Soldiers, Airmen Face Off!

24 Pages·2008·4.97 MB·English

December 3, 2008
www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 1, Issue 24
“I.A.M. Soldiers, Airmen Face Off!
STRONG”
Army Campaign aims
to eliminate sexual as-
sault in 5 years.
Page 8
Vehicle
Maintenance
Fort Lewis, Wash.,
Soldiers train Iraqis
on the importance of
humvee care
Page 15
Talking
Turkey
The holiday in review
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian A. Barbour
Page 16
Members of the Air Force and Army compete in the Turkey Bowl at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Nov. 27. The Army defeated the Air Force 59-34 in
the flag football game.
I-BIZ drums up business
story and photos by nesses were brought to JBB 3d Sustainment Command (Ex- and the local populace to do “because it helps them establish
sgt. Crystal g. reidy with the help of the Iraqi-Based peditionary) said the asphalt transactions if they need to wire a business of their own.”
Expeditionary Times Staff Industrial Zone, a program de- plant, soon to be opened in the money back home or open up a Bachmeier said I-BIZ looks
signed to stimulate the Iraqi new industrial area, will be lo- savings or checking account. for services needed on JBB and
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq –
economy by allowing business cated outside the gate but adja- Bachmeier said the bank will then opens the bidding pro-
An auto body
owners to secure land use agree- cent to JBB. She said the asphalt also help other I-BIZ businesses cess to potential business own-
shop, a bicycle
ments on Coalition bases. company will provide a service to be successful. For example, ers who then submit a business
sales and repair
Currently there are six I-BIZ to JBB, but can sell to Iraqi’s the container repair yard can’t plan.
shop, and a TV
businesses operating on JBB, in- outside JBB too. buy parts from outside Iraq be- A subject matter expert re-
repair shop.
cluding a container repair shop, Still other businesses will be cause the business owner can’t views the business plan to en-
These are
oil service center and a recycling on the base, like an Al Warka process electronic fund trans- sure it is capable of producing
businesses a
center. bank branch. Al Warka has seven fers without a bank. the goods or services needed.
typical main
But that is just the beginning; banks throughout Iraq. JBB will Master Sgt. Edward Scott, a A board of officers then decides
street in Anytown, USA might
future I-BIZ projects include be the first to have an Al Warka native of Lakewood, Wash., I- who is awarded the contract
have.
restaurants, a retail zone, an bank on a Coalition installation, BIZ noncommissioned officer based on each applicant’s quali-
This is not the U.S. However,
Industrial area and a wholesale said Bachmeier. in charge with 3d Sustainment fications.
it’s Joint Base Balad and the
center made up of nine vendors. Bachmeier said the bank is Command (Expeditionary) from “The program helps the lo-
owners of these businesses are
Lt. Col. Barbara Bachmeier, scheduled to open Feb. 1 of next said that I-BIZ has been well re- cal Iraqis start their own busi-
local Iraqis.
native of Indianapolis, Ind., the year, will allow third country ceived by many Iraqis.
Six months ago, new busi- I-BIZ officer in charge for the nationals, U.S. service members “The Iraqis love it,” Scott said, See I-BIZ, Page 10
PAGE 2 ExpEditionary timEs December 3, 2008
332 ESFS
Blotter:
20 Nov. – 26 Nov.
Patrol Response/TCN Badge Seizure:
A TCN contractor entered the Eagles Nest stating his badge
was taken by an unknown person in Army PT gear. He further
stated that the individual was angry that the showers were
nonfunctioning while the TCN was working on the plumbing.
A statement was completed and a sweep of the H-4 Housing
area was initiated by SF patrols. The individual was not locat-
ed. A Soldier later reported to the Eagles Nest and returned
the badge. The badge was taken to contractor security so it
could be returned to the TCN.
Vehicle Mishap:
An Army Soldier reported to the Eagles Nest stating he had
been involved in a vehicle accident. A SF Patrol responded
and assisted the Soldier with a statement. The Soldier stated
that he parked his vehicle and upon return discovered a dent
in the side that had not been there before. The patrolman
took digital photos of the damage. The Soldier was instructed
to brief his chain of command concerning the mishap.
Patrol Response/Loud Noise Complaint:
An Airman contacted security forces concerning loud noise
coming from an adjacent pod. SF Patrolmen arrived on-scene,
made contact with the complainant, and accompanied him to
the pod in question. SF Patrolmen were unable to contact the
occupant inside. The patrol response was terminated.
