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The official magazine of Multinational Battle Group East

November 1, 2011

GUarDianeast

The past few months in Kosovo have been challenging and somewhat unexpected, but I would like to thank all the soldiers of Multinational Battle Group East for their

continued stellar performance. We have a few more weeks of operations remaining and then we will begin the very important process of the handover / turnover, or RIP/TOA as we call it in the U.S. mili-tary. These last few weeks will be just as important as any other aspect of our deployment. As a wise sergeant once stated, “don’t count the days, make your days count,” so we need to do just that. We owe it to the 157th MEB from Wisconsin and their subordinate units to share as much information with them as we can without “dictating” their way of doing business. In order to assist the incoming formation, I have sent some of the primary staff and key leaders to Camp Atterbury, Ind. and will send additional staff and subordinate commanders to JMRC in Hohenfels, Germany, to facilitate their training as the first steps in our turnover process.

I would also be remiss if I did not mention safety. We are quickly moving into the time of year when cold weather and limited visibility will significantly impact all operations, tactical and administrative. So, continue to watch your buddy and yourself as we begin to accept additional soldiers on Camp Bondsteel and in our operational areas. Also, make sure to continue incorporating your risk assess-ments, both administrative and tactical, as we wind

down our operations and begin handing over the administrative and tactical tasks to the new command. Remember, no operation is worth the life of a soldier, no matter how important it seems at the time.

In closing, I would like to remind each of you to routinely contact your family members and begin thinking about the reintegration or recon-nection process for each of your families. It is like anything else in life, it is a process and sometimes there are bumps in the road along the way. So brace for those bumps and make sure you partici-pate in the reintegration seminars in the coming days and weeks.

Again, thank you very much for all the things you have accomplished for your unit, for NATO, and your nation over the last year. Your efforts have been well worth the sacrifices!

Never Broken!

Commander’s Comments

As the deployment winds down, the tone and content of emails, video chatting, Facebook posts,

and phone calls with family and friends may change. Here are a few tips to prevent communica-tion problems.

1 Be direct. Ask very specifically for what you need and why it is

important to you. Your partner, family member or friend cannot read your mind and actually ex-periences life differently than you do. A direct approach will estab-lish a meaningful communication dialogue.

2 Use “I” instead of “You.” Com-ments such as “You make me mad when you do that” are often perceived as confrontational. Try the “I” statement instead, for example, “I feel angry when I hear that.” That simple tweak conveys your feeling without sounding ac-cusatory.

3 Be careful of “yours” and “mine.” Comments like “Your son skipped school today,” should be replaced with “Our son might be struggling, he skipped school.” The latter emphasizes a partnership and in-vites discussion on a challenging topic rather than trying to disown the situation.

4 De-friend if necessary! As for social networking, choose your

friends wisely and if you are in a committed relationship, agree to boundaries with your partner and stick to them! Don’t post anything negative about your partner and be careful with whom you share not only intimate feelings but flir-tatious comments as well. Protect yourself and your relationship and don’t be afraid to de-friend the threat!

Continuous healthy commu-nication during separation plays a critical role in maintaining emotional bonds. By express-ing your expectations, inviting dialogue on tough subjects, avoid-ing even subtle confrontational statements and being respectful, you will nurture a line of commu-nication that will cross barriers and minimize problems during reunion.

Long-Distance Communicationby Lt. Col. Matthew Barry, DO

by Col. Michael D. Schwartz

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KFOR 14 Mailing Dates

Non-Mailable Articles• flammable and combustible liquids• cigarette lighters• flammable solids• toxic substances• infectious substances• corrosive and radioactive materials• magnetized materials• dry ice• cigarettes and smokeless tobacco• lithium cell batteries• pistols, revolvers, and other concealable firearms• ammunition• cartridge casings• sharp pointed instruments and knives with a blade

that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle; or, by opera-tions of inertia, gravity, or both, or with a detachable blade propelled by a spring-operated mecahnism

• kinder eggs• no aerosol cans of any kind

• intoxicating liquors• matter emitting a foul odor• prescription drugs• controlled substances• drug paraphernalia• lewd or filthy matter• matter inciting violence• pandering advertisements• politically, socially, or racially offensive items• U.S. Military issued equipment like

chemical defense and sensitive items (items listed on DA Form 3645) except by command approved, official mail

• candy cigarettes, cakes with alcohol• fireworks• sand and/or soil is strictly prohibited from entering

the United States• pork or pork products• MREs

The x-ray machine will pick up all of these items so please look

through your box carefully!

