Photo by Sgt. Rachel Brune Ordnance company contributes to...

Vol. 3, Issue 5 January 29, 2006

Transportation companyruns gun truck missions to

protect CLPs

Q-West GS Hub fliessupplies to keep Soldiers

off Iraqi roads

pg. 8

pg. 11

OrOrOrOrOrdnance comdnance comdnance comdnance comdnance company contributes tpany contributes tpany contributes tpany contributes tpany contributes to CSSo CSSo CSSo CSSo CSS

pg. 14pg. 14pg. 14pg. 14pg. 14Soldiers from the Army Reserve's 452nd Ordnance Company from Aberdeen, S.D., inspect ammunition at one of the ammunition supply points at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Photo by Sgt. Rachel Brune

pg. 8pg. 8pg. 8pg. 8pg. 8Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

South Dakota Reservists provide bullets for everyone in the Iraqi theater

pg. 9pg. 9pg. 9pg. 9pg. 9

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

JANUARY 29, 2006ANACONDA TIMES

Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the3rd COSCOM for the LSA Anaconda community. Thecontents of the Anaconda Times are unofficial and arenot to be considered the official views of, or endorsedby, the U.S. Government, including the Department ofDefense or Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1.

Anaconda Times is published weekly by the Stars

and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000papers.

The Public Affairs Office is on New Jersey Ave. inbuilding 4136, DSN 318-829-1234. Anaconda Times,HHC 3rd COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Web site atwww.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Contact Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett [email protected]

3rd COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead

Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Brian McNerney

Deputy Public Affairs Officer207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment CommanderMaj. Curtis Carney

207th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NCOICSgt. 1st Class Jeffrey S. Mullett

EditorStaff Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Staff WritersStaff Sgt. Engels TejedaSgt. Marshall ThompsonSgt. Mitch ArmbrusterSgt. Jason MikeworthSgt. Ty D. StaffordSpc. Spencer Case

By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Part of what makes leadersgreat is an ability to teach. Lt.Col. Kevin Kesinger, the com-mander of the 376th PersonnelServices Battalion at LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda, isoffering Soldiers more than justencouragement to continue theireducation while deployed—he’soffering his expertise.

Kesinger is a Reservist who isa certified public accountant,holds a master’s degree incomputer science and also workspart time as a professor for auniversity in Indiana. In his freetime he is helping tutor Soldiersenrolled in independent studiesprograms that focus on account-ing and computer sciences.

“When I ask Soldiers, ‘whydid you join the Army?’ usuallythe answer is something like, ‘toserve my country and the G.I.Bill,’” Kesinger said. “I look backat them and say, ‘you’re alreadyhere serving your country. Nowit’s time to get on with youreducation.’”

Kesinger said over 90 Soldiershad signed up for independentstudies that he will help mentor.

“We put out an all-Baladmessage through the educationcenter,” Kesinger said. “We gotall types of Soldiers. One FirstSergeant signed up that needsabout three courses to completehis undergraduate degree, andmany people that have nevertaken a college course signedup.”

Although there are manysubjects of study available from awide variety of educationalinstitutions at the BlackjackEducation Center, Kesinger saidhis efforts will focus mostly on aseries of classes in managinginformation systems, e-commerceand accounting.

“The most popular class sofar is the mathematics classFoundations of QuantitativeMethods,” Kesinger said. “Thatreally surprised me.”

Kesinger said it’s an honor toassist Soldiers with continuingeducation programs.

“To help Soldiers get theirdegrees will be one of theabsolute highlights of mydeployment,” Kesinger said. “Itoffers them a chance to fulfilltheir goals and to keep focusedon the future.”

Kesinger said more educationwill benefit both the Soldier andthe Army.

“It helps them see how theirtechnical expertise grows andbecomes more valuable to theArmy,” Kesinger said. “We havetwo Soldiers who would like togo into the warrant officerprogram just as soon as theyhave enough college credits.”

Staff Sgt. Sarah Gotbeter, thebattalion NBC NCO, said shehad signed up for two account-ing courses.

“When I become an accoun-tant, I can take it to a civilian joband do contracting,” Gotbetersaid. “Contractors do all kinds ofwork with the Army, like withlogistics.”

Gotbeter said she has com-pleted a little more than half ofthe classes she needs for abachelor’s degree and didn’twant to waste any more timecompleting it.

“It’s something I’ve wanted todo for a while now,” Gotbetersaid. “I just sat down anddecided to do it.”

Spc. Wendy Gudino signedup for psychology and Englishclasses at the education center inan effort to get some of hergeneral studies requirementscompleted before returning to the

States.“The commander was all

excited about it,” Gudino said.“He was very motivational aboutit.”

Gudino said her overall goalis to complete a degree injournalism.

“Since I’m a Reservist, it willhelp me in my civilian career.The workplace right now, it’s socompetitive,” Gudino said. “Ahigh school diploma won’t doanything. You need to have afour-year degree.”

She also noted that collegecredit hours help build promo-tion points.

“I want to be an E-5 before Ileave here,” Gudino said.“That’s the goal.”

Gudino said she had com-pleted basic training andadvanced individual trainingbefore enrolling in classes backin the States.

“I went back to the college Iwas supposed to start attending,but they told me I’d have to waitfor the next year to start,”Gudino said. “All of the commu-nity colleges in my area werejampacked. I could only get oneclass, but by the time I started it Igot my deployment orders.”

Gudino said the best part ofthe classes is that they areonline.

“It makes it a lot easier. If youcan’t make the class Tuesday atsix you don’t have to worryabout it. You can make it up onWednesday,” Gudino said. “Youcan do the reading at the bar-racks or on your lunch breakbefore you do the class.”

Gudino said she hopes tocomplete at least four classeswhile deployed.

“It’s not like I have anywhereelse to go, right?”

Staff Sgt. Sarah Gotbeter, from the 374th Personnel Services Battalion, signed up for accounting courses her battalion commander will help tutor.Phot by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

Reserve officer tutors Soldiers in his free timeKesinger encourages troops to acquire college credits by enrolling in independent study courses

JANUARY 29, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

Who is your personal hero and why?

Download the Anaconda Times at www.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Are you funny? Can you draw?Can you draw funny?

Submit original cartoons about military life in Iraq to theAnaconda Times. If you can’t draw, just send us an idea. If youcan’t think of an idea, just send us a funny drawing. Don’t beembarrassed, we promise we’ll laugh.

send to: [email protected]

Cpl. Alex BaguerC 3-321 FA“My parents. They sacrificedeverything for their kids.”

1st Lt. Emily Lacaille70th Engineer Co.“Spc. Bolen for shooting aVBIED on Aug. 7, 2005, andsaving fellow Soldiers’ lives.”

Pfc. Jaime B. Agramont41st Transportation Co.“My mom. She is a single momwho raised me and my sister andgave us all we needed.”

Spc. Lam PhovisayA 2-5 FA“My dad. He has done every-thing I have done so far. I amfollowing in his footsteps.”

Cpl. Robbie GusmanB 1-17 FA“My personal hero is my mom.She has been there for me mywhole life.”

American Forces PressService

WASHINGTON, - The pastyear showed a significant increasein the number of trained andequipped Iraqi security forces andin the capability of these forces toconduct independent operations,said a U.S. military spokesman inBaghdad.

A year ago, there were 127,000trained and equipped members ofthe Iraqi security forces. Todaythere are more than 227,000,which reflects a 78 percent in-crease, Army Maj. Gen. RickLynch, Multinational Force Iraqspokesman, said at a news con-ference. These Iraqi forces are be-coming more capable and are tak-ing the lead in operations, Lynchsaid.

One Iraqi army division, eightbrigades and 37 battalions leadoperations in their areas, he said.This is compared to four brigadesand 11 battalions leading opera-tions in June 2005, he explained.

Based on current projections,75 percent of Iraqi army brigadeswill take the lead in operations bythis summer. And by the fall, 80percent of Iraqi divisions will bein the lead in their areas, Lynchsaid.

Some Iraqi units are alreadyconducting independent opera-tions without coalition support,Lynch said. In December 2005,Iraqi forces conducted 550 inde-pendent operations throughoutIraq, and work is being done tomake more Iraqi units as capable,Lynch said.

”We’re making progress withthe Iraqi security forces and the

Iraqi government in the growth ofthose forces, which are so impor-tant for the end state — securityforces that can maintain domesticorder and deny Iraq as a safe ha-ven for terrorists,” he said.

