Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Raffle to Benefit Bayonet Co., 2-69AR

News Release

Friends of Bayonet Co. of 2-69 AR will be raffling off a print donated by wildlife artist John Ruthven, entitled “Bald Eagles at Misty Fjords”.

The beautiful print will be framed, signed and re-marked with the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, shipped free of charge to the winner and is valued over $1,100.

The unframed version of the print may be viewed at www.ruthven.com. (Click on Fine Art: Limited Editions, then Birds of Prey, and then Misty Fjords.)

Raffle tickets are $5 each, or 5 tickets for $20 and may be purchased from any Friend of Bayonet Co. member selling tickets, or from Marcy Hutchinson:

219 Beacon Dr.
Mount Orab, OH 45154
(937/444-7206 home or 513/256-2055 cell)

Checks should be made payable to “Friends of Bayonet Co.“

Deadline to purchase tickets is October 1st, with drawing on October 12th. Proceeds will be used to provide Christmas presents for Bayonet Co.

3rd HBCT Soldiers receive awards and coins

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT Soldiers receive awards and coins
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

20070812-01_3HBCT_01 (CMD CONF AWARDS) – Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, awards Spc. Douglas Spencer, of Virginia, Company E, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, the Army Commendation Medal Aug. 11 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq. Spencer demonstrated heroic actions during an improvised explosive device attack on his route clearance patrol that left one Soldier wounded.

20070812-01_3HBCT_02 (CMD CONF AWARDS) – Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, congratulates Sgt. Jeffery McArthur, of Reno, Nev., a military policeman for 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Aug. 11 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, for implementing risk mitigation procedures into all of his unit’s operations. Grigsby also awarded McArthur with a 3rd HBCT coin for outstanding leadership. 

20070812-01_3HBCT_03 (CMD CONF AWARDS) – Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, awards Spc. Terry Kisselburg, of Lubbock, Texas, radio transmission operator for 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment,  a 3rd HBCT coin Aug. 11 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq. Kisselburg is in charge of assisting the 3-1 Cavalry’s battle captain in tracking all elements within the unit’s area of operation. Kisselburg also calls in air support and medical evacuation when needed.

20070812-01_3HBCT_04 (CMD CONF AWARDS) – Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., commander of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, awards the Certificate of Achievement in Safety to Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment by presenting the certificate to Capt. William Clark, of Chicago, Company A commander, Aug 11 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.  Company A has demonstrated outstanding safety procedures, and as of Aug. 11 the unit has been accident free for 100 consecutive days.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Army Chief of Staff conducts re-enlistment, visits 3rd HBCT

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. administers the Oath of Enlistment to 124 Task Force Marne re-enlistees at Task Force Marne Headquarters, Camp Victory Aug. 11.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Army Chief of Staff conducts re-enlistment, visits 3rd HBCT
Story by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs and
Sgt. Ben Brody, MND-C Public Affairs
Photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. conducted a re-enlistment ceremony at Task Force Marne Headquarters and visited other 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers Patrol Bases Assassin and Murray Aug. 11.

The commitment from Soldiers who re-enlisted for fixed periods of time totaled 621 years of service. 

“These great Soldiers here epitomize the best of what the United States of America stands for,” Casey said.  “It’s important not to lose sight of what’s at stake in this war – the power of our values and our civilization.”

After administering the oath, Casey greeted each Soldier and posed for individual portraits.

As a surprise, the re-enlistees each received a 3rd Infantry Division coin, an American Flag that had been flown over Camp Victory’s Al Faw Palace, and their choice of an MP3 player or a Gerber tool.

“A lot of Soldiers could go a whole career without getting within shouting distance of a four-star general,” said Master Sgt. James Nicolai, 3rd Infantry Division Reenlistment Operations NCO. “Having the chief come out and greet everybody is pretty exciting.”

Though not assigned to Multi-National Division-Center, Soldiers from 3rd Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, serving in Ramadi, took the opportunity to visit their division headquarters.

“The guys enjoyed coming out and getting some cool stuff they can use, in addition to the incentives like priority for a four-day pass,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Delaney, career counselor for 1st BCT’s 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry, who brought six Soldiers from the unit to re-enlist.

