Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Good morning! The news is as good as ever. Again, the articles are full of stories of success, life improving in Iraq and the Iraqi Government’s work toward gaining its autonomy. I know that the MSM can only report when a bomb goes off — that’s the only time you hear any news coming out of Iraq. They pass up the daily and vital news for the sensational. What’s new? Enjoy your read!

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Continued School Openings Brighten Future for Iraqi Youth
Friday, 14 November 2008

Excerpt
BAGHDAD — Themes of hope dominate school openings and ribbon cutting events throughout Iraq. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division has overseen the renovation or new construction of nearly 1,100 schools, with another 38 projects ongoing.

“This ancient civilization of Mesopotamia between the two rivers taught the world how to read and how to write,” said Ahmed Rubayee, director general of Baghdad’s Rusafa secondary education department at Al Neel School, which opened in July. “That is what we are doing here today; establishing a school – and to once again be civilized and concentrate on teaching our children to read and write.”

With the same theme of hope in a stable civilization for education, a new wing of six classrooms for Al Abrar primary school, south of Baghdad, opened for students Oct. 15. Located in the Mahmoudiyah Qada district, this $496,000 project adds much needed classroom space and facilities for this rural area.

“The ribbon cutting for this school not only signals the completion of a building, it signals one small addition of hope for the Iraqi people,” said Col. Ron Light, Gulf Region Central district commander. “While we are here to celebrate the completion of a school, more importantly, you can see the faces of hope on the children. You see the joy of being at a decent school, and that is exciting.”

Typical of Iraqi school construction for both elementary and secondary, the two-story masonry buildings at Al Neel contain 12 classrooms, an administration section, a workshop, and bathroom facilities in a 3,500 square meter walled compound. A mirror image is near completion in Husseiniyah, as Imam Al Sadiq Elementary will open later in November. Clearly the newest building in a rubble-strewn area north of Baghdad, Al Sadiq is remarkable for the contrast to its surroundings.

According to Director General Rubayee, there are 100 more schools being built in the Rusafa area alone. He says Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has announced plans for 4,000 more schools in the very near future.

“Thank you for your patriotism and the support to Iraq in this critical time,” Rubayee said to the USACE staff at the July opening. “We are all doing this for the children, for the future of Iraq.”

(By Kendal Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Source Link

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Cultural borders extended during Iraqi, American VTC

Excerpt

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – “All for Iraq” adorns the light blue flags held by Iraqi children Nov. 12 as they recited Iraq’s National Anthem during a live video teleconference at the Forward Operating Base Falcon’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center.

The cultural exchange video teleconference between Iraqi and American children began with the opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

“We have a program in Baghdad with 31 Iraqi and American schools partnered with 11 different states in America,” Hammond explained to the teachers, students and leaders on both sides of the world. “The School Partnership Program continues to build and grow in all directions.”

More than 20 Iraqi children from the al Khartoum Primary School in the Shurta community of southern Baghdad gathered at Forward Operating Base Falcon to participate in a question-and-answer VTC with a group of their peers from Nolanville Elementary School in central Texas. Read More
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1,330 Families Return to Baghdad Area
Posted on 11.10.2008 at 06:57AM
By Multi-National Division-Baghdad Public Affairs Office

Excerpt
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi officials recently announced 1,330 Iraqi families have returned to the three districts in 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division’s operational environment since being displaced due to violence.

The Ministry of Migration and Displaced Persons tracks the return of the citizens on a week-to-week basis. They released the figures, which reflect the number of families who have registered with the ministry since returning to their homes.

To reclaim their houses, these families must provide documentation to the ministry to prove the homes belong to them. Displaced families who register with the ministry are eligible for support from the government of Iraq. Families may receive grants for as much as one million dinar and also may use the money however they deem necessary. While not specifically created to assist displaced persons, the civil services district program is available to them for assistance in securing employment. Read More
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Leaders celebrate water distribution
by Pfc. Evan Loyd
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Excerpt
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (Nov. 6, 2008) – Local sheikhs, Iraqi army and Coalition Soldiers feasted in celebration of a water distribution system now complete in the Mahmudiyah Qada Nov. 4.

“Before this system, some people had no water besides the dirty canal water,” said Sheikh Kagoob Joad al-Merce. “Now many of those people have clean drinking water for the first time in their lives.”

Six months ago, coalition forces helped to complete a water treatment plant for the region. The treatment plant could only supply a small amount of water to surrounding area.