Medical Emergency:
SF Patrols were dispatched to the report of a Soldier suffering
from a medical emergency. Upon arrival, patrolmen made
contact with medical personnel treating the Soldier. The Sol-
dier was taken to the AFTH for further treatment.
Suspicious Item:
An Airman reported a suspicious item located on Victory
Loop. SF Patrolmen responded to the scene and requested
EOD response to inspect the item. EOD arrived on-scene and
determined the item to be safe. Patrol response terminated.
Contact the Provost Marshal Office:
NIPR- 443-8602
SIPR- 241-1171
Email- [email protected]
EXPEDITIONARY TIMES
3d ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally
Expeditionary Times is authorized for publication by Managing Editor 123rd MPAD Commander Spc. Kiyoshi C. Freeman, 123rd MPAD
the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) for the Maj. Paul Hayes, 3d ESC Maj. Christopher A. Emmons, [email protected]
Joint Base Balad community. The contents of the Ex- [email protected] 123rd MPAD
peditionary Times are unofficial and are not to be con- [email protected] Contributing Public Affairs Offices
sidered the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. 1st Sustainment Brigade
Government, including the Department of Defense or 3d ESC PAO NCOIC 123rd MPAD NCOIC 16th Sustainment Brigade
Sgt. 1st Class David McClain, 3d ESC 1st Sgt. Reginald M. Smith,
Operation Iraqi Freedom. [email protected] 123rd MPAD 371st Sustainment Brigade
Expeditionary Times is a command information news- [email protected] 7th Sustainment Brigade
paper in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1 and
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing
reviewed by the ESC G2 for security purposes. 3d ESC Staff Writers 123rd MPAD Photo Editor 555th Engineer Brigade
Expeditionary Times is published weekly by the Stars Spc. Michael Behlin, 3d ESC Spc. Brian A. Barbour, 123rd MPAD
55th Sustainment Brigade
and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 8,000 [email protected] [email protected]
papers. Pfc. Amanda Tucker, 3d ESC 402nd Army Field Support Brigade
The Public Affairs Office is located on New Jer- [email protected] 123rd MPAD Layout and Design CJSOTF-AP
sey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. Spc. Mario A. Aguirre, 123rd MPAD Task Force 34
[email protected]
Expeditionary Times, HHC 3d ESC, APO
3d ESC G2, Security Manager
AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net Lt. Col Dale Davis, 3d ESC 123rd MPAD Staff Writers DSpisct.r iKbeulltyio An. Beck, 123rd MPAD
[email protected] Sgt. Crystal G. Reidy, 123rd MPAD [email protected]
Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected]
[email protected] Spc. Kelly A. Beck, 123rd MPAD
[email protected]
Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with a primary mission of providing command information to all Servicemembers, partners, and Families of the
3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences.
December 3, 2008 ExpEditionary timEs PAGE 3
Hooah of the Week Hooah of the Week
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Behlin
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Behlin
Capt. James Du Pre, an Atlanta, Ga., native, and chief
Capt. Jim Stephens, a Sherrard, W.Va., native, and 55th
of administrative and fiscal law for the 3d Sustainment
Sustainment Brigade staff judge advocate is congratulated
Command (Expeditionary) is congratulated by Brig. Gen.
by Brig. Gen. Michael Lally, 3d ESC commanding gener-
Michael Lally, 3d ESC commanding general, for being se-
al, for being selected this week’s “Hooah Soldier of the
lected this week’s “Hooah Soldier of the Week.” Du Pre
Week.” Stephens was selected for the award because of
was selected for the award because of his work with the
his work with the Corp Distribution Center. “We’re making
Corp Distribution Center.
a lot of progress, the building was recently reclassified and
now we can go do things that we want because we are
on strong legal grounds with the help of these two,” said
Lally.
PAGE 4 ExpEditionary timEs December 3, 2008
December 3, 2008 ExpEditionary timEs PAGE 5
Sustainers hold Iraqi women’s business workshop
story and photos by took off was when Muthanna those who lectured did also.
sgt. rJ gilbert PRT got the word out with “Today’s workshop really
7th Sust. Bde. Public Affairs their chamber of commerce, uncovered a lot of information
as with Dhi Qar PRT. The and showed me how much
CAMP MITTICA, Iraq – Near- Small Business Development interest they (Iraqi business
ly 40 local Iraqi Center did the same.” women) have,” said Alison
business wom- The combined effort had a Kosnett, governance special-
en gathered at varied range of speakers. ist, Provincial Reconstruction
Camp Mittica, The speakers included Team Muthanna. “This was
Iraq, as part members of the 7th Sust. Bde., the first time we had 40 wom-
of an Iraqi the 217th Garrison Command, en from Muthanna and Dhi
women’s the Small Business Develop- Qar. It showed us that they’re
business ment Center for Nasiriyah serious and energetic and that
workshop orchestrated by the and one of the Iraqi business there is entrepreneurial ener-
7th Sustainment Brigade on women. gy. There was definite mojo in
Nov. 17. The speakers covered some there. I was very excited.”