Bonuses for the group’s re-enlistment totaled over $1.4 million, most of which went to Soldiers re-enlisting for the first time.

Later in the day, Casey arrived by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to PB Assassin and Murray. He was met on the ground in Assassin by commanders of 3rd HBCT. He toured the PB Assassin command post building operated by Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment.

After the tour, Casey briefly spoke to brigade leaders and Soldiers about the length of the 3rd HBCT’s current deployment and the importance of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.

“This war is nothing more than the values and ideas on which our country is based,” he said. “This is our way of life and our country is lucky to have you and your families on the forefront in this war on terrorism.”

Ten Soldiers were awarded Army Chief of Staff coins in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the 3rd HBCT.

Casey presented coins to the following Soldiers at PB Assassin:

3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment
Spc. John Ray, 23, Colstrip, Mont., Headquarters Troop
Spc. Jaime Rivera, 23, Anasco, Puerto Rico, Headquarters Troop
Sgt. Eric Jordan, 26, Elba, Ala., Troop A
Spc. Peter Arend, 23, Upper Darby, Pa., Troop A
Pfc. Christopher Rochester, 21, Lehigh Acres, Fla., Troop A

1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment:
Spc. James Jones, 30, Tyler, Tx., Headquarters Company
Spc. Jonathan Follmar, 25, Monticello, Ind., Headquarters Company
Spc. Chris Armstrong, 24, Indiantown, Fla., Headquarters Company
Pfc. Michael Sexton, 24, Dalton, Ga., Headquarters Company

3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion:
Pfc. Stephanie McCulley, 25, Uniontown, Pa., Headquarters Troop

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey speaks to Soldiers and leaders of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Aug. 11, at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey speaks to Soldiers and leaders of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Aug. 11, at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey presents Spc. John Ray, 23, Colstrip, Mont., Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, with a coin Aug. 11, at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey presents Spc. Chris Armstrong, 24, Indiantown, Fla., Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, with a coin Aug. 11, at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey presents Pfc. Michael Sexton, 24, Dalton, Ga., Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, with a coin Aug. 11, at Patrol Base Assassin, Iraq.

Soldiers capture suspected Shiite extremist leader, insurgent videotape of Iranian weapons

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers capture suspected Shiite extremist leader, insurgent videotape of Iranian weapons

BAGHDAD – Soldiers captured an Iraqi man suspected of directing attacks against Coalition Forces and acting as a conduit for funneling Iranian weapons to Shiite extremists.

The also bagged a bonus: an insurgent-made videotape showing insurgents aiming and firing Iranian-made rockets at American targets.

The individual was the No. 1 target high-value target for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his capture is expected to strike a heavy blow to Shiite extremist elements of the Jaish al-Mahdi militia operating east of Baghdad.

The man was captured in an Aug. 7 nighttime raid on a house in the town of Nahrawan, about 20 miles east of the Iraqi capital. U.S. forces believe he is the main link to Iranian weapons and explosively-formed projectiles (an advanced and deadly form of improvised explosive device) for JAM extremists operating in the area of Nahrawan. They expect his capture will reduce the supply of weapons and EFPs in the area, and have a significant debilitating effect on JAM’s intelligence operations.

During the raid, U.S. forces found a video showing 46 Iranian-made rockets aimed at Forward Operating Base Hammer. Several of the rockets had been fired on the FOB during a July 11 attack. A U.S. explosive ordnance disposal team neutralized the remaining rockets after they were discovered July 12. The captured video clearly demonstrates the extremists’ training with and knowledge of the weapons system.

In taking an aggressive approach to Shiite extremists, U.S. forces are hoping to win the trust of vulnerable Shiite communities where religious extremists have begun intimidating residents. This would follow the model shaping up in Sunni communities, where residents have turned against al-Qaeda terrorists and have begun supplying tips to U.S. soldiers.

Meanwhile, in another gesture of cooperation, U.S. soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, are coordinating with Iraqi police and army forces to secure the passage of pilgrims into Baghdad for a Shiite religious holiday honoring Imam Musa al-Kadhim.

