Taji Times draft16:Layout 1.qxd - Angry Skipper Association, Inc.

26 Pages·2007·1.21 MB·English

EDITION 16 COMPLIMENTS OF THE IRONHORSE BRIGADE 28 JUN 2007
Garryowen, IA troops nab insurgents
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1BCT, 1st Cavalry Division
Public Affairs
AL QUADRIA, Iraq —
Hours before the sun came up,
Soldiers from the 1st
Squadron, 7th “Garryowen”
Cavalry Regiment along with
their counterparts from the
2nd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army
Division (Mechanized) were
out in force taking down ex-
tremists and searching for
weapons caches as well as
gathering information leading
to the capture of terrorists.
Combining their efforts,
within just two hours the Gar-
ryowen and Iraqi Army troops
had captured 15 detainees sus-
pected of terrorist activities in
the Taji region and had
searched ten houses for U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Rachel M. Ahner, 982nd Combat Camera Company (Airborne)
weapons caches during an
Lt. Col. Kevin MacWatters (center), commander, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Iraqi-led cordon and search
Cavalry Division, moves through the streets of Al Quadria,Iraq alongside Soldiers from his Troop A as they work with
May 28 here.
Iraqi Army troops from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Bridade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) during a combined
“Today we’re conducting
cordon and search operation May 28.
operations within our entire
area of operations to disrupt
terrorist cells and this has been Throughout the operation, were dropped in a field as the Allmandinger, a scout with
a great opportunity to disrupt Soldiers from the squadron suspects ran from us, but we Troop C who assisted in bring-
Al Qaeda in Iraq who are oper- and Iraqi soldiers weaved a net had both mounted and dis- ing in captured detainees and
ating within our area,” said San to capture the suspected ter- mounted support and a plan in helping Iraqi Army troops as
Antonio native Maj. Carl rorists. During one part of the place to prevent them from they placed detainees on Iraqi
Michaud, operations officer for operation, Soldiers from Troop getting away,” said Melrose, Army trucks.
1-7th Cavalry. “We’re also C brought in four detainees, Fla. native 1st Sgt. Donel Working with the Iraqi
helping the Iraqi soldiers to who had been carrying Washington, top non-commis- Army troops to help them take
protect citizens in the Baghdad weapons through a field, but sioned officer for Troop C. terrorists off the streets has
security belt and disrupt the fled when U.S. troops moved “Any day when we’re out definitely been a worthwhile
enemy’s lines of communica- in on them. and have successes like this experience, according to
tions and to help build up sta- “We confiscated three AK- one, it’s a good day,” said Mul- Michaud.
bility in that area.” 47 rifles and a pistol which berry, Ind. native Spc. Aaron (See TAKEDOWN, page 3)
“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling
which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight,
nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being
free unless made and kept so by the exertions ofbetter men than himself.”
John Stuart Mill, English economist and philosopher
Taji Times Page 2
For MNF-I Members: Values
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, gaged in combat, we must pursue the enemy relentlessly, and we
Marines, and Coast Guardsmen must be violent at all times. What sets us apart from our enemies in
serving in Multi-National Force- this fight, however, is how we behave. In everything we do, we must
Iraq: observe the standards and values that dictate that we treat noncombat-
ants and detainees with dignity and respect. While we are warriors,
Our values and the laws gov- we are also human beings. Stress caused by lenghty deployments and
erning warfare teach us to respect combat is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that we are human. If
human dignity, maintain our in- you feel such stress, do not hesitate to talk to your chain of command,
tegrity and do what is right. Ad- your chaplain, or a medical expert.
herence to our values We should use the survey results to renew our commitment to the
distinguishes us from our enemy. values and standards that make us who we are and to spur re-exami-
This fight depends on securing nation of these issues. Leaders, in particular, need to discuss these is-
the population, which must un- sues with their troopers--and as always, they need to set the right
derstand that we--not our ene- example and strive to ensure proper conduct. We should never under-
Gen. David H. Petraeus
mies-- occupy the moral high estimate the importance of good leadership and the difference it can
Commanding General
ground. This strategy has shown make.
Multi-National Force - Iraq
results in recent months. Al Thanks for what you continue to do it is an honor to serve with each
Qaeda’s indiscriminate attacks, for example, have finally started to of you.
turn a substancial portion of the Iraqi population against it.
