TThe Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 8

Volume 1, Issue 8 December 25, 2010

Texas school teachers donate supplies to
Rugaybat Elementary students

Steadfast and Loyal
Warrior

Pvt. Alyxandra McChesney
1st AATF Public Affairs
1st Inf. Div., USD-N
LongKnife

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq –
Megan Campbell, a teacher at
Park Wood Elementary School
in Houston, and wife to 1st

Ironhorse
Lt. Dan Campbell, platoon
Devil

leader, Company A, 2nd Bat-
talion, 12th Cavalry Regiment,
rounded up teachers and staff
from the Texas elementary
school to donate school sup-
Fit for Any Test

plies, candy and food for the

Fit for Any Test
students of Rugaybat Elemen-
tary in Kirkuk, Iraq Dec. 14.
“Thunderhorse” Soldiers
from 2nd Bn., 12th Cavalry
Regt., 4th Advise and Assist
Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division,
attached to the 1st Advise and U.S. Army Photo by Pvt. Alyxandra McChesney, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Assist Task Force, from Fort Students at Rugaybat Elementary School in Kirkuk, Iraq stand in line awaiting a turn to receive a goodie
Ironhorse

Riley, Kan., worked with Iraqi bag filled with school supplies and candy from Mohammad Showcat Izzat, the senior Iraqi noncom-

Devil
missioned officer from Iraqi Police’s Emergency Security Unit for Kirkuk province, and an Iraqi Secu-
Security Forces to distribute rity Forces soldier costumed as the “Lion of Kirkuk,” Dec. 14, 2010. Faculty of Park Wood Elementary
the gifts from Park Wood El- School, from Houston, collected the supplies for ISF to donate to the children and families of the Ru-
ementary School. gaybat community. “Thunderhorse” Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Bn., 12th Cavalry Regt., 4th Advise and
Campbell said he discussed Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, attached to the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, from Fort Riley,
Kan., assisted the Iraqi Security Forces as they distributed the gifts in support of Operation New Dawn.
LongKnife

the idea of helping the local
school in Rugaybat with his “adopt-a-school” program to with his ISF partner unit, the Campbell said he believes
Steadfast and Loyal

wife, Megan, after the Thanks- build a relationship between Iraqi Police’s Emergency events like the school supply
giving holiday. the two schools, even if they Services Unit of the Kirkuk distribution helps the Iraqi
Thinking ahead to Christ- were thousands of miles apart province, who took the lead in people feel confident about
mas, the Campbell Family and from different cultures. planning the distribution of the ISF taking the lead for security
agreed they could do some- The Campbell’s worked donated supplies to the Iraqi operations in Iraq.
Warrior

thing special for the children in together, corresponding by e- school. “Doing this has really
the local village of Rugaybat. mail about the informal proj- “The village was very re- helped build a strong bond be-
Campbell said Megan, en- ect, and planned to bring local ceptive of the gifts we brought tween the ISF and Rugaybat,”
thused about the idea, began ISF into the effort. them,” said Campbell, who
plans to create an informal Campbell worked closely hails from Fort Worth, Texas. See TEACHERS, pg. 4

The Ivy Leaf December 25, 2010

Navy Petty Officer 2nd decisions and ensure the safety
Class Matt Bernhardt, a of all personnel present.”
Basking Ridge, N.J.-native, as- Since his arrival in the
signed to Company 1, Mobile Salah ad Din Province,
Unit 6, Joint Task Force Troy, Bernhardt disabled one IED,
U.S. Division-North, earned conducted one IED post blast
recognition as the “Ironhorse analysis and conducted five
Strong Soldier” for the Week Explosive Remnants of war
of Dec. 18, due to his outstand- turn-in operations with Iraqi
ing performance as an explo- EOD elements resulting in the
sive ordnance disposal techni- destruction of 182 ordnance
cian in northern Iraq. items totaling 1,460 pounds of
Lt. Andrew Hendricks, net explosive weight.
Commander, Company 1, Bernhardt also provided 100
Mobile Unit 6, said he recom- hours of training to Iraqi EOD,
mended Bernhardt because teaching them skills necessary
even as the most junior team to effectively maintain security
leader in his unit he is a de- operations unaided by U.S. U.S. Army photo
pendable and valued asset to Forces. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Matt Bernhardt, an explosive ord-
nance disposal technician from Basking Ridge, N.J., assigned to
his unit. “The largest lesson that Company 1, Mobile Unit 6, Joint Task Force Troy, U.S. Division-North,
“He is a guy that I have other service members can is the “Ironhorse Strong Soldier” for the Week of Dec. 18, 2010. Lt.
full faith and confidence in,” learn from Petty Officer 2nd Andrew Hendricks, commander, Company 1, Mobile Unit 6 said Ber-
said Hendricks. “When a call class Bernhardt is that there are nhardt earned recognition through outstanding performance during
the unit’s deployment to northern Iraq in support of Operation New
comes in, be it an Improvised always solutions to a prob- Dawn.
Exlosive Device or a planned lem,” said Hendricks. “Even
disposal operation with Iraqi though the problem you are and move through the problem a lot of explosives on it and
Security Forces EOD, I know facing isn’t textbook or exactly one methodical step at a time make it go away.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Bern- what you saw during your you will be able to solve it. If
hardt is going to make sound work up cycle, if you step back that doesn’t work then just put

Soldiers deliver ‘giving Army’s top officer visits Long Knife troopers teach Son continues father’s
spirit’ troops at COB Speicher for Iraqi Army commandos at military legacy
the holidays JFSTC in northern Iraq
Page 4 Page 8 Page 11 Page 13

THE Ivy Leaf Task Force Ironhorse

The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Commanding General – Maj. Gen. David G. Perkins
Army. Contents of The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official views Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Dailey
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
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, TF Ironhorse PAO – Lt. Col. Steve Wollman
marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other TF Ironhorse PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Carmen Daugherty-Glaze
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. All editorial The Ivy Leaf Layout & Design – Spc. Thomas Bixler
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


Searching for the meaning of Christmas

Merry Christmas
The Gospel of Luke explains the birth of Christ
Chaplain Maj. Ken Hurst
Deputy Chaplain
U.S. Division-North

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE
SPEICHER, Iraq – We fondly remember
the scene from “A Charlie Brown Christ-
mas,” adapted for television by “Peanuts”
creator Charles M. Schulz.
In the 1965 classic, Charlie Brown de-
spairingly questioned the true meaning of
Christmas after failing to find a Christmas
tree for his school Nativity play.
Taking center stage, Charlie Brown’s
friend, Linus, quoted the second chapter of
the King James Version of the Gospel ac-
cording to Luke 2:8-14:

“And there were in the same country
shepherds abiding in the field, keep-
ing watch over their flock by night.
And lo, the angel of the Lord came
upon them, and the glory of the Lord
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
shone round about them: and they
Maj. Ken Hurst, deputy division chaplain, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Division-North, leads
were sore afraid. And the angel said a weekly Bible study composed of Soldiers and civilians, deployed to Contingency Operating
unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I Base Speicher, Iraq, in support of Operation New Dawn, Dec. 22. During the session, Hurst led
bring unto you good tidings of great the group though the story of the birth of Christ in preparation for Christmas later that week.
joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the City ining the coming of the Christ child into the joy. It is such an unsurpassable joy that the
of David a Savior, which is Christ the world. Themes such as hope, peace, love angels can only say, “Glory to God in the
Lord. And this shall be a sign unto and joy display the grandeur of the work of highest!”
you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped God in sending His beloved Son into our These would only be religious senti-
in swaddling clothes, lying in a man- world. ments if not for one certain thing. The Gos-
ger.’ And suddenly there was with Hope is the confident assurance that pel writer, Luke, whom Linus quoted, is
the angel a multitude of the heavenly God keeps His promises. The angelic proc- writing about history. He is writing about
host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glo- lamation of the Son’s birth in “the City of events that actually occurred and could be
ry to God in the highest, and on earth David” told the shepherds that God was verified.
peace, good will toward men.” doing exactly as the ancient prophets fore- The second chapter of Luke’s Gospel
told. contains several historical markers that al-
Upon reciting the scripture, Linus con- Peace speaks of the end result of the lowed the readers of the first century to test
cluded, “That is what Christmas is all Christ child’s life, peace between God and the authenticity of the birth of Christ.
about, Charlie Brown.” man because of a Savior. Hope, peace, love and joy are rooted in
It is an incredible honor to be amidst Love describes the divine motive be- real events that changed the course of the
the great Ironhorse Soldiers during this hind this unique historical event. It must world. We are different today because of
season of reflection. Many of our troops surely remind us to love the un-lovely and Christmas 2,000 years ago.
could easily answer Charlie Brown’s in- reach out to our neighbor. But it first begins The meaning of Christmas must chal-
quiry with equal precision. The meaning in the heart of our loving heavenly Father lenge us daily to trust the God who kept
of Christmas is displayed boldly for us in who, in eternity past and out of pure mercy, His promises by providing the Savior, who
the pages of Sacred Scripture as Linus so prepared the plan to send the Christ, and is Christ the Lord.
clearly quoted. seeing the majesty of such a birth and the
Traditions across Christendom spend immense life about to be lived, the angels
the four Sundays before Christmas exam- led in singing of the good tidings of great

3


Soldiers deliver ‘giving spirit’ Continued from
TEACHERS, pg. 1

said Campbell.
Staff Sgt. Renee Wilson
Bringing school supplies,
4th AAB Public Affairs
candy and food, the Iraqi Po-
1st Cav. Div., USD-N
lice met with the students and
their families. Visiting with
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
the children, one of the Iraqi
ING SITE MAREZ, Iraq –
soldiers donned the “Golden
With Christmas approaching,
Lion” costume, the official
Chaplains and Soldiers thought
mascot for the IP ESU for the
not of themselves, but what
Kirkuk province. The lion
they could do for others.
helped the students relax and
Soldiers assigned to the 4th
brought giggles and smiles to
Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st
their faces.
Cavalry Division, from Fort
“By doing this it encourages
Hood, Texas, handed out back-
the students to want to come to
packs filled with teddy bears,
school, and it encourages them
toy cars, soccer balls and school
to want to get better grades,”
supplies, surprising orphans at
said Sawsan al Wahld, princi-
the Church of Mar Youhanna,
pal of Rugaybat Elementary.
or Saint John, in the town of
“Seeing the kids with smiles on
Qara Qosh, Iraq, Dec. 17.
their faces makes the families
Soldiers of the U.S. Army
and me very happy.”
Reserve 412th Civil Affairs
The senior Iraqi noncom-
Battalion, from Columbus,
missioned officer from the
Ohio, provided the toys and
Iraqi Police ESU for Kirkuk
school supplies to put a smile
province, Mohammad Show-
on the displaced children’s
cat Izzat said the Rugaybat El-
faces.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Renee Wilson, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div. ementary school children were
“Life is hard enough as Maj. Michael Patterson, senior chaplain assigned to 4th Advise and happy to receive the needed
an orphan, so it was great to Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, dressed as Iraq’s Baba Noel,
school supplies.
give them something to make known more commonly in the United States as Santa Claus, gives a
doll to a young Iraqi girl during a religious leader engagement at the Mohammad said he felt if he
their day and Christmas Sea-
Church of Mar Youhanna, or Saint John, in the town of Qara Qosh, can help supply the local vil-
son brighter,” said Sgt. Greg Dec. 14, 2010. lages with supplies to help the
MacKinnon, a civil affairs non-
children to study and learn, it
commissioned officer, assigned in a non-combatant (role), and religious leaders of the church
will make the citizens of Ru-
to the 412th CA Bn., attached I appreciated the opportunity.” as an opportunity to distribute
gaybat happy and help Kirkuk
to the 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. The 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. the Christmas cheer.
become a better city as a whole.
Many of the Soldiers who assumed its mission in Octo- “(The church) had the Santa
Campbell said the event
helped with the event said they ber, deploying to northern Iraq suit for me,” said Patterson, a
proved beneficial to everyone
felt the humanitarian assis- as part of U.S. Division-North native of Vero Beach, Fla. “It
involved.
tance was a good way to spread in support of Operation New was fun to see the joy in the
“I really think this made a
Christmas spirit. Dawn, to advise, mentor, train children’s faces when they saw
difference,” the platoon leader
Sgt. 1st Class Demetrius and equip Iraqi Security Forces. Santa.”
said. “My wife is excited that
Smith, equal opportunity advi- Keeping with the Christ- Maj. Patricia Peeler, person-
this worked out, and I’m hoping
sor assigned to Headquarters mas spirit, a chaplain wearing nel actions officer assigned to
that the kids back at Park Wood
and Headquarters Company, a Santa suit passed out pres- 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., said the
Elementary will get to see some
4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., said ents to more than 150 children event, bringing joy to the Iraqi
of the pictures from this and
the opportunity was a new ex- gathered at the Iraqi Christian children, lifted her spirits, es-
know that they also made a dif-
perience for him, compared to church in northern Iraq. pecially during this time away
ference very far away.”
previous deployments to Iraq. Maj. Michael Patterson, se- from Family.
The 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div.
“I’ve been deployed five nior chaplain of the 4th AAB, “Even if they could for one
is deployed to northern Iraq as
times now, and I had the op- 1st Cav. Div., said he wanted to moment forget about their
part of U.S. Division-North to
portunity to work with kids last bring the Christmas spirit to the troubles and it brings them joy,
advise, train and mentor ISF
time,” said Smith, who hails children and congregation of we completed what we wanted
in support of Operation New
from Philadelphia. “This time it the Iraqi Christian church. to do,” said Peeler, who calls
Dawn.
was different being able to help Patterson used a visit with Marion, N.Y. home.