American servicemembersworking with the Iraqi securityforces continue to applaud theirefforts and capabilities, Lynchsaid. ”They have reached the pointwhere their preference in conduct-ing operations is to conduct op-erations side by side with theirIraqi security force colleagues,” hesaid of U.S. troops in Iraq. A majoradvantage of working alongsideIraqi security forces is their distinctcapability in gathering intelli-gence from locals, Lynch said.

The Iraqi people have lost pa-tience with terrorists and are in-creasingly turning to Iraqi securityforce members to disclose informa-tion about weapons caches and in-surgent locations, he said. Recentincidences in Ramadi of locals tak-ing action against terrorists areanother sign that Iraqis are tiredof terrorists’ violence, Lynch said.

”The people of Iraq are saying,‘We’re not going to accept terror-ists in our midst,’ because they re-alize that the terrorists and foreignfighters have no appreciation forthe lives of the people of Iraq,” hesaid. Attacks in Iraq are down 40percent this week, but that doesn’tmean terrorists aren’t still readyand capable to strike, Lynch said.

He said he expects a surge inviolence around the time electionresults are released. Despite thethreat of violence, all indicatorsshow an Iraq that has made sig-nificant progress and has muchhope for the future, Lynch said.

IrIrIrIrIraqi Security Faqi Security Faqi Security Faqi Security Faqi Security Forororororces Moces Moces Moces Moces Movvvvve e e e e TTTTTooooowwwwwararararardddddIndependence, General SaysIndependence, General SaysIndependence, General SaysIndependence, General SaysIndependence, General Says 2005 Brought

SolidAccomplishment

American ForcesPress Service

Army re-enlistments in2005 were the highest they’vebeen in five years, with morethan 69,500 Soldiers choosingto continue their service, theSecretary of the Army said hereyesterday.

This surplus in retentionmade up for recruiting short-falls the Army has faced,Francis J. Harvey said at a Pen-tagon news conference.

The U.S. Army is the mostcapable, best trained, bestequipped and most experiencedforce the United States hasfielded in more than a decade,and 2005 was a year of manysignificant achievements,Harvey said. Speculations thatthe Army is severely stretchedor “broken” are incorrect, headded.

“To be sure, the Army is fac-ing great challenges, but it ismore accurate to describe theArmy as a full-spectrum forcewith a portfolio of capabilitiesthat are relevant to the 21st cen-tury,” he said.

The Army recruited morethan 73,000 Soldiers in the lastfiscal year and has met its re-cruiting objectives for the lastseven months, Harvey said.The number of recruits whohave signed an enlistment con-tract to date is almost 25 per-cent higher than it was at thesame point a year earlier, hesaid.


Freedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio FrequenciesFreedom Radio Frequencies107.7 Baghdad107.9 Sinjar105.1 Mosul, Fallujah107.3 Balad, Kirkurk, Tallil, Ar Ramadi93.3 Q-West, Tikrit, Al Asad107.1 Ridgeway102.5 Camp Taji

“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”“Always There, on the Air!”

By Sgt. Jason MikeworthStaff Writer

Soldiers at Logistical SupportArea Anaconda celebrated theRev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.holiday with a special dinnerand viewing of a documentary tohonor the civil rights leader.

King, who pioneered the fightfor equality for millions ofAmericans, was assassinated onApril 4, 1968.

The celebration marked the20th year the federal holiday hashonored King.

“It was important for him tospeak up and lead by example,”Ch. (Maj.) Steve Quigg, a chap-lain from the 3rd Corps SupportCommand, said. “He didn’thesitate to be at the front of thegroup and say, ‘follow me.’”

Quigg retold a story Kingshared after he was stabbed inthe chest at a book signing inNew York in 1958. The letteropener came close to puncturingKing’s heart, and it was reportedat the time had King sneezed, hewould have died. Quigg said ofall the letters of support Kingreceived after the attack, hepointed to one that stood outabove the rest. The letter waswritten by a white ninth-gradegirl in New York, and said inpart, “I am so happy you didn’tsneeze.”

“I think we all need to bethankful for this man and howhe led us,” Quigg said. “Kingknew that if change was going totake place it was going to need tocome from the younger genera-tion.”

Quigg acknowledged that

change isn’t finished.“Even though a lot of progress

has been made in the last 30years, we still are not completelythere,” Quigg said. “We stillhave a lot of work to do, and itbegins right here with me, withyou, with all of us.”

Sgt. Pius Kubi, from the 21st

Cargo Transfer Company, saidhe is thankful for the equalityKing dedicated his life toachieve.

“He’s had a lot of impact,”Kubi said. “I’m originally fromAfrica, and he’s opened a lot ofdoors for African people to cometo the United States and experi-ence the opportunity this mangave to us.”

Kubi said that King’s workhas greatly benefited African-Americans.

“Every great thing that goeswith America, the education,work-wise, all of the good stuffthat Americans have privilegesto we have too.”

Kubi, who is originally fromWest African Ghana, said hismilitary experience has beenpositive.

“It’s been very great. I haven’texperienced any negative stuff,”Kubi said. “Not like back in theday when there was all theracism stuff. I have never experi-enced that.”

“It’s really opened a lot ofdoors. Even most of the whitepeople know a lot about blackpeople,” Kubi said. “Everybodygets an opportunity to be whowe want to be.”

Kubi said he was happy theholiday was remembered bytroops in Iraq.

“I’m just grateful that every-

body gets a chance to celebratethis day,” Kubi said. “Not just tolearn about black culture, but alldifferent cultures get to cometogether and celebrate it. It bringshonor to everybody.”

Spc. Megan Delzer, from the864th Adjutant General Com-pany, said she thinks King’shopes were becoming a realityon the day set aside to observewhat would have been King’s77th birthday.

“It’s everything he wantedback then. He wanted to haveblacks and whites and Asians,

every descent, to be able to worktogether and go to schooltogether,” Delzer said. “I neverwould have imagined I’d be inIraq with all these differentcultures and be able to learnabout them.”

Sgt. 1st Class Edward Horton,from the 336th Personnel ServicesBattalion, said he wanted tolearn more about the life of Kingand share that experience withhis Soldiers.

“I wanted to come to see themovie. I feel it would be veryimportant for a lot of my Sol-

diers,” Horton said. “I believeanyone as great as [King] wouldhave a message that’s importantto everyone, and that’s why Ibrought some of my Soldiers heretoday.”

Horton noted the influencefaith had on King’s work.

“I am a spiritual man, and Ibelieve any time God is involvedit affects everyone as a whole,”Horton said. “His touch andmiracles happen in many

See MLK on pg. 15

Ch. (Maj.) Steve Quigg speaks at a special dinner to honor slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. A documentary on King’s life was also shown.

Photo by Sgt. Jason Mikeworth

SoldierSoldierSoldierSoldierSoldiers honor civil rights leaders honor civil rights leaders honor civil rights leaders honor civil rights leaders honor civil rights leader


8th MTR is ready t8th MTR is ready t8th MTR is ready t8th MTR is ready t8th MTR is ready to ro ro ro ro roll on its ownoll on its ownoll on its ownoll on its ownoll on its ownAdvisors reflect on their year spent training Iraqi soldiers at An Numaniyah

Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

Two Army Reservists from Georgiawho spent nine months advising Iraqilogistical troops said that their regiment’sperformance is proof that Iraqis aregetting ready to take over military opera-tions in Iraq, but that the Coalition mustbe patient.

“As far as transportation goes, ourguys are ready,” said Sgt. EddieConaway, a Lumber City, Ga. residentwho advised the Iraqi 8th MotorizedTransportation Regiment at AnNumaniyah, about 100 miles southeast ofBaghdad. “We still have to remind themof the details sometimes but they arepretty ready.”

Conaway and Staff Sgt. Ervin JjuardMyers from Savannah, Ga., spent most of2005 helping the new Iraqi army build the8th MTR. The MTR is one of nine logisticsregiments that the Iraqis hope to havefully operational by the end of 2006. The8th MTR and two other regiments havebeen declared fully functional, while afourth is currently in training.

The regiments are charged with troopand equipment transportation, medicalsupply deliveries, and food and watermovement. Eventually, they will replacethe logistical operations for the Iraqi armybases, most of which are currentlyhandled by Coalition troops and civiliancontractors.

The MTRs consist of three truckcompanies, a security company and amaintenance company. Myers, a formerpolice officer with the Savannah PoliceDepartment, advised the 8th MTR’ssecurity platoon. He said the securitytroops have shown they are ready. Whileon combat logistics patrols, they haverepeatedly come under attack and with-out fail have returned fire and suppressedthe enemy.

