Weekly newsletter published by the U.S. Division-North Public Affairs, COB Speicher, in collaboration with subordinate units. Featured stories were written by 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 1st Assist and Advise Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Stryker Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, 4th Advise and Assist, 1st Cavalry Division, and other U.S.D-N personnel.

1. United States Division - North
Volume 1, Issue 6 Established in 1917 to honor those who serve December 10, 2010
Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior
LongKnife
Ironhorse
Devil
Fit for Any Test
Fit for Any Test
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Soldiers from U.S. Division-North take a moment to thank wounded comrades for their service following a small ceremony at Contingency
Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2010. Seven former service members returned to Iraq as part of Operation Proper Exit, a program
providing wounded troops who sustained injuries during deployment, an opportunity to heal and leave the country on their own terms.
Wounded warriors return to Iraq for ‘Proper Exit’
Ironhorse
Devil
Sgt. Shawn Miller sion, accompanied five wounded com- ly you see huge progress from when you
109th Mobile Public Affairs Det. rades on a special trip back to Iraq, Dec. 8. were last here,” said Perkins, noting that
US Division-North, PAO The Troops First Foundation runs Op- the progress made in Iraq was due in large
eration Proper Exit, a program bringing part to America’s veterans.
LongKnife
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE former warriors back to Iraq to provide “Our goal here in U.S. Division-North
SPEICHER, Iraq – Carlos Ortiz looked wounded veterans an opportunity to gain is to make sure that your legacy is not
Steadfast and Loyal
out over the blast walls into the desert closure, allowing former Soldiers to leave lost,” he continued. “One of my goals and
surrounding Contingency Operating Lo- Iraq – this time on their own terms. my main vision is that we leave this in a
cation Gaine’s Mills, recalling his deploy- Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, com- manner that makes sure your sacrifice was
ment before he was wounded and had to manding general of the 4th Infantry Di- worth it.”
leave Iraq. vision and U.S. Division-North, invited After meeting with troops from Task
Warrior
Ortiz, an infantryman, who deployed the service members to the division head- Force Ironhorse’s 4th Inf. Div., the for-
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom quarters located at Contingency Operating mer service members flew to COL Gaine’s
in 2004, serving as a specialist assigned Base Speicher for a small ceremony be- Mills to see firsthand the changes in Iraq.
to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, fore their tour. For Ortiz and former Spc. Derek
“Wolfhounds” of the 25th Infantry Divi- “When you go around today, hopeful-
See WARRIORS, pg. 5

2. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
ho rse
I ron ng
tro
Sgt. Kristopher Koppelman, his Soldiers execute missions
S a Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.- with exceptional results.
native and “Garry Owen” Rifle Koppelman and his squad
Squad Leader with Company are responsible for Advise,
A, 2nd Bat- Train, and As-
talion, 7th “Being honored sist actions and
Cavalry Regi- security opera-
ment, 4th Ad- like this is great. tions with ISF.
vise and As- I’m on a small The impact he
sist Brigade, 23-man patrol makes on the
1st Cavalry success of those
Division is base and things missions is ex-
“ I r o n h o r s e like this don’t ceptional.
Strong: Sol- normally come Sgt. Koppel-
dier of the man’s perfor-
Week” for the around to us.” mance exceeds
week of Dec. that of many
5, 2010. of his peers. As a result, since
His performance and leader- receiving recognition as Iron-
ship abilities set the example horse Strong: Soldier of the
for other Soldiers to follow, Week, he received a battlefield
gaining him the respect and ad- promotion to staff sergeant.
miration hits comrades, to in-
U.S. Army photo
clude his Iraqi Security Forces
Sgt. Kristopher Koppelman, a Rancho Cucamongo, Calif.-native and
Rifle Squad Leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regi-
counterparts.
ment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division is “Iron- Koppelman has recently
horse Strong: Soldier of the Week” for the week of Dec. 5, 2010 for his completed Ranger School and
exceptional performance and leadership abilities, which have a direct applies his skills and experi-
impact on the success of the Advise, Train, and Assist missions he
and his squad perform alongside Iraqi Security Forces.
ences to every mission. He and
93 years later, the ‘Mighty Muqdadiya, Rafidain Bank Iraqi Army soldiers ‘Wolfhounds’, ISF partner
4th Division’ among opening paves way for graduate mortar training for CSI course
‘America’s Best’ economic growth
Page 3 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8
THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this 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. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Editor – Spc. Andrew Ingram
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
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 25th Infantry 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 December 10, 2010
Utah Beach
1 9 4 4
Operation New Dawn
2 0 1 0
U.S. Army graphic
93 years later, the ‘Mighty 4th Division’ among ‘America’s Best’
Ninety-three years, since its inception, the 4th Infantry Division don Johnston, Fla., where they completed extensive amphibious
continues to serve its nation with honor, dignity and pride; the men training in preparation for the assault on Fortress Europe.
and women who fill the ranks of the “Ivy” Division are amongst The men of the 4th Inf. Div. spearheaded the amphibious D-
the nation’s finest Soldiers. Day landing, June 6, 1944, storming the Normandy beach on the
Deployed to northern Iraq to lead U.S. Division-North in sup- coast of France, known everyday since as Utah Beach. It was for
port of Operation New Dawn, the Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div.’s his actions that day Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., Assistant
Task Force Ironhorse, have completed another eventful year in the Division Commander, earned the division’s first Medal of Honor
storied history of America’s best infantry division. during World War II.
