Vol. 2, Issue 12 September 4, 2005 · Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in...

Vol. 2, Issue 12 September 4, 2005

Soldiers had a blast at thefirst regional LSA Anadonda

track and field meet.

Soldiers celebrated Women’sEquality Day, recalling the

effort and struggle.

Photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop Photo by Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Sgt. Maj. of the Army visits LSA Anaconda

Top enlisted leader discussed upcoming Army-wide transformation with troops.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston speaks to Soldiers on Aug. 28 at Logistical Support Area Anaconda dining hall about the need for personal and Army-wide transformation.Photo by Pfc. Spencer Case

pg.8-9

pg. 11

pg. 14

SEPTEMBER 4, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

Anaconda Times is authorized for publication by the1st 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 1st COSCOM, APO AE 09391. Web siteat www.mnf-iraq.com/publications_theater.htm

Contact Sgt. Marshall Thompson via e-mail [email protected] or Sgt. 1st ClassJeffrey S. Mullett at [email protected]

1st COSCOM Commanding GeneralBrig. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine

Chief of the Anaconda Consolidated Press CenterLt. Col. Virginia Zoller

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

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

EditorSgt. Monika Comeaux

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

Reserve postal unit delivers

the ultimate morale boosterSpc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

Photo by Spc. Spencer Case

Boxes like this one are taped shut after in-spections to ensure customers don’t mail pro-hibited items. Spc. Anthony Martinez of SanPedro, Calif. tapes this one shut Aug. 22.

For servicemembersin theater, there isnothing like getting apackage from home.That’s why the workof the 394th AdjutantGeneral Postal Com-pany of Long Beach,Calif. is so important.

Since January, the 394th

AG has been providingpostal support for Logis-tical Support Area Ana-conda and the surround-ing forward operatingbases, said Capt. SoyongSong, the commander ofthe 394th AG.

Though sending and receiving mailtakes most of their time, the unit alsodistributes the Anaconda Times, Starsand Stripes, and Scimitar newspapers.They conduct mail clerk classes forother units and inspect mail roomsand postal operation centers to makesure they are within regulations.

“We are giving the ultimate moralebooster by giving them the mail thatthey need,” Song said. “That givesthem the opportunity to communicateto family and friends.”

For a unit of less than 90 personnel,taking care of the postal needs formore than 25,000 people at or aroundLSA Anaconda is no picnic. On a dailybasis, the unit sorts approximately33,000 pounds of incoming maildelivered to them into about 75 unitboxes. They must also inspect, seal andweigh mail for about 280 customersper day—which adds up to around4,500 pounds of mail daily.

This process is even more compli-cated for personnel outside of LSAAnaconda. Units from off post come tothe main post to pick up their incom-ing mail, but 394th AG Soldiers mustconvoy out to the FOB’s to pick upoutgoing mail and drop off newspa-pers.

The unit goes on such missions atleast once a week, but sometimes as

many as three times a week. The traveltime for these missions ranges from 10to 90 minutes both ways depending onthe FOB. Difficulties getting a securityelement to accompany the convoyback to LSA Anaconda can make theseroutine missions last several days.

Despite these challenges, interact-ing with customers can also be themost rewarding part of the job, saidSpc. Anthony Martinez, a postalspecialist with the 394th AG. Seeingthe smiling faces of Soldiers in the

FOBs who are unable to get to themain post to send their mail makesdifficult convoy missions worthwhile,he added.

“You can learn a lot about peoplejust from that couple minutes withthem,” Martinez said.

Another one of the unit’s responsi-bilities is making sure prohibited itemsare not sent to theater or mailed home.Despite the list of prohibited itemsdisplayed on the doors of both postoffices at LSA Anaconda, the postalunit still finds unauthorized items aresent off and received, Song said.

All incoming mail is inspectedvisually and by military policemenwith drug sniffing dogs. Outgoingmail is searched by mail personnel andsealed to ensure no prohibited itemsare deposited after the search. Inaddition, outgoing packages are X-rayed in Bahrain.

Punishment for sending or receivingprohibited items can range from acounseling statement to an Article 15depending on how serious the contra-band is and whether it is a first of-fense.

Either way, people in theater arebetter off not risking it, Song said. Sheencourages Soldiers receiving mail tomake sure their family and friends areinformed about what items are consid-ered contraband.

She also admonishes Soldiersmailing packages home to make use ofthe amnesty boxes at the front of bothpost offices rather than trying to mailcontraband items.

Currently, the 394th AG is focusingon redeploying units. They are allow-ing redeploying units to arrange timesbefore and after normal businesshours to mail things such as issuedgear that they cannot carry back.

Song said this is “in order to man-age their time and our time moreeffectively.” She added, “It gives themthe extra time so they can focus onother requirements for redeployment.”

Units interested in arrangingappointments after hours can contactSong by telephone at 318-829-1665 orby e-mail at [email protected].

Soldiers interested in a legalcareer might want to contact Capt.Kelly L. Hughes, the Chief ofJustice and a Command JudgeAdvocate for 1st Corps SupportCommand. She was one of 25Soldiers to earn a scholarship for alaw school of her choice throughthe Army’s Funded Legal Educa-tion Program (FLEP) in 2000. Thatyear, dozens of Soldiers competedfor the program. Five years afterearning a FLEP scholarship andtwo years after finishing lawschool, Hughes said Soldiers canask her about breaking into mili-tary law.

“If people are interested theyare welcomed to stop by,” Hughessaid. “There are a lot of goodopportunities out there and ifSoldiers are willing, the Army willhelp them get through law school.”

Like many Soldiers, Hughesentered the Army hoping to useher first job as a stepping stonetowards a professional career. Sheentered the military throughColorado College’s Reserve OfficerTraining Corps and became amilitary police officer. Afterserving two years as a platoonleader at Fort Carson, Colo., shebecame a company commander inKorea during a two-year tour.

“MP’s spend a lot of time in thefield,” Hughes said. “I thought itwould be a stepping stone into lawschool.”

So after her Korea tour, Hughesdecided to compete for the FLEPprogram. An annually awardedscholarship, FLEP has become theequivalent of a civilian RhodesFellowship competition for mili-tary officers wishing to attend lawschool. Each year, the competitiongets tougher and less are selected.

See JAG Officer on page 10

Officer benefits from

Funded Legal Educa-

tion Program

By Staff Sgt. EngelsTejedaStaff Writer

SEPTEMBER 4, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

Question of the Week

Education Center offers new

test for Servicemembers

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]

By Sgt. Marshall ThompsonEditor

A new testing service at theeducation center will allow Sol-diers at Logistical Supply AreaAnaconda to take military andcollege entrance exams withouthaving to travel to Kuwait.

“The testing was done in Ku-wait,” said Kathy Hamilton, thenew test control officer at theeducation center. She said Sol-diers could lose days traveling toand from the test site. “It’s a re-ally important thing for Soldiersto have the testing here.”

The education center providespreparation classes for militarytests including the Armed Ser-vices Vocational Battery(ASVAB), the Alternate FlightAptitude Selection Test (AFAST),and the Air Force ClassificationTest (AFCT). There are alsoclasses and testing services forcollege entrance exams like theAmerican College Testing exam(ACT) the SAT, and the Gradu-ate Record Examination (GRE).Classes and tests are also avail-able for college credit in manydifferent subjects.