“I trust them because they are notscared to shoot. They aren’t scared todefend what is theirs,” Myers said.“When we were out on the roads, wecame together as one, and they did, everytime, exactly what we taught them.Sometimes they even shot a little toomuch.”

The Iraqis conducted most of theirlogistic runs during night. On severaloccasions, they were hit with improvisedexplosive devices or roadside bombs andsmall arms fire, Myers said. In everyinstance, insurgents met strong resis-tance. So they are ready, but some guid-ance is still necessary, Myers andConaway said.

“They are just like any other Soldier inour own army,” Conway said. “You have

to remind them of the little things - towear the Kevlar, to put on a seatbelt, notto point their weapons up, those kinds ofthings.”

Weapon awareness, Myers said, is stilla big concern. He points to an incidentabout two months ago in which an Iraqisoldier shot his foot because he had hisfinger on the trigger while jumping out ofa truck.

But those events are rare, he said,compared to the frequency of mishaps theregiment experienced when it was firstformed in the spring of 2005. Back then,for example, when they encounteredinsurgents, almost all the Iraqis wouldsimply fire at anything they could. Onone occasion, they even just shot into theair. But during recent attacks the Iraqishave been careful to properly identifytheir targets.

It was tough, but they succeeded. As oflate 2005, about eight months after theyfirst came to the regiment, the Iraqis werepractically running their own missions,

with Americans riding along solely asadvisors.

For the trainers, it has been a reward-ing experience, though at times it wasconcerning.

“When we were going out there [to AnNumaniyah], we were told that about 90percent of the Iraqis really wanted usthere, but that we weren’t sure about theother 10 percent,” Myers said.

The 10 percent was reason for concernbecause although the Iraqis screen theirrecruits, insurgents have managed toinfiltrate the Iraqi army before. Last year,for example, authorities foiled a plot todetonate a vehicle bomb inside an Iraqibase.

The base at An Numaniyah is mainlyIraqi, about 2,000, with Americansnumbering in the low hundreds. ButMyers said he wasn’t too worried becausethe majority of the recruits are just tryingto fix their country and because as aformer cop, he had faced plenty of hairysituations before.

“I’ve been a police officer and I’ve dealtwith everybody out on the streets, fromold people to young kids, convictedcriminals, you name it – people who justwould do anything to get away from thepolice,” Myers said. “So I wasn’t thatafraid. But I never let my guard down.”

Conway echoed the same thoughts.Overall, though, the mission was

simply rewarding, Myers said.“I’ll walk away with the satisfaction

that I did my job. We trained them well,and we can see that we trained them wellbecause of their higher standards,” Myerssaid.

As for trusting the Iraqis to handlingtheir own missions, Conway explained,“I trust them. After they’ve saved your lifetwice, you begin to trust them.”

Conway and Myers are expected toreturn home in April with the 414th

Transportation Company. Until recently,the 8th MTR was the 2nd MotorizedTransportation Regiment.

[email protected]

“I trust them because they are not scared to shoot. They aren’tscared to defend what is theirs.”

-Staff Sgt. Ervin Jjuard Myers

Staff Sgt. Ervin Jjuard Myers, an advisor to the Iraqi Army’s 8th Motorized Transportation Regiment, signals a truck at Logistical SupportArea Adder in mid-January. After advising the 2nd MTR on security training for nine months, Myers says the Iraqis are making steadyprogress and will soon be able to handle logistical operations on their own.


JANUARY 29 2006ANACONDA TIMES

LSA LSA LSA LSA LSA ANANANANANAAAAACONDCONDCONDCONDCONDAAAAADining FDining FDining FDining FDining Facilityacilityacilityacilityacility

Hours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationHours of OperationDFAC 1Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.

DFACs 2 & 3Breakfast 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

DFAC 4Breakfast 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Late Night 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The DFAC hours for all locations are sevendays a week. All patrons must be in the properuniform and be able to present appropriateidentification.

By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Iraq’s desert terrain can bethreatening and dangerous forservicemembers and theirequipment. However, for Sol-diers with the 50th EngineerCompany, Iraq’s rivers pose thebiggest challenge.

Soldiers of the 50th Eng. Co.living on Logistical SupportArea Anaconda provide routinemaintenance on their trucks,boats and bridges. Along withtaking care of equipment fromthe LSA, a small detachment ofSoldiers work near the city ofBaji, near Tikrit on the TigrisRiver, supporting Soldiers of the101st Airborne Division andcivilian contractors working on apipeline in the area.

A large explosive devicedestroyed the pipeline early inthe war. Reconstructing thepipeline is a work in progressbut without a bridge, the projectslowed down and needed asolution. The 50th stepped intothe position and supported thecivilians and Soldiers in the areaferrying equipment and person-nel across the river.

The pipeline moves about 10percent of the world’s oil said 1st

Lt. Michael Goddard, platoonleader for 1st Platoon of the 50th.

“We are the main supportelement for bridging in Iraq,”Goddard said. “Fixing the

pipeline is the main project here.We ferry security across the river,along with helping all assets gettheir jobs done.”

The small detachment uses apiece of a floating bridge to movevehicles, supplies and personnelacross the river.

Detachment crews work for amonth at the river site beforebeing relieved by another crewfrom the company. Soldiers withthe 50th run combat logisticspatrols from LSA Anaconda toprovide support to their Soldiersnear Baji. Support includes

parts, boats and personnel.The CLPs keep the Soldiers of

the 50th sharp and the gun truckcrews look out for one anotherwhile on the road. The crews aretight and work well together toensure they are safe while on theroads of Iraq.

The small detachment ofSoldiers in Baji receive mid-daymissions to move trucks acrossthe river with a piece of floatingbridge and some of their boats.The boat crews take pride intheir job and their boats.

“I love boats,” said Sgt. Holly

Sadler, a boat crew chief. “Every-thing about our job is interest-ing.”

Crew chiefs take care of theboats and their Soldiers. Crewchief is one of many jobs forSoldiers with the 50th. Personnelwork as mechanics, boat crewchiefs and form a headquarterselement to keep the companyrunning smoothly and supporttheir mission in Iraq.

During a relief in placemission, Soldiers worked hardputting boats in the river andretrieving the boats that needed

mechanical attention. They alsoused their equipment to fixtrucks and rescue vehicles fromthe thick mud near the shoreline.

Sadler has been in the Armysix years and worked with the50th in Korea. The companyspent time in Korea honing theirskills with bridges before beingdeployed to Iraq.

From gun trucks to bridges ormaintenance to boat missionsthe 50th has worked diligentlyduring their three months in Iraqto make their mission as success-ful as possible.

Sgt. Holly Sadler, a boat crew chief with the 50th Engineer Co., starts a boat before it’s lowered into the water and driven out to a floating bridge on theTigris River. A small detachment of the company aids the rebuilding of a destroyed pipeline by ferrying equipment across the river.

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

Engineers ferry equipment across Tigris


By Sgt. Ty StaffordStaff Writer

Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products arecommon amongst servicemembers serving in Iraq. Datafrom a Department of Defense Survey of Health RelatedBehaviors among military personnel show that cigaretteuse in the military in 2002 was 33.8 percent, which wasa significant increase from the comparable rate in 1998.Tobacco use is one of the top five health concerns withinthe military.

Whether it is to relieve stress or just for the purenicotine enjoyment, most servicemembers are aware ofthe side effects.

However, many people deploy to Iraq with the hopesof “kicking the habit” and with good reason. The Logisti-cal Support Area Anaconda Main Dental Clinic counselsSoldiers and highly encourages them to quit for healthreasons.

“Tobacco is the primary cause of oral cancer, espe-cially smokeless tobacco,” said Col. Jerry Schwartz,periodontist (gum specialist) and general dentist withthe 502nd Dental Detachment at the dental clinic.

Most people are aware of smoking as a risk factor formany serious systemic conditions including cardiovas-cular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstruc-tive pulmonary disease, low birth weight babies ofsmoking mothers, and cancer.

“Soldiers will take up the habit because their peers aredoing it or they are under a lot of stress here … and someof them have been doing it since they were 13 or 14 yearsold,” Schwartz said.

Some smokers have switched to smokeless tobacco asa safer substitute, but smokeless forms of tobacco alsohave negative health effects. It is estimated that thelifetime prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in theUnited States is 17.2 percent, with 3.1 percent of thepopulation having used smokeless tobacco in the pastmonth.

The oral cavity is one of the most affected areasimpacted by tobacco products.

Smoking provides the following threats to oral health:cancer, gum diseases, and delayed healing. The survivalrate for oral cancer is less than 60 percent. Approxi-mately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer occur in theUnited States each year.

