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

Cavalry scout Sgt. Elliot Edmunds, B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, directs an Iraqi policeman which direction to cover during an operation south of Tal ‘Afar, Iraq, July 13. Edmunds unit has been deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom for over 12 months now. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 071707-74
July 17, 2007


By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs


FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq— Troops from Multi-National Division-North conducted a series of cordon and knock engagements July 12 through July 14 with the help of Iraqi security forces in the area between Bi’aj and Tal ‘Afar.

Soldiers from the Blackfoot Troop of 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment went into five villages over the three-day operation to interact with the locals and introduce the ISF to the townspeople.

“We do these missions to check on the locals,” said Sgt. Matthew Kravulski, intelligence liaison for Blackfoot Troop. “We get the town demographics, what the religious make up is, and what kind of support they need from the ISF.”

The troops brought along members from the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police for many reasons that are intended to ultimately benefit the local people in the area.

“People don’t really hear about us and this area,” said Spc. Lonnie Sykes, a cavalry scout from Las Vegas. “This is a really big area and when it’s just us trying to help everyone, that’s when problems arise and things don’t get accomplished.”

Another cavalry scout, Sgt. Elliot Edmunds, agreed with Sykes about the difficultly and added, “We can’t support the entire area.”

These Soldiers have seen problems arise in the past when areas get neglected by ISF, but now they can start to see the solution working.

“The Iraqi people don’t yet have complete confidence in areas like their security and healthcare,” said Sgt. Paul Loos, squadron senior line medic. “But those areas are moving towards improvement. The IP are trying and our presence has changed the IA. They are doing a lot more now, so when we go out, we find less and less.”

With the Iraqi security forces advancing in their training, they will soon be able to step up to the challenge and be the glue that helps keep Iraq together.

“We have seen less crime and better living conditions in cities like Sinjar, Tal Afar, and Bi’aj,” said Sykes.

Kravulski agreed with Sykes but added, “There have been a lot of improvements, but there are still many things that need improvement; like better security, so when we do fix up places, they stay in good condition instead of being destroyed days later.”

The results of the three-day operation can show evidence that the level of security has improved. Of the five towns involved in the operation, there were only two people detained for questioning. Those two were only detained because of a search revealing an excess number of weapons found in their possession.

“We do these village engagements pretty often,” said Loos. “And this one wasn’t bad at all. We can see the civilians are helping out a lot.”

Edmunds agreed with his fellow sergeant and added that if they don’t find a lot of insurgents or weapons, it means the Iraqis are doing their part to keep their communities safe.

The operation gave Coalition Forces an opportunity to see that the ISF can establish good working relationships with the occupants of different villages and tribes. It also gave them a chance to see the Iraqis’ abilities to identify things the villagers need for a better quality of life.



Squadron senior line medic, Sgt. Paul “Doc” Loos, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, applies a bandage to an Iraqi as 1st Sgt. James Taylor, B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, looks on during an operation south of Tal ‘Afar, Iraq, July 14. Loos, a Moreno Valley, Calif., native, is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Cavalry scout, Spc. Lonnie Sykes, B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, shakes hands with local villagers as Sgt. Elliot Edmunds, cavalry scout, B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment looks on July 13 south of Tal ‘Afar, Iraq. Sykes is a Las Vegas native, who has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for over a year. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Labels: 3-4 Cavalry, FOB Marez, Good News, Iraq, photos, Tal Afar, US Army

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 060507-67
June 5, 2007

618th "Nasty" Engineer Company named best in the Army
By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs


FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq— Soldiers from the 618th Engineer Company, 19th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps won the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award May 23, recognizing them as the best engineer company in the U.S. Army.

This is the third time that the 618th’s “Nasty” Engineers have won the coveted Itschner award, which is only handed out to the best of the best.

The Itschner award, named in honor of Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner, the 39th Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is presented each year to the most outstanding active duty, Reserve and National Guard Engineer units throughout the Army.

In order to be eligible for the Itschner Award, a unit must be selected at every level, from their battalion, to their brigade and finally their major command. Once they are approved, they advance to the Army level where the branch evaluates the nomination packets and selects a winner.

