Operation New Dawn English: On Sept. 1 2010 the US Army released this picture via flickr. This image is a work of a U.S. Army soldier or employee, taken or made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.

Original text was:

"Today Operation Iraqi Freedom transitions to Operation New Dawn. The new mission signals a formal end to U.S. combat operations. During the past several years, the U.S. military has been steadily transitioning toward stability operations as the Iraqi Security Forces proved increasingly capable." Date: 1 September 2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Operation_New_Dawn.jpg

The Substance

by SGT John R. Hoover

7th Dive Team Kuwait Naval Base

It isn’t the first thing you notice stepping off the plane at Kuwait International Airport, no at first all you see is the men and women in their long robe-like thobes and abayas; their dress so foreign it almost seems sinister. Once outside, you are hit by the desert and the endless flatness of the terrain with electrical towers standing sentinel over the scrub and sand. Now out on the road you may notice the cars: expensive, fast and driven with reckless abandon. Finally, you may begin to take note of it, as an ever present tickle in your throat, a dry film on your eyes, a smooth talcum feeling to everything you touch. It is the substance of this place – fine silica you draw in with every breath, which dulls colors and tries to bury you whenever you stay still for too long. You try your best to keep it out, to purge it from yourself and your space, but it seeps in. Do not misapprehend, this is not just sand, by no means is it that heavy grainy stuff that sun worshippers’ relax upon and children mold into castles for hermit crabs to rule. This is a meaner stuff more insidious and active than any un-living thing has a right to be. This is Kuwait.

Barracks Chaos

Settling in at Fort Mccoy September 2010

SFC Neal I. Mitchell 197th FIB

Last night, lying on my bed (which is shaped like a canoe with a thwart stuck into the small of my back...) I was trying to read at the same time there was this barracks-wide assault on my senses. The guy across from me was trying to get an instant messaging service to work with his wife... "Hey can you hear me? I can see you talking... you're typing... What did you say? I TOLD you, we are meeting in El Paso! No, I said.... What, I can't hear you..." "I told you, I pay the bills on-line and you track them... WHAT DID YOU SAY? .... The guy next to me was on the phone (recently divorced) was fighting with his daughter. "I told you that YOU were responsible for paying for the insurance on your car. NO, you can't just ask your Mom for the money.... We made an agreement that I expect you will honor. You are an adult and this is what being an adult is all about... " The guy two bunks down was in crisis talking to his wife about his 15 y/o soccer-playing daughter. "WHAT... is she OK? What happened? How bad a concussion? How long did they have her in the hospital for observation? Is she going to go to school tomorrow? .... The guy beyond him was having a disagreement with his wife over Skype about family discipline. They have two small children and she can't control them... they aren't sleeping and they aren't cooperating with her... in the background one of the kids is climbing up the back of a big chair and he says, "Jack!, get off that chair right now!" "But dad, I want to be a Fireman and Fireman climb up things" The kid gets right down, feeding the argument in the guy's favor....

The guy across the barracks from the discipline discussion is on-line as well... "POOKIE face... I LOVE YOU, kiss, kiss ... mooch, smooch... you look so good. I LOVE you, Kissing you! Smooch, smootch.... Smootch, smootch, smootch... WOW. I was just lying there, and it was all washing over me. . . . . I couldn't even shut it out with earplugs. Inside their barracks, 197 FIB soldiers take advantage of some downtime to go online, get a haircut and organize their gear. Photo by Sgt Brian Gordon, 197th FIB PA

Sgt. 1st Class Neal Mitchell's feet. Photo by SFC Neal Mitchell, 197th FIB PA

Kuwait dust storms http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamal_(wind)

Shamal (wind)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search

A shamal is a northwesterly wind blowing over Iraq and the Persian Gulf states (including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait), often strong during the day, but decreasing at night.[1] This weather effect occurs anywhere from once to several times a year, mostly in summer but sometimes in winter.[1] The resulting wind typically creates large sandstorms that impact Iraq, most sand having been picked up from Jordan and Syria.

Photo shows a shamal overspreading Iraq

Climatology

Shamals result from strong northwest winds that are funnelled into the Persian Gulf by the mountains of Turkey and Iraq to the northeast and the high plains of Saudi Arabia to the southwest. The winds most commonly are strongest in the Spring to Summer and hence the Shamal events are as well, although they can occur at any time of year. During that time of year the polar jet stream to the north moves southward to become close to the subtropical jet to the south. The proximity of the two jet streams promotes the formation of strong but often dry cold fronts which create the Shamal. The strong winds of the Shamal form in front of and behind the front. Iraq typically experiences strong wind-driven dust 20 to 50 days per year [2].

According to folklore, the first major shamal occurring around May 25 is known as the Al-Haffar, or driller, since it drills huge depressions in desert

sand dunes. The second, arriving in early June, coincides with the dawn star, Thorayya (Pleiades), and is therefore named Barih Thorayya. During this event, which is more violent than the others, fishermen usually remain in port because ancient folklore tells them that this wind devours ships. Near the end of June, the last shamal arrives, known as the Al-Dabaran, or the follower. It is violent and continues for several days. Local residents keep doors and windows firmly shut as this shamal includes an all-penetrating fine dust which gets into everything.[3]

Synoptic conditions leading to the 3-5 days Shamal

Synoptic conditions

Summer Shamal

When a passing storm with a strong cold front passes over the mountains of Turkey and Kurdistan, the leading edge of a mass of relatively cooler air kicks up dust and sand, sending it aloft. Temperatures at lower elevations still hover above 105 °Fahrenheit (42 °Celsius) during these events.[4] In Iran, where winter storms can bring heavy snow to the terrain, a layer of dust can settle onto the snowpack.[5]

Winter Shamal

A winter Shamal is associated with the strengthening of a high pressure over the peninsula after the passage of a cold front while a deep trough of low pressure maintains itself over areas East of the Persian Gulf.[1] This leads to strong northerly wind over the Gulf for periods up to 5 days. They are associated with cold temperatures.

The places around the Middle East most likely to see the winter variety lie near Lavan Island, Halul Island, and Ras Rakan. They persist from 24 to 36 hours during the winter and occur as frequently as two to three times per

month between December and February. A persistent three to five day event occurs only once or twice a winter, and is accompanied by very high winds and seas.[6]

Effects

Shamals normally last three to five days. Since the resultant dust and sandstorm is several thousand feet deep, travel by air and ground comes to a standstill. When they spread to nearby bodies of water, fishing and shipping become equally difficult. During these wind events, several Southwest Asia international airports have recorded winds as high as 49 mph (43 knots) which can drive dust over large distances downwind.[7] The sandblasting effect has been reported to strip the paint off of cars [3][4].

Past example

A notable storm caused by a shamal covered Baghdad with sand on August 8, 2005, resulting in a closing of nearly all shops and public activity. The storm also overwhelmed Baghdad's Yarmuk Hospital, which treated more than a thousand people with respiratory distress.[8] From February 1 through February 4, 2008, there was a massive dust storm associated with a Shamal wind advected over the Arabian Sea. It was estimated that the leading edge of the dust storm moved at around 20 km/h, and at one point extended from Muqdisho, Somalia to Mumbai, India.[9]. Dust from this storm received press from the sports media as it swept across the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, where Tiger Woods was playing.[10]

Miscellany

A question about this wind was part of the 2003 National Geographic Bee.[11]

Shamal, meaning North, is a male name in Afghanistan.

In Afghanistan shamal means both 'wind' and 'North.'

A sandstorm caused by Shamal winds tore apart a Marines encampment on HBO's Generation Kill (TV series) about the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Black Water Course of Action Zone 6 Camp Command Cell

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

January 2011

Based on rough estimates of black water produced by each soldier and with the known

capacities of the trailers, the ILUs and the APUs that require pumping I’m providing the

following data and corresponding COAs.

Upon notification of the KMOI decision to halt black water dumping the Z6 CCC should

immediately prohibit the use of all ILU and APU latrines. This recommendation is based

on n factors:

The holding tanks are relatively small and total 14% of our black water storage capacity.

At the time of our notification the units will have been used for n hours and based on the

population around the specific units may be close to waste water capacity. The man

power requirements to monitor these units for capacity limits would be too great for the

COR team alone and would require several additional bodies to adequately monitor.

Pulling additional bodies from other sections would reduce the operational effectiveness

of the other sections. Given the potential situation other key sections may experience an

increased need to work additional hours. As an example the EOC would no doubt

experience an increase in call volume and walk in complaints. Environmental and safety

may need to increase inspections of PCBs and tents if the situation lasts for an

extended period of time.

Based on the time since the last pumping we would need to determine when to shut

down the latrine / shower trailers that require pumping. These tanks are estimated to

hold a max capacity of 5000 gallons of waste water. Using the data that an average

soldier would produce roughly 40 gallons of waste water in a given day, a single trailer

would reach max capacity after 24 hours of supporting only 125 soldiers through their

daily hygiene and latrine usage. We currently have 68 trailers requiring pumping which

gives us enough storage to support 8,500 soldiers daily hygiene needs. The current

population for Zone 6 is just under 5,500 soldiers so the quick math would fill these

storage tanks up in approximately a day and half.

A recommended course of action for these trailers would be to immediately restrict

shower / shaving usage in these trailers as these two activities are the biggest

producers of waste water. Allow latrine use only during hours of rest meaning use for

the middle of the night latrine run. This will keep soldiers close to the living quarters in

hours of darkness for safety concerns. This COA would however only be allowed for a

short period of time, possibly two to three days, and would require monitoring of the

tanks.

If the situation is not resolved after 2 to 3 days I would recommend all non sewer

connected facilities are locked down and all tenants are directed to the facilities that

discharge into the sewer lines.

Additional concerns:

Any storage tank regardless of the unit type that has waste water stored in it for more

than a week will become an environmental issue; the smaller units would likely start to

become an odor issue within a few days depending on the level of waste in the tank.

Monitoring of the restricted units will become a manpower strain on the unit and we will

likely need additional roving patrols and certainly tenant unit chain of command

influence to the respective unit soldiers.

As well soldier moral will quickly drop and start second and third order affects with

regard to mission readiness, decrease in health (as hygiene becomes more difficult to

perform soldiers will do less of it), lack of understanding can lead to misguided blame

and with TCNs working around Zone 6 the potential for unprofessional behavior could

be focused at them.

In closing I recommend that as the Zone 6 leadership team we need to further

determine what we have for resources in Arifjan with regard to sewage disposal. To do

so we should inquire with DPW and CSA for guidance on what the established “grid”

has to offer. I’ve learned over the last week that many supporting organizations are not

forthcoming with helpful information and we need to specifically pull this data from them.

Please note that there are an insurmountable number of variables in the overall problem

and possible solutions; to many to for me to note and develop different COAs in such a

short amount of time. Given this; my recommendations err toward avoiding

environmental issues, soldier health issues, and keeping safety issues a priority. I’m

sure you will have many questions regarding this and the accompanying spreadsheet.

Please let me know when you would like to discuss.

1SG Baker COR NCOIC

Like Your Favorite Pair Of Jeans

By Krista Graham

Posted on Granite Thunder - Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 1:58am

Krista's husband Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Graham is deployed with the 197th at the Zone 6 Mayor's Cell on Camp Arifjan.

The soldiers are entitled to two weeks of leave during their one year deployment. They didn’t have much of a say as to when their leave would occur, so I was pleased that Tom’s fell smack dab in the middle of his year. Six months down, six months to go. Perfect timing!

Lots of people have asked me, “So what was it like to have him home?” They usually have a gleam in their eye as if they are expecting a fairy tale account of two weeks

of some sort of euphoria. In trying to answer their question honestly, the best thing I can compare it to is putting on your favorite jeans when they first come out of the drier. You take them out while they’re still warm, anticipating putting them on. Then you start to pull, and you ask yourself, “Whose jeans are these?” You struggle to button them and you walk around stiff-legged for a few hours. Then gradually, miraculously, they take on that perfect shape and they just feel “right” again. That’s what it was like having Tom home.

When I picked Tom up at the airport, I brought our son Curtis with me, all decked out in his Marine dress uniform. Tom had missed Curtis’ graduation by just a week, so this moment was special for them. We reclaimed Tom’s luggage and headed out the door. I made them stop under the huge sign at Manchester Airport that says, “New Hampshire Supports our Troops” so I could take a picture. Passers-by stopped to watch as father and son posed together. It was pretty intense.

I knew Tom was exhausted from jet lag and travel, so I drove home. As I navigated the twists and turns of the roads exiting the airport, Tom seemed nervous. Finally he burst out with, “Can you please slow down?” He

explained that the speed limit at the camp in Kuwait is 20 k.p.h., which is about 12 m.p.h. “Other than the plane on the runway, this is the fastest I’ve gone in six months!” He said, knuckles white on the armrest. I tried to bring my reckless 30 m.p.h. down to a more subdued 25. I was inwardly amused at having my driving compared to runway speeds.

Over the next few days, Tom struggled to synchronize himself with the family again. The time difference alone was a challenge which became sort of symbolic of the other adjustments to returning to family life. At first, Tom wandered around a bit like a stranger in his own home. I had repainted several rooms, changed some curtains, bought a new kitchen stove, and generally rearranged things. For Tom, the categories for such things are not “better” or “worse” – they are simply “same” or “different.” He was seeing a whole lot of “different,” and I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about it.

