Thursday, May 31, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pfc. Robert A. Liggett, 23, of Urbana, Ill., died May 29 in Rustamiyah, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation.

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

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Iraqi, Coalition commanders visit Salman Pak to garner support for projects

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iraqi, Coalition commanders visit Salman Pak to garner support for projects
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Coalition Forces and the Iraqi police patrolled together during a mission to spread the word about Coalition and Iraqi projects and their potential benefits to the citizens of Salman Pak, Sunday.

During a joint patrol, Lt. Col. Jack Marr, 39, Minneapolis, commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and Brig. Gen. Hassan, the commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police Brigade, informed the local populace of operations and tried to gain support for the Iraqi police and their Coalition counterparts.

“One of the most important things of the mission was NP and U.S. forces patrolling the streets together,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Stratizar, a staff officer with 1-15th Inf. who was on the mission. “It lets the people see that we are working together and that they can trust us. I had heard that the people of Salman Pak were not that receptive, but I did not get that impression. We were received well by many of the people we interacted with.”

The pair spoke to local shopkeepers, school officials and citizens they met on the streets during the day-long venture. Afterward, the commanders discussed future plans of cleaning the city through sanitation projects.

The 1-15th Infantry is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.

1-15 medic helps child

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 medic helps child
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – A badly burned infant was provided treatment at the Salman Pak hospital Friday by a 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Civil Affairs Team medic during a medical facility assessment.

While talking with the hospital’s ambulance drivers, several hospital workers rushed up to Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Smith, 34, San Antonio, and took him to a small room where an 18-month-old boy was being kept.

The child, who had second degree burns over 80 percent of his body, was suffering from dehydration and having difficulty breathing.

Smith and two of the hospital’s two doctor’s assistants removed dead tissue, cleared the child’s airway, and gave the child formula to rehydrate him as the child’s parents, three aunts and grandmother watched.

“I’ve done a follow-up on the child, and he is doing better,” said Smith.  “The infection looks like it is decreasing so I am happy.  The child will be scarred, but he will live, so I’m very happy.”

Smith showed the two doctor’s assistants, whom he has befriended, how to apply the treatments the child will need over the following weeks. He also supplied the child with badly needed antibiotics.

In addition to the assistants’ daily home treatment, Smith plans to check on the child weekly.

“The people here are very thankful for everything we have done to help,” said Smith.  “We are very welcome here and the people here appreciate that we are helping make Salman Pak a safer more secure place.”

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

3rd HBCT opens aid station at FOB Hammer

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Pearson, the Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd HBCT, and Pfc. Relaine Hughs, the youngest medic in the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, from Chicago, cut the ribbon on the doorway of the Forward Operating Base Hammer SGT Robertson Aid Station Monday.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT opens aid station at FOB Hammer
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team unveiled its combat aide station at Forward Operating Base Hammer Monday.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., the commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and Command Sgt. Maj. James H. Pearson, the Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd HBCT, and Pfc. Relaine Hughs, the youngest medic in the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, from Chicago, cut the ribbon on the doorway of the FOB Hammer SGT Robertson Aid Station.

“The first thing we started setting up on this FOB was this aid station because we wanted to make sure our Soldiers are taken care of,” said Grigsby addressing the Soldiers present.

The new aid station will be used by 3rd HBCT medics to help treat injured and sick Soldiers.

“The main benefit that this building provides is that we are all now consolidated,” said Sgt. 1st Class Coree Dansler, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the station, Company C, 203rd BSB, from Chauvin, La.  “The weather here makes it difficult to maintain a sterile environment.  This building will be much easier to keep clean.  The heat out here is also a problem.  The air conditioning in this building will help us more effectively treat casualties.  The patients here will be our top priority.”

3rd HBCT conducts Memorial Day ceremony

An honor guard comprised of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers fires volleys to pay tribute to their fallen comrades during the 3rd HBCT’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday at Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT conducts Memorial Day ceremony
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team honored their fallen brethren, past and present, in a ceremony at FOB Hammer Monday.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., the commander of the 3rd HBCT, addressed 3rd HBCT Soldiers and reflected on the ultimate sacrifice that members of the 3rd HBCT have made in service to their country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Today is a tough day,” said Grigsby.  “This day is different for each and every one of you because of this (deployment), but … don’t feel bad.  Absorb this day and remember it. It will become even more important to you as you grow older.”

