1. October 30, 2009
COB BASRA – With speed and pre-
cision Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Benzshaw-
el, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, 17th
Fires Brigade took home top honors in
this year’s 3-Gun Competition at Camp
Bucca recently. The Appleton, Wis. na-
tive edged out the closest of 69 other
competitors by 2.19 seconds.
Airmen, civilians, Soldiers, Sailors
and Marines from across Camp Bucca
demonstrated their proficiency, wield-
ing a variety of weapons to include
the M-9 pistol, M-4 carbine, and M-500
shotgun in hopes of earning top brag-
ging rights as the camp’s top marks-
man.
“When I originally thought of the
idea for this competition, I envisioned
the amount of hard work that would
have to be put in for this thing to
work,” said the competition’s organizer
Staff Sgt. Zachary Zuehlsdorf, 2nd Bn.
127 Inf., from Oshkosh, Wis. “What I
didn’t anticipate was all of the competi-
tors chipping in to help in every way
imaginable, making this competition
more efficient than I could have ever
planned.”
Zuehlsdorf said he set up the drills
to reflect a vivid environment of real-
time modern combat scenarios that
U.S. forces could currently face.
When Zuehlsdorf first approached
his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Brad
Anderson, with the idea of hosting the
competition on base, the commander
was all for it. Anderson felt the event
would be not only challenging, but an
opportunity for Soldiers to improve
their weapons-handling abilities in an
invigorating and exciting arena.
“In a firefight with the enemy, you
only have seconds to change a maga-
zine, seconds to move from one fight-
ing position to the next,” said Ander-
son. “Time is of the essence and this
competition fully encompasses that.”
The competitors were put through
a thorough weapons proficiency test
before they were allowed to compete.
Each member was required to perform
proper functions checks on all three
weapons as well as fully explain the
procedures to the range safety cadre.
The competition was comprised of
four stages. Each stage was a timed
event consisting of four different sec-
tions. Each competitor had to success-
fully place two kill shots in the hostile
target or three shots in the target’s non-
lethal areas. The scoring system re-
warded shooters for a combination of
speed and accuracy, while penalizing
competitors for safety violations.
Each section was strategically de-
signed, placing non-hostile targets
in close vicinity to the hostile threats,
forcing each competitor to hone their
tactical focus and eliminate all threats
without any collateral damage.
“This training was much more dif-
ferent than anything that I’ve ever en-
countered. My heart rate was up and
my adrenaline was pumping from all
the running,” said Sgt. Curt R. Hensen,
2nd Bn. 127 Inf., from Green Bay, Wis.
“Fundamentals played a huge part be-
cause it only takes one slow magazine
Click here to subscribe
– Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Benzshawel
2nd Bn., 127th Inf., 17th FB
“This competition helped all
of us become better prepared
for the situations that we as
troops may have to face in the
future.”
Camp Bucca’s 3-Gun Competition recently tested the physical and mental toughness of each competitor as they
dive into a low crawl on the jagged gravel surface making their way to the final shooting section of that stage.
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway
17th Fires Bde.
Photo by Spc. Maurice A. Galloway
COMPETITION
Page 2
Bucca’s best come out guns blazing for competition

2. October 30, 2009 Page 2The Red Bull Report 
172nd Brigade Combat Team
17th Fires Brigade
4th BCT, 1st Armored Division
28th Combat Aviation Brigade
343rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Media Queries please contact 34th Inf. Div. Public
Affairs Office at MND-S_PAO@iraq.centcom.mil
The Red Bull Report is an authorized
publication for members of MND-S.
Contents of The Red Bull Report are not
necessarily official views of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, Department of
Defense, Department of the Army or the
34th Infantry Division. All editorial content
of The Red Bull Report is prepared, edited
provided and approved by the 34th Infantry
Division Public Affairs Office.
17
17
34th Inf. Div. PAO: Lt. Col. Kevin Olson
OIC, Command Information: Maj. Page Baldwin
NCOIC, Command Information: 1st Sgt. Larry Mears
NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Dave Lankford
Managing Editor: Staff Sgt. Derek Smith
Graphics Designer: Sgt. Eric Jungels
Layout/Design: Spc. Stephanie Cassinos
Staff Writers: Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence
For more of Spc. Galloway’s stories, visit:
www.TheRedBulls.org/Galloway
change or one costly penalty in a
competition. With this many skilled
competitors that can change every-
thing.” Henson placed third overall
in the competition.
With a mere 3.3 seconds separat-
ing the first place from third place,
Benzshawel admitted that along
with his skill he needed a little luck
to push him pass the rest of the
competition.
“I was very confident in my abil-
ities and I practiced my magazine
changes, but when you’re dealing
with a field of competitors that are
this evenly matched, you’re going
to need a little luck on your side,”
said Benzshawel. “Winning this
means a lot to me. It’s a big accom-
plishment and something I’m going
to be proud of forever, but more im-
portantly, this competition helped
all of us become better prepared
for the situations that we as troops
may have to face in the future.”
For his winning performance,
Benzshawel was awarded a gift
certificate for a Scope Mount from
LaRue Tactical, a Battle Grip hand
rail system with an ultra thin pro-
file & vertical grip, a copy of “The
Ultimate Sniper” book written
by Maj. John L. Plaster, and other
weapons accessories.
From Page 1
COMPETITION
Click here for
More Photos
Click
More
Each section of Camp Bucca’s 3-Gun Competition was strategically designed placing non-hostile targets in close
vicinity to the hostile threats, forcing each competitor to hone their tactical focus and eliminate all threats without
any collateral damage.
Photo by Spc. Maurice A. Galloway