With the beginning of this mission, the men and women de- Repeatedly, the division was called upon as the go-to division,
ployed to Iraq today usher in a new year, in a new era of contribut- earning the 4th Inf. Div.’s motto, “Steadfast and Loyal.”
ing to the stability and the sovereignty of the Iraqi nation and its The division fought through the hedgerows of the Cotentin Pen-
people. insula and took the crucial port of Cherbourg on June 25, 1944;
The 4th Division traces its lineage to Camp Greene, N.C., Dec. they, along with the 2nd Armored Division, were the Soldiers cred-
10, 1917, the same year that America entered World War I; filled ited with liberating Paris from four years of Nazi rule; and on Sept.
with wet-behind-the-ear draftees, the 4th Div. began its long his- 11, 1944, the Soldiers of the Ivy Division became the first Allied
tory of defending Freedom. The Soldiers of the “Ivy” Division ground force to enter Germany.
proved to be the only American combat force in WWI to serve The 4th Inf. Div. also fought through cold rain and snow in a
with both the French and the British in their respective sectors, grueling battle in Europe at Hurtgen Forest. Casualties in the Hurt-
as well as with all Corps in the American sector. They earned five gen often exceeded 150-percent of the original strength of a rifle
battle streamers at a cost of over 2,000 Soldiers and almost 14,000 company, but by December, the division accomplished its mission,
casualties. fighting through a twisted mass of shrapnel-torn stumps.
On June 1, 1940, as war clouds formed over Europe, the 4th The 4th went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge and received
Division was reactivated at Fort Benning, Ga., selected as an ex- a letter from Lt. Gen. George S. Patton. Writing Commanding
perimental unit; the 4th “Motorized” Division began a broad three- General Maj. Gen. Raymond Barton of the 4th Inf. Div., Patton
year experiment, participating in the Louisiana Maneuvers and the said: “Your fight in the Hurtgen Forest was an epic of stark infan-
Carolina Maneuvers before moving to Fort Dix, N.J., where they try combat; but, in my opinion, your most recent fight – from the
ended the motorized experiment and were re-designated the 4th
Infantry Division. The new division relocated next to Camp Gor- See BIRTHDAY, pg. 4
3

4. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
century, developing and testing state-of-the-art digital communi-
Vietnam 6
1 9 6
cations equipment, night fighting gear, and advanced weaponry;
ready to deploy to any hot spot in the world at any time.
On Jan. 18, 2003, that hot spot became Iraq. Augmented by
artillery, engineer and support troops from active Army, National
Guard, and Army Reserve units, the 4th Inf. Div. became “Task
Force Ironhorse,” under the command of Maj. Gen. Raymond Odi-
erno. In the short time that followed, the division loaded its equip-
ment onto 37 ships bound for Turkey.
Once again, the division proved to be invaluable, adding an-
other chapter to its long and storied history. On Dec. 13, 2003, 4th
Inf. Div., captured Saddam Hussein.
Deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2003, 2005,
2007, the Soldiers of the 4th Inf. Div. were integral in providing
security and stability for the Iraqi people, and the success of the
U.S. Army photo Iraqi elections Jan. 31, 2009.
Continued from BIRTHDAY, pg. 3 Serving in Iraq and now Afghanistan, Soldiers of the 4th Inf.
Div. have remained Steadfast and Loyal to that lineage and to the
16th to the 26th of December – when, with a depleted and tired United States.
division, you halted the left shoulder of the German thrust into the Now, in 2010 the 4th Inf. Div., Task Force Ironhorse, deployed
American lines and saved the City of Luxembourg, and the tremen- to Operation New Dawn, is asked to assume a decisive role in
dous supply establishments and road nets in that vicinity, is the making history. As U.S. Division-North serves in Operation New
most outstanding accomplishment of yourself and your division.” Dawn, the 4th Inf. Div., 93 years and counting, remains “Steadfast
When the war ended May 8, 1945, the 4th Inf. Div. had partici- and Loyal” and “Fit for Any Test” – it remains, “The Mighty 4th
pated in every battle from the beaches of Normandy to Germany, Division – America’s Best.”
claiming five more battle streamers added to the division’s colors.
