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Monday, July 02, 2007

Waterdogs Learn New Trick

Sgt. Isaiah Pesce, a water purification specialist (waterdog) with 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, checks the fuel level in his fuel tanker at Forward Operating Base Normandy near Muqdadiya, Iraq, June 29. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 062907-01
June 29, 2007

By Pfc. Ben Fox
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division


BAQOUBA, Iraq (June 29, 2007) – Waterdogs – the term refers to a group of Soldiers formally known as water purification specialists. On many military posts in Iraq, though, water and other needs are contracted out to civilians, leaving these masters of water purification to find other jobs.

On Forward Operating Base Warhorse, near Baqouba, Iraq, these Soldiers work with a liquid almost completely opposite of water – fuel.

“Back in the rear we started doing the fuel,” said Pvt. Michael Pungsujarit, a waterdog with the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

“We didn’t know if we were going to have a water mission or not,” said Sgt. Isaiah Pesce, Pungsujarit’s section NCO.

With the training his platoon received back at home, little additional training was needed when they deployed, said Pungsujarit. His platoon consists of both fuel and water specialists.

“I got it down pretty quickly in around one to two weeks,” he said. “Besides that, it’s not hard at all to do cross training.
“It’s pretty easy, I guess, to me,” Pungsujarit said. “I don’t know about other people.

“We cross trained just to better ourselves,” said Pungsujarit.

“It gave us an advantage instead of having to learn all fresh out here,” said Pesce.
“I wish we could do the actual water job, but we don’t have a water mission out here,” he said.

“We aren’t doing any water anyway, so it’s good to help out and know more,” said Pungsujarit. “Since there’s no water we might as well just switch to fuel.”

One of the most difficult parts of the job is knowing how to take care of hazardous materials, he said.

“We just have to worry about the fuel spills… and how to clean that up,” said Pungsujarit.

A common saying in Pungsujarit’s platoon is that “fuel and water don’t mix,” but he said that the statement isn’t true.

“All of us get along,” said Pungsujarit. “We are like family I guess.”
“There is no rivalry or anything,” he said.

“Everyone does a good job,” said Pesce. “They all get along and stuff.”

There are three main aspects of fuel distribution: bulk fuel distribution, convoy, and the fuel and ammunition resupply point (FARP) where helicopters are refueled.
Pungsujarit started out at the bulk fuel distribution.

“After that I came directly to the FARP,” he said. “I haven’t had a chance to go on a convoy, but I think that is going to change.

“I enjoy the FARP because I have worked here a long time and I know it very well,” he said. “I know how to handle situations that if anything goes wrong I can fix it quickly.”

Pungsujarit said he also enjoys the FARP because he has never worked with helicopters before.

“Over here was when they first taught me how to fill up the birds,” said Pungsujarit.
“I was kind of excited the first time because I had never filled up helicopters before,” he said. “I had never been close to helicopters before.”

Pungsujarit also said that the waterdogs are making a significant contribution to the unit.

“Without us I think they (fuelers) would be undermanned,” said Pungsujarit. “We help out the platoon, and basically, the brigade.

“They would have to do a lot more work, but since the waterdogs are helping out, I think it’s good for them, too,” he said.

“I feel good that I am helping out, even if it is just a little,” said Pungsujarit.



Twisting a knob on a fuel tanker, Pfc. Javanti Banks, a water purification specialist (waterdog) with 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, allows fuel to flow from the truck to a collapsible fuel tank at Forward Operating Base Normandy near Muqdadiya, Iraq, June 29. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Spc. Ismael Gonzalez, a water purification specialist (waterdog) with 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, turns a wheel to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tanker to collapsible fuel tank at Forward Operating Base Normandy near Muqdadiya, Iraq, June 29. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Ben Fox, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

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TALISMAN SABER 2007
U.S. Army Pvt. William Whittaker scans the horizon for opposing forces with his binoculars during exercise Talisman Sabre 2007 in Shoalwater Bay, Australia, June 24, 2007. The biennial exercise is designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting combined task force operations. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Lock

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In Today's News - Monday, July 2, 2007

Quote of the Day
"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't!"
- Gen. George Patton

News of Note
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq's June civilian death toll down sharply
Phantom Thunder, Related Operations Continue in Iraq