For some Soldiers, like Spc. Robert Schaefer, general construction equipment operator for the past three years, winning the award came as a surprise.

“I didn’t think we were going to win until my dad got an e-mail saying that we did,” said the New Orleans native.

The unit was awarded the Itschner for its accomplishments in 2006, many of which happened since they deployed to Mosul in August.

The 618th is completely committed to the counter-improvised explosive device fight in Mosul, with three platoons operating nightly in the city providing Col. Stephen Twitty, commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, assured mobility, said 1st Lt. Lyndi Koch, support platoon leader, originally from Fort Lauderdale, Fla..

One way that they assure mobility is by repairing IED craters, which denies the enemy the terrain used to emplace IEDs, added Koch.

The company, she said, became the premier unit for airfield crater repair and the techniques they developed there are now being used to enhance their ability to fix roadways and structural surfaces throughout the 4th BCT’s battle space.

“The crater repair that we do has the biggest influence on Soldiers in Iraq and the routes that they take,” said Pfc. Torres Ferguson, general construction equipment operator and Moultrie, Ga. native. “What we do keeps us safe. We do a lot of projects [for Soldiers and the people of Iraq] to feel safer each time we complete a job.”

Regardless of rank or job title, the 618th Soldiers are enthusiastic about winning the award.

“We feel a great sense of pride in the company and being a part of something this big,” said Koch. “Winning the award three times says a lot about the values, dedication and hard work of the 618th.”

The 618th is the only company to receive the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award three times, previously winning it in 1964 and 1995.


A “Nasty” Soldier excavates a site during the late evening hours. The 618th Engineer Company works around the clock repairing roadways, fortifying combat outposts and repairing blast sites throughout the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division’s battle space in the Ninewah province. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of the 618th Engineer Company)


Company commander, Capt. Mara Boggs, walks across the newly repaired surface, which had been previously a large crater left after a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in Mosul, Iraq. Within 15 hours of the detonation, the 618th repaired the crater, and removed over 30 burnt-out vehicles. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of the 618th Engineer Company)

Labels: "Nasties", 19th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, 618th Engineery Company, FOB Marez, Good News, heroes, Iraq, Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner Award, US Army, XVIII Airborne Corps

Unit supply specialist Pfc. Alice Stokes, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, watches as Spc. Dwayne Jones, automated supply specialist, A Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., moves Stokes’ unit supplies to her vehicle April 12 on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq. Stokes makes the journey to the Supply Support Activity warehouse daily to pick up valuable supplies for her unit. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 041507- 52
April 15, 2007


By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs


FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq— The Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are always in need of supplies to make their jobs run smoothly. It’s the job of the automated logistical specialists of A Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion to make sure the Soldiers get the supplies they need in a timely manner.

Company commander, Capt. Courtney Sugai, is in charge of the Supply Support Activities warehouse here and says the almost 4,400 items that the SSA stocks regularly, helps provide direct support to the 230 Department of Defense Activity Address Codes in the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. area of operations.

The 230 different DODAACs each represent a different company’s supply sergeant or motor pool.

“After a soldier has requested something from their supply sergeant, the supply sergeant puts the order in the SARSS (Standard Army Retail Supply System),” said Sugai. “Once the order is in the SARSS, we check to see if it’s one of the items that we stock, if it is, then the storage section takes it over to the issue section and they put it in the unit’s pick-up box. If we don’t stock the item, then the SARSS system sends out the order to the company to have it shipped,” said Sugai.
Once an item has been ordered, it gets shipped to the SSA warehouse and the Soldiers in the receiving section are the first to see it.

“We wait for the trucks to come in,” said Spc. Margot Sinti, who works in the receiving section. “After the trucks come in, we pull the pallets down and sort through everything. After we sort through it all, we take it to where it needs to go, the storage section, the issue section, or the turn-in section. We do this pretty quickly. Sometimes it only takes us 30 minutes.”