Other findings associated with smoking are stainedteeth, tartar buildup, bad breath, and decreased taste.

Destructive periodontal disease is a common amongsmokers. They experience greater bone loss and attach-ment loss, as well as more pronounced frequency ofperiodontal pockets than non smokers. Tooth loss ismore extensive.

Additionally an inflammation of the palate callednicotine stomatitis is often present.

There are two types of smokeless tobacco products:chewing tobacco and snuff. Snuff is pulverized fire curedtobacco and comes in two varieties, moist and dry. Thedry type is usually inhaled whereas the moist type isplaced in the oral cavity between cheek and gum.

Chewing tobacco is coarser than snuff and comes inthree varieties, loose-leaf sold in pouches, plug in smallblocks, and twisted in strands. Like snuff, chewingtobacco is placed between cheek and gum. All varietiesof smokeless tobacco can cause harmful effects on theoral cavity.

Almost 80 percent of daily smokeless tobacco usershave an identifiable soft tissue lesion.

“We see a lot of lesions on Soldiers who dip whenthey come in for dental work. It doesn’t matter what typeof smokeless tobacco they use,” Schwartz said.

More than 5 percent of the patients seen at the maindental clinic are smokeless tobacco users, Schwartz said.

Smokeless tobacco habits can also result in theformation of a white patch in the area where the tobaccois placed. This white patch, called leukoplakia, can bepremalignant or even malignant.

Localized destruction of gum tissue can also occurand results in a stripping of the gum from the teeth. Sincethe tobacco often contains sugar, dental cavities canoccur in the teeth.

“Usually they will leave the tobacco in one area and itis a constant irritation to the gum and teeth. And theonly way to repair the recession of the gum is by surgi-cally grafting from another part of the mouth to fix theaffected area,” Schwartz said.

Both smoke and smokeless tobacco products containnicotine which can result in dependence and addiction.Although nicotine itself is not associated with cancerthere are many other carcinogenic agents in tobaccoproducts. It is estimated that there are 4,000 chemicalsand gases in smoking tobacco and some 3,000 chemicalsin smokeless tobacco.

The habitual use of tobacco products is multi-factorialand includes physiologic and sociologic components.Overcoming the addictive nature of nicotine includescessation regimens that help address the effects ofwithdrawal while providing social support to the“quitter” for the lifestyle change that must occur.

“We highly recommend Soldiers quit on their own orattend a cessation class while they are here if they arereally interested in quitting. I’ve seen tremendous resultsback in the states when Soldiers attend these classes,”Schwartz said.

It has been shown that nicotine replacement therapynearly doubles the success rate of cessation programs.

“It is important to realize that if they continue it canbecome a life threatening cancer,” he said.

For Soldiers interested in the smoking and tobaccocessation program, they need to contact their nearestTMC to find out more information on the next class.

- Information provided by U.S. Army Center for HealthPromotion and Preventive Medicine

ImImImImImprprprprprooooove yve yve yve yve your health bour health bour health bour health bour health by kicking the habity kicking the habity kicking the habity kicking the habity kicking the habit

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Did you know?

Tobacco kills over 400,000 people each year…morethan heroin, cocaine, alcohol, AIDS, fires, homicides,suicides, and automobile accidents combined.

Smoking accelerates coronary artery disease andmakes high blood pressure harder to control.

Smoking has been linked to cancer of the mouth,larynx, uterus, kidney, esophagus, bladder, pancreas,and stomach as well as lung cancer.

Using tobacco restricts blood flow to the skin by asmuch as 40 percent. This can increase your risk of handand arm injury when using power tools.

Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase yoursusceptibility to frostbite.

Pipe and cigar smoking are even more harmful thancigarette smoking as a contributing cause of lip cancer.

A person who isn’t a tobacco user by age 18 willmost likely never use tobacco…unless that person is inthe military. One study found that cigarette smokingand smokeless tobacco use more than doubled betweenrecruits and active duty servicemembers.

Smokeless tobacco habits can result in the formation of awhite patch in the area where the tobacco is held. This whitepatch, called leukoplakia, can be premalignant or even ma-lignant.

Smoking has been linked to different types of cancer. It mayalso cause a yellow discoloration of the teeth and bad breath.

An inflammation of the palate called nicotine stomatitis isoften present amongst smokers.

Moist snuff or chewing tobacco is placed between cheekand gum. All varieties of smokeless tobacco can cause harm-ful effects on the oral cavity.

Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford

Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafforfd

Courtesy Photo from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

Courtesy Photo from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

Religion inthe Coalition

-1st Lt. Tamera A. Greshik

Spc. Wade E. Eilert, an ammunition specialist from the Army Reserve's 452nd Ordnance Company from Aberdeen, S.D.,inspects some ammunition turned in at one of the ammunition supply points at Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

PAGE 8 JANUARY 29, 2006 ANACONDA TIMES

Staff Sgt. Timothy Morrow (left), Spc. Lance Green (center), and Spc. Jesse Turner, all motor transportation specialists with the 414th Transportation Company, lubricate their weaponsystem while preparing for a security escort mission. The company has Reserve Soldiers from 18 different states and also from Puerto Rico.


Unit comes together through gun truck missionBy Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

For members of the Army Reserve’s414th Transportation Company, a deploy-ment to Iraq has been about team buildingand self-discovery.

Approximately 130 Soldiers, less thana dozen of whom belonged to the originalgroup, mobilized to Iraq about ninemonths ago. Their mission was to keepcombat logistics patrols throughoutsouthern Iraq safe.

“Becoming a unit is an ongoingprocess. We are still working on that,”said Sgt. 1st Class Tony Echevarria, thecompany’s first sergeant. “When we firstgot together, it was very tough. But thereis a lot of cohesion in the teams, the guntrucks. They are close because they areout there covering their backs.”

The teams’ cohesion was evident whena civilian 18-wheeled truck swerved infront of a 414th’s truck during a missionto Kuwait. The gun truck hit the civiliantruck twice and then caught on fire. The

truck’s gunner, whose head was stickingout of the truck’s roof, went unconscious.The truck’s passenger broke his elbow.The driver, Spc. Jesse Turner, managed toregain control of the truck and pulledover. He helped the passenger out of thevehicle, dragged the unconscious gunnerto safety, and then got a hold of a fireextinguisher and put out the fire.

“I was just a little shaken up becausemy buddies were pretty banged up,”Turner said. “But I didn’t really doanything special.”

It’s mighty talk for a 22-year-old whodid not think much of the military before.

“I’ve matured a lot since I came overhere,” Turner said. “I used to be totallyagainst the military. My dad was in themilitary. My brother is in Afghanistanwith the military. But I didn’t really thinkmuch of the military.”

Now he and his battle buddy, Spc.Lance Green, are planning to join theactive Army and eventually becomerangers. Their decision to go activereflects the transformation through whichmany of the Soldiers have gone. Spc.Craig Neasbitt, a motor transportation

operator, said the deployment has helpedhim strengthen his faith.

“You do a lot of thinking out here,especially if you’ve been in the firefights,”Neasbitt said. “I think I’ve definitelychanged since I got here.”

Neasbitt, 19, joined the Army afterwhat he describes as a troubled youth. Hesaid he reacted to family problems bygetting in all sorts of trouble. Then, lastSeptember, he was on a nighttime escortmission when insurgents attacked him.

“It was a shock, just realizing whatwas happening. I had dirt all over myface,” Neasbit said recounting the attack.He was on the lead truck. “I had seen theinsurgents but I couldn’t return firebecause there was another convoy in theway . . . You could hear the roundspassing by your head, like flies.”

It was enough of a rush to make himquestion his faith.

“They say there aren’t atheists in thefoxhole. Now I know why,” he jokedlater.

He now plans to become a teacher andwork with troubled high school youths.

Like Neasbitt, most of the gun truck

teams in the 414th have encounteredinsurgent attacks ranging from impro-vised explosive devices or roadsidebombs to small arms fire. The averageSoldier in the unit is between 19 and 23years old, and most of them are fresh outof training. Chief Warrant Officer 3 BryanBeard, the unit’s maintenance officer anda former Marine, has been on patrol withthe Soldiers when they have encounteredfire. His assessment of their performanceis that they’ve risen to the occasion.

“They did exactly everything they weretrained to do,” Beard said of the Soldiers’reaction to the insurgent attack thatNeasbitt described. “They executed theirbattle drills, we didn’t lose any of thevehicles we were escorting, and I think itactually improved their morale becausethey were some fired up troops when itwas over.”

The statistics back up Beard’s assess-ment. The unit has filed over 140 awardrecommendations for the troops, includ-ing 23 Bronze Stars.

