LONG-RANGE TECHNIQUE - A U.S. Army soldier uses long-range marksmanship techniques to engage steel targets with an M-14 enhanced battle rifle during a four-day marksmanship course on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq, April 13, 20009. The soldiers are assigned to 1st Cavalry Division's Company A, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Benjamin Fox

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, FOB Marez, Iraq, M-14, Mosul, photos, US Army

THANKS & WELCOME HOME - Vice President Richard B. Cheney speaks to 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers during a welcome home rally on Fort Hood, Texas’s Cooper Field Feb. 26, 2008. "You amassed a superb record,” Cheney told the troops. “I’m here to say ‘thanks’ and ‘welcome home.’” U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alexis Harrison - Story

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, photos, Welcome Home

OLD-TIME CAVALRY CHARGE - Troopers from 1st Cavalry Division's Horse Cavalry Detachment charge across Cooper Field at the climax of 15th Sustainment Brigade's change of command ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, Feb, 15, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Cooley

Labels: 15th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, photos, US Army

Eyes on the Ground
Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel McClinton
November 30, 2007

An AH-64D Apache helicopter flies Baghdad. The crew, from Company B, 1st "Attack" Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is looking for enemy mortar and anti-aircraft systems.

Labels: 1-227 Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, AH-64D, aircraft, Apache, Baghdad, helicopter, Iraq, photos, US Army

Members of the Personal Security Detachment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stand in front of the picture of Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon during the dedication ceremony of the Dixon Square, Nov. 22. Dixon, who died of wounds received in combat Sept. 29, was a member of the PSD, serving to protect the lives of his command and his comrades. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 112207-01
Nov. 22, 2007

By Spc. Ryan Stroud
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs


BAQOUBA, Iraq (Nov. 22, 2007) – Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, gathered in what was known as the “Grey Wolf” Square at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, outside of Baqouba, Iraq, for a dedication ceremony and renaming of the square to honor a fallen friend and Soldier, Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon.
Dixon died of wounds received in combat Sept. 29. Those who proudly served with him during the brigade’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 gathered to render one last salute and unveil the dedication sign which bears Dixon’s gleaming smile at the newly-named square, Nov. 22.

“Today we dedicated the Grey Wolf Square and renamed it to the Dixon Square after Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon, for his contributions to the Army and to his service in Iraq,” said friend and fellow Soldier, Staff Sgt. Mario Whitaker, non-commissioned officer in charge of the commander’s Personal Security Detachment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

“This dedication was very important because Staff Sgt. Dixon was a great guy, father, leader and friend,” said Whitaker. “He sacrificed everything he was known for to come over here and try and make Iraq a better place.

“He never griped or complained about anything; he always accomplished every mission that was placed before him,” he continued.

The Dixon Square is used by the Soldiers stationed at Warhorse as a hang-out spot – a place where they can call their families, get online or grab some well-deserved coffee or pizza. With new Soldiers coming and going from Warhorse everyday, Whitaker said he hopes those coming in will take notice of the efforts and achievements Dixon made for his unit, his country and his family.

“I hope that when the new Soldiers coming to Warhorse look at the sign of Staff Sgt. Dixon, they see that joyful smile on his face,” Whitaker said. “He was always happy, no matter what the situation or circumstances were. Even though we are in Iraq, ducking bullets and dodging [improvised explosive devices], he always had that smile on his face.

“When a new Soldier comes in here, they can see that this staff sergeant was happy and proud to serve his country and give everything he could to those around him,” he concluded.