In view of this, I was concerned by results of a recently released
survey conducted last fall in Iraq that revealed an apparent unwilling-
ness on the part of some U.S. personnel to report illegal actions taken DAVID H. PETRAEUS
by fellow members in their units. The study also indicated that a small General, USA
percentage of those surveyed may have mistreated noncombatants. Commanding
This survey should spur reflection on our conduct in combat.
A Note from the Editor
I fully appreciate the emotions that one experiences in Iraq. I also
know first hand the bonds between members of the “brotherhood of The Taji Times would appreciate your feedback.
the close fight.” Seeing a fellow trooper killed by a barbaric enemy
Please let us know what types of stories you would
can spark frustration, anger, and a desire for immediate revenge. As
hard as it might be, however, we must not let those emotions lead us-- like to see in the Taji Times. Let us know how we can
or our commrades in arms--to commit hasty, illegal actions. In the
event that we witness or hear such actions, we must not let our bonds better serve you, the readership. Also, we are willing
prevent us from speaking up.
to take submissions from units on Taji. Send us your
Some may argue the we would be more effective if we sanctioned
torture or other expedient methods to obtain information from the photos from the field. When submitting photos or
enemy. They would be wrong. Beyond the basic fact that such actions
are illegal, history shows that they also are frequently neither useful stories, please ensure that when highlighting partic-
nor necessary. Certainly, extreme physical action can make someone
ular Soldiers that you include their rank, full name,
“talk;” however, what the individual says may be of questionable
value. In fact, our experience in applying interrogation standards laid full unit and spell out their job title. If you have any
out in the Army Field Manual (2-22.3) on Human Intelligence Collec-
comments or questions about the publication, feel
tor Operations that was published last year shows that the techniques
in the manual work effectively and humanely in eliciting information free to email us at the below address:
from detainees.
We are, indeed, warriors. We train to kill our enemies. We are en- [email protected].
1st Brigade Combat Team Commander,
Col. Paul E. Funk II
Taji Times is authorized for publication by 1st Brigade Combat 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer
Team, 1st Cavalry Division for the Camp Taji community. The Maj. Randall Baucom
contents of the Taji Times are unofficial and are not to be con-
Public Affairs NCOIC
sidered the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Govern-
Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
ment, including the Department of Defense or Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Taji Times is a command information newspaper in accor-
dance with Army Regulation 360-1.
The Public Affairs Office is on Gamecocks Ave. in building 543,
VOIP 242-6914. Taji Times, HHT 1st BCT 1st CD, APO AE
09378.
Contact the 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Randall Baucom at [email protected]
Taji Times Page 3
Stallions, IA search, capture detainees
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
1st BCT, 1st Cavalry Division
Public Affairs
HOR AL BOSH, Iraq — In a
U.S. Army photo by
big push to clear the streets
Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp,
here of insurgents, Iraqi Army
1st BCT, 1st Cav.
troops of the 3rd Brigade, 9th
Div. Public Affairs
Iraqi Army Division (Mecha-
nized) teamed with Soldiers Iraqi Army troops
from the 2nd “Stallion” Battal- from the 3rd
ion, 8th Cavalry Regiment to Brigade, 9th Iraqi
perform a large Iraqi-led joint Army Division
cordon and search, going door (Mechanized) and
to door to each house in every Soldiers from the
neighborhood in the village. 2nd Battalion, 8th
Cavalry Regiment
In this particular joint oper-
patrol the streets
ation, the Stallions simply ob-
of Hor Al Bosh
served as the Iraqi Army troops
June 6 during a
performed the June 6 searches
joint cordon and
here.
search.