See Transportation company on pg. 15

JANUARY 29, 2006 PAGE 9ANACONDA TIMES

Some supporSome supporSome supporSome supporSome support mission bt mission bt mission bt mission bt mission by ‘hauling bry ‘hauling bry ‘hauling bry ‘hauling bry ‘hauling brass’ass’ass’ass’ass’By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

Soldiers sort through worn ammunition around alarge table at the north Ammunition Supply Point ofLogistical Support Area Anaconda. They inspect theclips and bullets to establish whether they can bereissued or need to be destroyed.

This is just one of the many tasks they do on a dailybasis, in order to support the warfighting missiontheater-wide. Their unit, the Army Reserve’s 452nd

Ordnance Company from Aberdeen, S.D., is alsoresponsible for issuing ammunition. They often shipout ammo to Coalition and joint forces in the Iraqitheater through combat logistics patrols or by air.

“Sometimes we do re-palleting and re-banding.Shipments going on Air Force pallets sometimesrequire a lot of physical work,” said Sgt. Michael J.Bell, an ammo handler from the 452nd.

The unit operates the north and south AmmunitionSupply Points as well as the Basic Load AmmunitionHolding Area on LSA Anaconda. The entire complexis often referred to as the Corps Storage Area.

“We’re handling everything from [M136] AT4s to 9mm. The Soldiers are getting a chance to look at andhandle a variety of ammunition that they may neversee again,” said 1st Lt. Tamera A. Greshik, the com-pany executive officer. She was one of several cross-levels who joined the unit shortly before they de-ployed.

The company arrived in Iraq in late October withapproximately 120 Soldiers, 30 percent of whom werecross-leveled into the unit. The original unit membersand newcomers meshed together quickly, Greshiksaid.

Spc. Georgeanne I. Hinkle, an ammunition special-ist also cross-leveled into the 452nd, said that she onlyhad the chance to really get to know her fellowSoldiers once they had arrived in theater. This is hersecond deployment to Iraq. The first time she de-ployed as a fuel handler and spent most of her time inTallil.

“I just really volunteered for any position that wasavailable over here. I lucked out. I really like this MOS[military occupational specialty]. I just wanted to getback over here,” Hinkle said.

Bell said the newcomers to the unit are doing well.Despite most of them having only gone through afour-week version of the advanced individual trainingfor ammunition handlers, they’re doing great and arelearning a lot on the job.

The unit works around the clock, splitting theirpersonnel into three shifts.

“We try to do the best we can for our customers,”said Sgt. 1st Class Dan B. Karst, one of the platoonleaders. Back home he teaches 8th-grade students andcoaches baseball, basketball and football. He said heoften uses his coaching skills on the deployment.

“When you coach baseball, some people need a hug,some need a kick in the pants and the same principlesapply over here,” Karst said.

The deployment has its challenges for all. Greshikfound that being away from her home and family andgetting along with each other may be a little hardsometimes.

“It was a challenge at first to establish our battlerhythm,” Greshik said.

By now the company runs everything with confi-dence, allowing them to start rotating their troops forleave.

“What we have going for us is that a lot of us havebeen through it twice. Some of us have been through it

three times,” Karst said.He has been in the Army for 17 years. Karst has

deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, then toHungary and now Iraq.

For Karst, each deployment has been a familyaffair. His dad was the first sergeant on his first deploy-ment. He deployed to Hungary with his brother, whoalso accompanied him on this tour to Iraq.

Hinkle’s family had a hard time dealing with hercoming over to Iraq for the second time. “They knew

“The feel for the unit is very similar to a family, where you have siblings that squabbleand fight. But you go to picking on any one individual from an outside entity, the wholeunit turns and attacks.”

it was something I wanted to do. I believe in thereason why we are over here,” she said.

All the Soldiers described their teamwork asexcellent within the company. They have a close-knitcrew.

“The feel for the unit is very similar to a family,where you have siblings that squabble and fight. Butyou go to picking on any one individual from anoutside entity, the whole unit turns and attacks,”Greshik said.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Monika Comeaux


Sustaining Soldiers by managing stress to improve mission readiness

LSA Anaconda, BaladBldg. 4116 Ohio Street(near the Air Force Theater Hospital)DSN: (318) 829-1402e-mail: [email protected]

Patriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicPatriot ClinicCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat SCombat Stress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrtress Contrololololol

Command ConsultationsCombat and operational stress supportMental Health counselingPsychoeducational briefingsPsychiatric consultation

Critical Incident Debriefings/Trauma Management

Clinic Hours: Open Sunday—Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emergency 24-hour Service and Mobile Treatment Team Available

Please call in advance to eliminate waiting

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL…

Now that we have your atten-tion, you should know that whiledeployed, the use of these sub-stances can be just as deadly asany IED, rocket or mortar. Pleasereport any use of these substancesor suspicious activities. Do YOUhave the courage to do what isright?

If so, contact our office at 829-2718.

Going onEmergency

Leave?

Don’t forget,

you MUSThave civilianclothes tobe able to

fly out!Also make sure you

have a copy of your

orders on you at all

times, even when

you are at home!

By Sgt. Ty StaffordStaff Writer

Many Soldiers hit the dining facility,grab a burger and fries and don’t thinktwice about the health and nutritionalcontent of what they are eating.

Eating right is vital to promoting healthand reducing the risk for death or disabil-ity due to chronic diseases such as heartdisease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke,and osteoporosis, according to the U.S.Department of Agriculture. In fact, it hasbeen estimated that dietary changes couldreduce cancer deaths in the United Statesby as much as 35 percent.

“It’s definitely difficult for people tomaintain a dietary program while they aredeployed. However, there are plenty ofopportunities to gain or lose weight withproper nutritional guidance,” said Capt.James Weinstein, OIC of the nutritionalsection at the Air Force Theater Hospitalat Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

Very few servicemembers meet themajority of recommendations of the FoodGuide Pyramid or the Dietary Guidelinesfor Americans.

The Food Guide Pyramid is an outlineof what to eat each day, and it calls for avariety of food and nutrients. Fruits andvegetables provide essential vitamins andminerals, fiber, and other substances thatare associated with good health. Low fatdiets rich in fiber-containing grainproducts, fruits, and vegetables mayreduce the risk of heart disease and sometypes of cancer.

According to the USDA, only threepercent of all individuals meet four of thefive recommendations for the intake ofgrains, fruits, vegetables, milk products,and meat and bean food groups.

“For those wanting to lose weight, youneed to concentrate on serving sizes,

DietDietDietDietDietararararary changes could say changes could say changes could say changes could say changes could save livesve livesve livesve livesve lives

Granola bars and fruit make an excellent snack between meals and while on missions.

Photo by Sgt. Ty Stafford

overall meal size and what you are eatingduring your meals,” he said.

For breakfast, Weinstein recommendsstaying away from fried items and baconand eat fruit or yogurt instead.

“During lunch and dinner, rememberyou don’t have to go through the mainline every time. A salad with tuna isperfectly OK for an evening meal,” hesaid.

Weinstein also recommends thatSoldiers, especially females in their child-bearing years, concentrate on gettingenough calcium.

“If you don’t like drinking milk, youcan eat yogurt or cheese and there aresupplements available,” he said. Ahealthy calcium intake is 500 to 1,000milligrams a day.

“The people who lose the most weighteat the most often. Which means eatingthree meals a day and having healthysnacks in between,” Weinstein said.

“One thing I would like to point out is

that Soldiers should not get a dessert withevery meal. Treat dessert as a treat andlimit yourself to twice a week. There is nofood you shouldn’t eat, but moderation isthe key,” he said.Weinstein is also leery ofregular soda, juices and sweet tea at thedining facilities.

“They are loaded with sugar and highcalories. Soldiers should drink water orskim or fat free milk,” he said.

Drinking enough water is also essen-tial to keeping hydrated, converting foodinto energy, carrying nutrients throughthe body, and removing waste.

“Two bottles a day is a good start butyou can never drink too much especiallyduring the hot summer months,” he said.

For those Soldiers who are on combatlogistics patrols, Weinstein recommendstaking snacks such as an apple or anorange and granola bars.

see Healthy Eating on pg. 15


Remember humvee safetyAlways follow these important rules:

- Wear your seatbelt

- Wear your Kevlar or Advanced Combat

Helmet

- Maintain the proper speed

- Drive defensively

- Stay alert

By Sgt. Rachel Brune101ST Sustainment Brigade PAO

Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq — Asthe mechanics of the 101st SustainmentBrigade labor to keep Soldiers on theroad, these troops are working hard tokeep them off the highways of Iraq.