“This was a combined ef- important topics on busi- Kosnett elaborated on the
fort with Muthanna and Dhi nesses, including Iraqi-Based conditions, which the lectur-
Qar provincial reconstruc- Industrial Zone, micro grants, ers and organizers understood An Iraqi Businesswoman pens her notes during the Iraqi Women’s Busi-
tion teams with the 7th Sus- loans and how to create a the Iraqi business women in ness Conference at Camp Mittica, Iraq, Nov. 17.
tainment Brigade leading the business plan. attendance.
way,” said Maj. Shawn D. San- “It was a very good class “They told us this morning and very short repayment pe- and participated,” said Nabeel
born, finance operations, 7th with useful material,” said that when they’ve gone to a riods in high increments.” Alsaffy, executive director of
Sust. Bde. “We’ve been having Batel Abuol Almer, chief engi- bank to get a loan, the interest The workshop was well re- the Small Business Develop-
these workshops with men so neer, attendee and speaker. rate was 14 percent, which is ceived. ment Center of Nasiriyah.
we knew it was important to Not only did those in atten- high,” Kosnett said. “They also “The meeting went well. “The women want another
get women involved. Where it dance benefit from the works; face high collateral requests Everyone gave their opinion workshop.”
Washington Guardsmen take base defense reins at Q-West
story and photo by
sgt. Keith M. anderson
16th Sust. Bde. Public
Affairs
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq —
Guardsmen from
Everett, Wash.,
assumed re-
sponsibility for
base defense
operations
and force
protection
h e r e during a
transfer of authority ceremony
Nov. 16.
Soldiers from the 81st Bri-
gade Special Troops Battalion,
81st Brigade Combat Team,
Washington Army National
Guard, assumed authority
from Task Force 113, 76th In-
fantry Brigade Combat Team,
Muncie, Ind., Indiana Army
National Guard.
“Believe it or not, we have
looked forward to this day al- Maj. Kimberly M. Martindale, commander, Task Force 113, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj.
most as much as the 76th IBCT Steven P. Ridings, command sergeant major, TF 113, case the unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Q-West, Iraq, Nov. 15. The task force,
Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth headquartered in Muncie, Ind., wrapped up a year-long deployment cycle and transferred responsibility for base defense operations and force protection
Garrison, commander, 81st to the 81st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 81st Brigade Combat Team, Washington Army National Guard.
BSTB, to the audience of Sol- pump house missions, 320 pe- procedures and adjusted to an Wash., “I’ll be one of the first Garrison had a final injunc-
diers and civilians at the Mo- rimeter patrols and 252 recon- ever-changing battle rhythm. to hear what’s really going on.” tion for his Soldiers at the cer-
rale, Welfare and Recreation naissance and counter-rocket Your battalion’s achievements Fister, who has served in emony.
center. “This day has been a patrols covering over 115,000 during this rotation have been many roles, including laundry “To the Soldiers of the 81st
long time coming, and we have miles,” said Col. Martin Pitts, phenomenal.” specialist, fabric repair, cook, BSTB, I offer you a challenge,”
worked long and hard to pre- commander, 16th Sustainment Soldiers from the 81st BSTB and water purification special- he said. “You have worked and
pare for it.” Brigade. were anxious to get started. ist in the National Guard for 13 trained hard for this moment.
The ceremony marked the “You did this safely, with no For Spc. Sarah Fister, ra- years, said she had some mixed This is the execution phase of
end of a year-long deployment loss of life and no serious acci- dio transmitter operator, 81st feelings about deploying. this operation, and I am su-
cycle for the Soldiers of Task dents,” Pitts added. “Your unit BSTB, the deployment will be “I don’t really have anything premely confident in your abil-
Force 113. had an outstanding improvised an opportunity to learn about against it,” Fister said. “I miss ity to perform this mission, and
“Task Force 113 Soldiers explosive device find-rate, con- operations in Iraq first hand. home, but I understand the we will bring everybody home
were responsible for 39 quick tinually adapted to new en- “It’ll be great,” said the 33- purpose behind it. I think it’ll when we finish this tour.”
reaction force responses, 90 emy tactics, techniques and year-old native of Puyallup, be a good experience.”