As for Tom himself, he was definitely not different. The first day, as he unpacked some things, he pulled out a crushed water bottle and held it up triumphantly to show the kids. “Do you know what this is?” he asked. The girls stood mute, knowing intuitively that “crushed water bottle” was not the correct answer but totally at a loss to come up with another. I, on the other hand, knew exactly what was coming. Sure enough, a brief lecture followed, graphically illustrated by the water bottle, on air pressure and altitude. Yep, you can take the science teacher out of the country, but you can’t take the science teacher out of the science teacher! To his credit (and contrary to his natural instincts) Tom did agree to exchange his big plan for a family outing from a trip to the Boston Museum of Science to a trip to Gunstock for some tubing. This was a great relief to one and all!

My one great blunder in planning for Tom’s leave was saving our youngest daughter’s school fair project for Tom to do with her. She was supposed to make a log cabin for a display. This type of project paralyzes me. I don’t know where to begin. So, when I realized that the dates of Tom’s leave would fall neatly before the project was due, I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone. First, get the project off my to-do list; and second, provide Tom with a source of quality time with his nine year old. Big mistake! Tom has no concept of “good enough.” Every project is a masterpiece with him. Whether it’s hanging a towel rod or building a cabinet, the standard is rugged perfection.

Believe me, when I suggested Tom build a log cabin with his fourth grader, I did not envision him taking out his snow shoes to tramp through the

woods to cut branches. Nor did I picture him making a scale replica of the historic Robert Rogers cabin from colonial New Hampshire days. To paraphrase Twain, I shall now draw a curtain over the rest of this scene…

Tom definitely got a taste of “my world” while he was home. We got a foot of snow while he was here, vindicating me in all my complaints about the hassle of snow removal this year. Often when emailing home, Tom would ask if we were keeping the roof clear of snow, and I would reply, “We will shovel it off just as soon as we get a day without snow!” He saw first-hand I was not exaggerating. We also had to bring our cars into the shop one after another while he was home. Fortunately, Tom insisted on taking the Hyundai to a different garage than I’d been using. There we found out that the frame was actually broken right through, and the car was terribly unsafe. We unceremoniously junked it.

Another day, we discovered that a particular fuse kept blowing. We live in a very old house, and I am highly paranoid about all things electric; so I was very thankful that this problem cropped up while Tom was home. He called an electrician. To his horror, the electrician discovered water seeping through our foundation and running right into the main breaker box. Even I know that water pouring out of a breaker box is a very bad thing. He patched and puttied and dried everything for us. Considering I don’t even know where our main breaker box is, it was providential that Tom was home when this happened.

On a more personal level, I think Tom and I found it awkward to step back into our normal ways of interacting – particularly knowing that we only had a short time before he’d leave again. I could be wrong on this, but I took it as a clue that we weren’t quite back on our old footing when I got a Skype call, and it was Tom calling my laptop from his in the next room. Hey, whatever works, right?

Having all seven of us back under one roof was wonderful, especially knowing it would be a long time before it would happen again. Curtis’ leave was up before Tom’s. Tom drove him to the airport in the predawn hours and Curtis headed south for Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger. Exactly one week later, in the pre-dawn hours, I drove Tom to the airport and he left once again for Kuwait. As I careened out of the airport at thirty miles per hour, with no one there to tell me to slow down, I took a deep breath and sighed. “Here we go again,” I said aloud to myself. “Six more months…”

Passing Through The 18-Hour Portal by Granite Thunder on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 3:46am

By Chief Warrant Officer Thomas Graham,

Zone 6 Mayor's Cell, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

We crossed the Atlantic overnight, though after crossing a half dozen time zones, you lose all track of the time, local or otherwise. The bright snow covered landscape below forced me to squint as I pondered our location – small lakes, woods, mountains in the distance. A large amoeba shaped lake was strangely familiar as it came into view below. Amazingly, a tell-tale finger lake shape protruded southward, and I recognized Alton Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire. The flight then proceeded directly over our Capital City of Concord – my final destination, and I wistfully thought of a parachute as I knew it would be 10 more hours before I would be back here.

Upon arriving at the Manchester Airport – 10 hours later – I was met by Krista along with a young Marine in uniform. Curtis, fresh out of Boot Camp, had gotten his leave extended so we would actually have some time together however brief. Seeing him there provoked a variety of emotions, pride in my son, knowing how hard it had been for him, and humility at seeing the answer to a lot of prayers by a lot of people, standing there before me

Outside, the cold air took my breath away and the van never did seem to warm up. As we headed home, Krista began laying out the agenda for the next two weeks, while careening out the airport exit like a NASCAR driver. I really couldn't pay attention as we rocketed up Brown Avenue, and I finally blurted out something about not driving so FAST. I had gotten acclimatized, it seems, not only to February's 80 degree temperatures, but also to the 12 miles per hour speed limit on Zone 6 where I lived.

Her agenda spilled out as fast as she had been driving; we were invited over to dinner Monday night and again on Friday night. Curtis has plans to have a friend over Tuesday, and a couple other friends for an overnight on Thursday, and needs a ride to the airport next Monday. The car is making noises, and needs to get to the garage. And I needed to make a log cabin for Elim for her school expo. I didn't hear anything after that. All I knew was that this last project would absorb all my time. Krista has never understood the time things take.

Arriving home, I saw the snow on the roof hadn't been shoveled. It turns out they had gotten a foot the day before. The snow had paused a day as if allowing me to get home, then resumed with another 10 inches the next day, forcing our church to cancel its Sunday morning services. That Wednesday we got another six inches of very slippery snow in which I almost had an accident. Krista's only comment about all this was that she was glad I was there to see it. "The whole winter has been this way," she said, "and you would never have believed me if you hadn't seen it yourself."

My first official act upon stepping back into my house was to turn up the heat. Then I began noticing the other differences; the new glass topped stove was nice, but the burnt pumpkin color of the bathroom was horrid. "OK," Krista remarked, "You've got me there. I don't like it either, but I didn't know it until I had gone too far to stop."

Driving the car the next day, to collect the ingredients for a log cabin, the loud engine noise revealed itself and the car situation turned out to be plural. The rattle was fixed – a water pump – but then another sound appeared in both cars. The saga stretched into the second week as we juggled rides to bring both cars into the garage with the intent to fix just one. This was made easier by the rusted frame of the second one which we had to let go to the junkyard. Hard to swallow, but making a fresh start and saving some money with only two cars on the road, helped close the door on this issue.

My first week back was a whirlwind of activity as Curtis, still in decompression mode from Marine Basic, and trying to cram his last week as full of friends and fun as he could, gave our home the aura of a college Frat house. The log cabin had taken two days of my life so far, and between the roof and driveway, I had shoveled three snow storms. At some point in the midst of this high op-tempo week, (high operational tempo is the military way of saying a whirlwind of activity), when Krista and I were catching up in a rare quiet moment, a feeling I can't describe hit me. It felt like we were catching up after an absence of just a couple of weeks rather than five months. Maybe it was the Groundhog's Day effect, since we work 7 days a week, and the days tend to run into one another.

During the second week, things got back to normal, but no less busy. After dropping Curtis off at the airport, and with the girls back in school, I managed to do a few things of my own: visiting the school where I will return to work in the fall, working on an article for the Center of Army Lessons Learned, cutting saddle notches for a log cabin, visits with a couple of friends.

I had brought home two sets of flags that were flown at the Camp Command Cell, to donate to the State House, and the New Hampshire Historical Society. At the Historical Society, my documentation of the flag's location and dates flown, along with the certificate, were as savory to the curator as tasting a fine wine – the acquisition of an authentic and well documented piece of New Hampshire History.

Leave, however, was starting to feel like being a terminally ill person who just wasn't going to finish things before they were gone. There were friends I wasn't going to be able to catch up with. There was a visit to some school kids whose class had send some valentines to us soldiers. I had a Kuwaiti water bottle to show them, and a little milk bottle with some dirt in it. I had some POGs (cardboard disks used as U.S. currency) and some Kuwaiti money to show them as well. I had hoped to talk about the dust here being like the moon dust, and about where we were in Kuwait and a little about our mission, and to especially to thank them for their thoughtfulness. There was the unfinished log cabin. There was the dinner and movie my wife and I weren't able to squeeze in. There was more . . . . . but I ran out of time.

On Saturday, I got a haircut, and mailed a few things to myself, including the folded up duffle bag which I had brought home full. I spent Sunday

packing, and awoke abruptly early Monday morning, having missed the alarm, and having a mad rush out of the house to make it to the airport at that obscenely early hour. After a hurried good bye kiss, it was over and I was soon passing through the 18 hour portal back to another world.

During the trip, I found that the further away from home I got, the more the memory of the hectic two weeks faded. I was certainly glad I had gotten home, but I found that after a few days back at Arifjan, just as five months had seemed like a couple of weeks, so my two weeks home seemed like a dream one might have in a single night, and like a dream, its details begin fading quickly upon waking. But our time here will soon be over, and I will be headed back again through that portal – returning home – while my year away from my loved ones will likewise itself begin fading . . . like a dream.

--Mr. Graham's wife, Krista writes a weekly essay about holding down the fort at home

Kuwait and the United States

• Oct.1951:U.S.opensaconsulateinKuwait,whichiselevatedtoembassystatuswhenKuwaitgainsitsindependencetenyearslater

• 1987:StrategiccooperationbetweentheUnitedStatesandKuwaitincreaseswiththeimplementationofamaritimeprotectionregimethatensuresthefreedomofnavigationthroughtheGulffor11KuwaititankersthatarereflaggedwithU.S.markings

• Aug.2,1990:SaddamHussein’sIraqiforcesinvadeKuwait• Aug.6,1990:PresidentGeorgeH.W.BushordersU.S.forcestodeploytoregiontoforceimmediate,unconditionalwithdrawal

ofSaddamHussein’sforces.• Jan.16,1991:OperationDesertStormbeginswithmassiveairandmissileattacksontargetsinKuwaitandIraq• Jan.30,1991:U.S.forcesinGulfregionexceed500,000troops• Feb.23,1991:GroundwarbeginswithU.S.andCoalitionforcesmovingintoIraqandKuwait• Feb.26,1991:KuwaitileadersdeclaretheyareincontrolofKuwaitCity• Feb.27,1991:PresidentGeorgeH.W.Bushannouncesceasefire• March3,1991:Iraqileadersformallyacceptcease-fireterms• March8,1991:U.S.forcesbeginredeployment• 1991:KuwaitsignsasecurityagreementandforeignmilitarysalesagreementwithU.S.

• 1992:Kuwaitleadersauthorizeexpenditureof$11.7billion(US)topurchasemilitaryequipmentoverthenext12years–U.S.isamajorsupplier,providingM1-A2battletanks,F/A-18HornetfighteraircraftandPatriotMissileAirDefenseSystems

• Oct.1994:U.S.forcesdeploytoKuwait,commandedbyThirdArmy,forOperationVigilantWarriortoprotectKuwaitinaborderdisputewithIraq

• Aug.1995:ThirdArmyprovidescommandandcontrolforOperationVigilantSentinel,entailingtherapiddeploymentofaheavybrigadetaskforcetoKuwaitinresponsetoIraqiforcesrallyingonborder

• 1997:35,000U.S.andcoalitionforcesdeploytoKuwaitforOperationDesertThunderinresponsetoSaddamHussein’sblockageofU.N.weaponsinspections

• Dec.1998:U.S.forces,commandedbyThirdArmy,deploytoKuwaitforOperationDesertFox,thepurposeofwhichistodefendthenationandreassureGulfalliesintheaftermathofIraq’smissileattacksonalliedaircraft

• March1999:ThenU.S.SecretaryofDefenseWilliamCohenvisitsKuwaitandannouncesthatU.S.willconsideranyattackonKuwaitasanattackontheU.S.afterSaddamHusseindeclareshenolongerrecognizesKuwait’ssovereignty

• 2002-03:KuwaitisavitalU.S.coalitionpartnerduringthebuild-upofOperationIraqiFreedom,reserving60percentofitslandmassforusebycoalitionforcesanddonating$35million(US)inassistance

• April1,2004:PresidentGeorgeW.BushdesignatesKuwaita“majornon-Natoally”

A history of the Kuwaiti-American partnership

A partnership between nationsApril 1, 2004: President George W. Bush designates Kuwait a “major non-Nato ally”

Feb. 23, 1991: Ground war begins with U.S. and Coalition forces moving into Iraq and Kuwait

Into the fire

1987: Strategic cooperation between the United States and Kuwait increases with the implementation of a maritime protection regime.

Quiet waters

AlthoughthepeopleofKuwaithavealongandrichhistorystretchingbackthousandsofyears,thestoryofmodern-dayKuwaitbeginsintheearly18thcentury,whenanArabictribeknownastheBaniUtbahsettledtheregion.Earlyon,theSabahfamily,whichstillleadsKuwaittoday,rosetodistinction.AccordingtoKuwaitisources,thepeople

ofKuwaitunanimouslychoseSabahbinJabertobetheirfirstsheik,apositionheoccupieduntilhisdeathin1762.Hewassucceededbyhisyoungestson

HistoryA summary of Kuwait’s rich history

Abdullah,whowasknownforintelligence,bravery,shrewdnessandgenerosity.Heservedassheikuntil1813andiscreditedwithbuildingKuwait’sfirstdefensivewalls.Underhisreign,Kuwait’scommercialinterestsflourished,expandingintowhatarenowIndia,YemenandIraq.Healsoestablisheddirectrelationswith

theBritishEastIndiaCompanyintheGulf,whichturnedKuwaitintoamajortraderoute.Atthistime,Kuwaitwasofficiallypart

oftheOttomanEmpire,andAbdullah’srelationshipwiththeBritishallowedthenationtomaintainadegreeofautonomy.

Through the yearsA brief history of the Nation of Kuwait

Kuwait and the united StateS have continued to develop their partnerShip Since operation deSert Storm.

