Saturday, January 12, 2008

Soldiers, NP Secure Town For CLCs in Jama Taha

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – U.S. Soldiers conducted a cordon and search with Iraqi Policemen from the 3rd Brigade, 1st National Police Division in Jama Taha, a small village outside Jisr Diyala, Jan. 8.

The Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, also assisted the area’s Local Citizens by setting up four checkpoints around the village.

“We’ve been there a few times in the last month to get the know the area,” said 1st Lt. Erik Miller, from Franklinville, N.J., platoon leader for 2nd platoon, Company D. “The intent of today’s mission was to set up checkpoints and make sure the locals understood why we were here. We searched houses to make sure the area was clear of any caches.”

Miller and his Soldiers were happy with the way the searches went and felt the citizens understood why they were there.

“The people were very cooperative when we asked to search their homes,” said Spc. Aaron Cardinal, from Mill Creek, W.Va., a tanker in 2nd platoon. “When we asked to see the weapons they had in the house, everyone took us right to them. (Every family in Iraq is allowed to keep one AK-47 in their home for protection.) I was really surprised how friendly everyone was.”

Soldiers in Company D’s scout platoon help set up Hesco barriers along the four routes that lead into the village. The Concerned Local Citizens will begin using the barriers to help provide security for the town.

“My guys really enjoy dismounted patrols and getting in there with the people,” Miller said. “They enjoy interacting with the locals and talking with the kids.”
The 3-1 Cav. Regt and 1-15 Inf. Regt. are assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Concerned Local Citizens Deliver Cache To Coalition Forces

BAGHDAD – Members of a Concerned Local Citizen group seized a cache of munitions southeast of Forward Operating Base Hammer and east of the city of Al Nijidat Dec. 26.

The cache consisted of 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, one rocket-propelled grenade, one 115 mm high-explosive tank round, one 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse.

The CLC group delivered the cache to FOB Hammer, where Capt. Chas Cannon, from Moultrie, Ga., commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group.

“The CLCs allow us to focus more on governance and economics,” said Cannon. “The fact we have help out there with security allows us to maintain our focus on essential services and the local Iraqi government.”

Cannon notified explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the 789th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Fort Benning, Ga., who received the cache items. The EOD unit secured the munitions for future disposal.

Cannon believes the CLCs provide his unit, recently transitioned from detainee operations in Bucca to the 3rd HBCT’s area of operations, with vital information.

“They know the area better than we do,” he said. “We’ve only been here a couple of months; they’ve been here all their lives.”

The 1-10 FA Regt., and the 789th Ordnance Co. (EOD), are assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March 2007.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Army Chief Of Staff Visits FOB Hammer

Ten Soldiers from 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division stand at parade rest awaiting the arrival of Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., before receiving Army Chief of Staff coins at Forward Operating Base Hammer Dec. 19.

After handing the Soldiers coins, Casey spoke to 3rd HBCT Soldiers and leaders who gathered around the podium on the parade field in front of brigade headquarters. “You are taking Iraq off the front page and that’s a good thing,” Casey told the audience.

“What’s at stake here is nothing less than the ideals this country is based on and our way of life. We have to defeat the insurgency here so we don’t have to fight them in the United States. What you are doing now is allowing our country, which was formed with the Declaration of Independence, to continue on in the 21st Century.” (Photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek)

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Soldiers Open Well Facilitate Water Distribution

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment joined local leaders and Iraqi Security Forces at a well opening in Al Wardiya Dec. 14.

Leaders from the 1-15th Inf. Regt. worked with local leaders for four months to construct the well and provide a long-term, reliable source of water for the community which had long dealt with water distribution problems.

“The contractor performed exceptionally and the facility is extremely well done,” said Capt. Matt Givens, from Columbus, Ga., the civil-military operations officer for the 1-15th Inf. Regt.  “The facility is currently producing water for the people of Al-Wardiya.”

During the summer, local leaders from Al Wardiya came to the regiment, stressing that improved water distribution in their community was a top priority. Utilizing funds from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program, Givens hired a local contractor who began work in late August. Givens monitored progress by conducting bi-weekly inspections to ensure the work was being done properly.

“The project has served two purposes,” Givens said. “The first was that it employed 28 people from the local community for almost four months. The second, and most important effect, is that this project will provide the people of Al-Wardiya with a clean, reliable source of water for years to come.”

Givens explained that improved security conditions in Al Wardiya have allowed projects like this to take place. Iraqi National Policemen are maintaining a checkpoint within 400 meters of the well. A caretaker will live on the grounds of the well to assist in securing and operating the facility.