“We have 24 hours to get everything to the different sections, but normally it only takes us a few hours,” said Pvt. Andre Barbosa, who also works in the receiving section, “We try to have everything ready the same day it comes in because we have customers that come in everyday. We get five to six trucks a day, seven days-a-week, at any time of the day. When the trucks come in, we have to check everything to make sure it’s accurate. If a box says it has 100 screws in it, then we have to count all 100 of them.”

After an Item has made its way through the receiving section, if it is something that the SSA warehouse stocks, it heads over to the storage section.

“When we get an item, we find out what it is and stock it in its proper location,” said Sgt. Theresa Sutton, storage section noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “If an item doesn’t have a certain location, then we create one for it, put the location in the SARSS, and then put the item in that location. After we see that a supply sergeant has placed an order for something that we stock, we send it over to the issue section so they can pick it up. We used to get 97 percent of the items that the receiving section would process, but now we only get about 5 percent of the items that come in due to authorized stock increases.”

The final stop an item makes before a supply sergeant can pick it up, is the issue section.

“After items have been received and checked in, they get brought to us,” said Spc. Dwayne Jones, who works in the issue section. “When we get the items, we sort them and put them in the proper customer pick-up areas. We have customers that come in everyday and then we have some that come only once a month because they are always in the field.”

When it comes to items that stand out in the SSA warehouse, the crew has thousands to choose from.

“We get anything from nuts that cost 1 cent to circuit cards that cost $20,000,” said Pfc. Ivan Martinez, also a member of the issue section. “Those circuit cards come in small boxes and you don’t think it’s anything, but it’s something.”
Even though the little items make a big impression in the storage and issue sections of the SSA warehouse, it’s the big stuff that stands out in the receiving section.
“We get everything from pens to engines,” said Barbosa. “The thing that amazed me the most was a tank engine that took up a whole pallet.”

Whatever it is that Soldiers need, the SSA warehouse makes sure that they get it as quickly as possible.


Automated supply specialist Spc. Dwayne Jones, A Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, moves a pallet of supplies to a customer’s vehicle, April 12. Jones works in the issue section of the Supply Support Activity warehouse on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Specialist Dwayne Jones, automated supply specialist, in the issue section of the Supply Support Activity warehouse, loads a pallet of supplies onto a vehicle for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, April 12. Jones is just one of the many Soldiers from A Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. who run the SSA warehouse on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Soldiers from A Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, like Spc. Dwayne Jones, who is loading a pallet of supplies onto a customer’s vehicle April 12, work in the Supply Support Activity warehouse on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq. The SSA warehouse provides direct supply support to the 230 different companies in the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. area of operations. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley J. Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division photos, 2-7 Cavalry, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4BCT, FOB Marez, heroes, Iraq, Mosul

Combat medic Spc. Steve Stephens, C Company, 27th Brigade Support Battalion, Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, opens a box of donated blankets he received from Blankets.com, Inc. The blankets are part of a mission Stephens founded called “Soldiers helping those in need—Iraq”. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kendra Evers, 27th Brigade Support Battalion)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 031407-38
March 14, 2007

By 1st Lt. Kendra Evers
27th Brigade Support Battalion

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq—Mail clerks in the 27th Brigade Support Battalion mail room have been noticing a steady stream of boxes of blankets being shipped to one of the Soldiers in C Company.

Combat medic Spc. Steve Stephens, a Portland, Ore., native, with the help of a blanket drive committee made up of fellow Soldiers in the BSB, has started a blanket drive to make a difference in the lives of the people living in northern Iraq.

“There are a large number of displaced Iraqis living in Mosul and the surrounding areas that don’t have a lot and could use a blanket or two,” Stephens explained. “Soldiers Helping Those in Need—Iraq is a mission of the heart and soul. Thousands of Iraqi people have no heat or electricity. It is our mission to make a positive difference in their lives; and as simple as a blanket may be to those back home, a blanket to those who have nothing is more of a necessity than it is a want.”

