The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 27

Volume 1, Issue 27 may 6, 2011

U.S., Iraqi senior enlisted leaders
meet to discuss Iraqi NCO Corps

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior

Sgt. David Strayer A. Dailey, senior enlisted lead- mation of the NCO Academy NCO School to get that one-on-
109th MPAD er of 4th Infantry Division and and Senior NCO School for one relationship so that they un-
LongKnife

USD-N Public Affairs U.S. Division-North, and Com- potential sergeants major, both derstand the needs of the acade-
mand Sgt. Maj. William D. of which are situated on a por- my as far as what type of people
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Senior en- Hain, command sergeant major tion of Camp Taji controlled by they need to be sending to the
listed leaders of the U.S. and for 2nd Advise and Assist Bri- Iraqi Security Forces. academy, and to also get some
Iraqi Armies gathered at the gade, 25th Infantry Division, “At the moment, they have feedback from the commandant

Ironhorse
Iraqi Army Noncommissioned joined several other command several levels of NCOES that about the quality of student that
Officer Academy to discuss the sergeants major from U.S. are similar to what we have,” he is receiving.”
Devil

current state of the NCO Corps Army brigades and Iraqi Army said Dailey. “Our intention A commandant should have
and NCO Education Systems divisions at the meeting. was to get some of the Iraqi that line of communication with
within the Iraqi Army at Camp The IA recently took steps Army division sergeants ma- the command sergeant major to
Taji, Iraq, April 25. to integrate the role of NCOs jor to meet the commandant of
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel into its ranks, including the for- the NCO Academy and Senior See NCO, Pg. 3
Fit for Any Test

Fit for Any Test
Ironhorse

Devil
LongKnife
Steadfast and Loyal

Warrior

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO

Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, command sergeant major of the 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, center, discusses the
Iraqi Army Noncommissioned Officer Education System with command sergeants major of several U.S. Army brigades and Iraqi divisions at
Camp Taji, Iraq, April 25, 2011.

The Ivy Leaf May 6, 2011

Throughout military history, Soldiers’ ability to gather and
analyze intelligence has swayed the balance between victory and
defeat.
Spc. Lila Scaife, a cryptologic linguist assigned to Company A,
1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task
Force, 1st Infantry Division, received recognition as the Ironhorse
Strong Soldier of the Week for her attention to detail and support
to her unit while serving as a part of U.S. Division-North.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Barthelme, a cryptologic linguist as-
signed to Company A, nominated Scaife for the honor.
“Spc. Scaife’s ability to accurately report on the events in
Kirkuk and surrounding regions allowed leaders throughout the
U.S. Army photo
Advise and Assist Task Force to more competently engage their
Spc. Lila Scaife, a cryptologic linguist assigned to Company A, 1st
Iraqi counterparts in developing ways to combat violent extrem-
Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force,
ists in the area and increase the security of the region before the 1st Infantry Division, works through tactical reports at Contingency
withdrawal of U.S. forces,” he said. Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, May 2, 2011. Scaife recently cross-trained
While working in the 1st AATF Sensitive Compartmented In- as a signals intelligence analyst and completed 70 reports for her sec-
tion in one week, earning her the title of Ironhorse Strong Soldier of
formation Facility, the Zillah, Wash. native, whose primary duties
the Week.
include analyzing Arabic data, cross trained as a signals intelli-
gence analyst, increasing her skill set and providing greater capa- sor and a signals intelligence analyst assigned to Company A. “She
bility to her unit. is very driven, self-motivated, self-confident and trainable.”
From Feb. 9-15, Scaife proved herself exceptional in her duties Brooks said Scaife consistently proves herself as an outstand-
by completing 70 of her section’s 117 tactical reports with zero er- ing Soldier and a future leader in the U.S. Army.
rors during one week with several significant events. Scaife remained humble about the honor, sharing credit with
The work provided by Scaife allowed vital intelligence to be the rest of her unit.
analyzed and disseminated related to the operating environment of “Our mission is a cooperative effort,” she said. “I could not
Kirkuk and surrounding regions. have performed as well without both excellent linguists and out-
“She set the shop record for how many reports one Soldier could standing leadership showing me the way forward.”
send up in a day,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Brooks, Scaife’s supervi-

Task Force Devil medics Called to serve A catalyst for change: ‘Black Dragon’ Soldiers
first at the scene ‘Devil’ Soldier finds mentor Iraqi policemen at
fulfillment Ghuzlani
Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 10

THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse
Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.
Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views
of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, Department of the Army
or the 4th Infantry Division. The appearance of advertising in this Task Force Ironhorse Public Affairs
publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial
content of The Ivy Leaf is prepared, edited, provided and approved
by the United States Division-North Public Affairs Office.
1st Advise and 2nd Advise and
Do you have a story to share? The Ivy Leaf welcomes submissions Assist Task Force Assist Brigade
from readers. Send to the USD-N PAO at usdnpao@usdn4id.army. 1st Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division
mil. The Ivy Leaf reserves the right to edit submissions selected
for the paper. For further information on deadlines, questions or 4th Advise and
comments, email USD-N PAO or call DSN 318-849-0089. Assist Brigade
1st Cavalry Division