4


Iraqi and American explosive ordnance disposal

1st Infantry Division
teams work together to keep Kirkuk province safe
Spc. Kandi Huggins
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq – A
combined Iraqi Police and Iraqi
Army ordnance disposal team
conducted a controlled detona-
tion to destroy captured explo-
sives at a demolition range out-
side of Contingency Operating
Site Warrior Dec. 11.
Soldiers of the U.S. Army’s
47th Ordnance Company (Ex-
plosive Ordnance Disposal),
from Fort Hood, Texas, work-
ing with U.S. Air Force Airmen
from 321st EOD Flight, 321st
Expeditionary Operations Sup-
port Squadron, 321st Air Ex-
peditionary Wing, from Sather
Air Base, Iraq, trained and as-
sisted the Iraqi Security Forces
in preparation for the detona-
tion.
“The purpose was to dem-
onstrate to the Iraqi EOD team
the proper way to dispose of
these captured munitions,” said
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wayson
Leaverton, a disposal techni-
cian with the 99th Civil En-
gineer Squadron, from Nellis
Air Force Base, Las Vegas, at-
tached to the 321st EOSS.
The Iraqi EOD teams are
composed of members of the
Iraqi Police Counter Explosive
Team, Iraqi Army Bomb Dis-
posal Companies, Iraqi Police
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
Unexploded Ordnance Team
Senior Airman Maria Dedominicis, a U.S. Air Force explosive ordinance disposal technician with the 321st
and Kirkuk Fire Department. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, 321st Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, attached to the
Working together, the com- Army’s 47th Ordnance Company (EOD), from Fort Hood, Texas, fills an empty rocket shell with C-4 plastic
bined Iraqi and U.S. EOD explosives at a demolition range located outside of Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq Dec. 11, 2010.
The U.S. forces’ EOD teams trained the Iraqi counter explosives unit, composed of Iraqi Police and fire-
teams transported a stockpile
men, on the proper means to dispose of unexploded ordnance Iraqi Security Forces captured from violent
of munitions to a demolitions extremists. The U.S. forces’ EOD Soldiers are deployed to Iraq as part of the 1st Advise and Assist Task
range at COS Warrior, stack- Force in support of Operation New Dawn.
ing and countercharging the
ordnance with C-4 plastic ex- the explosives, destroying the nance left behind. Forces in Kirkuk province.
plosives. captured munitions. As a final The destroyed ordnance The combined EOD teams
After conducting final safe- check, the EOD teams searched consisted of material captured destroyed artillery projectiles,
ty and readiness checks, the the surrounding area to ensure from violent extremist net-
EOD technicians detonated there was no unexploded ord- works by the Iraqi Security See EOD, pg. 7

5


Kirkuk’s leaders work together to build a
sustainable arbitration mechanism
Maj. John Mini
CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq
– Leaders in Kirkuk are build-
ing a lasting system to formally
resolve disputes and provide
better security for the citizens
of Kirkuk province following
a preliminary security council
meeting at Contingency Oper-
ating Site Warrior Dec. 7.
The goal of an Iraqi-led pro-
vincial security council is to
build a collective process that
allows the Iraqi government
and its partnered security ele-
ments to work together in de-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div., USD-N
ciding the best way to secure
Col. Eric Welsh, commander of the “Devil” Brigade, 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division,
Kirkuk, said Col. Eric Welsh, from Fort Riley, Kan., met with Kirkuk’s decision makers during a preparatory meeting to develop a plan
commander of 1st Advise and for monthly provincial security council meetings at Contingency Operating Site Warrior Dec. 7, 2010. The
Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry group discussed the way forward for creating a sustainable arbitration mechanism to oversee future secu-
Division. rity efforts that will require the cooperation of Kurdish Security Forces, the Iraqi Army, and the Iraqi Police.
“People must come to the table and be willing to talk about problems and possible solutions,” said Welsh,
Kirkuk’s Arab, Kurd and “and today’s meeting was an important step forward in that process.”
Turkmen leaders agreed a pro-
vincial security council would mon goals, will help to make According to local leaders the meeting which brought to-
be one step toward better secu- the Kirkuk province and sur- the real issue is about security, gether key leaders from across
rity and stability in their prov- rounding areas safer for future not who provides the secu- Kirkuk province. The leaders
ince. generations of Iraqis. rity—an important indicator of discussed future plans for se-
During the weeks leading Local ISF leaders agreed the potential for greater unity curity and agreed to convene
up to the preliminary meeting, provincial security council within the ethnically diverse again to have a more detailed
Welsh engaged key leaders in meetings are an important step city. discussion.
Kirkuk province, encourag- toward the greater long-term “If the council were to con- Eventually, the process will
ing the provincial leaders to stability in Kirkuk. vene many people would be be a formal bi-monthly security
develop and participate in an Maj. Gen. Sameer, com- able to air out their grievances council meeting orchestrated
independent and sustainable ar- mander of 12th Iraqi Army in a public and professional fo- entirely by the Kirkuk’s key de-
bitration process. Division and Provincial Direc- rum,” said Welsh. cision makers.
“Governance and security tor of Police Maj. Gen. Jamal “It’s okay to disagree,” he “People must come to the
go hand-in-hand,” said Welsh, agreed to serve as members of said. “There may be many dis- table and be willing to talk
explaining the importance of the security council and assist agreements in the meeting, but about problems and possible
a sustainable, legally binding in a fair and legal system for as long as every member of the solutions,” explained Welsh,
system to make decisions that resolving issues between local meeting has the interest of the “and today’s meeting was an
benefit Iraqis. leaders. people they represent then the important step forward in that
“There is no single answer Kirkuk’s major ethnic blocks outcome will be better security process.”
for Kirkuk and its future—the have not always agreed on how for Kirkuk.” Welsh said he is confident
answer is not U.S. forces stay- to secure the city, Sameer and The preliminary security Kirkuk’s leaders will create an
ing here, but the answer is about Jamal said, but a Kirkuk Pro- council meeting confirmed enduring and formal system to
a way to develop an enduring vincial Security Council will the potential for the people of arbitrate security and other im-
strategic partnership with the provide a forum for decision Kirkuk to develop their own portant areas such as econom-
government of Iraq,” he added. makers to figure out solutions system for an arbitration mech- ics, infrastructure, and gover-
Welsh said a partnered ISF, and work together toward the anism. nance.
working together toward com- same goals. Welsh helped to organize

6


A little touch of home for the Holiday Season

25th Infantry Division
Christmas trees bring touch of holiday spirit to deployed troops
Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch
2nd AAB Public Affairs, 25th Inf. Div.,
U.S. Division-North

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WAR-
HORSE, Iraq – A fresh, aromatic pine
tree stands tall, its branches draped with
garlands and Christmas ornaments, greet-
ing Soldiers entering the 225th Brigade
Support Battalion Headquarters building
at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq
with holiday festivity and cheer.
A real Christmas tree, complete with
holiday decorations, brought holiday cheer
to Soldiers of 225th BSB, 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, de-
ployed to the Diyala province of northern
Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch, 2nd AAB Public Affairs, 25th Inf. Div., USD-N
“The Christmas tree is a nice morale 1st Lt. Janelle Jones, a quartermaster officer assigned to 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd
booster for Soldiers,” said Staff Sgt. Carlo Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, places a
present beneath the Christmas tree in the battalion headquarters at Forward Operating Base
See HOLIDAYS, pg. 10 Warhorse, Iraq Dec. 15, 2010.