Staff Sgt. Mario Whitaker, non-commissioned officer in charge of the brigade commander’s Personal Security Detachment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, looks at the memorial picture of Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon, a good friend and fellow Soldier of Whitiker’s, during the dedication of Dixon Square ceremony. The Dixon Square is an area for Soldiers to relax and have fun while serving in Diyala province, Iraq, and is a reminder of Dixon’s service during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Col. David W. Sutherland, brigade commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Staff Sgt. Mario Whitaker, non-commissioned officer in charge of Sutherland's personal security detachment, unveil the dedication sign of Dixon Square, the food court at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, Iraq, dedicated in honor of Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon, a member of the PSD who was killed in action Sept. 29. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ryan Stroud, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Colonel David Sutherland, Fallen Heroes, photos, US Army

U.S. Army Spc. David Dorfmueller (foreground) and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chris Belch, both assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division dismount and walk along the streets during a cordon and search operation led by Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


U.S. Army Spc. David Dorfmueller assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division shows an Iraqi army soldier the functions of his M-203 rifle during a cordon and search operation led by Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chris Belch assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division speaks with local nationals during a cordon and search operation led by Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division search a house during a cordon and search operation located in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. The combined operation was overseen and conducted by U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Chris Belch assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division searches a cabinet during a cordon and search operation led by Iraqi army soldiers in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


U.S. Army Spc. Jarret Taylor assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division speaks with Iraqi army soldiers and observes their procedures during a cordon and search operation led by Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


Iraqi army soldiers provide security outside a targeted house during a cordon and search operation located in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


Iraqi army soldiers maintain security at an enter-section during a cordon and search operation located in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. The combined operation was overseen and conducted by U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Bravo Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal


Iraqi army soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division move to another location during a cordon and search operation located in the town of Biaj, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal




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Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, 9th Cavalry Regiment, Biaj, Iraq, Iraqi Army, photo essays, photos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070920-13
September 20, 2007

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces aggressively targeted and pursued al-Qaeda elements in Diyala province, in support of 25th Infantry Division’s Operation Lightning Hammer II, a division-wide operation to deny terrorist elements the ability to harm the population.

“Through Operations Arrowhead Ripper, Lightning Hammer and most recently, Lightning Hammer II, the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces have made it clear that al-Qaida has no home in Diyala and will be persistently targeted,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.

The operations, which began Sept. 4 in Diyala and focused on Baqouba, Muqdadiya and Balad Ruz, resulted in 34 terrorists killed, 28 suspected terrorists detained, 17 weapons caches discovered, three vehicle-borne and six house-borne improvised explosive devices discovered and destroyed, and 44 IEDs reduced.

“Al-Qaeda is on the run and is attempting to conduct attacks as a systemic response to our offensive operations,” Sutherland said. “Ultimately, they will fail and be brought to justice,” he continued.

Soldiers from the 5th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted simultaneous, continuous operations across Diyala to deny al-Qaeda freedom of movement and remove their support bases.
Operation Saber Hammer II, an ongoing operation which began Sept. 17 in the Muqdadiya region, played a large role in the overall operation throughout the province.

Through a very thorough and detailed search in villages, such as Baloor and Hy al Askry, Soldiers from 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron and 3rd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, have successfully disrupted al-Qaeda in the area by killing 10 terrorists and detaining 14.

Also, Operation Woodshed II, conducted Sept. 19 by Soldiers from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, targeted enemy south of Balad Ruz, resulting in 12 terrorists killed.

“As operations north, east and west of Baqouba continue, our goal is to provide a stable and secure environment to the people in those regions, thus setting the conditions to allow the government to focus on restoring essential services,” said Sutherland. “Al-Qaeda will not hinder the progress we are seeing in Diyala.”


FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: TFLIGHTNING.PAO-AT-US.ARMY.MIL

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 5th Iraqi Army Division, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces, Operation Arrowhead Ripper, Operation Lightning Hammer, Operation Woodshed, US Army

U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, say a pre-mission prayer at Forward Operating Base Liberty, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


U.S. Army Capt. Brian McCall, commander, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, gives the troops a pre-mission brief for an upcoming business seminar in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


U.S. Army Capt. Brian McCall, commander, and U.S. Army 1st Lt. Neal Rice, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, greet Iraqi army Maj. Mohamed, commander, assigned to 2nd Company, 256th Iraqi Army Battalion, prior to the start of the business seminar in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, set up a security perimeter prior to the start of the business seminar in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


