1. U.S. Division-North
Volume 1, Issue 40 Established in 1917 to honor those who serve August 5, 2011
FINAL FLIGHT
Black Jack
Steadfast and Loyal
Vietnam veteran retires for second
time after return to cockpit
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Ironhorse
Devil
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Tamietti, an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance pilot assigned to 339th Military Intelligence Company,
an Army Reserve unit attached to Task Force ODIN, watches flight crews prepare for a mission at Contingency Operating Base Speicher,
Iraq, July 26, 2011. Tamietti, a decorated Vietnam veteran, returned to military service in 2003 after a two-decade hiatus. Tamietti flew his final
flight, July 31, and is now looking to retire after two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.
Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller Four decades after serving in the Army National Guard, ica tour, Tamietti traded global
LongKnife
109th MPAD in Vietnam as a young helicop- Tamietti said he left the mili- travel for a relaxing retirement.
Steadfast and Loyal
USD-N Public Affairs ter pilot with the 1st Aviation tary in the early 1980s to pur- That all changed in 2003,
Brigade, Tamietti made his fi- sue a career as a commercial he said, after listening to the
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- nal flight in support of Opera- airline pilot. Nevada Army National Guard
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq tion New Dawn, July 31, be- “I just kind of closed that advocate general speak about
– Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary fore hanging up his wings for chapter in my life and I thought losing experienced Soldiers
Tamietti scanned the desert of retirement later this year. that was it, and never expected to the competing demands of
BLack JAck
northern Iraq quietly slipping This is not the first time to get back in; not 25 years multiple deployments and life
by beneath his C12 reconnais- Tamietti made a “final flight,” later,” he said. at home.
sance plane – a far different however, nor is it his first ex- After more than 20 years “I thought they could use
sight than the jungles of Viet- perience with retirement. as a commercial pilot and sev- my knowledge for something,”
nam he first took flight over After his deployment to eral years on the Professional Tamietti said. “I never really
more than 40 years before. Vietnam and ensuing service Golfers’ Association of Amer- See PILOT, Pg. 4

2. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
Mechanics ensure vehicles and aircraft used by Soldiers are
fully functional, and able to carry Soldiers and other passengers to
their destinations safely.
Private 1st Class Deangelo James, an aircraft mechanic as-
signed to Company A “Aces,” 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regi-
ment, Task Force Saber, worked effectively to enable a 100-percent
mission success rate for aircraft conducting missions, July 14-20.
James, a crew chief with Aces Company, stepped up to fill the
role of a troop maintenance team member, directly supporting
three scout weapons teams.
“On a daily basis, he checks the aircraft log books for each one
and ensures they are mission ready,” said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy
Goddard, platoon sergeant with Company A.
During the week, James, who calls Oklahoma City home, as-
sisted in the completion of three preventive maintenance services,
two 40-hour lubrications and the replacement of a starter-generator,
as well as progressive phased maintenance on three other aircraft. U.S. Army photo
“He doesn't think he did anything special,” said Goddard. “He Private 1st Class Deangelo James, an aircraft mechanic assigned to
Company A “Aces,” 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force
feels as if he did the same as everyone else. It speaks to his char- Saber, conducts preventive maintenance checks and services on a
acter.” helicopter at Contingency Operating Base Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 3, 2011.
James, recently promoted to private first class, continuously James, a native of Oklahoma City, ensures air crews remain flight-
proves himself, going above and beyond his duty to ensure com- ready during missions in support of Operation New Dawn. For his
contributions to Task Force Saber, James earned the title of U.S. Divi-
pletion of his task, unit leaders said. sion – North “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week.
“He's a brand new Soldier, and just got promoted,” said God-
dard. “Most of the things he does he didn't learn in (Advanced Indi- lost. His technical proficiency enabled Aces pilots to fly 120 hours
vidual Training). He learns on an accelerated pace, and it shows.” without issue.
James personally led inspection and clearing of aircraft, al- James’ actions and attention to detail contributed to the mis-
lowing one Kiowa helicopter to leave maintenance and respond sion and earned him the title of U.S. Division – North “Ironhorse
to attacks near Contingency Operating Site Warrior with no time Strong” Soldier of the Week.
Mullen visits Fort Hood Arkansas Guardsmen Soldier finds purpose in US troops transfer base in
troops in Iraq respond to attack mission change western Ninewa
Page 3 Page 6 Page 8 Page 10
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
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. Everything advertised in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Craig Zentkovich
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Editor – Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Sgt. Coltin Heller
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 1st Cavalry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division
2

3. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
Mullen visits Fort Hood troops in Iraq
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq - The
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen,
visited Soldiers assigned to 4th
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
Cavalry Division, at Contin-
gency Operating Site Marez,
Iraq, Aug. 1.
Mullen met with service
members to show his gratitude
for their hard work and sacri-
fice in support of the brigade’s
advise, train and assist mission
in U.S. Division – North.
“I want to express my appre-
ciation for what you have done
here,” said Mullen. “There is
not a day that goes by that I’m
not thinking about what you do U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO
out here.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, left, and Gen. Lloyd Austin, commander of U.S.
During his speech, the chair- Forces – Iraq, land at Contingency Operating Site Marez, Iraq, Aug. 1, 2011. Mullen and Austin met with
senior leadership from 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and U.S. Division – North to
man also commented on the
discuss security in northern Iraq during a tour of the Ninewa Combined Coordination Center.
improvements he’s seen in the
Mosul area since assuming re- ment, 4th AAB. center facilitates all parties hav- “Throughout the last few
sponsibility as Chairman of the During what is expected to ing a common concept of secu- years, and with the help of U.S.
Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2007. be his final trip to visit troops in rity issues throughout northern generals, we were able to es-
Mullen said, throughout his Iraq, Mullen also met with ISF Iraq and serves as a catalyst for tablish a good relationship with
tenure as chairman, there has and senior U.S. leaders to dis- coordination between them. the police,” said Hassan.
been a significant change in the cuss progress in northern Iraq. “One of the benefits is this Hassan expressed his sat-
security conditions and partner- Mullen led a roundtable dis- is a way to bring all security isfaction with the leadership
ship efforts between U.S. and cussion with local police, army, forces together to assess situa- and focus Col. Brian Winski,
Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul. and Kurdish Security Forces tions together,” said Maj. Gen. commander of 4th AAB, took
“It is because of your efforts leaders, as well as U.S. com- David Perkins, commanding during Operation New Dawn,
that these extraordinary im- manders from 4th AAB and general of 4th Infantry Division which is oriented toward advis-
provements and changes have U.S. Division – North at the and U.S. Division – North. “It’s ing, training and assisting ISF
occurred,” he added. Ninewa Combined Coordina- more coordination to prevent units.
Besides thanking the troops tion Center and heard firsthand misunderstandings rather than “Colonel Winski has helped
for their dedication, Mullen about efforts the ISF have made anything else.” us with training, allowing us
conducted a group discussion in improving security in Mosul Mullen also met with com- to focus on external threats,
addressing the deployed troops’ and Ninewa province. manding general of the Ninewa defending our borders and pro-
questions and concerns. After “I’ve watched this from afar Operations Command, staff Lt. tecting our national sovereign-
the question and answer ses- and have been very impressed Gen. Hassan. ty,” Hassan said.
sion, the chairman handed out in the process,” said Mullen af- Mullen and Hassan spoke Encouraged by the efforts of
coins to the service members. ter hearing about the effective- about improvements the Iraqi both the 4th AAB and the ISF
“It means a lot having the ness of the NCCC. “This takes Army has made in targeting in Ninewa, Mullen reiterated
highest-ranking officer in the bold leadership.” and defeating extremist threats the United States’ commitment
(U.S. Armed Forces) come visit The NCCC serves as a hub in northern Iraq. to a lasting alliance and partner-
us and congratulate us on a job to coordinate security efforts The Iraqi army worked in ship with Iraq before departing.
well done,” said Cpl. Kelvin between the Iraqi Army and po- concert with the Iraqi police “We value the strategic rela-
Scott, an armor crew member lice, as well as the Kurdish Se- and Kurdish security forces to tionship between our two coun-
assigned to Company C, 2nd curity Forces in areas of mutual provide a mutual solution to se- tries and are very committed to
Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regi- concern in northern Iraq. The curing Mosul. it,” he said.
3

4. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
PILOT, cont'd from Pg. 1
expected to fly; I certainly nev-
er expected to do two tours in
Iraq. It’s been an adventure, no
question.”
Shortly after re-entering the
military, Tamietti found himself
in Iraq serving with the 339th
Military Intelligence Company,
an Army Reserve unit attached
to Task Force ODIN.
As an intelligence, surveil-
lance and reconnaissance pilot,
Tamietti and his fellow Sol-
diers are charged with the mis-
sion of observing, detecting,
identifying and neutralizing the
threat of improvised explosive
devices throughout Iraq.
“There are a bunch of kids
who get to go home in one
piece on account of us, and I
feel good about that,” he said.
“I feel that’s a pretty major ac- U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
complishment for us.”
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher James, Company B, Task Force ODIN, soaks Chief Warrant Officer 3
Despite being a highly deco-
Gary Tamietti during a retirement celebration for Tamietti at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq,
rated combat veteran, Tami- July 31, 2011. Tamietti, assigned to 339th Military Intelligence Company, Task Force ODIN, is scheduled to
etti said military service is not retire after returning to military service in 2003. Tamietti served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and then
about medals or heroics, but retired from the commercial airline industry before re-entering service to help train younger pilots.
rather about building camara-
derie, leadership and protecting first one available to help on emerged from the weeds, Still flying daily missions
those with whom he serves. those occasions. crawling to his position. at 61 years old, Tamietti is an
On several occasions in After being shot down After being shot down him- inspiration to younger Soldiers,
Vietnam, Tamietti disregarded and badly wounded, Tamietti self, West crawled more than Brown said.
his personal safety as he repeat- said his observer pulled him 200 meters into the midst of the “Every day he’s out there
edly flew headlong into with- from the downed aircraft and fighting to rescue Tamietti and grinding it out with the rest of
ering enemy fire to aid ground propped him against a rice pad- his observer. us,” Brown said. “They see him
troops. dy wall. That devotion to fellow out on the flight line pre-flight-
Any pilot would have done As enemy forces closed in, Soldiers, Tamietti remarked, is ing in 115, 120-degree weather
the same, Tamietti said humbly, Tamietti said his wingman’s what defines a life of military out there with everyone else.
but he just happened to be the observer, Staff Sgt. Jim West, service, and is a lesson he im- They look at him and they stop
parts on younger Soldiers he complaining because he’s out
now serves with. there with the rest of us doing
“The respect I get from it. He’s an impressive guy.”
these kids for what we did While he said he sometimes
means a lot to me,” Tamietti gets tired of the daily grind, Ta-
said. “I would hope that they mietti said he never gets tired
would look at me as a guy that of putting on the uniform each
did his job and was there when morning and serving his coun-
they needed him.” try – a lesson taken from his
Major Temple Brown, com- father.
mander of 339th MI Company, “He spent six and a half
said Tamietti brings a wealth years in North Africa, Italy and
of knowledge to the mission France during World War II,
in Iraq and teaches younger pi- and never regretted a day, and
lots everyday problem-solving I feel the same way,” Tamietti
techniques not learned in flight said of his father. “I feel lucky
school. to get the opportunity to do this.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
“When you get with Chief I enjoy the challenge.”
Tamietti, you know you’re with In some ways, that chal-
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Tamietti, an intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance pilot assigned to 339th Military Intelligence Company,
an experienced pilot,” Brown lenge of supporting complex
an Army Reserve unit attached to Task Force ODIN, walks the “ODIN said. “He brought all that expe- counter-IED missions in Iraq is
mile” between the airfield and his unit headquarters following a mis- rience back into the Army after easier now due to technology
sion at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, July 26, 2011. a long hiatus.” advancements, Tamietti noted.
4

5. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
“We had a lot less technol-
ogy and a lot less communica-
tion, and did a lot more by the
seat of our pants back then,”
Tamietti said of Vietnam.
Now, he said, the technology
and near-instant exchange of
data makes it possible to con-
duct missions with greater ac-
curacy and protect the Army’s
most valuable assets – the Sol-
diers to his left and right.
Through a combination of
teaching high-tech reconnais-
sance assets to fellow pilots
and low-tech cunning gar-
nered from years in the pilot’s
seat, unit leaders said Tami-
etti amassed a vast wealth of
knowledge they now must look
to replace as he retires.
“The impact will be felt dra-
matically when he leaves be-
cause of all the experience and
confidence he brings to every-
body,” said Brown.
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Tus-
sing, Task Force ODIN com-
mander, said Tamietti serves as
a role model for Soldiers and
officers in the unit.
“Gary Tamietti is a great
American and we are fortu-
nate to have him in Task Force
ODIN,” Tussing said.
Besides being a mentor and
leader to other pilots, Tamietti
has a keen understanding of
how to most effectively support
ground units working with Task
Force ODIN, he added.
“He defines ‘selfless service’
and is well-respected,” Tussing
said. “It has truly been a plea-
sure working with him.”
Now looking to wrap up his
second deployment to Iraq, as
well as his re-visited career as a
pilot, Tamietti said he is excited
to return to his hometown of
San Clemente, Calif., and trade
flying for a set of golf clubs and
a second round of retirement. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Through it all, Tamietti said
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Tamietti, a pilot assigned to 339th Military Intelligence Company, Task Force
the friends he met along the ODIN, conducts pre-flight checks on his C12 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft at Con-
way are the most memorable tingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, July 26, 2011. Tamietti, a Vietnam veteran who returned to service
part of his long tenure as a pilot. in 2003, flew his final mission in support of Operation New Dawn, July 31, before retirement later this year.
“I really do enjoy being
around them,” he said of his fel- day, I’m proud to be a warrant rather be remembered for being you sitting there, I think wow,
low ODIN troops. “A lot about officer and I’m proud to be a a good leader to his brothers-in- everything is OK, the Chief’s
war is bad, but the friends you pilot.” arms and building trust. got us.’ What can you say to
make and the bonds you make Rather than focusing on in- “One of these kids told me that?” Tamietti asked. “It just
are with you forever, and that’s dividual achievements or ac- one time, ‘You know, Chief, doesn’t get much better than
a good thing. At the end of the colades, Tamietti said he would when I look up there and see that.”
5

6. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
Arkansas Guardsmen respond to attack
Spc. Andrew Ingram tack.
U.S. Division – North Public Affairs “The point of origin was on one
of the major roads with off ramps,”
CONTINGENCY OPERATING said Linder. “They told us to look for
BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Most days, a man on a scooter with a metal tube.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Linder When we arrived on site, I saw a man
and his UH-60 Black Hawk flight crew on a scooter accelerating off the major
carry members of the U.S. Division – road onto a dirt road and then under an
North command team throughout Iraq, overpass. A few more vehicles went
often transporting additional passen- under it so we were pretty sure we’d
gers between trips with the division found our guys.”
leadership. The crews circled the area, main-
During one seemingly routine mis- taining overwatch of the bridge as the
sion, Linder and his crew, members of quick response force stationed at COB
the Arkansas National Guard’s Com- Warhorse mobilized.
pany B, 1st Battalion, 185th Attack To reduce the chance of getting
Helicopter Regiment, 40th Combat hit by enemy fire, the Black Hawks
Aviation Brigade, found themselves stayed in constant motion a mere 150
under attack. feet above the bridge. As one aircraft
As passengers disembarked passed over the bridge, its sister heli-
Linder’s helicopter at Contingency copter maintained a visual on the site
Operating Base Warhorse, June 13, he to ensure constant coverage of the sus-
heard the voice of crew chief Sgt. Ste- pects, said Guinn.
ven Guinn say, over the radio, “We’re “When we came around for a sec-
taking indirect fire, I just saw one hit.” ond pass, I could see them putting
When mortar rounds continued to something in the trunk of a car,” Guinn
explode across COB Warhorse, Linder said. “Then they scattered like cock-
said his first instinct was to take flight roaches.”
immediately to minimize possible “The car went one way, and the
damage to his helicopter. scooters went off in three other di-
“My hand was on the lever,” said rections,” said Linder. “I stayed with
Linder, who hails from Bella Vista, the car and the other aircraft took the
Ark. “I wanted to get off the ground, scooters. We kept on them until the
but we still had passengers and lug- AH-64 Apache attack helicopters ar-
gage on and around the aircraft. The rived and took over the mission.”
rotors were so loud they could not hear By putting pressure on the suspects
the explosions so they didn’t realize within minutes of the attack, the Com-
what was going on.” pany B flight team may have deterred
Guinn, who was helping the pas- further violence against U.S. forces on
sengers offload their baggage when COB Warhorse, said Linder.
the attack began, said his first priority “I think we let them know that we
after reporting the attack to his flight are able to respond quickly and effec-
team was clearing the passengers and tively to an attack like this,” he said.
luggage out of the aircraft and making “It wasn’t something we expected, but
them aware of the threat. as the air commander I have to think
“I had to get everybody in and about things like; ‘If this happens, this
around the helicopter out of the way is how I will respond?’”
so we could take off,” said Guinn, who Although the Company B Soldiers
calls Hot Springs, Ark., home. “After usually fly passenger missions, the
that, it is all survival, protecting the team responded well to the challenge,
aircraft, making sure my guys are all said Guinn.
safe.” “It was really exciting for about 30
With the passengers out of harm’s minutes there,” Guinn said. “We are a
way, Linder and his wingman took to Black Hawk unit; it’s kind of unprece-
the sky and began conducting a battle- dented to be asked to take on a mission
field damage assessment of the base. like this, but we work well together as
Within moments, COB Warhorse air a team. Each of us instinctively knew
controllers asked Linder and his team what needed to be done. In the end we
to conduct a reconnaissance mission to were just glad to be there, glad that we
identify the point of origin for the at- could help.”
6

7. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
CBRN specialist serves many roles
Spc. Angel Turner Specialist Ariana Little, a chemi-
4th AAB Public Affairs cal, biological, radiological and
nuclear specialist assigned to
1st Cav. Div., USD-N Company A, 27th Brigade Sup-
port Battalion, 4th Advise and
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Di-
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – De- vision, manifests Soldiers for a
ployed Soldiers take on many convoy at Contingency Operat-
different job titles outside of ing Site Marez, Ninewa province,
Iraq, July 25, 2011. A native of
their military occupation spe- New York City, Little is in charge
cialty to ensure the mission at of the administrative prepara-
hand is completed. tion of all convoy logistics patrol
Supervisors chose Spc. Ari- manifests for her company.
ana Little, a chemical, biologi-
cal, radiological and nuclear “Long Knife Strong” Soldier
specialist, to serve as the day- of the Week for her exceptional
time battle tracker for opera- performance during the deploy-
tions cell, Company A, 27th ment.
Brigade Support Battalion, 4th U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO The brigade commander
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st ployment back to Fort Hood, CBRN equipment for the unit chooses one Soldier each week
Cavalry Division. Texas, Little focuses the major- as the only CBRN specialist in for the title from a list of sub-
With her added responsibil- ity of her effort on inventorying the company. missions from the battalions.
ity, Little monitors the battle- and collecting CBRN equip- “I try to lead by example,” “I’m proud of myself. I
field tracker and radio commu- ment in her company. said Little. “I try to be as knowl- think when you work hard, you
nications, and is in charge of During the deployment, edgeable as possible on my job, deserve to be recognized,” said
the administrative preparation Little maintained accountabil- so if anyone has questions, I Little. “Any task that I am giv-
of all convoy logistics patrol ity and operational readiness of can always have an answer.” en, I try my best. I always give
manifests within her compa- more than $400,000 worth of Little earned the title of 100 percent.”
ny.
“Specialist Little is a moti-
vated, dedicated, quick learner
and has outstanding leadership
potential. Overall she is an out-
standing Soldier,” said Sgt. 1st
Class Donald Dobbins, a truck
master assigned to Company A.
A native of New York City,
Little enlisted in the military to
challenge herself and gain inde-
pendence.
Currently on her first de-
ployment, Little said she feels
like she has definitely become
more independent and disci-
plined since joining the U.S.
Army.
Unit leaders said Little’s ma-
turity and professionalism aid
the mission because those traits
allow her chain of command to
focus on their tasks without the
need to over-manage the junior
Soldier.
“Little is who any leader
would want on their team,” said
Dobbins, a native of Queens, U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO
N.Y. “She always provides
Specialist Ariana Little, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist assigned to Company A,
great results. She is my ‘money 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, monitors the compa-
maker.’” ny’s battlefield tracker at Contingency Operating Site Marez in Ninewa province, Iraq, July 25, 2011. Little,
As 4th AAB “Long Knife” a native of New York City, earned the title of “Long Knife Strong” Soldier of the Week for her exceptional
Soldiers prepare for their rede- performance during her unit’s deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
Soldier finds purpose in mission change
Spc. Kandi Huggins
1st AATF Public Affairs
1st Inf. Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
WARRIOR, Iraq – In support of Operation
New Dawn, numerous Soldiers of “Devil
Brigade,” 1st Advise and Assist Task Force,
1st Infantry Division, work in capacities
and jobs that are not their primary military
occupational specialty.
In Devil Brigade, petroleum supply
specialists sometimes work as members
of a security platoon, and tankers may use
trucks instead of tracks.
For Spc. Alvin Anderson, Headquarters
and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion,
5th Field Artillery, 1st AATF, a fires sup-
port specialist by MOS, supporting Opera-
tion New Dawn called for him to act as an
infantryman on his commander’s personal
security detail.
Originally a Soldier in the National
Guard, Anderson said he enlisted in 2007
after receiving a letter from a recruiter.
“I was on my way to work and I checked
the mail before I left and I had this letter
from a recruiter,” said the Monroe, La., na-
tive.
“That was a Friday,” Anderson said with
a laugh. “That Monday I went and took the U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO
ASVAB and by the next Friday I was sign-
Specialist Alvin Anderson, right, and Spc. Michael Jasa, both fires support specialists as-
ing to join the Army.” signed to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, 1st Advise
After serving in the Guard for a few and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, download weapons and equipment from their
years, the 23 year-old Richwood High vehicle for cleaning after an area patrol in Kirkuk province, Iraq, Aug. 1, 2011.
School graduate said he switched over to
active duty in November 2009 because the Anderson, Anderson always maintains a fought,” said Anderson. “I feel it’s going to
pace was not moving fast enough for him good attitude, stays motivated and takes help my career.”
and he wanted to deploy. initiative to accomplish required tasks. “It’s fun being on PSD,” said Spc. Qual-
Fire support specialists normally per- “He’s one of the better Soldiers in the eem Green. “We get to see the country, in-
form forward observation missions to platoon,” said Drew. “Whenever there’s a teract with locals … in all honestly it can’t
“spot” artillery shells fired from positions detail that comes up, he’s always the first to be explained, only experienced.”
miles from their targets. These special- jump up and volunteer in getting stuff done Green, also a fires support specialist
ists relay target and impact location to the without being asked for it.” serving in Anderson’s platoon, said since
awaiting artillery batteries. The specialists Drew said no one in the platoon is an their unit arrived to Contingency Operat-
are lightly equipped and are not intended to infantryman by trade. ing Site Warrior, Anderson has maintained
engage the enemy directly. “We all have different jobs, but every- a positive attitude and a motivation that is
With U.S. forces’ current role as advi- body’s adjusting well, and Anderson is do- inspiring to his fellow Soldiers.
sors helping to train Iraqi Security Forces, ing great,” he said. “He just stays motivated,” said Green, a
fire support specialists do not play a large On missions, Anderson is a .50-caliber Greenville, S.C., native. “He’s always try-
role in Operation New Dawn. gunner with his commander’s PSD, pulling ing to help out and he works hard in repre-
“When I first joined, I wanted to go in- rear security while the commander attends senting a leader when there isn’t an NCO
fantry at first, but they said I’d have to wait meetings and engagements. around.”
to deploy, so I picked fire support,” said While he is not doing what he went to Even though he would like to gain ex-
Anderson. “Right now I’m PSD, so I don’t school to do, Anderson said the experience perience in his MOS, Anderson said he still
get to do my job out here as fire support, he is gaining during this deployment will enjoys what he does and being in his unit.
but I still take a lot of pride in it.” help him as he progresses in the Army. “I love my unit and I love these guys,”
First Lieutenant John Drew of Sandy “I decided if I stay in, that I want to said Anderson, “and there’s nothing I
Lake, Pa., Anderson’s platoon leader, said become a drill sergeant, and I feel I can’t wouldn’t do for them. I have their backs
throughout the five months he has known tell somebody about a war I never even and I know they have mine.”
8

9. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
‘Mustang’ mortarmen display operational readiness
Specialist Cristian Coury, standing, from Marshalltown, Iowa, and Pvt.
Frank Corey, from Geneva, Ohio, both mortarmen with Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, clean a mortar tube
before firing during a live-fire mortar operations exercise at Contin-
gency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, July 23, 2011.
the units conducted a patrol to “We pride ourselves on hit-
clear a 500-square meter area ting the target with the first
of palm groves to ensure safety round,” said Spears.
of the local population. Being proficient comes with
Mortar registration, the training, said Coste.
second phase, provided an op- In addition to being an ex-
portunity to ensure that all the cellent training opportunity
mortar-supporting computer for 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., the
systems were working, and the battalion and brigade fires cells
mortar itself is aligned and op- added significantly to the real-
erational, explained Coste, who ism, Coste said. The operation
hails from Ocean City, N.J. had the added benefit of a sig-
Phase three consisted of fir- nificant disruption effect on lo-
ing large numbers of 120mm cal violent extremists through a
high-explosive mortar rounds show of force, he added.
into the palm groves in timed The mortar firing exercise
intervals, said Coste. provided Soldiers an opportuni-
Spears said firing the rounds ty to recertify in their positions,
shows the capabilities of the which must be done every six
mortar teams and U.S. forces. months, explained Coste.
Those capabilities are de- “It was excellent,” said Pvt.
pendent on the ability of each Frank Corey, a mortar crewman
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd AAB PAO mortarman checking the mor- from Geneva, Ohio, about the
Sgt. Quentin Johnson partnered effort between U.S. tar systems, and coordination exercise.
2nd AAB Public Affairs forces and Iraqi Security Forc- between the forward observ- Deployed for the first time,
1st Cav. Div., USD-N es, said 1st Lt. Adam Coste, ers and higher echelon, added Corey said he is grateful for the
mortar platoon leader with Coste. opportunity to use his skills,
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- Headquarters and Headquar- “If (mortars) have to be show the accuracy of a mortar
ING BASE WARHORSE, ters Company, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. used, we will be proficient,” and provide security for Sol-
Iraq – Soldiers assigned to 2nd Regt. Coste explained. diers and civilians in the area.
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Soldiers from Company Spears, a section sergeant Corey recertified successful-
Cavalry Division, conducted C, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., ac- with HHC, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. ly while keeping his position as
mortar training operations on companied soldiers from 1st Regt., spoke about proficiency gunner with HHC – a position
and near Contingency Operat- Bde., 19th Iraqi Army Div., as being the pride of mortarmen. he takes seriously, regardless
ing Base Warhorse, Iraq, July if he is training or conducting
23. combat operations.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, “Train as you fight,” said
8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Corey of the exercise. “I love
AAB, conducted the training it.”
to certify mortar crews and Specialist Cristian Coury, right, a
company support personnel de- native of Marshalltown, Iowa, and
ployed in support of Operation mortarman with Headquarters
New Dawn. and Headquarters Company, 1st
Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment,
Soldiers conducted the two- 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,
day event in three phases: palm 1st Cavalry Division, prepares
grove clearing, mortar regis- to fire a 120mm high-explosive
tration and mortar firing, said mortar round during a mortar
operations training exercise in
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Spears, support of Operation New Dawn
from Kingsport, Tenn. at Contingency Operating Base
Clearing the groves was a U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd AAB PAO Warhorse, Iraq, July 23, 2011.
9

10. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
US troops transfer base in western Ninewa
Capt. Philip Crabtree
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE
MAREZ, Iraq – After the transfer of a for-
mer U.S. outpost several miles west of Mo-
sul, Iraq, the transition of Al Kisik Military
Base, home to 3rd Iraqi Army Division, is
now complete.
Soldiers assigned to 4th Advise and As-
sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trans-
ferred responsibility for Joint Security Sta-
tion W-4, a small U.S. base located within
Al Kisik, to 3rd IA Div., Aug. 1.
“Everything is going smooth,” said
Sgt. 1st Class Mario Giron, contracting
noncommissioned officer for Troop B,
1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th
AAB. “All the right things are in place to
make this happen.”
Since arriving at JSS Whiskey 4 in
2010, Troopers assigned to Troop B part-
nered with 3rd IA Div. soldiers to improve
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO
security through advising and training Captain Sterling Showalter, executive officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Squadron, 4th Ad-
them in areas west of Mosul. vise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, thanks Iraqi Army Maj. Nashat Fadel Hassoon,
U.S. Soldiers established the joint secu- warehouse commander for Al Kisik Location Command, who presented Showalter with a copy
rity station in 2005 to support a campaign of documents showing the Iraqi Army’s acceptance of responsibility for Joint Security Station
Whiskey 4 in Ninewa province, Iraq, July 29, 2011. “Bandit” Troop Soldiers lived at the base for
against extremist networks that moved into more than ten months while conducting operations in support of Operation New Dawn.
Ninewa province. U.S. forces set up their
base of operations in the heart of Al Kisik and tactically through training with U.S. allowed IA leaders in Ninewa to focus on
Military Base, which was under construc- forces. Soldiers of 3rd IA Div. now provide defending Iraq’s borders.
tion during the start of Operation Iraqi security for citizens in western Ninewa Showalter, a native of Mission Viejo,
Freedom in 2003. against extremist and criminal threats. Calif., explained that Iraqi soldiers initially
Giron, a native of Del Rio, Texas, ex- “Their progress from the beginning of did not like the concept of the training cy-
plained once U.S. Soldiers established Operation New Dawn to now has been ex- cles. “Now they favor it,” he said.
themselves at Whiskey 4, they brought ponential,” said Capt. Sterling Showalter, Captain Ramey Moore, Bandit Troop
contractors into Al Kisik to complete the executive officer for B Troop. “They’ve commander, reflected on their training part-
construction work at the base and create absolutely grown and developed; especial- nership with elements of the 3rd IA Div. as
a headquarters for what would eventually ly in logistics.” time approached for the base to transfer to
become the 3rd IA Div. Soldiers assigned to “Bandit” Troop fo- the Iraqis.
During the past six years, the Iraqi Army cused most of their efforts during the past “We partnered with (intelligence, sur-
gained strength and improved logistically year on training their Iraqi counterparts to veillance and reconnaissance), commando
provide skills necessary to improve Iraqis’ and military police units from 2nd and 4th
security capability further. battalions in the 9th Brigade,” the Paris,
While extremist activity compelled the Texas, native said. “In some cases, we set
IA to contribute to internal threats – usually up something like mobile training teams
a police responsibility – security gains in to train mortar crew skills, communica-
the area and unit training with U.S. forces tions and combat lifesavers at their units.
We also operated the Joint Forces Security
Trucks loaded with equipment assigned to Training Center here at Al Kisik, where we
Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regi-
ment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st ran new training iterations every 10 days.”
Cavalry Regiment, prepare to move Soldiers Moore deployed to the area in 2007
to another base in Iraq following the transfer with another unit and said IA soldiers made
of Joint Security Station Whiskey 4, Ninewa
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO province, Iraq, July 29, 2011. See BASE, Pg. 11
10

11. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
‘Devil’ Soldiers maintain ammo holding area
Sgt. David Strayer tached links of a belt of ammu-
109th MPAD nition.
USD-N Public Affairs “The residue has to be sorted
and packaged together while
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- the live ammunition, whether
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq it is rounds or grenades, needs
– Task Force “Devil” Soldiers to be laid out, meticulously in-
with Company B, 101st Bri- spected for damages or faults
gade Support Battalion, 1st of any kind, and then cleaned,”
Advise and Assist Task Force, said Smith. “It’s important that
1st Infantry Division, maintain we inspect and package all of
readiness for the unit at the Ba- the ammunition properly, be-
sic Load Ammunition Holding cause we know that a lot of
Area on Contingency Operat- what we handle will be reallo-
ing Site Warrior, Iraq. cated to either another part of
Soldiers who man the the Iraq theater or to Afghani-
BLAHA on a daily basis main- stan. The Soldiers that receive
tain the readiness of Task Force it are counting on us to give
Devil by inspecting and clean- them reliable, stable ammuni-
ing ammunition so that it may tion.”
be redistributed to other units The bottom line, Spivey
or redeployed back home. said, is the Soldiers that work
“We provide support to 19 at the BLAHA have a two-part
units,” said Chief Warrant Of- mission, and they carry it out
ficer 2 Gina Spivey, officer in U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO each day: they package and
charge of the BLAHA, Com- Staff Sergeant Douglass Smith, Company B, 101st Brigade Support ship ammunition.
pany B, 101st BSB. “We ensure Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Advise and Assist “Our Soldiers here diligently
safe storage and safe shipment Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, carefully checks flash grenades for work at sorting, screening, and
damage before packaging them at the Basic Load Ammunition Hold-
of all ammunition that we han- ing Area at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, July 26, 2011.
cleaning our ammunition so
dle.” that it can be either retrograded
While only a handful of cess, but there has to be an of an ammunition turn-in, we down south to be redeployed,
Devil Soldiers are responsible unwavering attention to detail start by sorting the live ammu- or packaged up and placed back
for manning the BLAHA at a that goes into each load of am- nition from the residue.” into the supply system to be re-
given time, each one of them munition that is sorted,” said Residue is classified as any distributed to Soldiers through-
bears the responsibility main- Staff Sgt. Douglass Smith, an by-product of the live ammu- out theater that need it,” Spivey
taining the workload required ammunition-handling specialist nition being fired, such as the said.
to support all 19 units. with Company B, 101st BSB. brass casing of the round, the “It’s an important task and
“It’s a fairly repetitive pro- “When we receive a shipment pin of a grenade, or the de- we are proud to do it,” he said.
BASE, cont'd from Pg. 10
significant improvements since then. He said the IA gradually
learned how to make things work for themselves in their day-to-
day operations and logistical planning.
As the transfer drew closer, Showalter said he felt encouraged
by the capabilities of the 3rd IA Div., and feels optimistic about
their future.
“They’re definitely capable,” said Showalter. “They have the
leadership and logistics in place, and they’re ready to be more
assertive. They’re proficient at the counterinsurgency fight, and
they’ll really step up now. They’ll be all right.”
Sergeant 1st Class Mario Giron, contracting noncommissioned officer
in charge for Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, leaves the troop command
post to inspect buildings at Joint Security Station Whiskey 4 before
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO transferring the base to the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, July 30, 2011.
11

12. The Ivy Leaf August 5, 2011
Hey Doc: 'How can I avoid norovirus?’
Maj. David Schnabel If you do not have commercial prod-
Preventive Medicine ucts, you can make a diluted bleach
USD-N Surgeon solution taking one teaspoon full (5 ml)
of regular bleach per gallon of water, or
Hey Doc: “I live on Contingency Op- 5 tablespoons full (75 ml) of 10-percent
erating Base Speicher and saw a flyer at bleach per gallon of water. Units should
the dining facility about norovirus. Some develop policies to allow sick personnel to
of my buddies have recently gotten sick. stay in their quarters to reduce transmis-
Should I be worried?” sion.
-Signed, “Healthy and want to stay that More than half of those who get sick
way” have vomiting for 24 hours and almost
all have a combination of fever, diarrhea,
Dear “Healthy,” keyboards or door knobs for a long time. nausea and cramping. The symptoms last
I’m at COB Speicher, too, and you and Though it does not reproduce within food from one to three days.
your colleagues are definitely at risk of like bacteria do, the virus can contaminate Antibiotics will not kill this virus.
being infected with norovirus. food if a food handler is sick and shedding Dehydration is common, so if your urine
Noroviruses are a group of viruses the virus. Our DFAC was inspected and is is very dark or you are feeling dehydrated,
which cause more than half of all out- determined to be safe from this outbreak. go to sick call. The medics will assess you
breaks of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Overall, the most common way noro- and may give you intravenous fluids or
globally. virus spreads is simply person to person advice on oral re-hydration.
COB Speicher is not the only place with individuals infecting themselves with Avoid fatty foods because the norovirus
in Iraq with an outbreak of norovirus, as unwashed hands. has temporarily damaged your intestines
there have been more than a thousand The norovirus transmission cycle is a and these foods can be difficult to digest,
cases in Baghdad alone in the past couple very difficult one to break, but there are and cause more pain and cramping. Pro-
of weeks. steps to take. tein digests more easily.
Norovirus is very hardy and most Stay disciplined about frequently While you are sick, and for the week
gel hand sanitizers won’t kill it. To stay washing your hands, especially before following, be hyper-vigilant about wash-
healthy, frequently wash your hands with eating and after using the toilet. Units can ing your hands with soap and water after
soap and water for at least 20 seconds. No- sanitize their work and living spaces by using the toilet, as you do not want to
rovirus easily spreads since it only takes a cleaning common surfaces like tables, spread the virus to anyone else.
few virus particles. keyboards, and phones with Clorox-type Stay healthy and keep those Taskforce
The virus stays alive on surfaces like wipes. Ironhorse questions coming!
USD-N Social Media
To read more stories and see
the photos that go with them, as
well as some videos, check out
the links below. Read and share
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Soldiers' stories.
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