2


Cont’d from NCO, Pg. 1 “Every day we are helping to train and assist individual strengths and draws
with the development of their NCO Corps, from on practical experiences.
help improve the system and im- Such changes will play a
prove student performance, said
the advisors that we have at their academies to large role in producing better
Dailey. the training that goes on at the unit level.” quality NCOs when graduation
U.S. Army leaders consider – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey day comes, Hain added.
the NCO Corps as not just a se- “Every day we are helping
lective group, but the backbone chain of NCO leadership, such functional element of their army. to train and assist with the de-
of the Army. Senior NCOs work as team, squad and platoon “Our greatest issue to date velopment of their NCO Corps,
to empower leaders at junior leaders, officers can focus on here at the academy has to be from the advisors that we have
and intermediate levels, allow- the bigger picture of battlefield selection; getting the right guys at their academies to the training
ing officers to maintain situ- maneuvering, logistics, and sus- for the right course,” said Lt. that goes on at the unit level,”
ational awareness on the larger tainment. Col. Alexander Osmirko, an said Dailey.
operational picture and encour- Hain said Iraqi units can ben- officer in the Ukrainian Army, U.S. and Iraqi forces are cur-
age professionalism at all levels. efit from the empowerment of currently deployed to Iraq with rently developing Iraqi noncom-
“(Iraqi leaders) need to em- NCOs since officers could then NATO and serving as the chief missioned officers and soldiers
power their NCOs at every level focus on higher level manage- coordinator of training at the Se- at junior and intermediate lev-
to not only better facilitate small ment and leave the running of nior NCO School. els, helping them to understand
unit tactics, but to also allow for day-to-day operations at smaller “We have experienced, the roles of team leaders, squad
the development of their officer unit levels to sergeants. knowledgeable instructors, leaders, and platoon sergeants
corps,” said Hain. “They really There is an undisputable good course material, and very within units, Dailey said, noting
need to better define their duties need for an officer corps to lead good facilities here,” said Os- the ongoing Tadreeb al Shamil
and responsibilities at the vari- units, said Dailey, but NCOs are mirko. “We need IA soldiers training at Kirkush Military
ous levels of the chain of com- the bridge between officers and who are not only experienced Training Base.
mand.” Soldiers, and those intermedi- enough and distinguished from “What we are seeing now at
Traditionally, IA leaders ate leaders play a crucial role their peers; they must also have KMTB and the Ghuzlani War-
structured their forces without in making things happen on the the desire to become NCOs and rior Training Center in the north-
much intermediate NCO leader- ground. take on the mantle of responsi- ern part of the country, is we
ship; instead using a top down In coming together at the bility that goes along with it.” are putting the NCOs in charge
method, giving the officers more Camp Taji NCO Academy com- Hain said the only real im- of running ranges, platoon and
of a hands on, “in the weeds” plex, senior enlisted leaders of provements still needed for the squad live fire exercises, and
style of leadership dealing with both U.S. and Iraqi forces hoped academy to run smoother are they are absolutely excelling,”
discipline issues, small unit tac- to identify areas that may be placing more emphasis on stu- said Hain.
tics, and combat preparation. acting as road blocks to the IA dent selection and using the “In turn, this allows us to pull
With the presence of a strong NCO Corps becoming a fully cadre in a way that maximizes those officers out of that training
and give them professional de-
velopment classes to help them
develop and understand their
role, as well as the NCO’s role,
in a professional, elite army, and
as a result, become a better of-
ficer,” Hain added.
The training goes back to the
basics, said Dailey. Every sol-
dier in the Iraqi Army should be
able to look at his NCO and trust
that he will take care of him,
that he can learn from him, and
know his NCO has been there in
the past and has done the things
that the soldier will now be
asked to do.
“The capability and willing-
ness is there,” said Hain. “At
this point we really have to go
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO from the top down to make sure
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey, command sergeant major of the 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Di- that this empowerment of the
vision-North, discusses the current Noncommissioned Officer Education Systems the Iraqi Army has in
place, and possible points of improvement, with Col. Haydar, commandant of the IA NCO Academy at Camp
NCO Corps permeates through-
Taji, Iraq, April 25, 2011. out the Iraqi Army.”