Listed below are the KFOR 14 Task Force Falcon RIP/TOA mailing dates. These are the recommended mailing dates to ensure each Task Force is provided the best customer service with a minimum disruption to mission.

Main CBS Post Office HoursMonday – Friday 0900–1630Saturday 0900–1400

Task Force Dates• TF Aviation• TF LMT• TF MED / MP• TF Finance / EOD• TF MI• TF HHC & U.S. COY

• 3-4 Nov.• 9-11 Nov.• 16-18 Nov.• 21-23 Nov.• 21-23 Nov.• 25-30 Nov. / 5-9 Dec.

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Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

(John 4:37 NIV)

Our Soldiers and their fami-lies have given much in time and effort for this mission. So much dedication and many hours of work have been given that it is natural to want to see positive end results of peace, justice and stability in this region.

We live in a world that demands instant gratification and great rewards for minimal work. People are constantly looking for the easy, simple and short term solutions to the prob-lems and challenges of life.

It is more fun to be the one gathering the bounteous harvest, than the one in the dirt and mud preparing the soil, planting the seed, patiently watering and even weeding.

The glory of the harvest will not happen without the hard work of the many. Many others before us have done great work by helping replant the seeds of

justice and peace in this region. The challenges that we face are different than that of those who served during the initial years of the Kosovo Force mission.

The focus and issues of this mission have changed, and so many of our Soldiers have done great and heroic work to respond and continue moving forward. I am amazed and heartened with the tenacity, dedication and cour-age that so many have shown. It is truly an honor to serve with Soldiers of great commitment and professionalism up north

as well as the many dedicated military and civilian members of Multinational Battle Group East here in the south.

Take time this week to affirm the service and successful efforts of fellow Soldiers, military mem-bers and civilians who are a part of our mission. Keep the virtues of patience and hope strong as we continue working toward a great harvest.

Have Hope… “Take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 NAB)

by Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Lindsay

Great harvest ahead

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Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Lindsay prepares the sacrament during a visit to Gate 1 in August. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John A. Montoya)

Soldiers, you may want to think about get-ting your vision checked or scheduling a routine dental cleaning before the deployment comes to an end.

Task Force Medical conveniently offers both services and can save you time and money. Call DSN 3165 to schedule a dental cleaning.

If you are interested in seeing the optom-etrist, go by sick call between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3 to set this up.

Optometry, Dental Checks and Services

(Photo by Spc. John Montoya)

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Groans, grunts and a cheering crowd were all part of the bench press competition that took place in the South Town Fitness Center here on Camp Bondsteel Oct. 22.

The crowd enthusiastically supported the competi-tors, sometimes jumping to their feet to cheer on and encourage participants. Four females and nine males joined in the contest.

The men’s division was divided into four weight categories: lightweight, 170 pounds and below; middleweight, 171-184 pounds; welterweight, 185-195 pounds; and heavyweight, 196 pounds and above.

The women’s division was divided into two weight categories: lightweight, 130 pounds and below; and heavyweight, 131 pounds and above.

During each of the three rounds, competitors were given one chance to bench press a weight of their choosing. On subsequent rounds, participants could not decrease the amount of weight from their first lift. They could stay at the same weight or increase the weight. The winners were chosen on the total combined weight of their successful benches.

Capt. Valerie Palacios, Public Affairs Officer, and women’s lightweight winner,

said it was very different from lifting on her own.

“Being in front of a crowd made me more ner-vous and kind of scared,” Palacios said. “It was a little harder to focus and I felt a lot of pressure, something that is not

Raise the bar

Camp Bondsteel Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosted a Bench Press Competition Saturday, Oct. 22. Nine males and four females competed in three and two weight categories respectively. Another multinational event successfully hosted by the Balkans MWR.

story and photos by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli

Ukrainian Sgt. Sergai Ulitenkov lifts 185 pounds for a middle-weight title.

Continued, next page

Optometry, Dental Checks and Services

6

present during my normal workouts. Normally when I’m alone at the gym I can lift more.”

For other participants the crowd is what got them going.

“I enjoy the crowd,” Joseph Northington, a civil-ian Force Protection Specialist here and the men’s heavyweight winner. “They energize me. I came here tonight a bit sleepy and now I am awake and feeding off of the crowd’s energy.”

Many of the event’s contestants were excited to compete in something that is a routine part of their lives; lifting weights.

“I work out six days a week,” said men’s light-weight winner Sgt. James Ray, an infantry squad leader. “It is a part of my regular schedule.”

