The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 5

United States Division - North

Established in 1917 to honor those who serveVolume 1, Issue 5 December 3, 2010

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – U.S. Forces-Iraq Deputy Commanding General of Op-erations Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone presented awards for valorous actions to Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regi-ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi-sion, during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq Dec. 2.

Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Verrett, platoon sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Company B, deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions dur-ing an enemy ambush, Sept. 7, in northern Iraq.

Eighteen of Verrett’s “Wolf-hound” Soldiers of Company B also received awards during the ceremony for their valor-ous actions that day.

Cone commended the Sol-diers for their character, disci-pline and fortitude during the attack.

“Valor is all about charac-ter,” said Cone. “In an instant a challenge comes – in an in-stant, a horrible thing happens, and either valor is there or it is

U.S. Forces-Iraq Deputy Commanding General of Operations Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone presents the Silver Star Medal to Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Verrett, platoon sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, during a ceremony at Con-tingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 2, 2010. Verrett, who earned the medal for valorous actions during an enemy attack on his platoon Sept. 7, said he believes his Soldiers are far more deserving of the award, and deserve the credit for their actions on that day.

Spc. Andrew IngramUSD-N Public Affairs

See MEDALS, pg. 4

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

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The Ivy Leaf December 3, 2010

Pfc. Brian Thacker, cavalry scout, Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cav-alry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, is the “Ironhorse Strong: Soldier of the Week” for the week of Nov. 28, 2010 for his dedication to his Platoon, Troop, equipment, and the mis-sion. His can-do attitude and dedication brought a mission-essential piece of equipment back to a Mission Capable status in a timely man-ner Nov. 15, 2010.

THE Ivy LeafThe Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.

Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at [email protected]. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 849-0089.

Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. PerkinsCommand Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey

TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve WollmanTF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze

The Ivy Leaf Editor – Spc. Andrew IngramThe Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler

2nd Advise and Assist Brigade

25th Infantry Division

1st Advise and Assist Task Force

1st Infantry Division

4th Advise and Assist Brigade

1st Cavalry Division

Task Force Ironhorse

Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs

Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8

‘Garry Owen’ Soldiers teach Iraqi soldiers TSE

‘Diablos’ conduct room clearing drill with IA

Newest IA Division builds partnership with oldest U.S.

Army Division

Soldiers enjoy Thanksgiving on small outpost

Pfc. Brian Thacker, a Coal Grove, Ohio-native and cav-alry scout with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regi-ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, exhausted from a long day of patrols, worked tirelessly to fix his M1127 S t r y k e r Reconnais-sance Vehicle Nov. 15, 2010.

His vehicle was not mission capable due to a mechanical fault that occurred just prior to the end of the day’s mission.

Thacker found the fault and brought the vehicle to a fully Mission Capable status for the following morning’s assump-tion of the Squadron’s Quick Reaction Force mission by the platoon.

Thacker’s five hours of trou-bleshooting and repairs demon-

strate his physical and mental stamina required to accomplish the mission after completing two days of security at Com-bined Check Point Three and

six hours of mounted patrols. Thacker’s dedication to duty and his sense

of responsibility to maintain his

equipment is a testament to the pride

and discipline he shows to his Platoon

and Troop. His never-quit attitude makes him a

worthy Ironhorse Strong: Sol-dier of the Week.

Ironhorse

Strong

U.S. Army photo

3


As we embark upon our second month of this deployment, in support of Opera-tion New Dawn, I hope all is well with you, your loved ones, and your Soldiers. I also hope that you enjoy your job as much as I love mine.

As the combat ser-vice support unit deployed to sustain Task Force Iron-horse and the U.S. Division-North Head-quarters, the 4th Infantry Division Special Troops Bat-talion is committed to ensuring the quality of life for U.S. forces on Contingency Op-erating Base Speicher.

As the senior enlisted leader for approx-imately 900 Soldiers of the “Steadfast” Battalion, I am responsible for overseeing the dining facilities, billeting, mail and mo-rale for our men and women operating on this COB.

It is important to realize and acknowl-edge that the success of our mission is the

sum of all the individual efforts put forth by the men and women working here at COB Speicher. I want our Soldiers and troops to walk away from this experience with the realization that their senior leaders appreci-ate what they do on a daily basis.

This organization is made of successful Soldiers who care about every one of us and care about our well-being. We as lead-ers need to make an effort and invest time by giving back to the Soldiers what they give to us on a daily basis.

Our Soldiers are doing a good job. The men and women in uniform here are doing what they are supposed to be doing. They want to serve their country and represent this great organization that we call the 4th Inf. Div.

At the same time, we as leaders cannot allow our troops to fall into a pattern of complacency. Everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings, maintaining situ-ational awareness at all times and ensuring overwatch.

