by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Black, the platoon sergeant, and native of Smith Station, Ala., the group spent two hours walking up and down the streets, venturing into the town square and greeting anyone who would approach them. Their mission, while relatively simple to explain, is not simple to execute.

“We just got here yesterday, but we’re going to spend six days here working with the military police and the Iraqi police,” said Sgt. Robert Butler, from Kansas City, Mo.

As the Soldiers from 3rd Platoon kept their intervals, Black explained how this town is actually much better than the town in the platoon’s previous area of operation during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

“The situation here is a lot better than where we were last time, based on the reputation of the Iraqi National Police working here,” explained Black. “I think it helps that they work here, but don’t live here. We are seeing their operations getting good results. They are taking the lead in a lot more things. Really, all we do is shadow them, in case they need back up. I think they and most of the population here know that we are just here to help.”

Pvt. Clint Biddle, a medic who was also with Black in OIF III in 3rd Platoon, and native of Paris, Ky., agrees that the situation is different.

“The town is a lot bigger and we are working a lot closer with the Iraqi forces this time,” explained Biddle. “I think they are doing a lot better job policing their towns.”

The combat experience in Black’s platoon will be a huge asset in situations like this foot patrol, according to many veteran platoon members.

“I’ve got 12 vets that have been with this platoon since OIF III,” said Black. “I took over during the middle of the last rotation, but didn’t try to come in and change anything. They had their routine down and I didn’t want to mess with that. I have faith in my Soldiers. I let my guys be thinkers on the ground. I don’t dictate how things will be. I have a lot of faith in their abilities and judgment.”

The confidence Black places in his veterans trickles down to the new Soldiers in the squad. For most, this is their first deployment and they are taking all the advice they can from the experienced non-commissioned officers in the company.

“I use every little bit of advice they (NCOs) give us,” said Pvt. Brandon Bailey, from Colquitt, Ga. “They all do what they can to help us because they want us to (return home) alive.”

Black agrees.

“We have a lot of combat experience spread out throughout 1-15,” explained Black. “I let the NCOs teach their men what they need to know and I tell my Soldiers to trust their leaders.”

Not that it is easy to blend into a platoon as tight knit as 3rd Platoon. It is a close group where everyone seems to have a nickname. Many of them have been through hard times together and that has built bonds that run deeper than casual working relationships.

“Last time I was here, me and my guys went through some really bad stuff,” explained Butler. “We had gotten really tight. They were probably the bravest guys I’d ever met. You go into situations together where you think you’re going to die and nobody runs. They stand right by your side fighting and they’re just as scared as you are. After that, that’s your brother.”

Entering such a fraternity can be daunting for Soldiers still in their first year, but the newcomers to 3rd Platoon have found ways to impress the veteran members of the platoon with their zeal and willingness to do the hard work it takes to become a good infantryman and teammate.

“At first it is hard fitting in, but once you get here and get settled it’s not too bad,” explained Bailey.

“Our new guys are eager,” said Biddle with a smile. “They want to go out on patrol.”

Butler tries to keep his new Soldiers as ready as possible. In his mind, their eagerness is an asset, but he has tried to temper it with his experience.

“When the new guys showed up I told them, ‘I’m not here to be your friend. I’m your sergeant and my job is to get you out of this alive,” he said with a straight face. “If they don’t like me, I don’t care as long as they are back home with their families when this is over.” A smile broke over his face before he continued. “I’ve tried not to get too close to them, but it’s hard.”

The platoon marched for another hour before it doubled back through Salman Pak’s town square.

The town’s people filled the downtown area getting haircuts, buying food, drinking chi and going about their daily lives. As the Soldiers walked by, many adults greeted them, many children came out to shake their hands or give the squad a thumbs up, but everyone was watching.

For many Soldiers, this would make them nervous. Not for these seasoned veterans.

“Normally people don’t bother me,” explained Butler. “The more people there are; the safer you are.”