The Iraqi soldiers walked
from house to house checking 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. “They’re recently, the 2-8 Cav. Soldiers task,” said Canseco. “The other
for weapons caches and meet- really doing an excellent job have actually begun going on day when they took fire, they
ing the people as well as hand- flushing out the bad guys.” real missions with their Iraqi handled everything very well
ing out tips cards for “This is a mainly IA-driven counterparts. and ended up capturing three
information on any insurgents operation and these are the “When we go on missions detainees.”
that may be lurking in the types of things they need to be with them, we haven’t had to Within the course of this
neighborhoods. When they doing to eventually be able to give them any pointers, they’re day’s mission, the Iraqi troops
were needed, Soldiers from the take over the security of their pretty much already on it,” said arrested 17 detainees and con-
2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt. assisted own country and that’s exactly Sgt. Marcus Canseco, a squad fiscated several illegal weapons.
the IA soldiers. what they’re doing.” leader for Co. D, 2nd Bn., 8th The day’s success, according
“They’re (the IA troops are) Over the past few months, Cav. Regt. who hails from to Canseco, is a testament to the
pretty comfortable with every- Soldiers from the 2nd Bn., 8th Humble, Texas. Iraqi Army soldiers and U.S.
thing and taking it slowly and Cav. Regt. have been helping to Canseco has seen the Iraqi troops working together to gain
deliberately as they go about train the 3rd Bde., 9th IA Div. troops work under fire. the trust of the local people in
their searches,” said Bedford, (Mech.) soldiers with advanced “They’re just like any other Hor Al Bosh.
Va. native 1st Lt. Ben Melton, a infantry tactics and other as- infantry squad, they’re highly “We’ve been securing our
platoon leader for Company D, pects of military training. Just motivated and dedicated to the (See HOR AL BOSH, Page 4)
(From TAKEDOWN, page 1) squadron missions in support Iraqi Security Forces is to help “We’re helping them so
“They are definitely profes- of the Iraqi mechanized troops them take over their own areas they can stand on their own,
sional soldiers, understand in which multiple caches were and control of their nation’s se- without having to rely on any-
their missions and perform the found near Al Quadria. curity. Michaud added the one else,” said Westchester, Pa.
routine without a flaw,” said One of the things that troops in the 2nd Bde., 9th IA native Pfc. Derrick Densmore,
Michaud. Michaud believes will prove to Div. (Mech.) are making a forward observer with Head-
Yet, the day’s operation was be a great asset in the fight progress toward that goal. quarters and Headquarters
not the first time that Garry- against terrorists in the Taji “A great part of the unit is Troop, 1-7th Cavalry, who said
owen troops have worked with area and during future joint capable of independent opera- he enjoys going outside the
their Iraqi counterparts. Each operations with Iraqi Security tions with or without Coalition wire and performing missions
week the squadron meets with Forces is Garryowen’s newly Forces,” said Michaud. “They with Iraqi troops. “Eventually,
the 2nd Bde., 9th IA Div. established Combat Outpost are well on the way to transi- they are ready for the day when
(Mech.) during partnership X-ray near Taji. tioning control of the area to we’re not here.”
meetings and to coordinate “It allows us to project our themselves.” Other Soldiers “I believe we really are
joint missions together. forces easier into the area to who assisted in the day’s oper- doing some good here,” said
As recently as the past few better facilitate clearing the in- ation said they had their own Pfc. Dwayne Baldridge of
weeks, the partnership has surgents out,” said Michaud. thoughts on what working with Darkhorse Forward Support
yielded many successes, said According to Michaud, the the Iraqi troops meant to Troop, 1-7th Cavalry who hails
Michaud, to include two large ultimate goal of working with them. from Saratoga, Texas.
Taji Times Page 4
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
A local Iraqi man talks to Iraqi troops from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division (Mechanized) during a cordon and search operation in Hor Al Bosh, Iraq
June 6. The Iraqi-led joint operation also involved participation from Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. Interacting more with the people in
the area, is just one of the many ways Iraqi Army troops are taking the lead in security operations within the village.
(From HOR AL BOSH, Page 3) freedoms they have back
patrol base here and home.”
making our presence “They’ve also had a
known, and a lot of the great opportunity to get
time we’ve spent here to know the Iraqi sol-
has involved meeting diers and truly become
the people and most of brothers-in-arms,”
them want us and the added Canseco.