Story bySgt. 1st Class Jonathan Wiley

Third Army Public Affairs

5

Parade

Contents

Marines

Old Guard

Navy

TimelinePage 2: A history of the

Kuwaiti-American partnership

HistoryPage 5: A recollection

of Kuwait’s story

Run DayPage 8: U.S. Troops hit the asphalt

to honor the 50/20 Celebration

Page 10: The 3rd Infantry Regimentrepresents the U.S. Army at 50/20

Page 12: Former commander of Middle East Forces returns to visit Kuwait

Page 16: Marines from MARCENT provide support from Bahrain

Page 18: Coalition Forces come together to celebrate Kuwait’s National Day and

honor their veterans.

4

Air ForcePage 14: Air Force personnel support

50/20 with a fly-by

The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorial

content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Office. This magazine is published by

Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, which is not affiliated with USARCENT. All copy will be edited. The Desert

Voice is produced twice a month by the 27th Public Affairs Detachment. Find us online at www.arcent.army.mil.

Col. Gerald O’Hara Third Army Public Affairs Officer

Lt. Gen. William G. WebsterThird Army Commanding General

Command Sgt. Maj. John D. FourhmanThird Army Command Sgt. Maj.

Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. FletcherThird Army Public Affairs Sgt. Maj.

Sgt. M. Benjamin GableDesert Voice Editor

Sgt. Ryan HohmanStaff Writer

Spc. Eric GuzmanLayout and Design

Pfc. Dan RangelStaff Writer

Lt. Col. Wayne MarottoThird Army Deputy PAO (FWD)

Sgt. 1st Class Jon WileyThird Army PAO NCOIC

Capt. Russell E. Varnado27th PAD Commander

Staff Sgt. Mark Matthews27th PAD NCOIC

From1896to1915,Kuwaitwasledbyanexceptionalruler,SheikMubarakAl-Sabah,orasheisknowntothepeopleofKuwait,MubaraktheGreat.Theadministrationheestablished,andthediplomaticrelationshecarvedoutforKuwaitasanindependentnation,serveastherootsformuchofwhatisnowmodern-dayKuwait.In1899,heupheldanddefendedatreatywithGreat

Britain,whichrecognizedKuwaitasanindependentcountryunderBritishprotection.UndertheruleofSheikAhmadAlJaber,oilwasdiscoveredin1938.Traditionally,Kuwaitishadekedoutalivingfromtheirenvironmentastradersandfishermen,butwiththisdiscovery,Kuwaitwouldeventuallyrisetobecomethefirstofthe“super-rich”Arabstates.

Kuwait’sprotectoratestatuswithGreatBritainendedin1961,butwiththewithdrawaloftheBritish,KuwaitcameunderimmediatethreatfromneighboringIraq,whichclaimedithadtherighttoruletheterritory.Iraq’sclaimwasbasedonthequestionablepremisethatsincetheterritoryhadbeenpartoftheOttomanEmpire,whichwasadministeredfromBaghdad,KuwaitwaslawfullypartofIraq.IraqiforcesmobilizedontheborderinJune1961,

butashowofforcebytheBritishandArabLeaguemembersquicklydefusedthesituation.ArabforcescomprisedofSaudis,Jordanians,EgyptiansandSudanese,alongwithBritishtroops,aircraftandships,deployedandsuccessfullydeterredaninvasion.InAugustof1990,however,Iraqdidinvadeand

reasserteditsclaimsonthenation.DuringtheIraq-IranWarinthe1980s,KuwaitloanedSaddamHusseinseveralbilliondollarsinsupportofhiscampaignagainsttheIslamicRepublicofIran.Afterthewar’sconclusion,inanattempttorenegeonhisdebts,Husseinattemptedtoannexthecountry.U.S.PresidentGeorgeH.W.Bushcondemned

theinvasionandmountedamilitaryanddiplomaticcampaigntodriveouttheIraqiforces.AuthorizedbytheUnitedNationsSecurityCouncil,

acoalitionof34nationsfoughtwhatisreferredtoastheFirstPersianGulfWartoreinstateSheikJaberAl-AhmedAlJaberAl-Sabah,astheKuwaitemir.Followingseveralweeksofaerialbombardment,

thecoalitionbeganagroundassaultonFebruary23,

1991thatcompletelyremovedIraqiforcesfromKuwaitinfourdays.Afterthewar,Kuwaitundertookthechallenging

taskofrebuildingitsnation.AfterthereestablishmentofKuwaitisovereignty,therestorationofbasicservicesbegan.Kuwait,whichwasseverelydamagedbytheseven-

monthoccupation,didanimpressivejobofrepairingthedamage.Withinafewshortyears,fewtracesofthedevastationofKuwaitCity’soffices,shopsandhomesremained.Sincethistime,KuwaitandtheUnitedStates

havecontinuedtodeveloptheirpartnership.Kuwait’ssupportwasanessentialfactorinthesuccessofOperationIraqiFreedom.

HistoryA summary of Kuwait’s rich history

The story of modern day Kuwait began in the early 18th century

the Kuwait city SKyline ShowS the reSilience of a nation rebuilt after Saddam huSSein’S army invaded during the firSt perSian gulf war.

6 7

ServicememberswiththeFrenchForeignLegion,3rdU.S.InfantryRegiment(OldGuard)andU.S.MarineCorpsfromaroundtheglobespenttheweekworkingwithmembersoftheKuwaitmilitaryinpreparationofhonoringKuwait’sindependenceandliberation.Throughouttheweek,theteamofcoalition

forceswereguestsonCampVirginiaandwere,themselves,honoredandentertainedwithvariouseventsfortheirsupport.AceremonialcakecuttingwasheldFeb.23

atthecampdiningfacilitytohonortheveteransofOperationDesertStormandrecognizethe

long-standingandsuccessfulpartnership

intheregion.MilitaryleadersfromKuwait,France,GreatBritainandtheU.S.cutthecake,recognizingtheimportanceofKuwait’shistoricmilestone.“Thecombinationofyearsofworkandcoming

togethertofreeacountryhasbeenanhonor,”saidCpl.DeanSlater,FrenchForeignLegion.“It’sgiventheFrenchForeignLegiongreatpridetoworkagainwithourbrothers-in-arms.”Aspecial5-kilometerracewasalsoheld

inhonorof50/20.TheMorale,WelfareandRecreationcommandcoordinatedtheraceconsistingofapproximately350servicemembers,andprizesweregiventothetopmaleandfemalefinishers.“InKuwaitthecelebrationisveryimportant,

andhereatCampVirginiawewanttohonortheir

Story and photo by Cpl. Cassandra FlowersUnited States Marine Corps

top: cpl. JeSSica bauerlein and gunnery Sgt. Jordan martin race to the finiSh line during the camp virginia 50/20 5K race feb. 25 in honor of Kuwait’S 50/20 celebration. u.S. and french military perSonnel participated in the event.

top: french and u.S. military leaderS prepare to cut the caKe at the 50/20 caKe cutting ceremony at camp virginia’S dining facility feb. 24. the ceremony waS in honor of Kuwait’S independence celebration. all military participateS in the event were invited for a Special dinner at the dfac.

u.S. and french troopS participate in a 5K race and a ceremonial caKe cutting to honor 50/20

The long haul

independenceandalsogiveourguestsofthebasesomethingtolookforwardto,”saidKevinScott,manager,MWR.AsimilarracewasrunsimultaneouslyatbothCampArifjanandCampBuerhing

inKuwait.“Theracewaswellcoordinated,andwasagreatidea,”saidPettyOfficer1stClass

PatriciaHernandez,areligiousprogramspecialistfromMarineCentralCommand,andthesecondplacewinnerforthefemalecategory.“Givenallthedifferentmilitaryservices,a5Kracewasagreatwaytowrapup50/20.”FrenchMarineSgt.JournetDamien,tookfirstplaceforthemalecategory,crossing

thefinishlineat17minutesand30seconds,and2ndLt.RachelWoerner,U.SArmy,tookthewinforthefemalescrossingthefinishlineatthesameexacttime.Allmembersofthemilitarywillculminateonelasttimetogetherforaparadein

frontoftheAmirofKuwaitanddistinguishedvisitorsfromaroundtheworldFeb.26.

50/20RunServicememberS from france and the united StateS run to commemorate the 50/20 celebration

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InhonorofKuwait’s50/20Celebration,thecommemorationofKuwait’s50thNationalDay,aswellasthehonoringofthe20yearssinceOperationDesertStorm,theGovernmentofKuwaitinvitedthemarchingelementsfromnumerouscoalitionnationstoparticipateinacelebratoryparadeinKuwaitFeb.26.The3rdInfantryRegiment(TheOld

Guard),theU.S.Army’sofficialceremonialunit,tooktotheparadegroundsofthe50/20CelebrationtomarchalongsidetheirKuwaiticounterpartsaswellastroopsfromothernationstocelebratetheenduringpartnershipsharedbetweencountries.

“Thishasbeenagreatdeploymentforourorganization,”saidLt.Col.RossCoffey,thedeputycommanderofthe1stBattalion,3rdInf.Regt.(TheOldGuard),andaSeattlenative.“Themostuniqueaspectofallofthisisthatwe’regettingtoworkwithallofthemilitaries;notonlyKuwaitimilitary,buttheWesternmilitariesaswell.”The50/20Celebrationisthefirst

opportunityforanumberoftheparticipatingOldGuardSoldierstoworkalongsideforeignmilitaries,andaccordingtoCoffey,thebestaspectofthedeploymentwaslearningabouttheiralliesthroughpeer-to-peerinteraction.Giventheopportunitytointeractwith

foreignalliesgivessomeoftheOldGuardtroopsachancetoseefirst-handthebondsthattheU.S.shareswithpartnernationsand

Story by Spc. Eric GuzmanThird Army Public Affairs

Side by sideSoldiers with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment march with Kuwaiti allies during the 50/20 Celebration

The Old Guardthe u.S. army’S official ceremonial unit repreSentS their nation at the 50/20 parade

top:troopS from the 3rd u.S.infantry regiment (the old guard) participate in Kuwait’S 50/20 celebration, which commemorateS the 50th national day celebration and 20th anniverSary of operation deSert Storm. photo by capt. heath allen

below: SoldierS repreSenting the 3rd u.S. infantry regiment (the old guard) fly their colorS aS they prepare to march with coalition troopS during the 50/20 celebration parade. during the parade, troopS repreSenting variouS coalition forceS will pay homage to the effortS put forth by veteranS of operation deSert Storm to liberate Kuwait.photo by Spc. eric guzman

howtheireffortsastheU.S.Army’sceremonialunitstrengthensthosebonds.“I’mheretomarchinthe50/20paradeforKuwaitandit’sanhonor

tobehere,”saidPvt.JoshHaworth,aninfantrymanandmemberoftheOldGuard’smarchingelement.“Idon’tgettodothissortofthingveryoftensoit’sreallyfun.Ofcourse,it’sapleasureworkingwithmyKuwaiticounterparts.”The50/20Celebrationparadeisanopportunitytonotonlyhonor

Kuwait’sindependence,butalsotorecognizetheveteransofOperationDesertStorm.U.S.involvementintheparadeexhibitsaflourishingpartnershipwith

Kuwaitthatcontributestoregionalsecurityandstability.

Spc. michael anderSon, a member of the marching element of the 3rd u.S. infantry regiment (the old guard), diScuSSeS life in uniform with a cadet from the Kuwaiti police academy before the 50/20 celebration parade.photo by Spc. eric guzman

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RetiredRearAdmiralRaynorA.K.Taylor,formercommanderofMiddleEastForcesarrivedinKuwaitCitytotakepartina36-nationcelebrationhonoringthe20-yearanniversaryoftheliberationofKuwait.RearAdm.Taylorwasappointedcommander

ofMiddleEastForcesFebruary23,1991,fivedaysafterminecounter-measureshipsUSSPrinceton(CG59)andUSSTripoli(LPH10)werehitbyminesoffthecoastofKuwait,andquicklyrefocusedthealliedminecounter-measureefforts.Taylorledthealliedforcesinopeningthe

ShuaibaPortandclearingtheIraqiminefield.Theminefieldwasachallengetothe12-nation

combinedminecounter-measureforce

duetothefactthatthemineswerelaidina60-degreearcandwasfourtofiveminesdeep.“Whenthey(Iraq)laidtheminefield,”Taylor

said,“theyusedfourkindsofmines.Itwasamixedminefield,soifyouarehuntingwithsomethingthat’sgoodwithacousticminesyouwillmissothers.Itwasanamazingminefieldthatcoveredallknowncommercialpathways.”AtthetimeofthePrincetonandTripoli

attacks,theexactlocationoftheminefieldandtypesofminesusedwereunknown.“Wewereallintheminefield,butnobody

knewwheretheminefieldwas.Wehadnointernalintelligenceonwherethemineswerelaid.Itwasamystery,”saidTaylor.Taylorandthealliedforcesreceivedthe

coordinatesfortheminesaspartoftheSafwanAccords,signedMarch3,1991,whenArmyGen.NormanH.Schwarzkopf,Commander-in-ChiefU.S.CentralCommand,demandedthe

FORMER COMMANDER OF MIDDLE EAST FORCES CELEBRATES TWENTY-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF KUWAIT LIBERATION