Ray, who weighs 168 pounds, and successfully bench pressed 305 pounds, was quick to give credit to his platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. James McBurney.

“He really deserves the credit, he showed me how to do heavy lifting,” said Ray. “I was doing CrossFit and he got me into power lifting and taught me that a good workout plan is essential. You have to know what kind of results you want and then target those muscles.”

Ray believes that power lifting has also benefited him as a Soldier and a leader.

“Working out helps you with every aspect of being a Soldier,” Ray said. “For example, when you go out on a ruck march, you know you can load up your ruck with lots of weight, go out and complete the course. Physical activities also help motivate your squad. As a leader, if you are in good shape it makes the guys want to come out, push harder and partici-pate with you.”

According to 1st Lt. Amaria Vassar, Task Force Medical supply officer, and women’s heavyweight winner, lifting is not just for building muscles.

“I work out four days a week and it makes me feel great,” said Vassar. “I feel mentally and physically better than I otherwise would.”

The Bench Press Competition winners and their maximum bench pressed weight are as follows:

• Men Lightweight: Sgt James Ray benched 305 pounds

• Men Middleweight: Ukrainian Sgt. Sergai Ulitenkov benched 185 pounds

• Men Welterweight: Polish Pvt. Michal Ditczyk benched 340 pounds

• Men Heavyweight: Joseph Northington benched 365 pounds

• Women Lightweight: Capt. Valerie Palacios benched 115 pounds

• Women Heavyweight: 1Lt. Amaria Vassar, benched 155 pounds

1st Lt. Yvonne Keyone, SSA accountable officer for Multinational Battle Group East, attempts to bench press 135 lbs during the Camp Bondsteel benchpress competition.

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Raise the bar, Cont.

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The seasonal transition is upon us and tempera-tures are dropping each week. Precipitation will

soon be in the form of ice and snow. Winter weather creates dangerous driving conditions that add a layer of complexity to operating vehicles here in Kosovo.

Drivers need to ensure their vehicles are prepared for opera-tion in winter weather. When conducting Preventive Mainte-nance Checks and Services on tactical vehicles refer to the dash 10 technical manual and follow the specified procedures. Non-tactical vehicle drivers should refer to the maintenance check-list provided with the dispatch sheet. Here are some common vehicle PMCS considerations for cold weather preparation:

• Battery connections are clean and secure

• Lights and reflectors are service-able and clear of snow

• Check fluid levels and fill as nec-essary

• Windshield wipers are service-able and free of snow and ice build-up

• Mirrors and windows are service-

able and free of ice or snow• Heater/defroster is functioning

properly.• Vehicle is topped off with fuel

Drivers and passengers need to be prepared for exposure to cold temperatures in the event that the vehicle breaks down. Sol-diers should dress in layers and have cold/wet weather gear in the vehicle. Vehicles should also be stocked with basic issue items and have additional items to be prepared for a longer wait. Some items in addition to BII include:

• Snow chains and ice scraper• Flashlight• Water and non-perishable high

calorie food (i.e., energy bars, MREs)

• Blankets or cold weather sleeping bags

One of the best ways of pre-venting an accident is to know the road conditions prior to departure. Your trip may need to be delayed or re-scheduled depending upon the actual road conditions that exist and whether or not it is mission essential. The appropriate level of command leadership must be adhered to

in accepting overall risk for your contingency mission.

In the event that you do find yourself driving on snow or ice, you must reduce your speed for the conditions and increase your following distance relative to the vehicle in front of you. Avoid hard braking that can cause your vehi-cle to break traction and enter a skid. Ease off the accelerator when cresting a hill or entering a curve in the road. If you start to enter a skid, then turn your steer-ing wheel in the direction of skid in order to recover. Return to post as soon as possible to avoid worsening conditions. Remember that the one thing you are always in control of when driving is your own speed!

Driving in Kosovo is among the most hazardous activities we engage in, even when road condi-tions are clear and dry, due to the inadequate infrastructure and traffic congestion. We can, how-ever, avoid accidents and injuries in winter weather by identifying the hazards and taking proactive steps to counter them.

Winter is coming. Prepare yourself and your vehicle to drive safely in all adverse weather conditions.(Photo by Spc. Evan Lane)

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Winter Driving Safety

by Maj. Harvey Johnson, Safety Officer

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Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Sol-diers and Airmen stationed in Kosovo Oct. 24. The service members are part of

Multinational Battle Group East, Kosovo Forces 14 deployment in support of the NATO-led peace-keeping mission here. McKinley, along with the adjutants general from Maryland and New Mexico and senior enlisted personnel from NGB and the two states, spent the day touring multiple locations where U.S. personnel are stationed.