A roll call of every 3rd HBCT Soldier that has given his life during OIF preceded a firing of the volleys.

“I feel very proud to be a part of the ceremony and to honor our fallen comrades, past and present,” said 1st Sgt. Rene I. Gonzalez, the Command Sergeant Major of the Brigade Special Troops Battalion from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who was among one of the roll call readers.  “It is very important to for us to never forget them and to always pay tribute to their sacrifice.”

1-15 Infantry finds bomb making materials

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Infantry finds bomb making materials
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team found a weapons cache Monday north of Salman Pak.

The unit located two barrels dug into the ground. One barrel contained various bomb making materials and weapons including one mortar, eight projectiles, a battery, two sticks of dynamite, a roll of crush wire, and detonation cord.

A bomb disposal unit destroyed the cache.

Friday, May 25, 2007

Iraqi National Police apprehends three insurgents

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iraqi National Police apprehends three insurgents
By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs, Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –The Iraqi National Police and Coalition Forces arrested three wanted insurgents Monday.

Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Soldiers assisted policemen from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police in a cordon and search that led to the arrest near Jisar, Diyala, Monday.

“This is one operation of many that we have conducted with the National Police,” said Maj. Jeremy B. Moore, the Iraqi Security Force chief, 3rd HBCT, from, Portland, Ore.  “We look forward to continued success in interdicting extremist within (operating environment) Hammer.”

The captured insurgents were wanted for murder, kidnapping and displacing Shiia families.

1-15 Inf. finds, destroys large munitions cache

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Inf. finds, destroys large munitions cache
By Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs, Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, uncovered a weapons cache Tuesday during a combat patrol in an area west of Wahida, Iraq.

The cache consisted of 40 mortar rounds varying in size from 82mm to 120mm. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit detonated the cache soon after it was found.

“This is the largest cache found by 1-15 to date,” said 1st Lt. Joshua Powers, assistant operations officer for 1-15, from Decatur, Ga.  “Our presence is bringing more security to the Wahida province and disrupting the enemy’s line of movement into Baghdad.”

Thursday, May 24, 2007

“Off the Wall” performs at FOB Hammer

CLICK THE PICTURE FOR A SLIDESHOW

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Off the Wall” performs at FOB Hammer
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers, enjoyed a night of music, dancing and performing Tuesday as the band “Off the Wall” held a concert at FOB Hammer.

“The band was very good,” said Maj. Carla Simmons, from Lindenhurst, N.Y. “I thought the lead singer had a really nice voice and what I enjoyed most of all was the wide genre of music they played.”

Lead vocalist, Tricia Kelly along with fellow band members Martin Davis, lead guitar; Anthony Rogers-Wright, bass and vocals; Jon Bullock, drums; and Mark Agnesi, guitar; started the band seven years ago and has traveled the world since.

“We started this band for the sole purpose of entertaining the troops,” said Rogers-Wright.

During the concert, while in mid-song, Kelly would leave the stage to mingle with the troops in the crowd, share the microphone with them and give them the chance to sing along.

In some instances, 3rd HBCT Soldiers would make their way onstage to perform with the band.

“There are some very talented people in the Hammer brigade,” Rogers-Wright said. “The crowd was very energetic and their spirits are high.”

Among those Soldiers who performed were, trumpeter, Spc. Jermorio Kelly, from New Orleans, Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment singer, Capt. William Richardson, from Monticello, Ky., Company A, 97th Civil Affairs Team, and drummer, Pvt. Ken Demofonte, from Philadelphia, Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment.

“We like to see the other side of the military most civilians don’t get so see,” Davis said.

After the concert, the band signed posters and DVDs then mingled with concert goers.

FOB Hammer was the final stop on the band’s tour before heading back to Los Angeles, where the band is based, according to Davis.

“It was a great way to end our tour,” Davis said. “Hammer rocks! The conditions are rough but everyone here has been great.”

“We are so proud to be here,” Rogers-Wright said. “I can’t wait to go back to the States and tell everyone what we’ve experienced. We really appreciate all that (the Soldiers) do.”