At the General Support Hub, or GSHub, here, Soldiers and civilian contrac-tors conduct logistics operations, includ-ing building about 20 pallets per day fortransport by aircraft.

“We’re the only hub that is actuallyflying out [materiel in Iraq] to keepSoldiers off the road,” said Sgt. ElsiraWedderburn, 317th Maintenance Com-pany, 71st CSB.

“I can tell you that every four palletsmeans one trailer and two Soldiers off theroad,” said 1st Lt. Ryan Wolfe, 305thQuartermaster Company, 71st CorpsSupport Battalion. Wolfe, from Havre,Mont., is the GS Hub OIC.

Wedderburn, from Philadelphia, Pa., isthe retrograde materiel NCOIC. Retro-grade materiel consists of any used turn-in items such as tires, tank parts, tracks orgun truck equipment, said Wedderburn.

When cargo arrives, the Hub workersdownload the pallets from the trailersand determine whether each palletcontains equipment going to a singledestination.

If a pallet contains equipment destinedfor multiple locations, the Soldiers sortthe equipment and rebuild the pallets, aprocess known as “transloading,”according to Wedderburn.

In addition to troops from the 317thMaintenance Co., an active-duty unitfrom Bamberg, Germany, contractors fromKellogg, Brown and Root work alongsideSoldiers from 551st Cargo TransferCompany, an active-duty unit from FortEustis, Va., and 305th Quartermaster Co.,an active-duty unit stationed in Korea.

Each metal Air Force pallet, known as

a 463L pallet, must meet Air Force heightand weight standards and inspection tomake sure there is no damage to the palletor the cargo netting, said Wedderburn.

At the cargo yard, Spc. Isaac P.Managan, 317th Maintenance Co.,automated logistics supply specialistfrom Montgomery, Ala., used a forklift tomaneuver pallets off waiting trailers anddeliver them to the air pallet constructionarea.

Managan estimated he drives at least15 miles each day, just maneuveringpallets.

“I like working out here … because ofthe different jobs you can do,” saidManagan. On the days Wedderburn isabsent from the Hub, he steps up to fillher boots.

Spc. Dennis Arnold, 317th Mainte-nance Co. logistics specialist from Wash-ington, D.C., and Markus Loehnert, KBRwarehouse worker from Hinesville, Ga.,walked around a cargo net spread out onthe ground. Pushing a strap here and

pulling a strap there, they inspected thelattice for any irregularities that wouldcause quality control to reject a pallet atthe airfield.

Next to them, a team of three Soldierswinched down a net on a 463L pallet oftires.

“Instead of putting more trucks on theroad, we’re building pallets so they cango on aircraft,” said Pfc. ChristopherField, 551st CTC cargo specialist, ofDixfield, Maine.

With fellow 551st cargo specialists Pfc.Andrew Geesaman, of Waynesboro, Pa.,and Pfc. General Walkers, of Richmond,Va., Field pulled the straps tightly andmade sure the stacked tires adhered to theAir Force standards.

None of the pallet’s contents extendedover the edge. The team even inspectedthe underside of the pallet to make sure itwas serviceable.

Although the 551st has been in Iraqsince July 24, 2005, the unit arrived at theGS Hub a few weeks ago. Some of the

Soldiers build pallets while othersoperate the forklift and rough terraincargo handler.

“It’s hard work right here,” said Field.“If a convoy comes in at any time, we

have to download it,” said Spc. DanielColeman, 305th Quartermaster Co.multiclass NCOIC, from Clyde, N.C. Somemissions leave the same night they arrive,so the Soldiers must download thetrailers as soon as the trucks arrive.

When the trailers of pallets arrive,whether from trucks or from the airfield,Coleman and his troops inspect them tomake sure each trailer is “pure,” or goingto the same destination. Sometimes atrailer contains pallets of equipmentheading for different destinations.

“We make the trailer pure and send itwhere it has to go,” said Coleman. Eachmission might bring in 12 to 15 trailers ofmateriel of all kinds.

“Everything ordered from south to

See Soldiers Receive on pg. 15

Once a pallet of tires is built, Sgt. Elsira Wedderburn, 317th Maint. Co. retrograde NCOIC, directs a forklift to move it to the "ready line."Photo by Sgt. Rachel Brune

GS hub flies supplies, keeps Soldiers safe


East MWREast MWREast MWREast MWREast MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

WWWWWesesesesest MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRt MWRScheduleScheduleScheduleScheduleSchedule

BoBoBoBoBoxingxingxingxingxingThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Box on Monday, Wednesdayand Saturday at 7 p.m.

AerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsAerobicsThere will be an aerobics class Mon-

day, Wednesday and Friday at 5:50p.m.

Submission GrapplingSubmission GrapplingSubmission GrapplingSubmission GrapplingSubmission GrapplingSubmission Grappling on Wednes-

day, Friday and Sunday from 8:30p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

TTTTTae Boae Boae Boae Boae BoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Tae Bo classes Tuesday, Thurs-day and Saturday at 5:30 a.m.

HaHaHaHaHatha tha tha tha tha YYYYYooooogggggaaaaaThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Hatha Yoga classes on Mondayat 11 a.m.Open CourOpen CourOpen CourOpen CourOpen Court t t t t VVVVVolleolleolleolleolleyballyballyballyballyball

The LSA Anaconda Fitness Centerruns Open Court Volleyball Gameson Saturday and Sunday evening.Check the monthly calendar for exacttimes!

LSLSLSLSLSA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaA AnacondaFitnessFitnessFitnessFitnessFitnessCenterCenterCenterCenterCenter

KKKKKarararararaokaokaokaokaoke Nighte Nighte Nighte Nighte Night

Every Tuesday at 8 p.m.

TTTTTaaaaabbbbble le le le le TTTTTennisennisennisennisennisTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A Table tennis tour-nament will be everySunday at 3 and 8 p.m.

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

An 8-ball tourna-ment will be heldevery Monday at 3and 8 p.m.

Dedicated to providing a variety ofservices including:

Powers of Attorney and NotariesCitizenship Application Preparation and Immigra-

tion IssuesDivorce and Family Law Issues

GuardianshipsTax Services

Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act IssuesFLIPL and Reprimand Rebuttals

Personnel Claims and Wills

LSA Anaconda Soldiers’Legal CenterDSN 829-1947

Going Home?Naval Customs will be holding

briefings for returning units.

The brief will cover container andMILVAN inspections, prohibited items,and tips on how to make the process gowell. Customs inspectors will be there to

answer questions

For questions and reservations callMT1 McCreary:

829-1824

DCS BriefingsBriefings are held Monday, Wednes-day and Friday at 8 a.m. on Pennsyl-vania Avenue, across from the wash

racks.For information, call Staff Sgt. Litrena Gordon at 829-

1815

• College classes online• Computer classes• GED study sessions• CLEP study sessions and testing• College entrance examination preparation (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)• GT improvement classes• Pre-test GT predictor• Online military education (eArmyU, ACCP, Smart Force, AARTS, ACES)• Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test study session

DSN 829-4010

Blackjack Education Center

offers the following programs

8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-Ball8-BallTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnamentTTTTTuesdauesdauesdauesdauesdays ays ays ays ays attttt

1 1 1 1 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.p.m. and 8 p.m.

DarDarDarDarDartststststsTTTTTourourourourournamentnamentnamentnamentnament

A darts tournamentwill be held Sundaysat 8 p.m.

MWR and Fitness Center schedules aresubject to change. Please check the monthlycalendars published by the individual insti-

tutions for more details.