Continued from EOD, pg. 5

grenades, assorted projectile ploy robotic and remote coun-
fuses, improvised explosive de- ter Improvised Explosive De-
vices, landmines, and an AK-47 vice procedures.
rifle. The practical application
The destruction of this ma- of their learning includes the
terial represents a step forward destruction of captured explo-
in providing security for the sives, added Leaverton.
Kirkuk province and a setback “This demonstration and
for violent extremist networks, the training the Iraqi EOD re-
who would otherwise use the ceive from us is vital to the fu-
munitions to conduct attacks, ture success of the Iraqi EOD
said 1st Lt. Ed Song, platoon program and counter IED
leader, 47th Ord. Company operations,” he said. “As we
(EOD). draw down more and more, the
“The purpose today was to responsibilities will fall on the
teach the Iraqi EOD team how local Iraqi EOD teams … and
to properly dispose of explo- it will be part of their mission
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div.
sives,” added Song. “We show to collect, store and safely de-
Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal personnel stack munitions at a de-
them how to do it safely and in molitions range outside Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq Dec.
stroy unserviceable munitions
a way that will minimize haz- 11, 2010. Soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 47th Ordnance Company (Explo- in order to minimize hazard to
ards.” sive Ordnance Disposal), from Fort Hood, Texas, working with U.S. Air the life and property of their
The ISF EOD units have Force Airmen from 321st EOD Flight, 321st Expeditionary Operations people …”
Support Squadron, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, from Sather Air
performed admirably during Base, Iraq, trained and assisted the Iraqi Security Forces in prepara-
Both the 47th and 321st
the past four years, Leaverton tion for the detonation of ordnance. EOD teams are deployed to
said. Iraq as part of the 1st Advise
The Iraqis continue training explained. learning large-scale demoli- and Assist Task Force from
with the U.S. EOD teams to Working with U.S. forces tions, how to recognize unex- Fort Riley, Kan., deployed to
remain proficient at their skills counterparts, the EOD person- ploded ordnances, how to use U.S. Division-North in support
and improve capabilities, he nel train four days per week, protective bomb suits, and em- of Operation New Dawn.

7


Army’s top officer visits troops at COB

Happy Holidays
Speicher for the holidays

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., addresses Soldiers of Task Force Ironhorse, U.S. Division-North at the north Morale, Welfare,
and Recreation Center-North located at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2010. Casey led a reenlistment and reaffirmation
ceremony administering the Oath of Enlistment to 66 Soldiers from Task Force Ironhorse. Task Force Ironhorse is comprised of service mem-
bers of 4th Inf. Div.; 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division; 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; 2nd Advise and
Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; Task Force ODIN (Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralize); 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command and
supporting units. Casey addressed the Soldiers deployed to U.S. Division-North acknowledging their continuing mission deployed in support
of Operation New Dawn and offering his gratitude for their service.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., presents a coin
to Spc. James Curtis, information technology specialist assigned to
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO Company C, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division,
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., applauds Soldiers during a special coining ceremony for Soldiers serving with U.S. Di-
of Task Force Ironhorse, U.S. Division-North Soldiers immediately vision-North, deployed in support of Operation New Dawn, Dec. 24,
following the oath of reenlistment and reaffirmation was given at the 2010. The Army’s top ranking officer visited with Soldiers of Task
north Moral, Welfare, and Recreation center at Contingency Operat- Force Ironhorse, serving at COB Speicher, Christmas Eve, to thank
ing Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2010. Casey reenlisted 66 Soldiers the men and women in uniform for their service to the nation, espe-
from 4th Infantry Division; 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cav- cially during the Holiday Season. Curtis, who hails from Pasadena,
alry Division; 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; 2nd Md., said it feels good to be individually recognized amongst the hard-
Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; Task Force ODIN working Soldiers of the U.S. Division-North Communications Section,
(Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralize) 103rd Expeditionary Sustain- who are responsible for keeping the “Ironhorse” Division Headquar-
ment Command, during a Christmas Eve reenlistment and reaffirma- ters computers mission capable.
tion ceremony.
See CHIEF OF STAFF, pg. 9
8


Continued from CHIEF OF STAFF, pg. 8

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., addresses Soldiers
of the 4th Infantry Division, at the U.S. Division-North Headquarters
Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 24. Casey visited
COB Speicher as part of a tour of U.S. Military installations around
the world. “Everywhere I go I see Soldiers making a difference for the
Army country,” he said. “Here is no different.”

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Williams, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., addresses Soldiers
of the 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Ironhorse, during a special
visit to northern Iraq, Dec. 24, 2010. Casey presented coins in recog-
nition of outstanding Soldiers and led a mass reenlistment and reaf-
firmation ceremony for 66 Soldiers serving at COB Speicher during
the visit with Soldiers of U.S. Division-North, deployed in support of
Operation New Dawn.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. David Strayer, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., signs individual
reenlistment contracts for Task Force Ironhorse, U.S. Division-North
Soldiers at the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center-North at Con-
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO tingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec. 24, 2010. Casey admin-
U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. presents a coin to istered the Oath of Enlistment to 66 U.S. Division-North Soldiers from
Sgt. Clyde Skinner III, a forward observer assigned to the Fires Sec- 4th Infantry Division; 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Divi-
tion, Company A, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Di- sion; 1st Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; 2nd Advise
vision, during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; Task Force ODIN (Observe,
Iraq, Dec. 24 2010. Detect, Identify, Neutralize), 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Com-
mand.