Iraqi security forces Willows, Calif. native
here,” said Canseco. Spc. James Boggan, an
“We feel really good infantryman with Co. D,
about what we’re doing 2nd Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.
here today.” explained what the day’s
Canseco said he hopes mission meant to him.
his troops gain an ap- “It’s a small town and
preciation for the Iraqi it needs to be cleared so
people and the Iraqi se- the people here can
curity forces with whom have a future,” said Bog-
they are working. gan. “I’m just glad that
“I hope they see how we’re able to help the
the people live here and Iraqi Army as they tran-
earn a better under- sition so they can give
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt.Jon Cupp
standing of the culture,” their people a better life
said Canseco. “I think it by getting rid of any in- Bath, Maine native Spc. William Bamford (right), Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th
will give them a better surgent elements in Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi Army troops from the 3rd Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Di-
appreciation for the their town.” vision (Mechanized) prepare to enter a courtyard of a house during a cordon and
search in Hor Al Bosh, Iraq June 6. In the operation, 17 suspectswere detained.
Taji Times Page 5
Support from the sky
U.S. Army photo by
Spc. Nathan Hoskins,
1st Air Cavalry Brigade,
Public Affairs Office
Winnsboro, Texas native Spc.
Caleb Barrett, a UH-60 Black
Hawk crew chief for Company
C, 3rd “Spearhead” Battalion,
227th Aviation Regiment, 1st
Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st
Cavalry Division, scans the
ground for danger while flying
through the skies of Baghdad.
Spearhead, a Black Hawk
battalion, supports the effort in
Iraq with multiple missions
including air assaults and
Soldier transportation.
Recently, 3-227th has worked
around the clock to provide
support to the search for three
missing Soldiers south of the
Iraqi capital.
Safe neighborhood construction complete
By Sgt. Mike Pryor said Lt. Eric Brumfield, of Visalia, Calif., a improved on roadblocks that residents
2nd Brigade Combat Team , platoon leader with the 2nd BCT’s 407th had already emplaced themselves, said 1st
82nd Airborne Division Support Battalion, which oversaw the Lt. Jacob Allen, of New Kent, Va., a pla-
Public Affairs Office project’s construction. “It was a massive toon leader with Co. A. Allen also pointed
undertaking.” out that the wall hasn’t restricted foot
BAGHDAD –The thick chains attach- Almost every night for two months movement at all in the area.
ing the “T-Wall” barrier to the crane shud- straight, paratroopers from the 407th “There are plenty of places to walk.
dered as the slab of heavy concrete was BSB left their base and convoyed to Ad- What this has blocked off is movement of
lifted into the air. The crane operator hamiyah, emplacing as many as 70 of the (vehicle-borne) explosives,” he said.
worked his control stick, first swinging the huge barriers each night alongside the Brumfield said that despite the criti-
barrier through the air, and then slowly main road ringing the neighborhood. cism of the project, his paratroopers are
lowering it into place. “It was probably more labor intensive proud of what they accomplished.
As the 14,000 pounds of concrete set- than anything we’ve done,” said Capt. “We’re exhausted. We’re tired of see-
tled onto the ground with a grinding Priscilla Smoot, of Miami, the com- ing the wall every night. But in the end, we
crunch, the project to secure a neighbor- mander of Company A, which did the ma- did it. We were able to fight through the
hood in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah District jority of the work for the project. IEDs and the publicity and everything else
behind miles of protective barriers came Brumfield said he was shocked to read and get it done,” Brumfield said.
to an end in darkness of the early morning early media reports criticizing the project “Now it’s time to step back and start
May 28. as a Berlin Wall-like partition dividing looking at the statistics. We have to let
The project, overseen by the 82nd Air- neighbor from neighbor. In reality, the time tell if it’s going to work,” he said.
borne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat wall was a simple security measure, he So far, the results have been positive.
Team, involved emplacing temporary bar- said. Murders are down 61 percent in Ad-
riers and checkpoints around a three-mile “It’s just like driving at home where hamiyah between the beginning of April,
area of Adhamiyah in order to protect the you have barriers beside the highway. It’s when construction began, and May 28,
local populace from attacks by terrorists. no different than that,” he said. when it ended, according to reports com-
In some sections, the project simply
“This was our biggest project to date,” piled by the 2nd BCT.