The facility contains a 40m well, a water compact unit, four storage tanks, an electric pump, a generator, a dispensing station and living quarters for the caretaker.

“Out of all the projects we conduct, the ones that I am happiest with are the ones that provide the most amount of good for the most people,” Givens said.  “This well provides an essential need to a people who have struggled for water for a long time.”

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Motivational Speaker Visits FOB Hammer

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team were treated to an inspirational lunch Nov. 28 when motivational speaker Dave Roever, from Fort Worth, Texas, came to Forward Operating Base Hammer to give a speech in the dining facility.

Roever, a former Sailor, received life-altering injuries when a white phosphorus grenade exploded in his hand after he was shot by a sniper while serving in Vietnam.

Since his recovery he has been delivering motivational speeches, many to Soldiers serving overseas.

“You are the bravest, most wonderful Americans I have ever met,” Roever told the audience.

Before Roever spoke, Betsy Brown, a singer who travels with the speaker, sang to the Soldiers and gave them a little inspiration of her own.

“You are at the end of the earth here on FOB Hammer,” she said. “I’m sure not many people come out here to say ‘thank you,’ but I want to say ‘thank you for everything you do.’”

As Roever spoke, he grabbed the audience’s attention with the story about his incident while serving overseas and his long, painful recovery.
Roever said he could see the damage the explosion did to his face and body through the reflection on a glass of beer. He said it was a face he didn’t recognize.

“I’m not proud to say this but I tried to take my life,” he said. “But if I had succeeded, I would have missed life. I would have missed my grandbaby singing to me. I would have missed coming to FOB Hammer.”

After a complete recovery, Roever was left with scars to his body and face.

“I overcame. I beat the odds. It was my faith that saved me” he said. “You all have a spirit inside you that no enemy can take from you.”
The motivational speaker’s words touched 1st Lt. Wilford Garvin, from Longview, Texas.

“The speech was excellent,” he said. “It really puts things into perspective. There is nothing you can’t overcome. If you have breath in your lungs, you can make it.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March

Monday, November 26, 2007

Operation Varsity March Leads To Capture of HVI

By Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos by Sgt. Timothy Kingston, 55th Combat Camera

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, captured 13 suspected insurgents during a nighttime air assault mission in Sayafiyah, a small village outside of Salman Pak, Nov. 24.

One of the detainees was a high value individual, who was a member of al-Qaeda in Iraq wanted for weapons smuggling and financing attacks on Coalition Forces in Salman Pak and Al Ja’ara.

“According to our intelligence, the insurgent we apprehended was an expert bomb maker and VBID (vehicle borne improvised explosive device) maker,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Barwick, from Lanham, Md., fire support officer for Co. B. “By apprehending him, we have taken a very dangerous person off the streets and made the area safer.”

During the course of the operation Co. B Soldiers cleared eight houses and barns while searching for the suspects. 

“The operation went perfectly,” said Spc. Lyle Johnson, from Comanche, Okla., an indirect fire specialist in Co. B. “We cleared all of our objectives and got the No. 1 HVI and 12 of his partners. We did all of this without firing a shot, so I’d say it was a good operation.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

3rd HBCT Celebrates 3rd Inf. Div. 90th Birthday

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division gathered in dining facilities and mess tents throughout the Mada’in Qada and Baghdad Nov. 21 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Lt. Col Ryan J. Kuhn, from Clarks, Neb., the deputy commander of the 3rd HBCT, hosted the ceremony for Soldiers residing on FOB Hammer. 

Maj. Dewey Boberg, from Anaheim, Calif., executive officer of the 3rd HBCT, took a small contingent of Soldiers from the 3rd HBCT headquarters to FOB Rustimiyah to commemorate the occasion with Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment.

The 2-69th Armor Regt. is currently detached from the 3rd HBCT and serving under the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in the Karada district of eastern Baghdad.

Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., from Prince George’s County, Md., the commander of the 3rd HBCT, and Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Pearson, from Philadelphia, the 3rd HBCT command sergeant major, attended a ceremony at Victory Base Camp hosted by Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Inf. Div. and Multi-National Division - Center.

Grigsby and Pearson attended a re-enlistment ceremony earlier in the day at Camp Victory that included 58 Sledgehammer Soldiers.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment celebrated at Combat Outposts Cleary and Cahill. Soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment celebrated at COPs Cashe – North and Cashe – South and Patrol Base Assassin. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment celebrated at COP Salie.