Iraqi National Police apprehends three insurgents

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Iraqi National Police apprehends three insurgents
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq –The Iraqi National Police and Coalition Forces arrested three wanted insurgents Monday.

Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment Soldiers assisted policemen from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Iraqi National Police in a cordon and search that led to the arrest near Jisar, Diyala, Monday.

“This is one operation of many that we have conducted with the National Police,” said Maj. Jeremy B. Moore, the Iraqi Security Force chief, 3rd HBCT, from, Portland, Ore.  “We look forward to continued success in interdicting extremist within (operating environment) Hammer.”

The captured insurgents were wanted for murder, kidnapping and displacing Shiia families. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Local Iraqis trust, request 1-15th Inf. Medic often

Cpl. Rayshun Crawford, a medic with 2nd platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, provides aid to a local mukta, or mayor, in the Iraqi town of Arafina Monday.  Crawford is from York, Ala. (A Company D, 1-15th Infantry photo)

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Iraqis trust, request 1-15th Inf. Medic often
By Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The citizens of Arafina know who to ask for when they have a medical problem, and that person is a 24-year-old from York, Ala.

Cpl. Rayhsun Crawford, a medic with 2nd platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, has administered aid to multiple Iraqis for various injuries in the small town and is now considered a “go-to” guy for any ailment by the local citizens.

Soldiers of Company D patrol the small town to assist the local Iraqi Security Forces in their efforts to improve security.  In line with the Army’s new emphasis on counter-insurgency doctrine, units in 1-15th Inf. are working out of small combat outpost and joint security stations in the communities that they are tasked to protect.  Leaders also emphasize interaction with the local populace, especially influential leaders.

While conducting a combat patrol on Monday, Company D Soldiers were informed that a local muktar, or mayor, had hurt his ankle earlier in the day and requested the attention of Crawford.  Crawford administered aid to the muktar and got him back on his feet.

“Cpl. Crawford is now a local hero in the area,” said Capt. Simon McKenzie, a staff officer in 1-15th Inf., “The muktar was extremely pleased with the medical attention.  Many locals that are injured in the AO (area of operations) request help from Cpl. Crawford, because he does such a great job.”

1-15th Inf. is a part of the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Ga., and is currently deployed west of Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Cavalry squadron, IPs, visit Nahrwan Schools

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cavalry squadron, IPs, visit Nahrwan Schools
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Troopers of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, along with Iraqi Police, assessed 11 schools around the city of Nahrwan, Saturday.

During the visit, the troopers, IP and Nahrwan council members discussed the conditions of each site and how to make improvements. The installation of Artesian wells topped the list of priorities.

“It was a great deal,” said 2nd Lt. Mike Barth, of Los Angeles, the platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Troop B, 3-1 Cavalry. “It was a hands-on, eyes-on assessment of each school. The lack of water is their number one problem here.”

Currently, the city and schools have water trucked in from Baghdad. According to Barth, the installation of the wells will have a significant effect on the welfare of the students and citizens of Nahrwan.

Barth believes the installation of the wells will help build relationships with the populace of Nahrwan and instill faith in the local government.

“Everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles,” said Barth. “They were very happy to see us and were very receptive.”

Monday, May 21, 2007

3-1 Cavalry protects local road workers

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3-1 Cavalry protects local road workers
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, provided security for local road workers as they prepared roads outside of Al Zatia, 20 miles east of Baghdad, Thursday.

Local civilian contractors were hired to grade, repair and clean up roads in Al Zatia.  The local workers will continue this “route sanitation” project all the way to the town of Sabah Nissan, nine miles east toward Baghdad.

“We are assisting the local population here,” said Capt. Tavares Tukes, the personnel officer for 3-1 Cavalry, from Savannah, Ga.  “We are helping to provide jobs and a safe environment so the workers can ensure that the people there have safe transportation and a clean environment.  This project really helps everyone involved.”

Workers are busy improving checkpoints, filling potholes, cleaning up trash and grading the roads in the area. 

“We are doing everything possible to work with the Iraqi police to ensure the safety of the workers,” explained Tukes.  “We want to help make sure their progress is not hindered by (the enemy).