Taji Times Page 6
Beaver fans watch games on Taji
Fellow Oregonians cheer on Sio, Ore. and Lakin from Philomath,
Ore. have hometowns that are just a few
team in College World Series
miles from the college which is located
via streaming video
in Corvallis, Ore. and are practically
next door neighbors. Many of the mem-
bers of Doyle’s family to include her
By Staff Sgt. Jon Cupp
grandmother and cousins are from
1st Brigade Combat Team,
Philomath which happens to be Lakin’s
1st Cavalry Division
hometown. PPhhoottoo bbyy SSttaaffff SSggtt.. JJoonn CCuupppp
Public Affairs Office “It’s been really fun. I sent a photo Philomath, Ore. native Sgt. Jessy Lakin (left), a targeting
noncommissioned officer for Headquarters Company, 1st
of myself with Lakin to my grandmother
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – When they say Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Sio, Ore.
and she got a kick out of seeing him,” native Capt. Amanda Doyle, brigade provost marshal, watch the
they’re Beaver fans they’re not talking
College World Series in the early morning hours of June 25.
said Doyle, explaining that not only was
about Jerry Mathers or the Cleaver clan.
it good to be working in the same place fanatical,” added Doyle explaining that
Sgt. Jessy Lakin, a targeting non-
as a fellow Oregon State fan but also she’s the average fan as opposed to the
commissioned officer with Headquar-
someone who practically came from the ones who run around painting them-
ters Company, 1st Brigade Combat
same town. “He knows all of my cousins selves or wearing cheese heads like folks
Team, 1st Cavalry Division and Capt.
so it was good to push that back to the in Green Bay, Wis. have been known to
Amanda Doyle, brigade provost mar-
families.” do.
shal, are talking baseball-- college base-
“It’s good to know that I’m work- Doyle also mentioned that her
ball to be precise.
ing with another person from where I husband is also an Oregon State fan but
The Beavers they have on their
come from,” said Lakin. “It makes you missed the recent College World Series
minds are the ones from Oregon State
feel more at home.” due to his busy schedule.
University who shut down the North
Being fellow Beavers fans gives This year’s College World Series
Carolina State Tarheels two nights
them the opportunity to share in the ca- marked the second year in a row that
straight to win the College World Series
maraderie of the sport. Oregon State’s baseball team won the
which was played in Omaha, Neb. June
“It’s good to have another Beaver series.
23 – 24.
for support who can help me cheer on “They’ve been absolutely amazing,
Lakin and Doyle caught the series
the teams,” said Doyle. but I was a little worried about them,”
through streaming video on a computer
“When bragging about the said Lakin. “It was kind of a shock that
and both stayed up into the early morn-
Beavers, it’s always good to have back they made it this year because they only
ing hours of June 24-25 here to catch
up,” said Lakin with a laugh. had two returning field players on the
the games.
Doyle and Lakin’s love of Oregon squad.”
“It was excellent having the ability State University’s sports teams is deeply Both Lakin and Doyle have their
to watch the games, unfortunately at rooted and the two follow the school’s own different thoughts on what it meant
odd hours, but we made it work,” said football and basketball teams as well. being able to see their favorite team play
Doyle, who explained that the games “The first Oregon State game that in the College World Series while de-
started at 3 a.m. here. I went to was in sixth grade,” said Lakin. ployed to the combat zone.
“It was worth it just to watch “Ever since then, I’ve gone to the games “It’s good to have that kind of dis-
them win,” said Lakin, who said game and by my junior and senior years I had traction,” Doyle said of the games, ex-
one in the series lasted until about 7 season tickets.” plaining that with the long hours and
a.m. in the morning. “I still came into “We’ve always been strong sup- stress in Iraq, it was good to be able to
work the next day at 8 a.m., but getting porters of anything Oregon State,” said take a break. “Getting behind your
to actually see the games was great, last Doyle. “Both of my parents went to Ore- home team gives you a feeling of nor-
year I could only listen to the games on gon State and are local to that region. If malcy.”
the radio. I really wish I could be there I was there right now, I’d be there with “It’s nice to know that you can
to actually see the games in person.” them for every game.” fight for freedom here and still have
The two die-hard Oregon State “I’m borderline fanatical but I’d people back home who are free to play
University baseball fans—Doyle from have to say that my family is completely baseball,” said Lakin.
