Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on February 3rd, 2010
Scorched but not scarred; a hero’s valor honored
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander, pins the Purple Heart medal on Pfc. Cameron R. Hebert, a gunner for the Brigade Maneuver Element, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 17th Fires Brigade, for wounds received in action.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – “
Nothing seemed different; it was just like any other time that we went out. I was scanning my area, up, down, side-to-side, just as I’ve been taught. We pulled in to the area and everything seemed as it had on so many other occasions, until,” said a gunner from Berry, Ala., as he recalls the day he was hit with a Molotov cocktail and how it will forever remain burned in his memory. A devastating event, which resulted in him receiving the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat.
Early that morning on Jan. 5, Pfc. Cameron R. Hebert and the Soldiers of Team 1, Brigade Maneuver Element, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 17th Fires Brigade, were assigned a mission to escort a civil affairs team to Timinyah in Basra, Iraq. Their mission was to talk to the people of the area about how they could help better their community.
“We escorted the team through the area and they conducted their assessment without any problems, but it was clear by the tension in the atmosphere that we were not welcomed,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Chapel, convoy commander.
The team finished talking to those who were not scared to speak about the area and were escorted safely back to the vehicles for the return trip home. That’s when things took a turn for the worse.
“There were kids that were throwing rocks at the convoy so I began scanning slowly in their direction to ensure the situation didn’t escalate. The presence of the .50 cal. is pretty intimidating and they usually don’t continue bothering us when it’s turned in their direction,” said Hebert referring to his .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun.
While Hebert was keeping the miscreant stone bearers at bay, little did he know that behind him lurked an insurgeant determined to take his life.
Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander, presents the Purple Heart medal certificate to Pfc. Cameron R. Hebert, a gunner with Brigade Maneuver Element Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 17th Fires Brigade, for wounds received in action early this year.
As the convoy began rolling out, Sgt. 1st Class John C. Zanella, BME Noncommission Officer-in-charge; known throughout the brigade as simply Sergeant Z, was first to notice the attacker approaching to the rear left-hand side of the convoy.
“I saw a man who looked to be in his mid-twenties running towards us with a Molotov cocktail in his hand,” Zanella said.
A Molotov cocktail, also known as a gasoline or petrol bomb, is composed of a glass bottle containing fuel usually with a source of ignition such as a burning cloth wick held in place by the bottle lid. Thickening agents such as tar, strips of tire tubing, sugar or other agents are added to the fuel to give it an adhesive affect ensuring extensive damage.
Upon impact, the contents of the cocktail spread and immediately ignite, turning a glass of liquid into a scorching death trap. It was this very device that put the life of the Hebert in imminent danger.
With the explosive in the attacker’s hand and his arm drawn back ready for release, Sergeant Z fired from the moving vehicle. Determined to kill Americans, the man hurled the volatile cocktail and turned to a nearby alley. Sergeant Z fired two more shots and gave chase, keeping his eyes on the suspect all while radioing his position for his team members to follow.
The bottle landed squarely on the side of the turret that Hebert was manning and instantly the turret was engulfed in flames.
“I just remember it getting very hot. I glanced around and then saw the flames climbing up the side of my right arm,” Hebert said.
Pfc. Cameron R. Hebert, Brigade Maneuver Element, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 17th Fires Brigade, receives praise and admiration from fellow Soldiers of the brigade after he was awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in action.
In shock, Hebert calmly said, “I’m on fire.” Realizing the seriousness of his state he franticly repeated, “I’m on fire, I’m on fire!”
Seeing the flames from a vehicle ahead, Staff Sgt. Joseph R. Dye, personal security officer, raced to the truck where the driver, Pfc. Brittany D. Gutierrez, released the combat-locked door giving Dye access to the fire extinguisher.
Realizing he was indeed in flames, Hebert fell into the vehicle through the gunner’s hatch.
“I dropped down into the vehicle and I could feel the heat from flames climbing up my arm towards my neck,” Hebert said. “That’s when I saw Sergeant Dye with the fire extinguisher. He put out the flames and our medic, Specialist Frazier, immediately began treating my wounds,” he added.
“When she finished, she asked me if I was OK and I told her, ‘It hurts a little, but I’m good.’ She asked, ‘Are you sure?’ I said, ‘Yeah I’m good.’ Then I got back in to the turret and started scanning my area again,” Hebert said.