U.S. Army soldiers, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, search a vehicle while providing security prior to the business seminar in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


Participants eagerly await the start of the business seminar sponsored by Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


Participants listen during the business seminar sponsored by Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


Participants at the business seminar sponsored by Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, take part in an open discussion in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


Participants take part in an open discussion at the business seminar sponsored by Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


Participants read information pamphlets at the business seminar sponsored by Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill


U.S. Army Capt. Brian McCall, commander, assigned to Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, says goodbye to participants at the end of the business seminar in the Hateen neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 12, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Charles Gill



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Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 2-32 FAR, Iraq, photo essays, photos, US Army

MOSUL OPERATIONS — U.S. Army Maj. Kevin Speilman, of Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, listens to a translation while speaking with village leadership during operations on the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq, Sept. 17, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Hubenthal

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Iraq, Mosul, photos, US Army

Staff Sgt. Donnie Dixon, a soldier assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division commander's personal security detachment, pulls security while conducting a patrol in support of Operation Lightning Hammer in Mukeisha, Iraq, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden


Sgt. Nic Root, a soldier from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, watches a family walk by while pulling security during a foot patrol in support of Operation Lightning Hammer in Mukeisha, Iraq, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden


A family from Mukeisha, Iraq, a village in the Diyala River Valley, poses for a picture as soldiers from the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conduct a patrol after clearing the village, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden


Capt. Stephen Dobbins, commander of Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, talks to a citizen from Mukeisha, a village in the Diyala River Valley, while conducting a patrol in support of Operation Lightning Hammer, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden


While conducting a foot patrol in support of Operation Lightning Hammer in Mukeisha, Iraq, Sgt. Nic Root, a soldier from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, assists a local woman returning from the canal, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden


Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of coalition forces in Diyala province, Iraq, speaks with Sheik Sammi, a tribal leader in Sheik Sa'ad Village, to ensure that the local citizens feel secure and are being treated with respect during operations in support of Operation Lightning Hammer, Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden



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Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 5-73rd Cavalry, Iraq, Operation Lightning Hammer, photo essays, photos, Sheik Sa'ad Village, US Army

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070721-03

July 21, 2007
Multi-National Division – North PAO

DIYALA, Iraq – Taking advantage of the improved security situation in Baqouba, Iraq, the Diyala governor and the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala met with several local leaders July 18 to address concerns and issues throughout the province.

During the first meeting, Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, governor of Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri, deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala province, and Col. David W. Sutherland, commander of Coalition Forces in Diyala, met with the mayor of Balad Ruz at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq.

The Director Generals of Education and Electric, as well as the Assistant Governors of Technical and Social Affairs were also in attendance to discuss solutions to issues throughout the Balad Ruz region.

The mayor discussed topics such as teacher salaries, irrigation, electricity, and fuel and food distribution. Ra’ad assured each issue would be addressed with respective ministries to reach a solution.

During the second meeting, Ra’ad, Nouri and Sutherland traveled to Abarah, Iraq, to visit local muqtars, the mayor and security officials. As of four months ago, there was no political leadership in the region; and this was Ra’ad’s first trip to the Diyala River Valley area since taking office.

“I don’t look at the Abarah Nahia (region) with pity,” said Ra’ad. “Instead, I look at it with love and respect.

“That’s why we are here with you today; to see what you need and how we can solve all these issues,” he continued.

“It is a great honor to meet with you,” said a local muqtar to the leadership in attendance. “We belong to you and you belong to us.”

While at the meeting, the group discussed food distribution, ISF integration into the DRV, recruiting, projects, repatriation of families and uniting tribes across Diyala.

“If we are going to move forward, we have to move forward together,” said Sutherland. “Working together, we can accomplish things. We can make this area rich and prosper as it has before.”

“We will work to extreme capacity to serve Abarah and its surrounding communities,” said the Abarah Iraqi army commander. “We are committed to working together.”

Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, Diyala governor, meets with the mayor of Balad Ruz, the Balad Ruz provincial council member, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and several director generals to discuss security and services of the Balad Ruz region, during a meeting at the Government Center in Baqouba, Iraq, July 18. As security improves, the governor continues to meet with local leaders to address the peoples' concerns. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division)

Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)





Diyala governor, Governor Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi; the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala, Staff Maj. Gen. Nouri; and the mayor of Abarah, Mayor Shakir; address concerns of muqtars and security force leaders from the Diyala River Valley during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. The improved security situation allowed the governor to make his first visit to the Diyala River Valley since taking office. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


A local muqtar from the Abarah area addresses the concerns of his people with the governor of Diyala, the deputy commander of Iraqi Security Forces in Diyala and the Mayor of Abarah during a meeting in Abarah, Iraq, July 18. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)



FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH AT: tflightning.pao-AT-us.army.mil

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, Civil Affairs, Diyala, Good News, Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 070713-82
July 19, 2007

Story by Capt. Bridgette Bell
4th Special Troops Battalion


FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq—The Special Troops Battalion became the first battalion in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division to make their re-enlistment mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08.

The battalion’s success started early-on in the deployment while the unit was still in Kuwait preparing for their movement into Iraq.

Staff Sgt. Erick Jones, STB re-enlistment noncommissioned officer, said he did not expect to do any re-enlistment contracts in Kuwait.

“We ended up doing a total of nine, including three from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, brigade; one from HHC, STB; two from Alpha Company, and three from Charlie Company,” Jones bragged.

The unique variety of military occupational specialties within the battalion has paid dividends for the Soldiers.

“What is good about our battalion is that I work with Soldiers from so many different MOSs.”

Although this gave Jones a lot of flexibility, some of his challenges were Soldiers whose military job skills could get them high-paying jobs in the civilian sector.
“I would tell all Soldiers, who are considering transitioning out of the military, they should really consider the benefits they would no longer be entitled to.”

He cautions Soldiers to remember that they may lose dedicated medical and dental services and the additional living allowances when they transition from the Army.
“Regardless of what they can offer in the civilian sector, I try to focus on how to help Soldiers get the highest bonus and best assignment that fits their background and ultimately, can further their career in the military.”

All movement options opened up for Soldiers, May 1, 2007. This meant that highly coveted duty stations, such as those in Europe, were now available to a number of Soldiers.

Staff Sgt. Claudia Limon of the 4th BCT Property Book Office, who re-enlisted on the day of her promotion to staff sergeant, was able to get an assignment to Italy.
Limon, who said she is extremely happy with the whole program, explained, “I initially wanted to go to Hawaii but reconsidered when Italy came up as an option. I did it because I like the Army, not necessarily for the money.”

Limon also said she feels that all Soldiers should consider taking advantage of the tax-free bonuses.

“The nice thing about re-enlisting while Soldiers are deployed is that all the bonus money they get for their re-enlistment is tax -free, which puts hundreds, sometimes thousands, of extra dollars in their pockets,” Jones said, “whereas, if the Soldier waits until he or she redeploys back to the U.S., they lose that tax-free incentive.”

Jones also noted that approximately 30-40 percent of the Soldiers he re-enlisted chose the option of up to 12 months of stabilization at Fort Bliss.
One of those was Spc. Kenneth Conklin, Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) operator in A Co., who re-enlisted for the stabilization option July 6, 2007, marking the point where the battalion met its re-enlistment mission and surpassed $1,000,000 in bonus money paid to STB Soldiers.

Common misconceptions about the re-enlistment process can only be cleared up if Soldiers seek guidance from their re-enlistment NCOs.

“A lot of people did not know they could re-enlist outside their window (more than two years until the end of their service time) and take advantage of bonus opportunities,” explained Jones.

Deployed Soldiers also get to take advantage of additional bonus messages that are out that they would not be able to if they were in back in the States.

Currently, there are three different bonus messages. First, the Enhanced Bonus will give Soldiers a flat rate based on their rank, if their MOS is a critical skill. Second, the Inventory Bonus is calculated based strictly on occupational specialties that are short-staffed. Finally, Soldiers are entitled to the Deployed Bonus simply because they are deployed, regardless of whether their MOS is critical. For some Soldiers, these messages, which change regularly, have made the difference of up to $15,000.