Taji Times Page 7
Messages from the Homefront
CPT Matthew Weeks (115th BSB S-4 OIC) Happy To SPC Jeff O'Haver,
Belated Father's Day Daddy! Mommy and I miss "I know what I am planning for you,"
you very much. So do Sox and Killian. We can't says the Lord. "I have good plans for
wait to see you! Thank you for being our hero. you, not plans to hurt you. I will give
Please be safe and know that we are thinking of you hope and a good future." Jeremiah
you every minute of every day. We love you so 29:11 Stay strong my Jeffrey and I'll be
much! Love, Conor and Mommy strong for you! We miss you so much!
Love you!
To: 115th BSB Staff Happy Belated Mother's day Love Always,
and Happy Belated Father's day to all of you! Your Jill and Nathan "The Boss"
Conor and I wish you the best, and are praying for O'Haver
your safe return. We are thinking of you always!
Love, Maryellen & Conor Weeks My Beebes :)
It was SO incredibly great to see you during your
Sgt Josh Burke 15th Sus. Bde: R&R! I had so much fun just hanging out with you
Happy Anniversary to my husband, and being our silly/dorky selves! I have missed that
Here's to four years of marriage so much! It hasnt even been that long and i miss
and many more to come. Even you so much already! We dont have much longer
though we are apart this year we though till you’re home - and you can bet i'm count-
are still in each others hearts. I ing the days! :) I'll talk to you soon I'm sure, but
love you with all that I am and look- just remember that
ing forward to your homecoming. I love you and I miss you and to stay safe!
Forever your Bride. Come Home All my love,
Safe and Soon! forever and ever,
Sissy Burke Alexis :)
Ministry Center/Tigris River Chapel Weekly Events Schedule
WEEKLY EVENTS Ministerial Staff
EVERY Sunday: 0830 Hrs Sunday School
Ministry Center 0830 Hrs New Believers
Chaplain Leader
1000 Hrs Worship Service
(CPT) DAVID SCHLICHTER
[email protected]
1st & 3rd Monday: 1900 Hrs Leadership
Tigris River Chapel Training
Pastoral Lay Minister
2nd & 4th Monday: 1900 Hrs POWER (WO1) CURTIS JOHNSON
Tigris River Chapel Prayer [email protected]
1st Tuesday: 1900 Hrs Marital
Minister of Music
Tigris River Chapel Enrichment
(CPT) MATTHEW MILLER
[email protected]
2nd Tuesday: 1900 Hrs Women’s
Tigris River Chapel Fellowship
3rd Tuesday: 1900 Hrs Singles’
Tigris River Chapel Fellowship
4th Tuesday: 1900 Hrs Men’s
Tigris River Chapel Fellowship
EVERY Wednesday: 1900 Hrs Bible Study
Ministry Center
EVERY Thursday 1900 Hrs Choir Rehearsal
*** & Saturday:
Ministry Center
EVERY Friday: 1900 Hrs JOY NITE!
Ministry Center
Taji Times Page 8
Extension: the 8th dirtiest word
By Cmdr. Edward Simmer all 3. Indeed most of those extended will ing off bills. But you may also want to use
Combat / Operational Stress Psychiatrist probably feel some of those emotions at some of it for a special treat for you and
113th Medical Company some point. The goal, however, is not to your family – perhaps a trip when you get
Combat Stress Control let these emotions get the best of you. Ex- home, or a new piece of gear for your
tension, like many things in the Army, and home.
Several years ago the U.S. Supreme Court especially in Iraq, is something we have no 4. Find a way to make the extra 3 months
came up with a list of the “seven dirtiest control over. So getting overly angry and productive. If you have time, consider on-
words” in a case about obscenity. On frustrated about it really does not help us line education, or doing something you
Camp Taji (and everywhere else in Iraq very much. enjoy. Perhaps you can work toward a
right now), many people would add an 8th: That said, while we may have no control goal in terms of getting in shape. There
“Extension!” As everyone knows by now, over the extension itself, we can control are lots of possibilities. The important
virtually all active duty Army tours have how we respond to it, and we can help our thing is to have something to show for the
been extended to 15 months, meaning families adjust to it as well. So how can extra 3 months when you leave here.