PAGE 6 ExpEditionary timEs December 3, 2008
Overcoming a Shortcoming
by Warrant offiCer maintenance on a daily basis. Master Sgt. Duane Edwards. every trailer was estimated at time down to six days per
JaMes nelson It was recently discovered Nelson coordinated with 88 man hours. Eleven mechan- trailer, eventually completing
377th HET Co., 165th CSSB that 67 of the M1000 Semi- logistics supply representatives ics of the 377th were able to the overall task in one and a
1st Sust. Bde. Trailers assigned to the com- to ensure the mandatory repair whittle this long turnaround half months ahead of schedule.
pany did not have a specific parts, estimated at $3,800 per
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Mechanics inspection, commonly known trailer, were available when the
assigned to the in the Army as a 5-year service, services were started.
377th Heavy which was due while the 377th Together, Nelson and Ed-
Equipment was in Iraq. wards coordinated the special
Transporter This comprehensive mainte- training that their mechanics
Company, nance entails periodic lubrica- needed to complete the 5-year
165th Com- tion, cleaning, and servicing of service.
bat Sus- the M1000 semi-trailer steer- The Soldier tasked with
tainment ing plates, that consist of four physically overseeing the
Support Battalion from Fort per trailer, and the suspension services was Staff Sgt. Onekie
Bliss, Texas, work around the assemblies, consisting of 10 per Quinn, native of Snellville,
clock keeping the company’s trailer. Ga. For several weeks, Quinn
fleet of HETs well maintained The required service was oversaw the daily maintenance
and ready for every mission. coordinated and organized by operations of the 5-year service
The primary vehicles used by the company’s maintenance to ensure it was completed in a
the 377th are the M1070 Trac- technician Warrant Officer timely manner and to stan- U.S. Army courtesy photo
Spc. Juan Gonzalez, of Zapata, Texas, and Spc Leonardo Vazquez,
tors and the M1000 Semi-Trail- James Nelson, and the com- dard.
of Santa Ana, Calif., disassemble one of the four steering plates on
ers, which require extensive pany’s maintenance supervisor The turnaround time for
a HET trailer belonging to the 377th HET Company.
Postal operations gear up for holiday surge
by spC. MiChael behlin
brigade,” says Ma. “The postal As a temporary fix, postal
Expeditionary Times Staff
operations director in Kuwait workers used to just match
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – sets the policies, but here at the unit information with the FOB,
As the holiday 3d ESC, we enforce the poli- initialing “N” for Normandy or
season rapidly cies.” “C” for Caldwell on every piece
approaches, On average, civilian con- of mail.
Soldiers will tractors throughout Iraq are This year, however, Nor-
begin to re- responsible for processing mail mandy’s zip code has been
ceive more for 165,000 personnel, or about permanently changed, putting
mail from 330,000 pounds of mail per an end to the headache.
loved ones day. During the holiday season Overall, Ma and Fecteau say
and friends. this year, the Joint Military that they were pleased with
As this happens, postal offic- Mail Terminal will increase its the job the contractors have
es worldwide will be crammed number of postal employees to been doing with postal opera-
with customers shipping and help accommodate the holiday tions, both during normal and
receiving mail, to and from rush. Ma says that contrac- holiday seasons. With Fecteau
everywhere imaginable. tors will move employees from working directly with the con-
Postal operations in Iraq and other contracts to work in the tractor, he gets a more personal
Afghanistan are no different. JMMT and help with the mail view of operations. He says
Supervised by service surge. as of right now the only issues
members who act as contract- Also, according to Ma, civil- have been minor.
ing officer representatives, and ian contractors now have the “The civilian contractors are
manned by civilian contractors, necessary equipment, knowl- very willing to entertain our
theater postal operations have edge and JMMT configuration concerns or objections,” says
prepared year-round to accom- to be successful during this Fecteau. “Clearly, on occa-
modate the holiday rush. year’s holiday season. Through sion, we don’t see eye to eye;
The COR’s are responsible trial and error, they have yet, they are always willing
for providing contractors with worked year-round to correct to be as flexible as possible to
oversight on the overall mail any deficiency from previous meet the needs of our deployed
operation by making sure they years, making operations run personnel, especially during the
are performing their duties smoother. holidays.”