Retired general visits Cavalry troopers

Retired Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, talks to an Iraqi National Policeman through a translator during a tour of the four-corners area near Narwahn, Iraq, with the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Aug. 8.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Retired general visits Cavalry troopers
By Staff Sgt. Sean Riley, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 3-1 Cavalry and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel McInnis

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment hosted a visit by retired Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, at Patrol Base Assassin near the town of Narwahn Aug. 8.

Keane visited the Troop A, 3-1 Cavalry, command post before proceeding to the four-corners area. The four-corners area is named for a main intersection between Jisr Diyala, Narwahn, Baghdad, and FOB Hammer.  The intersection is surrounded on all corners by a bustling marketplace. Over the past month, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team has been building up checkpoints at each corner to improve security for the shops surrounding the intersection.

Keane visited the Iraqi National Police responsible for the security of the commercial zone. He continued his tour by visiting several local shop owners to gain awareness of the area.

Upon completion of the tour, Keane went to FOB Hammer to meet with the brigade leadership. At Hammer he received briefings about ongoing operations and projects in the brigade’s area of operations.

According to Capt. Aaron Schwengler, of Bismarck, N.D., the brigade’s current operations officer, among the topics discussed, Keane spent the majority of his time talking about Jayaish Al-Mahdi influence and Iraqi Security Forces capability in the brigade’s area of responsibility.

“General Keane wanted to understand what the standards were for the ISF and if they were being met,” Schwengler said.

The 3-1 Cavalry is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga. The 3rd HBCT has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March, 2007.

Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division escort retired Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, through the four-corners marketplace, near Narwahn, Iraq, during an Aug. 8 visit to Patrol Base Assassin and Forward Operating Base Hammer.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, talks to local shop keepers and Iraqi National Police through an interpreter during a tour of the four-corners area near Narwahn, Iraq, with the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Aug. 8.

Capt. Amanda Ritz, 28, a native of Hartford City, Ind., the assistant intelligence officer for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, briefs retired Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, and Brig. Gen. James Huggins, the assistant division commanding general-maneuver for the 3rd Infantry Division, during Keane’s visit to Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Aug. 8.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane, (center) former Army vice chief of staff, talks to Brig. Gen. James Huggins, (left) the assistant division commanding general-maneuver of the 3rd Infantry Division, Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., 45, from Prince George’s County, Md., (right) the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team commander, and the senior staff officers and noncommissioned officers of the brigade at Forward Operating Base Hammer Aug. 8.

Soldiers help young boy get surgery

Soldiers from Company A, 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, greet Ahaip in Hollandia, Iraq, on June 2 as they make final coordination with his family for his transport to al Sadr Hospital in Najaf for life-changing surgery.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Soldiers help young boy get surgery
Story by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos by Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, 1st COMCAM

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – For a child in Hollandia, the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Coalition Forces have become the answer to his family’s prayers.

Sitting in the local health clinic with his father on a warm May morning, Ahaip Najim had no idea that hope would come walking through the door.

That morning, members of the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion and 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were assessing the town’s needs.

“They discovered him in the health clinic there and just gathered around him,” said Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, commander, Headquarters Troop, 3-1 Cav, of Fort Benning, Ga. “They decided right there that they were going to do everything in their power to help him.”

At birth, Ahaip had an obstructed bowel that required emergency surgery. The surgery left the child’s intestines outside his body. The doctor’s plan was to reintroduce the intestines back into the body in six to eight years. However, according to a 97th Civil Affairs medic, from Fort Bragg, N.C., that option would leave the child at risk of infection or rupture.

Cavalry and Civil Affairs Soldiers began to call around and use their contacts throughout the Army to find help for the child.

“Finally, we were put in contact with the hospital in An Najaf, Iraq,” Hathaway said. “They agreed to help us. It was a really good situation.”

The next stumbling block was finding a way to transport the child and his father to al Sadr Hospital. Pieces started falling into place after Multi-National Force - Iraq Commander Gen. David H. Petraeus visited FOB Hammer.