Butler explained that when the people clear the street he gets worried. It is his belief that in the smaller areas outside Baghdad the townsfolk look out for one another. He feels that the tribes are close and go out of their way to warn each other before something bad is going to happen.

“They know when things are going to happen. So if they aren’t here or the children aren’t out in the street, I get scared.”

That fear isn’t something that stops him, however. He explained that it was something he has just gotten used to.

“You learn how to fight it, because when stuff starts happening what are you going to do?” asks Butler rhetorically. “Turn around and run? You aren’t just going to leave your guys there hanging.”

As the patrol ended the NCOs went around and made sure all of their Soldiers were drinking water and reminded them to get something to eat. The Soldiers were tired and hot, but as Staff Sgt. Sean Holtz, a native from Columbus, Ga., started joking with several members of his squad, smiles started appearing on once weary faces. At this point, there was no mistaking that this unit was something like a family.

“It’s because our senior guys know your only family is your platoon over here,” explained Biddle. “Line units are close. I mean, we can decompress and relax around each other no matter what rank we are. When we are lying around upstairs (where 18 of them are jammed into a little room together), jokes just fly back and forth across the room, but jokes go out the window when we are on patrol.”

The closeness of the platoon can make Biddle’s job as a combat medic hard sometimes.

“I can work on “some guy” all day and it’s not hard,” explained Biddle with a serious expression. “Working on one of my guys is different. The personal ties make it harder. It’s like working on a family member. You have to learn to set aside your emotions and get the job done.”

Biddle went on to say that being a line medic is tough that way. “Part of you wants to get hysterical along with everyone else because your buddy is hurt, but you have to be able to push all that aside and remain calm and focused on your job," he added.

As the tired squad trudged up the stairs to their room, several members from another squad in the platoon were gearing up to provide cover for two tanks outside the compound in Salman Pak. Jokes were exchanged as the first squad quickly caught the other one up on what happened on the previous patrol. For a moment, it didn’t even seem like they were in the middle of a war.

Operation Chalons emphasizes U.S., ISF coordination

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2007

Operation Chalons emphasizes U.S., ISF coordination
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley
3rd HBCT, Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — On April 23, a mission dubbed Operation Chalons allowed Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and an Iraqi National Police company to work together to accomplish their mission.

The cordon and search mission was conducted in an effort to secure a suspected Anti-Iraqi Forces weapons cache located in 3rd HBCT’s operating area.

“Our goal is to demonstrate partnership,” said Maj. John Cushing, 1-15 Inf., operations officer, from Rochester, Mich. “As well as improve the security of our area.”

During the operation, Dragon company also conducted inspections of police checkpoints throughout their sector. The impromptu inspections showed the National Police to be more observant and watchful at their checkpoint than had been seen before.

The Dragons believe this to be a good sign of things to come.

The inspections also revealed some NP checkpoints were redundant or not necessarily in the best strategic locations.

“The inspections helped us ID which checkpoints were necessary,” said Cushing.

Cushing feels the operation confirmed increased CF and ISF coordination and cooperation.

“(It) was to demonstrate there are two elements out there,” said Cushing. “That shows we are willing to work together.”

Friday, April 27, 2007

3rd HBCT surveys water station

Lt .Col. Ryan Kuhn, the deputy commanding officer of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, listens to the workers of the Al Bawi water pump station outside Kakuf, explain the needs of their station on April 23.

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center   Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT surveys water station   Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – In the midst of trying to build a home away from home for Fort Benning troops, leadership at the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team is trying to improve conditions for their Iraqi neighbors.

Lt. Col. Ryan Kuhn, the deputy commanding officer for 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, took several key leaders with him out to the Al Kakaf pump station to see if the facilities were lacking in any area.

“There is a water shortage in the Nahrwan area,” explained Kuhn, a native of Clarks, Neb. “We are trying to assist in fixing the pumps so the good people of the Nahrwan area have good drinking water and water for their crops.”