according to policy and regula- 1st Lt. Matthew Fecteau, While the Military Postal
tion. Joint Base Balad JMMT COR, Service will be doing its job to
Helping to ensure that says the two biggest changes ensure postal operations run as
Illustration by Sgt. Alexander Snyder
postal operations on Joint Base being made to the Balad opera- smooth as possible, there are arms, flammable materials,
Balad run smoothly for the 3d tion will be an increase in the a few facts that Soldiers, their lottery tickets, poisons, alcohol special requirements needed
Sustainment Command (Expe- number of employees and a so- family members and friends and liquor, ammunition, drug for holiday mail.
ditionary) and its subordinate lution to the problems at FOB may need to know when mail- paraphernalia and anything Those shipping items should
brigades, 1st Lt. Calvin Ma, a Caldwell and FOB Normandy. ing items. else covered in general order plan to ship at least three
native of Los Angeles, Calif., Fecteau says that in the past, When it comes to shipping number one are prohibited weeks in advance. Priority mail
and postal operations officer, is the two FOBs were listed in the items to an Army Post Office from being shipped either to usually takes about two weeks
in charge for the 3d ESC. same zip code, which caused or Fleet Post Office, family or from an APO/FPO address to be delivered and standard
“What we do at the 3d ESC major problems for postal members and Soldiers need to according to U.S. Central Com- mail takes at least three to four
is to provide oversight to make workers and service members understand the general mail mand regulation 25-103. weeks.
sure that the COR’s are do- alike. Mail was frequently restrictions for each APO/FPO Even though those using the Following these mail
ing what they’re supposed to shipped to one FOB, but ar- zip code. MPS will have to follow these requirements should make a
be doing via the sustainment rived at the other. For Balad, aerosol cans, fire- restrictions, there are no other happy holiday season for all.
December 3, 2008 ExpEditionary timEs PAGE 7
ABOVE: Little Rock, Ark. native, Spc. John
Kronnick, a truck driver with the 1123rd Trans-
portation Company, tosses a football around
with an Iraqi Soldier during a cookout Oct. 30.
Kronnick has been working with Iraqi Soldiers
at the Taji National Depot and assisting Iraqi
Soldiers with setting up and organizing a sys-
tem to properly stock their warehouses with a
variety of supply items.
BELOW: Sgt. Donald Evance, a Lepanto, Ark.,
native; and Spc. John Kronnick, a Little Rock,
Ark., native; both Soldiers with the 1123rd
Transportation Company, 1st Squadron,
152nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Sustainment
Bridage, prepare food for a cookout with Iraqi
Soldiers Oct. 30.
Iraqi Soldiers pose for a photo during a cookout with Soldiers from the 1123rd Transportation Company, 1st Squadron,
152nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Sustainment Brigade. The cookout was held here on Oct. 30, as a way to improve relations
between Iraqi and U.S. Soldiers.
Building relationships
story and photos by 1st they have been employed for For the past few weeks, tion skills. der to break up the monotony,”
lt. aaron Ward the past three weeks. Evance has been teaching Iraqi Like Evance, Kronnick also Evance says.
1123rd Trans. Co. Recently, the 1123rd Trans. Soldiers how to safely oper- works with DLA and assists During the cookout, Evance
1-152nd Cav. Co. handed off their mission of ate equipment and perform Iraqi Soldiers with setting up and Kronnick took a break,
force protection to the 1038th preventive maintenance checks and organizing a system to ate steaks and tossed around a
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Two Horizontal Construction Com- and services on equipment properly stock warehouses with football. Their plan apparently
Soldiers from pany, Special Troops Battalion, such as the 6K forklift. He also a variety of supply items. “The worked because they noticed an
the 1123rd 1st Sustainment Brigade and teaches them about warehouse guys are very willing to work,” increase in production after the
Transportation the unit’s Soldiers were tasked safety. says Kronnick, speaking of the cookout.
Company, 1st with new jobs. “It was hard at first because Iraqi Soldiers. “The next three days the
Squadron, Sgt. Donald Evance, a they had been doing things one In an effort to build cohe- crew was able to move around
152nd Cav- Lepanto, Ark., native, and me- way for so long,” Evance says. sion between the Iraqi and 280 pallets as opposed to
alry Regi- chanic with the 1123rd Trans. Spc. John Kronnick, a Little American Soldiers, Evance and around 30 pallets over the pre-
ment, 1st Co., has been working with the Rock, Ark., native, and truck Kronnick felt it would be a good vious three days,” says Evance.