Kuhn complemented the Soldiers and recognized Sailors, Airmen and Marines for their contributions to the legacy of the 3rd Inf. Div. during his remarks at the dinner on FOB Hammer.

“Let’s face it. The Sledgehammer Brigade has made more of an impact on the pages of history than almost any other Army unit, and it’s not just because we’re the most deployed brigade in the United States Army,” Kuhn said.

“Our nation has called upon us to perform a difficult mission, and we have done it with a determined purpose and an unbeatable team spirit.”

Following a review of the 3rd Inf. Div. history and Kuhn’s remarks, Kuhn and Spec. Kiley-Scot Ingersoll, from Honolulu, Hawaii, a supply specialist in the 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, cut the 3rd Inf. Div. birthday cake. Ingersoll is the youngest Soldier serving on FOB Hammer.

Boberg explained that it was important for members of the 3rd HBCT to join Soldiers from the 2-69th Armor Regt. on the special occasion.

“They are still members of the Sledgehammer Brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division,” Boberg said. “We all share in the pride and traditions of this great division.”

Boberg said that the deputy commander and command sergeant major of the 2-2nd Inf. Div. told him they have been impressed with the “superb performance” of the 2-69th Armor Regt. while serving in the Karada district.

Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Proft, from Phenix City, Ala., the 2-69th Armor Regt. command sergeant major, remarked on the magnitude of the 3rd Inf. Div. birthday.

“I think about the Soldiers that served before me and how hard those guys had it,” Proft said. “When they come up to me and thank me for my service, I’m just honored. It is an honor to serve in the same division as those veterans. To be put in the same company is a real honor. It is something that is hard to describe.”

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

NP, CF Leaders Meet To Welcome New Brigade Commander

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – “My brigade must fight the enemy, communicate with the people of Salman Pak, and bring back public service all at once,” Col. A’amer Khamees Hameed, commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st National Police Division, said at a meeting with leaders from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Nov. 13.

“This meeting is the first step in all three directions,” Hameed said through a translator.

The leaders met at the 1st NP brigade headquarters in Salman Pak, to welcome the new commander. Hameed took command of the unit in early November, assuming command from Brig. Gen. Hassan.

“Our purpose here is to observe the transfer of authority,” said Lt. Col. Jack Marr, from Minneapolis, commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “When Col. Hameed meets with his battalion commanders, he will get an impression of the readiness of his brigade.”

Maj. Steve Delgado, from Los Angeles, the executive officer of the 1-15th Inf. Regt., said the meeting also affords the regiment the opportunity to strengthen the rapport, communication, and trust with the unit’s Iraqi counterparts.

“Every joint effort improves our communication and helps us establish common standards when working together to disrupt and destroy insurgents and to secure the populace,” Delgado said.

“The more we communicate, the more we strengthen our personal and professional relationships. The more we do that, the better our joint operations become.”

During the meeting, the group discussed future joint operations involving Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.
Hameed’s battalion commanders encouraged their new boss and offered advice on how to run the brigade.

“Rely on God,” one NP battalion commander said. “Always do the right thing and you will be fine.”

Hameed said his plan is to isolate terrorists and separate them from the citizens of Salman Pak.

“Terrorists cause a lot of problems,” he said. “They interfere with the people’s personal lives, and they are always trying to recruit.”

The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Benning, Ga. and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V since March.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

1-15 Inf. Regt. Remembers Three Fallen Comrades

Story and photo by Spc. Ben Hutto, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers, leaders, and friends of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment attended a memorial service Nov. 4 for three fallen comrades at Combat Outpost Cahill.

Sgt. Daniel McCall, from Flint, Mich., Spc. Rush Jenkins, from Roanoke, Va., and Pfc. Cody Carver, from Tulsa, Okla., all with Company A, were killed Oct. 30 when an improvised explosive device detonated under the Bradley Fighting Vehicle they were in during a combat patrol outside Salman Pak.

Soldiers from the 1-15th Inf. Regt. listened as close friends and leaders spoke at the podium next to the rifles, Kevlar helmets, dog tags, and boots of McCall, Jenkins and Carver.

Sgt. Jeffrey Houghton described McCall as an outstanding noncommissioned officer who always put his Soldiers above himself.
“He was the strongest person I’ll ever know, but he was a teddy bear inside,” Houghton said. “He was a great friend.”

McCall is survived by his wife, Brittany McCall, and his mother, Petra Bennefield.
Spc. Dustin Tarwater, who was in Jenkins’ squad, described his friend as someone who made everyone around him smile.