The Anniversary

U.S. Navy

Story and photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Lee Kelsey

United States Navy

inclusionoftheminefieldintheaccords.Theaccordsalsoprovidedforatemporarycease-fireline,settermsforthereturnofprisonersofwar,andsetprocedurestopreventanyfurtheroutbreaksoffightingbetweenIraqiandalliedforces.TheinformationgivenduringtheSafwanaccordswasproventrue

duringaraidandsubsequentsearchofRasal-QulayahNavalBaseinKuwaitwhenalargenavalchartwasdiscoveredwithidenticalplotpoints.AccordingtoTaylor,thatwasthefirsttimethealliedforcesreallyknewwheretheminesactuallywere.Taylorbroketheminefieldintonineboxesanddividedthe

workloadamongthe12-nationminecountermeasurefleetthatincludedshipsfromtheUnitedStates,UnitedKingdom,SaudiArabia,andJapan.TheUnitedStatesandUnitedKingdomshipsfocusedonclearinga100ft.pathtoShuaibaPort.TheopeningofShuaibaPortbecamethealliedforcesprimary

goalaftertheendofcombatoperationsbecause,asthesecondlargestcommercialportinKuwait,itwascriticaltotheoverallKuwaiteconomybyensuringrawmaterials,equipment,andmachineryeasilyflowedintothecountry.Inordertocleartheshippinglanes,Taylorneededtoensurethelaneswereclearofmines.“Whenyouworkwithmines,thereareonlytwothingsyoucan

do.Youeitherhavetoblowthemuporprovetheabsenceofthem,”Taylorsaid.Byutilizingdivers,huntingwithsonar,andsweepingwithtriggeringdevices,thealliedforceslocatedanddestroyedmorethan1,250seaminesandsuccessfullyclearedtheshippinglanesleadingtoShuaibaPort.“Ifyougobackinhistory,therearestillminesoffJapan,Britain,

Norway,theFrenchCoast.Ofcoursetheyareallwaterloggedandunarmednow,buttheyareoutthere.Ithinkitissafetosaythatthiswasthefirsttimeinworldhistorythattheentireminefieldwaseliminated.Therearezerominesleft.”RearAdm.Taylorretiredafter33yearsofservice.Heservedas

Commander,MiddleEastForcesduringOperationDesertStormandwaslaterappointedasthefirstpostwarCommanderofNavalCentralForcesCommand.TaylorisaninvitedguestoftheUnitedStatesEmbassyandthegovernmentofKuwaittoattendthe50/20celebrationhonoringtheveteransofOperationDesertStormandrecognizingthelong-standingandsuccessfulpartnershipbetweenKuwaitandtheUnitedStates.

above: retired rear admiral raynor a.K. taylor, former commander of middle eaSt forceS, SpeaKS to Kuwaiti naval officerS during a Kuwaiti military demonStration in honor of Kuwait'S 50 yearS of independence and 20 yearS of liberation held at marina mall in Kuwait city.

a Kuwaiti military demonStration in honor of Kuwait'S 50 yearS of independence and 20 yearS of liberation iS held at marina mall in Kuwait city.

deSert Storm veteran viSitS Kuwait to taKe part in the 50/20 celebration

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FebruarymarksmajormilestonesforoneoftheUnitedStates’allies,thenationofKuwait.Throughouttheentiremonth,thepeopleofKuwaithavebeencelebratingthe50thanniversaryoftheirindependence,aswellas20yearsofliberation.The50/20celebration,whichKuwaithasdesignatedastheir“GoldenJubilee,”culminatedthisweekwithanumberoflargecelebrationsinwhichthemembersofthe386thAirExpeditionaryWingproudlyparticipated.OnesucheventwasaNationalDaycelebrationFeb.24held

attheU.S.EmbassyinKuwaitinwhicha386thAEWmemberwaschosentocontributehismusicaltalentstotheceremony.Sr.AirmanSamuelBunting,aknowledgeoperationsmanagerwiththe386thExpeditionaryCommunicationsSquadronandanavidbugleplayer,playedTapsattheU.S.Embassy.“Iwasaskedtoparticipateby[Col.PatrickMordente,386th

AEWcommander],”saidBunting.“HerememberedmyplayingatapreviouseventandthoughtIwouldbeperfecttoplayTapsatthisevent.Ifelthonoredtoevenbeconsidered.”TheguestlistfortheNationalDaycelebrationattheembassyboastedmanyKuwaitandU.S.militaryleaders.The3rd

U.S.InfantryRegiment(TheOldGuard)wasalsoapartofthecelebration.“WorkingwiththeU.S.ArmyOldGuardwasanhonor;

someoftheSoldiersinthatunithaveguardedtheTomboftheUnknownSoldiersinArlington,”saidBunting.“Itwasalmostliketheeventsyouseeontelevisionwherethehonorguardissalutingandthebuglerisgiventhesignaltoplay.Youjustneverexpectittohappentoyouandinthatveryshortmomentalleyesareonyou.”HighlightingtheKuwait50/20eventwasalargemilitary

paradeandairdemonstrationFeb.26.Themembersofthe386thExpeditionaryCommunicationsSquadronprovidedanintegralpiecetothecelebration–thecommunicationspiece.“Weweretaskedtosetupground-to-aircommunicationsfor

theairdemonstrationportionoftheKuwait50/20celebration,”saidMasterSgt.ReggieFelty,aradiofrequencytransmissionnoncommissionedofficerwiththe386thECS.“Thatincludedsettingupamobileairtrafficcontroltowerandprovidingalltheequipmentfortheairbosstocommunicate.”Felty,aGrayson,Ky.,native,andhissix-personteamwere

proudtobeabletolendtheirsupporttosuchahistoricoccasion.“I’mreallyproudofhowmyteamhandledtheentireevent

andhowsmootheverythingwent,”saidFelty.“Atthebeginning,handlingthiseventseemedlikesuchadauntingtaskbut

everyonesteppedupanddidtheirparttoreallyhelpmakethecelebrationasuccess.IrememberseeingmilitarymembersreturningfromOperationDesertStormwhileIwasatmyfirstdutystation,”continuedFelty.“Now,20yearslater,tobehereandbeapartoftheircelebrationisamazing.IttakesmebacktotheFourthofJuly.Itwasveryuplifting.”Membersofthe386thAEWalsotooktotheskyfortheKuwait50/20celebration.TheflybyfeaturedseveralU.S.aircraftfromaroundtheAirForcesCentral

CommandAreaofResponsibility,includingF-16FightingFalcons,F-18Hornets,F-15CEagles,E-8JointStar,E-3AWACS,KC-135Stratotanker,KC-10Extender,UH60BlackhawksandSH60Blackhawks.MyriadCoalitionaircraftalsoparticipatedintheflyby.“Wewerejustoneoftheaircraftusedduringthislargeevent,”saidMaj.Tim

Townsend,assistantdirectorofoperationsforthe737thExpeditionaryAirliftSquadron,DyessAirForceBase,Texas.“TherewereU.S.Navy,ArmyandotherAirForceaircraftaspartoftheevent.I’mveryhonoredtobeaskedtocommandthisaircraft.It’sahugedealfortheKuwaitisandI’mflatteredtobeapartofit.ThisisjustonemoreeventthatfurtherstrengthensthebondbetweentheU.S.andKuwait.”OperationDesertStormin1991cementedthatbondbetweentheU.S.andKuwait.

ThemorningofAug.2,1990,SaddamHussein’sforcestookKuwaitbyforce.Withinfivedaysoftheinvasion,U.S.forceshaddeployedtotheregionwithaclearobjectivetorestoreKuwait’slegitimategovernmentandensurethewithdrawalofallIraqiforces.Withacoalitionofmorethan32differentnationsandU.S.forcesnumberstopping

outaround697,000,oncebegun,theairandgroundcampaignwereoverquickly.Duringthe42-dayaircampaignmorethan100,000sortieswereflownand88,500

tonsofbombsweredroppeddestroyingmilitarytargets.Thegroundcampaigntook100hoursandforcedIraq’smorethan545,000forcestomakeafullretreatensuringtheliberationofKuwait.

Air Force

The Parade day flight

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing participates in Kuwait’s 50/20 Celebration

The U.S. Air Force provides several assets for use in Kuwait’s 50/20 air demonstrationStory by Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke

Photos by Senior Airman Cynthia Spalding386th Expeditionary Air Wing Public Affairs

maJ. timothy townSend, c-130h pilot with the 737th expeditionary airlift Squadron, talKS with Staff Sgt. Sarah parSley, a flight engineer, JuSt before taKeoff for Kuwait'S 50/20 celebration parade feb. 26. the parade commemorated Kuwait'S 50th anniverSary of itS independence and 20th anniverSary of itS liberation which happened aS a reSult of operation deSert Storm.photo by Senior airman cynthia Spalding14 15

U.S. Marine CorpsThe U.S. Marine Corps takes part in a week-long celebration of Kuwaiti independence

Marching alongStory and photos by Cpl. Cassandra Flowers

United States Marine Corps

troopS repreSenting marine corpS central command travel from bahrain to participate in Kuwait’S 50/20 celebration

“I’m proud of our Marines, and I feel the opportunity to build friendships and partnerships amongst ourselves and other countries is great. Two years down the road, these countries will remember the times they had with the U.S. Marines...”-Maj. Gary D. Thompson,commander of troops,MARCENT 50/20 marching element

ServicemembersfromMarineCorpsCentralCommandForward,basedoutofBahrain,participatedinaweeklongcelebrationofKuwait's50thyearofIndependenceand20thyearofliberation.Morethan30MarinesandSailorsmarchedwith

theMarineCorpscolorsanddroveaformationofHumveesinthe50/20paradeFeb.26alongside12othercountriesincludingFrench,BritishandKuwaitmilitarypersonnel.Thetwo-houreventwasinhonorofveteransfrom

OperationDesertStorm,andrecognizedthelongstandingandsuccessfulpartnershipthatisindicativeofthefriendshipsintheregion."Alotofcoordinatingwentintoplanningthisevent,"

saidMaj.GaryD.Thompson,commanderoftroopsfortheMarineformation,MARCENT."Therearealotofmovingpartstothiscelebration,especiallydealingwiththecomplexitiesofdifferentnations,butIthinktheeventwaspulledoffwell."Theweekconsistedofearlymorningsandlongdays

rehearsing.However,theMarinesparticipatingsaidtheyfeltthetimetheygaveinsupport,wasrewarded

bytheuniqueopportunityofbeingapartofthecelebration."It'sbeenanhonortobeoneofthefewMarinesto

representtheMarineCorpsandtheUnitedStatesinthe50/20celebration,"saidCpl.JessicaBauerlein,amarcherfromMARCENT."It'sinterestingtoseethedifferentservicesandtointeractwithsomanydifferentcountries.It'ssuchauniqueexperience,andI'mproudtobeapartofit."Withmanydifferentculturesandmilitariesbeing

involvedin50/20,theMarinesappreciatedtheamountoftimeandenergyspentplanningsuchanevent.Thompsonsaidheenjoyedseeingtheinteraction

betweenthejuniorandveteranMarinesthroughouttheweek."I'mproudofourMarines,andIfeeltheopportunity

tobuildfriendshipsandpartnershipsamongstourselvesandothercountriesisgreat,"Thompsonsaid.“Twoyearsdowntheroad,thesecountrieswillrememberthetimestheyhadwiththeU.S.MarinesandwhenitcomestocoordinatingbiggereventstheywillrememberthefriendshipscreatedinKuwait."Whethermarchinginformationnexttoeachotheror

sharingstoriesduringtheirdowntime,theMarinessaidtheyenjoyedtheirexperiencewhileinKuwait. 17

The 50/20 Parade

U.S. support for the 50/20 Celebration showcases the historical importance of the enduring relationship between the U.S. and Kuwait. This celebration honors the Veterans of Operation Desert Storm and recognizes the long standing and successful partnership that is indicative of our many friendships in the region.

The U.S. proudly accepted an invitation by the Kuwaiti Minister of Defense for U.S. forces to participate in events associated with this celebration. The U.S. military’s participation highlights the U.S. – Kuwaiti partnership and commitment to regional stability

and security. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force service components of the United States Central Command participated in the parade to honor Kuwait’s 50th National Day Celebration and the 20 years since Operation Desert Storm took place.

18 19

Parade dayFeb. 26, 2011: Heroes make history in Kuwait at the 50/20 parade

ThirdArmySoldiersparticipatedinKuwait’s50/20CelebrationinKuwait,February26.ThecelebrationcommemoratesKuwait’s50-yearanniversaryofitsindependenceand20-yearanniversaryofitsliberation.TheU.S.wasaskedtoparticipateinthecelebrationparadeby

thegovernmentofKuwaitalongwithrepresentativesfromtheoriginalcoalitionof36countries.“WearehonoredtomarchwithourKuwaitipartners,”said

CommandSgt.Maj.JohnD.Fourhman,ThirdArmy’sseniorenlistedleader.“Thisparadehighlightstheweekofcelebrationforus,”Fourhmansaid.U.S.CentralCommandcoordinatedsupportfromtheAir

Force,MarineCorpsandNavyservicecomponents.ThirdArmy,incoordinationwithUSCENTCOMandtheU.S.EmbassyinKuwait,providedmilitaryvehiclesandanhonorguardfortheparade.OnehundredmembersofTheOldGuardmarchedandcarriedthecolorsoftheunitswhoexecutedOperationDesertStorm.Morethan50groundandairassetsparticipatedintheparade

aswell.GroundtacticalvehiclesincludedAbrams,Bradleys,

PaladinsandHumvees;whileairassetsincludedUH-60Blackhawks,theC-130Hercules,theE-6JointStars,theKC-135Stratotankerandvariousfighterplanes.Kuwaitmilitarypersonnelparticipatinginthecelebration

paraderelishedtheopportunitytomarchalongsidetheircounterparts.“WearethankfulforourAmericanbrothers,”saidSgt.Yousif

Al-Sahaf,aninfantrymanwiththeKuwaitArmy.“Thishasbeenagreatdayforme.”Sharingintheunity,crowdsofKuwaitisfilledobservation

standswavingboththeKuwaitiandAmericanflags.Kuwaitischeeredaswavesoftroopsmarchedinunisonandmilitaryaircraftracedovertheparaderouteleavingtrailsofblack,red,greenandwhitesmoke.The50/20CelebrationParadeemphasizedthehistorical

importanceoftheenduringrelationshipbetweentheU.S.andKuwait.ThiscelebrationhonoredtheveteransofOperationDesertStormandrecognizedthelong-standingandsuccessfulpartnershipbetweenThirdArmyandcoalitioncountries.TheparadewasalsoanopportunityfortheU.S.tojoininthe

celebrationofKuwait’sprosperityasanindependentnationandcommemorateandhonortheU.S.-Kuwaitirelationship.