those here now have been extended for an we do this? Here are a few simple sugges- 5. Consider making a video for your
additional 3 months. tions: child/family. You can come by Combat
For most of us, redeployment is a day we 1. Focus your energy and time on the Stress Control – we have all the equip-
look forward to. Some of us “count the parts you can control – your reaction to the ment, blank DVDs, mailers, children’s
days” – or our families do it for us! Often extension, helping your family, rather than books, etc. that you will need. All you
we have events planned after homecoming, on the extension itself. need to bring is yourself. Even if your
which may have been delayed until after 2. Talk to your family about it. Let them homecoming is delayed, the video can help
we come home. In addition, just thinking know you would rather be home sooner, keep you and your family connected. You
about having to spend another 3 months but also assure them that you are still com- can just stop by, or call us for an appoint-
here can be very depressing and can cause ing home, and that you are still looking ment at DSN 834-1050 or VOIP 242-6950.
significant stress for both those of us here, forward to seeing them. While you cannot control the extension it-
and our families. 3. Many people will be getting $1000 self, with these steps, you can help control
So if you have been extended, what are extra per month after they have been here the stress the extension can cause, which
some ways to deal with it? You could get 12 months. Make a plan for the extra will make the extra 3 months go by a little
angry, frustrated, or depressed, or perhaps money. Saving it is a great idea, as is pay- bit quicker!
113th Medical Company Combat Stress Control
“Never Leave A Fallen Comrade”
We are currently offering classes and groups everyday!!!
No appointments are necessary!!! All classes take place at 10 a.m.
and 3 p.m. on days listed below.
Mornings: 10 to 11 a.m. Afternoons: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Classes
Monday (Morning Only): Anger Management Monday (Afternoon Only): Relationships
Tuesday (Morning Only): Stress Management Tuesday (Afternoon Only): Money Management
Wednesday (Morning Only): Coping Skills Wednesday (Afternoon Only): PTSD Group
Thursday: Conflict Resolution Thursday (Afternoon Only): Drug/Alcohol Group
Fridays (Morning Only): Relaxation Techniques Friday (Afternoon Only): Smoking Cessation
Directions: 113th CSC is located at the corner of Sooner Ave. and 37th. Directly east of the light tower.
113th MEDICAL COMPANY Combat Stress Control, Building 632 Sooner Avenue DSN: 318-834-1050
VOIP: 302-242-6950 (OIC) LTC: [email protected] (NCOIC) SFC: [email protected]
Taji Times Page 9
CCHHAAPPLLAAIINN’’SS CCOORRNNEERR
Staying fresh for the long haul
By Chaplain (Capt.) Tom Strong vegetables, & fruits. Eating healthy will help us recover from the
1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Chaplain low-octane blues. Also, demands squeeze out exercise. Add that on
top of already feeling tired out, & pretty soon, it’s been weeks or
months since we have broken a sweat in our PTs. Exercise is another
Greetings from Camp Taji! As you know, the longer you are
surefire way to rekindle freshness in our body. We will feel better &
deployed, the quicker fatigue sets in & frustration pops to the sur-
sleep better!
face. One of the best things we can do is to “rest.” And it is impor-
S=Study something interesting, preferably our faith. When we
tant for staying fresh for the journey.
are tired, we usually don’t want to think. That’s why it is easy to
Years ago, out of necessity, I came up with a personal acronym
watch TV, it thinks for us. Our minds do grow tired but our minds
to help me focus on REST. R=Relate to trusted others, E=Eat
are renewed by exercising them in a fresh way. If your faith has been
healthy & exercise, S=Study something interesting, preferably your
on the shelf for awhile, maybe it is time to dust it off. And/or read
faith, T=Take it easy. This could apply if we have two weeks vaca-
up on the interest you just haven’t taken the time for. You will be
tion or only pockets of time here & there. The key is to nurture our
pleasantly absorbed in something new & something you don’t reg-
whole self: our mind, body, heart & soul.
ularly do.
R=Relate to trusted friends. Trusted friends are those who are
easy to be around. They are ones for us that carry on a mutual dialog, T=Take it easy. Our doing flows from our being, yet we are so
give & take. We all need several people in our lives where we can accustomed to doing that we forget how to be! We can get spinning
express what we are thinking & how we are feeling. Safe people are so fast that we begin to think that we are God & limitless, but we are
those who will listen well & accept us for who we are, telling us af- neither. We get addicted to adrenalin & activity. We need to break
terward that they still love us. Whether these friends are near or far, the routine & chill out. Find a way to be still. God even says, “Be
interacting with them will help bring us back to relational balance. still & know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a). The key is to relax.