Soldiers, don’t give safety and discipline a day off. Don’t forget your battle buddies, and hold yourself accountable to what you know is right. It has always been my motto, nine out of ten times, if anything bad hap-pens, you have to ask whether safety or dis-cipline were given a day off.

As leaders, we expect our troops to do

the right thing when people are not look-ing, and for the most part, our Soldiers want to do the right thing. We as leaders must allow our Soldiers to set the example. We must put the ownership and the respon-sibility back in the troops’ hands.

We instill a considerable amount of trust and responsibility in our troops, because we ask so much of them on a daily basis. Our Soldiers, comprising less than one per-cent of the American population, serve in defense of this grateful nation, answering the call even in harm’s way. At a minimum, we as leaders can ask our troops to be re-sponsible and allow them to make deci-sions on their own. And for the most part, 99 percent of our force will appreciate that initiative and make the right choices.

As we approach the holiday season, there are those who will be away from their Families for the very first time. It is impor-tant to recognize these troops and keep in mind that they are dealing with their own set of emotions and difficulties as they adjust to being deployed. As leaders we should offer our Soldiers the “right hand of fellowship,” taking time to eat dinner with them and acknowledge the fact that the ser-vice they provide is invaluable to this orga-nization and our nation.

From private to general, it is our obliga-tion and responsibility to take care of one another. What we as service members ac-complish is not about the individual per-son, it never has been – it is about what we do on a daily basis to look after each other and make this organization stronger. Think about what you can do personally each day to help one another, look after your battle buddy and team.

Soldiers, take advantage of this oppor-tunity and the many services available to us here and use this deployment to better yourselves and this great organization that we support. Make the best of your time which is afforded to you to learn and build upon these experiences that you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

Leaders, put your arm around your troops and let them know that they are part of an extended Family, the U.S. Army Family, and an invaluable member of our team. Soldiers are our most precious com-modity and without them we would not be where we are today.

Fit For Any Test! Steadfast 9

Taking care of Soldiers, taking care of the missionCommand Sgt. Maj. Keith MooreDivision Special Troops Battalion 4th Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North

“Soldiers, don’t give safety and discipline a day off.”

The 4th Inf. Div. Special Troops Battalion Command Sgt. Major Keith Moore discusses range safety with Spc. John Rohrback, Base Reaction Force, Company D, 4th Inf. Div. Special Troops Battalion, while inspecting weapon’s training of the Ugandan security team at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq Dec. 3, 2010.

U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze, USD-N PAO

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not. The fact of the matter is for the people in this platoon it was there.”

During a mission in support of Commando Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Divi-sion, Verrett’s platoon came under small-arms fire from an Iraqi soldier.

Simultaneously, the platoon was ambushed, coming under fire from enemy forces at a sec-ondary location.

During the initial barrage, 11 U.S. Soldiers were wounded, including Verrett.

Despite a 7.62mm round lodged in his shoulder, Verrett continued to lead his platoon, repeatedly putting himself in the line of fire to gain a full accountability of his Soldiers and prevent U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Forces from firing on each other.

While evacuating the area, Verrett ignored his injuries and assisted in the movement of 10 other wounded Soldiers into medical evacuation helicopters, only seeking medical attention

himself after receiving a direct order.

“I was humbled, shocked and proud when I got on the ground in Tuz that day,” said Lt. Col. Donald Brown, com-mander, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. “When I heard about what Sgt. 1st Class Verrett had done in spite of his wounds – how he had refused evacuation – when I heard what all of these men had done, I knew that nothing could break these men or this company.”

Despite his actions, Verrett, a native of Newberry, Mich. said he believes his Soldiers deserve more honor than he.

“I want to make it clear, I am not deserving of any-thing,” said Verrett. “All of these young Soldiers deserve so much more credit. Sure they received awards today, but it is not nearly enough.”

“I could not serve with a bet-ter bunch of guys,” he said. “I do not believe anybody could.”

During the attack, two 2nd Platoon Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Philip Jenkins and Pfc. James McClamorock, both infantry-men, made the ultimate sacri-fice in service to their nation.

“To the guys that did not make it – I love you,” said Pfc. Christopher Dunham an infan-tryman, from Houston, who received the Army Commenda-tion Medal for his actions dur-ing the attack. “You never know how much somebody means to you until they are gone.”

The Bronze Star Medal with valor device was presented to Capt. Christopher Defiori, commander, Company B, from Houston; Sgt. Hairom Abra-ham, infantryman, from Micro-nesia; Spc. Zachary Gardner, infantryman, from Aurora, Ill.; and Pfc. Ryan Jones, infantry-man, from West Alexandria, Ohio.

The Army Commendation Medal with valor device was presented to 1st Lt. Andrew

Batule, from Schofield Bar-racks, Hawaii and Pfc. Chris-topher Horton, a combat medic from Zypher Hills, Fla.