National DayKuwait, the U.S. and several other allies come together to celebrate a prosperous history of unity

Story and photos by Sgt. M. Benjamin GableThird Army Public Affairs

above: u.S. army caiman vehicleS maKe a paSS and review on the parade groundS aS part of the 50/20 celebration parade. u.S. forceS, along with troopS from multiple nationS were invited to Kuwait to taKe part in Kuwait’S 50/20 celebration.photo by Spc. eric guzman

left:the Kuwaiti color guard bearS the colorS of all of the nationS involved in operation deSert Storm feb. 26, before they march through the 50/20 celebration parade groundS. the 50/20 celebration honorS Kuwait’S 50-yearS of independence aS well aS 20 yearS Since Kuwait’S liberation and operation deSert Storm.photo by Sgt. m. benJamin gable

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Command CornerOnbehalfofthemembersoftheU.S.Army,U.S.Navy,U.S.MarineCorps,

U.S.AirForce,veteransofOperationDesertStorm,andthepeopleoftheUnited

States,ThirdArmycongratulatestheGovernmentofKuwaitanditspeopleon

thissignificantdayinhistory.ItisagreathonorfortheU.S.militarytopartici-

pateinthecelebrationofKuwait’sindependenceandliberation.

Twentyyearsago,KuwaitandtheUnitedStatesformedanunbreakablealli-

ancetoliberateKuwait;thisalliancehasgrownintoacomprehensivepartner-

shipthatpromotesfreedom,prosperityanddemocracyforourmutualinterests.

ManynationsunitedduringOperationDesertStormandprovidedthebulkof

theforcestosupportKuwait’smilitary.

Since1991,therelationshipbetweenKuwaitandtheUnitedStateshasonly

grownstronger.Today,U.S.forcesinKuwaitstandreadytoprovidewhatever

supportisneeded.Ourlong-termcommitmenttotheGovernmentofKuwaitand

itspeopleisunwavering.Welookforwardtoacontinuedpartnership,bolstering

ourmutualsecurityandeconomicgoals.

Incelebrationofthe20thanniversaryoftheliberationofKuwaitfromIraq,

aswellasthe50thanniversaryofKuwait’sindependence,theU.S.militaryhas

beeninvitedtoparticipateinseveraleventsleadingupto,andincluding,alarge

militaryparadeinSubbiya,Kuwait.

Wehavealongtermcommitmenttothisregion,andforthepast20yearswe

haveproventhatitisacommitmentofdeedsandnotjustwords.Theeventsdur-

ingthe50/20celebrationfurtherillustratethatourrelationshipisthatofpart-

ners,whoarecommittedtopeace,prosperityandfreedom.

23

On Being A Father

By Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Emery

by Granite Thunder on Monday, June 20, 2011 at 8:30am

Like so many other Father’s Days past I find myself away from those I love. No Sunday paper, no breakfast in bed, nope, instead I got up at 0330 to help another unit conduct an APFT and a weigh in. To be honest I really don’t mind, when you are deployed on special days like Father’s day, birthdays and holidays turn into just another day. One day closer to going home sure, but not much meaning other than that. About the only good thing about being away from home on Father’s day is that it gives me an opportunity to really reflect on fatherhood. For those of you with kids you know that finding the time to think and reflect on anything is tough.

My wife and I have four great children, two boys and two girls. Now of course I am biased like all parents are when they describe their kids, but I really do believe they are great. Over the years they have provided me with endless amusement and quite a few challenges. I have enjoyed watching them grow up and they make me proud. As a father I have tried to be a good role model. I have tried to instill in them values that will hopefully carry them through their lives; honesty, hard work, keeping your word and all the other traits that make them productive members of society. I have made mistakes, I am human after all but, I can only hope that the good examples I have set outnumber the mistakes I have made.

As the father of two teenagers I am entering into one of the hardest parts of being a parent. They have reached that age where they start to make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives, decisions that they will make on their own based on the values and lessons they were taught growing up. It is nerve racking at times but satisfying as well. Of course there are still parts of their lives that as parents my wife and I control but by and large they are at a point where they need to start making their own decisions and living with the choices they make. I find myself reviewing in my head all the things I want to make sure I taught them. Sometimes it feels like I am running out of time and there is so much more I want to teach them, things to save them from going through some of the bad stuff I went through. But then I remember that there are certain things I cannot teach them, there are certain things they will have to learn themselves. It seems funny that

because I love them I have to let them go through certain painful things on their own. All I can do is support them and be there to listen when they need to talk.

Probably the most important thing that I hope I have taught my kids is overcoming the obstacles life throws at you. Work hard, don’t give up and believe in yourself. I am unfortunately in a position to show them firsthand how this works. I recently found out that due to budget issues my job back home was eliminated. There is a lesson here kids, don’t get too comfortable because as soon as you do life throws you a curve ball. I will overcome this obstacle, I have to because I am a father and my family depends on me to provide for them. That more than anything else is what is both great and scary about being a father, knowing that your children trust you to provide for them and to keep them safe, it is a very big responsibility and one I do not take lightly.

As time goes by and I watch them grow up I cannot help feeling proud of them and the people they are becoming. I am a better man because of them and I pray that when they look back at their lives I was able to be the father they deserved. As I watch them grow there is a certain amount of sadness as well, sadness at all the milestones and holidays I have missed over the years because of my chosen profession. I can only hope that they truly understand why I am away and why the sacrifices they are forced to make are important. I also hope that they know that there is nowhere that I would rather be on Father’s day or any other day then with them. I love you guys.

-- SFC Emery is the Brigade electronic warfare officer --

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 1

20 July 2011 Volume III

The Granite Justice Newsletter is a publication by the 197

th Fires Brigade Legal Section. This

newsletter contains a summary of Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) actions resolved

during the reporting period. This publication does not contain matters resolved by administrative

action such as administrative letters of reprimand and administrative separation.

Courts-Martial–-Eleven Soldiers were tried and found guilty by courts-martial between 1

April and 15 July 2011. Of the eleven, two were Special Courts-Martial before a military judge

and a panel, four were Special Courts-Martial before a military judge alone, and five were

Summary Courts-Martial.

A Sergeant First Class was found guilty of two specifications of cruelty and maltreatment of

subordinates at a trial by Special Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Staff

Sergeant (E6).

A Sergeant was found guilty of possession and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II

controlled substance, at a trial by Special Court Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction

to Private (E1), forfeiture of $900.00 per month for ten (10) months, ten (10) months of

confinement, and a Bad Conduct Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and use of Vicodin, a Schedule II controlled

substance, and possession and use of Heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, at a trial by

Special Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E1), ten (10) months

of confinement, and a Bad Conduct Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II

controlled substance, at a trial by Special Court Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction

to Private (E1), forfeiture of $900.00 per month for three (3) months, and three (3) months of

confinement.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and distribution of Oxycodone, a Schedule II

controlled substance, at a trial by Special Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction

to Private (E2) and thirty (30) days of hard labor.

Granite Justice

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 2

A Private (E2) was found guilty of making a false official statement, misbehavior as a sentinel

by abusing Spice while posted in a guard tower, and possessing, using, and distributing Spice in

violation of General Order 1B at a trial by Special Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to

reduction to Private (E1); forfeiture of $978.00 of pay per month for ten (10) months; three

hundred (300) days of confinement, and a Bad Conduct Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and use of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled

substance, at a trial by Summary Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to

Private (E2), and forfeiture of $1096.00. The Soldier will receive an Other Than Honorable

Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and use of Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled

substance, at a trial by Summary Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to

Private (E2), forfeiture of $822.00, and thirty (30) days of confinement. The Soldier will receive

an Other Than Honorable Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of possession and use of Heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance,

at a trial by Summary Court-Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E1),

and twenty-five (25) days of confinement. The Soldier will receive an Other Than Honorable

Discharge.

A Specialist was found guilty of use of Spice in violation of General Order 1B, and possession

and use of Anabolic Steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, at a trial by Summary Court-

Martial. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E1), forfeiture of $978.00, and

twenty-three (23) days of hard labor.

A Private First Class was found guilty of possession and use of Spice in violation of General

Order 1B and making a false official statement by a trial by Summary Court-Martial. The

Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E1), and seven (7) days of confinement. The

Soldier will receive an Other Than Honorable Discharge.

Nonjudicial Punishment–-Thirty-two Soldiers were charged and found guilty of

misconduct and punished under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice between 1

April and 15 June 2011. Of the thirty-two, one was General Officer Grade, sixteen were Field

Grade, eleven were Company Grade, and four were Summarized.

A First Lieutenant was found guilty at a General Officer Grade Article 15 hearing by the

convening authority for failing to prevent and report that a Soldier under his command had been

“MRAP surfing.” The Soldier was sentenced to forfeiture of $2103.00 pay per month for two (2)

months (one month suspended), and a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand.

A Staff Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for a negligent discharge. The Soldier failed to perform proper weapon clearing procedures,

resulting in the discharge. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Sergeant (E5) (suspended);

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 3

forfeiture of one half of one (1) month’s pay for one (1) month ($1646.15), $823.08 (suspended);

extra duty for fourteen (14) days (seven [7] days suspended).

A Staff Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for dereliction of duty. The Soldier was found to be fishing while on duty. The Soldier was

sentenced to a forfeiture of $824.00 of pay for one (1) month and extra duty for fourteen (14)

days.

A Staff Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for dereliction of duty. The Soldier failed to report that another Soldier had been “MRAP

surfing.” The Staff Sergeant also falsified his M4 qualification by poking holes in his

qualification target with a pen. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Sergeant (E5) and a

letter of reprimand.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

breach of the peace. The Sergeant allowed two junior Soldiers to affix a cereal box to the

underside of a non-tactical vehicle, mimicking the appearance of an improvised explosive device

for Entry Control Point personnel. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Specialist (E4),

forfeiture of $500.00 pay per month for two (2) months and extra duty for thirty (30) days.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

being disrespectful to another non-commissioned officer, dereliction of duty and failure to follow

a lawful order and/or regulation. The Soldier used profane language towards his superior; failed

to report damage to government property; failed to carry his sensitive item; did not shave and

failed to carry his physical profile on his person at all times. The Soldier was sentenced to a

reduction to Specialist (E4) and a forfeiture of $588.00 pay per month for two (2) months.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

threatening to harm a non-commissioned officer. The Soldier stated that he would “put you

through a f---ing wall” or words to that effect. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to

Specialist (E4) and a forfeiture of half a month’s pay for one (1) month.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

failure to obey a lawful general regulation. The Soldier was riding unsecured on top of a moving

MRAP, a practice known as “MRAP surfing,” on Route Aspen, Iraq. The Soldier was sentenced

to a reduction to Specialist (E4) and a letter of reprimand.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

missing formation, being disrespectful towards a commissioned officer and dereliction of duty.

The Soldier did not report for a formation, render proper military courtesy to a commissioned

officer, and on several occasions failed to maintain accountability of his assigned items. The

Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Specialist (E4).

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 4

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

dereliction of duty by failing to ensure accountability of all sensitive items issued to his Convoy

Escort Team. A Single Key Loader and Iridium Satellite Phone were left unsecured and suffered

damage. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Specialist (E4) (suspended); and ten (10)

days of extra duty.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

dereliction of duty as a Truck Commander by failing to ensure accountability of all sensitive

items issued to the Soldiers assigned to the truck. A Single Key Loader and Iridium Satellite

Phone were left unsecured and suffered damage. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to

Specialist (E4) (suspended); fifteen (15) days of extra duty; and a verbal reprimand.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

of failing to maintain positive accountability of his issued M4 rifle. The M4 was left unsecured

on top of a moving vehicle and fell off during transit. The Soldier was sentenced to forfeiture of

$682.00 pay ($341.00 suspended); extra duty for one (1) day; and restriction (suspended).

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Summarized Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

threatening to harm a non-commissioned officer. The Soldier wrongfully communicated a threat

to injure another NCO by telling him "I'll get up and slam your head into the wall," or words to

that effect. The Soldier was sentenced to a verbal reprimand.

A Sergeant was found guilty at a Summarized Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

making a false official statement to the Company Commander. The Soldier was sentenced to

extra duty for fourteen (14) days (suspended); and restriction of fourteen (14) days (suspended).

A Specialist was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

breach of the peace. The Soldier affixed a cereal box to the underside of a non-tactical vehicle,

mimicking the appearance of an improvised explosive device training aid, for Entry Control

Point personnel to discover. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Private First Class (E3)

(suspended); forfeiture of $500.00 pay per month for one (1) month and extra duty for thirty (30)

days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

breach of the peace. The Soldier assisted in affixing a cereal box to the underside of a non-

tactical vehicle, mimicking the appearance of an improvised explosive device training aid, for

Entry Control Point personnel to discover. The Soldier was sentenced to forfeiture of $500.00

pay per month for one (1) month and extra duty for thirty (30) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

dereliction of duty by failing to ensure accountability of all sensitive items. A Single Key

Loader and Iridium Satellite Phone were left unsecured and suffered damage. The Soldier was

sentenced to reduction to Private First Class (E3) (suspended); and fifteen (15) days of extra

duty.