Moments later, Sergeant Z radioed back to the convoy that he and a few members of the team, along-side the Iraqi Army, had cornered the suspect into what he described as a mosque.
Members of the IA subsequently entered the mosque and brought several individuals matching the description of the attacker for Sergeant Z to positively identify, as U.S. Forces cannot enter Iraqi mosques.
Through the help of an interpreter Sergeant Z identified the man as the attacker, but the IA was hesitant to detain the individual as they did not witness the attack.
Sergeant Z then gave instructions to Cpl. Dustin J. Anderson, truck commander, to put the suspect in wrist restraints and turn him over to the custody of the IA.
After returning safely to the COB, the events of the day were reported and Hebert went to the medical center for further treatment of his injuries. After a medical examination cleared Hebert for duty, he was off on another mission a few hours later.
(left) Pfc. Cameron R. Hebert along with Sgt. 1st Class John C. Zanella, his Noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Brigade Maneuver Element, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 17th Fires Brigade, sit on top of the vehicle by the spot a Molotov cocktail struck the vehicle, burning Herberts arm during a mission on Jan. 5.
A couple of weeks later outside the HHB Lightening Battery HQ, an award ceremony was held in Hebert’s honor. He proudly stood in front of a small formation when he was presented the Purple Heart medal by Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander, for wounds received in action.
“I’m honored to receive this medal, but no one aspires to get a Purple Heart,” Hebert said. “I have to thank Sergeant Z for what he did that day. That guy would have had a clear shot at me and things could have been much worse had Sergeant Z not re-acted so quickly,” he added.
“I want to thank all the team for their support and let you know that I’m not scarred by what happed that day. We were doing a job and it’s just something that happened,” Hebert said.
This was the first Purple Heart medal awarded to a 17th FiB Soldier during this deployment.
The Purple Heart medal was first established by General George Washington at Newburgh, New York on August 7, 1782 and is awarded by the President of the United States of America and presented to military personal that have been wounded in action.
C.S.I.-Iraq the judiciary process develops in Basra
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on January 26th, 2010
C.S.I.-Iraq the judiciary process develops in Basra
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
1st Lt. Mohammad Adri and Maj. Falhel Hasan Mohammad teach a class on the ballistics at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center during a week-long training course for the Iraqi Police and Iraqi judges organized by 17th Fires Brigade legal team and Provincial Reconstruction Team.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – “
By utilizing crime-scene procedures and evidence-collecting techniques recognized world-wide, that evidence collected will withstand challenges proffered to the court and therein substantially increase the probability that the individual or individuals charged with the crime will be successfully prosecuted,” said Edgar Lacy, a Law Enforcement Professional assigned to the17th Fires Brigade.
After a few short months of coordination, the 17th Fires Brigade legal team, Provincial Reconstruction Team and a team of experts in forensics evidence, crime scene investigation and technological exploitation facilitated Basra’s first Crime Lab Familiarization and Forensic training course.
The course was held at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center and was designed to provide standardized evidence collection techniques and processes to the Iraqi Judiciary and Police from which they could incorporate, all or part, into the Iraqi jurisprudence system.
“It’s imperative to get these two sides on the same page because the evidence collected directly connects the two groups and if the judges as the gatekeepers, aren’t ready, willing and able to except and understand the evidence, then the training is pointless,” said Capt. Jeremy S. Scholtes, 17th Fires Brigade Legal Office, Rule of Law officer in charge.
1st Lt. Mohammad Adari, Ballistics Division Iraqi Police, explains how the IP are able to distinguish the resemblance between two separate bullets fired from the same weapon in the crime lab station at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center during a week-long training course for the Iraqi Police and Iraqi judges organized by 17th Fires Brigade legal team and Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Back in Nov. the PRT and 17th Fires Brigade, Rule of Law team, orchestrated a conference between the Iraqi Police and judges which opened the lines of communication between the two sides. The conference helped to shed light on a lot of key issues and concerns that the two sides faced. This training course had its genesis from recommendations made during the conference.
Chief Judge Khaz’al Da’bol Qasim said only by working together will they be able to assess this current system, implement a strategy based from all the encompassing information and target key problems that they must improve.
During the conference, a debate was sparked on whether or not the investigation process between the IP and IJ was effective. Some judges blamed the lack of professionalism on the part of the IP. While the IP stood behind their lack of proper equipment and training as reasons for their failed job performance.