“In a place and time where there was so much to complain and be frustrated about, he never did any of those,” Tarwater said. “No matter how big or small the task was, all you would here out of his mouth was ‘Roger that’.”

Jenkins is survived by his father, Rickey Jenkins.

Pvt. Kyle Mace from Company A, a close friend of Carver, spoke to the audience about his fallen comrade. Even though Carver was not here for long, he was happy to be a part of a team and a platoon,” Mace said. “It didn’t take him long to fit in.”

Carver is survived by his father, Darrel Lee Carver, and his mother, Pamela Lynn Carver.
The 1-15th Inf. Regt. is attached to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Monday, November 05, 2007

Crime in Mada’in Qada Drops, Matches Iraq Trend

By Maj. Joe Sowers, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Officers in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division completed an analysis Nov. 2 of local crime statistics in the Mada’in Qada, an area southeast of Baghdad, following a recent decrease in violent crimes. 

This study matches a trend across Iraq reported the same week by the Washington Post and the New York Times.

Capt. Colin Donlin, from Jonesboro, Ga., a staff officer with the 3rd HBCT, conducted the study.  He analyzed crime statistics reported by the six Iraqi police stations in the Mada’in Qada. The Mada’in Qada is a portion of the Baghdad province and is home to almost 900,000 Iraqis, both Sunni and Shia.

“Our studies have shown a distinct decrease in violent crime since the introduction of the Hammer Brigade into the Mada’in Qada,” Donlin said.  “We are optimistic this trend will continue with the increased capability of the Iraqi Security Forces and Concerned Local Citizens. These statistics are a great measure of effectiveness of our goal to secure the population of the qada.”

One of the most striking declines was reported homicides. Iraqi police from the qada reported eight murders in October. This marks a sharp decline from the monthly average of more than 21 murders.  The study did illuminate spikes of homicides in May and September, numbering 37 and 29 respectively.

Estimating that homicides will occur at the same monthly rate for the remainder of the calendar year, the 3rd HBCT expects to see the qada’s total reported homicides for the year at approximately 245.  This would be less than half of the 2006 total of 631.

Murders increased dramatically during 2006 following the bombing of the Golden Dome mosque in Samarra, yet estimated totals for 2007 are still lower than the 2005 total of 355 reported homicides.

Capt. Elizabeth Cain, from Wynnewood, Penn., commander, 59th Military Police Company, out of Fort Carson, Colo., attributes the decline to the improved performance of the Iraqi police.

“Now the Iraqi police are better trained, better equipped, and now have leadership that is knowledgeable, as well as confident,” Cain said.  “This results in more IPs doing their job and doing it well.”

Cain’s company is attached to the 3rd HBCT, assisting in the development of the local police forces of the qada. Currently, more than 900 Iraqi police patrol the qada and man its six police stations.

“The police now have a better understanding of investigative techniques and how to put a case together with proper evidence collection,” Cain said. “The IPs understand how to maintain the integrity of a crime scene and build a case.  More people now get convicted and go to jail, therefore dispelling a climate of lawlessness. Your average person doesn’t commit a crime if they don’t believe they’re going to get away with it.”

The study also showed a slight decrease in the number of reported kidnappings in the qada. There were 13 reported kidnappings in October, slightly below the monthly average of 13.6. 

“Due to numerous factors – the surge, the development of 1,500 concerned citizens, the Sadr ceasefire and gradual improvements made by the Iraqi police – murders continue to decline here in the Mada’in,” said Maj. Dave Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, 3rd HBCT operations officer. “Over the coming months, we’ll continue to work with the IPs and concerned citizens to try and sustain this trend.”

The 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., is from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

203rd BSTB Medics Hold CLS Recertification Course

Story and photo by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Health care specialists from Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, held a combat lifesaver recertification class Nov. 2 at the FOB Hammer chapel.

A Soldier’s combat lifesaver certification expires after one year. The purpose of the recertification class is to refresh Soldiers, who have already completed the full course, on their medical skills and responsibilities as combat lifesavers, said Staff Sgt. Kristine Sutton, from Cochranton, Pa., noncommissioned officer in charge of the 3rd BSTB health care specialists.

Sutton explained that approximately a year ago a new recertification program was implemented into the combat lifesaver training.

“The new program focuses on tactical combat casualty care,” Sutton said. “This is the care a first responder should provide based off the enemy situation.”