9


Continued from HOLIDAYS, pg. 7

Principio, a generator mechanic
assigned to Company B, 225th
BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div.
“It’s just amazing to see a
real Christmas tree out here,”
said Principio, a 24 year-old
native of Jacksonville, Fla.,
serving his fourth deployment
to Iraq, the third such during
the Holiday Season. “It’s one
of the last things you expect to
see over in the desert; the pine
smell of it alone reminds me of
home.”
The battalion Family Readi-
ness Groups mailed the fresh
pine tree, 6,235 miles from a
tree nursery in Michigan to the
Soldiers at FOB Warhorse de-
ployed to U.S. Division-North
in northern Iraq.
Tracey Murray, Family
Readiness Group advisor and
spouse to the deployed battal-
ion commander, helped orga- U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ricardo Branch, 2nd AAB PAO, 25th Inf.
nize the effort to send Christ- Spc. Peter Hinz, motor transport operator, Company A, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Advise and
mas trees to the troops of the Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, fixes a snowflake on top of the
battalion Christmas tree in the headquarters building at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, Dec. 15,
brigade support battalion.
2010. The battalion Family Readiness Groups mailed the fresh pine tree, 6,235 miles from a tree nursery in
“One of our FRG leaders, Michigan to the Soldiers at FOB Warhorse deployed to U.S. Division-North in northern Iraq. Family Readi-
Sherri De Silva, was here dur- ness Group Advisor Tracey Murray, 225th BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. Div., from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii,
ing the last deployment and helped organize the effort to send Christmas trees to the troops of the brigade support battalion.
remembered how they sent live
Christmas trees to the troops downrange,” Soldier,” Tracey said. like during Christmas is important because
said Tracey, who works with the brigade’s Each company FRG leader also sent in- it lets them know people back home are
FRG leaders in Hawaii. “We decided to do dividual boxes of lights and decorations to thinking about them.”
it again to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to their deployed company commanders and Murray said seeing holiday decorations
our Soldiers.” adopted bases, providing the trees Christ- arriving from home is also a great morale
To carry on the holiday tradition, the mas flair for the holidays. booster for the troops, because it changes
225th BSB FRG’s contacted a tree nursery “While it is hard for our Families to be the mood and atmosphere around the work-
in McMillan, Mich., to begin the process of without their Soldier during the holidays, place.
bringing the Christmas spirit to the troops. we know it must be even harder for the Sol- “A few days ago, I noticed one of my
The journey to bring the tree, and ten of diers downrange,” Tracey said. “We hope company commanders carrying a large duf-
its brothers to the desert was no simple feat, this brings a little bit of Christmas cheer to fel bag,” he said. “The flap was open and
Tracey said, due to the fact the current de- every one of our Soldiers.” you could just make out the Christmas tree
ployment scattered the battalion across two Lt. Col. Scott Murray, battalion com- decorations inside. He was going to the
provinces in Iraq, an area roughly the size mander, 225th BSB, 2nd AAB, 25th Inf. flight line here on Warhorse and flying out
of Pennsylvania. Div., received the trees arriving at FOB to visit multiple remote sites. It’s great to
“The coordination was a little trickier Warhorse. see the Soldiers’ spirits lifted in such a way
for this deployment,” she explained. “The Murray, whose wife heads the battalion by our Families back home.”
brigade is responsible for a much larger FRG, said he is touched to see the amazing Although far from home, Soldiers of
area, and the BSB Soldiers are literally ev- effort of the Families and friends of the bat- the 225th BSB received care and love from
erywhere. talion taking care of the Soldiers during the friends and Family, little reminders pro-
“After we coordinated with Rear De- holidays. vided by the unit’s FRGs. These little re-
tachment and our deployed Soldiers, each “It’s my view every Soldier who is away minders served to bring a taste of home to
of our FRG companies in Hawaii ‘adopted’ from home always thinks about home,” the deployed Soldiers during the Holiday
a FOB and sent a tree to the battalion point Murray said. “Anything you can do that Season.
of contact there, regardless if it was ‘their’ would remind them of that and what it feels

10


Long Knife troopers teach Iraqi Army

commandos at JFSTC in northern Iraq
Capt. Philip Crabtree diers of the Commando Bat-
4th AAB Public Affairs talion, 3rd IA Division, how to
1st Cav. Div., USD-N write five-paragraph operation
orders and concept of opera-
JOINT FORCES SECURITY tion briefs.
TRAINING CENTER, Iraq – Understanding military
U.S. Army noncommissioned mission planning, operations
officers assigned to 4th Advise orders and the commander’s
and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry intent is very important to the
Division, trained Iraqi Army successful completion of a
commandos to plan military mission, said Staff Sgt. Joseph
operations using standardized Garcia, who hails from Phoe-
U.S. and Iraqi military doctrine nix.
and orders at the Joint Forces Deployed with U.S. Divi-
Security Training Center, near sion-North in support of Op-
Al Kisik, Iraq Dec. 14. eration New Dawn, the NCOs U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div.
The instructors assigned also taught their Iraqi counter- Staff Sgt. Joseph Garcia, a cavalry scout and native of Phoenix, teach-
to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th parts how to brief operations es Iraqi soldiers from the Commando Battalion, 3rd Iraqi Army Divi-
Cavalry Regiment, 4th AAB, sion, to organize mission planning using a five-paragraph operations
1st Cav. Div., taught IA sol- See COMMANDOS, pg. 12 order format at the Joint Forces Security Training Center near Al Kisik,
Dec. 14, 2010.

394th CSSB hosts Children’s Day for Iraqi orphans
Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th MPAD
USD-N Public Affairs

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE
SPEICHER, Iraq – Laughter echoed amidst
table games and crafts as children from an
Iraqi orphanage in Tikrit attended a special
day for the Soldiers and orphans hosted by
U.S. Division-North at Contingency Oper-
ating Base Speicher, Dec. 17.
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to
the 220th Transportation Company, 394th
Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Com-
mand, from Freemont, Neb., also handed
out shoes donated by “Let Them Walk in
Our Shoes” to the Iraqi children.
The charitable organization from Palm-
erton, Pa., and surrounding communities,
collected approximately 6,300 pairs of
shoes, donating and shipping 3,500 pairs
of footwear to the 4th Infantry Division to U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
distribute to local Iraqi communities during Staff Sgt. Travis Hill, who hails from Freemont, N.H. and the logistics noncommissioned officer
their deployment in support of Operation in charge, 220th Transportation Company, 394th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 103rd
Expeditionary Sustainment Command, helps an Iraqi child try on a new pair of shoes during
See CHILDREN, pg. 12 Children’s Day held at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center-North, Contingency Operat-
ing Base Speicher, Dec. 17, 2010.