The 3rd HBCT took an hour to thoroughly inspect the pumps, pipes and electrical system of the station and to try and determine the best way to get the station working to its full potential.

“The purpose of the site survey was to see if the water pump station was working to full capacity,” said Kuhn.

The station workers were eager to show the Sledgehammer Brigade Soldiers the station and took the time to explain what they thought was needed to help their people get the water they desperately need.

Kuhn is not only the Deputy Commander of the Sledgehammer Brigade, but he is also heading the brigade’s Provincial Reconstruction Team. The 3rd HBCT PRT is made up entirely of uniformed personnel from the brigade and aims to assist the local Iraqi government in its efforts to improve essential services, such as, water distribution.

The Sledgehammer Brigade PRT will have assistance in accomplishing this important project.

“We will be talking with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Oil, the Ministry of Electricity and the local Qada leaders to determine what their plan is to fix the station,” said Kuhn.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Sledgehammer Supporter

This morning I got an e-mail from Angie, who is hard at work, supporting Fort Benning soldiers.

Though I have never met Angie, she is from my hometown of Duluth, GA so it’s good to hear from home.

Anyway, here’s what Angie is working on.  I thought you all would be interested:

In February 2003, I started the Support Our Troops/Adopt-A-Soldier program at the Duluth United Methodist Church (located 30 miles north of Atlanta).  We adopted the 800 Soldiers of the 2-69 AR Battalion, as well as 31 individual Soldiers, during OIF I and sent them care packages, cards and letters of encouragement.

Angie Doerlich
HUGS FOR SOLDIERS, Inc.
Founder

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Care Packages

I recently received an e-mail from Robin in Fort Worth, Texas.

She had a couple of questions that I’m hoping some of you can answer.

Here’s part of here e-mail:

What do the troops especially like sent to them?  One thing I read is that packages of Crystal Light, lemonade, and so forth are a hit, since they are easily carried around and make a good instant drink.
Other ideas you may have gotten from the troops?  I know candy must also be a favorite, but seems chocolate might melt.  Perhaps cookies and so on.
 
What about personal items?

If anybody has some advice for Robin, just leave it the comments section.

Friday, April 20, 2007

TF Marne Soldiers receive combat patch

Master Sgt. Kevin Crawford, 3rd Infantry Division, G-6 plans NCO, affixes his combat patch during a ceremony at Task Force Marne headquarters Thursday.

Task Force Marne
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

TF Marne Soldiers receive combat patch
By Sgt. Ben Brody
Task Force Marne PAO

BAGHDAD – Soldiers of Special Troops Battalion and Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division, received their “combat patches” during a ceremony at Camp Victory Thursday.

The Shoulder Sleeve Insignia – Former Wartime Service, commonly called a combat patch, is authorized for Soldiers who serve in a hostile area.

“(Young Soldiers) naturally look for mentors, standard-setters – persons with experience,” said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, 3rd Inf. Div. commander.  “A combat patch is often the first indication to others that a person is an experienced individual.”

Division Command Sergeant Major Jesse Andrews then removed Lynch’s 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment combat patch, and replaced it with a Marne patch.

“This patch represents nine decades of service to our nation,” Lynch said.  “Wear this combat patch from this day forward with pride.”

Soldiers from the headquarters unit are primarily responsible for gathering battlefield information to aid the command group’s decision making process, and disseminating those decisions.  Many Task Force Marne Soldiers also provide security for the command group and the headquarters building.

“I know what I’m doing up here is helping my battle buddies down in the line units,” said Pvt. Kyle Hughes, of 3rd Inf. Div. Engineers.  “I’m proud to wear the 3rd Infantry Division patch.”