Operation Enduring Freedom
Afghans, foreign forces at odds over casualties
Taliban Continues to Use Human Shield Tactics in Afghanistan

Homeland Security / War on Terror / Hamas-Hezbollah Happenings
Authorities Hunting for Terror Suspects in U.K. - VIDEO - PHOTOS
U.S. Plans to Put Air Marshals on Flights to Europe
TRANSCRIPT: Michael Chertoff on 'FOX News Sunday'
U.S. boosts security amid British copy cat concerns
U.S. terrorism trial ponders meaning of "eggplant"
Israel transfers $120 million to Abbas in first stage

Other Military News
Missing GI's Wife Here to Stay
Troops find a voice to sing about war

Religion of Peace??
Saudi religious police face backlash

Worldwide Wackos
Top U.S. General: N. Korea Still Military Threat
Castro charges CIA more murderous than ever

Politics / Government
Leahy Against White House in Subpoena Battle
Obama Outraises Hillary With Record $32.5 Million
Putin Arrives in U.S. for Meeting With Bush - PHOTOS
In Maine, Bush tries to revive rapport with Putin - Video
U.S. senator wants "czar" to ensure import safety
Argentine first lady to run for president
A year after defeat, Mexican leftist fades away
Patrick Leahy ready to fight White House
Barack Obama raises record $32.5 million
Bush unclear on what Putin seeks at meet
Bush applauds U.K. response to terror

In the Courts / Crime and Punishment / Law and Order
Search Begins for Missing Arizona Mom

Adventures in Political Correctness
England stubs out smoking - Video

Science / Medicine / Technology
Contaminated Fake Toothpaste Found in 6 States
Shots may help you lose that pot belly -report
Genetic mutations raise heart rhythm problem risk
China's terracotta tomb site hides mystery building
Curious gadget fans smash, dissect iPhones - Video
Most iPhone owners gush but some have glitches - Video
U.S. space shuttle hitches ride to Florida
Hillary Clinton rolls out top gun - husband Bill
Obama raises $32.5 million for White House race

Mother Nature
Mystery Snake Sought in Illinois
Record Flooding Hits Kansas, Missouri - PHOTOS
— Flood-Weary Texans Eye Rising River - PHOTOS
"Vicious" piranhas are really wimps
Crews tackle Utah wildfire that killed 3
Floods cause more evacuations in Kansas

Oddities
Archdiocese Sues Nun Accused of Stealing Funds
NYC Man Beats, Kills 'Vampire' Peacock
Ex-Hollywood madam opens laundromat

Other News of Note
Car, Corpses Discovered in Oregon
Rabbi who aided Holocaust survivors dies

Fox News
French Quarter May Be Worse Off Than Pre-Katrina
Baseball All-Stars Announced - HARGROVE RESIGNS

Reuters: Top News
Hong Kong marks first decade under Chinese rule - Video
Russia promotes language as symbol of resurgence
Pop stars pay tribute to Princess Diana - Video
"Ratatouille" cooks up lukewarm box office win
Jobs, subprime mess to rule July 4 week
Oil rises to $71 on drop in U.S. fuel stocks
Wall Street drops on credit concerns
Apple, AT&T shares climb ahead of iPhone release
Lazard shares sag as deal closings lag
Lost in translation
Full Coverage: Subprime mortgage fallout
Move from dollar reserves still all talk
Global FX reserves surge
U.S. airline unions showing signs of revival
Virgin Media seeks buyer, Carlyle bids: sources
Coles, Wesfarmers in talks on takeover bid
Macquarie funds buy Global Tower in $1.4 bln deal
Danone LU arm to meet staff amid sale talk: source
S.Korea Samsung Heavy says wins $600 mln ship order

AP World News
7-Elevens get a 'Kwik-E-Mart' makeover
Giant All-Star: Bonds elected to start
AU summit opens with debates on Darfur
Kerouac fans stage marathon reading
A's tag Pettitte to beat slumping Yanks
Wall Street eyes manufacturing, job data
Hargrove resigns from surging Mariners
Older farmers keep on planting after 65
Overlooked no more, Kerr wins U.S. Open

Military.com
Poll: Rights of Gitmo Detainees?
Travel: Military Lodging Saves Bucks
Podcast: Expert Transition Advice
Daily Shock: VBIED vs. M-16
Teaching Kids to Say Goodbye
Review: Bruce Willis' New Flick
Tribute Video: Remember Me