3. COB BASRA – The
commanders of the 14th
Iraqi Army Infantry Divi-
sion and Multi-National
Division - South declared
their partnership a suc-
cess during a joint press
conference Oct. 27 on the
banks of the Shatt al-Arab
River in Basrah.
“As we move forward,
all Iraqis can be proud of
the professionalism and
the courage of the Iraqi
Security Forces, which
include the Iraqi Police,
the Department of Border
Enforcement and the Iraqi
Army,” said Maj. Gen.
Rick Nash, command-
ing general, MND-S, who
commands U.S. Troops in
nine provinces in south-
ern Iraq.
“By working with our
American friends in some
areas, such as logistics
and training, and with our internal
partners in all matters of local secu-
rity, we are achieving very good re-
sults here in our beautiful Basrah,”
said Staff Major General Abdul Aziz
Aswadi, commanding general, 14th
IA Div.
Aziz noted the partnership be-
tween the U.S. Navy and Iraqi Naval
Forces in their mission protecting
Iraq’s border.
“Workingtogether,theypatrolour
rivers and marshes, help to guard
our borders and intercept, deter and
interdict smugglers and criminals
from crossing into our country,”
said Aziz. “They are a small part of
a larger partnership picture, as my
division has ongoing partnerships
with not only the U.S. 17th Fires Bri-
gade and the 34th Infantry Division,
but also with our own police and De-
partment of Border enforcement.”
“The training both sides have re-
ceivedandthetrustbuiltbetweenthem
has been very positive,” Aziz added.
The two generals’comments came
in the shadow of last weekend’s
bombings in Baghdad, which killed
155 people and injured 500 more.
While the attacks occurred outside
of Nash and Aziz’s areas of opera-
tion, both issued strong condemna-
tions of the attacks.
“These despicable terrorist acts
seek to undermine the impressive
progress that Iraq has made through
stability and self-reliance,” Nash
said. “They will not succeed.”
Nash added that U.S. and Iraqi forces
cooperatively track criminal elements
to maintain security in the area.
“Major General Aziz and I work
very closely here in Basrah, sharing
information and sharing intelligence
here at the Basra Operations Cen-
ter through our 17th Fires Brigade,”
Nash said. “We track those extremist
networks that tend to do harm here
in southern Iraq … whether it’s here
in Basrah or up through the Euphra-
tes Valley up into Baghdad.”
“Together, the Iraqi security forc-
es and the U.S. forces attack those
networks and bring to justice those
that have warrants, to bring them to
the rule of law to find justice,” Nash
emphasized.
“We will continue to provide secu-
rity to our people, through an army
and police force that are capable,
competent and nonsectarian,” add-
ed Aziz. “Together, we will support
U.S. forces as they draw down their
military and depart Iraq. We are in
the lead, ready and prepared for the
next step.”
“Through the partnerships devel-
oped between our countries, we all
will continue to work through any is-
sues that may arise,” Nash said. “We
share the same goals of safety and
security for all the Iraqi people.”
The Red Bull Report October 30, 2009 Page 3
By Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence
MND - S
The
Partnership a success, say MND-S, IA generals
Maj. Gen. Rick Nash and Staff Major General Abdul Aziz Aswadi field questions during a joint press conference Oct. 27 in Basrah.
Nash and Aswadi declared their partnership a success, citing improvements in border security and checkpoint security.
Photo by Spc. John Angelo
For more of Pfc. Lawrence’s stories, visit:
www.TheRedBulls.org/Lawrence
“Having it all make sense
with the help of a duck”