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 5

A Specialist was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of a

negligent discharge. The Soldier failed to perform proper weapon clearing procedures, resulting

in the discharge. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private First Class (E-3)

(suspended); forfeiture of $975.00 pay (all but $487.00 pay forfeiture suspended); extra duty for

forty-five (45) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority of

dereliction of duty by wrongfully moving his assigned M240B from Amber to Red status and

firing the weapon without authorization. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private First

Class (E3); and forfeiture of half of one (1) month’s pay for one (1) month (suspended).

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

of dereliction of duty. The Soldier was found to be fishing while on duty. The Soldier was

sentenced to a forfeiture of $542.00 pay for one (1) month (suspended); and extra duty for

fourteen (14) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for a violation of a lawful general order. The Soldier consumed alcohol in the departure terminal

in Atlanta airport while returning from R&R leave. The Soldier was deemed unfit to fly and had

to stay overnight at a hotel room in Atlanta. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Private

First Class (E3), and a forfeiture of $195.00 pay.

Two Specialists were found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening

authority for a violation of a lawful general order. The Soldiers consumed alcohol in the

departure terminal in Atlanta airport while returning from R&R leave. The Soldiers were

sentenced to a reduction to Private First Class (E3).

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for dereliction of duty. While serving as a TC, the Soldier did not ensure that all of his

subordinates had positive control of their assigned weapons, resulting in the loss of an M4. The

Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Private First Class (E3) (suspended); and extra duty for

fourteen (14) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for dereliction of duty. The Soldier lost positive control of his assigned weapon, resulting in the

loss and damage of an M4. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction to Private First Class (E3)

(suspended); and extra duty for seven (7) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for three specifications of dereliction of duty. The Soldier failed to maintain positive control of

his assigned weapon while on guard duty. The Soldier twice disobeyed a lawful order not to

bring electronic media with him while on guard duty. The Soldier was sentenced to a reduction

to Private First Class (E3), extra duty for fourteen (14) days, and restriction for fourteen (14)

days.

Granite Justice Newsletter III Page 6

A Specialist was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening authority

for multiple specifications of dereliction of duty and disobedience of a noncommissioned officer.

The Soldier disobeyed several orders from a noncommissioned officer, and twice allowed an

unauthorized vehicle to pass through the control point at which he was posted. The Soldier was

sentenced to a reduction to Private First Class (E3); forfeiture of $455.00 pay (suspended); extra

duty for fourteen (14) days; and restriction for fourteen (14) days (suspended).

A Specialist was found guilty at a Summarized Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

multiple specifications of failure to report and dereliction of duty. The Soldier was sentenced to

extra duty for fourteen (14) days.

A Specialist was found guilty at a Summarized Article 15 hearing by the convening authority for

dereliction of duty. The Soldier failed to send daily PERSTAT reports on several occasions.

The Soldier was sentenced to extra duty for six (6) days.

A Private First Class was found guilty at a Field Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening

authority of multiple specifications of disrespect toward a noncommissioned officer and failure

to report. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E2); and forfeiture of half of one

(1) month’s pay for two (2) months (suspended).

A Private First Class was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening

authority of dereliction of duty. The Soldier was found to be fishing while on duty. The Soldier

was sentenced to a forfeiture of $429.00 pay for one (1) month (suspended); and extra duty for

fourteen (14) days.

A Private (E2) was found guilty at a Company Grade Article 15 hearing by the convening

authority of disobedience of a noncommissioned officer and disrespect toward a

noncommissioned officer. The Soldier was sentenced to reduction to Private (E1); a forfeiture of

$342.00 pay for one (1) month (suspended); and extra duty for fourteen (14) days.

GO1B at Fort McCoy

Pursuant to First Army Order:

Generally, Soldiers undergoing demobilizing at Fort McCoy are prohibited from purchasing,

possession or consuming alcoholic beverages. This prohibition applies on and off-duty, on and

off the installation. This order is punitive. Military personnel may face administrative action,

non-judicial punishment, or judicial action under the UCMJ for violations of this General Order.

Commanders are advised that the Brigade Legal Section will have a Military Justice team at Fort

McCoy for the duration of demobilization.

DRILL FOR 2-3 October 2010

APFT 2 Oct 0700 Formation at the Armory

Summer PT uniform bring your pt jacket and pants.

Do not forget your personal hygiene bag.

This is the first of many newsletters for the combined rear detachment.

Please understand that right now that the Rear Detachment staff is

working the kinks out of the training schedule. We plan on combining the

Signal Company and HHB together for training.

PLEASE PROVIDE ALL COLLEGE INFORMATION IE: COURSE SCHEDULE

AND ACCEPTANCE LETTER IF YOU ARE COLLEGE FIRST SOLDIERS!!

H H B & S I G N A L C O M P A N Y R E A R D E T A C H M E N T

The Rear Det News

October 2010 Volume 1, Issue 2

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Chain of Command

COL SPENCER REAR DET COMMANDER

MAJ PERREAULT REAR DET OIC

MSG LANGLEY REAR DET NCOIC

2LT CONTE REAR DET CO

2LT ADAMS REAR DET XO

SSG PRUKOP REAR DET ADMIN NCO

SGT STANSFIELD REAR DET SUPPLY NCO

TY 2010/TY2011

2-3 OCT 4-5 DEC 5-6 FEB 2-3 APR 14-15 MAY 16-17JUL 17-18 SEP

6-7 NOV 8-9 JAN 5-6 MAR 16-17 APR 4-18 JUN 16-17 AUG

A d m i n / s u p p l y I s s u e s

F o r a n y a d m i n i s t r a t i v e i s s u e s ,

a n d q u e s t i o n s . Y o u r c o n t a c t i s

s s g p r u k o p .

I f y o u h a v e a n y s u p p l y i s s u e s y o u r

c o n t a c t i s s g t S t a n s f i e l d .

P a g e 2 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Upcoming schools

No schools right now!

DRILL MAKE-UP

No make-ups

Unit Address

372nd Network Support Signal Co

1059 Canal St, State Armory

Manchester, NH 03101

OR

HHB 197th FIB

1059 Canal St, State Armory

Manchester, NH 03101

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 2

OCTOBER 2010

S M T W T F S

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31

Saturday 2 OCT

0700-0900 Formation - APFT

0900-0930 Weigh in

1000-1100 Personal Hygiene

1100-1200 PMCS

1200-1300 Lunch

1300-1500 Drivers Training

1500-1600 Commanders

Time

1600 Dismissal

Sunday 3 OCT

0700 Formation ACU

0730-1200 drivers training

1200-1300 Lunch

1300-1500 Drivers training

1500-1600 Commanders time

1600 Dismissal

Tentative Schedule: Times and

Duties are Subject to Change!

Training Schedule

Thank You for Serving!!!

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

AT 4-18 June 2011

0600 Formation ACU’s at the Manchester Armory.

DON’T FORGET CLASS As/ASUs FOR INSPECTION AT THE END OF AT.

Uniform for 4 June is ACUs, PC, Beret, Dog Tags, Reflective Belt, and Kevlar

on hand.

Make sure you have your Military and Civilian drivers licenses.

H H B & S I G N A L C O M P A N Y R E A R D E T A C H M E N T

The Rear Det News

June 2011 Volume 1, Issue 9

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Chain of Command

COL SPENCER REAR DET COMMANDER

MAJ PERREAULT REAR DET OIC 715-3312

MSG LANGLEY REAR DET NCOIC 715-3122

2LT CONTE REAR DET CO 715-3399

2LT ADAMS REAR DET XO

SSG PRUKOP REAR DET ADMIN NCO 715-3142

SGT STANSFIELD REAR DET SUPPLY NCO 715-3137

TY 2010/TY2011

2-3 OCT 4-5 DEC 5-6 FEB 2-3 APR 14-15 MAY 16-17JUL 17-18 SEP

6-7 NOV 8-9 JAN 5-6 MAR 16-17 APR 4-18 JUN 6-7 AUG*

A d m i n / s u p p l y I s s u e s

For any administrative issues,

and questions. Contact SSG Prukop.

If you have any supply issues contact SGT Stansfield.

S O L D I E R S T H A T N E E D T O S E E S U P P L Y

SPC Sullivan, SSG Lytle, SPC Gilmartin, PFC Hill,

PFC Kenneally, PFC cheney, PV2 Giguere

HAVE YOUR ID CARDS READY!!

E d u c a t i o n l i n k s

Www.nheducation@ng.army.mil

Www.gibill.va.gov

Www.dmdc.osd.mil/teb

Www.fafsa.ed.gov

Www.education.ng.mil

Www.goarmyed.com

P a g e 2 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 9

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Home Station

MSG Langley PFC Christopher

SSG Kiszka PFC Kenneally

SGT Stansfield PV2 Borey

Unit Address

372nd Network Support Signal Co

1059 Canal St, State Armory

Manchester, NH 03101

HHB 197th FIB

1059 Canal St, State Armory

Manchester, NH 03101

603-715-3142

AT Makeup

SGT Demma

SPC Ramsdell

PFC Todd

2LT Adams

2LT Thompson

COL Spencer

2LT Linde

PFC Mathews

*Note:

August drill dates are 6 and 7

not 16 and 17. We have addressed this

and plan your vacations and work

schedules accordingly.

P a g e 3 V o l u m e 1 , I s s u e 9

APRIL 2011

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

l

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

4 June– 13 June

Qualification Ranges

First Aid

Land Navigation

Security/Control Points

Movement Techniques

React to contact

Mounted/Dismounted

Operations

14 June– 18 June

Inventories

DAGR Training

Drivers Training

Personnel Recovery

Training Schedule

Thank You for Serving!!!

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Drill 15-16 October

This drill is for the Rear Detachment only, forward

units will not drill until November/December.

PHA on Sunday 16 October

If you have any medical documentation bring it

with you.

Mandatory for Rear Detachment: PHA surveys

must be done before October Drill.

Drill Dates

15-16 OCT 19-20 NOV 10-11 DEC 7-8 JAN 11-12 FEB

10-11MAR 14-15 APR 5-6 MAY 9-10 JUN

14-15 JUL 25-26 AUG 15-16 SEP

H H B & S I G N A L C O M P A N Y R E A R D E T A C H M E N T

The Rear Det News

October 2011 Volume 1, Issue 13

LOYALTY · DUTY · RESPECT · SELFLESS SERVICE · HONOR · INTEGRITY · PERSONAL COURAGE

Chain of Command

COL SPENCER REAR DET COMMANDER

MAJ PERREAULT REAR DET OIC 715-3312

MSG LANGLEY REAR DET NCOIC 715-3122

CPT SZAFRANSKI REAR DET CO 715-3399

2LT ADAMS REAR DET XO

SSG PRUKOP REAR DET ADMIN NCO 715-3142

SGT STANSFIELD REAR DET SUPPLY NCO 715-3137

15 October

0600-0730 Remedial PT, HT/WT

0730-0745 Formation

0800-1200 Vehicle/ Generator

PMCS/Road Test

1000-1200 Anti-terrorism/ Force

Protection-select individuals

1200-1300 Noon Meal

1300-1545 Generator Operator

Training

1300-1545 Accident Avoidance

course-select individuals

1545-1600 Final Formation

16 October

0730-0745 Formation

0800-1400 Annual PHA

1200-1300 Noon Meal

1400-1500 Admin/Supply Time

1500-1545 Army-Wide Network

Security Focus Training

1545-1600 Final Formation

Schedule is subject to change!!!

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY 372D SIGNAL COMPANY

C2, ZONE 6

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

APO AE 09366-9900

01 JUL 2011

MEMORANDUM FOR ZONE 6 PERMANENT AND TENANT UNITS

SUBJECT: Letter of Instruction (LOI) for Zone VI Roving Patrol

1. Purpose. The following guidance outlines the implementation of the Emergency Operations

Cell (EOC) Roving Patrol within Zone VI and the work areas associated with Zone VI to provide

a safe and secure environment for personnel living and working in Zone VI.

2. Applicability. This guidance applies to the following:

a. Zone VI Command Cell.

b. Units tasked to perform roving patrol duty within Zone VI.

c. All US military or civilian personnel attached to or assigned to Zone VI, or residing in

areas of operations controlled by the Zone VI Command Cell. The Zone VI Command Cell has

DIRAUTH to task up to 3% unit strength per ARCENT FRAGO.

3. Concept.

a. Provide force protection to detect suspicious activity and provide early warning of threats.

b. Prevent sexual assault and criminal activity.

c. As the roving patrol performs their mission, they are empowered to enforce safety, camp

standards, and discipline.

4. Task:

a. Unit Requirements:

1) Each shift will begin every night at the Zone VI EOC.

2) Shifts will be from 1900-0400 daily.

3) Service Members assigned to the roving patrol will report 15 minutes prior to the

beginning of their shift.

4) Patrol will be conducted IAW instructions from the EOC.

SUBJECT: Zone VI Roving Patrol LOI

2

5. Personnel to Attend.

a) As scheduled per the Roving Patrol tasking schedule.

6. Uniform. Personnel performing roving patrol will report for duty in the appropriate service

uniform and headgear, pen/pencil and writing pad, inclement-weather gear, and personal

hydration systems as needed. Patrol members will be provided a distinguishing armband and

handheld radio.

7. Coordinating Instructions. Personnel performing patrol duties will receive a briefing from

EOC personnel prior to the start of their shift.

a. Briefing:

(1) Current FPCON level.

(2) Required checks.

(3) Area/Routes.

(4) Report first policy.

b. Required checks:

(1) Look for suspicious or threat activity in Zone VI.