The blanket drive initially started as a toy drive for the orphans of Iraq, but Stephens found that there was a greater need for simple items, like blankets. His goal is to collect 2,000 blankets that will be distributed to Iraqis in need while on various humanitarian missions. In order to reach that goal, Stephens contacted a representative from www.blankets.com, Inc., to see if he could add “Soldiers helping those in need—Iraq” as an organization on their donation page. The company accepted his request and quickly added a “Soldiers” link to their “Donate a blanket” page on their Web site.

“When I received the e-mail from Specialist Stephens, I could tell by his letter that he was a very compassionate person who was truly moved by the condition of the Iraqi people where he was stationed in Mosul,” said Monica Barbuscia, general manager, Blankets.com, Inc.. “I was truly moved by the fact that he, and those who would be helping him, were there in Iraq risking their lives day after day, yet they had concern for the Iraqis around them. It made me cry, it made me proud to know the kind of people we have over there representing the U.S.A., and it made me want to help in any way I could. Blankets.com feels honored to be involved in getting blankets over to Iraq to help Specialist Stephens reach his goal of donating at least 2,000 blankets. It is a small thing compared to what he is doing,” she said.

The blankets cost just $8.50 including shipping, and are shipped directly to Stephens in Mosul, Iraq. Stephens hopes that by keeping the cost down and making the process as easy a few simple clicks, it will encourage more people to participate.
“We are hoping for the ripple effect,” said Stephens. “Once word gets out about this blanket drive, we hope that Soldiers will tell their families, friends, churches, and other organizations who will continue to spread the word.”

The blanket drive was started while it was still cold outside, Stephens explained, but even though the weather is starting to get warmer, the Iraqi people would still be able to use a blanket.

“Even during the driving heat of the summer they can be used as shelter from the heat, as a pillow, or even as something to cover the ground with so they don’t sleep on the dirt,” Stephens added, hoping that donations of blankets continue to increase as rapidly as the temperature.

In addition to starting the blanket drive, Stephens has also collected boxes of school supplies, Beanie Babies, and hats and gloves from various donors to give out to the children of Iraq as well.

His squad leader, Staff Sgt. Johnny Cheatham, said Stephens is one of those people who naturally has an eagerness to help others. “He’s like a big kid at heart,” smiled Cheatham. “He is one of the most highly-motivated individuals I’ve ever met.”

Stephens’ platoon sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Warren Wright, agreed with Cheatham and added “Stephens epitomizes selfless service.”

“I think it’s a great thing for new Soldiers coming into the Army to be so eager to help others,” said 1st Sgt. Christopher Coleman, C Company, 27th BSB. “It’s a trait more people should have, not just Soldiers.”


Combat medic, Spc. Steve Stephens, stops to pose with local Iraqi children during his unit’s visit to several villages in northern Iraq to hand out humanitarian supplies. Stephens, a Portland, Ore., native, is collecting blankets on his personal time to distribute to the local people while he is deployed. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Kendra Evers, 27th Brigade Support Battalion)

Labels: 27th Brigade Support Battalion, FOB Marez, Good News, Humanitarian Aid, Iraq, photos, US Army

Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremiah Catlin, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and one of the current caretakers of the site explains the rough-hewn marble window panes at the St. Elijah’s Monastery on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq, Feb.10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 021407- 31
Feb. 14, 2007

By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division were able to take a walk into the past without leaving the present when they were allowed to tour the St. Elijah’s Monastery on Forward Operating Base Marez Feb.10.

Sitting nestled in a field across from a Russian tank graveyard, the Christian sanctuary is now protected by a chain-link fence and away from the maneuver of heavy vehicles and patrolling feet. Resembling a medieval castle, its walls and courtyard show the signs of age, as well as more recent damage from combat sustained in the fall of 2003 when an Iraqi armor unit used it as a command post against the Coalition Forces. The inside is a collection of alcoves with four distinct staircases leading to the walls. Parapets ring the outside, presumably for defense against attack, and several second-floor rooms remain in remarkably good shape.

Properly called the Dair Mar Elia Monastery, after Mar Elia, a monk who studied at the great monastery at Ezla Mountain in Turkey, its origins can be dated back to its establishment in 595 A.D., according to Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremiah Catlin, Special Troops Battalion, one of the current caretakers of the site and administrators of the tour.