Dean Michael, from Farmingdale, Mich., a bilingual bicultural adviser with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division developed underground water distribution pipe system that enables clean drinking water from the treatment plant. This process provides water to more than 30,000 Iraqi citizens.

The project was funded through the Iraqi Commander’s Emergency Relief Program. Coalition and Iraqi security forces partnered to provide security during construction.

“It is good to see the people getting what they need, and I look forward to working with the coalition forces on future projects to improve the Qada,” said Col. Muhammad, commander of the Iraqi army’s 3rd Battalion, 25th Brigade. Read More
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Camp Fallujah Set to Close Four Years After Two Major Battles
Posted on 11.14.2008 at 03:09PM
By Gunnery Sgt. Matthew A. Butler
I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)

Excerpt
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The Multi-National Force – West command element and the last major coalition force units left here for the final time on Nov. 14, marking an end to the two historic battles for Fallujah and the long fight to return the city to normalcy which started more than four years ago.

“The name Fallujah and Camp Fallujah is the most recognized name of the entire Iraqi war – the city of Fallujah – it’s always been a tough place,” said Marine Maj Gen John F. Kelly, commanding general, MNF-West. “It was a tough place when we took over from the 82nd Airborne and until very recently it was the symbol of al-Qaida and the terrorist power.”

“As we leave here and shift the headquarters to a different part of Iraq we’re closing down a chapter. I think Fallujah has turned more into a symbol of what these cities can be if you defeat the terrorists and empower the Iraqis to take over for themselves.”

Camp Fallujah was home to nearly 8,000 service members from combat and service support units in February when the Camp Pendleton, Calif., based I Marine Expeditionary Forces took charge of al-Anbar. Read More
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Mississippi Soldier Gets Dirty Turning Wrenches
Posted on 11.14.2008 at 10:31AM
By Sgt. Carmen Guerrero
926th Engineer Brigade

Excerpt
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Women have been integrated in the military for 30 years. Former President Jimmy Carter disbanded the Women’s Army Corps in 1978 and recognized females as a part of the armed forces.

Now 30 years later, females serve alongside their male counterparts as Soldiers in the armed forces. Spc. Carin Hanson, a native of St. Michael, Minn., has served in the Army National Guard for nearly four years and proves that women in the military cannot only get the job done, but aren’t afraid to do an unusual job. Not only does she serve in Iraq as a mechanic, but has the luxury of working in the same area as her husband, Sgt. Daniel Hanson, native of Otesgo, Minn.

Hanson, a generator mechanic, joined the Minnesota National Guard four years ago and was assigned to the 134th Brigade Support Battalion in St. Cloud, Minn. Her brother was in the military, so she quickly followed in his footsteps. She and her husband moved to Mississippi and transferred into the 890th Engineer Battalion, a Mississippi Army National Guard unit located in Gulfport, Miss., in 2007. Carin and Daniel lived in Gulfport a little over a year before deploying with their battalion to Camp Liberty, Iraq.

Daniel is a track vehicle mechanic so naturally, the Hanson’s both work in the motor pool where they work on vehicles and equipment all day long.

Out of the 25 females in her battalion, Hanson is the only female mechanic, a job which she does with pride. Even though she works with approximately 10 to 12 males, she isn’t treated any differently. Hanson is quick to be the first one to get underneath the hood of a vehicle without being asked to.

“Carin works on the Maxx Pro and Humvee,” said Sgt. 1st Class Billy Inmon, Hanson’s section leader and motor sergeant of the 890th Forward Support Company and native of Sumrall, Miss. “She preps engines, transmissions and wiring. She can outwork most of the men in the section and they all work well together. Carin is one of the first people that I go to when I need something done.” Read More
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Soldiers Treat Iraqis Most in Need
Friday, 14 November 2008
By Army Staff Sgt. James Hunter
Special to American Forces Press Service

Excerpt
BAGHDAD — When Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, first arrived here in November 2007, they had many things in mind to help to improve the lives of the citizens in Rathwaniyah, just on the outskirts of the capital city.

The Soldiers wanted to provide medical assistance, but there was no clinic in the area available to the Iraqi citizens. So the Soldiers made it their mission to establish one.

“It’s a farm area, very rural, that has some sectarian division,” said Army Capt. Jerry Braverman, a physician assistant from Roseburg, Ore., with the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment. “When we got here, our mission was to establish this new clinic next to the school and try to set Dr. Abass up for success to be able to independently work free of [the] Ministry of Health, with the long-term goal of getting Ministry of Health doctors and nurses to come out here and assist with the care for the area.”