3rd BSTB health care specialists conduct classes the first and third Friday of every month. The course is held for 3rd BSTB Soldiers; however, Soldiers of any battalion can attend with permission from Sutton, who instructs the class.

Sutton said she sometimes conducts joint combat lifesaver training with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team battalions and the 3rd BSTB medics.

“It’s crucial to have many combat lifesaver certified Soldiers,” Sutton said.

“When units roll out on patrols, the more combat lifesaver Soldiers there are, the better it is for the unit.”

The 203rd BSTB is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

U.S. Aviation Hits Three IED Emplacers

Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The pilots of an AH-64 Apache helicopter killed three extremists after they attempted to place an improvised explosive device on a route near Al Bawi, a small village along the Tigris River near Salman Pak, Nov. 3.

After an unmanned aerial vehicle recorded the three extremists with explosives, pilots from the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment were called in to follow them, and the individuals who were acting as lookouts, further down the road.

The pilots followed the insurgents to a residence and observed them loading a pickup truck with IED-making materials. The extremists then returned to the road, and the pilots launched a Hellfire rocket, destroying the vehicle and killing the extremists.

“It’s sort of like having two sets of eyes on a bigger area,” said Capt. Troy Gillett, from Houston, the battle captain for 3-1 Avn. Regt. “This was a classic case of manned, unmanned teaming. They spotted it and handed it off to us and we were able to engage.”

Maj. David Fivecoat, from Delaware, Ohio, the operations officer for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, believes that 1-3 Avn. Regt. is playing a key role in the success the 3rd HBCT is having in places like Al Bawi.

“The 24-hour-a-day presence of attack aviation has insurgents looking over their shoulders anytime they operate,” said Fivecoat. “The elimination of three IED emplacers increases the security of the Bawi residents.”

Capt. Steve Schmidt, from Sunnyvale, Calif., the targeting officer for the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, which controls the battlespace that includes Salman Pak and the surrounding areas, was confident that the elimination of the three extremists will help secure the Bawi area, but emphasized that the 3rd HBCT and Coalition Forces will continue to help the citizens there.

“Coalition Forces will continue to conduct operations in the Bawi area to restore order and improve the situation of the local citizens,” he explained.

Capt. Josh Powers, from Atlanta, the assistant operations officer for 1-15 Inf. Regt., explained that with helicopters and UAVs, Coalition Forces have a huge surveillance advantage over their enemy. It is an advantage that they will continue to use to protect the security forces operating in Bawi.

“Through continued surveillance of the Bawi area, we are able to target any individuals who intend harm on local Iraqis, Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces,” said Powers.

Fivecoat was pleased with the result of the operation and believes it bodes well for future operations in Bawi.

“Future operations in Bawi will build on this and limit the ability of al-Qaeda to operate in the area,” he explained.

The 1-15 Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March. The 1-3 Avn. is assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Hunter Army Air Field, Ga.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Young Iraqi Woman Gets A Chance To Walk Again

Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Every time she puts on her shoes, walks to the market, or chases her little cousins around the house, Soham Hassan Ka-Naan will remember her 19th birthday.

The young woman from Al Arabia underwent surgery to correct her two amputated legs on her birthday, Oct. 31, at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. The surgery will allow for a comfortable prosthetic fit, enabling her to walk on her own.

Soham was quiet the day before her surgery but not nervous.

“I’m excited,” she said through a translator. “My only dream is to walk on my own. No crutches, no wheelchair, just walk. I’ll be able to do that soon.”

Three years ago, an insurgent rocket attack hit her house. Soham was left with her left leg amputated below her knee and her right leg amputated near her hip.
Despite Iraqi doctors’ efforts to repair her wounds, Soham still needed medical attention.

The remnants of the bones in her legs were left rigid causing pain when they rubbed against her skin.

Soldiers from Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, discovered Soham while conducting a raid in Al Arabia, and decided they had to go back and help.
At first, Soham was brought to the 28th CSH for a prosthetic fitting. She received her left leg prosthetic shortly after, but was still uncomfortable due to the rigidness of the bones in her legs.

Checking up on Soham, Capt. Troy Thomas from Litchfield, Minn., commander, 3-1 Cav. Regt., revisited the shy young woman Oct. 30, and brought her to the Baghdad hospital once again. She visited with Lt. Col. John Tis, from Olney, Md., a surgeon at the 28th CSH.

After reassessing her amputations, Tis agreed to perform surgery to round out the bones and stretch the muscles in her legs.