During a graduation cer-emony on Aug. 11, Col. David W.Fitzgerald, the 301st Area Sup-port Group (ASG) garrison com-mander, introduced Hamilton.He told the soldiers they werethe first group graduating fromthe test preparation courses thatwould be able to take their testson LSA Anaconda.

“It keeps your mind sharp,”

said Spc. Robert Turner, a sup-ply specialist who works in themotor pool of HeadquartersCompany of the 1st Corps Sup-port Command. “With a bettereducation you can change yourMOS or you can go into some-thing different when you get outof the Army.”

Turner, who took the class lastquarter, was attending thegraduation ceremony to supportone of his friends.

“We all take turns going,”Turner said. “We all couldn’t goat once. That would leave themotor pool kind of shorthanded.”

About 100 soldiers showed upat the education center audito-rium to either graduate or cheeron fellow soldiers who weregraduating. Soldiers eruptedwith applause when someonefrom their unit was named“honor graduate,” or “most im-proved.”

“We just have so many stu-dents, which is unusual,” saidSgt. Maj. Angela N. Adams, thenoncommissioned officer incharge of the education centerfrom the 301st ASG. She saidclasses like these are helpful “tokeep their minds off their familyand friends back home and givethem something to do.”

Adams has a master’s degreein human resource managementwhich makes her a great re-source for Soldiers who are try-ing to put a résumé together be-fore they go home.The educationcenter also offers several classesfor college credit, as well as ba-sic Spanish and Arabic. The nextquarter of classes starts the weekof Sept. 4. For more informationcontact Sgt. Maj. Adams [email protected] orvisit the education center on LSAAnaconda.

“If you have the ability to doit,you should do it,” Adams said.

Photo by Sgt. Marshall Thompson

Graduating students are given a firm handshake and a nice certificate.

Sgt. Mike WaymireC Co., 115th Inf. Regt.

“My favorite sport is footballbecause a lot of it is based onstrategy.”

Norman LyonKBR contractor

“It’d have to be fishing. I wasborn in Alaska and I just loveto fish.”

Spc. Concepcion AmezquitaA Co., 3rd Forward Support Bn

“I like soccer because most ofmy family plays.”

Spc. Jennifer Suchowski1173rd Trans. Co.

“I like rock climbing becauseof the challenge and the greatview.”

Amn. 1st Class Shawn Nunn332nd ECES

“My favorite is baseballbecause I grew up playingbaseball with my parents.”

What is your favorite sport and why?


Freedom Radio Frequencies

107.7 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!”

Reserve Infantrymen contribute tomaking LSA Anaconda a safer place

By Mitch Armbruster

Staff Writer

Riding up and down the roads ofBalad, the Soldiers of the last reserveinfantry regiment make sure that theservicemembers and civilians insideand around Logistical Support AreaAnaconda are safe.

The 100th Battalion of the 442nd

Infantry Regiment (IR) patrols theareas around LSA Anaconda in aneffort to protect the roads and villagesfrom insurgents and improvisedexplosive devices.

“We spend time doing patrols,traffic control points and taking careof the vehicles,” said Staff Sgt. AlbertKoesters, a 60 millimeter mortarsection leader for Company C.

Koesters, a Nebraska native, hasspent 13 and half years in the infantry,most of that time with the IowaNational Guard and was cross-leveledinto the 442nd IR.

“These guys have spent a lot of timetraining up for this [Operation IraqiFreedom], to come over here to do ajob,” said Capt. Doug Hill, the com-mander of C Company. Hill chose tostay with the unit for the deploymentwhen the opportunity arose ratherthan go through his permanent changeof station to another unit.

“We have missions outside the wire24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bigmissions have messed with [Soldiers’]rest cycles but they keep soldieringon,” Hill said.

“We’ve been involved in somepretty difficult stuff; guys getting hurtalong with the death of one soldierfrom Charlie Company,” Hill said.

“These guys go through stuff like thatand never let up. They maintain theirprofessionalism and positive attitudethe entire time.”

The 442nd IR earlier in the month ofAugust received the Combat Infantry-man Badge. Shortly after Company Cbroke their formation, they received asafety briefing and moved out for amission.

“We go outside the wire and sup-port Iraq’s freedom,” said Spc.Sherwin Palencia, a Soldier fromCompany C. “This has been a goodexperience and I’m proud to be a part

of it.” “It’s a different war,” Cpl. Jose

Mendez said. “We patrol around theareas after mortar and rocket attacks.”

Mendez volunteered to join theunit. He believes that his civilianskills as a law enforcement officerhave helped him do a better job whileworking with the 442nd. Mendezmisses his family but feels that themission is successful and worth thetime.

The Soldiers of the 442nd spendtheir time cramped into vehiclesfighting the extreme temperatures

Patrolling soldiers of the 100th Battalion, 442nd IR search the trunk of a vehicle to make sure the passengers don’t carry contraband items.

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

while focusing on the dangers of theroad. They encounter improvisedexplosive devices, treacherous dirtroads, and children. Children canoften be a major hazard. They flock tothe vehicles looking for gifts andcandy making it difficult to maneuverthe vehicles around them.

These Soldiers take care of eachother and the surrounding areas ofLSA Anaconda so that life for theSoldiers and the civilians living andworking on LSA Anaconda will bebetter. They also help the Iraqi citizens’move toward a better life.


The foundation of a good relationship is foundin a smile as the Soldiers of Civil Affairs have achance to engage in building relationships with theIraqi people.

Members of 1st COSCOM G-5, Civil MilitaryOperations, also known as Civil Affairs, establishedrelationships with the citizens of the local commu-nities around Logistical Support Area Anacondaby offering aid and support with humanitarian ef-forts to help the people become more self-sufficient.

“Seeing the kids smile makes this job worthwhile,” Staff Sgt. Rollie Anderson, Civil AffairsNoncommissioned Officer in Charge, said.

“Many of these kids have a hardlife, but by offering them aid they aregrateful for what they receive and itmakes me happy to give them some-thing to hold on to.”

Building relationships has been a major part ofthe Civil Affairs mission. They have engaged inwater treatment projects as well as handing out hu-manitarian aid to assist the community.

“Our job is to work with the people to keep thearea safe,” said 1st Sgt. Paul Lewis, the Civil Af-fairs 1st Sergeant. “I feel lucky to be here, this is agreat place to be.”

Civil affairs Soldiers work with local commu-nity leaders to bridge the gap between different cul-tures. These connections help forge a lasting rela-tionship with the Iraqis.

“This is a wonderful mission. We get a chanceto enhance the quality of life for the Iraqi people,”Lt. Col. Ron Kirby, Assistant Chief of Staff for G-5Civil Military Operations.

“We’ve helped with 23 water purificationprojects for 19,000 Iraqis, which have never hadwater this clean to drink,” Kirby added.

The detachment has given out over 8,000 schooland humanitarian aid packages to the families inthe local villages. “We give them a hand to lift themup,” said Kirby. “The Soldiers’ ‘can do’ spirit hasbeen great, these Soldiers have done a great job andI’m very proud of them.”