“We briefed Gen. Petraeus about the situation,” Hathaway said. “He asked if there was anything we needed.  He said this is exactly the type of thing we needed to be doing and volunteered his own aircraft.  The aircraft was provided by Multi-National Division - Center but Gen. Petraeus’ offer really said a lot about how important this mission had become to everyone.”

The 3rd HBCT used a convoy to pick up Ahaip and his father and brought them to FOB Hammer. From Hammer, the pair traveled to al Sadr Hospital by helicopter.

“We had two Blackhawks, two Apaches and a MEDEVAC waiting for us when we pulled up,” Hathaway said. “The support we received was phenomenal.”

The flight was set, but the young patient wasn’t so sure.

“He was scared at first,” Hathaway said.  “We had to stop and refuel, and he seemed to relax after that. He just needed some time to get used to it. He seemed to be having a good time near the end.”

The child was expected to be at al Sadr Hospital for 10 to 14 days.  Before attempting the surgery, doctors there wanted to run diagnostic tests. The surgery initially was expected to take place on June 4, but had to be pushed back due to the Ahaip’s anemic condition. The first of two surgeries was finally performed on June 17.

“The first surgery went well,” Hathaway said. “The child is recovering. He currently is using a colostomy bag, but the second planned surgery will hopefully eliminate the need for that and let him lead a normal life.”

Ahaip’s father has been able to remain with him throughout his hospital stay. 

“The hospital has been very supportive,” Hathaway said.  “They have given him a place to stay, given him meals and even washed his clothes. They have really done a great job helping this family out.”

The help Soldiers extended to the boy and his family has improved the Coalition’s relationship with the town of Hollandia.

“They are very pro-Coalition,” Hathaway said.  “They were very receptive and happy that we have helped. They all saw the coverage of this on Iraqi television and saw that we were trying to help. One man told me, ‘You did what you said you were going to do. Thank you.’  That means a lot.  We go into the town now and people come out to see us. They laugh and joke with us. We feel very welcome there.”

Ahaip and his mother greet Arabic media representatives at their home in Hollandia June 2 before the boy’s trip to al Sadr Hospital in Najaf for a life-changing surgery.  3rd HBCT Soldiers worked with Iraq’s Ministry of Health to coordinate for the surgery and provided transportation on U.S. Army helicopters to Najaf.

Ahaip is escorted by his father as they leave their home in Hollandia, Iraq, with 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers to travel to the Al Sadr Hospital in Najaf on June 2.  3rd HBCT Soldiers worked with Iraq’s Ministry of Health to coordinate for a life-changing surgery.

A father and his son await transportation to Najaf, Iraq, on U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters June 2 at Forward Operating Base Hammer.  3rd HBCT Soldiers worked with Iraq’s Ministry of Health to coordinate for the life-changing surgery and provided transportation to al Sadr hospital in Najaf where the first of two surgeries was conducted.

Ahaip and his father exchange a hopeful glance on a U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter June 2 at Forward Operating Base Hammer.  3rd HBCT Soldiers worked with the Ministry of Health to coordinate for the life-changing surgery and provided transportation to al Sadr hospital in Najaf where the first of two surgeries was conducted.

Ahaips’ mother distracts him as medics from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team conduct a check-up in Hollandia following the first of two surgeries scheduled for the boy.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

3rd HBCT celebrates coffee shop opening on FOB

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team commander, said facilities like the newly opened Green Beans coffee shop greatly enhance troop morale. The coffee shop opened at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Aug. 6.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT celebrates coffee shop opening on FOB
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Sean Riley

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The smell of roasted coffee beans filled the air as the first cup of Green Beans coffee was served to a 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldier Aug. 6.

For the morning, coffee lovers from across the FOB rejoiced in air-conditioned splendor as fresh-brewed, hot coffee was made available from somewhere other than the dining facility or a dusty coffee pot in a command post.

Customers enjoyed their coffee after a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the event.

“You all know the way the FOB was like back in April,” said Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, of Prince George’s County, Md., 3rd HBCT commander. “One building with only three walls. Now, it’s incredible what we’ve done for the Soldiers of this brigade.”