E=Eat healthy & exercise. When we are on the go all the time, Whether you are going on R & R or trying to stay fresh for the
it is easy to default to the food that is quickest to eat, but it may not long haul, may God grant you REST along the way & strengthen
be the best, health-wise. We will feel better if we focus on meats, your warrior soul! May God bless you & your family!
CAMP TAJI RELIGIOUS SERVICES SCHEDULE
Rawhide Chapel (Bldg. 639) Warrior Chapel (Bldg. 510)
POC: SPC Leatherman 834-1049 POC:SSG Drain 242-6501
Sunday Sunday
10 a.m. Protestant 10 a.m. Traditional Protestant
2 p.m. LDS Service
Wagonmaster Chapel (Bldg. 97) 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Protestant
POC: SGT Kimp 834-1124/1161
Saturday
Sunday
10 a.m. Catholic Mass
10 a.m. Church of Christ
10 a.m. Contemporary Protestant (Theater)
Tigris River Chapel
POC: SSG Drain 242-6501
Tuesday/Thursday
7 p.m. Choir Practice
Sunday
9:30 a.m. Traditional Protestant
Friday
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Protestant
6 p.m. Communion Service
2:00 p.m. Spanish Protestant
Saturday
Friday
7 p.m. Catholic Mass
12:00 p.m. Islamic Prayer (Jummah)
Special Forces Chapel 1:00 p.m. Islamic Q & A Service
POC: CH (CPT) Black 246-1032 7:00 p.m. Jewish Service
Sunday Saturday
2 p.m. Protestant 10:30 a.m. SDA Service
8:00 p.m. Catholic Mass
Saturday
4 p.m. Catholic Mass For Gospel Services/Weekly Activities at Tigris River Chapel, please see
Page 4 of the Taji Times.
Taji Times Page 10
A Special Message to the Troops
Dear Soldiers and Comrades of Shawn,
In a small church outside of Boston, MA.,in a small city named Fitchburg, we held a memorial day service. We prayed, thanked the LORD, for
those who have gone before you, for you who are serving now and for the young men who will be joining you.
Our tears were shed for the priceless sacrifices that have been given, so that we might sit in that old new england church, free to worship, free
to pray, and free to live in America.
As a returning CSM Dad and his soon to be deployed LCpl son stood before us, we sung the "Star Spangled Banner". We all know the words
to the first verse, but verse four, so appropriately written in 1814, becoming our national anthem in 1931, may it still hold true to this day in
2007:
"Oh thus be it ever when free men shall stand between their loved homes and wars desolation.
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven rescued land praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just; And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!" And the star spangled banner in triump shall
wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave."
Continuing in prayerful support of you all,
the Niemiera Family,
Greg, Joy, Greg, Lee, Ben,and mommom- Gladys (Kristen & Heather too)
ps: Shawn, the usual July 4th picnic is on hold till you return!
1st LT Shawn Jokinen
D Company, 2-8 Cav
1BCT
TAJI BUS LINES WITH STOPS
South A
PX/Mayor’s Cell/Freedom Phone
Pool
Finance/Post Office/Wrangler Clinic
Theaters/DFAC2
Combat Stress
Blacknight Laundry
Wolfpack Motorpool
South B
PX/Mayor’s Cell/Freedom Phone
DFAC 1
PAX Terminal
DFAC2/Theater
ECP 9
Optometry
Finance/Post Office/Wrangler Clinic
Black Night Laundry
Tomahawk
Express
PX/Mayor’s Cell/Freedom Phone
DFAC 1
PAD 1
CSC AYRD
Tomahawk Village
Gym 129
PAX Terminal
North A
PX/Mayor’s Cell/Freedom Phone
DFAC 1
2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.
61st Blue Devil
Bldg. 680 MWR
Bldg. 582 MWR/Gym
North B
PX/Mayor’s Cell/Freedom Phone
DFAC 1
POD 1
MWR 544
Blue Devil Laundry
61st Blue Devil
PAD 16