Soldiers begin the tour like any other military operation, with a rules and safety briefing, before they are allowed to traverse the grounds and enter the buildings. Hazards are explained and safety is stressed due to the structural problems in several areas. The troops are then asked to stay in a group and follow the guided tour before being allowed to break-off from the main group and explore on their own. “All of the Soldiers, whether religiously oriented or not, have always displayed the highest level of respect for this site, and demonstrate a very keen interest in the historical relevance and significance of this monastery,” said Catlin.

Catlin explained why the area has sparked such interest in him, and what he envisions for the future. “I have now visited St. Elijah’s Monastery on more than 25 different occasions. I began as a fellow Soldier attending the tour. I have spent time working on the site to remove unexploded ordinance with our explosive ordinance disposal teams. I spent time researching the site’s history online and visiting with individuals who have extensive knowledge of this building. Now, I am attempting to assist in the preservation of the building as well as furthering the knowledge of the monastery for all Soldiers that will have the opportunity to come through it.”

Walking through the ruins, Catlin explained to the assembled following how history played out directly under their feet. “After many years of service by Mar Elia, the responsibility of caring for the monastery was given to Mar Elia’s nephew, Khnanisho. Many years passed, and a church was built sometime between the 14th and 15th century. During the 17th century, an Alqush native by the name of Hurmizd Alqushnaya renovated the monastery. It remained to be a successful center of Christianity until 1743, when Tahmaz Nadir Shah destroyed it, as well as Dair Mar Oraha, and killed all of its inhabitants.”

Remnants of 1,500-year-old pottery lie scattered in several rooms on the ground level, a testimony to the endurance of the structure and people who lived within it.

“It has really made me think about our value systems and whether our value structure will still be visible in 1,000 years, like it is here,” reflected Sgt. Jessica Muller, a Special Troops Battalion combat medic, and native of El Paso, Texas.

Several Soldiers had similar thoughts after absorbing the sense of timelessness and perseverance that seemingly emanates from the grounds.

“It gave me an incredible insight into Iraq’s past,” said Staff Sgt. George Wrin, a communications noncommissioned officer also with STB, and a native of Philadelphia, Penn. “This is the last place I would expect to find a Christian monastery,” he added, referring to the predominant religion of Islam that currently encompasses the region.

Catlin again expressed his joy at being able to share this area with Soldiers, and explained why he felt it was significant for them to visit. “I have taken both Soldiers whose jobs keep them in offices on the FOB, as well as Soldiers whose duties take them outside the wire every day. For the FOB Soldiers, it allows them to connect and helps them feel they are getting to know some of the culture and rich history of this country. Our off-the-FOB Soldiers seem to find that it allows them an opportunity to relax and forget the stressors of their daily jobs. While Soldiers will not be as likely to exit a vehicle and get pictures of every site in this historically-rich city, they can at least get one comparable picture in a safe environment by visiting this monastery tucked away on FOB Marez.”

The beginning of the 20th century brought much interest in St. Elijahs. The complex saw many renovations and halls and rooms were rebuilt for use during WW I as a refuge, explained Catlin. The last Wednesday in November is dedicated to remembering Mar Elia. Most recently, during the 20th century, thousands of Chaldean Christians would gather at this site to commemorate Mar Elia. Later a military compound, the Muaskar el-Ghazlani, was built around the monastery, which reduced the number of visitors to the location.

As the tour concluded, the Soldiers were forced back into the 21st century reality of a nation and Army at war and their daily duties supporting their country’s effort to bring peace to a tumultuous region. Still, some were thinking of another time and another vision of what could be. “This whole land would look absolutely gorgeous if there was no barbed wire,” said Pfc. Roy Smith, an STB intelligence analyst from Knoxville, Tenn.

“I enjoy the looks of interest and intrigue on our Soldiers’ faces,” Catlin explained. “I enjoy the time spent focusing on something that naturally leads to discussions of faith.”