11


Continued from COMMANDOS, pg. 11 Continued from CHILDREN, pg. 11

orders and create concept of operations plans to synchronize unit New Dawn. N.H., and mechanic with 394th
actions for missions. Sgt. Glenn Shannon, au- CSSB, handed out boots and
Garcia worked double duty as a cavalry scout section ser- tomated logistics noncom- shoes to the orphans who trad-
geant and instructor at the JFSTC, an Iraqi training facility near missioned officer, assigned to ed, mixed and matched foot-
Al Kisik, where Iraqi soldiers train at the individual, squad and 220th Transportation Company, wear with one another.
platoon levels. 394th CSSB, 103rd ESC, said “You could just see their
“The Iraqis use a similar process when they plan their mis- he coordinated with Iraqi ci- faces light up at the sight of the
sions, and their main role is to advise the officers in their unit,” vilians who run the orphanage shoes,” said Hollanbach, who
explained Sgt. Timothy James, to hold the Children’s Day at helped the children try on their
a cavalry scout squad leader “...they also target COB Speicher’s Morale, Wel- new shoes. “The look on their
assigned to Troop B, 1st Sqdn., the financial fare and Recreation Center- faces makes it all worth it.”
9th Cav. Regt. North, where the Iraqi children Staff Sgt. Travis Hill, the
James, who hails from She-
networks used by enjoyed pizza, made crafts and logistics noncommissioned of-
boygan, Wis., rotated through violent extremists played games donated by the ficer in charge, 220th Transpor-
the JFSTC as an instructor, to fund operations Families of 394th CSSB Sol- tation Company, 394th CSSB,
teaching small unit tatics in ad- against legitimate diers. spent time passing a soccer ball
dition to his normal duties as- “We wanted the kids to have back and forth with the children
sisting Iraqi Security Forces in
authority and the things they needed, and we wearing their new shoes.
providing security at combined security forces.” wanted to see them smile,” he “It’s good to see them smile,
checkpoints. said. said Hill, who calls Freemont,
U.S. forces also use the JF-
Staff Sgt. Shannon, a native of Bellev- Neb. home. “It’s not every day
STC to provide medical aid Joseph Garcia ue, Neb., said he looks forward that we can help the kids in
and evacuation training, rifle to holding another Children’s Iraq.”
marksmanship and tactical training to ISF from Mosul and sur- day with the Iraqi children ear- The children also took home
rounding areas, he said. ly next year, especially during plastic hats, balloons and other
Sgt. 1st Class Reynaldo Gomez, a platoon sergeant with Troop the warmer weather when they toys and party favors provided
B, also taught the commandos how to conduct defensive opera- can play outside. by the Families of the 394th
tions, a standard task at the platoon level. Soldiers greeted 28 children CSSB Soldiers.
“All of the tasks we teach the units who come through the JF- with cheers as they entered the “This really helped the mo-
STC are important for building upon skills they already have … ” MWR center, joining the Iraqi rale of the Soldiers as well as
said Gomez, a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. “They are learn- youth as they drew with cray- those of the children,” said Sto-
ing to plan their own operations and are well on their way to being ons and coloring books and ver, who helped plan the event.
self-sufficient in securing the people in the area.” played board games, ping pong The event was the first time
The 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav., is working with the Iraqi Army to open and air hockey. in three years a Children’s Day
a training facility at Contingency Operating Site Marez, where Staff Sgt. Anthony Hollan- has been held at COB Speicher,
company and battalion-size IA units will train their platoons on bach, a native of Greeneville, he explained.
tactics and techniques learned at the JFSTC, said James.
The Ghazlani Warrior Training Center will enable these units
to maneuver and fire at various training lanes as well as rehearse
unit coordination as the ISF in the region becomes solely respon-
sible for security, he explained.
The 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., is responsible for training units
of 3rd and 2nd IA Divisions and the 3rd Federal Police Division,
operating in the Ninewa province, said Gomez.
The IA commandos of the 3rd IA Div. are playing an important
role in helping the ISF assume responsibility for security opera-
tions in northern Iraq, he said.
“The commandos are not a typical type of Iraqi Army unit,”
said Garcia. “They usually conduct raids against wanted crimi-
nals and weapons caches. Something unique about them is that
they also target the financial networks used by violent extrem-
ists to fund operations against legitimate authority and security
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller, 109th MPAD, USD-N PAO
forces.”
An Iraqi child from an orphanage in Tikrit receives a pair of shoes
The 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. deployed to northern Iraq in Oc- from Staff Sgt. Anthony Hollanbach, a mechanic assigned to 220th
tober as part of U.S. Division-North’s mission to advise, assist, Transportation Company, 394th Combat Sustainment Support Battal-
mentor and train ISF in support of Operation New Dawn. ion, 103rd Expeditionary Support Command, during Children’s Day at
the Morale, Welfare Recreation-North Center, Contingency Operating
Base Speicher, Dec. 17, 2010.

12


Son continues father’s

U.S. Division-North
military legacy
Spc. Andrew Ingram as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S.
USD-N Public Affairs Army during a video telecon-
ference Dec. 16. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Ingram, USD-N PAO
CONTINGENCY OPERAT- “I do not think you can be Col. Patrick Fetterman, Chief of Staff, 4th Infantry Division and U.S. Di-
ING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq the child of a military member vision-North administers the Oath of Office to his son Chris, commis-
sioning him a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, during a ceremony via
– At a U.S. military base in and not be impressed by the fact video teleconference between Contingency Operating Base Speicher,
northern Iraq, a U.S. Army Col- that the military helps people to Iraq and Virginia Technical Institute, Blacksburg, Va., Dec. 16, 2010.
onel, raised his right hand to become better,” Col. Fetterman
administer the Oath of Office. said. “It is really gratifying to sioned into the Army gives me succeed as a Soldier.
Thousands of miles away in a me that Chris has turned out to a greater sense of accomplish- Col. Fetterman’s Wife, Sa-
classroom at Virginia Techni- be a good man who wants to ment.” bina, and youngest son, Patrick,
cal Institute, Blacksburg, Va., serve his nation and do right by Second Lt. Fetterman said Jr. attended the ceremony, and
Christopher Fetterman stood his fellow man.” his father’s 30 years of military the whole Family visited with
at attention, right hand raised, Second Lt. Fetterman com- service had an important im- Col. Fetterman face-to-face for
awaiting his father’s instruc- pleted his Reserve Officer pact on his decision to pursue a the first time since he deployed
tion. Training Corps curriculum at military career. to northern Iraq in November
“I Christopher Lee Fetter- Virginia Tech, where he was “Growing up in a military in support of Operation New
man … do solemnly swear … commissioned one day before Family gave me a taste of it; I Dawn.
that I will support and defend receiving a bachelor’s degree met Soldiers and I liked them,” Second Lt. Fetterman said
the Constitution of the United in history. he said. “I saw how important he is slated to join 4th Brigade,
States of America …” “It is good to know my hard their work was, and I wanted to 101st Airborne Division at Fort
Col. Patrick Fetterman, work has paid off,” said 2nd Lt. be a part of it.” Campbell, Ky., as a transporta-
chief of staff, 4th Infantry Divi- Fetterman after the ceremony. Col. Fetterman, a U.S. Mili- tion officer upon completion
sion and U.S. Division-North, “I’m graduating from college tary Academy graduate, said he of the Basic Officer Leaders
commissioned his son Chris as well, but being commis- looks forward to seeing his son Course and air assault school.