3


Task Force Devil medics first at the scene
1st Advise and Assist Task Force Soldiers work
as a team to aid Iraqis after accident
Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney three Iraqi civilian vehicles col- closer to the vehicle I realized medics worked to provide aid
1st AATF Public Affairs lided in front of their convoy. there was a man trapped in- to the injured driver.
1st Inf. Div., USD-N “Our platoon was returning side,” said McChristy. Gomez assessed that there
from Fire Base Manila when As McChristy and Semon was a danger to the life of the
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- the vehicle in the lead of our directed people to step back injured Iraqi driver and helped
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – convoy radioed to myself and from the scene, Spc. Nestor provide aid while waiting for
Three combat medics assigned Sgt. Semon to grab our gear Gomez, a combat medic from Iraqi medical personnel to ar-
to 1st Advise and Assist Task and assess an accident,” said Company C, 101st Brigade rive on scene.
Force, 1st Infantry Division McChristy, a native of Los An- Support Battalion, 1st AATF, Working together, Semon
gave emergency medical at- geles. 1st Inf. Div., who was on an- and Gomez attempted to pull
tention to a local Iraqi resident When the medics arrived other mission just across the the victim out, but quickly real-
injured in a three-vehicle acci- at the location of the accident, street from where the incident ized he was trapped.
dent occurred in Kirkuk, Iraq, they first checked a vehicle that occurred, joined in the effort to “Once we realized he was
April 19. was rolled on its side to see if assist the injured man. stuck in between the dash-
Sgt. Lionel Semon and Spc. there were personnel inside. “When I heard the crash, I board and the seat, together we
Nathan McChristy, both com- They then cleared the vehicle went and grabbed my aid bag pushed the dashboard up just
bat medics serving with 1st and moved through a group of and ran out to where the acci- enough to be able to get the
Battalion, 14th Infantry Regi- bystanders crowded around the dent was,” said Gomez, a Sac- man out,” said Gomez.
ment, attached to the 1st AATF, other two vehicles involved in ramento, Calif. native. Semon said he took an ad-
were en route to Contingency the crash, explained McChristy. Gomez then joined Semon visory role during the incident
Operating Site Warrior when “When we started moving and McChristy as the three and allowed the junior medics
to take the lead in treating the
patient.
“While McChristy and Go-
mez worked on the patient,
I stepped back to give them
space and assisted them in
handing them the supplies they
needed to get the job done,”
said Semon, who hails from
New York City.
“An ambulance from
Kirkuk hospital arrived within
10 to 15 minutes of rendering
first aid, and took the patient to
the nearest hospital for further
treatment,” McChristy said.
The three medics ensured
the scene was safe and contin-
ued with their missions after
Iraqi medical personnel took
control of the incident.
Gomez said a medic’s job
is to help people, regardless of
the situation or mission.
“A medic is a medic, and
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N our primary mission is to do
Maj. Lakei Evans, executive officer, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st everything we can to aid the
Infantry Division, presents an Army Achievement Medal to Sgt. Lionel Semon, a combat medic with 1st patient,” he said.
Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 1st AATF, 1st Inf. Div., during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Site
Warrior, Iraq, April 23, 2011. Senior leaders and fellow Soldiers recognized Semon for his efforts in aiding
an Iraqi citizen injured in a three-vehicle accident that occurred in Kirkuk, April 19 2011.

4


Called to serve
Spc. Andrew Ingram
U.S. Division-North Public Affairs
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq –
“Chaplains do not volunteer, they are called,” said Chaplain (Col.)
Jeffrey Houston, outgoing division chaplain, 4th Infantry Division
and U.S. Division-North, during his promotion and awards cer-
emony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, May 2.
Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Inf.
Div. and U.S. Division-North, officially promoted Houston to the
rank of colonel and presented him with the Bronze Star Medal and
Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary performance while
supporting service members deployed to Iraq as part of Task Force
Ironhorse. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO

“While we may have the best gear in the world and the best Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Divi-
training in the world, the thing that makes us special is the people,” sion and U.S. Division-North, promotes Chaplain Jeffrey Houston to
said Perkins. “Chaplains, specifically people like Jeff, give us in- the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base
Speicher, Iraq, May 2, 2011.
ner strength. That is what he has done for me, and that is what he
has done throughout his military career.” division level positions.
Less than a year after joining the Army, Houston, a native of In 2006, and again in 2008, Houston deployed to Iraq in sup-
Van Buren, Mo., deployed to Kuwait and Iraq as a battalion chap- port of Operation Iraqi Freedom before joining 4th Inf. Div. in
lain with 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 82nd 2009.
Airborne Division during Operations Desert Shield and Desert During his tenure as the “Ironhorse” Division Chaplain, Hous-
Storm. ton deployed once again, this time as the senior chaplain for U.S.
Second Bde., 82nd Airborne Div. was one of the first units to Division-North.
put boots on the ground during the conflict, and Houston became Through two decades of service, Houston watched first-hand
the third chaplain to arrive in the Persian Gulf. the progression in Iraq.
“I came to Iraq as a captain and I will leave as a colonel,” he Houston said the drastic shift in the relationship the U.S. shares
said. “All my key positions have been in Iraq. It has been an honor with Iraq brings him hope for a better future in a country that now
to serve here.” has the tools to govern itself as a self-sufficient democracy for the
Following the first Gulf War, Houston continued to serve Sol- first time.
diers’ spiritual needs throughout the Army, serving at multiple Houston’s hard work in the service of troops and their Families
positions within the chaplaincy while moving from battalion to epitomizes the spirit of the chaplaincy, said Perkins.
“He’s had all the hard assignments,” said Perkins of Houston’s
career. “He has spent his time out where Soldiers are, he spends his
time out where Soldiers unfortunately die, and he spends his time
with Families of Soldiers who have been killed in action.”
Jeff has spent his life on the front lines dealing with Soldier is-
sues and supporting Families, Perkins added.
The senior chaplain said 20 years ago he never would have
expected to reach his current station in the Army.
“My goal was to stay in 20 years and make lieutenant colonel
and it just didn’t work out that way,” he said.
Houston explained God had a different plan for him.
Houston is leaving Iraq to attend the U.S. Army War College in
Carlisle Barracks, Pa., where he hopes to gain skills to assist him
in higher echelons of the Army’s command structure.
Houston’s dedication to his vocation and the Soldiers he has
been called to minister fills his Family with pride, said his wife,
Lisa Houston.
“I’ve waited a long time in the Army because we keep saying
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
we are going to retire,” said Lisa, who attended her husband’s pro-
Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins, commanding general, 4th Infantry Divi- motion ceremony via video teleconference. “But you and I have
sion and U.S. Division-North, administers the Oath of Office to Chap-
lain (Col.) Jeffrey Houston, the division’s outgoing chaplain, during waited for each adventure God has sent our way and neither one
a promotion and awards ceremony at Contingency Operating Base of us ever expected to see this moment. It wasn’t on our radar to
Speicher, Iraq, May, 2, 2011. reach this position, but I am humbled and grateful and honored.”
5


A catalyst for change val School Explosive Ordnance
Disposal, a joint-services train-
ing center at Eglin Air Force
He said he served with the
first MiTT teams established
to coach new Iraqi military and

‘Devil’ Soldier finds fulfillment Base, Fla.
Scott said he felt proud to
police forces.
For nearly six months, Cor-

in being part of Desert Storm,
see his older brother in uni- nelison said he helped train and
form, making a difference and plan operations for the Iraqis,
then followed Sean’s lead, en- which in turn produced a lot of
OIF, OND legacy listing in the Army in 1994. progress.
Nearly two decades and four “They were just starting to
Spc. Kandi Huggins to get out of town and do some- operations later, Cornelison said get a taste of what democracy
1st AATF Public Affairs thing different.” he received his most reward- was about, and watching what
1st Inf. Div., USD-N Cornelison said he also ing experiences throughout his happened and knowing I had
joined because he wanted mon- years in the Army through the something to do with it was
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- ey for college, and eventually, opportunities where he taught very rewarding,” said Corneli-
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – he received an associate’s de- and helped others. son. “I’m not being boastful,
For one staff sergeant deployed gree in criminal justice. Halfway through his deploy- but I felt if I didn’t help that
to Contingency Operating Site Cornelison’s path in life also ment in support of Operation Iraqi Army company out, then
Warrior, Iraq in support of Op- influenced his younger brother. Iraqi Freedom in 2005, Cor- that town wouldn’t have had
eration New Dawn, rewards are “He inspired me to join the nelison said he received the op- the security it needed.”
not found in the form of tangi- Army,” said Master Sgt. Scott portunity to work with military
ble objects, such as certificates Cornelison, an instructor at Na- transition teams. See LEGACY, Pg. 7
or medals—but from being a
part of a catalyst that changes
the lives of individuals and na-
tions.
An armor crewman by oc-
cupation, Staff Sgt. Sean Cor-
nelison, now a Battle Noncom-
missioned Officer in Charge
serving with Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st
Advise and Assist Task Force,
1st Infantry Division, employs
experiences from years of de-
ployment to ensure his impact
on Operation New Dawn is a
lasting one.
“This mission is the back-
bone of our exit strategy,”
said Cornelison. “We’re do-
ing everything we need to do
to get out of here and give the
Iraqis hope and assurance that
all we’ve sacrificed during the
years over here won’t go to
waste.”
Previously deployed during
the beginning and middle of
U.S. operations in Iraq, Cor-
nelison said he is proud to be a
part of what is considered to be
its final chapter.
U.S. Army photo
“I was 18 without a lot of
Staff Sgt. Sean Cornelison, an armor crewman currently assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Com-
direction or structure,” said pany, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, conducts an exercise at the National Training
Cornelison, a native of Ceres, Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., in preparation for his deployment to U.S. Division-North in support of Operation
Calif. “I didn’t have any plans New Dawn. Cornelison, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New
after high school, and the Army Dawn, said he is proud to see the progress being made throughout Iraq. “This mission is the backbone of
our exit strategy,” said Cornelison. “We’re doing everything we need to do to get out of here and give the
sounded like a good thing just Iraqis hope and assurance that all we’ve sacrificed during the years over here won’t go to waste.”

6


U.S. Army photo

Staff Sgt. Sean Cornelison takes a break from a mission with Iraqi counterparts during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cornelison, an armor crewman
currently serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, served in Iraq during
Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom and now Operation New Dawn as U.S. forces prepare to transition out of the country, 2005.

Cont’d from or so, I had the most experi- the brigade elements leaving the other end of the radio to be
LEGACY, Pg. 6 ence and probably had the best COS Warrior, collecting and on his ‘A Game,’ paying atten-
knowledge of what Soldiers organizing information, com- tion and to know what they’re
After redeploying to Fort could expect during deploy- municating with units and their talking about.”
Riley, Kan., home of the 1st ment.” headquarters, and tracking sig- Cornelison said he continues
Inf. Div., Cornelison received After his mission changed nificant activities throughout to give his best to honor the ser-
another rewarding experience. again during Operation New 1st AATF’s area of responsibil- vice members who never made
Cornelison said he used Dawn, Cornelison said his job ity. it home and encourages his Sol-
the knowledge and experience as Battle NCOIC is a necessity With all his experience from diers to do the same.
gained from working with to the Soldiers at COS Warrior previous deployments, Corneli- “I know first-hand the sacri-
the Iraqi military to assist the accomplishing their mission son said he is able to see the big fice people made over here and
“Devil” Brigade Transition and returning home safely. picture and be of better assis- if not for myself and my unit, I
Team mission. “I feel my brother has a lot tance to units at COS Warrior. want to do my best for them—
Between 2007 and 2009, the of tactical knowledge from the “I know from first-hand ex- for the guys that didn’t make
Devil Brigade served as a train- initial invasion of Iraq,” said perience what they’re going it home,” said Cornelison. “I
ing brigade for all MiTT teams Scott. “I’m thankful and proud through and the different threats encourage the Soldiers here to
deploying to Iraq and Afghani- that (Sean) shares his experi- they encounter, and I’m I going gain experience and maintain a
stan. ence, training, and leadership to do all I can to help them out sense of pride in their unit for
“When I came back to Riley, to deploying units. He inad- in a quick manner,” said Cor- what we’re doing as a whole.”
they started the training team vertently saves lives from him nelison. “If they’re attacked or “Have pride in being a Sol-
mission and I fell right in with sharing that experience and have an emergency, someone dier, do your best and believe
it,” said Cornelison. “At the knowledge.” has to pick up the radio when it will be enough to make even
time, I had the most recent ex- Some of his many respon- they call for help. That’s pretty the smallest difference.”
perience, and for the first year sibilities include tracking all important. You want the guy on
7


‘Rough Rider’ supply specialist takes
charge, supports fellow troopers
Spc. Terence Ewings specialist assigned to Company U.S. Division-North mission to the company. She’s a great as-
4th AAB Public Affairs A, 27th Brigade Support Bat- transition security missions to set to have, because she is that
1st Cav. Div., USD-N talion, 4th Advise and Assist Iraqi-led operations. good at doing her job,” said
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, “Ortiz has done a great job Taylor.
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- was recently named the “Long not only fulfilling her duties as Born and raised in Ecua-
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq — Knife” Reposture Hero of the a supply specialist, but going dor, Ortiz moved in with Fam-
Delivering, receiving, storing North for doing an outstanding above and beyond to ensure all ily members in Miami prior to
and maintaining accountability job accomplishing these tasks. company logistic operations joining the military in 2007.
for equipment and documents Long Knife Reposture He- are taken care of,” said Staff In 2008, after completing
are primary tasks for all U.S. roes of the North are recog- Sgt. Sabrina Taylor, supply ser- basic and advanced individual
Army unit logisticians. nized for their hard work and geant, Company A. training, Ortiz was assigned to
Spc. Diana Ortiz, a supply dedication in support of the During the deployment, Company A, 27th BSB, and de-
Ortiz oversaw the turn-in of ployed later that year with the
wheeled vehicles, military cor- brigade to Tallil, Iraq.
rugated metal packing crates, “My first deployment taught
and a palletized load system me a lot,” said Ortiz. “I got to
trailer—equipment with a com- my unit and learned how to do
bined value of more than $3 my job there; it was a good ex-
million. perience for me.”
Ortiz played an integral part Currently on her second de-
of all turn-in processes and ployment with the unit, Ortiz
change of command invento- uses her knowledge to support
ries, where 4th AAB inven- her section sergeant in sustain-
toried more than $35 million ing the company’s supply op-
worth of equipment with no erations.
losses. “I enjoy doing my job, be-
In addition to her duties as a cause it allows me to support
supply specialist, Ortiz is also other Soldiers here,” said Ortiz.
a company armorer responsible “The Soldiers here appreciate
for maintaining accountability what we do, and it shows by me
of weapons, optical devices and receiving this award.”
other supplies within the com- When Ortiz is not filing
pany’s arms room. hand receipts and maintain-
“We are here to support the ing accountability of the unit’s
company by ensuring all their tactical vehicles, weapons and
supplies and equipment are equipment, you can find her
mission ready and capable,” taking online classes and con-
said Taylor, a native of Sumter, tinuing her undergraduate stud-
S.C. ies in business administration.
Even though logistics spe- After redeploying to Fort
cialists sometimes work long Hood, Texas, Ortiz plans to
hours during their overseas finish her studies and earn her
deployments, they ensure their bachelor’s degree. She even-
fellow Soldiers have the nec- tually wants to attend Officer
essary equipment they need to Candidate School.
conduct the company’s support “The Army has done great
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
missions within the brigade’s things for me so far, and I’m
area of responsibility. sure I have a lot to look forward
Spc. Diana Ortiz, a supply specialist assigned to Company A, 27th
Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cav- “Ortiz has experience in to as I continue to do great
alry Division, signs a hand receipt after completing accounting for the managing supplies, maintain- things for the Army,” said Or-
equipment during an inventory of the unit’s arms room, April 26, 2011. ing property and (facilitating) tiz.
Ortiz, a native of Miami, Fla., works as the company’s armorer and unit transactions that happen within
supply specialist.

8


draw out the use of equipment and fill sup-
ply gaps.
“If these computers are a surplus within
the Army, the next step would be to sell
them in order to recover some money for
the taxpayers. Lastly, if we can’t do any-
thing else with it, we scrap it,” continued
Rozhon, a native of Fox River Grove, Ill.
“If an item is at the end of its life cycle and
the unit doesn’t need it anymore, or if it’s
at the end of its usage as far as if the Army
is concerned, we turn it in to get as much
value from it as we can.”
While units must normally travel to
DRMO, Rozhon said the April 26 turn-
in stood out because it was the first time
DRMO personnel went out to a unit to re-
cover property.
If the DRMO personnel did not fly to
COS Warrior, the equipment would then
have to be shipped to their headquarters in
Baghdad, he explained.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N “For each property book, everyone
Spc. Entoinne Johnson, a supply sergeant serving with Company A, 101st Brigade Support would have to send a representative to
Battalion, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, places condition codes on turn in property at that location or conduct
forms necessary to turn in his unit’s unserviceable equipment at Contingency Operating Site coordination to get equipment turned in
Warrior, April 26, 2011. The Daytona Beach, Fla. native said he uses the codes to explain what
needs to be done to the item before it reaches its final destination.
and make sure it’s properly received,” ex-

DRMO streamlines
plained Maj. Joel Gleason, logistics officer
for 1st AATF. “Here, they can bring a small
team forward and allow all the people to
turn in at this site.”

equipment return
If a mistake occurs in the normal sys-
tem of mailing gear to DRMO, paperwork
and shipping the items back and forth cre-
ates delays for getting equipment turned in,
whereas if the DRMO personnel on site say
Spc. Kandi Huggins utilization and Marketing Office. it is a quick fix, the units have all the assets
1st AATF Public Affairs DRMO, a Department of Defense orga- here to fix it, Rozhon explained.
1st Inf. Div., U.S. Division-North nization, is responsible for taking equip- “We get the paperwork, it goes and it’s
ment a unit cannot use anymore and either one transaction, one trip,” he said.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE re-assigning it to other Army units, selling Bringing DRMO assets to the unit saves
WARRIOR, Iraq – As U.S. troops prepare it, or scrapping it. time, personnel and money and alleviates
to transition out of Iraq by the end of 2011, “Today is a proof of principle aimed to many of the problems redeploying units
leaders must consider the daunting task of relieve company commanders of account- face, he added.
reducing operations and turning in the mil- ability and responsibility of items needed Conducting a test-run helps identify
lions of dollars-worth of equipment. to be turned in to DRMO,” said Col. Al- friction points and if it works, the units will
In the past, as deployed units rotated vin Burguess, commander, Direct Support see if there is a valid need to change the
back to the U.S., replacement units would Team-Iraq, Defense Logistics Agency. system, said Col. Steve Cook, a Lampasas,
maintain accountability for all of the per- Burguess, a York, Pa. native, said he is Texas native, serving as logistics officer for
manent equipment left behind; but for Sol- responsible for disposition services, mean- U.S. Division-North, 4th Infantry Division.
diers of 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, ing he oversees equipment turn-ins. Gleason, a Colton, N.Y. native, said
1st Infantry Division, the task is more chal- “They take everything we can’t use if the day turns out to be a success, other
lenging because they are scheduled to be anymore,” said Maj. Christopher Rozhon, units will be able to have DRMO occasion-
one of the last units in Iraq. Brigade Logistic Support Team chief, 1st ally come to their location to allow them
As a way of being prepared for when the AATF, 1st Inf. Div. to turn-in excess property, which means the
time to leave arrives, “Task Force Devil” If computers are repairable, the first use of fewer resources to draw down the
Soldiers began turning in unserviceable thing DRMO would do is offer them to theater of Iraq.
property at Contingency Operating Site other Army units who need them, Rozhon
Warrior, April 26, through the Defense Re- explained. This method allows the Army to

9


‘Black Dragon’ Soldiers mentor
Iraqi policemen at Ghuzlani
Spc. Terence Ewings
4th AAB Public Affairs
1st Cav. Div., USD-N
“We’ll continue to
assist the Iraqis in
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE MAREZ – U.S. Sol- building up the units
diers assigned to Battery A, 5th we are partnered with
Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery
Regiment taught Iraqi police- by teaching them in
men room-clearing techniques these exercises.”
during an urban operations
class at Ghuzlani Eagle Train- – Command Sgt.
ing Site, April 27. Maj. Calvin Coler
The “Black Dragon” Sol-
diers, part of 4th Advise and
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry olds, a native of Allentown,
Division, are responsible for Va., currently on his second de-
training the 1st Emergency Re- ployment to Iraq.
sponse Brigade policemen on Like Reynolds, the majority
checkpoint and urban opera- of the Black Dragon instruc-
tions. tors who taught the course have
“It’s great to see our Sol- experience training or fighting
diers contribute to the overall alongside Iraqi Security Forces
growth of the Iraqi military during previous deployments.
forces,” said Command Sgt. “This is a good mission to
Maj. Calvin Coler, senior en- have. It’s fun and we have a lot
listed advisor of Black Dragon of good times out here,” said
Battalion. “We’ll continue to Sgt. Larry Falconer, a cannon
assist the Iraqis in building up crewmember assigned to Bat-
the units we are partnered with tery A. “It’s a good chance to
by teaching them in these exer- teach them the drills and tech-
cises.” U.S. Army photo by Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div., USD-N
niques I know to help them be-
U.S. Soldiers trained their Iraqi policemen assigned to 1st Emergency Response Brigade en-
come better policemen.”
Iraqi partners on the proper ter and clear rooms during an urban operations exercise at Ghuzlani Along with the other field
techniques to enter and clear Eagle Training Site, April 27, 2011. U.S. Soldiers assigned to Battery artillerymen at the Ghuzlani
rooms, hallways and rooftops A, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Eagle Training Site, Falconer,
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division advise, train and assist the policemen
during the five-day training on urban tactics during the five-day course.
currently on his third deploy-
course. ment to Iraq, works as a train-
After a brief slide presenta- Coler watched as his Black After the Iraqis navigated er-mentor assisting the federal
tion explaining how to properly Dragon troopers taught the the room-clearing course in police in becoming proficient
maneuver in teams of four as a Iraqis how to properly structure four man teams, Reynolds in their drills and tactics.
stack formation, U.S. Soldiers stack formations against the switched out the Iraqi squad “The federal policemen are
assisted the policemen as the outer walls of the room, check leaders and observed as the stu- always focused and excited to
students practiced the close for explosives around the door dents successfully performed learn,” said Falconer, a native
quarters battle tactics. frame and clear the room of en- their combat techniques. of Fordyce, Ark. “Whenever
“My favorite part about this emy threats. “We’re not only teaching we conduct the exercises at the
partnership and the training out “The Iraqis are motivated them how to conduct these end of the rotation, they always
here is seeing these experienced and willing to learn, which techniques, but we’re walking act like the real thing, which is
noncommissioned officers pass makes teaching easy and enjoy- them through the step-by-step good because that’s what we’re
on their knowledge and exper- able,” said Sgt. Kamowa Reyn- process so they understand how preparing them for.”
tise to the Iraqis,” said Coler, a olds, a cannon crewmember as- to teach one another and gain
native of Louisiana. signed to Battery A. leadership skills,” said Reyn-
10


Chaplain’s Corner: mission, the work is worth it and we
will not quit the task.
2) Something to love. Humans

The Grand Essentials have a strong desire to care about
others and share passions that require
sacrifice for the benefit of others. To
Absolutely not! live only for self is like living in the
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Keith Goode high altitude back home in Colorado
We may be alive physically, but what
U.S. Division-North Chaplain – it is lonely and there is not enough
about being alive emotionally and spiritu-
ally? What other things might be consid- oxygen to survive! When we cannot
As I begin my time here as the division
ered essential in order to achieve all that love, we suffocate. Will we be dis-
chaplain, I am trying to be intentional about
we desire from life? It is more money, the appointed in trying to love others?
the things I need to learn on this deploy-
next promotion, great sex, a good beer, new Sometimes, but dare not quit because
ment and the things I need to forget from
game station, a fast motorcycle, a cool tat- it is worth a lifetime of pursuit to
the last deployment! Not everything I knew
too? learn about and know love from an-
then is needed now.
We can enjoy all those things (especially other.
Each day I must ask myself, “What do I
need to succeed?” after we get home and General Order No. 1 3) Something to hope for. This
It is a good question to ask not just pro- is no longer present!), yet for all the plea- one is more than just hoping to win
fessionally, but personally as well. There sure these may bring, we still feel the emp- the lottery someday! This is a confi-
are some things in life that all of us must tiness and sense of failure that can lead to dence that knows the future is both
have, or else we will fail. Fail in life, love, despair. No, there must be something else. real and attainable. The human spirit
relationships, you name it. How about it? What is essential? More stuff? More influenced by a religious faith makes
Can we name some things we cannot do conquests? No, it is nothing temporary. all the difference here. Our faith lifts
without? Let’s turn our attention to something us when we lose on love. Our spirit
Air, water, food—these quickly come else, that while elusive, is more enduring. rebounds when we fail at the task.
to mind. As a matter of fact, they are ba- These were named long ago and have be- We do not despair or give up because
sic to living. We are all dependent on every come known today as the “Grand Essen- we have something beyond ourselves
one of those things and no one has been tials” of life. If we hope to succeed in this to love and to live for.
able to quit any of them, for any length of lifetime, we need— Some essentials are easy enough to
time, their whole life! If we miss these, talk 1) Something to do. Human be- know – water, food, and air keep the body
about failure! ings need to know that what we are alive. But when it comes to the soul—do
But why are those so important to suc- doing matters. The work or the effort we have these grand essentials keep the hu-
cessful living? Medically, we must have – it all needs to be for a reason. Even man spirit alive?
food for fuel, breath for oxygen, and water if it is the simplest or silliest thing in Let this time be the time we search for
for our existence. This is easy enough, but the world, as long as we know it will that which we must have to succeed in this
it begs the question – “Are these the only do something that helps, fixes, pro- life and survive; no—not just survive, but
things we need to in order to win in life? tects, builds up, or accomplishes the thrive!

U.S. Division-North
Social Media Sites
www.facebook.com/4thID www.twitter/4thInfDiv

www.Slideshare.net/the4id youtube.com/The4ID www.flickr.com.photos/the4id

On the U.S. Division-North social media sites, you can find stories, photos and videos of U.S.
Soldiers deployed in support of Operation New Dawn.

11


Hey Doc: Starting to find some scary creatures
Maj. George Deguzman
Env. Science and Eng. Officer
U.S. Division-North Division Surgeon

“Hey Doc: My buddy heard that a whole
bunch of people are seeing snakes lately.
I’m combat tested, but snakes really fright-
en me. I don’t want to get bitten! Are the
snakes here poisonous?”
– Signed “Sgt. Scared O’ Snake”

Dear “Sgt. Snake,”
Snakes are not the only thing you need
to be concerned about. Scorpions and spi-
ders are also out there slithering around.
Picture this: while running the football,
you trip and fall and there’s a snake smil-
ing at you. As you slowly back away, you
accidentally disturb a pile of wood and a
dozen scorpions come out racing to get to
you. Pretty scary, huh?
Some snakes are highly venomous and
can result in life-threatening illness and
death. Symptoms range from pain and connexes, HESCO barriers, latrine and they are cornered, accidentally stepped on
swelling to loss of consciousness and short- shower units and port-a-johns. As we pack or touched. Never put them into a situation
ness of breath. Scorpion stings vary from up to go home, we can expect increased where they feel threatened. Do not pick
painful, tingling, and burning sensation to sightings of snakes as we disturb their en- them up!
numbness, difficulty breathing, and even vironment by moving around equipment, Do your part to keep the snakes away.
death. On the other hand, spider bites only connexes, and containerized housing units. Keep your areas clean and dispose of food
cause minor swelling and discomfort, but COB Speicher vector control personnel properly. Keeping rodents away will elimi-
sometimes lead to infection if the wound is have been busy responding to service calls nate snake food.
not cleaned. related to snakes, including six in April. If you are bitten, remain calm, and make
These venomous creatures are usually To prevent snake bites, spider bites and a mental note of the snake or scorpion’s
found under shrubs, mammal burrows, scorpion stings, simply avoid their habitats. appearance. Don’t try to catch it. Don’t let
woodpiles, rock piles, construction debris These creatures are generally not a threat your buddy try to catch it. Seek medical
and dumps. You can also find them under to humans and avoid confrontation unless help. Remember to remove jewelry on the
bitten extremity in case swelling progress-
es. If you have time, wash the bite with
soap and water.
Be careful and stay safe, Sgt. Snake,
and keep those Taskforce Ironhorse ques-
tions coming!

12

The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 27

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The ivy leaf, volume 1, issue 27