The alcoves, used as personal quarters for the St. Elijah’s Monastery’s inhabitants and evident from the inner courtyard, stand in contrast to the Russian tank graveyard visible outside the site’s walls on Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq, Feb.10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


The inner courtyard shows the stairwells and upper level of St. Elijah’s Monastery, spotlighting its location as Forward Operating Base Marez can be seen in the background Feb.10. FOB Marez is located in Mosul, Iraq and is the operating base for the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


Soldiers from nearby Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq, including Sgt. Jessica Muller, a Special Troops Battalion combat medic, and native of El Paso, Texas (foreground), can be seen touring St. Elijah’s Monastery from a second-floor window Feb. 10. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


The Dair Mar Elia Monastery, commonly referred to as St. Elijah’s Monastery, sits on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, as well as other units on FOB Marez, were offered tours of the area by Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremiah Catlin, Special Troops Battalion, and one of the current caretakers of the site. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Labels: 1CD, 4BCT, Dair Mar Elia Monastery, FOB Marez, Iraq, Mosul, St. Elijah's Monastery

Sergeant Brian Ohler, performs pre-mission checks on a M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun on top of a 1114 HMMWV on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq . Ohler is a Connecticut National Guardsman attached to the 144th Military Police Company, 2nd platoon, 1st squad leader, a guard unit out of Michigan currently deployed to the Ninevah province capital. Photo by Staff Sgt. Antonieta Rico, 5th Mobile Public Detachment


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# B149
Feb. 16, 2007

Coalition forces rely on quick response by MPs

By Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

MOSUL, Iraq – When Soldiers conduct missions in the Nineveh province capital city of Mosul, they could be called on at any time to assist other coalition forces.

That sort of fluidity is what makes the members of the 144th Military Police Company successful. “First in, last out” is not only their motto; it is the way these Michigan National Guard Soldiers do business.

“In the city, we are the quick reaction force because we are already out there and we are trained to respond quickly to just about anything,” Sgt. Brian Ohler, tactical operations leader for the patrol.

Members of the unit proved their flexibility during a recent mission by transforming from Iraq security advisors and health services inspectors to a rapid reaction force for friendly forces.

After Soldiers of 2nd Platoon met with coalition members at the Iraqi Police Provincial Headquarters, they paid a visit to the Al Jamouri Hospital and the adjoining police station to speak with officials at both locations to address issues related to fuel and food.

Mission coordinator Sgt. Robert Kay, 3rd squad leader, spoke with the Al Jamouri Police Station commander about plans to expand the police station from a two-room building to a facility with sleeping quarters and a larger guard tower.
Afterwards, the team made their way to the hospital’s morgue to talk with the staff about its record-keeping procedures.

Satisfied with the information they collected, the Soldiers began heading back toward Forward Operating Base Marez. The day’s mission was complete.
Just as fast as a Texas flash thunderstorm, the unit became the district’s quick reaction force when a call came over the radio reporting that a roadside bomb struck a U.S. vehicle.

As Ohler gathered more information, the convoy raced toward the location of the incident with sirens blaring, which drew curious looks from pedestrians and parting traffic on the roads.

As the squad weaved through a busy market street, gunner Pvt. Nathanael Hunt called out to Kay that he’d spotted a column of black smoke rising from another direction. Before they could determine the cause of the smoke, however, they had to answer the call for help made by their fellow Soldiers.

When the squads arrived to the site, the Soldiers involved in the incident had already been treated and the vehicle was still mobile, but they needed the MPs as an escort and to provide extra security.

As they convoy made their way slowly toward base, Hunt called out again to Kay that the column of black smoke was still visible. Kay called the tactical operations center for more information. He learned that an Iraqi army patrol had been struck by a car bomb in an unrelated incident. Kay was asked if his patrol could assist.

After being assured that their assistance was no longer needed, the military police peeled away from the American convoy and raced toward the dark plum of smoke.
From his vantage point in the gunner’s turret, Hunt guided the squad through a congested maze of city streets, around a traffic circle, and arrived at the charred remains of an IA truck.