Continuing their legacy, the division continued to stand tall in
the face of freedom during the Cold War, returning to Germany in
1950. In Germany they stood guard against the Communist threat
to western Europe until 1956.
Steadfast and Loyal, the division continued to play a critical
role in the defense of the nation, having the largest assigned area
of operations of any division in Vietnam – eleven division Soldiers
earned the Medal of Honor.
In the years that followed, the Ivy Division remained stationed
at Fort Carson, Colo., and from 1970 through 1995 they were
converted to a Mechanized division, earning the nickname, “Iron-
horse” – during this period they continued to send units to Europe
to stand against the Communist threat.
Another move in December of 1995 relocated the division to
Fort Hood, Texas, and again became an experimental division for
the Army, patching together five armor battalions of the 2nd Ar-
mored Division with four mechanized infantry battalions of the
4th Inf. Div. The division led the United States Army into the 21st
Iraq 0 3
20
Iraq 0 7
2 0
U.S. Army photo U.S. Army photo
4

5. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Continued from WARRIORS pg. 1
Bradshaw, also a wounded veteran of 1st Troops First Foundation,
Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., it was a reunion with said the idea for Operation
friends and leaders and a chance to see Proper Exit came while
their old base again. he was visiting recover-
As the veterans walked the grounds at ing troops at Walter Reed
COL Gaine’s Mills, Ortiz and Bradshaw Army Medical Center, Md.
met fellow comrades from the Wolfhound Kell said many of the
Battalion, which is currently deployed as wounded warriors he met
part of 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th during this time expressed
Inf. Div. interest in returning to
“I was a little apprehensive at first,” not- Iraq.
ed Bradshaw, not knowing what to expect So far, Kell has brought
upon his return. “I’m handling it a lot better 49 veterans back to Iraq.
than I was expecting.” “All 49 have experi-
It was the first visit back to the area for enced something differ-
Ortiz and Bradshaw since a vehicle roll- ently – something very
over during a combat patrol six years ago personal,” Kell explained.
took them out of the fight. “I will tell you that all 49,
“It’s a lot of déjà vu,” said Ortiz, who in some way, are a little bit
now lives in Phoenix. better.” U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Much of the base was the same, he not- Kell added support for U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general
of U.S. Division-North, presents veteran Spc. Derek Bradshaw
ed, although smaller than he remembered. the mission has been out- with a certificate of appreciation during a ceremony at Con-
Since Ortiz’s last deployment to Iraq, standing, from the United tingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2010. Brad-
U.S. forces’ mission changed from Op- Service Organizations con- shaw joined six other wounded servicemembers who returned
eration Iraqi Freedom to Operation New tributing airfare funding, to Iraq as part of Operation Proper Exit, a program providing
wounded troops, who sustained injuries during combat de-
Dawn; the forward operating base where to the reception that the ployments, an opportunity to obtain closure and to leave Iraq
Ortiz once conducted combat operations, groups get from military on their own terms.
now a smaller partnered base housing U.S. commands serving in Iraq.
forces and Iraqi Security Forces. “We appreciate the sup- right thing, and we want to try to bring
For the wounded warriors, the trip to port that we get along the way from all more warriors back.”
Iraq marked another step in the healing the different commands, because it’s just Crowds of Soldiers, including enlisted
process allowing the veterans to come to amazing the welcoming that we get from ranks, sergeants major, unit commanders
terms with their experiences. everyone,” he remarked. “It’s reassuring and generals alike, greeted the veterans
Rick Kell, executive director of the and it lets you know that you’re doing the with standing ovations at each stop on the
tour and took the time to shake hands with
them and thank the five Soldiers, one Air-
man and one Marine for serving honorably.
“It’s been amazing,” exclaimed Ortiz,
who said that the celebrity welcome left
him speechless.
Operation Proper Exit achieved its goal,
said Bradshaw, in the fact that it let he and
the other veterans obtain a little bit of the
closure they needed.
“It’s a chance to leave on their own two
feet instead of on a stretcher,” he said.
Beyond having those still serving in
Iraq expressing their appreciation, Brad-
shaw said the trip was also a chance for
him and his fellow returning troops to give
a little back to their friends still here.
For the Soldiers that may be battling
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N stress or coping with wounds, Bradshaw
Former U.S. Army Specialists Carlos Ortiz, far left, and Derek Bradshaw, center, both veterans offered them a bit of insight from a lesson
of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, revisit Contingency Operating he has learned well.
Location Gaine’s Mills, Iraq, Dec. 8, 2010. Ortiz and Bradshaw were wounded in 2004 following “It does take some time,” he explained,
a vehicle rollover, and returned to Iraq for the first time since then as part of Operation Proper
Exit. The operation, run by the Troops First Foundation, brings wounded service members “but it does get better.”
back to the areas where they were injured so that they can leave Iraq on their own terms.