The Army Commendation Medal was presented to 1st Lt. David Tyson, from Savannah, Ga.; Staff Sgt. Destry McMas-ter, a transportation specialist from Dexter, N.M.; Sgt Adam Costello, a combat medic from North Beach, Mass.; Cpl. Josh-ua Castleman, an infantryman from Bellingham, Wash.; Cpl. Tyler Royal, an infantryman from Maple Grove, Minn.; Spc. Kevin Higgins, an infantryman from Sulphur, Okla.; Spc. Der-rick Kozlowski, an infantryman from Staten Island, N.Y.; Spc. Jeremy Tonkin an infantryman from Morgan Hill, Calif.; Pfc. Jose Nieves, an infantryman from El Paso, Texas; Pfc. Mark Ocaba, an infantryman from Richtown Park, Minn.; and Pfc. Bryan Ward an infantryman from Duncanville, Texas.

Costello, a veteran of mul-tiple deployments, said he believed the entire platoon de-served recognition for their ef-forts Sept. 7.

“You never know how

people react until a situation happens, and I could not have asked for better,” he said. “All of our guys did a spectacular job, and we are getting recog-nized for something that was really a platoon effort.”

Command Sgt Maj. Alan Higgs, senior enlisted leader, 1st. Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., said solid training and good leader-ship is what brought his Sol-diers though the ordeal.

“It is unfortunate this event happened, particularly in the progress of trying to advise and assist our Iraqi counterparts, but I could not be prouder of the way 2nd Platoon, Company B reacted to the attack,” Higgs said. “It is one thing to know where your enemy is at and to fight him, but it is another thing not to expect the enemy and to react with courageousness and determination.

“The actions of this platoon and the decisions they made that day definitely prevented additional casualties from oc-curring, and I think they are he-roes, everyone of them.”

Continued from MEDALS, pg. 1

Leaders of U.S. Forces-Iraq presented Soldiers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, “Wolfhounds,” 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, awards for valorous actions in the face of enemy contact, during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 2, 2010. The Wolfhound Soldiers of 2nd Platoon earned the medals for actions taken during an enemy ambush in northern Iraq, Sept. 7. The Soldiers of 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. are deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

U.S. Forces-Iraq Deputy Com-manding General of Operations Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone con-gratulates Pfc. Ryan Jones, an infantryman assigned to Com-pany B, 1st Battalion, 27th In-fantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade 25th Infantry Divi-sion before presenting him with a Bronze Star Medal with valor device during an awards cer-emony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 2, 2010. Cone presented the award to Jones for actions taken when his platoon was ambushed Sept. 7. Jones said he believes all of his platoon mates are just as deserv-ing of recognition for their efforts that day.

U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

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The Ivy Leaf December 3, 20101st Cavalry Division

JOINT SECURITY STATION INDIA, Iraq – Twenty-three sol-diers assigned to 12th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, took notes in the classroom and par-ticipated in hands-on exercises to learn how to “put away the bad guys” during a tactical site exploitation class at Combat Outpost Fortitude, Nov. 23.

James Carraway, a law en-forcement professional with the Military Professional Resource Institute, and U.S. Soldiers as-signed to Company B, 2nd Bat-talion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, led the TSE class to teach the Iraqi sol-diers the proper procedures for

crime scene investigations.The Iraqi soldiers learned the

proper way to collect evidence and the importance of gathering information at a crime scene to prosecute criminals and violent extremists.

“After this training, you will be able to go out on real mis-sions and actually collect evi-dence,” said Carraway, a native of Pittsburg, Penn. “The evi-dence you collect will be sent to a crime lab, presented to an Iraqi judge and will later be used to convict actual terrorists.”

Following the informational part of the training, U.S. Sol-diers mentored their Iraqi coun-terparts, helping the Iraqi sol-diers apply the information they had learned in the classroom through practical exercises to become familiar with the TSE process.

The U.S. and Iraqi soldiers practiced searching crime scenes together, collecting evi-dence, cataloging the evidence, and ensuring the site was not

contaminated.“The classroom part of the

training was the first step to learning how to process a crime scene,” said Pvt. Hassim Hasan, an infantryman assigned to 12th Bde., 2nd IA Division, from Na-jaf, Iraq. “What I learned here, I will be able to apply to my mis-sions.”

First Lt. Jeff Lalka, platoon leader, Company B, 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Reg., said the training is important to Iraq’s future, be-cause Rule of Law prosecutions require evidence at crime scenes to be carefully gathered and pre-sented to an Iraqi judge.

“We are here to help the IA become more familiar with their judicial system and learn how to collect evidence to be presented to a court,” said Lalka, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. “By ensur-ing the Iraqi soldiers know the proper ways and processes to obtain evidence, we are helping soldiers to become proficient in completing the task of keeping people off the streets that belong behind bars.”