In the meantime, while the facility was being built, the “Top Gun” troops pushed out into the area and held six combined medical engagements, working side by side with Iraqi physicians to treat ailing Iraqis.

At the last medical operation in Rathwaniyah, Nov. 8, Soldiers and Iraqi doctors treated nearly 350 Iraqis in the new medical facility. They treated a variety of illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, sore throats, skin rashes, muscle aches and asthma, Braverman said, and were even able to take care of a few minor tooth problems.

Braverman has been active in engaging the Iraqi physicians, and said he has found these medical engagements rewarding on many fronts.

“For me, it’s very rewarding, especially with the kids,” he said. “The kids know you by name; they know exactly who you are.”

Recently, he said, one child approached him and said when he grows up he wants to be a doctor just like him. Braverman said the Soldiers are having a great impact on the children, the sheiks and the local council, who all appreciate what they have done to aid the community. Read More
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Civil Military Operations Build Up Iraqi Infrastructure, Confidence
Friday, 14 November 2008
By Capt. LaRue Meehan
4th Infantry Division

CAMP ECHO — Civil military operations (CMO) is a fairly new staff section here, charged with conducting projects to support the essential needs of the people: water, electricity, sewage and trash.

The CMO shop of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is further adjusting to the changing dynamics of operations during the transition from U.S. forces to Iraqi control.

“In Diwaniyah, I have been working with the provincial reconstruction team (PRT) to help the Iraqis develop systems that will enable their government to take care of their people,” said 1st Lt. Keith Phelan, the 2-8th CMO officer.

The PRT is comprised of civilians from various specialties — State Department personnel and experts in infrastructure development, government, politics and law — who volunteered to deploy here and provide their knowledge to the government of Iraq.

The 2-8th CMO section integrated with the several brigade assets, including the PRT and civil affairs teams, in order to better grasp the level of infrastructure of the Qadisiya province, said Phelan.

The civil affairs team is comprised of four to six Soldiers that specialize in assessing services and executing projects to benefit the local population.

The cooperative efforts developed by the CMO shop enabled them to extend their reach and begin conducting assessments of the projects begun by the Polish Army prior to the arrival of U.S. forces. The projects have been focused primarily on building the infrastructure and increasing the education opportunities of the local population, Phelan added. Source Link
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MND-B Troop participates in historic SOI payday

Nov. 12, 2008

Excerpt

PATROL BASE SOUTH, Iraq – The Sons of Iraq now receive their payments from the Iraqi government.

As such, the 53rd Iraqi Army Brigade conducted its first Government of Iraq-funded payday operations Nov. 10 at Patrol Base South, northwest of Baghdad.

Soldiers from Comanche Troop, 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along with the 53-14 Military Transition Team, assisted the 53rd Iraqi Army soldiers in processing 506 paychecks.

“The Iraqi Army soldiers are pretty squared away,” said Sgt. 1st Class Charles Sproessig, the MiTT Team noncommissioned officer in charge, “Today is a huge step for them, and they will celebrate this tonight.”

In October, Comanche Troop Soldiers scoured SoI rosters, verified enrollment cards and identification paperwork, and paid each member $300 for the month’s work. Today their role was slightly less involved.

“We took somewhat of a back seat to (the Iraqi commanders) in that they were in charge,” said Capt. Travis Shain, commander of Troop C. He, along with Cpl. Cerone Waddy, a radio telephone operator, verified each member on the roster. From there, each member proceeded to the pay table to pick up their pay.

A group of 30 SoIs received a special visit prior to getting paid as Gen. Qais, the 53rd Iraqi Army Brigade commander, greeted each individual in the atrium prior to addressing them.

“I want to thank you all for what you are doing,” he said. “This is our country. You will not have to worry about employment as we will find a place for you with the Iraqi Army or the Iraqi Police.”

IA soldiers, along with SoI members, sang and danced to traditional music.

“This is a historic time for the people of Iraq. You’re seeing the fruits of the GoI’s labor. It was extremely complicated and took a lot of hard work and patience,” Shain said. “The fact that the GoI and Iraqi Security Forces executed this task with such ease speaks for itself in that they have come a long way.” Read More
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Oregon State, Dhi Qar University begin relationship
By Maj. Chad Carroll
Nov. 14, 2008

Excerpt
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – The president of an organization affiliated with Oregon State University met with the Dhi Qar University chancellor near Nasiriyah Nov. 11.

“We’re looking to build a sustainable relationship that goes beyond a one-time event,” said Josh Mater, the president of the Michael Scott Mater Foundation. “The Michael Scott Mater Foundation will hopefully be a catalyst to facilitate communication directly between OSU and Dhi Qar University.”