(2) Ensure all Zone VI gates are secure.

(3) Verify light sets are operable and provide proper illumination.

(4) Check unoccupied billeting areas and verify that the doors/windows are locked and

secured.

(5) Ensure no personnel of opposite sex enter into living areas of the opposite sex.

(6) Check personnel using BBQs have valid burn permit (not required if using grills at

pavilions) and required safety equipment, i.e. (fire extinguisher, 50 feet from buildings, etc.).

(7) Check for illegally parked vehicles. No vehicles are to be parked in fire lanes or in

PCB/tent areas. All vehicles on gravel areas must have a gravel pass issued from Zone VI EOC.

(8) Ensure personnel in Zone VI are in compliance IAW CFLCC and Zone VI policies

and standards.

(a) Proper wear of duty uniform.

(b) I.D. card displayed between shoulders and waist when not in uniform.

SUBJECT: Zone VI Roving Patrol LOI

3

(c) Civilian Clothes: no flip-flops, short-shorts, halter tops, muscle shirts, swim wear

outside of pool area, spandex, wear of undergarments as outergarments , clothing with obscene

or vulgar language, males without shirts or females wearing semi-transparent or transparent

clothing.

(d) No smoking within 50 feet of any building, in any vehicle, or walking and

smoking at the same time while in or out of uniform.

(e) No walking and talking on cell phones at any time. Hands free devices are not to

be used unless while driving a vehicle.

(f) Earphone/headphones may be worn only on designated running tracks/paths while

in civilian attire only, inside of tents/PCBs or in the gym.

(9) Ensure personnel in Zone VI are in compliance with quiet hours. All music/large

gatherings are kept to a level that does not affect other personnel. All music/large gatherings will

cease at 2300 hours. Zone VI Command Cell will regulate music levels as necessary.

(10) Ensure males and females are not engaged in inappropriate behavior. No physical

contact or PDA between service members and civilians.

(11) Observe Third Country National (TCNs) for suspicious activity, being present in

unauthorized areas and or looking through trash containers.

(12) Check the laundry facilities for inappropriate activity and ensure no personnel are

damaging the washers and dryers.

(13) Check the Living Support Area (LSA) to ensure there is no damage to buildings,

bleachers, stage, basketball court and tennis court.

8. Signal

a. Incidents or inappropriate behavior will be immediately reported to the EOC.

b. The SALT format will be used when reporting an incident.

S – Size (number of personnel)

A – Action

L – Location

T – Time

c. Roving Patrol will be debriefed at the EOC at the end of their shift.

d. Roving Patrol will conduct hourly radio checks with the EOC.

e. The headquarters for the unit providing the roving patrol will provide the EOC a POC and

phone number in case there are any issues with the personnel performing the roving patrol.

SUBJECT: Zone VI Roving Patrol LOI

4

9. The Point of Contact is the undersigned. richard.a.westhaver@kuwait.swa.army.mil

DSN 430-7188.

FOR THE COMMANDER

///SIGNED///

RICHARD A WESTHAVER

CPT, AN

ZONE 6 EOC

DISTRIBUTION:

The R-PAT Yard

Camp Virginia became

home to the Redeployment

/ Redistribution Property

Assistance Team (R-PAT)

yard. This area would

facilitate a continuous flow

of retrograde units (leaving

theater) to turn in their

vehicles, equipment, and

munitions in a controlled

and efficient manner. A

few pictures give a sense

of the orchestrated flow of

men and equipment.

Convoy arrives at R-PAT Yard

Lanes have containers for Class I - IX

Bus picks up crew to take

them to the Briefing Tent

Vehicles being escorted to the Deployment /

Redeployment Operations (D/ROPS) yard

Soldier, lawyer, father, cop

Dennehy, 47, dies amid a life of service

By Ray Duckler / Monitor columnist

August 30, 2011

Maj. James Dennehy, of

the New Hampshire

National Guard's 197th

Fires Brigade, kisses his

youngest daughter

Madeleine while home on

mid-tour from deployment

in support Operation New

Dawn in Kuwait, May 21.

Dennehy returned home

to attend the wedding of

his oldest daughter

Amanda to Spc. Joseph

Vicinanzo, also serving

with Dennehy and New

Hampshire's 197th fires

Brigade.

How will you remember Jim Dennehy? Judge Advocate General officer in

the National Guard? Local lawyer? U.S. attorney? Cop? Father? Husband?

All of the above answer the question nicely, especially the last two, and

reveal why flags statewide will be flown at half staff today.

Gov. John Lynch ordered the move to honor Dennehy, the 47-year-old

father of 12 who died eight days ago from what his brother, John Dennehy,

described as deep vein thrombosis.

John Dennehy speculates that a blood clot in his brother's leg, formed after

a recent flight home from Kuwait, where Jim had served since last

November, moved to his heart, killing him.

Jim died in Charlottesville, Va., where he had just started to pursue his

master of laws in Military Law.

The condition, also known as economy class syndrome, can occur after

long periods of immobilization, coupled with dehydration. Jim, who lived in

Salisbury, had made three flights home since May, each lasting 18 hours.

"It can happen from just one flight, from the humidity in the cabin and a

long flight," said John, a 44-year-old lawyer from Hampstead. "There's no

medical evidence that the three flights caused this condition. In fact my

expectation is this last flight was a difficult one. He's a large person in a

small area, and I think that one triggered it."

We'll never know for sure. What's obvious, though, is the impact Jim's

sudden death had on those who knew him.

John served as spokesman, saying his brother's immediate family,

including his wife of 24 years, Lisa, were off limits so soon after Jim's

death.

John, making little eye contact with his interviewer, sat at a local coffee

shop yesterday and offered a glimpse into Jim's past, memories formed by

two brothers who were just three years apart. He spoke in a monotone

voice, pausing for seconds at a time to collect his thoughts.

John spoke about growing up near Cobbetts Pond in Windham, describing

his brother as an introvert who loved reading military history. The Dennehy

boys shared a bedroom and a bond, surfacing because they were much

younger than their two other siblings.

"Growing up, he had an interest in the military and he had a desire to

serve," said John, a Marine in the late 1980s. "It's what he always wanted

to do."

A heart murmur after graduating from Pinkerton Academy kept Jim out of

the 82nd Airborne Division, but his education and career paths soared after

that.

First, Jim became a police officer in Milford, and while doing that he earned

a degree in criminal justice from Saint Anselm College.

From there, his life reads like an endless road of goals and achievements,

a tireless journey that created an identity as big as his presence would

become later in the courtroom.

He served in the Coast Guard. He was a detective sergeant. He graduated

from the New England School of Law. He was an assistant attorney with

the U.S. Attorney's Office. He worked in the Department of Homeland

Security.

And, somehow, Jim found time to marry and have 12 children, ages 2 to

23.

Most recently, in 2009, Jim joined the National Guard as a JAG officer and

deployed to Kuwait last November.

"His personality as he got older, with moving through certain phases in life

and different professional positions he held, began to grow," John said.

David Vicinanzo, a Concord lawyer, worked with Jim in the U.S. Attorney's

Office. He recalls passion, spread over a large landscape.

"He went in feet first with whatever he did," Vicinanzo said. "This is a guy

who worked all his life, worked his way through college, worked his way

through law school while still working as a cop."

Vicinanzo's son, Joe, married Jim's oldest child, 23-year-old Amanda. Jim

influenced Joe to join the National Guard, which he did, serving as a

paralegal. They were together in Kuwait.

"He was the sort of person who would get things done, one way or

another," Joe said. "He was friendly about it, very tenacious, and he didn't

tend to take no for an answer."

Jim Pappaioanou of Bow, a fulltime JAG in the National Guard, saw what

made Jim Dennehy tick. They roomed together during training in Wisconsin

and worked together in Kuwait, operating as the legal team for the 197th

Fires Brigade.

They had shared backgrounds, as police, as law school grads, as

prosecutors during their civilian lives.

"A gentleman, always easy to be around," Pappaioanou said. "He would

stop and talk to everyone, so my unofficial job during deployment was to

keep him on time for things. He was very smart and had a lot of common

sense. He always had a grin on his face. An impish grin is the best way to

express it."

The Dennehy family is grateful Jim came home in May, for Joe and

Amanda's wedding, held in Concord.

"He kept a journal in Kuwait and I was just reading how beautiful he

thought it was and how happy he was," Joe said, sighing. "He made a nice

speech at the reception and kind of broke down."

Jim made two more trips home from Kuwait after the wedding, one for the

funeral of his father-in-law, another so he could attend the Judge Advocate

General's Legal Center and School in Virginia.

He was seeking his master of laws in military law, living with Amanda, a

graduate student near Washington, D.C. Jim had been coughing, a sign of

the blood clot, but no one could have imagined what that meant. He died in

Amanda's apartment.

A Mass of Christian Burial, open to the public, will start this morning at 10

at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester. Then a full escort will bring Jim to

the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

That, too, is open to the public, a chance to honor a man who wore many

hats.

With dad topping the list.

"He nurtured his kids, hugging them, holding them," John said. "When he

was in a family context, he always had a big smile on his face."

(Ray Duckler can be reached at 369-3304 or rduckler@cmonitor.com.)

(article used with permission)

Coming Home

CW3 Thomas Graham SSG James Martel

Camp CommandCell Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

After being gone almost a year, the 197th FIB was finally returning to home station of Manchester, NH. SSG Martel encapsulates the thoughts and feelings of every soldier at this happy reunion. Having flown from Kuwait to Fort McCoy a week earlier, the 197th was now ready to get back home to family and friends: SSG Martel writes: Most of us had not been able to sleep the night before. We had previously prepped the barracks for a quick departure, not wanting anything to delay the flight out the next day. It was an incredible thing to see us all back together again after a year and united in one objective – home! The day started early and the pace was very quick, not one person held back. When it came to loading trucks and busses with everyone's duffle bags, care had to be taken to make sure that the bags for each unit were separated for the correct destination as we had come from four different states. I was very proud of our soldiers, they just shined that morning. It was indeed great to be a part of it all.

On the way to the air field the trip seemed to take forever as if they had moved the airbase further away from Fort McCoy. We were all getting anxious with home sweet home and family largely on our minds. At times like these the worries and joys start to run at an incredible rate and your emotions with them, and I know our families were going thought the same thing.

They had been required to show up ahead of time, which makes the wait seem a little harder and the longing for a loved one’s return a little greater. Returning home, so many things run through your mind. It was in the afternoon of August 16, 2011, when we finally arrived at the Manchester airfield and boarded the busses. I can’t speak for the other soldiers but the desire to see Gail and Tyler (my wife and son) were just unbelievable; I was ready to run to the armory if I had to. When the busses finally arrived, we were greeted with quite a site. The home folks had out done themselves with a huge American flag suspended between two fire trucks which we passed on our way into the Armory. The emotions were overwhelming, all I could think of was family and how badly I wanted to see them. Our desire to see our families was at its height and it was hard holding it together during that first reunion. Even months later, just remembering that sweet moment in time brings the tears to my eyes. For many soldiers it was the same. They may down play the impact of our home-comings but I witnessed many a hug and long embrace, and the thrill of young ones as their parent returned. These times help to make up for the long separations that are required of those who serve. Many of our good friends came out to see us on our homecoming and their greetings warmed hearts and settled minds for many that day. Although the reception was warm and wonderful, the longing to be dismissed quickly became the desire of the moment, after the initial hugs, kisses, and tears from my dear sweet Gail, so we could all go home and be a complete family again. Our youngest son Tyler’s hug was a great relief now that he was a young man and had had to fill my role as man of the house while deciding what he wanted to do after graduation from high school – another family event I had missed. Privacy is one of the things we

enjoy most of the time here at home, but which is in short supply while serving, and our family really wanted to experience some of that joy of being together that had been lost for the last year. Upon dismissal, the second thing on my priority list was a cup of Dunkin Donets coffee. I had been longing for one for some time now, and we picked one up on the way home. It is one of the simple things and all Americans take it for granted, but it was a great cup and I savored the taste and smell of it for some time. Upon our return home the simple joy of changing into to something other than a uniform was just wonderful, and sitting in a soft chair . . . The quiet comfort coupled with my exhaustion, quickly lulled me into a nap while Gail prepared a special supper. With the comforting sounds of home, and the sweet smells of our supper filling the house, I awoke with the pleasant feeling that this was right, that things were as they should be once again. May God Bless America, and to all those families who have supported us, all we have is yours and all we can say is thank you.

SSG James Martel was the Information Technology (IT)Projects NCO. He initiated the upgrading of all computer cable and switches throughout the Camp Command Cell, as a member of the S-6 (communications) section.

Finding work with military-like precision

By SHAWNE K. WICKHAM

New Hampshire Sunday News Mar 25, 2012

David Fink of Manchester found a job close to home through personal networking.

(Shawn Wickham/Union Leader)

It's been more than six months since more than 700 members of the New Hampshire Army National Guard's 197th Fires Brigade returned home from Kuwait.

And their home state's intensive efforts to help them find jobs seems to be paying off, one soldier at a time.

Jim Goss is executive director of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. When the 197th Fires Brigade returned, he said, “they were looking at close to 25 percent unemployment.”

As of February, Goss said, “that number is down to 15 percent.”

He estimated there are about 125 brigade members looking for jobs; some soldiers are going to school or taking some time off instead.

Goss coordinates with other agencies to plan employment workshops and job-search training for returning veterans. And ESGR resurrected a previous program, “Mission One,” assigning a volunteer to each component of the brigade.

"A good fit''

David Fink of Manchester was laid off from his job as a quality-control engineer just before he deployed to Kuwait, so he came home unemployed.