5

6. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Muqdadiya, Rafidain Bank opening paves
way for economic growth
Sgt. Shawn Miller ect estimated to cost $500,000.
109th MPAD “Restoring this bank and
USD-N, PAO opening this bank is a critical
part of getting the private sec-
MUQDADIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi tor up and running in a suc-
and U.S. officials commemo- cessful manner,” said Bodde.
rated the opening of the Rafi- U.S. Army Col. Malcolm
dain Bank in the Sala-Aruba Frost, commander of the 2nd
Marketplace, or suq, during a AAB, from Schofield Bar-
ribbon cutting ceremony in Di- racks, Hawaii, said that the
yala province, Iraq, Nov. 29. bank opening is indicative of
Much of Muqdadiyah was the gains made in security and
damaged or destroyed during economics by Iraqi forces in
the past seven years of conflict, U.S. Division-North.
driving away business and Frost thanked his Iraqi
prosperity. Since Iraqi and U.S. counterparts for their support
forces drove insurgents from with the project, and pledged
the area in 2007, the city has continuing U.S. support and
slowly been rebuilt in hopes assistance as the American
that citizens would return. role in Operation New Dawn
The 2nd Advise and As- changes from a military to a
sist Brigade, 25th Infantry diplomatic effort in Iraq.
Division, in cooperation with “While U.S. Forces are still
the Diyala Provincial Recon- present, your Iraqi Security
struction Team and the U.S. Forces are in the lead and are
Embassy in Baghdad, offered fully responsible for the secu-
assistance with micro-grants rity in this great province,” he
to help bolster economic re- said.
vitalization. Shopkeepers and Al-Mahdawi also took the
customers have slowly refilled time to thank those involved in
the streets as the grants took the project.
effect, facilitating a need for a “I offer gratitude and thanks U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
new bank. to my brothers and friends Ambassador Peter W. Bodde, Assistant Chief of Mission for As-
sistance Transition in Iraq, center, and Zaid Al Azawi, Muqdadiyah
“Today was the response from the PRT teams and the Q’ai’mmaqam, Mayor of Mayors, cut the ribbon of the Rafidain Bank
and reply to our citizens in American Embassy for giving in the Sala-Aruba Marketplace, officially opening it for business, in
Muqdadiyah,” Diyala Gover- their gift to the Muqdadiyah Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2010. The Diyala Provincial Reconstruction
nor Abdul Nasser Al-Mahdawi people,” said Al-Mahdawi. team and the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
provided micro-grants to boost economic revitalization in the market-
said to the crowd gathered in Bodde said the Rafidain place, and in turn, the local shop owners’ need for a bank.
the square outside the new Bank reopening is only one
bank. “This landmark is the of many projects meant to the Aruba Suq has brought the in Diyala, Al-Mahdawi said
evidence and proof of the secu- improve the quality of life in central market back to life.” that he wants further projects
rity and the safety, and I wish Muqdadiyah. Zaid Al Azawi, the Muq- to be possible to continue the
from almighty God that peace “This project is but one el- dadiyah Q’ai’mmaqam, or economic expansion.
will resume in all Muqdadiyah, ement of a multi-faceted de- Mayor of Mayors, accompa- “I hope that the budget for
Diyala, and Iraq.” velopment agenda that has nied Bodde, Frost, Al-Mah- 2011 will complete these proj-
U.S. Ambassador Peter W. brought about substantial dawi and other officials as they ects that we have started and
Bodde, Assistant Chief of Mis- change to Muqdadiyah,” said joined hands to snip the blue will show off the radiance of
sion for Assistance Transition Bodde. “In addition to recon- ribbon hanging across the bank this province,” he stated.
in Iraq, said the U.S. Army struction of this bank, schools steps shortly before noon, ush- The 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.
worked closely with the PRT, and clinics have re-opened, ering in a new chapter in the is deployed to Iraq as a part of
provincial and national govern- trash has been removed, streets story of Muqdadiyah and Di- United States Division-North
ment officials, and the Diyala have been paved, and a large yala. in support of Operation New
Red Crescent to finish the proj- investment in the merchants of As development continues Dawn.
6

7. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Iraqi Army soldiers graduate mortar training
Partnered training culminates with live-fire exercise
Spc. Coltin Heller impressive training events I
109th MPAD have seen.”
USD-N PAO The 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav.
Regt. Soldiers taught each of
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- the 11 mortar teams crew drills
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq – and how to set up a proper fir-
Iraqi soldiers assigned to the ing position.