Many of the Soldiers in the detachment learnedto do the job in country. The Soldiers were fromdifferent units and worked at different jobs in themilitary.

G-5 aids localsBy Sgt. Mitch ArmbrusterStaff Writer

Photo by Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

Civil Affairs troops hand out clothes and toys to locals.

This week’s newsbriefsMyers: Morale, CommitmentHigh in Armed Forces

By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2005 – Morale within theU.S. military is high, and servicemembers around theworld have a clear understanding of their mission, thechallenges they face and the importance of whatthey’re contributing in the war on terror, the topmilitary general told Pentagon reporters here today.Two days after returning from a 10-day, around-the-world trip to “take the pulse” of the military, Air ForceGen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs ofStaff, said he’s convinced that America’s armed forcesare the “best-trained and most capable force we haveever seen.” After visiting 18 bases and meeting withmore than 15,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines,plus Defense Department civilians and contractors,Myers said Americans should be assured that theirmilitary is “the finest organization on the planet.” Butjust as importantly, he said, its members recognize therole they’re playing in maintaining security aroundthe world and see firsthand the difference they’remaking, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan. ”Theyparticularly want to finish the job at hand,” he said,noting that they see the progress they’re helping bringabout. But despite his upbeat assessment, Myers saidhe’s concerned about what he called “the growing gapbetween what people are hearing back here in theUnited States and with what we saw on this trip.”While not pointing his finger at the news media,Myers acknowledged that news coverage of activities

in Iraq could be “fuller,” and that news, by its nature,often focuses on negatives rather than positives. “It’shuman nature that we tend to go where the firetrucks...or the police cars ...or ambulance are going,”he said. Myers said the military leadership needs to doa better job of getting the word out about activitiesthat paint a more complete picture of what’s takingplace on the ground. “There’s a lot of other things thatare happening that are indeed great measures ofprogress, and ... I think we can do a better job ofhelping explain that, and we will,” he said.

Myers said it’s critical that the American publickeep focused on the importance of the success in thewar on terror. ”It’s so easy for people to forget that weare a nation at war,” the general acknowledged.“These are very serious times (and) the stakes arehuge.” The American public “should never underesti-mate the challenges that our military members face inthis global war on terrorism,” he said.

“We are asking a lot of our people. They’re perform-ing tremendously, and they always have ... when theircountry has called.” U.S. troops “know the missionand they’re fully up to the task,” Myers said. “They aretrained and they are ready, and they want to see themission through to completion.” That demandsstaying the course in Iraq, he said, noting that troopsunderstand the winning strategy “is to continue tofight the insurgency and to create an environment toallow the political process to continue.”

Winning against the insurgency in Iraq “will taketime and patience,” he acknowledged. ”The mostimportant thing we have as a nation is our will andour resolve,” he said. “This military can do anythingas long as they have the will and resolve of the Ameri-can people.”

U.S. Ambassador: Draft IraqiConstitution Meets Basic Needs

By Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2005 – The draft constitution signed in Iraq today provides astrong basis for further progress in Iraq and will adapt to remain relevant as the countrychanges, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq said today. On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Ambassa-dor Zalmay Khalilzad said that even though not all parties are completely satisfied with thedraft, it represents a “synthesis between the universal principles of democracy and humanrights, and Iraqi traditions and Islam.” He said that, like all constitutions, this is not a one-time document and will be revised as necessary in the future. “This is a living document,as all constitutions are,” he said. “As Iraq evolves and changes, this constitution will alsochange and adapt to the circumstances.” The draft establishes Islam as the official religionof Iraq, but also says that no law can be made that is against the practices of democracy orin violation of human rights, Khalilzad said. He said the draft recognizes equality of menand women, disallows discrimination and family violence, and encourages women’s partici-pation in politics. This draft is a reconciliation between the various factions in Iraq,Khalilzad said, and sets a new pattern for the Middle East. Khalilzad also talked aboutIraqi security forces, saying that many are not ready to operate independently of U.S.forces, but that they are participating in combat and making steps in the right direction. Theultimate goal is for Iraqis to provide their own security, he said, but there are many factorsto consider in this process. “It’s not only a question of numbers; it’s not only a question ofthe quality of the force, but also, these forces have to be trusted by our Iraqi communities,”he said. “Building institutions such as army and police and a judicial system — these arenot easy things to do.” Khalilzad said he expects a rise in insurgent attacks as the constitu-tional referendum approaches, with extra pressure being placed on minority Sunnis. “TheSunnis are facing intimidation and worse,” he said. “But it’s time for them, for the interestof their people, to join the political process.”

By Sgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 4, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

Photo by Staff Sgt. Engels Tejeda

‘Truckmasters’ deliver supplies to FOBs

Photo by Sgt. Monika Comeaux

Soldiers of the 24th Transportation Company from Fort Riley, Kan., huddle to pray before they leave Forward Operating BaseWarhorse and head back to Logistical Support Area Anaconda. They delivered spare parts and mail to the FOB.

With nine months already behind them, and at leastanother three to go, the 24th Transportation Companyout of Fort Riley, Kan. keeps on providing support tothree forward operating bases (FOB) near LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda.

“We are a direct support company and we provideall commodities to three major forward operatingbases,” said Capt. Kevin Ward, commander of the 24th

Transportation Company, from Fort Riley, Kan.

These commodities can be fuel, bottled water,repair parts and other supplies. The company alsosatisfies transportation movement requests. “We havethe palletized loading system. We can carry any 20-foot container, as long as it does not exceed a weight of32,000 pounds. We can transport shipping containers,we can load Humvees. We can also transport Air Forcepallets, or anything that does not exceed 20 feet inlength and 10 feet in height,” Ward explained.

Although Ward refuses being called the lifeline tothese forward operating bases, he admits that hiscompany plays a vital role in supporting them.

“One thing I am proud of is the fact that the threeFOBs we support, we support well. Any time they needus to change the load, bring something extra, we dothat. Any time we cannot come, they are on the phonecalling our battalion, trying to find out why the 24th isnot coming,” Ward said with pride.

“I am a firm believer that when you support some-one and you support them well, they always want youto come back. It is a real joy when you come throughthe gate and you are the one bringing their mail, youare the one bringing their food and they are just soexcited to see you come through,” Ward said.

The company does a number of things to make sureSoldiers complete their mission with the utmostproficiency and safety.

“We run rehearsals before each convoy, to makesure soldiers know how to react in certain situations.We also have mandatory convoy briefs. In these wediscuss the route and update the soldiers on currentenemy activities and recent attacks,” said Staff Sgt.Timothy McQuay, a motor transport operator andteam leader from the 24th TC.

“The company has been very lucky so far, as far asincidents go. We did have some IED [ImprovisedExplosive Device] attacks, but fortunately nobody gotinjured. I think it is also due to how well trained ourSoldier are,” McQuay added. After serving in Kuwaitin 1996, and Kosovo in 2000, he is now on his secondtour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Truck drivers have the most dangerous jobs in Iraq

right now. We are the ones constantly moving on theroads,” McQuay said.

Staff Sgt. Aaron D. Griffin, motor transportationoperator and squad leader from the 24th TC agreeswith the statement. Griffin is also on his seconddeployment to Iraq. Although “the living conditionsare much better this deployment and the missions aremore regulated and organized and there are no ‘hey-you’ details like there were in OIF-1, things seem muchmore dangerous on the road.”

“I think the mission we have is a unique mission.Not every transportation company can do it. OurSoldiers enjoy it. We win the hearts and minds of theIraqi people along the routes we run. We try to dothings where it is not offensive to the culture, but yetwe are able to do our job as well,” Ward said.

The company not only runs the supply missions, butalso provides its own security for each mission. “Ourgunners are highly trained and very proficient,” saidGriffin.

This setup allows for greater flexibility and enablesthem to occasionally do special missions, like deliver-ing concrete barriers to Combat Outpost Rawah. “Thetrip to Rawah was the most challenging mission so far.It took us two days to get there. There were no realroads in the desert, and the convoy had to roll between5 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour,” Griffin said.

Ward, Griffin and McQuay agree, that one of thereasons the company has been so successful is howwell members of the unit work together.

“One of the keys to success is teamwork and keep-ing the morale high. Discipline has also been a bigkey,” Ward said.

The ‘Truckmasters,’ as the company calls them-selves, will keep on trucking supplies with the sameproficiency and enthusiasm for the remainder of theirtime in Iraq.

“I fully support our mission. If we pull out beforethe mission is complete, all the soldiers who died inthe past died for no reason,” McQuay said.


Sgt. Frank G. Fulton loosens the cargo straps on the pallets.


Pfc. Steven L. Obrien, a motor transport operator, rolls up acargo strap after removing it from his cargo.


Army tests the MultifunctionalMedical Battalion at LSA Anaconda

The “spearhead medics” were the first to try out the Army’s new Multifunctional Medical Battalion here at LSA Anaconda. From left toright: Command Sgt. Maj. Manuel J. Layman, Lt. Col. William C. Terry, Capt. Caryn R. Vernon, and Maj. Samuel L. Ellis.


By Staff Sgt. Engels TejedaStaff Writer

The results are positive from theArmy’s first field experiment withthe Multifunctional Medical Battal-ion (MMB) – a new way to organizemedical headquaters designed tosupport more modular and flexiblemedical units.

Throughout Operation IraqiFreedom the Army has employedsmall elements as a means to pro-vide effective fighting. Instead ofdeploying in whole brigades ordivisions, Soldiers have mobilizedin smaller Brigade Combat Teamsthat are tailored to the specificneeds of a given battlefield.

Seeking to compliment thistransformation, the Army MedicalDepartment Center and School andthe Army Surgeon General’s officedesigned the MMBs.

“The Army is transforming,” saidCapt. Caryn R. Vernon, the 261st

Area Support Medical BattalionIntelligence and Operations Officer.As the Army becomes more modu-lar and flexible, medical units “hadto transform and become modulartoo.”

According to Vernon, MMBsbring under one command severalunits from medical area support,medical logistics, and medicalevacuation battalions. Thus if MMBswork, all medical operations intheater will be coordinated throughthe same headquarters.

After several months of planning,the experiment was ready for test-ing and the unit of choice to handlethe task was the Task Force 261st

Area Support Medical Battalion(ASMB). As the Army’s only air-borne ASMB, Fort Bragg’s 261st isused to being one of a kind. The“spearhead medics” became thefirst medical unit to temporarilytransform into an MMB.

“We were already in theater so itmade sense to give us the task sincethis is where [MMBs] will be used,”Vernon said.

Starting in May, 2005, the 261st

took tactical control of 16 medicalunits that were operating out ofabout 66. The units included fivearea support medical companies,four preventive medicine detach-ments, a dental company, a veteri-nary company, a ground ambulancecompany, a logistics support com-pany with a blood platoon, and acombat stress control company, apreventive medicine unit from theNavy, and a headquarters detach-ment. The 261st grew from com-

manding just over 500 Soldiers todirecting over 861 medical andmedical support personnel. The unithad command of virtually everymedical asset in Iraq, excludingMEDEVAC assets and combatsupport hospitals. Though notofficial, it is likely that the transfor-mation turned the 261st into thelargest medical unit in the history ofthe Army.

“This is exactly what we’ve beenwaiting for,” said Maj. Samuel L.Ellis, the task force’s executiveofficer. As a veteran officer who hasplayed virtually every role in mili-tary health services support man-agement including commander andteam leader of a medical unit,operations and intelligence officerfor a medical battalion, and instruc-tor for forward surgical teams, Ellisnoted that one of the biggest ben-efits of the MMB is that it simplifiesthe health process down to thelowest level. He noted that theMMB’s centralized command struc-ture gives Soldiers a one-stop shopwhere they can get information,such as the location and availabilityof any medical asset or personnel intheater.

The system proved handy duringthe trial period, Ellis and Vernonsaid. In one incident, the MMBsystem was directly responsible forcutting down by a week the timethat took to transfer an X-Ray

machine from one post to anotherin Iraq. The Soldiers saved thatmuch time because they were ableto coordinate the transportation ofthe bulky machine through Alphaand Bravo Companies of the 32nd

Medical Logistics Battalion, whichwas one of the units composing theMMB.

In another occasion, the MMBhelped the 1st Corps Support Com-mand update its immunizationsystem within a matter of hours,another task that could have takendays to complete.

According to the “spearheadmedics,” the strength of the MMBlies in that the organization synchro-nizes the efforts of all the medicalbattalions at one location, giving thecommand a subject-matter expert ineach aspect of military medicine.

“Overall we are here to supportthe war fighters,” Vernon said, “andthe best way to do that right now isto become this multifunctionalmedical battalion and give them onesingle point of contact to go to formedical issues that they may have.”

At the end of the tryout period,the Soldiers concluded that theMMB works. They suggested someminor changes, including increasingthe clinical staff and the long rangecommunication systems. But as aconcept, the MMB “is probably thebest idea that [the Army MedicalDepartment] has come up with

since the forward surgical team,”said Lt. Col. William C. Terry, the261st’s commander.

“You’ve got every single medicaloperating system in theater with theexception of air evacuation assetsand hospitalization,” Terry said.“Because you have all the medicaloperations within one commandyou can support any contingencyplan that the warfighter may bringto the table with one consolidatedheadquarters.”

The success of the program, ofcourse, depends as much on theplanning process as on the dedica-tion and capabilities of the Soldiersexecuting it. In this case, a wellthought-out plan and a professionalteam were credited with making thefirst MMB a success.

“We brought together within 30days one of the largest task force intheater” without any friction be-tween the units, said the 261st’sCommand Sgt. Maj. Manuel J.Layman.

“At no time, was there any argu-ments between my Soldiers. Wetook the commander’s intent andwe executed it proudly.” He said hewas impressed with how eachSoldier took ownership of the taskat hand.

The Army is currently reviewingthe reports from the 261st’s experi-ment. If approved, about 21 MMBscould be launched starting in 2007.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2005 PAGE 9PAGE 8 SEPTEMBER 4, 2005 ANACONDA TIMES

LSA Anaconda first regional Track and Field Championships

-

The story of a sporting event that moved hundreds...Story and photos bySgt. Monika ComeauxStaff Writer

The first regional Track and FieldChampionships took place at Logisti-cal Support Area Anaconda between25-27 Aug. at the Holt MemorialField.

The 241 participants competed invarious running events from the 5-ki-lometer run to 100-meter dash, as wellas the high jump, long jump, triplejump, shot put, discus throw andtriathlon. The Army, Air Force, Navyand Marines all represented them-selves, and even a few civilians signedup to partake in some of the events.

Organizing the event took a lot ofcoordination, several hundred manhours, numerous meetings and lots ofhard work.

“We actually started meeting on thefirst week in June and met once aweek. We had a total of maybe 10meetings. We have nine differentunits assisting the event with approxi-mately 60 volunteers,” said 1 St. Sgt.Joseph L. Bivens, one of the main or-ganizers from the 372nd Cargo Trans-fer Company from Fort Campbell, Ky.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation(MWR) also stepped up and sup-ported the event. “It was easy to getMWR involved; they were phenom-enal in making this happen. Gettingthem involved was the easy part oforganizing the event,” Bivens said.

“The biggest challenge was gettingall the personnel to where theyneeded to be and when they neededto be there. It worked very well,” saidDavid L. Culley, MWR Assistant Man-ager for LSA Anaconda.

Staff Sgt. john J. Blanshard, a light-wheel vehicle mechanic from the183rd Maintenance Company fromFort Carson. Colo., states that “settingup the track and marking the laneswas the hardest probably.” “TheMWR staff has really stepped up andthey were the ones who did that,” headded.

MWR and the nine units who or-ganized the event had to do a lot ofhard work. Some of the items like thediscus or the shot put had to be or-dered. Other items like the high-jumpstand were locally fabricated by one

of the units. The outcome was great.The events ran on time, and partici-pants had a great time.

“I think it is a good idea, because itallows the Soldiers to come togetherand do something different. It breaksup the monotony of their everydaylives here in Iraq,” said Bivens.

“It boosts the morale, it is somethingdifferent to do here at Anaconda andalso allows Soldiers to get to knoweach other,” said Staff Sgt. JacqulineN. Hancock, an ammunition special-ist from Headquarters and Headquar-ters Company, 507th Corps SupportGroup, from Fort Bragg, N.C.Hancock participated and placed inseveral running events. The humblesergeant admitted to having “wonthe nationals for division three,” butit was one of her soldiers who blurtedout that she actually represented theUS Virgin Islands in the 1996 Olym-pic Games in Atlanta, Ga.

“These competitions promoteespirit de corps, lift the soldiers’ spiritreally high, give them something todo in their downtime, keeps thembusy and keeps them out or trouble,”added Staff Sgt. John J. Blanshard, alight-wheel vehicle mechanic from the183rd Maintenance Company fromFort Carson. Colo. Blanshard also par-ticipated in several running events,despite the fact that he was a crosscountry runner and baseball player inhigh school.

When he did not compete,Blanshard sat on the bleachers, cheer-ing on other contestants. “Through-out the whole thing I liked thewomen’s sprints the most. They gave110 percent,” he said.

Both Hancock and Blanshard hopethat this wasn’t the first and last trackmeet.

“It would be great to have similarevents in the future. I hope this is notthe last one. They need to continue it,it helps to boost the morale,” Hancocksaid.

Participants who placed first, sec-ond or third were given embroideredpatches, the courtesy of an MWRemployee, which are event specificand state the date and location of theevent, and also have the picture of thetrack with the American flag and theIraqi flag. Thanks to the sponsors thewinners also received prizes.


Housing Area H-1 to DFAC 1/ H-4,

H-3/5 & H-7 to DFAC 4:

Depart: 6 &11a.m. 5:15p.m.

Return: 7:30a.m., 12:30 & 6:45p.m.

to BLDG 7001:

Depart: 7:15p.m.

Return: 9:30p.m.

(SUNDAY)

to BLDG 7001:

Depart: 8:15a.m. , 1:30, 3:15, 7:15

& 9:30p.m.

Return: 10a.m. 2:15, 4:15, 8:15 &

10p.m.

LSA Anaconda

housing bus

schedule

**DFAC hours remain the same**DFAC hours remain the same**DFAC hours remain the same**DFAC hours remain the same**DFAC hours remain the samefor Sunday.for Sunday.for Sunday.for Sunday.for Sunday.

**BLDG 7001 is near the PX/**BLDG 7001 is near the PX/**BLDG 7001 is near the PX/**BLDG 7001 is near the PX/**BLDG 7001 is near the PX/gym, pool, stadium and theater.gym, pool, stadium and theater.gym, pool, stadium and theater.gym, pool, stadium and theater.gym, pool, stadium and theater.**Bus will depart from housing**Bus will depart from housing**Bus will depart from housing**Bus will depart from housing**Bus will depart from housing

offices.offices.offices.offices.offices.**The bus rides are non-stop to**The bus rides are non-stop to**The bus rides are non-stop to**The bus rides are non-stop to**The bus rides are non-stop tothe locations mentioned above.the locations mentioned above.the locations mentioned above.the locations mentioned above.the locations mentioned above.

In December 2004, for example, thecompetitors’ average undergraduategrade point average was 3.40 and theiraverage Law School Admission Test(LSAT) score was a 160, meaning thatthey were in the top 82nd percentile oftheir LSAT class.

The applicants had spent an averageof five years and eight months in serviceprior to beginning law school. Theprogram only requires that Soldiershave no less than two and no more thansix years of service in the militarybefore they begin law school, and thatapplicants be serving in the grades ofO-1 to O-3 by the time they beginschool.

Though the statistics indicate thatcandidates had high scores across the

board, the Office of the Judge AdvocateGeneral insists on its website that FLEPrecipients are selected based on the“total person concept,” noting thatleadership skills and a strong desire toattend law school matter as much asGPA and LSAT scores.

A military background gives FLEPrecipients an edge over attorneys whoenter the Army after graduating lawschool.

“FLEP adds a lot of value to theArmy,” says Lt. Col. Conrad F. Kee, theStaff Judge Advocate for 1st COSCOMand Logistics Support Area Anaconda.“In my view, having a JAG officer whohas previously served as a line officeradds tremendous value to the JAGCorps because they are familiar withthe issues facing commanders.”

JAG officer

Continued from pg. 2

Capt. Kelly L. Hughes


“The JAG Corps is greatbecause you get your owncases right away.”

-- Cpt. Kelly L. Hughes

Kee said that Hughes was an excel-lent example of the value that FLEPadds to the JAG. He noted that withonly two years out of law school,Hughes is handling cases reserved forexperienced attorneys in the civilianworld.

He attributed Hughes’ success in thiscommand to her motivation, knowledgeof Army culture, and her outstandinglegal skills. Though mostly a criminallawyer, dealing primarily with Article15 counseling and courts martial, she

has also advised commanders andSoldiers on administrative law, immi-gration, and estate planning issues. Keesaid Hughes has exceeded thecommand’s expectation in each practicearea.

“If you don’t like criminal law, youcan do strictly administrative law, orany other field you want,”Huges said.

Of course, FLEP comes with someresponsibilities. Recipients incur a two-year active duty service obligation foreach year spent in law school whenmost law school curricula take threeyears to complete.

For many Soldiers, the service com-mitment is a fair exchange given thatFLEP covers tuition and fees at a timewhen law schools costs can exceed$30,000.

For example, at Campbell University,where Hughes got her law degree,tuition for the 2005 academic year is$23,000 and living expenses range from$9,075 for on campus housing to$11,595 for off campus housing.

Aside from the economic benefit ofgetting a FLEP scholarship, Hughes saidthe best part of the program is theexperiences Soldiers gain as JAG officersafter law school.

“The friends that you make and theexperience that you get as an officer inthe JAG Corps is something you can’tfind” in the civilian market, Hughessaid.

For more information on FLEPcontact Hughes at 1st COSCOM’smilitary justice office, or visit theprogram’s website at http://www.jagcnet.army.mil/JAGCNetInternet/Homepages/AC/JARO.nsf/(JAGCNetDocID)/FLEP, orrefer to Army Regulation 27-1, Chapter14.

The Chief of Staff of the Army in a recentmemorandum cautioned all Soldiers to take the

following things into consideration when sending orposting images on the Internet:

1. OPSEC is everyone’s responsibility. Some soldiers unfortunately continueto post sensitive information on internet websites and blogs, e.g., photosdepicting weapon system vulnerabilities and tactics, techniques, andprocedures.Such OPSEC violation needlessly place lives at risk and degradethe effectiveness of our operations.2. The HQDA G-2 is working on a training module to assist training Soldiers,details of which will be available by 2 Sept.3.The enemy is actively searching unclassified networks for information,especially sensitive photos, in order to obtain targeting data for use against thecoalition. The enemy, unfortunately, is a pro at exploiting our OPSECvulnerabililties.4.Negligent or unauthorized release of sensitive photos is a serious threat toour forces.5. Soldiers could unwillingly magnify enemy capabilities simply byexchanging protos with friends, relatives or by publishing them on the Internetor other media.6. We must protect information that would reveal battle losses, ongoingoperations or anything about our information collecting methods or efforts.


By 1st Lt. Darrell BaughnContributor

On August 18, 2003, President Bushsigned into law the “Higher EducationRelief Opportunities for Students” (HE-ROES) Act, creating significant newrights for servicemembers, theirspouses, and their dependents with stu-dent loans.

The U.S. Department of Educationadministers Federal Perkins Loans (for-merly National Direct Student Loans[NDSLs]), Federal Family EducationLoans (FFELs), and William D. FordFederal Direct Loans (Direct Loans). Families with servicemembers serv-ing in an area of hostility or imminentdanger may have their Federal PerkinsLoan cancelled up to 50 percent. Eachyear of service cancels 12.5 percent ofthe loan. Until a discharge has beenapproved, continue making loan pay-ments to prevent default or the accu-mulation of additional interest.

Also, if any loan is in a defermentstatus or grace period, this status re-mains during the deployment or reas-signment. Schools must automaticallydefer loans when the military deploysor reassigns a servicemember even ifalready in a repayment status. Schoolsmay grant such a deferment for up to12 months at a time.

All institutions should fully re-fund tuition to families with deployedservicemembers and should exercise thegreatest flexibility to defer enrollmentor reapplication requirements.

In addition, the U.S. Department ofDefense will repay a portion of the loanfor a student who enlists in the militaryand receives training in certain spe-cialty areas. Contact a recruiting oreducation officer for more information.

Servicemembers with Direct StaffordLoans should check

www.dlservicer.ed.gov to havetheir loan reduced or call 1-800-848-0979. Servicemembers with FFELStafford Loans should contact thelender.

If uncertain as to the nature of aloan, go to www.nslds.ed.gov or call 1-800-621-3115. The holder of a loan cananswer any questions about loan dis-charge. A copy of mobilization ordersor a signed statement on official letter-head from the commanding officer in-dicating dates of service suffices as no-tice.

If a deployed servicemember is in de-fault, the loan holder must cease all col-lection activities for the period of theborrower’s military service, not resum-ing until 30 days after redeployment.For more information, visit the Soldier’sLegal Center at at the corner of Penn-sylvania Avenue and Hawk Street atBuilding 4113.

Student Loans Deferment

and Forgiveness for

Servicemembers

in a Combat Zone

-

By Spc. Jerome BishopStaff Writer

On August 26, 1920, women allacross the United States celebrated theright to vote after more than 70 years ofnon-violent protests. On August 26,2005, women from Logistical SupportArea Anaconda celebrated their sacrificeduring a ceremony to commemorate theirstruggle.

The Women’s Equality Day celebra-tion ceremony was held at the LSAAnaconda East-side Morale, Welfare,and Recreation building Friday, August5; 85 years after the passing of the 19thAmendment which allowed women theright to vote.

“It’s important because the day ofobservance is the day that women wonthe right to vote with the passing of the19th Amendment,” said Sgt. 1st ClassRichard Weldon, the Equal OpportunityAdvisor for the 1st Corps SupportCommand. “We celebrate it every yearon that day.”

The ceremony was organized andconducted by the 301st Area SupportGroup. The project officer in-charge,Capt. Tonya Pacheco, company com-mander of Headquarters and Head-quarters Company, 301st ASG, tookpride in being able to educate Soldierson post, and being able to educateherself.

Soldiers participate in Women’sEquality Day celebration at LSAA

“I am pretty happy that I got to dothis and I learned a lot,” Pacheco said.“The younger generations may notknow that in 1984, women in Missis-sippi still didn’t have the right to vote.

“It’s important because there were alot of women who fought for a long time[for the right to vote],” she added.

Sgt. Maj. Angela N. Adams plays the part of Susan B. Anthony in a skit perfromed for the Women's Equality Celebration at LSA Anaconda.

The ceremony contained several slideshows for the participants to watch, aswell as songs from the LSA AnacondaGospel Choir. A skit was also preformeddemonstrating the protests made bywomen nationwide during the Women’sSuffrage movement of the late 19th andearly 20th centuries with Sgt. Maj.Angela N. Adams, Education Centernoncommissioned officer in-charge,citing the words of Susan B. Anthonywho spearheaded the non-violentrevolution.

“It was we, the people; not we, thewhite male citizens; but we, the wholepeople, who formed the Union… Men,their rights and nothing more; women,their rights and nothing less,” were afew of the many words spoken byAnthony during her campaign.

Aside from being the 85th anniver-sary of the ratification of the 19thAmendment, this year’s celebration heldmore significance in its location.

“What better place to celebrate thisday then in a country where women arefighting for the right to be free,” Weldonsaid. “We can show the Iraqis thatwe’ve had our struggle and we over-came that.”

“The information is still very relevanteven though the Amendment wassigned in 1920,” said Pacheco. “Peopleneed to understand that we came a longway on the women’s equality issue andthere are a lot of women who sufferedfor us to have these rights.

“We should exercise the rights sinceso many before us worked so hard forthem,” she added.

Nothing would be possible withoutthe help of the Soldiers who assisted inthe organization and execution of theproject.

“I want to send my thank you’s toeveryone who came out to help andeveryone who came to see it because alot of hard work went into putting thistogether,” Pacheco said.

“The 301st ASG did a fantastic job,”said Weldon. “The 1st COSCOM leader-ship completely supports the obser-vances that take place here in Iraq andthey support spreading the diversitythrough such a right as ethnic obser-vances.”

“It’s important for every-one to know what womenhad to do.”

Photo by Spc. Jerome Bishop

AUGUST 28, 2005ANACONDA TIMES

East MWR

ScheduleWest MWR

Schedule

PilatesThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Pilates classes at 5:45 a.m. Mon-day, Wednesday and Friday.

AerobicsThere will be an aerobics class Mon-

day, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m.Freestyle aerobics is Saturday at 9a.m., and today at 1 p.m.

KarateKarate classes will be today, Mon-

day, Wednesday and Friday at 7:15p.m.

Tae BoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

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

Kobushi Sessen JutsuThe LSA Anaconda Fitness center

offers classes in the feudal warriorcombat art Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday at 8:30 p.m.

CapoeiraThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers capoeira classes today at 6 p.mand Monday, Wednesday and Fridayat 8:30 p.m.

Nihon Goshen AikidoThe LSA Anaconda Fitness Center

offers Nihon Goshen Aikido classes at5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursdayand Saturday in the Sprung Gym.

Brazilian Jiu-JitsuCombatives

Classes will be today at 8:30 p.m.and Wednesday and Friday at 9:30p.m.

LSA Anaconda

Fitness Center

Karaoke Night

Open-mike nights willbe every Saturday at 8 p.m.

Table-TennisTournament

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

DartsTournament

A darts tournamentwill be Today at 8p.m.

8-BallTournament

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

SpadesTournament

Spades tourna-ments will beToday at 8 p.m.

Game NightGame night will

be every Friday at8 p.m.

Games featuredwill include Risk,Battleship and

Dominoes.

8-BallTournament8-Ball tournaments willbe Wednesdays at

8 p.m.

PingpongTournament

Pingpong tournamentswill be Tuesdays at

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 SoldiersLegal Center

DSN 829-1533/1538

A NBA Live 2005 tourna-ment will be held

Friday at 3 and 8 p.m.

A CounterStrike tourna-ment will be

held Thursdayat 8 p.m.

Commander’s Cup

September 17-18With 5 km run, meldley relay,bench your own weight, fiveon five basketball and other

exciting activities.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2005 PAGE 13ANACONDA TIMES

Religious ScheduleMovie Schedule

SustainerReel Time

Theater(schedule is subject to change)

September 43 p.m. The Perfect Man6 p.m. Herbie Fully Loaded9 p.m. Land of the Dead

September 53 p.m. Bewitched6 p.m. War of the Worlds9 p.m. Batman Begins

September 63 p.m. Valiant6 p.m. The Perfect Man9 p.m. Herbie Fully Loaded

September 73 p.m. Land of the Dead6 p.m. Valiant9 p.m. War of the Worlds

September 83 p.m. Batman Begins6 p.m. The Perfect Man9 p.m. Herbie Fully Loaded

September 93 p.m. Rebound6 p.m. The Cave9 p.m. The Cave

September 103 p.m. Dark Water6 p.m. Rebound9 p.m. The Cave

Roman Catholic MassWednesday 11 a.m. Air Force HospitalSaturday 5 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 8:30 a.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 9 a.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 11 a.m. Provider ChapelSunday 8 p.m. Provider Capel AnnexMon.-Fri. 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

Sacrament of Reconciliation(30 minutes prior to each mass)

Church of ChristSunday 11 a.m. Aviation Village 1/245th ATSConference Room

Islamic PrayerFriday 12:30 p.m. Provider Chapel

Samoan Congregational ServiceSunday 4 p.m. Provider Chapel

Latter Day SaintsSunday 1 p.m. Provider ChapelSunday 3 p.m. Freedom ChapelSunday 7 p.m. Tuskegee Chapel

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

Liturgical- ProtestantSunday 8 a.m. Provider Chapel

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

Protestant Praise and WorshipSunday 9:30 a.m. Sustainer Indoor TheaterSunday 5:30 p.m. Tuskegee ChapelSunday 6:30 p.m. MWR Tent 29th Spt. Bn.Sunday 7 p.m. Freedom ChapelWednesday 7:00 p.m. Freedom Chapel

Protestant-ContemporarySunday 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 Chapel

Movie Synopsis for September 4 - 10BewitchedPG-13, Comedy, 102 minNicole Kidman, Will Ferrell

When Jack accidentally runs into Isabel, he becomesconvinced she could play the witch Samantha in hisnew TV series. Isabel is also taken with Jack, seeinghim as the quintessential mortal man with whom shecan settle down and lead the normal life she so de-sires. It turns out they’re both right—but in ways nei-ther of them ever imagined.

The Perfect ManPG, Romantic Comedy, 111 MinHilary Duff, Heather Locklear

Holly conceives the perfect plan for the perfect man—an imaginary secret admirer who will romance hermother Jean and boost her shaky self-esteem. Whenthe virtual relationship takes off, Holly finds herselfhaving to produce the suitor, borrowing her friend’scharming and handsome Uncle Ben as the face behindthe e-mails, notes and gifts. Holly must resort to in-creasingly desperate measures to keep the ruse aliveand protect her mom’s newfound happiness, almostmissing the real perfect man when he does come along.

Dark WaterPG-13, Horror, 105 minJennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly

Dahlia is starting a new life; newly separated with anew job and a new apartment, she’s determined to

put her relationship with her estranged husband be-hind her and devote herself to raising her daughter.But when the strained separation disintegrates into abitter custody battle, her situation takes a turn for theworse. Her new apartment - dilapidated, cramped,and worn - seems to take on a life of its own. Mysteri-ous noises, persistent leaks of dark water, and strangehappenings cause her imagination to run wild, leav-ing her to wonder who is behind the endless mindgames.

ValiantG, Animated, 109 minJohn Cleese, John Hurt (voices)

A lowly wood pigeon named Valiant, overcomes hissmall size to become a hero in Great Britain’s RoyalAir Force Homing Pigeon Service during WorldWar II. The RHPS advanced the Allied cause byflying vital messages about enemy movementsacross the English Channel, whilst evading brutalattacks by the enemy’s Falcon Brigade.

Land of the DeadR, Horror, 93 minSimon Baker, Asia Argento

In a modern-day world where the walking deadroam, the living try to lead “normal” lives behindthe walls of a fortified city. Outside the city walls,an army of the dead is evolving. Inside, anarchy ison the rise. With the very survival of the city atstake, a group of hardened mercenaries is calledinto action to protect the living from the dead.

Religious schedule subject to change


Sgt. Maj. of the Army hopes to putpredictability in Soldiers’ livesBy Pfc. Spencer CaseStaff Writer

About 600 Soldiers at LogisticalSupport Area Anaconda snapped toparade rest as the Army’s enlisted top-dog entered the East Morale, Welfare,and Recreation building to speak andanswer questions from troops Aug. 28.

-Sgt. Dustin Robinson of Bravo Co., 1-55 Bri-gade Combat Team shakes hands with Ken-neth Preston, the sergeant major of the Armyat the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital atLogistical Support Area Anaconda, Aug. 28.

Photo by Pfc. Spencer Case

Sgt. Dustin Robinson of Bravo, Co., 1-55 Brigade Combat Team proudly displays his ser-geant major of the Army coin at Balad Air Force Theater Hospital at LSA Anaconda.