Sustainment Brigade, are work- Defense Logistics Agency to driver with the 1123rd Trans. idea to have a cookout, which “If I’ve learned anything, I’ve
ing to build a strong relation- train Iraqi Soldiers on ware- Co., has been working with the they held Oct. 30. learned building relationships
ship with Iraqi Army Soldiers at house operations and setting Iraqi Soldiers on their cargo “I asked my supervisor if I is the key to accomplishing a
the Taji National Depot, where up their warehouse system. documentation and organiza- could have the cook out in or- mission.”
233rd Transportation Company sports Combat Patch
ment Brigade, donned their foremost a heavy equip- ment, the company has been careful thought and consider-
by 2nd lt. Charles yorK
combat patches in a cere- ment transporter company, doing many things to ensure ation. The leadership decided
233rd Trans. Co.
mony held in the company’s and since they’ve first put that the mission is accom- that the best choice was to
16th Sust. Bde.
motor pool here Oct. 30. boots on ground two months plished and everybody is safe. wear the company’s unit patch
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- An exciting time for any ago, the mission has been During the ceremony, Pvt. — the 101st Airborne Division.
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq unit deployed to Iraq would anything but slow-paced. Kenneth Larman, from Flint, Although many people may
— Soldiers from definitely be when the Sol- With total vehicle miles al- Mich., briefed the crowd on think by wearing this patch
the 233rd diers of that unit have earned ready amounting to approxi- the origins and major ac- that the 233rd Trans. Co. is
Transporta- the privilege of wearing mately 260,000 miles, all complishments of the unit based out of Fort Campbell,
tion Compa- the combat patch. The cer- sections of the company have from WWII to present-day Ky., the company is actually
ny, 391st emony, though short and been working hard. Whether Operation Iraqi Freedom. based out of Fort Knox, Ky.
C o m b a t formal, will be remembered it is taking care of personnel, With five deployments to After the ceremony, many
Sustain- by these Soldiers through- turning wrenches in the mo- OIF already under their belt, of the Soldiers posed for
ment Sup- out their military career. tor pool, or actually putting the company’s choice of patch pictures to show off their
port Battalion, 16th Sustain- The 233rd is first and rubber down on the pave- for this deployment was one of new uniform additions.
PAGE 8 ExpEditionary timEs December 3, 2008
Campaign takes aim at sexual assault
by sgt. Crystal g. reidy encouraged me to go forward and tell This specific campaign is Army Army centric,” Givens said. “This is be-
Expeditionary Times Staff the command.” driven, but it is due to a Department of cause the program’s overall concept ap-
During the investigation, the master Defense push, Brown said. The DoD’s plies to all services -- the ultimate goal
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - In March sergeant admitted to the assault. overall idea of a cultural change effects of eliminating sexual assault and sexual
of 2003, Staff Sgt. She had not been his first victim. all Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sail- harassment.
Rachel Donovan (not As tragic as Donovan’s story may ors. The new program is a prevention tool
her real name) left seem, however, she is not alone. The campaign illustrates that it is and not designed to replace the current
Kuwait and was on The Army estimates one in six Army the duty of every Soldier to stand up for SARC program. Under the current pro-
her way into Bagh- females are sexually assaulted at least each other and take action, no matter gram, victims can report their assault
dad on a convoy with once in her career and sexual assault is the time or place, to prevent sexual as- either restricted or unrestricted.
an artillery unit. estimated to be the most under report- sault. The unrestricted option is recom-
At three o’clock ed crime in the military. Air Force Maj. Carina Givens, of the mended for victims of sexual assault
one morning, Donovan’s convoy com- It is stories like Donovan’s that the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the who desire medical treatment, counsel-
mander ordered the convoy to take a Army plans to eliminate within the chief of sexual assault prevention and ing and an official investigation of the
shortcut through a village, that resulted next five years with its new “I.A.M. response for Joint Base Balad, says the crime.
in half the unit being separated from STRONG” campaign, which launched “I.A.M. STRONG” campaign is about Victims will use chain of command,
the unit convoy. in early September. putting the responsibility of sexual as- law enforcement, SARC, or healthcare
The convoy regrouped, turned The campaign will combat sexual as- sault prevention on everyone, not just providers to report the crime.
around and paused to take accountabil- sault by holding Soldiers accountable the victim. “For reporting in general, any SARC
ity. can take a complaint,” Brown said. “If
While stopped, the unit took small- it is service specific, we will call in that
“I
arms fire; the Howitzer self-propelled respective service’s SARC, but any of us
f you would lay down your life or
artillery that was in the convoy fired can take any complaint.”
back at the enemy. Restricted reporting allows a sexual
jump on a grenade for a fellow Sol-
At the time, Donovan was in the assault victim to confidentially disclose
tactical operations center. Ordinarily, the details of his or her assault to speci-
dier, you should be willing to intervene
other people would have been with her fied individuals and receive medical
in the van that night. treatment and counseling, without trig-
when you see a threat.”