6th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army “They were taught tech-
Division, graduated mortar niques for forward observers,
training, during a ceremony at the differences between small
Destiny Range, near Mosul, and large deflection, as well
Iraq, Dec. 7. has how to execute fire mis-
Soldiers assigned to 1st sions,” said Sgt. 1st Class An-
Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regi- dre Bundick, platoon sergeant,
ment, 4th Advise and Assist Troop C. “They grasped the U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
Brig. Gen. Ba’ez Ahmad Ramadhan, chief of staff for the Ninewa
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division training well, and were very ea- Operations Center, thanks Col. Brian Winski, commander of the 4th
taught the month-long course, ger to learn.” Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, for mortar training
providing their Iraqi counter- “They were very profes- provided to soldiers of the 6th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division at Des-
parts training on calling for fire, sional and well-disciplined,” tiny Range, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2010. Ba’ez observed Iraqi mortar crews con-
ducting a live-fire exercise at a range near Mosul, Iraq. The partnered
computing firing data and firing said Pvt. Jeremiah Klatt, a mor- training is part of a larger effort by U.S. Division-North to train Iraqi
mortars. tarman from Tampa, Fla., as- Security Forces during Operation New Dawn.
“It went really well,” said signed to Troop A, 1st Sqdn.,
Capt. Ben Jackman, command- 9th Cav. Regt., who taught the training.” mortar teams.
er, Headquarters and Headquar- various techniques to the Iraqi The Iraqis also learned fire The training culminated
ters Troop, 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. soldiers. “They did very well direction techniques and how with a live-fire exercise utiliz-
Regt. “It was one of the most with the hands on portion of the to relay the request for fire to ing all the training the Iraqi
soldiers gained throughout the
previous month.
During the simulated fire
missions, forward observers
identified a target, then con-
tacted Fire Direction Center to
process the target location into
firing data. The Fire Direction
Center confirmed the target and
sent the firing data to the mortar
teams.
“I received very good train-
ing from the Americans,” said
Spc. Hashem Khalf, a newly
trained mortarman assigned
to 6th Bde., 3rd IA Div. “We
learned from them, and they
learned from us; and they
showed us a great amount of
respect, and I look forward to
this type of training again.”
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N This mortar training is part
An Iraqi Army mortar crew makes adjustments to their mortar system under the watchful eye of a Soldier- of larger and more extensive
trainer from 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at effort for U.S. Division-North
Destiny Range, Iraq Dec. 6. The 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., “Head Hunters,” trained an Iraqi mortar company
form 6th Brigade, 3rd IA Division, for more than a month in preparation of a live-fire exercise conducted in units to train their ISF counter-
northern Iraq. The 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. is attached to U.S. Division-North, deployed in support of Opera- parts during the course of Op-
tion New Dawn to mentor and train Iraqi Security Forces. eration New Dawn.
7

8. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
‘Wolfhounds,’ ISF partner for CSI course
Sgt. Shawn Miller assigned to 1st Battalion, 27th Having the ISF leading the After a day of classroom
109th MPAD Infantry Regiment, “Wolf- class mirrors that standard, he instruction, the students were
USD-N PAO hounds,” 2nd Advise and Assist explained. tasked with processing and
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Recognizing what classifies collecting evidence from the
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- participated in the class with as evidence, and then docu- minivan and house during the
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – their IP and IA counterparts. menting, collecting and pro- second day of the course.
A small blood trail led through As Operation New Dawn cessing that evidence without To add to the realism of the
the desert from the wrecked approaches the 100-day mark, contaminating it is the key fo- training, Wolfhound Soldiers
minivan to a small home as the U.S. Soldiers, who work cus of the course, said Frazee, provided security and assis-
Iraqi Police working with with their Iraqi partners daily, a veteran detective from Man- tance as the four Iraqi students
Iraqi Army soldiers probed the took a step back, allowing the chester, Conn., with 25 years of
scene, collecting evidence for Iraqis to take the lead in the experience. See CSI, pg. 10
their upcoming case. classroom, as IA and IP forces
Civilian-contracted U.S. transition to independent con-
law enforcement professionals trol of operations across U.S.
from the 11th Military Police Division-North and Iraq.
Joint Expeditionary Forensics “Our role was to facilitate
Facility 4 at Contingency Op- the training,” said Staff Sgt.
erating Base Speicher carefully Alex Shackleford, Company
constructed this crime scene, B, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. “We
Dec. 4, in order to teach Iraqi advised them in the classroom
Security Forces and U.S. forces and then assisted them on the
to properly investigate and col- range.”
lect evidence. As part of the security agree-
“This is the very first time ment between the U.S. and
we have trained Iraqis and U.S. Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces have
forces together,” said Spencer control of all crime scenes, un-
Frazee, a law enforcement pro- less American personnel are
fessional with the JEFF4. involved in the incident, Frazee
A small group of Soldiers said.
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO Iraqi Police 1st Lt. Asaad Kadir Muhammad bags evidence while IP Lt.