The ‘Hammer Beans’ Green Beans coffee shop is open for business 24-hours, seven days a week.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Dan Huell, of Miami, Kevin Ballard, of Brownstown, Mich., an Electrical Foreman for Kellogg, Brown and Root, Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, 42, Monticello, N.Y., the 203rd Brigade Support Battalion commander, and 1st Lt. John Enfinger, 33, Newbrockton, Ala., the Forward Operating Base Hammer Mayor, cut the ribbon together, Aug. 6, as Soldiers, airmen and the employees of the coffee shop look on.

Lt. Col. Kelly Lawler, of Monticello, N.Y., 203rd Brigade Support Battalion commander, receives the first cup of coffee served in the new Green Beans coffee shop as Brigade Commander Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., of Prince George’s County, Md., looks over the menu on Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, Aug. 6.

1-15 teams with Iraqis at traffic control point

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment aid in traffic control point operations Aug. 1, near Wahida, Iraq.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 teams with Iraqis at traffic control point
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Lazo, MND-C PAO

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment spent time working side-by-side with Iraqi Emergency Reaction Forces, running a traffic control point August 1, near Wahida.

The Emergency Reaction Force, according to Maj. Jeremy Moore, of Portland, Ore., Iraqi Security Force Chief for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is a battalion-sized ISF unit that conducts security and checkpoint operations along Coalition-traveled key routes.

“They are comprised of previous Iraqi Special Forces units,” Moore said. “They are tactically proficient enough to operate autonomously. They are also skilled at gathering intelligence because they know the area.”

“What we did today was not so much supervise, but assist ERF with running a traffic control point,” said 1st Lt. T. Clay Groton, 3rd platoon leader,  Company C, 1-15 Inf. Regt.

Soldiers assisted with site security and searched vehicles and people along with the ERF. This was not the first time such an operation has been conducted by 1-15 Inf. Regt. Soldiers.

“We’ve been out here a couple of times before,” Groton said. “They have many traffic control points around this area.”

Traffic control points help in maintaining the overall security of the area.

“Being that weapons commonly come into Baghdad from Al Kut, coming out of Iran, this is a major highway to stop weapons and insurgents,” Groton said.
An ERF member working at the site said his duty is to search, not only for weapons, but for improvised explosive devices and foreign fighters as well. It is a job acknowledged by his U.S. counterparts.

“They (ERF) are pretty squared away and they’re also reliable,” Groton said. He added that ERF assistance has led to weapons cache finds.

Groton said the goal was to show the ERF members that Coalition Forces support what they do.

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

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment aid in traffic control point operations Aug. 1, near Wahida, Iraq.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment aid in traffic control point operations Aug. 1, near Wahida, Iraq.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment aid in traffic control point operations Aug. 1, near Wahida, Iraq.

Friday, August 03, 2007

Infantryman builds for Soldiers, security, morale

Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, an infantryman with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, works on the entrance to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center he built July 31 at Combat Outpost Cleary.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Infantryman builds for Soldiers, security, morale
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Carlos Lazo

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – It takes a village to raise a child, but only one man to build a combat outpost.

One can see his work throughout COP Cleary. Every passing day, more and more of his finished projects spring up; in living quarters, around work areas, sometimes in the middle of open space where the most exciting event of the day was the occasional battle between ant and spider.

Sgt. Jorge Sanchez, infantryman, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, has had a hand in building almost every piece of COP Cleary. From the six showers and latrines, to the stands for the weapons systems in the guard towers, to the lofts used as living quarters in the main building, the Pine Mountain, Ga., native has built it or had a hand in building it.

“I build everything that is required to get the Soldiers better living conditions in the COPs,” Sanchez said.

Working with 1-15 Inf. Regt. Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore, Sanchez has built various projects not only for here but also for Forward Operating Base Hammer and COP Cahill.

“I work directly for Command Sergeant Major Moore,” Sanchez said. “He comes up with the plans, tells me, and we discuss whatever situation we have to deal with – if we need wires, security, whatever were going to use for the project.”

Some of his completed projects include a 75-foot-long loft he built in a week at COP Cahill for Soldiers to use as living quarters. Here, in addition to the showers, latrines and lofts, he’s also built 30 benches and tables Soldiers use throughout the COP. He also built walls for the area used as the gym and is currently in the process of building a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent.