After completing the train-ing the U.S. Soldiers tested their Iraqi counterparts by setting up a mock crime scene for the IA soldiers to search without the in-structors help.

Searching high and low, tak-ing pictures and being cautious of improvised explosive devices are some of the techniques the IA soldiers quickly learned in gathering evidence to be pre-sented in a court of law.

“They picked up in one day’s time frame everything that we needed to teach them,” said Staff Sgt. Jay Schroeder, squad lead-er, Company B, from Sherman, Texas. “They are very willing to learn and I can see they want to take part in learning more about their judicial system.”

Soldiers of 2nd Bn. 7th Cav. Reg. are deployed to northern Iraq as a part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

Pfc. Angel Washington4th AAB Public Affairs1st Cav. Div., USD-N

‘Garry Owen’ Soldiers teach Iraqi soldiers TSE

Soldiers assigned to 12th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, search for evidence during tactical site exploi-tation training Nov. 23, 2010. U.S. Soldiers assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, taught Iraqi soldiers the proper way to search and collect evidence at crime scenes in order to prosecute criminals. Soldiers of 2nd Bn. 7th Cav. Reg. are deployed to northern Iraq as a part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

Pvt. Hassim Hasan, an infantry-man assigned to the 12th Bri-gade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, searches for evidence during tactical site exploitation training Nov. 23, 2010. Hasan, a native of Najaf, Iraq took part in the class taught by U.S. Soldiers assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, to learn the proper way to collect evidence to be pre-sented in a court of law. “What I learned here, I will be able to ap-ply to my missions,” said Hasan. Soldiers of 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Reg. are deployed to northern Iraq as a part of U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.

U.S. Army photos by Pfc. Angel Washington, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N

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CONTINGENCY OPERAT-ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – The “Diablos” of Company D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infan-try Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infan-try Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, conducted Military Operations in Urban Terrain training with the Com-mando Company, 49th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Nov. 25.

The Soldiers from Company D instructed the Commando soldiers throughout a month-long training program, culmi-

nating with IA troops learning procedures for entering a build-ing and clearing a room.

The training exercise is de-signed to mimic the rapid de-cisions and the quick orders a squad or platoon would have to make during an actual room clearing.

“It is important for the Com-mandos to learn how to effec-tively enter a building and clear a room,” said Sgt. Maj. Zreean, senior enlisted leader of the 49th IA Bde. “Because they are always conducting raids and searching buildings, this train-ing will allow them to be more organized and faster.”

Separated into two groups, the IA soldiers conducted their room clearing exercise using

nearby abandoned buildings.“This will make the training

more realistic,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Drummond, infantry-man, Company D, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Reg. “Using actual build-ings will give them things they can’t get from a ‘glass house’ (drill), such as doors, windows, walls, which will allow them to learn how to effectively make quick decisions because in an actual clearing, the situation is ever-changing.”

During glass house drills, tape is used to represent the walls of a building. This allows instructors to view and evaluate training more effectively.

The squads were instructed on how to stack on the outside wall near the door, use verbal

and non-verbal communica-tion to signal each individual’s readiness for movement, the positioning of each Soldier as they enter a room, and the im-portance of muzzle awareness as well as maintaining security inside and outside the building and rooms.

The Diablos have been in-structing IA soldiers on room clearing procedures at least three times a week for the last month.

At the conclusion of their training, the IA soldiers will conduct a live-fire exercise implementing their training and demonstrating their capabilities to effectively enter a building and clear a room.

Urban Operations training, ‘Diablos’ conduct room clearing drill with 49th IASpc. Kandi Huggins1st AATF Public Affairs1st Inf. Div., USD-N

Iraqi Army soldiers of the 49th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, stack outside a wall of an abandoned building during room clearing training at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Nov. 25, 2010. Supervised by noncommissioned officers of Company D, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi-ment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, the Iraqi soldiers practiced verbal and non-verbal communication between squads as they moved into the rooms.

Photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N

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CONTINGENCY OPER-ATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – The 12th Iraqi Army Divi-sion, under the command of staff Brig. Gen. Sameer Abdul Kareen, hosted a partnership luncheon with the “Devil” Brigade, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Divi-sion, from Fort Riley, Kan., at the 12th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters on Nov. 22.

The luncheon provided an opportunity for the two units to strengthen the relationship built between the 12th IA Div.and its American partner-unit.

From a historical perspec-tive, the units’ partnership is somewhat ironic.

The 12th IA Div. is the new-est division in the Iraqi Army; while the Devil Brigade is the oldest continually active unit in the U.S. Army.

Col. Eric Welsh, command-er, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., concluded the luncheon by presenting Sameer and his staff with brigade coins.