At the Forward Command Post at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo, personnel showed McKinley the oper-ations cell as well as the truly multinational aspect of the operation. The group consists of Moroccan, French, German and U.S. Soldiers working together.

After touring Kosovo with Task Force Aviation in UH-60 Blackhawks, McKinley hosted a question and answer session with more than 300 Soldiers stationed at Camp Bondsteel. McKinley began the meeting by commenting on the professionalism of the Soldiers stationed in Kosovo during the recent unrest that has reshaped the deployment.

“I wanted to come today so you could hear my words of thanks, my words of appreciation and admiration,” McKinley said. “This region of the world is not completely settled from the wars. My admirations to you all for your discipline and your

restraint at that moment in September, no matter whether you were here supporting the force or you were actually at Gate 1, the Soldiers represented by this KFOR mission did a magnificent job.”

News of the unrest in northern Kosovo and the professional response U.S. forces reached the Secretary of Defense and the U.S. President, said McKinley. He went on to say they were all pleased with the manner in which the Soldiers reacted and voiced their support of KFOR’s efforts of de-escalat-ing tensions and threats to the security situation.

Before McKinley opened the floor for questions from service members he said, “I am standing in a room full of people who have put service before self; my congratulations and hat’s off to you all.”

More than a half dozen Soldiers had concerns they were able to voice to the leadership of the National Guard. Questions consisted of an issue currently being discussed in the highest levels of U.S. politics regarding the retirement system for volunteer Soldiers, financial incentives for particu-lar military occupation skills and regarding delays in paying out enlistment bonuses.

McKinley answered other questions regard-ing the semantics of combat pay and recognition, and inequalities in subsistence with counterparts serving in other theaters. Two topics were brought

McKinley gives praise, admiration to Guard members

Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the Cheif of the National Guard Bureau, visits Soldiers stationed at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo. The Soldiers who make up Kosovo Forces 14 are from at least 23 states and territories of the United States. (Photo by Spc. John A. Montoya)

story by Staff Sgt. Anna Doo

11

up concerning the future of the National Guard. Maj. Daniel Caisse asked McKinley about the future of the National Guard within the current budget constraints and right sizing of the economy. Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Jepsen voiced concern over the age of equipment the National Guard is using and whether a plan for fielding newer equip-ment is being considered.

McKinley answered both questions with tones of praise for the ingenuity of guardsmen to use avail-able assets to complete any mission set before them, and the prospect of tough decisions as to where to cut back and where to spend. He said that the stra-tegic development process set by the president will shape those decisions.

“We will size the force to a strategy he [the presi-dent] thinks he can afford. It should be a strategy, it shouldn’t just be an affordability drill here,” McKin-ley said. “When that happens, they’re going to pass down things to us in the National Guard that are either going to be utilizing our skills and our afford-ability, and the fact that we are doing it at less cost, and we can put more force or at least the same size force and give the nation a hedge force like an insurance policy. Or they’ll take a slice across the board, which happens periodically, where every-body pays their fair share. We haven’t gotten to that point yet.”

He went on to add the additional mission of the citizen Soldier citing the numerous natural disasters of this past year that called upon local guardsmen to aid their fellow citizens.

McKinley said, “We have another mission also; and that is to take care of our mission at home. The governors expect the National Guard to be available, well trained, well equipped and we go out of those gates of the armory ready to go.”

Sgt. Timothy Tharp, a member of Task Force Aviation, expressed his thoughts on the visit and words of McKinley and his staff. “It’s an important event that’s for sure; to have someone of his stature and position come speak with us. I appreciate it,” said Tharp. “Of course I really appreciate the work Col. [Michael D.] Schwartz [MNBG E Commander] does on our behalf. He’s not a four star but he also fights for us. He has to take his lumps just like us, but he’s still spent many sleepless nights working to get us what we need.”

Following the questions from the Soldiers, McKinley presented 13 junior enlisted Soldiers with coins for a job well done. The New Mexico Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, also presented coins to six Soldiers on the recommendation of fel-

low Soldiers. Five enlisted service members were also honored with coins from the New Mexico State Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Ken-neth Adair. New Mexico National Guardsmen make up the headquarters element of MNBG-E as well as the majority of service members present along with 22 additional states and territories and nine coun-tries.

Soldiers expressed their gratitude to the National Guard Bureau for sending the top leadership to Kosovo to speak face-to-face with the personnel stationed here.