Supply specialist (92Y), Spc. Kashema Brooker, C Co., wanted to do something different from what her friends back home were doing.

“I got my first choice for an assignment at Fort Jackson and a re-enlistment bonus. I ultimately want to become a warrant officer, but for now, I enjoy what I do as a 92Y.”

The STB re-enlistment mission was 80 Soldiers—21 initials, 42 mid-career Soldiers, and 17 career troops. An Initial is a Soldier who has never re-enlisted. A Mid is Soldier who has re-enlisted at least once and has less than ten years at date of discharge (the day before the re-enlistment). Careerists have more than ten years at the date of discharge and only have the option of re-enlisting for assignment based on the needs of the Army.

The battalion’s initial goal was to earn $750,000 in re-enlistment bonuses. Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Marvin Hedstrom, said he is pleased that his battalion has managed to get over $1,000,000 for STB Soldiers.

“That is a million dollars back into the pockets of highly-deserving Soldiers and their Families,” he said.

One B Co. trooper, Spc. Michael Warren, chose re-enlist to become an information systems operator—analyst in order to “further my career in the Army and better my military education.”

Warren’s main influence to stay in the Army was his grandfather who served at Fort Bliss in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but gave credit to all of the support he currently gets from his unit, as well.

In May, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, 25th Infantry Division commander, and commander of Multi-national Division-North, told the Vice President of the United States that in six months, the division had achieved a re-enlistment level, that in the past had taken a full year to accomplish.”

Since their deployment, over 100 STB Soldiers have re-enlisted—18 from HHC 4th BCT; 41 from HHC STB; 18 from A Company; 18 from B Company; and 11 from C Company, for a total of almost $1.1 million in bonus money.


Staff Sgt. Erick Jones, retention noncommissioned officer for the Special Troops Battalion, helps Spc. Michael Warren, B Company, fill out his re-enlistment contract and certificate July 14 on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Since his unit’s deployment in Oct. 2006, Jones has helped over 100 Soldiers get assignment of choice, new military jobs, and thousands of dollars in re-enlistment bonus money. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Bridgette Bell)


Staff Sgt. Claudia Limon prepares to be re-enlisted by Capt. Steve von Deneen at the brigade logistics and supply office on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, July 1. Limon re-enlisted to be stationed in Italy, in addition to receiving a tax-free cash bonus. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Bridgette Bell)


Master Sgt. Titus, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division senior career counselor, helps Sgt. Alonzo Scarborough, a supply sergeant assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, fill out his contract and certificate prior to his re-enlistment July 1 on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Bridgette Bell)

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, FOB Marez, Iraq, photos, reenlistment, STB, US Army

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)

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 215th BSB, FOB Normandy, heroes, Iraq, Muqdadiyah, photos, US Army, Waterdogs

U.S. Army Sgt. Blake Cirks places an identification poster up of possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device makers during operations in Mosul, Iraq, June 5, 2007. Cirks is assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kristina Columbus and her military working dog Anna search a garage suspected of being used to make vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, June 5, 2007, in Mosul, Iraq. Columbus is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott McKissen prepares to test a piece of cloth for explosives residue after wiping a suspect's hands in Mosul, Iraq, June 5, 2007. McKissen is assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott McKissen wipes a suspect's hands to test for explosives residue during an operation being conducted in Mosul, Iraq, June 5, 2007. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ


U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Scott McKissen sparays a piece of cloth to test for explosives residue after wiping a suspect's hands in Mosul, Iraq, June 5, 2007. McKissen is assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ


U.S. Army Spc. Colby Richardson flexi cuffs an Iraqi man after he is identified as a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device maker during operations in Mosul, Iraq, June 5, 2007. Richardson is assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Quinton Russ



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Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 2-7 Cavalry, 2BCT, Iraq, Mosul, photo essays, photos, US Army