Friday, May 18, 2007

Family members reconnect at FOB Hammer

Pfc. Britny Roberts, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, of Carrollton, Ky., eats breakfast with her uncle, Johnny King, a civilian Kellogg, Brown and Root environmental assessment analyst, from Eatonton, Ga., at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Wednesday.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Family members reconnect at FOB Hammer
Story and photos by Spc Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq – Pfc. Britny Roberts, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Troop, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, from Carrollton, Ky., wasn’t sure what to expect during her first deployment to Iraq.

The last thing she expected was to see a family member living on Forward Operating Base Hammer.

“I was eating breakfast and this voice behind me asked me how my food was,” said Roberts with a smile.  “I turned around and there was my Uncle Johnny.”

Johnny King, a civilian Kellogg, Brown and Root environmental assessment analyst, from Eatonton, Ga., has been working in Iraq for three years.  When he walked in the Desert Grille Dining Facility, he recognized Roberts immediately.

“I’ve watched her grow up since she was a baby,” King said.  “I knew it was her the moment I saw her.”

The two quickly spoke and did what they could to catch up with one another.

Both of them have busy schedules that haven’t left them much time for an extended family get-together, but they have managed to make time on four more separate occasions to check on each other and talk.

“We talk about things we are doing and what we are going to do when we go home,” laughed Roberts.  “He’s really excited about going fishing with my dad.”

Roberts has always enjoyed her uncle’s company, but admits that growing up she didn’t see a lot of him.

“I have three daughters that will tell you the same thing,” explained King.  “I joined the Army at age 16 and did 12 years active duty and eight with the National Guard.  I missed them growing up because the Army kept me so busy.”

After King retired from the military, he decided to join the civil service so he could continue to help and be around Soldiers.  After 20 years as a civilian contractor, King is still helping Soldiers as an environmental assessment analyst for KBR.

“We’ve been out here (FOB Hammer) working to get it ready for you guys since day one,” said King.  “We came out here when there was nothing.  We were dropped out here with a bag of brand new tents and provisions and have been working ever since.  We worked through sandfly bites, scorpion stings and dust storms.  Through it all, we still got it all done.  We got 72 tents put up in 14 days.  It was tough.”

King had much easier living conditions in Baghdad, but volunteered to come out to FOB Hammer.

“I’m definitely proud of him,” said Roberts.  “He is one of the bravest and most dedicated people I know.  The main reason he is here is to help Soldiers.  He doesn’t care about money at all.”

When King’s daughter, Jacquelynn Pozala, was deployed to Iraq with the Air Force three years ago, he made the decision to come over here and help the Armed Forces through KBR.

After three years of hard work, he has decided to extend for three more months to finish a water project that will supply FOB Hammer with more fresh running water.

“It’s not about money,” explained King.  “I don’t want for anything.  It’s about making sure you guys have a better life over here and doing my part to help out this country. I’m extending an extra three months to make sure you guys have all the water you’ll need.  You guys are all like family.  Sure the money is good out here for contractors, but how do you put a price on family?”

King’s giving attitude is not news to Roberts, who has always known her uncle to help others.  She explained how he and his wife Bonnie would dress up as clowns to help entertain children, nursing home patients and local church congregations.

That generosity extended to some of the children of Iraq as well.

“There is one little girl that would peek over a wall at me every morning while I was working in the Green Zone in Baghdad,” explained King.  “She had the prettiest brown eyes.  I would just give her a fresh bottle of water every morning so she and her family would have clean water to drink.  I guess I watched her grow up for two years, one bottle at a time.”

King is glad his niece is stationed here at FOB Hammer.

“This is where I would want my daughter to be stationed if she was still over here,” said King.  “In the middle of an Iraqi training base is about as safe as you can get.  Of course, it’s good to be near her as well.  I talked to her dad and he said he felt better knowing that she was over here with me.”

Roberts agreed.

“He couldn’t believe he was over here,” said Roberts with a smile.  “I know he is glad that we are here together.”

As King’s time here dwindles down, he is trying to accomplish as much as he can to ensure the Soldier’s of the 3rd HBCT are taken care of.  He is working 16- to 18-hour days to make sure that their needs are met.

“I can’t say enough about our Soldiers,” said King.  “I think they are doing a great job.  Any little bit I can do to help really means a lot to me.”

Thursday, May 17, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Killed were:
Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley, 25, of Yardley, Pa.
Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of Winslow, Ariz.