Iraqi Police Lt. Muntasar Sami Nada, center, and 1st Lt. Asaad Kadir Muntasar Sami Nada takes notes during a Sensitive Site Exploitation
Muhammad bag evidence while Iraqi Army Maj. Anas Muhammad, 4th class, Dec. 4, 2010 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Iraqi
Iraqi Army Division, looks over a rifle found at a simulated crime scene Police trained simultaneously with their U.S. counterparts from 1st
at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 4, 2010. IA and Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th
IP students learned crime scene investigation techniques alongside Infantry Division, during the course, which teaches the students how
their U.S. counterparts from the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, to properly investigate crime scenes and collect evidence. U.S. Law
“Wolfhounds,” 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Enforcement Professionals from the Joint Expeditionary Forensics
as part of a Sensitive Site Exploitation class taught by U.S. Law En- Facility 4 lead the classes for Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces in
forcement Professionals from the Joint Expeditionary Forensics Fa- U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.
cility 4.
8

9. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Putting a face and a voice to Daddy
Soldiers video-record book reading for their children
Spc. Robert England He added that many Soldiers have been his Soldiers said he found the books in a
2nd AAB Public Affairs appreciative of the program for allowing closet, and the camera is on loan from an-
25th Inf. Div., USD-N them to keep their children familiar with other NCO in the battalion.
their faces and voices. The “Bonding Through Books” pro-
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR- Capt. Christopher Welsh, who hails gram helps Graham maintain a connection
HORSE, Iraq – Several Soldiers sat on from Plant City, Fla. and is the battalion with his own daughter, he said, noticing a
couches in a dimly lit tent, speaking softly intelligence officer for 1st Bn., 21st Inf. contrast in her behavior towards him dur-
to each other, awaiting their turn. Regt., said he read a book for his daughter, ing a previous deployment and the time he
Sgt. Jonathan Windsor emerged from a who was born just two months ago. spent at home during his recent Environ-
separate room with a book in one hand, a Windsor said he and his son have dealt mental Morale Leave this deployment.
camera in the other and a smile on his face. with separation during a previous deploy- “When I came home on a previous
He just finished reading Dr. Seuss’ “Green ment, but this program has given him an- deployment, my daughter was shy; she
Eggs and Ham” to his son. other way to maintain a connection with his wouldn’t come up to me – she really didn’t
Windsor, a native of Columbia, Mo., son. know who Daddy was,” he said. “When I
and company intelligence support team “Well, this is not the first deployment went home on EML this deployment, she
noncommissioned officer in charge for my son and I have had to endure,” Windsor ran up to me and hugged my legs. I’ve nev-
Headquarters and Headquarters Compa- said. “At two years and three months old, er had her do that before, and I think it’s
ny, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, he’s doing pretty well with sight recogni- mostly because of this.”
“Gimlets,” 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, tion, but I wanted to make sure he gets my “I think there’s more of a connection
25th Infantry Division, just finished par- voice down, too.” there that would not be there if I wasn’t
ticipating in the “Bonding Through Books” Graham said he acts as the program co- able to do this, and I want to share that with
program offered at Forward Operating ordinator, setting aside time each month to other people,” he added.
Base Warhorse, Diyala province, Iraq. bring all the supplies to the battalion con- The 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., from
Sgt. Jeremy Graham, an Asheboro, ference room, a quiet place where the Gim- Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, is deployed to
N.C.-native, and a fire support sergeant let Soldiers can read the books in peace. U.S. Division-North in support of Opera-
with HHC, 1 Bn., 21 Inf. Regt., has been The NCO who created the program for tion New Dawn.
the key to the program’s success since he
opened it to Gimlet Soldiers in October.
Graham explained the significance of
the program as it pertains to Soldiers and
their children back home.
“Soldiers are away from their Families,
they’re not able to actually connect with
them, and the children back home can’t
really see their Dads except for maybe a
couple photos over the internet,” Graham
said. “So we’re giving Soldiers the oppor-
tunity to read to their children, and then we
send the book and the DVD we record back
home to their children.”
Graham said he drew inspiration from a
similar program offered by the United Ser-
vice Organizations.
“The USO actually has a program like
this in Kuwait called ‘United Through
Reading,’ but we don’t have a USO here
that does it, so we figured we’d do it our- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Robert England, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N
selves,” he said. Capt. Christopher Welsh, intelligence officer, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise
The Gimlets’ reading program arrived in and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, reads a book on camera, Nov. 28, 2010, at the 1st
time for Soldiers to send home videos to Bn., 21st Inf. Regt. Battalion conference room at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Diyala
province, Iraq. Welsh is one of many 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., “Gimlet” Battalion, Soldiers par-
their children for the holidays, and Graham ticipating in the “Bonding Through Books” program. The 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., from Scho-
said he plans on keeping the program run- field Barracks, Hawaii, is deployed to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation New Dawn.
ning throughout the deployment.
9

10. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Hey Doc: ‘What’s the big deal about spice?’