Welsh used the opportunity as a chance to explain the histo-ry of the Army’s oldest brigade.

“While this is just a piece of metal that can be made by anyone, the significance of this coin is what is important,” said Welsh. “This signifies the Devil Brigade as being the Army’s oldest continually active unit, and a unit that has never re-treated from any challenge in its long history.”

He explained the Devil Bri-gade earned its namesake in the trenches of World War I, when German soldiers witnessed the brigade’s continuous attacks despite being hit with poison gas, artillery and machinegun fire.

The Germans believed that only devils could survive in such an environment as the

American Soldiers continued to advance. Upon hearing this, the 1st BCT, 1st Inf. Div. soon adopted the moniker for its own as a source of pride.

“Today,” said Welsh, “both Americans and Iraqis have en-

dured sacrifices to uphold the freedoms we believe in, and I present this to you as a small token of the sacrifices your people have endured.”

“There is no mission too dif-ficult, and there is no sacrifice too great,” concluded Welsh, referencing the motto of the 1st Inf. Div.

In addition to providing a chance to talk about unit histo-ry, the luncheon also gave both staffs the opportunity to meet each other and discuss ways to improve their respective units.

“I think this is a great op-portunity to meet in an infor-mal setting and exchange ideas about how to be better staff officers,” said Maj. Danny Ca-zier, who advises the Iraqi pub-lic relations and information operations officers of the 12th IA Div.

“Sometimes the best ideas don’t get talked about inside an office,” he said. “Often it’s when we are sitting down at lunch or drinking chai.”

Newest Iraqi Army Division Builds Partnership with the Oldest U.S. Army BrigadeSpc. Kandi Huggins1st AATF Public Affairs1st Inf. Div., USD-N

Staff Brig. Gen. Sameer Abdul Kareen, left, hosts a luncheon for the command and staff of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, at the 12th Iraqi Army Division Headquarters, Kirkuk, Iraq on Nov. 22, 2010. The luncheon provided an informal setting for the commanders and staffs to meet and discuss ways to continue the excellent relations and cooperation between the units.

Col. Eric Welsh, commander, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley, Kan., presented staff Brig. Gen.Sa-meer Abdul Kareen, commander of the 12th Iraqi Army Division, with a “Devil” Brigade coin after a luncheon between the two staffs at the 12th IA Div. Headquarters, Kirkuk, Iraq Nov. 22, 2010.

Photos by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N

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SAMARRA, Iraq – Dozens sat at the decorated tables, enjoying plates piled high with freshly cooked turkey, potatoes and all the traditional side dishes and desserts. Were it not for the barbed wire topped blast walls and weapons at the feet of the Soldiers on a remote outpost in Iraq, this would be a normal Thanksgiving scene.

Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, received a holiday treat at the Samarra Joint Coor-dination Center as their battal-ion and brigade leaders from the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, paid a visit Nov. 25 to serve a Thanksgiving feast.

“It feels like Thanksgiving here; it really does,” said Spc. Omar Franco, a resident of Maui, Hawaii. “It means a lot to have the sergeants major and the higher headquarters officers come out here and show their appreciation for the Soldiers.”

Franco, on his first deploy-ment, said that he is adjusting being away from home as best as possible during the holiday season.

“It’s a little bit different. There’s no Family around, but I have my platoon that I work with every day,” he explained.

As the Soldiers enjoyed a re-laxed morning, a few took the opportunity to break out a foot-ball and play a game of catch as a way of preserving holiday traditions. For the Soldiers on this outpost, barely larger than a football field itself, the time off spent with friends was a welcome respite from the daily tasks of conducting operations.

“They really appreciate the bond between the Soldiers,” 2nd

Lt. Michael Gardner said of his men.

Gardner, also on his first deployment, serving as a pla-toon leader, said that living and working in the confined space really allows the Soldiers to build camaraderie.

Holiday care packages from home are shared between them, he added, helping ease any stress.

“This is probably one of the best Thanksgivings I’ve been involved with,” said Gardner, a native of Savage, Minn.

The battery commander, Capt. Brian Dieffenbach, echoed the sentiment and said that this year, he is thankful for being able to spend the time with his Soldiers.

“Being with your Family is probably the best tradition, and here the best Family we have to offer is the guys we’re serving with,” Dieffenbach said.

The smell of roast turkey, stuffing and baked apple pie lured Soldiers toward the small cafeteria as Dieffenbach and other senior leadership wel-comed them in to take part in the feast.

Holiday meals have come a long way since the cold turkey patties and powdered potatoes of previous deployments, said Dieffenbach, now on his third tour to Iraq.

There was even a bit of a sur-prise for Franco.

“I eat pumpkin pie every year for Thanksgiving back home,” he exclaimed as he found his favorite annual dessert. “I made sure to grab a slice.”

In the true spirit of Thanks-giving, being thankful for one’s blessings, U.S. leaders decided to create new customs by ex-tending an invitation to their local Iraqi Security Forces counterparts and government officials to take part in the cel-ebration and introduce them to

what the holiday means.“I think that Thanksgiving

here is truly unique because of the facility we are at,” said Dieffenbach, a native of Kan-sas City, Mo. “It’s an Iraqi-U.S. base that’s all coming together for a unique American holiday.”

The ISF and local officials have welcomed the American Soldiers to celebrate Ramadan and Eid with them in the past, so inviting the Iraqis to Thanksgiv-ing dinner was a gesture of that friendship, Dieffenbach said.

“We work with these guys al-most on a daily basis,” Gardner said. “This is another opportu-nity for us to show them one of our traditions.”

Though they did not work off dinner with a post-dinner game of football, the Iraqis were af-forded a chance to experience a small part of the Thanksgiv-ing rituals, as U.S. leaders gave

them an overview of the holiday and its history.

“Other than the food, I hope they had the opportunity to get a good feel for what Thanksgiv-ing means to the American Sol-dier,” Gardner remarked.

That afternoon, the Soldiers continued their holiday by re-laxing or making calls to loved ones a few time zones back in the United States, who would be just beginning their Thanksgiv-ing.

Of the three Thanksgivings he spent in Iraq, Dieffenbach said that this one will be espe-cially memorable.

“This will probably be the most special for me, because it’s with the guys I’m responsible for and the guys I lead on a daily basis,” he said proudly. “I get to sit there and tell them ‘Thank you.’”

Soldiers enjoy Thanksgiving on small outpostSgt. Shawn Miller109th MPAD USD-N PAO

Spc. Omar Franco, from Maui, Hawaii, left, and Pfc. Chad Sirilla, from Canton, Ohio, enjoy a freshly prepared Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, Nov. 25, 2010, at the Samarra Joint Coordination Center in Samarra, Iraq. Franco and Sirilla, part of the Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri-gade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, inhabit the small outpost, providing support operations to local Iraqi Security Forces in support of U.S. Division-North and Operation New Dawn.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

25th Infantry Division

9


!C o m p o s i t e

Risk Management is the Army and U.S.

Division-North’s primary decision-making process for

identifying hazards and controlling risks across our missions, functions,

operations and activities.Every one of our service members, command-

ers, leaders and Department of Defense civilian employees are required to apply CRM in their decision

making process, balancing risk versus cost, to preserve lives and materiel in support of our mission. We achieve this mindset through timely and relevant training,

building knowledge and instilling core values. It begins with the individual and carries over to our Troop Leading Procedures and day-to-day

operations. Deployed in support of a directed mission, we do not have the luxury of risking

our safety. We must take proper precautions when performing any task – it saves time, resources and manpower; directly contributing to the successful accomplishment of our

mission. When you see an incorrect action, correct it. Get in the habit of assessing the situation, looking at

your actions, identifying hazards and mitigating the risks. A hands-on approach to safety creates a culture that demands the rules be followed and creates an environment where safety is the valued standard.Everyone plays an important role as a member of this team. An accident in a forward environment decreases

the force strength of a unit. Something as simple as a pick-up game of football, not wearing a seat belt or adhering to the prescribed dress code can seriously degrade the readiness of a section or a unit, requiring additional manpower

and resources to compensate for an unnecessary loss. Every person here has a responsibility to ensure a safe environment for ourselves and each other. We must set the standard

by being proactive about the safety and well-being of everyone. We must enforce the standard, knowing that consequences for unsafe acts are not a matter of chance, but time. Unsafe acts will eventually result in an accident where someone will get hurt or killed.Our actions establish a climate that spreads, becomes the norm and is self-sustaining. A safer environment will prevent more than just an

injured Soldier – it saves leaders’ time, Families grief and Soldiers’ lives. For more information on Composite Risk Management contact my office at [email protected] or [email protected] and visit the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center Web site at https://safety.army.mil.

Composite Risk Management, more than a mindsetMr. Paul BurnsSafety OfficerU.S. Division-North

“Get in the habit of assessing the situation, looking at

your actions, identifying hazards and mitigating

the risks. A hands-on approach to safety

creates a culture that demands

the rules be followed...”

DevelopControls & Make

Decisions

AssessHazards

IdentifyHazards

“Assessment”“Management”

ImplementControls

Supervise& Evaluate

1 2

3

4

5

A flow chart of the CRM process as outlined in FM 5-19, consisting of two phases: “Assessment” and “Management” (divided here by a dashed line); and five steps listed clockwise starting with “Identify Hazards” and ending with “Supervise & Evaluate.”

1 – Identify Hazards: A hazard is a condition with the potential to cause injury, illness, or death of personnel; damage to or loss of equipment or property; or mission degradation.