JANUARY 29, 2006 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

RRRRReligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious Sceligious ScheduleheduleheduleheduleheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerSustainerRRRRReel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Timeeel Time

TheaterTheaterTheaterTheaterTheater(schedule is subject to change)

January 293 p.m. Glory Road6 p.m. The Legend of Zorro9 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours

January 303 p.m. The Legend of Zorro6 p.m. Glory Road9 p.m. Jarhead

January 313 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours6 p.m. Get rich or Die Tryin’9 p.m. Glory Road

February 13 p.m. Jarhead6 p.m. Glory Road9 p.m. The Legend of Zorro

February 23 p.m. Glory Road6 p.m. Jarhead9 p.m. Get Rich or Die Tryin’

February 33 p.m. Walk the Line6 p.m. Harry Potter 49 p.m. Underworld: Evolution12 a.m. Underworld: Evolution

February 43 p.m. Harry Potter 46 p.m. Underworld: Evolution9 p.m. Underworld: Evolution

February 53 p.m. Yours, Mine and Ours6 p.m. Underworld: Evolution9 p.m. Jarhead

Roman Catholic MassSaturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSaturday 8 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Provider ChapelMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelTue.-Fri. 12 p.m. Freedom Chapel(sacrament of reconciliation30 minutes prior to each Mass)

Church of ChristSunday 2 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Islamic PrayerFriday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel

Spanish-speaking Non-denominationalSunday 2 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Non-denominationalFriday 7 p.m. Signal ChapelSunday 9 a.m Signal Chapel

Jewish PrayerFriday 6:30 p.m. Provider Chapel Annex

Protestant-GospelSunday 11 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 11:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Provider Chapel

Protestant Praise and WorshipSunday 9 a.m. East MWRSunday 11 a.m. Eden Chapel (Bldg. 4148)Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelWednesday 7 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 10 a.m. Complere ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Town Hall

Protestant-TraditionalSunday 7:30 a.m. Air Force Hospital ChapelSunday 9:30 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 10 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 5 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Latter-day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 4 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Movie Synopsis for Jan. 29- Feb. 5Walk the LinePG-13, 135 minJoaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon

He picked cotton, sold door to door, and served in theAir Force. He was a voice of rebellion that changed theface of rock and roll. An outlaw before today’s rebelswere born - and an icon they would never forget. He didall this before turning 30. And his name was JohnnyCash. WALK THE LINE explores the early years of themusic legend, an artist who transcended musicalboundaries to touch people around the globe. As hismusic changed the world, Cash’s own world was rockedby the woman who became the love of his life: JuneCarter.

Yours, Mine and OursPG, 99 minDennis Quaid, Rene Russo

A widow and widower fall in love and get married, butthe resulting combined eighteen children make for ahair-raising situation under one roof.

Underworld: EvolutionR, 105 minKate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman

A war emerges between the aristocratic Death Dealers andthe barbaric Lycans (werewolves), stemming from anancient feud between the two tribes. Selene, the beautifulvampire heroine, and Michael, the lycan hybrid, try tounlock the secrets of their bloodlines.Their forbidden love

takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortalsmust finally face their retribution.

Harry Potter 4PG-13, 150 minDaniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson

In his fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry faces hisgreatest challenges and dangers yet. When he isselected under mysterious circumstances as acontestant in the Triwizard Tournament, Harrymust compete against the best young wizards fromschools all over Europe. But as he prepares, signsbegin to point to the return of Lord Voldemort.Before long, Harry is playing not just for the Cup,but for his life.

JarheadR, 115 minJake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx

“Jarhead” (the self-imposed moniker of the Marines)follows Anthony Swoff, a third-generation enlistee,from a sobering stint in boot camp to active duty,sporting a sniper’s rifle and a hundred-pound ruckon his back through Middle East deserts with nocover from intolerable heat or from Iraqi soldiers,always potentially just over the next horizon. Swoffand his fellow Marines sustain themselves withsardonic humanity and wicked comedy on blazingdesert fields in a country they don’t understandagainst an enemy they can’t see for a cause they don’tfully fathom.

Religious schedule subject to change


By Staff Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

The motor pool of the 872nd Maintenance Company atLogistical Support Area Diamondback is always busy.Mechanics work on top of, inside, and underneathvehicles, some with more confidence than others.

Sgt. Jeremy Penman, an artillery mechanic and powergenerator equipment repairer, is very knowledgeable andcompetent. Despite his training, he mostly works onwheeled vehicles, like humvees.

“He is our go-to Soldier,” said Staff Sgt.Tina A. Resch,also a mechanic who is in charge of Penman in the motorpool. “He is very proficient. There are other NCOs in theshop that go to him with their problems.”

She has known Penman since April 2005 and canonly say good things about him.

Penman joined the Army because he “felt like joiningthe Army that day,” he said. He was partaking in rodeosbefore he made the decision to sign up for a professionthat can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous,than riding untamed beasts. He didn’t regret his deci-sion.

“I get to see the world. I have been to Korea, Turkey,Iraq, Australia, Bosnia. It’s a fun job,” Penman said.

Penman is on his second tour in Iraq. The first time hedeployed, he was on active duty with the 3rd ArmoredCavalry Regiment out of Fort Carson, Colo.

He was Soldier of the Year at Fort Carson in 2001. Hehas decided to get out, pursue a degree and become an

officer one day.While on his terminal leave, he had a DUI and lost his

rank. He knows he was at fault. He didn’t blame theArmy. He still continued with his original plan, andjoined the Reserves in Utah.

“The Reserves pay 100 percent tuition. In order to payfor school, I just decided to join the Reserves and go toschool full time. Once I get my commission, I plan ongoing back on active duty,” Penman said.

He majors in journalism at Weber State University inOgden, Utah, and is close to finishing his degree.Although he doesn’t have time, access to the internet oraccess to an education center, he’s trying his best toacquire some college credits while deployed. He’sworking on writing two books simultaneously andhopes that he’ll be able to get some credits from hiscollege for his hard work.

Before he got his stripes back, he also went back tocompeting in the Soldier of the Month competition andwent on to the Soldier of the Quarter board for the 142nd

Corps Support Group at Diamondback.Staff Sgt. Jason W. Huber, also a mechanic and now

the assistant operations NCO of the 872nd, has a highopinion about Penman. He used almost identicaladjectives to describe him as Resch used.

“When he was in my squad, he was my go-to guy. Hecould perform any given task above standard. He’s oneof the best Soldiers I have seen,” Huber said.

Even as a specialist, Penman always helped fellowSoldiers around him, and continues to do so as asergeant.

“He likes to work in a team. Even if he knows whathe’s doing, he doesn’t completely take over. He coachesand teaches,” Resch said.

Huber described him as a people person. He is veryopen-minded, Huber said. “He takes in the whole beforehe makes a decision or a judgment,” he said.

As the months of the deployment go by, Penmancontinues to work on his books, saving some money andkeeping his fellow mechanics in good spirits.

“He always has funny stories to tell,” Huber said.He is a comedian, but knows when to take things

seriously, he said.“He is one of those guys, if you give him a task to do,

you don’t have to go check, and it will be done at the endof the day. If he does finish early, he will come back andask you what he needs to do next,” Resch said.

Sgt. Jeremy Penman, a mechanic with the 872nd Maintenance Company from Ogden, Utah, fastens a screw on a humveein their maintenance bay at Logistical Support Area Diamondback. Penman is the ‘go-to’ guy amongst the mechanics.

MecMecMecMecMechanic hopes to become an ofhanic hopes to become an ofhanic hopes to become an ofhanic hopes to become an ofhanic hopes to become an officerficerficerficerficer


By Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Airmen with the 332nd Expedi-tionary Security Forces Squadronhelp keep servicemembers andcivilians safe through propersecurity.

Flight line access allowsservicemembers on the airfield todo a wide range of things. Forceprotection grows more difficultfor the 332nd if servicemembersdon’t wear their identificationproperly. Improper wear of flightline badges has added to theworkload of the 332nd forceprotection personnel.

“We are protecting ourresources,” said Air Force SeniorMaster Sgt. Patrick Coveney,332nd ESFS operations superin-tendent. “Air Force and Armyaviation equipment on the flightline is at risk.”

By wearing the badge in aclear line of sight, security forcescan easily see the badge. Thisalso keeps the security personnelfrom approaching service-members with a badge multipletimes to look at the identification.

“[Proper wear] is not just forus, it’s for everybody to knowwho should be out there,”Coveney said.

The Air Force Installation

Security Program states re-stricted area badges (RAB) willbe worn in a conspicuous andreadily identifiable location at alltimes while inside restrictedareas unless directed otherwiseby installation commanders forsafety reasons. Personnel mustremove RABs when not inrestricted area.

Air Force Senior AirfieldAuthority (SAA) located onLogistical Support Area Ana-conda has a local supplementthat supported the Air ForceInstallation Security Program. Itexplained RABs are worn on theoutermost front of the topgarment centered on the torso or

on the upper arm sleeve, con-spicuous and readily identifiableat all times while inside re-stricted areas and designatedcontrolled areas.

The badge can be worn fourdifferent ways. The badge can beclipped onto the left breastpocket. If that option doesn’tseem secure enough, the Soldiercan add a cord and thread itthrough the buttonhole near thecollar. The badge can be wornaround the neck with a lanyard.Wearing the badge around thearm is also an option as long asit is acceptable with service dresscode standards.