CENTCOM: News Releases
ANOTHER SENIOR AL-QAEDA LEADER IDENTIFIED, KILLED
TWO SEPARATE RAIDS NET 17 SUSPECTED SECRET TERRORISTS; APPROXIMATELY 26 KILLED
EXTREMISTS USING FALSE MEDIA REPORTING TO INCITE SECTARIAN VIOLENCE
SOLDIERS CHARGED WITH PREMEDITATED MURDER
16 SUSPECTED OF ATTACKS AGAINST COALITION AND IRAQI FORCES DETAINED
ANA AND COALITION FORCES CONTINUE CLEARING TALIBAN FROM HELMAND RIVER AREA
LOCAL TIP LEADS COALITION FORCES TO MASS GRAVE

USJFCOM
USJFCOM, others to test Coalition Combat Identification capability during Bold Quest 07
More about CCID - podcast
USJFCOM Advanced Concept Development Demonstration named finalist for award - podcast
Exercise puts critical technology on trialCommand helps test new gun shot location system - podcast
Wood addresses joint warfare transformation at Transformation Warfare conference - podcast

Multi-National Force-Iraq
27 suspected terrorists captured in raids
Neighborhood Advisory Council returns to Hateen headquarters
U.S. Soldiers receive commendation in Basra
VTC brings servicemembers closer to home
ISF, CF ensure Baqouba safe for local residents
MND-B aircrews respond to troops in contact
Iraqi Security Forces detain suspected terrorist responsible for sniper attacks
Small arms fire targets MND-B patrol
MND-B patrol struck by improvised explosive device, small arms fire
Tips lead to capture of six suspects in east Baghdad

DefenseLink
Bush Thanks New Generation for Their Service
Iraq Training Commander Expresses Confidence
Gates: Speed Mine Resistent Vehicles to Troops
Video: Gates, Pace Media Roundtable
Violent Actions on the Downswing in Baghdad
27 Terrorist Suspects Captured in Iraq Raids
Operation Arrowhead Ripper Makes Headway in Baqubah
Coalition Forces Control About Half of Baghdad

More Headline News
Counter-Insurgency Expert Sees Progress in Iraq
VA Patient Advocates to Help Wounded Warriors
Afghan Police Training Mirrors Army Success
Rebuilding Shifts Away from Western Contracts

Military News
Servicemembers Get Sneak Preview of ‘Transformers’
Injured Veteran Inspires Others With Brain Injuries
Comfort Opens Doors, Nearly 400 Treated

War on Terror
U.S., Afghan Troops Seize 16
Iraq Training Commander Expresses Confidence
Troops Nab Caches, Insurgents

Transformation
Marines Test Purification System
VTC for Servicemembers
A-10s Get Digital Makeover

Face of Defense
Military Roots Run Deep For Top Enlisted Servicemember's Wife
Wounded Air Force Sergeant’s Will to Fly Remains Undaunted
Marine Represents Family
Sailor's Drive Leads to Success

America Supports You
Former Soldier Spreads Message
Home-front Supporters Honored
Famous Chef to Salute Military
Missouri Shows Generosity

DefendAmerica
ON THE GROUND
Police Recruits Pour Out to Fight al Qaeda - Story
Marines Train Djiboutian Navy in Security Tactics - Story
Navy Mechanics Keep Missions Rolling Along - Story
New Kit Improves Soldiers' Living Facilities - Story

IN IRAQ
Medical Mission Brings Care to Needy Villagers
Marine Exhibits Leadership with Experience
Technology Brings Troops Closer to Home
Iraqi Railway Station Provides Critical Link
Taji's 'Neighborhood Watch' Turns Over Cache
Night Air Assault Mission Nets Insurgents
Marines Make Their Presence Known in Rutbah
Multi-National Soldiers Secure Vulnerable Site
Compassionate Soldiers Give Iraqi Child Hope
‘Arrowhead Ripper’ Continues Offensive

IN DJIBOUTI
Medical Task Force Educates to Save Lives
Task Force Donates Books to Local University
Music Strengthens Ties Between Djibouti, U.S.
Well Drillers Increase African Water Supply