“Once I start building, I build until I run out of supplies or until it’s done,” said Sanchez with a smile.

“He’s doing a great job at everything he’s done so far,” said Pfc. Victor Almodovar, a tanker with Company C, 1-15 Inf. Regt.

Sanchez said he had to talk to the division surgeon to be allowed to come here this time, for this mission, to help the Soldiers living conditions.

His dedication has also attracted volunteers, even if his work style takes some time to get used to.

“He is kind of particular of about how he likes it and I just follow what he tells me to do,” said Capt. Teri Gurrola, physician assistant, Company C, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, a volunteer helping Sanchez complete the MWR tent. “I enjoy working with him.”

Back home, Sanchez said he’s Army 24/7, but does find time to help as a volunteer firefighter. His wife, director of the botanical gardens in Columbus, Ga., also runs a program for Soldiers called “Dolls from Daddy.” The program sends dolls, provided for free by the manufacturer, to young daughters of Soldiers deployed.

Although everything made of wood here is an indicator of Sanchez’s work, he never was a carpenter.

“My dad, he was an architect. I’m not a carpenter,” Sanchez said. “I just know how to build.”

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga. The 3rd HBCT has been deployed since March, 2007.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. visits FOB Hammer

MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciolola speaks to Soldiers of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team July 31, at FOB Hammer.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. visits FOB Hammer
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The Multi-National Corps – Iraq command sergeant major told Benning Soldiers that being deployed is hard, but being around Soldiers makes it all worth it.

MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciolola, spoke to 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers on the importance of the United States Army and what the Army is accomplishing in Iraq, July 31 at FOB Hammer. He also let Soldiers in on his personal feelings.

“I’m tired of this, I’m tired of the heat, I’m tired,” he said. “But if I could do it all over again, I would do it all over again. My sanity is you all. I am here to bring you up, but don’t think for a minute that you don’t bring me up just as much”.

Senior noncommissioned officers of the 3rd HBCT sat down with Ciolola for a luncheon at the Hammer Dining Facility. When the meal was finished, Soldiers with the rank of staff sergeant and below took their place at the table to meet with Ciolola for a town hall meeting.

“You have to remember who you are talking to,” Ciolola said. “The problem with some NCOs is that we forget where we came from.”

After a short speech, Cioloa opened the floor for questions.

Pfc. Charlotte Lynch, of Crestview, Fla., administration specialist, 3rd HBCT, asked Cioloa what is to be expected for the future of the Army.

“Is this the Army?” she asked. “Is this what I will continue to do if I decide to stay in?”

“This will be the Army for the next seven to 10 years,” Cioloa responded. “Half of the Army is over here right now, and what do you think the other half is doing?”

Almost the entire audience responded with, “Getting ready to deploy.”

In addition to his predictions of the Army’s future, Cioloa reassured troops that the plan is not for Soldiers to be deployed for more than 15 months. His statement echoed that of Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston, who spoke to Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, at Combat Outpost Cleary July 16. Both leaders stated that.

The meeting was relaxed and comfortable as Cioloa explained that Soldiers’ efforts and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed.

“Every one of your successes we cheer and applaud every evening at our update brief,” Cioloa said to the Soldiers.

Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciolola, senior noncommissioned officer of Multi-National Corps – Iraq, speaks to Soldiers of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team July 31, at FOB Hammer.

MNC-I Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciolola addresses a question from Pfc. Charlotte Lynch, 27, Crestview, Fla., administration specialist for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, July 31, at FOB Hammer.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

1-15 Inf. conducts patrol north of Salman Pak

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Inf. conducts patrol north of Salman Pak
Photos by Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller
1st Combat Camera

A Soldier from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., pulls security as his unit patrols north of Salman Pak, Iraq, July 22.

Capt. Rich Thompson, Columbus, Ga., commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., conducts a combat patrol north of Salman Pak, Iraq, with his Soldiers July 22.

Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., patrol the streets north of Salman Pak July 22.

A Soldier from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., pulls security as his unit’s patrols the streets north of Salman Pak July 22.