Unit security managers, or

those unit members handlingsecurity paperwork, shouldeducate servicemembers on theproper wear of the badge beforegetting the Soldier a securitypass. Training keeps Soldiersand Airmen from making themistake of wearing their badgewrong.

For answers to your ques-tions, contact the 332nd, Capt.Shaun G. Salyers, operationsofficer at 443-8110.

Security Forces keep a watch-ful eye on the flight line and yoursafety in these working areas; bemindful of their work and givethese servicemembers a break.

DisplaDisplaDisplaDisplaDisplay yy yy yy yy your badge properlyour badge properlyour badge properlyour badge properlyour badge properly


continued from pg. 10

“If you are conducting missions atother forward operating bases and youare eating MREs (meals, ready to eat),stick with the vegetarian meals and stayaway from the cheese sauce and peanutbutter,” he said.

On the other hand, Weinstein says ifyou are conducting missions that requirea lot of energy, do eat every item in theMRE.

With every diet plan, exercise is a keyto help assist weight loss.

“Aerobic exercise will help to burn theadditional fat. But servicemembers needto remember to exercise at a pace thatelevates the heart rate and normal conver-sation is hard to do. 20 to 45 minutes a

day 5 to 6 days a week is good,”Weinstein said.

For Soldiers looking to gain weight,Weinstein warns servicemembers to limittheir protein intake.

“Healthy protein intake is around 80 to120 grams a day. Anything over 200grams and the protein breaks down andconverts into sugar,” he said.

Weinstein recommends eating morecalories using a balanced mix of carbohy-drates and protein.

“If servicemembers are dedicatedenough to monitor their diets, they willsee the gains or losses before they leavehere,” he said.

For Soldiers seeking more informationon a healthy dietary program, contact theAFTH dietician or your local troopmedical clinic for more information.

Healthy eating habits will help gain future dividendsHealthy eating habits will help gain future dividendsHealthy eating habits will help gain future dividendsHealthy eating habits will help gain future dividendsHealthy eating habits will help gain future dividendsHealth Tips:

To calculate a healthy calorie intake,take your ideal weight and add a zero.

Example: Ideal weight is 170 + 0 =1,700

If you exercise add 100 for each dayyou workout

Example: Workout days per week (3) x100 = 300

Now add the two together for a healthydaily caloric intake

Example: Ideal weight total (1,700) +Workout days total (300) = 2,000

So for an ideal weight of 170 pounds,your daily caloric intake should be 2,000calories.

Did you know?

One less regular soda a week over fourmonths equates to 16,000 less calories orabout five pounds of fat

Switching to diet salad dressing over afour month period equates to a loss of twopounds of fat

Information provided by U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

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different ways, and sometimes hepicks on someone with a littleextra in them to bring it out.That’s what I believe about MartinLuther King. He definitely wentabove and beyond.”

Sgt. Stephanie Reed, from the755th Adjutant General Company,Postal, said she was proud tocelebrate King’s birthday whileserving in Iraq.

“It’s an honor to serve mycountry on his birthday,” Reedsaid. “That it’s recognized overhere makes it more special.”

Reed said King’s influence hasmotivated her to do more with herlife.

“He’s had a positive impact onmy life,” Reed said. “It makes youwant to accomplish a lot in yourlife just knowing what he tried todo for us and what he did do forour country.”

Although King is revered forwhat his work has accomplished,Reed noted what his efforts havemade not happen.

“I’ve never had anythingnegative or racially done againstme,” Reed said. “I’d say I’ve beentreated fairly.”

Reed also said that the celebra-tion of races and cultures thatmake up the fabric of the Armyhas given her a different perspec-tive on the Army’s slogan.

“It makes everybody feel equal.It does make us an Army of One.”

MLK holidaycelebratedon Anaconda


They’ve had two Soldiers compete andwin battalion-level competitions. At least10 Soldiers will receive the mechanic’sbadge and 75 percent of the drivers willreceive driver badges. The average driverhas driven between 4,000 and 5,000 miles.But their biggest accomplishment hasbeen battling out insurgents withoutlosing anyone. Capt. Keil Scott, the unit’scommander, said he was more thansatisfied with the troops’ work.

“My biggest concern, of course, hasbeen the Soldiers – making sure that weall can go home safely and come togetheras a unit,” Scott said. “We still buttheads, but that seems to be the norm inevery unit and considering that over 100of them were cross-leveled, we’ve doneexceptionally well.”

Though based out of Orangeburg, S.C.,the 414th has Reservists from 18 differentstates and Puerto Rico.

The troops’ background is as diverseas their zip codes. Spc. Mathew Ingle, 19,a gunner, never quite made it to college.He was called up two weeks beforeschool started. Spc. Chris Pack, 22, adriver, was a sophomore at MiddleTennessee State College. He had beendating his girlfriend Megan for a yearwhen he was called up. Staff Sgt. TimothyMorrow, 43, a patrol commander, is thefather of six children. And Sgt. Rolanda

Freeman-Ard, 35, a gun truck commander,is a mother of four who works for theCenter for Disease Control and Preven-tion.

Diverse as they are, in the field, they’vebecome close.

“We’ve become like family since we gothere,” Turner said. “It was rough at first,but they are like my brothers and sistershere. I would go to war with any of themagain ‘cause I know they’ve got my back.”

The unit is expected to return home byApril.

[email protected]

“We still butt heads, but that seems to be the norm in everyunit and considering that over 100 of them were cross-leveled,we’ve done exceptionally well.” -Capt. Keil Scott

Transportation company becomes family


north – it’s coming to me,” said Coleman.Before the pallets leave the yard, they

undergo a final inspection for qualityassurance and control. Staff Sgt. KimberlyAlexander, 317th Maintenance Co.logistics sergeant, from Pensacola, Fla., isthe yard’s quality assurance and qualitycontrol NCOIC.

Alexander inspects each pallet againfor holes, dents or cracks in the palletitself and to make sure the cargo nets aresecure. She ensures the height and weightare correct, or the Air Force won’t acceptthe pallet.

“They’ll kick the whole pallet back,”said Alexander.

Once Alexander was satisfied aparticular pallet was built to standard,she affixed a radiofrequency, or RF, tag to

the pallet. The RF tag is a tracking devicethat, when uploaded to the Hub’s server,monitors the pallet’s progress via satel-lite.

“Everyone out here is pretty goodabout inspecting the pallets prior to themgoing over [to the airfield],” saidAlexander. She added, each Soldier orcivilian involved at each step contributesto making sure the pallets meet thestandard.

“We enjoy it for the most part,” saidAlexander. “We’ve got a good crew downhere working.”

Once a pallet passes inspection, itwaits in the “ready line.” The unittransports them on trailers to the Q-Westairfield, said Spc. Ariel Arroyo, 305thQuartermaster Co. logistics specialist,from the Bronx, N.Y.

When the Soldiers notify the Air Force

332nd Expeditionary Logistics ReadinessSquadron that a load has arrived, they setup the scales to weigh and inspect thepallets. Arroyo ensures the Air Forceinspects each pallet, the paperwork isproperly filled out with the correctaddress and that all the items are ac-cepted.

There are two days and four flights perweek dedicated to flying cargo from theGS Hub, according to Arroyo.

“We try to get as many pallets doneevery day as we can,” said Arroyo. “It’s alot of hard work.”

“We have increased production of aircargo pallets by approximately 66 percentsince September, when we took over themission from the 814th QuartermasterCompany,” said Wolfe. The unit con-structs about 140 air cargo pallets perweek.

SoldierSoldierSoldierSoldierSoldiers receive supplies via airs receive supplies via airs receive supplies via airs receive supplies via airs receive supplies via air


AROUND 3rd COSCOM

TTTTThe che che che che childrhildrhildrhildrhildren ofen ofen ofen ofen of the the the the the YYYYYeeeeezidizidizidizidizidiThese little Yezidi gilrs in the town of Khana Sor looked at the Soldiers with mixed feelings, as it is reflected on their faces.

Sgt. Dan Lima, 725th Transportation Company gunner, mansan M2 .50 caliber crew-served weapon during a mission.

Photo by Sgt. Rachel A. Brune

PPPPPoint ofoint ofoint ofoint ofoint of vie vie vie vie viewwwww

Photo by Capt. Matt Andrews

An arAn arAn arAn arAn armmmmmy ofy ofy ofy ofy of humv humv humv humv humvees wees wees wees wees wait to meet their ISF unitsait to meet their ISF unitsait to meet their ISF unitsait to meet their ISF unitsait to meet their ISF unitsThe Class VII yard of the Iraqi army’s National Depot at Taji is in the process of painting and issuing out armored humvees to Iraqi army units.


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