Due to chaotic events, however, there gering the official investigative process.
was only Donovan and another person Service members who are sexually
present, a master sergeant. Master Sgt. Verlean Brown assaulted and desire restricted report-
It was then Donovan was sexually as- 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) ing under this policy, may only report
saulted. the assault to the SARC, veteran’s ad-
“When the sexual assault happened, ministration or HCP.
I couldn’t believe it,” Donovan said. “It for preventing sexual assaults before Donovan says in her case, the Sol- Donovan says leaders have to sup-
happened so fast. When I think of it to- they occur. diers she thought would be there for port the sexual assault program and
day, it’s slow motion in my mind.” Based on the Army core values, the her, weren’t. show support to the troops.
When the assault happened, Dono- “I.A.M. STRONG” campaign seeks to “One of my co-workers told me lat- “If you’re trying to make your Sol-
van had been in a chemical suit for 32 remind Soldiers they are a band of er that she took his (the perpetrator’s) diers believe in something, you have
days filled with blood, dirt, food and brothers and sisters who need to pro- side because she was worried about her to believe in it for yourself,” Donovan
sweat. The only things she changed tect each other in every situation. noncommissioned officer evaluation said.
were her socks, underwear and t-shirts, According to the program, Soldiers report,” Donovan says. Donovan said she has since stopped
she said. are duty bound to intervene, act and “I.A.M. STRONG” tells Soldiers to following the case because she is not
“It (sexual assault) doesn’t just hap- motivate others to stop sexual assault stay motivated to keep fellow service looking for revenge.
pen when you’re drinking or in a bar,” before it happens. members safe from sexual assault. “He has to live with himself for what
Donovan says. “It happens when you When a service member recognizes a “It’s not just the commander or the he did to me and others,” Donovan
least expect it.” potential threat they need to have per- victim that needs to prevent sexual as- said. “My thing is to go forward and
At the time, Donovan says she didn’t sonal courage to intervene and prevent sault,” Brown says. “It is everyone’s job help people.”
want to tell anyone. sexual assault, the program says. to motivate the Soldiers to do the right Donovan said in order for the “I.
“We were fighting and I didn’t want “If you would lay down your life or thing and be safe.” A.M. STRONG” campaign to work, ser-
to interrupt the mission,” she says. jump on a grenade for a fellow Soldier, Givens said she is excited about the vice members must be able to rely on
Donovan says it was her unit victim you should be willing to intervene when new Army program and will apply it at each other.
advocate who intervened the next day you see a threat,” says Master Sgt. Ver- JBB. Her message to other victims: “We
and encouraged her to get help. lean Brown, the deployable sexual as- “We decided that since we are work- are going to get through this. Not you
“I wasn’t smiling, wasn’t eating, sault response coordinator with 3d Sus- ing jointly at this base, we are going to alone -- we, together will get through
wasn’t sleeping, all she saw was me cry- tainment Command (Expeditionary) , a combine our efforts to kick off that cam- it.”
ing all the time,” Donovan says. “She nd native of Sherwood, Ark. paign across Balad and not make it only
REad THIS!

Tell us what you about the Expeditionary Times! Write a
think
“L e ”
etter to the ditor
• Likes/dislikes • Soldier-related events
• Changes • Tell the CG your
• Story ideas thoughts
• Base policies • Serious inquires only
[email protected]
December 3, 2008 ExpEditionary timEs PAGE 9
PAGE 10 ExpEditionary timEs December 3, 2008
402nd AFSB aids in book donation
by nita r. fulford to making this partnership a real- 2009 to discuss curriculum struc- lutions for the problems of humanity.”
402nd Army Field Support Brigade ity,” Mater said. The brigade is part turing and to formalize an agree- Cultural Affairs Officer Helen
of the Army Sustainment Command’s ment that will enable students from LaFave and Assistant Cultural Affairs
CAMP MITTICA, Iraq – A donation global logistics support network. Dhi Qar University to study at OSU. Officer Jinnie Lee, from the U.S. Em-
of $20,000 worth of new The MSMF has been working as a cat- “This exchange program represents a bassy in Baghdad, were present for
engineering textbooks alyst with officials of both Universities new trend in partnership between Amer- the exchange and are facilitating the
and English as a Sec- for the past eight months in developing ican and Iraqi Universities,” Ali said. processing of Chancellor Ali’s visa
ond Language learn- a relationship that will benefit both in- In a letter written by President Ed for his travels to the United States.
ing materials for stitutions through cooperative learning. Ray of OSU to Chancellor Ali for the “It is the hope of the MSMF
approximately 200 The primary initiative is to develop textbook exchange, he said, “We are that those in a position to edu-
students was made an exchange program that will tar- bound together by centuries of commit- cate the youth of the world will fol-
to the Dhi Qar get engineering and English language ments by those who came before us to a low the example of President Ed
University in An Nasiriyah on Nov. 11. majors at the master degree level as love of learning, an un-abiding search Ray and Chancellor Ali,” Mater said.