Sunday, both sides met at the PJCC with the intensions of following through on the statement made during the conference “to combine their efforts to increase effectiveness of making Basra safer.”
“Everything depends on collecting the right evidence at the crime scenes,” said Lacy. “We explained the process of securing the crime scene and its importance, evidence identification, proper collection and processing, as well as submission of evidence to the crime lab for examination. All of which is key to incorporating forensic evidence into their legal system,” he added.
Members of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi judges discuss standard operating procedures as the two sides synchronize during a week-long training course held at the Provincial Joint Coordination Center in downtown Basra, Iraq.
This month’s course was divided into about two topics a day with classroom briefings beginning in the morning followed later in the afternoon by a demonstration in the IP’s new state-of-the-art crime lab facility.
The techniques and procedures taught in the week-long course serve to significantly improve the Iraqi judicial system as both sides gain substantial feedback through open discussions.
“This was our first course, where Iraqi crime lab technicians and U.S. experts trained 17 Iraqi representatives consisting of judges, investigative judges and judicial investigators,” Scholtes said.
Three more training iterations consisting of about 17 judges for each course are currently being scheduled for the next couple of weeks. Times and dates are being worked around the availability of the crime lab that will allow for more hands on training.
“Some of the judges are familiar with techniques and procedures the Iraqi Police use and some are not. It’s a continual learning process and this class serves as an avenue towards cohesion,” said Lacy.
The Iraqi Police gave thorough briefings to the judges on their ballistics identification tactics, crimes scene evaluations techniques and fraudulent document and monetary collection procedures.
“We have three different divisions set in place to review and classify evidence,” said 1st Lt. Mohammad Adari, Ballistics Division Iraq Police, ballistics officer. “Each of our divisions has an expert in their department. After we have consolidated the evidence and pieced together a report, each of the division experts must agree and sign-off on all reports before sending them to the prosecutors,” he added.
The IJ brought up many questions throughout the weeklong course. One in particular was, “How can you preserve a crime scene?”
“Generally the most important factor in preserving the scene is to make sure it is secured from people contaminating it. It’s essential to prevent cross contamination and loss of evidence,” said Lacy.
Lacy added that access to the scene should be limited to those responsible for processing evidence in order to prevent the transference of evidence.
“Basically, by controlling the crime scene and collecting evidence through the use of recognized processes which follow established rules and presenting this evidence to the courts in a transparent manner this will ensure a fair and just system which the Iraqi people can place their trust in,” said Lacy.
“It will take time to develop. However, from the looks of the cooperation level in this course it seems both sides are willing to invest in their country’s development,” he added.
New electricity distribution system powers province
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on January 19th, 2010
New electricity distribution system powers province
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
Mr. John Naland, Leader of The United States Government Provincial Reconstruction Team in Basra, Iraq discusses the recent completion of a new electricity distribution system in several districts throughout Basra province with local media. "This project was the combined effort of the provincial leadership and the Provincial Reconstruction Team to greatly improve the quality of life for the people of Basra, he said.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq –
Members of the 17th Fires Brigade, Provincial Reconstruction Team and influential members of the Basra community gathered at the recently refurbished Al Quibla market Sunday, to celebrate the completion of 14 U.S. Government funded projects designed to deliver reliable electricity to nearly 15 districts throughout Basra.
“These projects will significantly improve the quality of life for the people in Basra,” said Zuhair Shubar, a technical assistant to the Governor for Administrative Affairs. “The Basra area has struggled with the inconsistency of reliable power in the homes of the Basrawi people and now thanks to tremendous efforts on both sides, that problem is solved.”
That tremendous effort came in the form of 18,000 homes throughout Basra receiving reliable power at a cost of $5.4 million provided from the PRT through the 17th Fires Brigade Commander’s Emergency Relief Program.
John Naland, leader of the PRT, was on hand during the ceremony to address the improving conditions of the communities throughout Basra province.
“Today we celebrate the completion of 14 U.S. Government projects that will provide over 137,000 Basra citizens with reliable power and will drastically reduce the amount of power interruptions the city has experienced,” said Naland.
“These projects are an example of a partnered effort to meet and address the needs of the people of Basra by the Provincial leaders of Basra and the PRT,” Naland added.
Decades of neglect to the electrical infrastructure in the city has caused the electrical blackouts that frustrate the citizens of Basra.
“The end state of the project is a reduction of unscheduled power blackouts in each of the areas,” said Capt. Alex L. Young, 7th Engineer Battalion, an engineer who is currently a project purchasing officer with the PRT attached to the 17th Fires Brigade. “A serious amount of poles, transformers and wire were required to establish a new more efficient electrical distribution system for these areas.”
Citizens of Basra, Iraq review photos after the ceremony celebrating the completion of a new electricity distribution system provided by the Provincial Reconstruction Team on Jan. 17.
The process began with an intense evaluation by the Electrical Distribution Department, that pinpointed the areas that needed upgrading to their current system or needed to have a network established for the first time; two areas are now receiving power for the first time.
Young said that part of the problem with the instability of the network in certain neighborhoods was due to individuals using illegal connections causing local systems to overload and fail.
“One of the problems in the areas was that people were trying to get more power out of the transformers that they could handle,” said Young. “These projects create local electrical systems that are capable of distributing higher amounts of electricity with more reliability. They are not physically increasing the amount of electricity in the area, but ensuring that the systems can handle the increasing amounts,” Young added.
The PRT recognized the need for a more efficient system of long-term preventative maintenance and has collaborated with the Ministry of Electricity in developing an operations and maintenance training program.
“Our aim is to jump-start their process of effectively maintaining these networks,” Young said. “In the past, they would use these transformers until they were no-longer able to operate, a inefficient and costly practice that we hope to eradicate with proper training and mentorship,” he added.
With plans for the development of maintenance centers in the districts of Hayyaniyah, Bradia and Hakemeyn, the Government of Iraq continues to demonstrate its commitment to rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and economy through on-going projects like this from the Ministry of Electricity.
2-127th Soldiers leave perfect as 515th assumes command during TOA
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on January 15th, 2010
2-127th Soldiers leave perfect as 515th assumes command during TOA
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – “No attacks on Bucca and no successful attacks on coalition forces in the Bucca operational environment on our watch. That was our battalion’s mission and through your efforts we accomplished that mission perfectly,” said Lt. Col. Brad S. Anderson, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, commander.
Present, Arms! Commanders of the various units bring their Soldiers to present arms during the transfer of authority ceremony for 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment and 132nd Brigade Support Battalion with 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion on Camp Bucca Jan. 10.
Anderson, relinquished operational control of Camp Bucca to Lt. Col. Kenneth A. Nava, commander of the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during a transfer of authority ceremony held on Camp Bucca Jan. 10.
Once home to about 20,000 prisoners, Camp Bucca, which is located just short of the Kuwaiti border, was Iraq’s premier holding facility for persons suspected of crimes. The facility remained opened up until September 2009.
Now the base will serve as a strategic strong point for U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces as they carry on the continued partnership until the eventual drawdown of U.S. Forces in Iraq.
Lt. Col. Kenneth A. Nava (right) 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth R. Adair 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, command Sgt. Maj., uncase the battalion's colors and assume command during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Bucca, Iraq on Jan. 10.
“I am very happy to transfer operational authority of Camp Bucca today, because it means that we are on our way home,” said Anderson. “To the Soldiers of 2-127th Infantry, you have all done an exceptional job. You should return home proud of your accomplishments, proud of your service and proud of this fine battalion,” he added.
The Wisconsin National Guard unit deployed to Iraq with the unique mission of transporting the remaining detainees from the camp’s prison into the custody of the Iraqi Police as stated and agreed upon in the security agreement between the U.S. and Iraq.
This transfer of authority ceremony is amongst the first under the new U.S. Forces- Iraq and begins the drawdown of U.S. troops to 50,000 remaining in the country by September.
The 2-127th Inf. Reg., and the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion comprised of Wisconsin and Michigan Guardsmen who provided logistics for the 2-127th Inf. Reg. is replaced by a single unit, the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, a National Guard unit based out of New Mexico.
The 515th CSSB, commanded by Nava, is tasked with an unfamiliar role here in Basra province for a combat sustainment support battalion.
"The Soldiers of Task Force 515th are ready to continue the work at Camp Bucca," said Lt. Col. Kenneth A. Nava, 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, commander, during the final words of his speech to all who attended the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Bucca Jan. 10
“We find ourselves doing a nonstandard mission for a CSSB. We want to thank the Soldiers from the 2-127th; 132nd BSB and the 17th Fires Brigade for the excellent transition they have provided us,” Nava said.
Jokingly Nava said that he appreciated the unit’s diligent efforts to mark all the land mines for them as they begin their mission in Bucca.
“The Soldiers of 515th are ready to continue the work here on Camp Bucca alongside our friends at Safwan and Umm-Qasr,” Nava said.
Positive meeting conducted despite GoI absence
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in Uncategorized on January 5th, 2010
Positive meeting conducted despite GoI absence
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
Maj. Gen. Muhammad Jawad Hawaydi, Basra Operations Center commander (middle) discusses current issues and projects with the tribal leaders of Basra Province Iraq at a shyakh meeting in the BaOC.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – The top commanders of the 17th Fires Brigade and Basra Operations Center held a meeting with the influential shyakhs of Basra Province to discuss recent issues and projects throughout the communities.
Iraqi Army Maj. Gen. Muhammad Jawad Hawaydi spoke with the shyakhs about the close relationship that has developed between the Iraqi Army and the 17th Fires Brigade.
“I have tried to advise U.S. forces on what projects would have a high success rate and would provide the greatest impact on the community,” said Muhammad. “One problem that we are working diligently to solve is the corruption issue with a few of the contractors that are not providing the full scope of work for the money they are being paid.”
Muhammad said that the Americans have been working tirelessly to help improve Basra and the acts of a few corrupt contractors discredit all of their work.
Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander (right) listens to the concerns of shyakh Muhammed Atiya Abu Raad, the tribal leader of the Hyyaniyah district in Basra, Iraq (left) during a meeting at the Basra Operations Center Dec. 13.
“What I want to do is provide tangible products to the people of Basra,” Muhammad said. “I would like for the shyakhs to provide their influence in their areas to ensure that the projects are fulfilling the needs of the people.”
The shyakhs agreed that the corruption was detrimental to the development of Basra and pledged their support to weed out those contractors with selfish intentions.
As the meeting progressed, Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander asked all the shyakhs for a report on all of their respective areas on the projects that are needed for their people.
“I would love to be able to fix all of your problems, but now more than ever I am serving as the eyes and ears of the Government of Iraq,” said Bullimore. “The U.S. comes to these areas to determine what we can do to help and that’s where the input that you provide comes in to play,” he added.
“Ultimately it’s the Iraqi government that gives approval of what projects we can do, the location of these projects and how much we spend on those projects,” he continued.
Col. Steven L. Bullimore, 17th Fires Brigade commander takes notes on the key concerns of the shyakhs during a meeting Dec.13 between the influencial tribal leaders and the partnered U.S. and Iraqi Army in Basra, Iraq.
“Since you are unable to spend any money without the approval of the GoI, then why do they not send a representative from the government to these meetings?” said Shyakh Muhammed Atiya Abu Raad, the tribal leader of the Hyyaniyah district.
“You’re absolutely right shyakh,” Bullimore said to shyakh Raad. “They are an important factor in the decision-making process and should have a healthy involvement in these meetings as well,” he said. “We either have to get them to these meetings here, or go where they are, but you’re absolutely right they have to become more involved with these meetings,” Bullimore added.
The colonel closed out the meeting by ensuring the shyakhs that he would send teams out to conduct assessments of the current ongoing projects throughout Basra Province making sure that the needs of the people were being met.
“This was a very positive meeting. We value the input of the shyakhs because it essentially comes from their people,” Bullimore said. “Now what we would like is to have the Iraqi Government and the shyakhs working together to meet the needs of their people without the assistance of a U.S. mediator.”
Passion for job, heart for Soldiers make Pascual #1
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in Uncategorized on January 5th, 2010
Passion for job, heart for Soldiers make Pascual #1
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – A mother with a very sick child sits in a Seattle hospital by his bedside hoping and praying for her child to get better. In her mind she’s thinking about hospital bills, medicine prices and extra child care cost.
Staff Sgt. Brian K. Pascual, 308th Support Battalion, 17th Fires Brigade career counselor, answers the call of a Soldier with questions about his career path. "Listening is one of the most critical aspects of my job because thats how you gather information that will be useful to the Soldiers asking you for guidance."
This mother is up for a bonus on her job that will expire at the day’s end if not accepted. She makes a call to her career counselor late that evening telling him of her situation and why she was unable to come in and sign her contract extension.
Without hesitation the Army career counselor gets in his own vehicle; drives an hour to the hospital to take the contract to her; providing her a little piece of mind during a difficult time.
It’s this type of selfless service time-and-time again that has earned Staff Sgt. Brian K. Pascual, 308th Support Battalion,17th Fires Brigade career counselor, the nomination to compete in the Secretary of the Army Career Counselor of the Year Competition in Washington D.C. on Jan 18, 2010.
“The hardest thing for me is being the center of attention, because I know that nothing is accomplished alone,” said Pascual a native of Waipahu, Hawaii. “I feel that if I’m being recognized then my whole team should be as well so I’m not only representing myself, I’ve been selected to represent our entire brigade.”
Representing his brigade is a bit of an understatement as Pascual is the sole representative of all 70 career counselors deployed throughout Multi-National Forces- Iraq.
Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph E. Santos, 17th Fires Brigade, command Sgt. Major nominated Pascual for the competition upon learning that the retention NCO had met his goals for the 2009 fiscal year.
Taking the time to come out to where Soldiers work, Staff Sgt. Brian K. Pascual, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th Fires Brigade, career counselor shows that it's truly about taking care of Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade, public affairs specialist)
“He has a real passion for his job and truly exemplifies the Army values,” said Santos. “We couldn’t be more proud of him and all of the effort that he has shown since he’s been with us.”
The Fort Lewis based brigade has led all units on post in retaining Soldiers for the past three years, and has showed no signs of slowing while currently on assignment for deployment to Basra, Iraq.
“Sergeant Pascual has done a great job for us,” said Master Sgt. Jason A. Koutsalas, 17th FB, senior career counselor. “It’s very rare that you find someone that has a genuine compassion for Soldiers and their families compiled with a tremendous work ethic like he has. He never ceases to amaze me,” Koutsalas said.
Re-enlistment is a commander’s policy and it’s the responsibility of the chain of command to prepare Soldiers for employment opportunities both within the Army and in corporate America.
There is a lot of pressure that comes with trying to meet the demands of the Army retention program, but the 17th FB has demonstrated the capability of handing that pressure despite their retention team being shorted two members. Each brigade is authorized one career counselor for each battalion, 17th FB is comprised of four battalions as well several smaller elements.
Even with all the extra work that Pascual has had to pick up with his team being short handed, he hasn’t let the pressure trickle down to any of the Soldiers that seek his counsel.
Staff Sgt. Brian K. Pascual, 308th Support Battalion, 17th Fires Brigade career counselor and native of Waipahu, Hawaii discusses career options with Spc. Devin D. Lowder, Alpha Company, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, ammunition specialist and native of Tucson, Ariz.
“Sergeant Pascual has a relaxed approach that doesn’t make you feel like you’re being pressured to rush in to something you don’t want,” said Spc. Francisco J. Carrillo, Alpha Company, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th FB, Alpha Company ammunition specialist and native of Los Angeles. “In my opinion, his approach is what all counselors should use. Getting to know Soldiers is the best way you can help place them in the right positions,” he said.
Career counselors like Pascual receive directives that the Department of the Army Headquarters sends out informing the counselors of specifications and monetary incentives for Soldiers eligible to re-enlist in this all volunteer Army.
Based off of the stipulations of those incentives, counselors have to market the Army to the eligible candidates throughout their unit trying to meet the needs of the Soldier as well as the retention requirements of the Army.
After meeting with Soldiers and gaining an assessment of what it would take to gain their continued service; Pascual then correlates the Soldier’s request with the incentives offered for the fiscal re-enlistment year and drafts a custom contract.
“At first I was undecided on whether I wanted to re-enlist. My decision weighed on if I could get the duty station of my choice that would be the most comfortable for my family,” said Devin D. Lowder, Alpha Company, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th FB, Alpha Company, ammunition specialist and native of Tucson, Ariz.
“The initial offer that was presented wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but Sergeant Pascual told me to be patient and later he was able to get me stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado,” Lowder added.
Patience, understanding may drive the way this counselor performs his duties, but it’s the completion of his mission that is the fuel that propels the Army.
Staff Sgt. Brain K. Pascual, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th Fires Brigade, career counselor, discusses career plans with Spc. Francisco J. Carrillo, Alpha Company, 308th Brigade Support Battalion, 17th Fires Brigade, ammunition specialist and Los Angeles native. "He's been helping me weigh out my options, helping me gather all the infomation so that I can make the best decision," said Carrillo.
“Soldiers are the driving force of this Army. It’s their service that astonishes me, because they don’t have to stay but yet time-after-time I listen to people and they tell me that there is nothing else they’d rather do,” said Pascual.
Although his goal has been reached, Pascual’s mission will still continue after the competition as he will be heading back to Fort Lewis to provide support for 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th FB.
Environmental clean-up big step in base turnover
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on December 19th, 2009
Sgt. 1st Class David E. Youngs, 203rd Military Police Company, 17th Fires Brigade, NCOIC of base closure operations and Maj. Jon K. Dyer, 17th Fires Brigade, engineer evaluate the excavation site of contaminated soil during an environmental clean up at the Basra Operations Center Dec. 7.
Environmental clean-up big step in base turnover
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – The 17th Fires Brigade has begun the environmental evaluation and clean up of bases occupied by U.S. troops in southern Basrah in preparation for the transfer of control to the Iraqi Army slated for January.
Soldiers from the 17th FB and the 203rd Military Police Co. combined their efforts to clean up an oil spill at the Basrah Operations Center (BaOC) that was left by previous tenants from years of careless refueling techniques as well as an ineffective containment system.
“The U.S. Army prides itself on its commitment to using environmentally friendly practices in maintaining all of its bases of operation at home and abroad,” said Maj. Jon K. Dyer, 17th FB, engineer and native of Oklahoma City, Okla. “Our goal is to turn over each of these bases to the Iraqi Army in better condition than how we received them.”
Many of the bases located in southern Basrah are powered by generators. After years of use, without proper maintenance and a faulty environmental hazard control system, the soil around the generator located at the BaOC has become contaminated.
Sgt. 1st Class David E. Youngs, 203rd Military Police Company, 17th Fires Brigade sniffs the remains of the excavation site ensuring that no traces of the contaminated soil remain after the clean-up efforts at the Basra Operations Center Dec. 7.
“As the noncommissioned officer in charge of base closure operations for the BaOC, it’s my responsibility to ensure that we follow the proper protocol of disposing all potentially hazardous waste materials and ensure that environmental standards are upheld,” said David E. Youngs, 203rd Military Police Co., 17th FB.
“Upon receiving the completed evaluation of the BaOC by Multi-National Division Iraq-South’s environmental manager, Jon Sojka, I immediately began coordinating the site excavation of the contaminated area with Al Harith Co.”
Youngs said that the entire process of removing all the contaminated soil, transporting it to a proper waste disposal facility and implementing a precautionary spillage management system under the generators cost a mere $9,800.
The environmental evaluation and clean-up of these bases marks one of the final steps of the preparation process for the 17th’s transfer of control to the Iraqi Army.
Workers with the Al Harith Company shovel the contaminated soil in to the front end loader during the clean-up process at the Basra Operations Center for base turnover.
“I must commend Sergeant Youngs and Maj. Dyer on the extraordinary job that they have done with preparing this base for turnover,” said Jon Sojka, Multi-National Division South, environmental manager. “They have executed a very well thought-out plan and have complied with all of the policies directed for base closure by MNC-I [Multi-National Corps Iraq].”
Basra’s elite compete in St. Barbara’s Day run
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on December 19th, 2009
On your mark, get set, Go! 207 participants showed up to run in the St. Barbara's Day Run hosted by the 17th Fires Brigade Dec. 5 on COB Basra, Iraq.
COB Basra’s elite compete in St. Barbara’s Day run
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
COB, Iraq – Run, run as fast as you can, you can’t catch him, he’s the ginger bread man. While Iseah Mamai, a guard with the Saber Contracting Company, is no cookie, he did crumble the competition in this year’s St. Barbara’s Day 5K run, turning in a first place finishing time of 16:16.
The 17th Fires Brigade held a St. Barbara’s Day run, in honor of the patron saint of the field artillery, at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Dec. 12, which was open to all personnel from around the base.
Two hundred and seven participants showed up for the run. Some came to compete for top place among the COB’s elite runners, while others simply looked at the event as just another morning of physical training.
“Back home in Richlands, North Carolina, I try to run about 3 to 4 times a week at a distance of 4 to 6 miles per run,” said Air Force 1st Lt. Brandon R. Bryan, 1st Logistics Readiness Squadron out of Langley Air Force Base, Va.. “Normally, for a 5K, I find my time floats around the 17 minute mark, but for the St. Barbara’s run I ran a little quicker because of the pace the winner set.”