Thursday, April 19, 2007

3rd HBCT awards Purple Heart to 3-1 Cav. leader

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center Baghdad, Iraq

3rd HBCT awards Purple Heart to 3-1 Cav. leader   3rd HBCT, 3rd ID Public Affairs

FOB HAMMER, Iraq –The commander of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, was the first member of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team to earn a Purple Heart during Operation Iraqi Freedom V.

Soldiers from the squadron, out of Fort Benning, Ga., gathered Tuesday to honor Capt. Arthur L. McGrue, III, from Seaside, Calif. The commander of Troop A was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during a small arms fire attack on March 29.

The incident occurred while McGrue was conducting a patrol with Company E, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment, a National Guard unit from Michigan, to get familiarized with the route from Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah to Nahrawan, Iraq.

During the mission, MrGrue and his combat patrol stopped at an Iraqi Police station along the route to assess their facilities. During the stop, an informant gave coalition Soldiers a tip on a wanted individual in a nearby town and was willing to show his team the location.

During a joint patrol with the local IPs, to recover the individual, the patrol began taking fire.

As soon as McGrue heard it, he yelled, “Muzzle flash in the wood line! Muzzle flash in the wood line!” He added, “We all took cover and when I went to raise my weapon I was hit.”

He felt exactly where he was hit — in the chest of his interceptor body armor.

“I started rubbing my body armor and calling out that I was hit,” McGrue said. “I checked real quickly for injuries and noticed my wrist was bleeding.”

McGrue explained he was hit in the chest and pieces of the round ricocheted off his armor and struck his left wrist in two places. He said the physician’s assistant who was with the convoy that day wanted to do immediate care.

“I told the PA it was just a flesh wound,” McGrue said. “Then I moved to another wall for cover and continued to return fire.”

After a 15-minute firefight, McGrue said the patrol leader made the decision to return to the vehicles and leave the area. When he got back to his vehicle, he received aid for his injury.

Although he was injured in the line of duty, McGrue still keeps an upbeat attitude about the mission in Iraq.

“We have a positive effect,” McGrue said. “We talk with the local Iraqi citizens in our area and they are happy to see an American presence.”

After being awarded with the Purple Heart, McGrue spoke to his troops and told them three things to remember.

“First, remembrance of the fallen Soldiers; second, remember to wear the proper uniform because it does save lives; and remember to be prepared when you leave because you don’t know what you will face,” McGrue said.

FOB Hammer opens barber shop

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center Baghdad, Iraq

FOB Hammer opens barber shop   By Spc. Ben Hutto 3rd HBCT, 3rd ID Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team now have one more morale booster at the ever-improving Forward Operating Base Hammer.

A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the opening Sunday of the Hammer Cuts Barber Shop, located next to the new Post Exchange on FOB Hammer.

Hammer Cuts Barber Shop took approximately 1 week to complete, according to 1st Lt. John Enfinger, FOB mayor. Steps involved in creating the shop included establishing a location, power generation, air conditioning, plumbing, sinks, water, and solid flooring. Both Army and Air Force Soldiers were involved in making the establishment fully operational.

“It was a joint effort to provide our Soldiers with a much needed morale booster,” Enfinger, of New Brockton, Ala., said.

According to Enfinger, the barbers, contracted from the Army and Air Force Exchange Services, are from India and the Philippines.

Hair cuts cost 3 dollars for both male and female Soldiers, a significant decrease from the average seven dollars at Fort Benning, Ga., where the 3rd HBCT calls home.

“I am very glad that AAFES was able to provide this service to our Soldiers,” said FOB Governor Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, Monticello, N.Y., native, and one of the first Soldiers to have his hair cut at Hammer Cuts.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and already has a steady clientele, according to Enfinger. The profit goes to AAFES and the barbers collect tips.

“Hammer Cuts is great” said Sgt. Jeremiah Thompson, Headquarters Company, 3rd HBCT, from Jacksonville, Fla. “The prices are great and it’s a very clean establishment. It’s a good sign that progress is being made at FOB Hammer.”