IN AFGHANISTAN
Workers Up-armor Humvees to Protect Troops
Reconstruction Team Launches Dam Project
Army Battle Company Makes Presence Known
Panjshir Opens Teachers’ Training College

BACKGROUND
IRAQ
Renewal In Iraq
Iraq: Security, Stability
Fact Sheet: Progress and Work Ahead
Report: Strategy for Victory in Iraq
Iraq Daily Update
This Week in Iraq
Multinational Force Iraq
State Dept. Weekly Iraq Report
'Boots on the Ground' Audio Archive
War on Terror Reconstruction Report
Iraq Reconstruction
Maps

AFGHANISTAN
Afghanistan Update
Maps

WAR ON TERRORISM
Fact Sheet: Budget Request
Fact Sheet: Terror Plots Disrupted
Waging and Winning the War on Terror
Terrorism Timeline
Terrorism Knowledge Base

Weather
Afghanistan
Bost/Laskar Ghurian Herat Kabul Qandahar

Germany
Ansbach Aschaffenburg Berlin Berlin-Tempelhof Berlin/Schonefeld Bremerhaven
Darmstadt Frankfurt Frankfurt/Main Freiburg/Breisgau Garmisch
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Geilenkirchen Gelnhausen Giessen Kitzingen
Hanau Am Main Heidelberg Mainz Mannheim Nurnberg Stuttgart Trier
Wiesbaden Wurzburg

Gitmo

Guam
Agana Agana Heights Agat Andersen AFB Asan Barrigada

Iraq
Al Azamiyah Al Basrah Al Hillah Al Karkh Al Kazimiyah Al Kut
An Nasiriyah Baghdad Baqubah Mosul Najaf Nineveh Tall Kayf

Japan
Kadena Air Base Okinawa Tokyo Yokohama

Today in History
1776 - The Continental Congress resolves "these United Colonies are and of right ought to be Free & Independent States," as the British army and navy arrive in New York.
1777 - Vermont becomes the first American colony to abolish slavery.
1843 - An alligator falls from the sky during a thunderstorm in Charleston, SC.
1863 - The Battle of Gettysburg enters its second day, with the Union holding the high ground.
1864 - Confederat General Jubal Early's forces reach Winchester; The U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall is established.
1881 - In a Washington railway station, Charles J. Guiteau, a disappointed office-seeker, shoots President James A. Garfield, mortally wounding him. The President several weeks later, on September 19th.
1926 - The U.S. Army Air Corps is created; The Distinguish Flying Cross is authorized.
1937 - Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappear over the Pacific Ocean.
1943 - Lt. Charles Hall becomes the first African-American pilot to shoot down a Nazi plane.
1964 - President Lyndon Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act.
1976 - North and South Vietnam are formally reunified.
1976 - The Supreme Court rules that the death penalty is not inherently cruel or unusual.
1982 - Soyuz T-6 returns to Earth.
1990 - Imelda Marcos and Adnan Khashoggi are acquitted of racketeering.

Birthdays
419
- Valentinian III, Roman emperor
1903 - Lord Alex Douglas-Home, British PM; King Olav V of Norway
1908 - Thurgood Marshall, first African-American Supreme Court Justice
1939 - John Sununu, U.S. Secretary of State
1952 - Linda M. Godwin, PhD/astronaut

Passings
1566 - Nostradamus, astrologer/physician/prophet
1644 - William Gascoigne, introduced telescopic sights
1822 - Denmark Vesey and 5 aides, hanged at Blake's Landing, Charleston, SC.
1882 - James Garfield, assassinated by "job-seeker."
1961 - Ernest Hemingway, suicide
1987 - Karl Linnas, accused Nazi

Reported Missing in Action
1967

Kasch, Frederick M., USNR (CA); Killed when his A4B experienced engine failure and crashed remains returned February, 1989

Rayford, King D., Jr., US Army (MI); released by PRG March, 1973; one of several mentioned in a 1972 Viet Cong "Liberation Radio" broadcast; later accused of collaboration

Wilson, Wayne Vaster, USMC (NC)

1968
Tipping, Henry Albert, US Air Force (PA); A1H shot down

1969
Fransen, Albert M., USN (NV); KIA when his swift boat (PCF-87) was hit by mortar fire, body not recovered

1970
Harber, Stephen J., US Army (MN); unaccounted for after his position was hit by enemy fire

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