He still had his National Guard duty once a month and a part-time position teaching welding technology at Manchester Community College. And he started working with head hunters, sending out resumes and networking.

In the end, it was a personal connection that paid off, Fink said; his father ran into someone who was starting a laser welding department at his company, New England Small Tube Corp. in Litchfield.

Fink landed the job, which has allowed him to return to his real love, welding. “This was just such a good fit,” he said.

Denise Roy-Innarelli, an assistant director at New Hampshire Employment Security, said there's a 24-hour “veteran hold” on jobs posted with the state agency so that only those registered as veterans can see them first.

And veterans are “flagged” in the system so employers who want to hire vets can easily find them, she said.

There's also a new U.S. Department of Defense program, Hero2Hired (h2h.jobs), where employers can post vacancies

Epilogue

CW3 Thomas E. Graham II

Brigade Historian

And so, the 197th arrived back home and began inserting themselves back

into their previous roles, which had taken up by others in their absence.

School would begin soon, and everyone's orders would come to an end

around the 5th of September. It was time to get back to the jobs that were

held for the many "traditional" guardsmen who had deployed. Except that

almost 25 percent were returning to an unemployment line. Some of these

had been laid off prior to deploying due to a mediocre economy. For some,

jobs and even whole companies went under, leaving nothing to return to.

The 197th had brought with it a number of soldiers from other units.

However, these did not revert to their former units upon return from

deployment. The traditional Weekend Drill was prohibited to those

returning from deployment for

September, and was optional

for the two months following.

The deployed soldiers had to

remain on the rolls of the

197th until their final drill in

December and participation

in the Freedom Salute.

Prior to that final drill, was the

returning Yellow Ribbon

event held in one of the White

Mountain Hotels. Topics

covered a range of

reintegration issues; finances,

education benefits, anger

management, healthy sleep patterns, communicating with your children

and teenagers, and others. As the number of unemployed soldiers came

more to light, job fairs began to be scheduled but with only mediocre

attendance at first. Ultimately, the Employer Support of Guard and

Reserve (ESGR) office began forwarding emails to every soldier, of every

job opening to cross their desk – many of which had veteran preference.

December was the last drill

as part of the 197th. While

members of the Brigade

began doing equipment and

clothing accountability the

non-unit members went

through yet another set of

paper work – much of which

was now completed on line

and printed out. The

culminating event of the

return was the Freedom

Salute. During this

ceremony, every deployed soldier received a gift of a nicely framed folded

American Flag with a tribute to the American Soldier on it. Those with

multiple deployments received other – nicer gifts.

The final gift of the Freedom

Salute was from this writer –

as the Historian for the

deployment – to the 197th

Fires Brigade. In tribute to its

2010-2011 deployment I had

requested from our successor

unit, a Kuwaiti flag, flown over

Camp Arifjan until the day of

the Transfer of Authority from

the 197th FIB to the 1-34th

Heavy Brigade Combat Team. There is no conventional method for folding

a Kuwaiti flag, and hours were spent experimenting with ways to fold it for

presentation in its case. After several failed attempts to fold it to show

three of its four colors, a

eureka moment finally

came with a folded

configuration that

portrayed the flag to look

like an actual Kuwaiti

flag in miniature. Sewn

up and sealed with its

certificate, it was

presented it to the

members of the 197th

Fires Brigade, present

and future. Today, it

resides in a very nice

display case along with

some other plaques and

artifacts from the

deployment.

The next drill, January, 2012, saw numerous changes of command as the

recently deployed senior leaders and commanders took positions at the

Joint Force Headquarters. Other soldiers were transferred for promotion

purposes, and still others opted to retire from the National Guard.

And while the New Hampshire National Guard presses on, more of its units

are training to deploy, and even though years away, the countdown for the

next deployment of 197th Fires Brigade itself has already begun.

Acknowledgements

CW3 Thomas E. Graham II As the National Guard historian, I had the rare privilege of deploying to Kuwait with the 197th Fires Brigade (FIB). Functioning in part as the Brigade Historian, I was responsible for capturing the history of this unprecedented New Hampshire deployment. Though I worked alone, the job involved a number of players, and I must thank the many unit and battalion commanders for their support as well as for the assistance of their unit historical representatives. The 197th had a lot of "curve balls" thrown their way, but throughout the deployment, I heard the consistent comment that we – the entire contingent of the 197th FIB – were doing a great job. From soldiers of all ranks, including those from our higher Headquarters, we received comments of appreciation, often being compared favorably against our predecessors. My thanks go to Colonel Corey for the opportunity to be part of this historic New Hampshire deployment, and to my Camp Command Cell Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Adler and the Executive Officer, Major David Fink for their support. Also thanks to the 197th Public Affairs team, which created the “Granite Thunder” Facebook page where it posted stories, essays, photos and videos documenting the Brigade’s deployment. Granite Thunder was a valuable resource from which I drew a number of stories and even more photos. Finally, I am thankful to have had the support of my family back home. Knowing that they would be able to manage without me – knowing that the snow would be cleared from the driveway and the roof shoveled off, knowing that the lawn would be mowed in the summer, and knowing that friends and family could help if something went wrong, knowing that friends at church were praying for my family and for me . . . . I knew we would all be OK. For more information or for pictures of the 2010-2011 deployment of the 197th, see: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Granite-Thunder/109224655804175

Commander's Historical Narrative

Template

For Deploying Units:

– Company – Battalion – Brigade – All MTOE units are required to maintain a unit history file to include an Annual Historical Report (AR 870-5, para 6-8). This Template will assist commanders in completing either an Annual Historical Summary (peacetime), or an Annual Command History (covering wars and contingencies). These reports must be drawn from data such as journals, intelligence reports, storyboards/SIGACTS, meeting notes, log books, and weekly commander's briefs. This raw data must be compiled and translated into a written narrative with explanations of military terms. An Annual Command History (only) must include footnotes, and an interpretation and analysis of events. Reports must be written as to be understood by a civilian audience. Part I of this template deals with generally static information, and is to be filled out within the first 3 months of deploying to theater. It can be completed by anyone, but MUST be read and approved by the commander. It forms the foundation of the Annual Report. Part II is a month to month update in a narrative format, of the events and changes occurring since the previous month and must be written by the commander. Its other requirements are delegated (see appendices).

PART I 1. The NON-DEPLOYED Unit A Unit name, state of origin, and UIC B Unit history (brief to optional) C Type of unit 1 describe its primary function (give details if dive team, etc) 2 describe its organizational structure/configuration a higher headquarters b subordinate units D Commander and Staff (biographical sketch)

2. The DEPLOYED Unit A MOB STATION – Describe your experiences 1 location of MOB Station 2 unit configuration and UIC 3 If an alternate mission a describe the training and unit validation requirements b comment on how the unit met the challenge 4 soldier quality of life a facilities b leisure 5 Issues / challenges: a Sustainments (what went well) b Improvements / Insights (lessons learned) B IN THEATER – Describe 1 unit configuration a unique configurations (unit split up? etc.) b subordinate units and their UICs 2 higher headquarters 3 Location of deployed unit a location 1 country 2 camp / base b features 1 terrain 2 climate 3. The DEPLOYED Mission A Original deployed mission (describe if different from normal function) B Changes to the original mission (FRAGOs etc.), -summarize monthly C Additional taskings (monthly) 1 describe with as much unclassified detail as possible 2 make reference to the location of the classified details (examples: Afghanistan mission, Kuwait 20-50 celebration) D Issues: (monthly) 1 Sustainments (what went well) 2 Improvements / Insights (lessons learned) 4. DEPLOYED Operations A Personnel 1 unit operations in a general sense a sections/platoons and their responsibilities

b routine or specific activities 2 host nation affairs / issues a host nation military – missions or interactions b civilian affairs – issues or interactions B Intelligence 1 threat level 2 anything having a negative impact on the general mission a enemy b circumstances/distracters c local weather temperatures rain / mud wind and sand storms (mild, moderate, severe, etc.) C Execution 1 Describe the types of missions your unit receives 2 mission summaries for the month (commander's intent, etc.) 3 describe types of orders (trip tickets, etc.) 4 describe coordination with others (individuals, units, etc.) 5 describe outcomes a Sustainments (what went well) b Improvements / Insights (lessons learned) D Training 1 exercises a Theater Ballistic Missile Exercise b unit or individual soldier task training for theater mission 2 Army training a safety, (CRM, etc) b common soldier tasks c section/unit cross training 3 issues a Sustainments (what went well) b Improvements / Insights (lessons learned) 5. DEPLOYED Equipment A describe mission essential equipment 1 vehicles (types, sizes, use) 2 weapons 3 uniforms (battle rattle) 4 other unique equipment a EOD, Dive, etc. b office equipment B Issues with any equipment

1 availability 2 readiness/maintenance 6. Soldiers on DEPLOYMENT A Leadership 1 Mentorship a examples (train subordinates in next higher position) b Officer / NCO development program (ODP/NCODP) 2 Counseling a quarterly b self-improvement 1 financial savings plans 2 online college 3 on Post training courses 3 Military History a presentations/staff rides b collecting current data for tomorrow's historians B Quality of Life 1 Families a support systems back home b connections through technology (skype, etc.) 2 Facilities a Billets (describe) b DFAC, Gym, PX, other c Other buildings issues 1 transient billeting and issues 2 office tents, motor pool tents 3 latrine, shower, laundry structures 3 Leisure a Post MWR events (unit participants) b Sports (unit participants) c Unit sponsored activities 4 Post maintenance/improvement a work orders b "improving your foxhole"

PART I I

Mandatory Monthly Report : filled out every month of deployment – First, Review Part I, Document any monthly changes in Part II –

6. Commander's comments A Overall description of month's events B Impacts on Mission 1 significant FRAGOs 2 additional taskings (if any) 3 weather updates (comment on how it affected the mission) C Major Achievement(s) this month minimum of one per month 1 Biggest in scope or positive impact for soldiers/mission 2 Involved outstanding work by an individual or individuals 3 Outside of scope (repair school, help with parade, etc.) D Significant Event(s) this month minimum of one per month 1 Local a New DFAC opens, major contracting change-over, etc. b Visiting generals, dignitaries, etc. c Enemy contact 2 International a mid-east unrest b Wiki leaks posted on internet (soldier impact?) c draw-down of troops E Miscellaneous 1 Improvements a soldier self-improvement (enrollments, completions) b "improving your foxhole" (projects) 2 Any other item / issue not mentioned above 3 Photos supporting this narrative minimum of two per month F Issues 1 Sustainments (what went well) 2 Improvements / Insights (lessons learned) G Summary and Analysis 1 Achievement(s) – from C above 2 Event(s) – from D above a local (camp/base) b specific to mission c international (in light of world news, etc.) 3 Miscellaneous / opinions, etc. 4 Outlook for next month / update last month's outlook

Appendix A S-1 Actions per Month

Promotions or Extensions Awards (medals) or recognition Disciplinary issues (Article 15's, Commander's Inquiries, etc.) Personnel strength S-1 Fillable charts (copy and paste to create new blanks for each month) Unit ___________ Month/Year ________________

Strength Enlisted Warrant Officer

Authorized

Assigned

Required

Appendix B Soldier contributions

(voluntary or assign topics below on a rotating basis) minimum of two per month of either: Essays or Stories Entries in the "Book of Wrongs" Questionnaires Articles

Actions Soldier Rank / Name (New) Rank

Promotions

Extensions

Awards (Award)

Disciplinary Issues (UCMJ) (names or numbers)

– Company – Battalion – Brigade – Deployment Dates : _______ to ________

Questionnaire to Supplement to Unit History Data

– Print, or complete digitally – Return to: thomas.e.graham@us.army.mil Questions for any enlisted or officer: Your Name (Optional) ________________

Rank _______ Sex : M F (Please be as thorough as possible)

Name of unit and home station : __________________________________________

How did you learn about your activation ? ___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

How did your family and friends react ? _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

What were your thoughts and feelings about the training leading up to deployment ?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe some aspect of training at the MOB site, and why it stood out to you :

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe personal time at MOB site (living conditions, personal activities, etc.) :

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe your flight to theater, and your first couple of days of jet lag : _____________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe your incoming RIP (relief in place) process – what went well and what didn't :

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Any enlisted or officer – After you had been a couple of months in theater :

Describe an average day (ie., a day in the life of : ) ____________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe some of your missions or other Army activities : _______________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe any interactions with local people or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) :

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe any obstacles your section / unit had to overcome in completing the mission :

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe what you do in your spare time : ____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe an awkward or amusing situation : __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Additional Questions for Senior enlisted or any officer: List some of the training you received at the MOB site : _________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Describe what went well, and what went poorly at the MOB site : __________________ _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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Describe how well your MOB training prepared your section / unit for your mission :

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From your perspective, what were some detractors from accomplishing your mission ? _____________________________________________________________________

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From your perspective, describe the section/unit morale – what boosts it, what detracts from it, etc. _____________________________________________________________________

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Describe some lessons learned up to this point in the deployment : _______________

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Instructions are: 1 print and hand out, or complete digitally 2 disseminate to a variety of soldiers as follows: a. 3 to 4 junior enlisted including 1 female (if in unit) b. 2 senior enlisted, including a 1SG or SGM c. 2 officers, including the XO or Cdr 3 Return to my email address thomas.e.graham@us.army.mil

197th Fires Brigade Deployment

2010 - 2011

Staff Section Questionnaire to Supplement to Unit History Data

Name of Section:

Describe some aspect of training at the MOB site, and why it stood out to you:

Describe your incoming RIP (relief in place) process – what went well and what didn't:

Describe some of your mission highlights:

Describe any obstacles your section had to overcome in completing the mission:

Describe some lessons learned in the deployment: