The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 43

U.S. Division-North

Volume 1, Issue 43 Established in 1917 to honor those who serve August 26, 2011

Daisy and the Dukes stand watch
Black Jack

Steadfast and Loyal
Spc. Andrew Ingram
USD - N Public Affairs
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE
SPEICHER, Iraq – By 8:30 a.m., the Iraq
LongKnife

sun is already baking the flat landscape
of Contingency Operating Base Speicher
as six “Duke” Soldiers of Battery B, 2nd
Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment,
214th Fires Brigade, conduct mainte-

Ironhorse
nance on their Q-36 Counter Mortar Ra-
dar system.
Devil

“The heat alone is rough on our equip-
ment,” said Staff Sgt. Blake Sachs, sec-
tion sergeant for the Dukes. “Add to that
all the dust we get out here and it becomes
very important for us to perform mainte-
Fit for Any Test

nance checks on these systems every day

Fit for Any Test
to keep them from breaking down.”
The Q-36 Counter Mortar Radar sys-
tem enables the Dukes to track incoming
mortar, artillery and rocket attacks, and
alert COB Speicher personnel to dan-
ger before the round detonates. Mainte-
nance and upkeep are high priorities for
the safety of everyone on the COB, said
Ironhorse

Sachs, who hails from, Kansas City, Mo.

Devil
“I think we have done a pretty good
job of it,” Sachs said. “We have to work
long hours to get it done, but we are keep-
ing the rest of the Soldiers here safe and
LongKnife

that makes it all worth it.”
Sergeant Anthony Barges, a multiple
Steadfast and Loyal

launch rocket system operations and fire
direction specialist, explained that Dukes
spend most of their time ensuring their
system is in working order and monitor-
ing the radar from a shelter the Soldiers
BLack JAck

have nicknamed Daisy.
See DUKES pg. 3
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD – N PAO
Specialist Adrian Montez, a multiple launch rocket system operations and fire direction specialist assigned to Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field
Artillery Regiment, 214th Fires Brigade, sights a Q-36 Counter Mortar Radar system at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, August 20,
2011. Montez, who hails from San Diego, Calif., uses the radar to identify and track incoming mortars, rockets and artillery.

The Ivy Leaf August 26, 2011

A Soldier’s actual duties are not always implicit in their job
title. Sometimes cooks pull guard duty or combat engineers pack
shipping containers. Sometimes it means stepping up, taking
initiative, and shouldering more responsibility to ensure the
completion of the mission.
Private First Class Chip Williams, a wheeled vehicle mechan-
ic from Jacksonville, Fla, exemplifies that versatility while serv-
ing in Company A, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise
and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, in northern Iraq.
As a part of the security platoon, Williams primarily serves as
a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle driver during force
protection missions in and around Kirkuk City, said his squad
leader, Staff Sgt. Brent Budd, who hails from El Dorado Spings,
Mo.
“He’s my go-to guy for just about everything,” said Budd.
“On mission he can do it all: drive, dismount, gunner. He is re-
ally knowledgeable and I can trust him to get the job done.”
In addition to performing all the duties of a combat arms
Soldier during missions, back on Contingency Operating Base
Warrior, Williams uses his training as a mechanic to service and
maintain his squad’s vehicles.
“(Private First Class) Williams handles all the maintenance U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO

for my squad,” Budd said. “He gets out there and works on the diers in his squad, said Budd.
vehicles with the maintenance section because he wants to make “He is always willing to use his time to help another Soldier
sure it is done right. His efforts have gotten our squad the best out,” Budd said. “He is a good example for the other guys and I
maintenance record in the platoon.” am glad we have him in this squad.”
By putting in the extra hours and maintaining a hard-charging For his versatility and dedication to duty, Williams is recog-
attitude, Williams sets a good example for junior enlisted Sol- nized as this week’s “Ironhorse Strong” Soldier of the Week.

Texas Congressmen Visit Ft. 'Black Jack' Soldiers Pride and motivation drive 'Red Dragon' medics train
Hood troops Transition Base 'Destroyer' Soldier Iraqi counterparts

Page 4 Page 6 Page 9 Page 11

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 – Sgt. 1st Class Rob Barker
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Andrew Ingram
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


Dukes Cont'd from pg. 1 the first sergeant. It’s a great responsibility
“Complacency cannot be a factor in for all of us really. To be self-sustained out
what we do.” Barges said. “Our mission is here has required a lot of discipline from
to keep COB Speicher safe, and we cannot all of us, and I see it as a great accomplish-
let anything deter us from that mission.” ment that we have sustained our mission.”
While the days are long, the Dukes are The greatest challenge, becoming certi-
motivated by a desire to keep their com- fied on the system, came prior to their De-
rades safe, said Spc. Adrian Montez, a mul- cember 2010 deployment.
tiple launch rocket system operations and “Back in the rear, they sent me to a war-
fire direction specialist. rant officer course designed for an entire
“This job can be pretty boring, because year, and they condensed it into a four-
we sit in front of a screen all day waiting month class so we could deploy on time,”
for something to happen,” Montez said. said Sachs. “The junior guys, on the other
“But when you track your first live round hand, only got a two-week crash course
coming onto the FOB you start to gain a in the system, so we did a lot of hours of
different perspective. If it wasn’t for us, training in just a few months before we
we wouldn’t know (whether) rounds were deployed. We were a bit nervous when we
incoming or where they came from. It’s a went to get certified on the system but we
job that you can take pride in because you passed with flying colors.”
know that you are looking out for all of Despite the challenges he and his Sol-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD – N PAO your battle buddies.” diers have faced, Sachs said he feels sat-
Specialist Nicholas Badda, generator me- The Dukes’ sense of responsibility is isfaction for everything they have accom-
chanic, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field plished.
compounded by the fact they are deployed
Artillery Regiment, 214th Fires Brigade, per-
forms routine maintenance on a portable to a completely different part of the country “I’ve taken a great deal of pride in this
generator at Contingency Operating Base than the rest of Battery B, said Sachs. job,” Sachs said. “To know that we have
Speicher, Iraq, Aug. 20, 2011. Bacca and five “One of the biggest benefits and chal- tracked (each) round that has come onto
other members of the of the “Dukes” section this base with such limited training and ex-
lenges on this deployment is that we are
operate and maintain Counter Mortar Radar
system, which alerts personnel to incoming operating on our own,” said Sachs. “I am perience speaks very highly of my Soldiers
mortars, rockets and artillery fire. the battery commander for these guys. I am and all that they have done.”

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD – N PAO

Specialist Charles Schindler, a Radar technician from Lake Home, Fla., assigned to Battery B, 2nd Bn., 4th FA Regt., 214th Fires Bde., performs
routine maintenance checks on a Q-36 Counter Mortar Radar system at COB Speicher, Iraq, Aug. 20, 2011.

3


Texas congressmen visit Ft. Hood troops
Spc. Angel Turner Cav. Div. “We trained Iraqi Se- and the current budget crisis
4th AAB Public Affairs curity Forces on multi-echelon "You guys are doing a were also discussed.
1st Cav. Div., USD - N levels, focusing on the things tremendous job. Thank “You all have very intelli-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- that would make them more ef- gent questions and this speaks
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – U.S. fective.”
you for everything." highly of the Army force,”
Representatives John Carter “Long Knife” troopers de- Carter said.
and Michael Burgess, both rep- ployed to Iraq to advise, train
-Michael Burgess Individual Soldiers spoke
resenting Texas, visited U.S. and assist the ISF, giving them Congressman (Texas) with the congressmen, having
Soldiers currently deployed the tools and opportunity neces- greater access to elected leaders
in support of Operation New sary to establish better security Long Knife leaders, both Bur- than most citizens.
Dawn at Contingency Operat- in the region and target violent gess and Carter had dinner with “It was an enjoyable event,”
ing Base, Marez, Iraq, Aug. 13. extremists. Soldiers from central Texas. said Capt. Aaron Childers,
Carter and Burgess met with “The ISF are effectively pro- Soldiers had the opportunity commander of Headquarters
brigade, battalion and stabil- tecting the population in this to discuss current U.S. affairs and Headquarters Company,
ity transition team commanders area,” Winski said to the con- that are affecting the nation and 4th AAB.
assigned to 4th Advise and As- gressmen. military. “I was able to get a perspec-
sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi- Burgess and Carter have “When it comes to the mili- tive on the people who represent
sion, from Fort Hood, Texas, seen the improvement. tary, I don’t think there will not just my family, but all of the
to discuss the unit’s mission in “I am surprised by how be any attack on retirement or troopers in D.C.,” said Childers,
Ninewa province before it cul- much progress has been made your pay, but TRICARE may a native of Plano, Texas.
minates in September. here,” said Burgess. "You guys (be affected,)” said Carter, in Carter and Burgess will con-
“We had 15 combined secu- are doing a tremendous job. response to a Soldier’s question tinue to travel to southern Iraq
rity areas that we were respon- Thank you for everything you about possible retirement cuts. to visit other deployed Soldiers
sible for,” said Col. Brian Wins- do.” Texas border security, cohe- before the congressmen return
ki, commander of 4th AAB, 1st Following the meeting with siveness in Washington, D.C., to Washington later this month.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angel Turner, 4th AAB PAO

Captain Aaron Childers, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, speaks with
U.S. Representative Michael Burgess, of Texas, during the congressman's visit to the Contingency Operating Site Marez, in Ninewa province,
Iraq, Aug. 13, 2011. Childers, who hails from Plano, Texas, and other constituents discussed current political and military affairs with Burgess
and Representative John Carter prior to the cavalry troopers’ redeployment to Fort Hood, Texas, later this summer.

4


A cut above the rest
Spc. Crystal Hudson earned a reputation for being dependable
29th MPAD and selfless.
USD - N Public Affairs “No matter what you need him to do,
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE he is going to make it happen,” Warren
WARRIOR, Iraq – Taking care of people said. “I never have to worry about Demers
is what Spc. Brad Demers is all about. He being the one to gripe, argue, fuss or any-
works as a medic for Company C, 101st thing that would delay a task from being
Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise and completed.”
Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, Warren said Demers consistently takes
in support of Operation New Dawn. an active role with other Soldiers in his
Demers trained in the culinary arts be- platoon.
fore he enlisted in the Army, a skill set “Whenever it comes time to do (physi-
that he continues to use while deployed. cal training), he might not have wanted to
“He will use it occasionally to raise do it, but he knew other people wanted to
morale,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mike Warren, do it, so he jumped in there,” Warren said.
treatment platoon sergeant for Company “He keeps people motivated.”
C. “He has gone to the kitchen early in the Demers said he enjoys the camaraderie
morning and made cupcakes. He uses his that his job provides.
own time to benefit others.” “We are all new to this. We have really
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Crystal Hudson, 29th MPAD
Using a combination of supplies sent been able to come together and support
from home and basic ingredients available each other,” Demers said. “We have been Specialist Brad Demers, a medic with Company
C, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Advise
in the dining facility, Demers prepares fa- lucky to be able to do our jobs, to treat and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, as-
miliar foods in an unfamiliar place. people.” sists a soldier during sick call at Contingency
“It is definitely limited, but you do Demers is in the process of complet- Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 22, 2011.
what you can,” Demers said. “You make ing a flight medic packet, with hopes of to continue to grow in his career field.
do.” continuing his medical training after the “He has done nothing but take care of
In the kitchen or at the aid station, De- end of the deployment. His chain of com- others this whole tour,” said Warren. “So
mers uses his skills to provide comfort to mand is fully supportive of his aspirations now it is time to take care of him.”
Soldiers in need.
“Home baked goods are something that
make you feel comfort,” said Demers, a
Southbridge, Mass., native. “I have a set
of skills that allows me to do it, and if I
have the resources, why not?”
Like cooking, being a medic allows
Demers to help people.
“The best thing about the medical field
is that people come to you when they
don’t know what else to do,” Demers said.
“It gives you a sense of accomplishment
to be able to help in a way that no one
else can.”
Demers also uses his sense of humor
and compassion to put people at ease dur-
ing a stressful time.
“There really wasn’t any other job that
I wanted to do in the Army,” he said. “I
never worked in the medical field before
and I was curious about it.”
His curiosity has expanded to a pos-
sible civilian career as a medical profes-
sional. Demers’ ultimate goal is to go to
medical school and become a doctor after
his military service is complete. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Crystal Hudson, 29th MPAD

During this deployment, Demers has Demers checks the vital signs of a Soldier during sick call at COS Warrior, Iraq, Aug. 22, 2011.

5


‘Black Jack’ Soldiers transition KMTB
Iraqi Forces take responsibility for training post
Sgt. Quentin Johnson
2nd AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD - N
WARHORSE, Iraq – A training base, full
of history between the Iraqi army and
U.S. forces, transitioned Aug. 21.
Soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion,
8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
U.S. Division – North, officially transi-
tioned Kirkush Military Training Base,
Iraq, back to the Iraqi army.
For weeks, Soldiers of Company A
worked tirelessly to clean the area and
conduct sensitive item sweeps to ensure
the IA received the base in serviceable
condition, said Capt. Jesse Harden, com-
mander of Company A.
“We turned (the base) over with the
same standards as we would expect to
U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. James McGregor, 2nd AAB PAO have received it,” said Harden a Killeen,
Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Texas native.
Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, load equipment to assist with movement of equipment
during the transition of Kirkush Military Training Base, in Diyala province, Iraq, Aug. 11.
The transition comes after years of
training that took place on the small
compound, said Harden whose company
conducted Tadreeb al Shamil, or all-in-
clusive training.
Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 21st Infan-
try Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Advise
and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Divi-
sion, were first to step back and let Iraq-
is lead the training at KMTB. They led
training and advising the year prior to
1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., taking command
of the base.
“We realized we were giving these
guys training, but they really had noth-
ing to sustain it after they received the
training,” said Sgt. Christopher Mola, an
infantryman, who was attached to Com-
pany A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., in March
2011.
“After we leave, they’ll have the in-
structors here to continue the training,
whether it’s here at KMTB or at their
own individual units, to ensure that the
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, USD-N PAO soldiers retain the knowledge they gained
A 4th Battalion, 21st Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division jundi, Arabic for soldier, sprints to his next by coming here,” said Mola months ago.
firing position during a live fire exercise at KMTB, March 9. Iraqi instructors led the exercise
as their U.S. counterparts from 1st Bn, 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div. observed the
Recently, Soldiers of Company A in-
training. U.S. forces transitioned full control of the training program to Iraqi Army leadership at structed Iraqi soldiers on a variety of
the base in April. Soldiers handed over full responsibility of KMTB Aug. 21. military tactics and standards during

6


each 25-day training cycle, including in-
dividual weapons qualification, platoon
live-fire and company training events.
KMTB is full of training history and
provided a starting point for Iraqi sol-
diers to become self-reliant.
“This is where it all began,” said an
Iraqi training officer, describing the
training grounds at KMTB. “This is
where one of the first soldiers was trained
to pick up a rifle and begin the steps to
protect their country. This is also where
we teach them to protect themselves, and
protect the people of Iraq.”
The growth of the Iraqi forces and
their training continued to expand with
each passing month at KMTB.
“It’s very, very useful for us. We are
doing the training, and we are the in-
structors now,” said Staff Sgt. Ayad, a
5th IA Div. instructor at KMTB.
“We know (U.S. forces) will try as
much as possible to help us stand for
ourselves. We’re trying to get the most
important training that we’ll need to
defend our people and our country,” ex- U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, USD-N PAO

plained Ayad. Sergeant Stephen Miller, an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infan-
U.S. forces continued to motivate try Regiment, provides guidance to 5th Iraqi Army Division instructors prior to the start of a
live fire exercise at KMTB, March 9. Following feedback provided by U.S. advisors, the Iraqi
and train Iraqi forces with great success, instructors took the lead role in teaching the exercise to the IA units while U.S. Soldiers ob-
added Harden. The culmination of train- served. The 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., "Gimlets," part of the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th
ing and transition was “bittersweet” for Infantry Division, transitioned full control of the 25-day training cycles, known as Tadreeb al
him. Shamil, Arabic for All-Inclusive Training, to their Iraqi counterparts in April. Tadreeb al Shamil
is an Iraqi military initiative for IA units to develop the ability to train and lead individual and
“We saw a lot of progress with unit collective training necessary to sustain a modern army.
discipline. It was refreshing to see (Iraqi
soldiers’) commitment to the training sitioned, resulting in a greater need for
and themselves,” said Harden. force protection, said Sams.
First Lieutenant Kellan Sams, execu- In the end, Iraqi soldiers on KMTB
tive officer, Company A, agreed with provided security for the base as the last
Harden about the progress of the Iraqi of U.S. forces at the Commando com-
soldiers. pound left.
“The Iraqi army soldiers are motivat-
ed and always ready to get at (the train-
ing),” explained Sams. "We know (U.S. forces) will
Additionally, the Iraqi soldiers never try as much as possible to
failed to show gratitude to Soldiers of
Company A, added Harden
help us stand for ourselves.
“There was a lot of thanks on an in- We’re trying to get the most
dividual level,” he said of the Iraqi sol- important training that
diers.
Harden’s appreciation went to his Sol- we’ll need..."
diers, who trained more than 1500 Iraqi -Staff Sgt. Ayad,
soldiers within two months, and didn’t
allow complacency to set in.
5th IA Div.
“(Soldiers) were more focused on the
mission … focused on the basics and Iraqi Army soldiers fire at targets during M-16
rifle qualifications at KMTB in Diyala prov-
took accountability everyday,” added
ince, Iraq, Jan. 5, 2011. The Soldiers of 1st
Harden. Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd Advise and Assist
Staying focused was important when Brigade, 25th Inf. Div., serve as advisors for
the advise, train and assist mission tran- Iraqi Army battalions cycling through KMTB. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch, 2nd AAB PAO

7


What's your personality?
Sgt. Quentin Johnson

WARHORSE, Iraq – A “Personality In-
ventory” resiliency class was conducted
at the Contingency Operating Base War-
horse, Iraq, chapel for Soldiers of the 2nd
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry
Division, U.S. Division – North, to help
Soldiers discover and understand their
personality type and reduce miscommu-
nication.
The class, third in a five-part resil-
iency class series, introduced Soldiers to
four common personality types: Domi-
nant, Influential, Supportive and Compe-
tent, said Chaplain (Maj.) Donald Ehrke,
2nd AAB chaplain.
Someone with a dominant personality
is described as being task oriented and U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2nd AAB PAO

very outgoing, according to the “Under- Chaplain (Maj.) Donald Ehrke, chaplain for 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
standing the Love of Your Life” study sion, U.S. Division – North, instructs Soldiers on personality types during a “Personality Inven-
tory” class, held in the chapel on Contingency Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, July 19, 2011.
guide. This is opposed to an individual
with a competent personality type, who enhance communication as well. sonality type has made him more self-
focuses on the task in a reserved manner. Leaders and their Soldiers will know aware.
A person with the influential personal- how to respond to each other when deal- Saunders added, being a competent-
ity type won’t focus on a specific task, ing with issues during deployment, stated type personality he tends to over-analyze
but on the people associated with it. That Ehrke. These issues may cause unneces- most of what he does. Recognizing this
same personality has a lot of energy and sary stress on a Solider, such as Family as a hindrance to his work, Saunders can
is outgoing. Much like the influential per- issues, and cannot always be handled in adjust, making him more proficient as
sonality, the supportive type is also fo- person because of the deployment. a human resource specialist for the 2nd
cused on people but in a more reserved Personality conflicts increase between AAB.
manner. Soldiers and their spouses or loved ones By understanding personality differ-
Learning the personality types helps back home, he said. Understanding a ences, communication between his su-
leaders and their Soldiers build stronger Soldier’s personality helps Family mem- periors, co-workers and himself, will im-
working relationships, alleviate miscom- bers acknowledge their Soldier’s difficult prove, explained Saunders.
munication and increase Soldier-Family times, while affording Soldiers an oppor- Everyone should attend a personality
togetherness, explained Ehrke. tunity to help their family deal with is- inventory class, he said. Not only was it
Building those leader-Soldier relation- sues back home. intriguing and insightful, but understand-
ships is easier with deployments, said Another benefit to conducting a per- ing the different personalities other Sol-
Ehrke. However, he added, when you in- sonality inventory is self-awareness, ex- diers possess encourages clearer commu-
teract with the same people everyday for plained Ehrke. nication and stronger relationships.
an extended amount of time, personali- Self-awareness opens a Soldier up to
ties can clash. discovering their weakness, he said. This
Understanding someone’s personality is vital for any Soldier who wants to be a “If I understand what
helps ensure work relationships comple- better person and understand what moti- motivates me, I can
ment each other in any circumstance, he vates others. understand other people
said. Work then becomes interpersonal. “If I understand what motivates me, I
“When leaders understand subordi- can understand other people better,” said better,”
nates, they reach out to them and put Ehrke. -Chaplain (Maj.) Donald Ehrke,
them in a job (position) that is best fit for Pfc. Ryan Saunders, from Katy, Texas, 2nd AAB chaplain
them,” said Ehrke, adding that this will said having an understanding of his per-

8


Pride and Motivation:
Sgt. Kandi Huggins I was preparing for the board, are helpful.”
‘Destroyer’ Soldier
wins battalion board
Harris is not the only 1st
1st AATF Public Affairs and my sergeants would tell A lot of people are scared Bn., 5th FA, Soldier to win a
1st Inf. Div., USD - N me the board members were to do it, but as they continue recent board.
Soldiers and people just like to participate in boards, it will “Since 2009 our com-
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- I was,” said Harris. “I had help develop their confidence pany has won every Soldier
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq to study a lot… but winning and knowledge, even if they and NCO board,” said Mar-
– Enlisted Soldiers test their allowed me to accomplish don’t win. If they do win, it tin. “That shows our NCOs
knowledge and military bear- something I thought I could will be one thing that will set want our Soldiers to improve
ing by participating in Soldier never do.” them aside from their peers, and to continue improving
of the Month boards. Winners The confidence is translat- especially when being select- throughout their career. Har-
are normally those who are ing into her job performance. ed for certain positions and ris can definitely do anything
able to overcome the board’s “She definitely feels more duties, he said. she wants to do and nothing
greatest obstacle: them- secure in her position and While Harris said she cur- can stop her.”
selves. understanding more about rently plans to stay enlisted Overall, Harris said the
One “Destroyer” Soldier the Army,” said Martin, a and grow through the non- experiences she gained in
from 1st Battalion, 5th Field Miami native. “This deploy- commissioned officer ranks, her two years of being in the
Artillery, said confidence and ment alone has helped her un- she has also considering go- Army continually shows her
knowledge allowed her to win derstand a lot more than just ing to school and becoming a growth as a person and as a
not only her company-level her job because all she did at officer. Soldier.
board, but also her battalion garrison was cook. Now she’s “I want to conquer every “I need to be able to grow,
board. become more diversified with aspect of the Army,” said to stay in the Army, to pro-
Private First Class Tiffany not just the board, but work- Harris. “The higher I get en- vide for my baby, and develop
Harris, food service special- ing outside of her job to get listed, the more I’ll do things my career,” said Harris. “The
ist, Company G, 1st Bn., 5th more experience.” I never thought I could do, more I try to do things I don’t
FA, said her greatest chal- Harris also attributed her and the more experience I think I can do and accomplish
lenge since being a Soldier success to her biggest motiva- will have. I want to conquer them, the more I feel I can do
has been a struggle with her- tion, her one-year-old daugh- everything I possibly can, but anything.
self and her attitude. ter. still have the competence and “I know the areas I need to
“I didn’t think I would “She is my strongest moti- experience when dealing with work on, and I’m improving
have been considered for vation,” Harris said. “Half the Soldiers to tell them I did on them, but as far as any-
(a) board because I used to stuff I do, I wouldn’t do it if what you did and that’s why thing else, it is mine and I’m
have an issue with my atti- I didn’t have her because she I’m here.” going to take it.”
tude and sassiness,” said the makes me look beyond my-
St. Louis native. “Whenever self so that I can provide for
I felt something was unfair, her.”
I would just react to it. I’ve Since Harris deployed to
learned maintain my military Contingency Operating Site
bearing, and composure and Warrior, Iraq, in support of
go about the proper way of Operation New Dawn, Mar-
handling situations.” tin said she has worked at the
Harris’ peers and leaders class one yard, in operations,
have noticed the change. as a driver for guard mounts,
“Her disrespectful attitude and in the dining facility.
left after I became her pla- He said she is definitely
toon sergeant… now what multi-tasking, and everything
she shows is a pride and re- she is doing will give her ex-
spect for herself,” said Staff perience through other means
Sgt. Paul Martin, platoon ser- than just training.
geant, 1st Bn., 5th FA. “She definitely has an edge
While the board proved on her peers,” said Martin. “I
to be stressful for her, Harris try to tell all the Soldiers they U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO

said she was grateful for the have to continuously gain Private First Class Tiffany Harris, food service specialist, Company
G, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, logs information from an incoming
sergeants in her company who knowledge, they have to get call over the radio at Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, Aug.
helped and studied with her. schools and go to boards, be- 22, 2011. Harris, a St. Louis native, proved her competence and knowl-
“I got a lot of advice when cause boards are a plus and edge by winning her battalion’s Soldier of the Month board.

9


The foundation of his sacrifice
Deployed Soldier honors fallen heroes
Sgt. Kandi Huggins Bedwell, chaplain assistant, 1st When Bedwell asked for them, our fellow brothers and
1st AATF Public Affairs Special Troops Battalion, 1st volunteers, Moreno was enthu- sisters,” Bedwell added. “If
1st Inf. Div., USD - N AATF, 1st Inf. Div., and other siastic about helping to honor you take a look around, you
servicemembers touch-up the his brother-in-law. will see the aftermath of the
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- names of fallen Soldiers paint- “Unless you’ve been in fights here, and around this
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – ed on the Warrior Memorial that position, where you’ve area, and acknowledge that
It’s never easy to hear news of Wall at Contingency Operating lost someone on the wall, these guys were in the fight
a fallen comrade. Site Warrior. The names, which people don’t really understand since OIF.”
“All I could do was stand have faded over the years, now the sacrifices,” he continued. Moreno also remembers
there,” said Spc. Rodolfo include those who have given “And for (the wall) to be there, Garcia, who was a scout with
Moreno, recalling hearing the their lives in support of Opera- it helps them understand… 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry
news his brother-in-law and tion New Dawn. It makes you stop and think Regiment, 2nd Brigade Com-
close friend, Sgt. Israel Devo- “When the decision was ‘that could’ve been me or that bat Team, 1st Armored Divi-
ra-Garcia, was killed in Bagh- made to move the memorial could’ve been my battle bud- sion, by giving back to his com-
dad while supporting Opera- wall to the center of COS War- dy.’” munity through a foundation in
tion Iraqi Freedom. rior, I felt it was our duty, as A lot of time and effort went honor of Garcia and other local
“Maybe it’s different be- fellow Soldiers, to ensure the into painting the wall, and fallen heroes.
ing in the military, and be- wall was complete, by adding Bedwell said it was their duty Moreno said the foundation
ing around family and friends the names of those fallen dur- to not let the work go to waste. does a lot of charity events in
when we hear something like ing Operation New Dawn,” “We are now able to hand raising money for kids to go to
that, because we try to be a lit- said Bedwell, a Little Rock, over responsibility and bring school, and sponsoring meals
tle stronger, but I know inside I Ark., native. closure to this war because of around the holidays.
was hurting badly,” said More-
no. “I’ll never forget that day.
I got the call from a friend late
at night on April fool’s Day, but
of course, nobody jokes around
like that.”
That was six years ago when
Moreno, now a finance clerk
with 4th Financial Manage-
ment Company, 1st Advise and
Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry
Division, received the news
about Garcia.
Moreno deployed a year
later to Iraq and felt it was his
duty to serve and find a way
to give back to the community
in memory of Soldiers who
sacrificed their lives while de-
ployed.
“After he passed, I felt more
obligated to be here and be
with him because this is where
he is now,” said Moreno, who
hails from El Paso, Texas. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO

Now on his second deploy- Specialist Rodolfo Moreno, a finance specialist from the 4th Financial Management Company, 1st Ad-
ment to Iraq, Moreno had the vise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, repaints the name of his brother-in-law, Sgt. Israel
Devora-Garcia, who died while deployed to Baghdad in 2005, on the Warrior Memorial Wall at Contin-
opportunity to remember Gar- gency Operating Site Warrior in Kirkuk province, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. “I am grateful for the opportunity to
cia and other fallen heroes. He give a little back,” Moreno said. “I just want people to know we’re still here and some of our comrades
volunteered to help Spc. Faith are going to be here forever because this is where they gave their lives.”

10


“People need some help ev- their families, and taking their
ery now and then,” he said. patriotism and commitment to
Moreno said Garcia’s sacri- their country to the next level.
fice brought a lot of patriotism “I’m proud of what I do and
in their hometown. of his sacrifice. And not a day
“We were from a small goes by where I don’t think
town… a farming community,” about him,” said Moreno. “I
said Moreno. “We have veter- just want people to know we’re
ans, but when Garcia (passed), still here and some of our com-
we started getting more atten- rades are going to be here for-
tion, military-wise, and people ever because this is where they
opened their eyes more in sup- gave their lives.”
porting troops.”
He said his community be- Moreno refurbishes the name of
his fallen brother-in-law, Sgt. Is-
came more open minded to rael Devora-Garcia, on the War-
what Soldiers are doing in rior Memorial Wall at COS War-
combat zones, being away from rior, Iraq, Aug. 6, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO

‘Red Dragon’ medics train Iraqi counterparts
2nd Lt. Josiah Metzger
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers
with 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade,
1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North,
trained Iraqi Army soldiers on various medi-
cal tasks to help ensure they have the knowl-
edge and capability to take care of injured
comrades.
Capt. David Marcoux, a Lancaster,
Ohio, native and physician assistant for
“Red Dragons,” and a team of medics trav-
eled to 4th Battalion, 17th Iraqi Army Bri-
gade’s compound and conducted medical
training exercises.
The instruction ranged from evaluation
and treatment of specific injuries, to ad-
U.S. Army photo
vanced subjects such as pulmonary systems
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Advise and As-
and orthopedics, he explained. sist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division – North, observe and give advice to an
Conducting hands-on training is very im- Iraqi doctor and medics during a medical procedure near Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 15.
portant to the Iraqis since they do not have
many live-action training scenarios where Red Dragon medics also instructed Iraqis minor to moderate wounds,” said Staff Sgt.
they can hone and practice their medical on how to best control and expedite the flow Richard Tyree, the treatment noncommis-
skills, Marcoux said. of patients during hours of operation, as well sioned officer in-charge for 3rd Bn., 82nd
Sick call provides the best training op- as proper documentation on a patient’s illness, FA Regt. “Thanks to the efforts of our bat-
portunity for the Iraqi medics because it is a injury history and prescriptions. talion, and the one we replaced, the clinic
time when sick soldiers or those with minor In addition to training their IA counter- is now much more operational.”
injuries can be treated by their medics, said parts, the Red Dragons have also helped them With Iraqi Security Forces firmly in the
Marcoux. outfit their clinic. lead of combat operations, IA soldiers with
When U.S. medical personnel were pres- “Last deployment, this Iraqi clinic had the 4th Bn., 17th IA Bde., can enter the bat-
ent for IA sick call hours, they provided di- barely anything – no chairs for the medics to tlefield knowing their medics and doctors
rect oversight, by coaching and mentoring work out of, no stretchers with which to load have trained with their U.S. counterparts,
the Iraqi doctors and medics as they treat and attend patients, barely any medical equip- and that they have a fully functional clinic
patients, continued Marcoux. ment, and barely enough supplies to patch up to return to if they get injured.

11


Chaplain’s Corner:
Get ‘em while they last
Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Hurst ing facility or losing your Sniper Hill ac- Get ‘em while they last! Why should
Deputy USD-N Chaplain cess. I am referring to making good use of you consider attending chapel during the
our remaining Sunday’s here on Speicher final weeks at whatever COB you reside?
Nothing beats a “Philly-hot-pretzel” and attending service at Ironhorse Chapel The most immediate answer is that wor-
with mustard bought from a roving street before it closes forever. ship is an aspect of spiritual resiliency.
vendor in the City of Brotherly Love. We Ironhorse Chapel will hold its final wor- The reason the USD-N Chaplain’s office
moved our family to Philadelphia in 1982 ship services, both Catholic and Protestant, moves our Catholic Chaplain around the
in order to attend seminary. As a result, Sept. 18. We will then move services to the AO is to enhance the worship of Catholic
whenever anyone asks where I am from, Ivy Room in the DFAC for the remaining Soldiers at remote locations, and build
the short answer is always, “well, we raised weeks until the end of mission. spiritual resiliency. In the same way, we
our kids in Pennsylvania.” One of the strategic missions for the will be promoting the up-coming Jewish
It wasn’t long after our arrival that our Chaplain Corps during this deployment celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Yom
children discovered the gourmet delicacy has been the sanitization and closure of Kippur. Soldiers are strengthened through
of Philadelphia hot pretzels. The vendors dozens of chapels across Iraq – specifically the worship opportunities provided by Unit
would frequent our neighborhood every 14 chapels in the U.S. Division – North Ministry Teams across USD-N, at every
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. As our son area of operations. Chaplain assistants at phase of the mission.
and daughter would be playing outside, both the brigade and battalion levels have A second reason to attend a chapel
they would hear the pretzel man coming diligently cleaned and removed equip- service in the weeks ahead is because it is a
down the street, pushing his cart full of ment and religious supplies from chapels concrete encouragement to other Soldiers.
steaming hot pretzels. For a mere crisp and storage rooms in order to turn over Your presence, your handshake and your
dollar bill, I could buy six hot pretzels, facilities. Sacred religious items have been fellowship has a positive impact on the oth-
with mustard, and satisfy the palates of the collected from each chapel and stored in er folks in attendance. This is the commu-
whole family. Given the popular demand brigade containers. These containers were nity aspect of worship. We do not worship
for “Philly-hot-pretzels,” the challenge inspected, then shipped to Sierra Army as individuals but as part of a sacred com-
was always to “get ‘em while they lasted.” Depot for proper disposition of religious munity. It is the effect of meeting together
Heaven forbid the vendor would run out of supplies. as a worshiping community, together seek-
pretzels before reaching our neighborhood. Each of our brigades tracked their ing God’s grace and mercy, that reinforces
I am not expecting to hear the sound chapel closure procedures while at the hope and peace in an environment that is
of a Philly street vendor on Contingency same time maintaining the ability to offer uncertain. Your presence helps others.
Operating Base Speicher yelling, “Get on-going religious support to their Sol- After more than eight years of use and
your hot pretzels now!” But I want to alert diers. Expeditionary religious support is ministry, our chapels are going away; most
you to something else that you need to get the operative term as we transition out of have already closed. Please use the weeks
while they last … no, I’m not talking about theater. The endstate is to leave Iraq with ahead to attend the worship of your choice
the end of soft serve ice cream in the din- dignity and honor. and “get ‘em while they last.”

USD-N Social Media
To read more stories and see
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as well as some videos, check
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The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 43