“This surgery is the beginning of her entire future,” said Chris Cummings, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., prosthetic clinic advisor, 28th CHS. “With the surgery, her prosthetics will have a healthier fit.”

After a two-night hospital stay and a three-week recovery period, Soham will be fitted for prosthetics once again, Tis explained.

“Everyone is different, but in three to six months she will be able to walk on her new legs. In nine moths she should be completely recovered,” he said.
Capt. Thomas has high hopes for Soham.

“She’s a strong girl,” he said. “Her mother reassured me she does her exercises like she’s supposed to. I think she’s going to recover just fine.”

Soham’s brother, Khalid, accompanied his sister on her trip to the hospital. He said his sister is in for a huge welcome-home party.

“We are going to throw a party when my sister gets home,” he said through a translator. “Our whole family and our friends will be there to celebrate my sister and her new legs.”

The 3-1 Cav. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Sheik Takes Steps To Create Concerned Local Citizens Group

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Photos courtesy of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Sheik Vin Jan, a key figure in the Vin Jan village, took the first steps toward building a Concerned Local Citizens group in his village Oct. 19.

Capt. John Horning, from Houston, commander, Company C, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and 1st Sgt. Angel Cordero, from Puerto Rico, Company C’s first sergeant, visited Vin Jan to discuss the village’s security situation and possible plans for establishing a CLC group.

The two parties signed a memorandum of agreement covering the basics of what Horning and his unit expect from the group of more than 100 volunteers.
“Once you tell me and show me that you care about your town, I’ll show you that I care too,” Horning said.

Horning explained that once the local residents eradicate extremist elements, they can bring in projects to improve essential services in the community.
The CLC program has decreased violence in dozens of communities in the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s area of operation.

Citizens in participating villages operate in an organized manner to patrol their communities and weed out insurgent activity. Members of CLC groups use their own resources to keep the program running.

“There are a lot of people here that know about the Concerned Local Citizens program and want the program for their neighborhoods,” Horning said.
In the nearby town of Al Hurria, local residents created their own CLC group from the ground up, Horning said.

They recruited, compiled background information on all volunteers and set their own standards. Each volunteer was solely employed by his concerned citizen duties.

When the process was complete, the concerned citizens approached Horning wanting to aid Company C in the fight against insurgents.

Horning and his unit have been working with the group in Al Hurria. Soldiers conduct patrols with the group to show support and help where they are needed.
The accomplishments of the concerned citizens in Al Hurria were noticed by Vin Jan, motivating him to create his own group.

Horning said he has spoken with several villagers from Al Hurria about the program. Many people expressed feeling at ease when they sleep at night now, knowing concerned citizens are patrolling their village.

Horning has high hopes for the newly-formed group in Vin Jan. He believes once security improves, projects focused on essential services and sanitation will light the way to further promote wellbeing and security.

“It’s not without challenges, but things are working here,” Horning said. “When you go into a town enough times and meet the leaders, you get a sense that they are not involved with extremism and just want their kids to go to school. They want to farm their fields and they don’t want to be sick. Seeing this makes me want to help them out.”

Company C, 1-15th Inf. Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Iraqi National Police Partner With 1-10 FA Regt

By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – The 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Iraqi national police are partnering with U.S. Soldiers for eight days in Nahrwan.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment will work closely with the national police during their partnership in the coming week and onwards, according to Command Sgt. Maj. James Benedict, from Chesterton, Ind., 1-10th FA Regt.

Currently, the 1-10th FA Regt. has assumed responsibility for Nahrwan, a town east of Baghdad. Benedict said the 1/3/1 NP has been called in to assist in operations for the next eight days.

“The goal is to put an Iraqi face on operations,” he said. “If the Iraqi police in Nahrwan need assistance, they call the national police. We will provide support as well, and will work with the Iraqi Security Forces to make Nahrwan a more safe and secure place for Iraqi citizens to live.”

Leaders from the 1-10th FA Regt. met with leaders from the 1/3/1 NP from Jisr Diyala at a dinner held Oct. 27 at the dining facility on FOB Hammer, to discuss operations, resources in the area, and to coordinate for the upcoming week.

“We are moving in the right direction,” Benedict said. “Side by side with the Iraqi Security Forces we can work towards the common goal of combating the insurgency.”

The artillerymen of the 1-10th FA Regt. had previously been serving as guards at the Bucca Detention Center as part of Taskforce 134. They were reassigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and assumed control of Nahrwan Oct. 15.

1-10 FA Regt. is assigned to the 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div., from Fort Benning, Ga., and has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since March.