Iraqi Security Forces had used their vehicles to set up a cordon and had evacuated injured IA soldiers. Iraqi personnel were removing the wreckage from the road and onto a flat bed truck.

The U.S. troops provided extra security around the perimeter which allowed the IA to work without fear of another attack.

“They did not call for any help, we came to set up security for them,” said Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Garcia, the platoon sergeant for 2nd platoon. “These guys had it all under control by the time we got there.”

As the Iraqi policemen drove off, Ohler made a radio call. “Any other fires?” he asked the tactical operations center.

Hunt shouted that there was plenty of daylight left.

After a short pause, the crackle over the radio ordered the members of 2nd platoon to return to base.


A wrecker removes the remains of an Iraqi Army vehicle off the street in Mosul Jan 25. The IA truck was hit by an IED during a patrol in the city. The wreckage was recovered by IA soldiers before U.S. Soldiers arrived on the scene. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Sergeant Robert Kay (center) speaks with an Iraqi policeman (left) about the conditions and progress at the Al Jamouri Hospital Police Station in Mosul Jan. 25. The National Guardsman is a member of the 144th Military Police Company out of Michigan. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)


Sergeants Brian Ohler (left) and Robert Kay of the 144th Military Police Company enter the forensic lab at the Al Jamouri Hospital during a visit to the facility and the neighboring police station in Mosul Jan.25. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Labels: 144th MP Co., CT Heroes, FOB Marez, Iraq, Michigan National Guard, Military Police, Mosul, photos

Spc. Brice Bell, military police officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, mans the .50 caliber machine gun atop his uparmored humvee, which is being driven off the forward operating base for an escort mission Feb. 8. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SR# 021207-29
Feb. 12, 2007

By Pfc. Bradley J. Clark
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq— The military police officers belonging to the Special Troops Battalion of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, play an important role in the war on terror. Their current mission, since the middle of November, is that of an escort and security team.

"We do everything from going to the Joint Coordination Center to drop off mail and supplies, to escorting the Provincial Reconstruction Teams to wherever they need to go," said Staff Sgt. Michael Wood, military police squad leader, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. “Also, we’re the ones that get called when the [Quick Reaction Force] needs back-up.”

The MPs may try to downplay their job, but in actuality, they realize it is one of high importance because of the types of people they escort; people who not only count on them to get them from point A to point B safely, but who are also glad to have MPs there for their safety.

The people, said Pfc. Aaron Rankie, like the members of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, are helping the Iraqi government to rebuild Iraq and are responsible for assisting with the management of millions of Iraqi dollars for project funding.

“Our main mission is to keep the escorts safe until they are back on the [Forward Operating Base],” said Pfc. Timothy Baker. “The people that we escort are always grateful that we’re there.”

Conducting escort operations became a vital part of the military police’s job not long after Operation Iraqi Freedom began. “The MPs used to patrol the streets, but since there is no frontline, now the infantry is learning our techniques and patrolling the streets,” said Wood. This, in effect, he explained, has freed them up to escort groups who don’t have the uparmored equipment or training to go out on their own, or who need a little extra security.

The MPs go out on missions nearly every day in the Special Troops Battalion, but they still have time to stay in shape and keep in touch with family back home.

“Our average mission runs six to eight hours, and our average day runs 10-12 hours,” Wood said. “We normally go to the gym after dinner for physical training and then get our down time and try to do the things normal people do.”

The MPs enjoy what they do and take a lot of pride in their missions.

“I like what we do,” Spc. Chase Thouvenell said with enthusiasm. “I think it’s a good thing.”

Wood agreed and added, “I know we do a good job when we all come back in one piece. It’s like our command says, we are all warriors first, then whatever our [Military Occupational Specialty] is, comes second.”


Sgt. Raymund Begaye, military police team leader, puts on his outer tactical vest before heading out on a security escort mission Feb. 8 from Forward Operating Base Marez. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Bradley Clark, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs)

Labels: 1st Cavalry Division, 4BCT, FOB Marez, Iraq, Military Police, photos, security escorts, US Army