Pfc. Katy Palis tense mental and emotional effects. Some or possessing it. The DEA recently banned
Behavioral Health Technician of the chemicals infused with the organic Spice along with other “synthetic” mari-
USD-N Surgeon Office materials were originally designed to block juana products, putting it into the same cat-
pain receptors in the brain and other chem- egory as heroin, LSD, and Ecstasy. Army
Hey Doc: “Question for you: what’s icals are ingredients in pesticides. Why Regulations and General Order #1 prohibit
wrong with Spice? It’s just a bunch of would you want to smoke something that is the possession or use of “intoxicants” like
crushed weeds. Plus, they sell it on the In- used to kill bugs? Spice and Salvia. Soldiers who use, dis-
ternet. It’s not like going to a drug dealer in The mental effects of Spice can be 10- tribute, or possess “Spice” are subject to
a dark alley.” signed Spicehead. 400 times stronger than the effects of mari- UCMJ Article 92 for “failure to obey a law-
juana. Because these compounds are not ful order.”
Dear “Spicehead,” legally produced, the amount of chemicals The bottom line is that Spice is illegal,
Spice, also known as K2, Yucatan Fire, in each batch can be considerably differ- dangerous, and not tolerated in the mili-
Blaze, Magma, and Spice Gold, is a lot ent. This leads to potentially dangerous tary! The Army is now able to test for Spice
more than just a bunch of crushed weeds. side effects including auditory and visual using urinalysis. You are sacrificing too
Spice is sold as “Herbal Incense” and in- hallucinations, breathing problems, mood much in the service of your country to dis-
correctly marketed as a “legal” alternative swings, increased blood pressure, and ex- honor yourself and your unit by using this
to marijuana. treme paranoia. Extended use can lead to destructive drug. Addiction counseling and
Spice and other herbal products “not fit addiction and physical withdrawal. These treatment is available through the Combat
for human consumption” are not regulated symptoms can be catastrophic, especially Operational Stress unit. Don’t hesitate to
by the Food and Drug Administration. The while deployed. Do you want a Soldier refer yourself or your buddy to seek help.
active, detectable ingredient in marijuana is in your unit carrying a weapon or driving It is the right thing to do!
THC. Spice contains the synthetic form of while strung out on Spice? Taskforce Ironhorse, keep those ques-
THC and is called a “designer drug.” Spice Spice is not a “legal alternative” to mar- tions coming!
is sprayed with chemicals that give it in- ijuana. Many countries have banned using
Continued from CSI, pg. 8
methodically worked their way against detainees, Frazee ex-
through the area. plained.
“We went over what to do, “What we’re trying to do is
what not to do and how to have the police catch up,” he
gather evidence,” he added, as said. “We’re trying to eliminate
he and the other American Sol- those reasons for throwing a
diers oversaw the process. case out.”
Beyond simply just looking Despite the new knowledge
for clues and gathering evi- of DNA and forensics, the Iraqi
dence, the process itself from forces still must rely on U.S.
beginning to end is important, facilities to process their find-
Frazee noted. ings since Salah ad-Din lacks
Getting the investigating any Iraqi-run labs, explained
agents to wear gloves and not Frazee.
contaminate the scene with The classes taught at the
their own DNA is vital, he said. JEFF4 and the partnership with
“DNA is still magic to the U.S. Soldiers will set up the
them,” said Frazee, noting how Iraqis with skills necessary to
it is on the verge of court accep- continue on their own, he said. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
Iraqi Army Maj. Anas Muhammad, 4th Iraqi Army Division, inspects a
tance in Iraq. “We’ve actually “Basically, what we’re vehicle at a simulated crime scene during a Sensitive Site Exploitation
done classes for judges.” teaching them is what can be class, Dec. 4, 2010 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Iraqi
U.S. law enforcement pro- done; the right way for things Security Forces trained simultaneously with their U.S. counterparts
fessionals and Army Judge to be done and what should from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Bri-
gade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. During
Advocate General officials are be done,” Frazee said. “Now the course, taught by U.S. Law Enforcement Professionals from the
training Iraqi judges and law- it’s up to them to put pressure Joint Expeditionary Forensics Facility 4, the students learned how to
yers on the importance of DNA on their government to supply properly investigate crime scenes and collect evidence.
and forensics in hopes that them with a lab in Salah ad-
it might build stronger cases Din.”
10

11. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
the
‘Bikes Over Baghdad 3’ delivers extreme
entertainment to COS Warrior
Spc. Kandi Huggins Mykel Larrin, a professional BMX rider with the “Bikes Over Baghdad
1st Advise and Assist Task Force Public Affairs 3” Tour, performs a “Superman” as he flies high over Contingency
Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2010. Larrin joined other riders
1st Infantry Division, U.S. Division-North from the “X-Games” during a two-week tour through Iraq and Kuwait
to entertain service members deployed in support of Operation New
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – BMX Dawn.
riders with the “Bikes over Baghdad 3” Tour displayed a variety
of basic and technical tricks for Soldiers deployed to Contingency
Operating Site Warrior, during the last show of their third tour in
Iraq, Dec. 7.