Maj. Mary Laumbach, deputy logistics officer, said, “Every Soldier in there was honored. The questions asked were answered in a straight for-ward manner and with confidence. I appreciate the general taking the questions back to Congress.”

The year-long deployment for the Soldiers of KFOR14 has been dotted with visits from leader-ship service-wide. The appreciation shown to each of the visitors for taking the time to travel to the remote region in the Balkans does not go unno-ticed by those stationed here. McKinley, the first four-star general to hold the position of Chief of the National Guard Bureau, reciprocated that sentiment by showing his gratitude to the Soldiers who volun-teered for this tour of duty.

Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visits Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, to speak to Soldiers deployed there in support of Kosovo Forces 14, Oct. 24, 2011. McKinley gave his personal gratitude and admiration for the Soldiers and Airmen stationed throughout the country and their professionalism during the recent unrest. (Photo by Spc. Evan Lane)

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McKinley gives praise, admiration to Guard members

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The shoot house at Camp Bondsteel, months in the making, is now open for business. Combat

Arms Training Company Soldiers, under the direction of Master Sgt. Jesus Holguin, worked with Kellogg, Brown and Root employ-ees to convert unused space into a Military Operations in Urban Terrain training space.

“Sgt. [Michael] Carson really spearheaded this thing,” said Holguin. “He developed the floor plan, wrote the training and safety SOPs, and kept pushing to get it up and running.”

The training is based off of techniques perfected over the past decade by Soldiers in com-bat theaters. MOUT specialists from the 2nd Ranger Battalion shared their expertise with CAT-C trainers who in turn instructed members of Multina-tional Battle Group East.

Instructors walk Soldiers through the basics of team

movement, safety and security, and how to enter different types of rooms. Following that the Soldiers are then given several opportunities to work through the area “dry” or without simula-tion rounds.

Safety is key, said Staff Sgt. Jose Astorga, CAT-C instructor. The sim rounds are less than lethal, but at the close ranges MOUT students operate in, they still pose a hazard.

During the dry runs, Soldiers become comfortable with the communication necessary to effectively clear rooms of enemy combatants.

Once the instructors feel that they are ready, the students are issued simulation ammunition, and go through the shoot house under instructor supervision.

The sim rounds were not easy to come by, taking months to acquire, but it’s worth it said Carson.

Throughout each training session, the Soldiers refreshed themselves and began running through the exercises confi-dently, properly acquiring targets and avoiding non-combatants, until, by the end of the day, each Soldier remembered how to suc-cessfully work MOUT situations as part of a team.

story and photos by Spc. Evan Lane

MOUT training comes to Camp bondsteel

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Soldiers with the Personal Security Detail, practice squad level tactics under the observation of Staff Sgt. Jose Astor-ga, above, and Sgt. Michael Carson, doorway, instructors attached to the Combat Arms Training Company Oct. 18. This was the first use of the hands-on, multi-level tactics training area developed by Carson over a span of several months and supported and supplied through Task Force Falcon and U.S. Army Europe.

Soldiers exit back through an already-cleared hallway. They “back clear” so as to avoid any surprises.

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Sergeant, help me I’m getting an Article 15! What are my rights!? Today is your lucky day.

Whether you are a Sol-dier facing Non-Judicial Punishment or the leader of the Soldier fac-ing the Article 15, here are a few things you should know about this multi-part process.

First, you should be provided a copy of the DA Form 2627 along with any and all evidence that is being used against you in the proceed-ings.

You have the right to remain silent and are not required to make a statement regarding the offenses which you are

suspected to have committed.

Soldiers have the right to counsel when facing an Article 15. This means that before you face the commander for part two of the proceedings, you have the right to speak to a lawyer and in most cases, is strongly encouraged by the command.

If you feel that you are being accused of a crime which you

did not commit, you have the right to turn down the Article 15 and demand a trial by court martial. There are different levels of courts

martial and each varies by the level of the offense in ques-

tion.

If you would like to know more about your rights, you can talk to

your Combat JAG Team, found in Admin Alley or walking around Camp Bondsteel.

The month of October is Fire Prevention Safety month, and early

in October, the Camp Bond-steel Firefighters hosted several events to help enhance awareness of fire safety.

“The culmination of this month is Fire Safety Week, and we’re out here to help spread the word,” said Noel Sheard, deputy fire chief. His engine crew brought out a propane-fueled fire simulator and extinguishers to allow attendees to prac-tice effective firefighting techniques.