During Mater’s presentation to Dr. Ali Ismael al Snafi, chancellor of Dhi Qar University, he highlighted the foundation’s history, some example partnership efforts and what the chancellor can expect when he visits Oregon State in the coming months. The chancellor is scheduled to visit Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and OSU official Dr. Ed Ray to discuss furthering the two universities’ partnership

“This is an amazing project, and Dhi Qar University would love to team up with OSU,” said Ali. “Since OSU is in the top 100 universities in the world, we hope to exchange ideas, scholarships, projects, training courses and cultural influences.”

Mater stressed that the support for this academic partnership has been overwhelming, with many governmental and non-governmental organizations donating their time and efforts.

Honeywell donated more than 100 books to the university and the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, facilitated delivery of the books to the university. Read More
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U.S. Marines celebrates birthday at Al Faw Palace
Nov. 11, 2008

BAGHDAD – Marines from across Victory Base Complex celebrated the 233rd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps at Al Faw palace Nov. 10.

On Nov. 10, 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. The Marine Corps started its recruitment drive in a tavern in Philadelphia, Penn.

“Today is truly special,” said Maj. Gen. Kenneth J. Gluek, chief of staff, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, “Our Corps was born in a tavern and it has never stopped fighting for freedom.”

Marines have fought in major conflicts since their service’s birth in 1775. They have fought in North Africa and captured the Tripolitan city of Derna in 1804. They earned their Blood Stripe during the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848 and conquered Mexico City.

Marines have established in their battles throughout history their renowned ability to fight with great distinction.

“We are a special breed,” Gluek said. “We have distinguished ourselves with bravery, stubbornness, aggressive spirit, sacrifice, love of country, and loyalty to our corps and one another.”

Every year the Marine Corps Birthday Message is to be read to all Marines on the 10th of November by order of Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune, commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, Nov. 1, 1921.

While deployed, Marines still get read the Marine Corps Birthday Message.

“It is good for Marines to gather wherever they are at on the planet,” said Lt. Col. Frederick Cale, senior advisor to the Iraqi counter-insurgency school, U.S. Marine Corps Central Command Element. “Be it peace or be it war.”

The ceremony included an honor guard, music, video presentation, speech and official cake cutting.

“I was very pleased with the entire ceremony,” said Col. James McGinley, chief of staff, Iraqi Assistance Group. “The Marines who were out there standing in formation and were doing the “Manual of Arms” did a really fine job.”

In the end, U.S. Marines added another year of history and heritage to their list of customs and traditions while displaying their pride and honor. Source Link
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Top Gun Troops Leave Iraq Knowing They Succedded in Their Mission
Posted on 11.14.2008 at 03:47AM
By Staff Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Public Affairs Office

Excerpt
BAGHDAD – When Multi-National Division -Baghdad Soldiers with Battery B, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, first arrived to Iraq more than a year ago, they would take on a mission that they would describe as an “adventure.”

The battery troops would patrol Rathwaniyah and not to just simply secure the local populace but help build the economy and essential services within.

Everything would hinge on security; once the locals felt secured, they would be able to work on aiding the community.

“I don’t think anyone fully realized we were going to be performing the tasks we were asked to do,” said Capt. Geoffrey Gorsuch, commander, Btry. B, 1st Bn., 320th FA Regt., 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “On top of our everyday security missions, the battery leadership ended up helping school administrators, water engineers, electrical engineers, family feuds and local councils.”

The unit before them did a great job working with the locals to secure the area, which has since been fairly secure, said Gorsuch. There were very few attacks within their area, so they decided to focus on improving quality of life and essential services.

One of the biggest problems they would have to solve was the poor irrigation system and the lack of running water. Read More
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Familiar Faces in Unfamiliar Territory
Posted on 11.14.2008 at 12:14AM
By 1st Lt. Brett Monroe
1st Sustainment Brigade

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – When transporters from the 1538th Transportation Company, a National Guard unit based out of Elkhart, Ind., conducted their first Convoy Logistics Patrol mission Oct. 12, they were glad to see a few familiar faces in formation.

Under the direction of Staff Sgt. Terry Riggs, a Jeffersonville, Ind., native, and the mission commander, Soldiers from the 1538th Trans. Co. and other units around Camp Taji hauled cargo from the base to other locations in the Baghdad area.

Just as it was the first mission Riggs led since the unit’s transfer of authority with the 515th Transportation Company, it was also the first mission for some of the Soldiers on the convoy security element.