“Our main goal was
to have fun doing what
we love for you guys
who really appreci-
ate it,” said rider Chad
Kagy, a native of Gilroy,
Calif.
The BMX riders
kicked off their perfor-
mance with basic tricks
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller like the “180” and the
Professional BMX rider Drew Bezanson “Nose Pick” to get the
launches off a Field Litter Ambulance crowd fired up for big-
during the “Bikes Over Baghdad 3” Tour
at Contingency Operating Base Speich-
ger stunts.
er, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2010. The riders per- As the audiences’
formed for troops of U.S. Division-North participation increased,
during a two-week tour through Kuwait the performances grew
and Iraq for Soldiers deployed in sup-
port of Operation New Dawn.
more daring.
The crowd roared
with excitement when
Mykel Larrin, a newcomer on the tour, jumped his bike over
another rider.
Throughout the show, the riders handed out t-shirts, bandanas, U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
bracelets and other items to the service members. The grand
prize, a BMX bike, was raffled off to a participant in the audi-
ence.
Kagy said he felt like a stand-in for Santa Claus because the
show was so close to Christmas service members could keep the
gear for themselves or send it home to their Families.
“Bikes over Baghdad
has been a success,” said Professional BMX riders from
Youngstown, Ohio-native the “Bikes Over Baghdad 3” Tour
Zack Yantush, the Bikes Over perform a paired stunt, launch-
Bagdad emcee. “This experi- ing off a ramp at Contingency
Operating Base Speicher, Iraq,
ence has been awesome, going for troops of U.S. Division-North,
different places and being able Dec. 6, 2010. The BOB show
to see the full spectrum, first- featured top riders from the “X-
hand, of what you guys do… Games,” performing for service
members deployed to Iraq and
it’s something I will always Kuwait in support of Operation
remember.” New Dawn. U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Shawn Miller
11

12. The Ivy Leaf December 10, 2010
Ft Carson, Colorado
4th Infantry Division DSTB opens
Yellow Ribbon room
Dustin Senger may benefit from the facility located at the going on, but hearing his voice reassures
Mountaineer Staff battalion headquarters, said Cashdollar. me everything is okay.”
Many loved ones separated this fall as 4th “This is a free way to connect,” said
FORT CARSON, Colo. – The Division Inf. Div. Soldiers deployed to Iraq, where Cardo, also the DTSB Family Readiness
Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry they took over U.S. Division North. Support assistant. “We have a place for
Division, opened its Yellow Ribbon Room “There are a lot of Families without children to watch television shows and
at Fort Carson Dec. 1 to support Family Internet access - the Yellow Ribbon Room play games. If we get a lot of demand, we
readiness by opening lines of communica- is here for them to use,” said Cashdollar. have volunteers who will come in and su-
tion. He encouraged all to take advantage of pervise children while spouses are online.”
The DSTB Yellow Ribbon Room con- the Internet to pass information that sup- The Yellow Ribbon Room provides
tains six cubicles, each with a laptop and plies “piece of mind for both the Soldier separate workstations for company and
webcam. The broadband Internet stations downrange and their Family waiting back battalion-level Family Readiness Group
are equipped to stream real-time video and home.” leaders, as well as a conference room.
audio signals from overseas. They are also “I talk to my husband at least once a
available for sending e-mails, completing day,” said Lynette Cardo, wife of Chief
homework, paying bills and browsing Web Warrant Officer 2 Marvin Cardo, con-
sites.
“We’re here to support the Families,”
ductor of the 4th Inf. Div.’s Ivy Division
Band, deployed to Iraq in support of
December
said Maj. Matthew Cashdollar, command- Operation New Dawn. “You read a lot MWR events
er, DSTB Rear Detachment, 4th Inf. Div. of news, so it’s nice to hear a voice. My
More than 700 Fort Carson Families husband cannot tell me everything that’s
Hooters & Brokedown
Dec. 8 @ Marez
Lonewolf Comics
& Santa Visit
Dec. 12 @ McHenry
Dec. 12 @ Warrior
Dec. 13 @ Cobra
Dec. 13 @ Warhorse
Holiday Gospel Show
Dec. 24 @ Marez
Dec. 25 @ Speicher
Michael Peterson
Dec. 28 @ Cobra
Photo by Dustin Senger, Mountaineer Staff
Dec. 28 @ Warhorse
Maj. Matthew Cashdollar, Rear Detachment commander of Division Special Troops Battalion, Dec. 29 @ McHenry
4th Infantry Division, explains the division’s Yellow Ribbon Room at Fort Carson Dec. 1, while
Charlotte Doty listens with her husband, Brig. Gen. James H. Doty Jr., acting senior com- Dec. 29 @ Warrior
mander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.
12