4. The Red Bull Report October 30, 2009 Page 4
COB ADDER – Seven years ago,
then 18-year-old Nicholas Raia of Al-
toona, Pa., brought his trumpet to an
audition for the Pennsylvania Army
National Guard band. He aced the
audition and until last summer was
a member of several performance
groups within the band. Over those
seven years he performed more and
more with the band and ensembles
playing the guitar for recruiting
events and celebrations. For more
formal military ceremonies he now
plays the baritone—a small tuba.
After seven years in the band,
Raia, now a sergeant, decided to take
a year away from performing and
volunteer for a combat tour. Since
mobilization in January, Raia has
served as a door gunner on a CH-47
Chinook helicopter with Company B,
2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regi-
ment.
“I felt that after 7 years in the
Guard, it was my turn to do my part
overseas,” said Raia.
To get ready for the transition
from full-time student and weekend
band member, Raia volunteered for
additional training in weapons. In
June 2008, Raia attended the Small
Arms Master Gunner course at Fort
Indiantown Gap, Pa. To prepare for
hand-to-hand combat he completed
the week-long Level One Combatives
Course in July. At the end of Septem-
ber, he was one of 10 Soldiers in the
first class trained in the new Live-
Fire Shoot House, also at
Fort Indiantown Gap.
His transition
from band member
and college student
to door gunner had
difficulties training could not help.
“It was a decision that I struggled
with for a while,” Raia said. “It’s one
thing to tell your loved ones you are
being ordered to leave and a totally
different animal entirely when you
are trying to explain to them that
you are voluntarily leaving.”
Over the years he was in the band,
Raia came to believe he should de-
ploy with a combat unit.
“Our job (in the band) is unique in
that we are in the public eye often, and
we often get thanked for our service
by people in our audiences,” Raia said.
“I would find myself conflicted, be-
cause while it is true that we, as a unit,
were serving our country in the way in
which we were meant to serve, I also
felt as if I should be doing more.”
Sgt. Nicholas Raia of Altoona, Pa., strums his guitar on top of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Raia, who performs in the
Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division Band, volunteered to deploy as a door gunner with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Photo by Sgt. Neil Gussman
GUNNER
Page 5
Trading a guitar for a gunSgt. Neil Gussman
28th CAB

5. The Red Bull Report October 30, 2009 Page 5
Sgt. Nicholas Raia of Altoona, Pa., checks his weapon
in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Contingency
Operating Base Adder, Iraq. Raia, who performs in the
Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division
Band, volunteered to deploy as a door gunner with the
28th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Raia had several friends in the
Guard who deployed overseas at
least once in their careers. He said he
felt those were the Soldiers who truly
deserved to be thanked.
“I felt that after seven years in the
guard, it was my turn to do my part
overseas,” he said.
His final decision to deploy was
met with mixed emotions.
“My unit could not have been
more supportive of my decision,”
Raia recalled. “They helped me get
everything on the military side of the
house in order prior to my deploy-
ment and have made it a point to en-
sure it would not affect me negatively
upon my return.”
His friends, on the other hand, were
confused by Raia’s decision.
“Many of my friends are not in the
military and I think that makes a big dif-
ference,” he said. “People in the military
think a little differently than those who
are not and most of the Soldiers in the
military today could probably easily
understand the feeling of responsibility
that compelled me to deploy.”
“My family worried about me
and they were not real thrilled that
I would volunteer to leave them for
a year to go to a combat zone. Raia
continued. “My family has been
super supportive of my decision.
Any previous uncertainty or wor-
ries has given way to pride in what
I am doing.”
Before deployment, Raia com-
pleted all the requirements for a
bachelor’s degree at Penn State with
a double major in Criminal Justice
and Psychology. He plans to bring
together all of his training, experience
and education by becoming a police
officer after deployment—except on
National Guard weekends when he
will be back on stage or in formation
at ceremonies in the 28th Infantry
Division Band.
Have you ever ‘panned
for gold’? I have discovered
that it takes good technique
and a lot of patience to pan
for gold, to wash away co-
pious amounts of mud in
order to find the little flakes
and nuggets of the precious
metal hidden within. At the
end of the day it was not the
technique, the water, or the
mud that I valued—it was
the gold. Finding the ‘gold’
in a combat deployment can
be accomplished with simi-
lar diligence.
I often meet with soldiers who are unable to find any
‘gold’ in their combat tour. Their job turned out to be
much less meaningful than they expected. They don’t
like their roommate, or their boss. They want more time
outside the wire, or less time outside the wire. They
want more danger, or less danger. Whatever the cause
they feel they are wasting their time and life in their
present circumstance.
They don’t know how to ‘pan for gold’. The apostle
Paul was a man who was ‘deployed’ often and who
knew the hardship of injustice. He was beaten for his
convictions, shipwrecked, betrayed and misunder-
stood. He could have quit on a dozen occasions. But he
did not quit.
Paul learned how to ‘pan for gold’ in the midst of dif-
ficult circumstances. He chose to learn from, grow and
develop in spite of and because of his hardships. We can
do the same.
We can develop educationally while we are deployed.
We can choose to grow spiritually while we are de-
ployed. We can take care of our physical fitness while
we are deployed. The choice of whether we will grow
or stagnate is ours, no matter our circumstances. We can
‘pan for gold’ during our combat tour.
I invite you to ‘go for the gold’, choose to grow in ev-
ery dimension of your life while you are in MND-S.
If you choose to do so, in the years to come, it won’t
matter how bored, hot or uncomfortable you were, what
will matter will be the ‘gold’ you found in your experi-
ence and growth.
RED BULLRED BULL
CHAPELCHAPEL
Altoonaishometotheworld’soldest
woodenrollercoaster,theLeapthe
Dips,locatedinLakemontPark.
Photo by Sgt. Neil Gussman
From Page 4
GUNNER
For more of Sgt. Gussman’s stories, visit:
www.TheRedBulls.org/Gussman
For more from the Red Bull Chapel, visit:
www.TheRedBulls.org/RedBullChapel