Soldiers complete NCOs, completed the 30-lesson train-
ing program, learning how to assist com-

EO training manders at the company and battalion lev-
els assess unit climate, recognize conflict
and resolve concerns at the lowest level.
Maj. David Cushen Staff Sgt. Christopher Babcock said the
Equal Opportunity Program Manager EO Leader Course, taught at COB Speich-
U.S. Division-North er, is the most interactive, interesting and
relevant EO class he has experienced.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE “I didn’t expect the group to become
U.S. Army photo by Maj. David Cushen, USD-N
SPEICHER, Iraq – Eighteen noncommis- as close as it did in such a short amount
Staff Sgt. Christopher Babcock, telecommu-
sioned officers from U.S. Division-North nications computer operator, Company C, of time,” said the telecommunications
graduated from an Equal Opportunity Task Force ODIN, or Observe, Detect, Iden- computer operator assigned to Company
Leader Course at Contingency Operating tify and Neutralize, and Sgt. 1st Class Jerry C, Task Force ODIN, or Observe, Detect,
Jacobs, noncommissioned officer in charge
Base Speicher, Iraq, Dec 17. Identify and Neutralize. “I have no doubt
of U.S. Division-North Strength Management,
The 18 new graduates of the course, Company B, Division Special Troops Battal- that some of the members of the class will
deployed as part of U.S. Division-North in ion, 4th Infantry Division, use body language keep in touch.”
support of Operation New Dawn, provided to demonstrate unwillingness to compromise The course helped NCOs understand the
during an Equal Opportunity Leader Course
northern Iraq with enough equal opportu- severity of sexism in the Army and how to
at Contingency Operating Base Speicher,
nity leaders to effectively support four bat- Iraq Dec. 14, 2010. counter it, said Staff Sgt. Mark Middleton,
talions. a forward observer assigned to Company
“This course brought together students Kennedy, medical supply clerk, Company B, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd Advise and
from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, B, Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
and experience and was a good opportu- Infantry Division who was named by her “Being in combat arms units, we do not
nity to break down cross-cultural barriers fellow students as the “Most Valuable Con- necessarily see the effect that sexism has
and stereotypes.” said Staff Sgt. Vanessa tributor.” among our ranks,” Middleton said.

13


the

‘Quietdrive’ brings pop-punk sounds
to U.S. Division-North troops
Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th MPAD
U.S. Division-North

CONTINGENCY OPERAT-
ING BASE SPIECHER, Iraq –
Amidst the bustling of nightly
provisions, the sounds of punk
rock music drew Soldiers’ at-
tention to the band on stage at
the North Dining Facility at
Contingency Operating Base
Speicher, Dec. 17.
“Quietdrive,” a pop-punk
band hailing from Minneapo-
lis, Minn., played their origi-
nal songs, “Jessica” and “Way
Out,” and also covered other
well known songs to the amuse-
ment of the Soldiers. The band “Quietdrive,” hailing from Minneapolis, Minn., played for the Soldiers of U.S. Division-North sta-
“I have heard the band be- tioned at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Dec. 17, 2010. The punk band played original songs such
fore, and it is awesome they as “Jessica” and “Rise from the Ashes,” and covered other well known songs for the troops deployed in
are here,” said Spc. Ignacio support of Operation New Dawn. Kevin Truckenmiller, the band’s lead vocalist, said he enjoys playing for
the troops, bringing the sounds of home. Truckenmiller said the band will continue to play for Soldiers in
Berrones, an Army Reservist theater during the holiday season as they tour throughout Iraq and Kuwait.
from Brownsville, Texas, who
began following the band after Berrones, a food service your Family for months at a calls New Orleans home.
hearing their song “Rise from specialist assigned to 370th time,” said Kevin Truckenmill- As a musician, there is noth-
the Ashes” on a video game in Transportation Company, said er, lead vocalist of Quietdrive. ing more rewarding than seeing
2007. he had no idea the band would “Whenever we get the opportu- the joy of music expressed on
play here, but his night was nity to help the troops by either the faces of Soldiers, he added.
instantly better when he saw bringing them a bit of home Soldiers in Baghdad and
the group take the stage to get through our music or just giv- Kuwait will also be able to en-
ready for the show. ing them time to relax, we go joy the band’s music as they
“We know how hard it can out of our way to do it.” tour across theater in an effort
be when you’re away from 1st Sgt. Cornell Herrington, to support the troops during the
the trombone player and non- holiday season, said Trucken-
Will Caesar, the back-up vocal- commissioned officer in charge miller.
ist and guitar player for the pop-
punk band “Quietdrive,” sings of the 4th Infantry Division’s “We like hanging out with
for troops deployed with U.S. Ivy Division Band, attended the the troops, getting to know
Division-North in support of Op- show, and said it was great to them, and letting them know
eration New Dawn, during a show have the band play for the Sol- that the sacrifices they make
at Contingency Operating Base
Speicher, Dec. 17, 2010. The diers. are not forgotten by those at
band, from Minneapolis, Minn., “It is amazing to look out home,” said Truckenmiller.
is scheduled to tour Iraq and Ku- and see the positive effect that
wait during the holiday season to music can have on the Sol-
boost morale and provide troops
time to have fun and relax. diers,” said Herrington, who
Photo by Sgt. Coltin Heller