Sheard has seen many

Fire Safety Week demon-strations, having spent the last 31 years as a firefighter, with 27 years of military firefighting experience. He uses that experience to try to get Soldiers involved and interested keeping them-selves safe while on base and in the field.

Each year they hold a raffle and some kind of hands-on demonstration, he said.

Fire Prevention Safety Month is held in October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, an 1871 fire that killed hundreds and burned over 17,000 struc-tures in Chicago.

story and photo by Spc. Evan Lane

by Sgt. Louie Martinez

Fire safety month is a blast

Article 15 Soldiers’ Rights

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EndCamp Bondsteel firefighters train Soldiers in proper use

of a fire extinguisher Oct. 15. October is National Fire Prevention Month.

14

Task Force Aviation Soldiers invited local high school students from Ferizaj to visit Camp Bondsteel for the Halloween festivi-ties there on Oct. 29. The students are part

of an English as a Second Language (ESL) course aviation Soldiers sponsor through their donation-based Waffle House.

Before the students took part in the Hal-loween celebration, they were given a tour of Bondsteel and shown some the equipment the avia-tion Soldiers use in their day-to-day operations.

Soldiers from Bondsteel working in coor-dination with Morale, Welfare and Recreation worked together to put the haunted house up in the South Town Gym. The haunted house was a maze of horror and the students received a thorough scare by the Soldiers in costumes.

Besides the haunted house the students were entertained by Kosovo Forces 14 band, Danny and the Drivers, and U.S. Soldiers rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video. The students were served food and drinks and enjoyed dancing to American pop music.

Diana Shabani, a Task Force Aviation ESL student, said Kosovo doesn’t celebrate Halloween

and it’s a new experience for her. She said she had fun going through the haunted house and learning about how Americans celebrate Halloween.

Capt. Joseph Neuman, 1-376th Headquar-ters and Headquarters Company commander, said,

“It’s been standard to bring them on for Halloween, since it’s more of an American holiday and they’re not used to it.”

Besides bringing the students on to Bond-steel for this year’s Halloween, Neuman said he wants to make sure Task Force Aviation’s replace-ments continue the tradition of hosting their ESL students.

“This is definitely a mission that’s going to get handed down to the next rotation and then from rotation to rotation,” said Neuman. “This was a great experience to have all these kids show up and see what we actually do for them and for their country.”

Events such as Halloween give KFOR the ability to share our culture with the local people and give them a chance to see how American Soldiers celebrate one of their more light hearted national events.

KFOR 14 treats local students to Halloween

Several of the haunted house volunteers pose for their ghoulish picture. They entertained local children and their parents during Halloween festivities hosted on Camp Bondsteel.

story and photos by Spc. John Montoya

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Above: Soldiers play a fast-paced match in the Camp Bondsteel Table Tennis Tournament. Right: The three champions: Biloshevski Oleksandr, Sergiy Romanhur and Radu Aluchinesei.

On Tuesday Oct. 18, eight soldiers competed in a double-elimination table tennis tour-nament sponsored by Moral, Welfare and Recreation.

MWR medals were presented to the top three individuals. Finishing in first place was Sergiy Romanhur followed by Biloshevski Oleksandr, both from Ukraine. Radu Aluchinesei of Romania took third.

Jay DeBouse, MWR Sports Manager said table tennis seems a little more popular amongst the international soldiers.

“I’m not too surprised by the outcome of the tour-nament,” said DeBouse. “Most of the competitors tonight are regulars here. They come down almost every evening and play.”

Spc. Stephen Segura, of Las Cruces, N.M., has spent some evenings playing table tennis in the MWR facility and thought it would be something fun to do.

“I’m a little rusty, and a little nervous,” said Segura, prior to playing his first game. I’ve seen a number of these guys play and they are all really,

really good. But win or lose, I’m just here to have fun.”

What really sets the international players apart, according to DeBouse, is the way they serve the ball.

“When these guys serve, they put a spin on the ball making it really hard to return, giving them an edge from the start,” he said.

For those interested in participating in the next table tennis tournament DeBouse suggests finding a partner.

“I’m thinking of doing a doubles tournament next month,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of success and fun with those in the past, so find a partner, make a team and come sign up.”

The date and time of the next tournament is still being determined. When the details are final-ized an information and registration flyer will be distributed.

In the meantime, DeBouse encourages soldiers and civilians to stop by the MWR anytime and practice, play and have some fun.

Table Tennis Tournamentstory by 1st Lt. Casey Staheli

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