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Richard P. Langenbrunner, 19, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Apr. 17 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation.

Langenbrunner was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Credit Where Credit is Due

Many of you have sent me e-mails and comments telling me how much you enjoy much of the writing and content here at the HammerSlogger.

Many of these articles are written by Specialist Ben Hutto, who is a writer for the Sledgehammer Brigade’s Public Affairs Office.  Specialist Hutto also takes many of the pictures you see here.

Great job Ben!

Monday, April 16, 2007

Dog Face Daily

I’ll try to post these as often as I come across something that is Sledgehammer Brigade related.

Dog Face Daily (PDF)

(This is a document produced by the 3rd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office.)

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Units come together to mourn loss of fallen comrades

SSG Harrison Brown, who was a squad leader and a M2 Bradley vehicle commander with 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Benning, Ga., was not only a remarkable Soldier, but a family man.	PFC David Simmons, who served as a M2 Bradley driver with 2-69, was a stellar Soldier and a friend of all friends.

Task Force Marne   Media Release   HQ, MND-Center   Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Units come together to mourn loss of fallen comrades

YUSUFIYAH, Iraq – Soldiers from the southern Baghdad area gathered to mourn the loss of three fallen comrades during a memorial service in Yusufiyah, Iraq, Thursday.

The Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown, Pfc. David Simmons and Sgt. Todd Singleton, were part of Task force Marne and on a patrol when they were killed from an improvised explosive device in Yusufiyah, Iraq, Sunday.

During the ceremony Soldiers who were close to each of the fallen comrades took a moment to talk and reflect on their memories of them.

Brown, who was a squad leader and a M2 Bradley vehicle commander with 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, out of Fort Benning, Ga., was not only a remarkable Soldier, but a family man.

“He was the type of leader who could make or break a Soldier,” said Staff Sgt. Elocious Frazier, a member of 2-69 and also a friend of Brown. “He loved his family. He also would not hesitate to let everyone know that all great athletes came from the south.

Singleton, who served as a section leader and a M2 Bradley vehicle commander with 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, was remembered for being unique – one of a kind.

“We would tease him all the time because he had this ugly, blue wallet and an even uglier cell phone,” said Sgt. 1st Class Clifford Owens, Singleton’s friend who serves with 2-5 CAV. “He said he liked having those things because they were different – they made him unique.”

Simmons, who served as a M2 Bradley driver with 2-69, was a stellar Soldier and a friend of all friends.

“Simmons was a great Soldier who was my best friend,” said Pfc. Jared Green, Simmons’s friend, who serves with 2-69. “One night we went out and got matching tattoos. After that evening we were referred to as the Marne brothers. Everyone thought we were twins.”

To bring peace to the Soldiers who lost their loved ones, their brothers, Chaplain (Capt.) Jeff Bryan, with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 10th Inf. Div., left some words for everyone to ponder.

“When you think of the mechanized units you think of monstrous machines that are unstoppable,” Bryan said. “But it is the men who make these magnificent machines run. They are the true spirit behind the machines – we have lost three true spirits and they will be truly missed.”

Sledgehammer Brigade improves Soldier quality of life

Media Release   HQ, MND-Center     Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sledgehammer Brigade improves Soldier quality of life   Story and Photos by SPC Ben Hutto   3rd HBCT, 3rd ID

FOB HAMMER, Iraq – A hot lunch and a shopping spree went a long way in lifting the spirits of Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

The Sledgehammer Brigade opened a new Army and Air Force Exchange Service Post Exchange, dubbed the “Hammer X” by the 3rd HBCT commander, Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr. That same afternoon Soldiers enjoyed their first hot lunch at the Desert Grille Dining Facility.

“I hope these things add to the morale and bring it up,” said Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Davis, the AAFES manger from Bartow, Fla. “I hope this day and the other things we have coming up can help give our high-speed Soldiers some things to look forward to when they aren’t concentrating on their mission.”

A line had all ready formed in front of the entrance to the Hammer X before Grigsby arrived with 3rd HBCT Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Pearson. The pair greeted the eager Soldiers before cutting the ribbon to the facility.

“This is for you guys,” said Grigsby. “I know you guys will probably wipe out whatever is on the shelves in their quick, but be assured that this facility will keep getting bigger and bigger. I can’t say enough about the hard work you guys are doing and I hope this PX will make your lives a little easier. Mark my words, what you see here today will only get better.”

Grigsby, Pearson and Davis cut the ribbon and the trailer was quickly flooded with eager Soldiers.
  “I think it’s really good that they finally opened this,” said Tuscaloosa, Ala., native, Antonio Harris, from Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “Soldier morale will definitely improve because of this.”

Two hours later, the Desert Grille DFAC opened for lunch for the first time. A line of hungry 3rd HBCT Soldiers were greeted with hamburgers, hot dogs and various other backyard favorites.

“It was very convenient to eat a warm meal before I went back into work,” said San Antonio, Texas, native, Sgt. William McMillan, an intelligence analyst with 3rd HBCT. “It was much better than digging through a box of MREs.”

As he watched Soldiers file through to get drinks, Staff Sgt. Russell Slouffman, from Miami, Fla., who has Soldiers working at both the Hammer X and the Desert Grille, was satisfied with what the 3rd HBCT was doing to make life easier for the Soldiers living on FOB Hammer.

Every Soldier needs a break from his or her mission, replied Slouffman. There is nothing better than a hot lunch or a chance to buy a candy bar or soda, he added.

Soldiers from the 3rd HBCT will soon have even more to look forward to.

“We have more computers with Internet access, AT&T phones for Soldier’s to use and a barber shop on the way,” explained Davis. “The 3rd HBCT has really taken the challenge of bringing up morale and ran with it.”

Friday, April 13, 2007

On the Ground

Fort Benning’s 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division took charge of their Area of Operations Saturday (April 7) and has been hard at work, getting settled in for what is expected to be a fifteen month deployment.

The Sledgehammer Brigade is undertaking combat missions in Baghdad in an effort to bring security and stability.  To accomplish that, soldiers are tasked with rooting out insurgents, and weapons.  “Our overall mission is to interdict accelerants from coming into Baghdad,“ 3rd Brigade Public Affairs Officer Major Joe Sowers said in a phone conversation Friday.

The brigade’s area of operations covers an area east of Baghdad.  “We have a 3,300-square kilometer area… approximately the size of Rhode Island,“ Sowers said.

Sowers said the area is home to about 1.5 million Iraqis, roughly 70% Shiite and 30% Sunni.

The 3rd Brigade, commonly known as the Sledgehammer Brigade, is currently working to establish their presence by meeting with Iraqi Army, Police and governmental leaders.  “Our challenge right now is that we have to establish relationships,“ Sowers said.  “We’ve got to build trust.“

Elements of the brigade are working to establish their base of operations at Forward Operating Base Hammer, and a number of other FOBs and combat outposts.  Those outposts will put Sledgehammer soldiers close to the Iraqi population, near towns and villages.  “What there will be eventually is ‘mini-FOBs’ that are company-sized,“ Sowers said.

The Brigade also learned this week that their deployment to Iraq would last fifteen months.  In a press conference Wednesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the extension was a “difficult but necessary interim step.“

“I think everybody is handling it pretty well.  Everybody has kind of been like, ‘Yeah, we knew that was coming,‘“ Sowers said.

Sowers added that many of soldiers previously expected the deployment to go on for eighteen months.  “They told us, be prepared for eighteen months.  So, fifteen isn’t as bad.“

Sowers said elements of the Sledgehammer Brigade are working to establish the creature comforts of home.  A phone center and Internet café are in the works, which will allow soldiers to contact family and friends at home more regularly.