The materials were donated well as developing professional train- for truths and a sense of duty to find so-
by Oregon State University ing seminars targeting Iraqi city plan-
College of Engineering and the ners, engineers and public servants.
Book Wish Foundation and Oxford Mater, an OSU alumni and for-
University Press, respectively. mer Army Captain who spent eight
The transfer of materials took place months helping rebuild Iraq, drew on
between Joshua Mater, president, his alma mater to continue his work.
and Jesus Quispe, vice president of “More than any other time in re-
of the Michael Scott Mater Founda- cent history, Iraq’s destiny is of its own
tion, and Dhi Qar Chancellor, Ali Is- choosing,” Mater said, “The youth of
mael Obeidi Al Snafi, with several uni- this country did not seek, nor did they
versity staff members in attendance. provoke, strict limitations on what they
This project brought together OSU, are able to achieve. They did not expect,
Dhi Qar University, the Italian Ministry nor did they invite, a confrontation with
of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Department fundamentalism. Yet the true measure
of State, the Book Wish Foundation, of a people’s strength is how they rise
Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc., to master those moments when they do
the 4-1 Brigade Combat Team, from arrive. This is a time for Iraqi heroes;
Contingency Operating Base Adder, and they will do what is hard and achieve
leadership from the 402nd Army Field what is great. This is a time for Iraqi
Support Brigade at Joint Base Balad. heroes and they reach for the stars.” U.S Army Photo by Maj. Chad Carroll
“Thanks to the support of Col. As part of the program, the two From far left, Jesus Quispe, Josh Mater, Dhi Qar University Chancellor Dr. Ali Ismael Obeidi Al
Sullivan and Lt. Col. Hart of the university leaders are scheduled Snafi, and various university staff members, look over donated textbooks.
402nd AFSB, we are one step closer to meet at Oregon State in early
I-BIZ
Continued from Page 1
ness,” said Scott. I-BIZ also offers a
full range of mentorship guidance to
establish good business practices.
“Not only are we helping them start
the business and get money out into
the economy,” Bachmeier said, “we
are also helping them learn good busi-
ness practices so they can start more
business outside of JBB.”
Presently, I-BIZ businesses are lo-
cated on or near JBB to allow a safe
environment for Iraqis to conduct
business.
Bachmeier said the initial concept
of I-BIZ was to provide a safe and se-
cure location on base where Iraqi ven-
dors would be able to provide goods
and services to service members.
The original concept of keeping
businesses on the base has changed,
Bachmeier said, and I-BIZ is look-
ing to build businesses outside JBB
Chief Petty Officer Michael Bazis, from the United States Coast Guard redeployment
so they can offer their services to the assistance inspection detachment team, trains Iraqis on how to inspect repairs done at
Iraqi community. the I-BIZ sponsored container repair shop on Joint Base Balad Nov. 8. Currently, there
I-BIZ is also working on a project are six I-BIZ businesses operating on JBB, including a container repair shop, oil service
to strategically place truck stops all center and a recycling center.
over Iraq. The stops will supply truck-
commercial trucks instead of U.S. mili- “Our overall goal,” Bachmeier said,
ers with fuel and food, and will serve
Iraqi workers stencils a container that
tary convoys on the road.” “is to stimulate the Iraqi economy and
as service stations to fix trucks if they
was recently repaired at the I-BIZ spon-
I-BIZ is looking for businesses that build it to the point that they are self
break down. sored container repair shop on Joint
works with civil engineering services sustaining long after coalition forces
“We want to help build up the trans- Base Balad Nov. 8. I-BIZ businesses are
portation industry in Iraq,” Bachmeier like electricity and plumbing, to receive withdraw.” located on or near JBB to allow a safe
said. “It will help us when we turn over U.S. contracts and allow the Iraqis to environment for Iraqis to conduct busi-
operations. We can have Iraqi-owned take over those functions. ness.