Photo by Pfc.Spencer Case

The sergeant major of the Army, Kenneth Preston, gives coins to soldiers who recite “TheSoldier’s Creed” at Dining Facility 1, Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Aug. 28.

Photo by Pfc. Spencer Case

Sgt.Maj. of the Army KennethPreston’s gave a two-hour speechduring his visit to Anaconda. He alsohanded out coins to servicemembers atthe Balad Air Force Theater Hospital,observed and tested some of the newequipment soldiers were using, andate lunch with Soldiers at DiningFacility 1.

“I never thought I’d get to meethim, you know,” said Sgt. DustinRobinson of B Co., 1-55 Brigade Com-bat Team, who received a coin fromPreston while at the hospital to haveminor injuries treated. “It’s definitelyan experience, one you don’t get veryoften. He seems concerned for all ofus.”

Preston’s speech focused on theneed for transformation on bothArmy-wide and individual levels.Preston said the current operationaltempo is difficult on military families.Constantly moving from base to basewith each transfer of duty stationmakes it very difficult for militaryspouses to have stable careers.

“If there’s one thing I want you tocome away from this speech with, it’sputting predictability and stabilityinto Soldiers’ lives,” said Preston.

The key to creating an environment

of stability and predictability is toexpand the deployable forces so thatcurrent forces are not overstretched,he said. According to Preston, one wayof doing this is by “rebalancing of theforce”— putting soldiers where theyare most needed. Some career fieldslike mail clerk will be eliminatedentirely. Others, like artillery will becut back. These Soldiers can be used tosupport “low density, high demandcareer fields” like military police,which are expected to grow by 47percent.

The Army will also be expandingthe fighting force in more traditionalways—retention and recruiting. Hesaid retention was “truly a good-newsstory” and noted that retention goalshave risen for three consecutive years.In fact, rates in the National Guard areat an all-time high, he said.

He added that though much noisehas been made about recruiting woes,recruiting goals were raised from72,000 per year in 2003 to 77,500 in2004, then risen again to 80,000 in2005. Though recruiting goals did fallsort for four consecutive months theyhave since rebounded and the Armymay still meet its goals, he said.

“Personally, I’m still optimistic thatwe’re going to hit 80,000 [recruits] bythe end of September,” said Preston.

Preston ended by praising the menand women who volunteer to servetheir country.

“There are similarities between the

‘millennium generation’ and the‘greatest generation,’” Preston said.“They have a sense of commitment, asense of wanting to serve somethingbigger than themselves… a sense ofpatriotism. Those who join America’sarmed forces are truly heroes. They are

what I would like to call ‘the nextgreatest generation.’”

Unlike other VIP’s whose visits aremostly planned by officers, Prestonwas escorted almost entirely by en-listed soldiers. The 1st COSCOMcommand sergeant major, JosephAllen, coordinated the event.

“The sergeant major of the Army isthe equivalent of a three or four stargeneral,” Allen said. “He requires thesame protocol and attention of aperson of that rank.”

He added, “The sergeant major ofthe army is a Soldier, an enlistedSoldier, he came from the samehumble beginnings as other enlistedSoldiers and enlisted Soldiers canidentify with the sergeant major of thearmy. That’s the guy they want tosee.”

Preston was sworn in as the 13th

sergeant major of the Army January15, 2004, replacing Jack Tilley.Preston’s main responsibility is advis-ing Army Chief of Staff PeterSchoomaker about training and qualityof life for enlisted Soldiers. When he isnot traveling the globe to visit troopsand their families, he sits on a varietyof boards and is often requested tospeak before Congress.

Preston has earned many awardsand decorations over the course of his28-year career, including two Legionsof Merit, the Bronze Star medal, theDefense Meritorious Service Medal,and four Army Meritorious ServiceMedals.



Sgt. David D. Sherman, a yoga student at Logistical Support Area Anaconda’s Indoor Pool, stretches alongside class instructor Misty Mann August 7.

Take a deep breath and count to tenBy Spc. Jerome BishopStaff writer

Being deployed to Iraq isn’texactly the most relaxing atmo-sphere, but Logistical SupportArea Anaconda Soldiers arefinding new ways to relax at theindoor pool’s Yoga classes.

“[Soldiers] can learn how torelax,” said Misty Mann, MWRCoordinator and Indoor PoolYoga instructor.

“In the mornings, I’ll do YogaSutra and in the evenings I’ll doYoga Nedra. Sutra is more of astretch and more of a wake up

and it tones the body. The YogaNedra is a lot more of a relax-ation thing.”

Although the Yoga doesn’tactually take place in the water,the sounds can add to theatmosphere of the day’s lesson.

“Sometimes the pool helps,”Mann said. “It helps create moreof a relaxing environment.”

The Yoga class, whichusually consists of four to fiveparticipants, varies in theroutine of the lessons to bettercater to the students.

“Sometimes I do just thestretches, or if the group wants toI can go through a routine of

stretches.”For Sgt. David D. Sherman, a

cargo specialist from 372ndTransportation Company, theclass gave him just what he waslooking for.

“I enjoy Yoga and I wanted tolearn something new. This is myfirst class and I’ve never donethe relaxation part,” he said. “Iknow what I can do now to helpmyself relax.”

Soldiers who have partici-pated in the class not only learnsomething new that they can do,but also more about their bodies,and that’s always a good thing.

“I usually get some pretty

good feedback, especially aboutthe relaxation part. When you’rehome alone and you can’t get tosleep, it really helps. It helps youto mentally control your bodyfunctions.”

The students aren’t the onlyones who benefit from the class,even the instructor takes some-thing from each lesson.

“In the mornings, I know itsounds silly, but it helps wakeme up and it helps get rid of yourproblems and relieves a lot ofbody aches,” Mann said. “I didYoga before; I’ve just never doneit this frequently.”

As of August, classes are held

Sunday mornings from 6:15 to 7a.m., but that’s about to changealong with the different types ofYoga offered.

“Every Sunday starting inSeptember the schedule willswitch from one Sunday in themorning and then the nextSunday in the evening and soon.”

The Yoga Class is open toanyone who may be interested.

“I recommend it to anyonewho has a lot of stress or tensionin their muscles,” said Sherman.“I recommend it to everyone justto keep in tune with theirbodies.”


AROUND ANACONDA


Swim like a butterflyFaraon Lopez, Tapestry Solutions, enjoys a quick swim at Logistics Support Area Anaconda’s Indoor Pool during his lunch break. The pool is open from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.


And the forcast for today is...Despite the sandstorm that hit Logistical Support Area Anaconda, Soldiers navigated throughthe thick of the dust to get to their destinations August 8.


And that’s what friends are forAir Force Staff Sgt. Brandi Kelly, 332nd Command Post, gives Staff Sgt. Dax, 95th MilitaryPolice Battalion, some water during his security shift at the Rascal Flatts concert August 4.

The ultimate winner...This Soldier participated in one of the relays of the LSA Anaconda regional Track and FieldChampionship with a broken arm. His team actually came in amongst the first three.

Photo by Sgt.Monika Comeaux

Vol. 2, Issue 12 September 4, 2005 · Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in...

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Transcript of Vol. 2, Issue 12 September 4, 2005 · Anaconda Times is a command information newspa-per in...