Although these Soldiers were new to the security mission, they were not at all new to Riggs and the other Soldiers of the 1538th Trans. Co.

The security element, which is commonly known as gun trucks, consisted of Soldiers from the 1538th Trans. Co. who were attached to the 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery, an Arkansas National Guard unit trained to conduct convoy security missions.

The gun truckers, as they are called, from the 1538th Trans. Co. have trained for their security mission since arriving on Camp Taji, and that night was an important milestone in their training.

“It was a good mission. It was fairly uneventful. For our first mission together, Staff Sgt. Riggs did well,” said New Albany, Ind., native 2nd Lt. Jacob Kruer, the gun truck commander for the mission.

For a gun trucker, “fairly uneventful” is a good night’s work, meaning no opposition was met and no improvised explosive devices or ambushes were encountered along the route. Read More
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Soldiers Don’t Have to ‘bite the Dust’ With Restaurants in Desert
Posted on 11.13.2008 at 11:33PM
By Staff Sgt. Michel Sauret
Multi-National Division – Center

Excerpt
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – What would football parties and get-togethers be like without a slice of pizza?

Fortunately, most deployed Soldiers don’t have to face that dilemma as military bases in Iraq continue to add brand-name restaurants from home.

This is thanks in part by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, which helps bring together the stores that fulfill service members’ needs – whether in the states or overseas.

“It always goes back to a morale factor,” said Roland Knight, the senior AAFES food business manager for military bases in Iraq. “The Soldier having a little taste of home out here in the environment we’re working under … Yeah they have a [dining facility], but [now] they have a piece of Main Street U.S.A. [as well].”

With the help of AAFES, Soldiers can enjoy just about every taste of home they might crave, from coffee with a Cinnabon to a burger fit for a king. The restaurants give Soldiers additional options and a break from the crowded chow halls.

“It [gives you] a smaller place where you don’t have to sit with 500 people in a dining facility,” said Sgt. Brandon Bresson, of Minneota, Minn., a paralegal for 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

For some Soldiers, however, health is another motivator, more so than selection. Read More
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Doing What They Love
Posted on 11.13.2008 at 11:10PM
By 1st Lt. Aaron Ward
1st Sustainment Brigade

Excerpt
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After a change from their original mission of force protection, three Soldiers from the 1123rd Transportation Company have been able to get more experience in their actual military occupational specialty by working at the Camp Taji Central Receiving and Shipping Point yard.

At the CRSP yard, these Soldiers, who are truck drivers by trade, have to perform a variety of different tasks. Their missions include loading and strapping down cargo in preparation for movement, as well as driving tractor trailers to deliver the loads.

“The CRSP yard is a great experience for a truck driver,” said Staff Sgt. Dwight Brown, a native of Blytheville, Ark., and a supervisor at the CRSP yard.

With much enthusiasm for working in a new work environment, Brown and his crew are looking forward to training on material handling equipment such as the Rough-Terrain Container Handler, which is used for moving large containers.

As CRSP yard personnel, the 1123rd Trans. Co. Soldiers now handle a wide range of cargo from construction materials, such as wood and concertina wire, to containers.

Occasionally, they deliver cargo to the Iraqi army side of Camp Taji. The CRSP yard workers also help support many units and locations around Camp Taji, such as the Supply Support Activity warehouse and the mayor’s cell. Read More
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Iraqi Army Discovers Large Weapon Cache
Posted on 11.13.2008 at 11:21PM
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers discovered a large weapons cache on Nov. 10 near the town of Owesat in the Mahmudiyah Qada, southwest of Baghdad.

The 17th IA Div. Soldiers discovered the weapons cache consisting of one 120-mm mortar round, five rocket-propelled grenades, six artillery rounds, 80 license plates, one box of DSHK ammunition, one 82-mm mortar round, 305 improvised explosive devices, 10 kilograms of gun powder, one 60-mm mortar base plate, four 60-mm mortars, 282 57 mm Russian projectiles, seven 82-mm mortars, 10 pounds of propellants and various other projectiles near Patrol Base Kemple.

Coalition forces responded with an explosive ordnance disposal unit, which moved the munitions to an alternate location for disposal.

“The great work by the 17th Iraqi army removed a large amount of explosives from the Mahmudiyah Qada that could have been used against the ISF and CF,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto, public affairs officer, 2nd BCT, 1st Armd. Div. “We will continue to work with our ISF partners to remove weapon caches from Iraq in order to make the country safe for its citizens.” Source Link
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