2 – Assess Hazards: Hazards are assessed and risk is assigned in terms of probability and severity of adverse impact of an event/oc-currence. See RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX (FM 5-19, 1-22, Fig. 1-4)

3 – Develop Controls & Make Decisions: Leaders develop con-trols that either eliminate the hazard or reduce the risk (probability and/or severity) of a hazardous incident occurring, then make risk decisions by determining what is an acceptable level of risk.

4 – Implement Controls: Leaders and staffs ensure that controls are integrated into SOPs, written and verbal orders, mission brief-ings, and staff estimates. The critical check for this step is to ensure the controls are converted into clear and simple execution orders.

5 – Supervise & Evaluate: Supervision is a form of control mea-sure. It ensures subordinates understand how, when and where controls are implemented. It also ensures that controls are imple-mented, monitored, and remain in place.

10


the

Purrfect Angelz member, Amber, tap-dances for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2010. Amber, a Dallas, Texas native, attended Southern Methodist University as a pre-med major. She also danced as a part of Toby Keith’s performance during the Country Music Awards. This is Amber’s second trip to Iraq to perform for deployed service members.

The Purrfect Angelz perform their opening act for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2010. The Purrfect Angelz have been perform-ing for U.S. military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005.

Purrfect Angelz Member, Giselle, performs a solo act for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at Contingency Oper-ating Base Speicher, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2010. At 22-years-old, the La Mirada, California native, is the youngest member of the Purrfect Angelz. This is her first tour over-seas to entertain deployed U.S. service members.

Purrfect Angelz member, Lind-say, performs a song and dance routine for Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn at Contingency Operating Base, Speicher, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2010. Lindsay, a Scottsdale, Ari-zona native, has been performing since the age of five. Her enter-tainment career spans from col-lege dancing and professional basketball cheerleading, to major motion picture acting. Lindsay closed the Purrfect Angelz per-formance with the song “Proud to be an American.”

The Purrfect Angelz: (from left) Lindsay, Paige, Camille, Giselle, and Amber, render a salute to an audience of Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, after their opening act at contingency operat-ing base Speicher, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2010. The Purrfect Angelz are com-prised of actresses and dancers who volunteer to leave their normal careers for weeks at a time to perform for deployed service men and women. The Angelz have been performing for U.S. military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2005.

Purrfect Angelz visit COB Speicher

U.S. Army photos by Spc. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

11


Ft Carson, Colorado

A local military spouse has found a way to help the Army community during one of the most stressful times in military life – moving.

Susanna Haynie, a military spouse since 1993, began an interactive Web site to help other military spouses with some of the common questions they encounter when making a permanent change of sta-tion move.

While stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., in 2009, Haynie realized a permanent-change-of-station move would be on the horizon within six months after her hus-band’s return from deployment, and her anxiety was quickly compounding.

“I very well realized that it would be somewhat of a sprint to the finish line, between reconnecting with my husband and getting the Family ready to relocate,” she said.

Turning to other military spouses and searching the Internet for information about their soon-to-be new duty station at Fort Carson helped, but didn’t give Haynie all the answers she was seeking. The information was fragmented and strewn throughout multiple Web sites, she said.

“As I searched the Web I noticed that I was not the only one asking seemingly similar questions – Where are the great schools? Where are the safe neighbor-hoods? Who had tips about PCSing?”

And so came the idea and launch of Haynie’s innovative and interactive Web site.

“Long story short, I wondered what it would be like to have it all on one site and the Web site would have to be across ‘bor-ders, branches and ranks,’” Haynie said.

The site, http://www.militarydutysta-tions.com, allows people to leave their remarks and suggestions regarding area schools, housing and medical information, things to do and moving tips. Haynie said

it’s beneficial in three major ways – to ease a major stressor, solve the issue of unfamiliarity and reduce transition time.

“I found my niche and it was PCSing. These support groups for the most part cross-promote and it is an absolute won-derful system. It is empowering,” Haynie said.

Recently, something big came along that catapulted the relocation Web site into the minds of many people. The Army Public Affairs Online and Social Media Division had been looking for an example of how military spouses were using the Internet, social media in particular, to con-nect with each other.

Haynie was approached by the social media division to see if she was interested in having the Web site featured in the Association of United States Army Social Media Workshop exhibition during the annual conference Oct. 25-27.

“I immediately realized that this is a wonderful opportunity for the Web site to reach a large audience. I was so excited to have been chosen,” Haynie said.

She believes having the site featured at the AUSA conference will have a great impact as commanders, Family readiness group leaders and other participants carry the information of the AUSA conference home and pass it on.

“I am proud to announce that the AUSA added my Web site to their list of resources.”

Ashlie Paulo, military spouse, said the Web site was a great help before she relocated to Germany.

“(The Web site) has helped me out a lot,” Paulo said. “I really appreciate this site because there’s a lot that I could not find if it was not for this site. This site responds fast and gives really good sug-gestions.”

Web site provides PCS supportKerstin LopezMountaineer staff

The site, http://www.militarydutystations.com, is shown at the Association of United States Army Social Media Workshop exhibition during the annual conference Oct. 25-27, 2010.

12


Hey Doc: “Question for you … My roommate threw down a challenge. I had some left-over food from Thanksgiving sitting in my fridge for several days and he dared me to eat it. It looked and smelled fine. Now I have ‘Montezuma’s Revenge,’ the ‘Tikrit Trot,’ the

‘Ramallah Runs’…you get the idea. How long can food stay in the refrigerator before it goes bad? I thought that if there’s nothing growing on it, it’s still good.” signed Petri Dish.

Dear “Petri Dish,” It’s not surprising you got

sick. Under proper conditions, food should be left in the re-frigerator for no more than 24 hours is a great rule of thumb.

More specifically, the answer depends on the type of food. Without getting too technical, food is categorized as Potentially Hazardous Food, or non-PHF. PHF requires time-temperature control to keep it safe for human con-sumption. Meat, fish, poultry, milk and dairy products are examples because they contain moisture, high protein content,

and normal or slightly acidic pH. (Remember science class?)

Crackers and condiments are examples of non-PHF. Cold food should be stored at a tem-perature of 40 degrees Fahr-enheit or below and hot food at 140 F or above. The danger zone which bacteria may grow is 41-139 F.

Improperly handling and storing cooked food can cause food poisoning. Leftovers are foods that you do not eat with-in two hours, such as the food you brought from the dining facility. Keep in mind the time it takes to transport the food to your refrigerator. Consider the time that you are wrapping the food, walking out of the DFAC to the bus stop, travel time, etc. Do you think your food is still in the safe temperature zone?

More to consider ... How good is that hand-me-down re-

frigerator you bought for $20? Do you have a thermometer? As you and your roommate open and close the refrigerator getting water and sodas, you lose cool air, so be conserva-tive in trusting your food.

Food borne diseases cause more than 76 million illnesses in the United States each year. Improper handling of cooked food is one of the most com-mon causes of food poisoning. The longer you store food in the fridge, your chances of food poisoning increase. Before you ask to move to a containerized housing unit closer to the toilets, pay closer attention to the age and tem-perature of your leftovers.

Follow these tips and next time there is a challenge, you will throw it down, not up!

Taskforce Ironhorse, keep those questions coming!

Hey Doc: ‘I dare you to eat that!’

“On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty …” These are the first words of the Boy Scouts of America Oath.

I came late to the Boy Scouts, but soon after I started Scouting I began to see life from a different perspective. Having made it a point to put my money where my mouth was and volunteer, I found myself providing not just my time, but my years of experience to help young men learn useful skills, while gaining maturity and responsibility.

When you give of yourself, in order to help others, whether you want it or not, you benefit one way or another. You learn new skills, make new friends and open new doors. You understand that there is almost nothing impossible in life once you set your mind to accomplish it, and if that is not enough, then just the satisfaction of

helping others can make it all worthwhile.As a teenager, the local kids and I vol-

unteered for Red Cross search and rescue teams. I became an instructor for programs such as First Aid, CPR, Shelter Manage-ment, and eventually a Disaster Action Team Coordinator.

My friends and I organized health clin-ics in distant rural areas in Puerto Rico, helping the local Women’s Shelter, trans-porting abused and endangered women to safe houses, collecting food and medicine for Latin American nations stricken by floods and earthquakes, and when disaster struck in our back yard, you could find the old gang splashing in the aftermaths of a hurricane, helping Families shovel mud off their houses, and mopping floors, or removing trees from roadways.

The nobility that distinguishes an honorable individual is not based on titles or monetary riches, but in the riches of that person’s character. Such an individual

is a loyal friend; his word is his bond. He always shows respect; his kindness and selflessness sets him apart from others in this materialistic world; and integrity is his watch word – his courage legendary.

It takes a special kind of person to vol-unteer, yet when we look at the qualities exhibited by those who give of themselves for a greater good, these are the qualities usually exhibited by those who go through life honorably.

Today, our military is an all-volunteer force. It takes a special kind of person to volunteer to defend our Nation, and our way of life.

Our Families are also praiseworthy, because they stay at our side by their own free will. They support our mission, and their efforts, usually, go unnoticed. They also live honorable lives.

Honor is a way of life not easily under-stood by those who have not learned the joy of volunteering.

As Soldiers, honor is a way of lifeMaster Sgt. Jose A. ColonUSD-N Equal Opportunity Office

The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 5

News & Politics

Transcript of The Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 5