6. The Red Bull Report October 30, 2009 Page 6
For puzzle solutions visit: www.TheRedBulls.org/puzzlesolutions
APPLES
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MASK
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PUMPKIN
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Word Search: HalloweenWord Search: Halloween

7. October 30, 2009 Page 7The Red Bull Report

Around the world in 34 seconds
PESHAWAR, Pakistan - A car bomb struck a busy market in northwestern Pakistan Oct. 28, killing 100 people as visit-
ing Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pledged U.S. support for Islamabad’s campaign against Islamic mili-
tants. More than 200 people were wounded in the blast in the city of Peshawar, the deadliest attack this month. The
government blamed militants seeking to avenge an army offensive against al-Qaida and Taliban close to the Afghan
border. Clinton, on her first visit to Pakistan as secretary of state, was a three-hour drive away in the capital, Islamabad, when
the blast took place. She praised the army’s anti-Taliban offensive in South Waziristan and offered U.S. support. “I want you to
know this fight is not Pakistan’s alone,” Clinton said. “These extremists are committed to destroying what is dear to us as much
as they are committed to destroying that which is dear to you and to all people.”
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A former cashier for The Home Depot who has been wearing a “One nation under God” but-
ton on his work apron for more than a year has been fired, he says because of the religious reference. The company claims
expressing such personal beliefs is not allowed. “I’ve worn it for well over a year and I support my country and God,” Trevor
Keezer said Oct. 27. “I was just doing what I think every American should do.” The American flag button Keezer wore in the
Florida store since March 2008 says “One nation under God, indivisible.” Earlier this month, he began bringing a Bible to read during
his lunch break at the store in the rural town of Okeechobee. That’s when he says The Home Depot management told him he would
have to remove the button. Keezer refused and was fired Oct. 23, he said. A Home Depot spokesman said Keezer was fired because he
violated company dress code.
NEW YORK - Chase Utley showed off his sweet stroke on a grand stage. Philadelphia’s All-Star second baseman hit two solo
homers off CC Sabathia, helping the defending champion Phillies beat the New York Yankees 6-1 in Game 1 of the World
Series Oct 28. “He left one kind of in the middle of the plate, and you can’t miss those pitches against that type of pitcher,”
said Utley, who walked in the first inning to set a postseason record by reaching base in 26 straight games. He drove a 95 mph
fastball about two rows into the seats in right field in the third, giving the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Utley sent another 95 mph fastball deep
into the right-field bleachers in the sixth to make it 2-0. Utley became the second left-handed batter to hit two homers off a left-handed
pitcher in the World Series, joining Babe Ruth who did it for the Yankees against St. Louis in 1928. “I guess that’s pretty good company,”
said Utley. “It doesn’t really matter that much.” Sabathia had not allowed a homer in Yankee Stadium to a left-handed hitter this year
before Utley connected.
CARROLL, Iowa - Police had no trouble identifying two men accused of trying to break into an apartment. Police were re-
sponding to an attempted burglary call when they pulled over a car matching the alleged suspects’ vehicle. Inside the car,
officers found two men with their faces blackened with permanent marker. Police said the caller described two men with
painted faces attempting to break into an apartment Oct. 23 before driving off. Matthew McNelly, 23, and Joey Miller, 20, were
arrested at gunpoint after officers were told they might be armed. Neither man had a weapon. McNelly and Miller were each charged
with attempted second-degree burglary.