14


Cavalry Soldiers observe Advent in Iraq

Capt. Philip Crabtree Maj. Mike Patter-
4th AAB Public Affairs son, 4th AAB, 1st
1st Cav. Div., U.S. Division-North Cav. Div. “Its ob-
servance is about
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE more than just miss-
MAREZ, Iraq – Soldiers from many dif- ing Family. It unites
ferent backgrounds and cultures come to- Christians in spirit
gether to serve in the Army, and one of the as they observe the
times each year where their traditions are Christmas season
most evident is during the Christmas sea- no matter where
son. they are.” U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree
Troopers assigned to the 4th Advise and Advent is Chaplain Maj. Mike Patterson, brigade chaplain of the 4th Advise and
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, leads Soldiers and civilians in
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. marked by the four worship at Marez Chapel, Dec. 5. Patterson, a native of Vero Beach,
Division-North, joined the “Long Knife” Sundays preced- Fla., spoke about the themes of joy, peace, hope and love respectively
Unit Ministry Team at Contingency Oper- ing Christmas, and during the four Advent Sunday services preceding Christmas.
ating Site Marez to observe Advent, a prac- there are several
tice dating back hundreds of years in the traditions associated with its observance, first sergeant for Headquarters and Head-
Christian faith. the lighting of candles being prevalent quarters Company, 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div.
“Advent is something Christians ob- among them, said Patterson, a native of “I see it as a traditional practice among
serve all over the world,” said Chaplain Vero Beach, Fla. some of my Soldiers.”
“We are observ- Sgt. Greg MacKinnon, a civil affairs
ing Advent with the noncommissioned officer assigned to the
use of four different U.S. Army 412th Civil Affairs Battalion,
candles symbol- attached to the 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div., said
izing different sen- he is more familiar the practice of Advent.
timents,” he said. “My Family didn’t observe it growing
“Each Sunday we up, but through my wife, who is Catholic,
light an additional I learned more about it,” said the native of
candle with all four Columbus, Ohio. “It’s special to me be-
candles symbol- cause it brings me closer to my wife and
izing joy, peace, the traditions in her faith.”
hope and love. On Advent is just one way 4th AAB, 1st
Christmas, we will Cav. Div. Soldiers will celebrate Christmas
light the fifth and this year. Soldiers will do their best to stay
final candle to sym- connected in spite of being deployed thou-
bolize the coming sands of miles away from their Families.
of Christ.” “Christ is the focus of my Family’s
Soldiers and ci- Christmas celebrations,” said Luera, a na-
vilians from COS tive of Edinburgh, Texas. “We usually open
Marez said they presents just after midnight, and we defi-
were eager to par- nitely go to church. This year I’ll be con-
ticipate in Advent nected to them through Skype as they open
services. Many of presents, and I get to see the happiness on
them do not observe their faces through the webcam.”
Advent as a part of Since the “Long Knife” Brigade’s in-
the celebration of ception in 2005, the brigade has deployed
Christmas in their to Iraq three times and spent three Christ-
own Families but mases away from their Families. The Sol-
had the opportunity diers of 4th AAB, 1st Cav. Div. deployed
U.S. Army photo by Capt. Philip Crabtree, 4th AAB PAO, 1st Cav. Div. to see how mean- to Iraq to assume a new mission in October
One candle of the Advent Wreath is lit each Sunday in the four weeks ingful it is to others. for a one-year deployment in support of
leading up to Christmas. The Christ Candle is placed in the middle and “I’m really not Operation New Dawn.
is not lit until Christmas Day. Soldiers assigned to the 4th Advise and familiar with it,”
Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Division-North are celebrat-
ing Christmas in Ninewa Province, Iraq, this year as the brigade sup- said 1st Sgt. Ricar-
ports Operation New Dawn. do Luera, company

15


Hey Doc: ‘Counting sheep isn’t good enough’
Staff Sgt. Charles Temple out because, your body is not ready to wake up yet.
4th DSTB Troop Medical Clinic “I” is for Intensity of activity. Your body burns energy as it sees
U.S. Division-North fit for whatever it is doing at the moment and will store energy to
use later. Sedentary people do not expend as much energy and may
“‘Hey Doc:’ seems I can’t get enough sleep. I’m dragging all not sleep well as a result.
the time, and the more tired and fatigued I become, the less rest I “R” stands for routine, performed before going to sleep or ly-
seem to get. What’s going on?” – signed “Snooze Button.” ing down to sleep. Remember, humans are creatures of habit and
your body easily adapts to repetitive patterns. Therefore, reading
Dear “Snooze Button,” in bed when retiring for the night gets your body ready for reading
One of the most common things that affect Soldiers’ lives dur- instead of sleeping. The bed is for sleeping.
ing a deployment is insufficient or improper sleep. If you do not “E” stands for environment or surroundings. Turn off lights,
feel rested after a full-night’s sleep or if you are having problems televisions and radios at bedtime. Sometimes a fan or something
with alertness, performance and health – you may be experiencing similar making “white noise” will help deal with a noisy environ-
sleep deprivation or have a sleep disorder. ment.
Not enough sleep and poor quality of sleep are two factors that And lastly “D” … the dreaded diet! No, this is not necessarily in
contribute to sleep deprivation. An insufficient amount of sleep reference to healthy eating, although that is important. It refers to
can be the result of insomnia, sleeping during the wrong time of your digestive system doing most of its work while you are asleep.
day, and abnormal movement during sleep. If you eat or have caffeine right before trying to sleep, your di-
Sleepwalking, sleep apnea and gestive tract will be in overtime
jetlag are also common causes of or the caffeine may kick in and
insufficient or poor sleep. Poor Time. the human body sleeps in interfere with restful sleep.
quality of sleep can also be the 90-minute cycles. In order to rest for Some helpful techniques to
result of an uncomfortable, unfa- the proper amount of “time,” plan to improve sleep are doing physical
miliar, or chaotic sleeping envi- wake up at the end of a 90-minute training later in the day—but not
ronment, or an individual’s phys- cycle. right before bedtime; not eating
ical and emotional states, such as or drinking caffeine within four
obesity, depression, anxiety, pain Intensity of activity. Your body hours of bedtime; only sleeping
or illness. burns energy as it sees fit for what- in a bed; controlling the environ-
ever it is doing at the moment and
Failure to address these prob- ment as much as possible; and
will store energy to use later. Seden-
lems causes suboptimal work trying some muscle relaxation
tary people do not expend as much
performance and increased risk techniques.
energy and may not sleep well as a
of accidents. Additionally, poor result. If these are tried and fail to
sleep is associated with high improve sleeping habits in four
blood pressure, respiratory dis- to five days, seek medical aid.
orders and a weakened immune Routine, performed before going to Some medications commonly
sleep or lying down to sleep. Remem- used for the treatment of sleep
system.
ber, humans are creatures of habit
The “magic” number that ev- disturbances are Benadryl, Mela-
and your body easily adapts to repeti-
eryone hears is eight hours of tonin, Lunesta and Ambien. The
tive patterns. The bed is for sleeping,
sleep nightly, but some people so if you read or use the computer, sit
first two are used to treat mainly
only require four to six hours to up or get out of bed. acute disorders such as jetlag and
perform optimally. Good sleep shift work adjustment. The lat-
habits, or quality hours of sleep, ter two are controlled substances
are more important to maintain Environment or surroundings. Turn and are not for every sleeping
a healthy lifestyle than the num- off lights, televisions and radios at disorder.
ber of hours of sleep. Remember, bedtime. Sometimes a fan, or some- Are you getting the proper
quality is better than quantity. thing similar, making “white noise” amount and quality of sleep?
The acronym T.I.R.E.D. is a will help deal with a noisy environ- If the answer is “No,” combat
helpful reminder of what’s im- ment. sleep deprivation by trying a few
portant. simple techniques to potentially
“T” means Time: the human prevent harmful accidents, situa-
Diet. No, this is not necessarily in
body sleeps in 90-minute cycles. tions and medical risks.
reference to healthy eating, although
In order to rest for the proper So, get some rest, check your
that is important. It refers to your di-
amount of “time,” plan to wake gestive system doing most of its work Soldiers, and Ironhorse Strong,
up at the end of a 90-minute cy- while you are asleep. keep those questions coming.
cle. If awoken in the middle of a
sleep cycle, you will feel worn
16

TThe Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 8

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TThe Ivy Leaf, volume 1, issue 8