Air Force 1st Lt. Brandon R. Bryan, 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, resources and logistics officer finished first among all military participants and second overall in the St. Barbara's Day Run turning in an impressive time of 16:44.
Bryan, a resource manager and logistical planner attached to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, finished first among all military participants and second overall in the St. Barbara’s Day run, turning in a final time of 16:44.
Sgt. 1st Class Caleb P. Underwood, 17th FB equal opportunity advisor, was in charge of the coordination of the event.
“I had a lot of help piecing this puzzle together. The staff and Soldiers pitched in and helped me out tremendously,” said Underwood.
There wasn’t a venue to put on the traditional St. Barbara’s Day ball, Underwood said, so 17th FB hosted the run to provide the members of the prestigious club an avenue to celebrate and share their legacy with others.
“The run opened up the doors for other occupational specialties to be introduced to the history and traditions of the field artillery,” Underwood said.
The legend of St. Barbara tells of a beautiful young girl who was trapped in a tower by her jealous father. She began studying Christianity and came to accept those religious preferences against the wishes of her father.
Once her father became aware of this, he was enraged and put her to death by his own hand. Shortly after carrying out the execution, he was struck down by lightning.
Because of the legend, St. Barbara was implored as a guardian against accidental explosions by early artillerymen, and was later adopted as the patroness of the field artillery.
Members of The Order of St. Barbara showed their loyalty by joining in the run in honor of their patroness.
“This is a prestigious club to be a member of and I am proud to show my support,” said Sgt. 1st Class Averell V. Thompson, 17th FB, S-3 battle captain and native of Starkville, Miss. “Now when it comes to running these days, I don’t make it there as fast as I used to. But as an artilleryman, I don’t need to be the first one there, just as long as I make it with the team.”
With a lighting quick time of 16:16, Iseah Mamai (right), a guard with the Saber Contracting Company took home top honors in COB Basra's St. Barbara's Day Run Dec. 5 and was awarded a plaque by the Thunderbolt Brigade's commander Col. Steven L. Bullimore.
The women of 34th Infantry Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, had a very strong showing at the competition, taking first, second and third place in the women’s category.
Sgt. Anna M. Gillen finished just under the 20-minute mark, at a time of 19:58, followed by 2nd Lt. Jennifer A. Carlson and Maj. Christine E. Ostendorf who finished at 21:30 and 21:50 respectfully.
“Overall, I think that the run was a success,” Underwood said. “It served as a medium to bring people from across the COB together, which is great from an E.O. standpoint.”
Those who wanted to have a stronger showing during the run will have a few months to train before the next big race, as the 17th FB will host the Molly Pitcher run in March.
1-377th ARF bulldogs teach IA commandos new tricks
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on December 7th, 2009
1-377th ARF bulldogs teach IA commandos new tricks
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
14th Iraqi army commandos take aim ready to lay down sepressive fire after a simulated helicopter landing during thier Air Reactionary force training at camp Wessam in Basrah, Iraq.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq –
When talking about any kind of training dealing with things that fly, it may not be the best idea to label the training a ‘crash course’. However that’s exactly what a group of 14th Iraqi Army commandos received during their intense week of training at Camp Wessam from the 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment.
Soldiers from 1-377th, “B” Battery (Bulldogs) Air Reactionary Force engaged in training designed to integrate Iraqi Commandos.
The course was more of a refresher, as many of the commandos have already gone through similar training in the past.
The course focused on using proper techniques at landing zones, loading and unloading from helicopters in secure and unsecure locations and establishing perimeter security in hostile and friendly environments.
“These commandos approached the training with the right attitude and an eagerness to learn,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeff L. Keesee, “B” Battery, platoon sergeant and ARF training instructor.
Keesee said that they had been training the Iraqi commandos in ARF techniques for five days, spending about two days on each group that they trained.
Pvt. 2nd Class Cheston K. Bun, 1st Battalion (Air Assault) 377th Field Artillery Regiment, Bravo Battery air reactionary force, leads a group of Iraqi commandos through a helicopter loading drill during recent training at camp Wessam in Basra, Iraq.
The 1-377th Soldiers put the commandos through an intense yet repetitive regiment of drills that focused on making procedures second nature for them.
“When the call comes in and we’re needed in the air, there isn’t much time to think; you have to be able to just react,” said Spc. William C. Mautler, “B” Battery, cannon crew member. “It’s for that exact reason that we’re making them go over the same drills five- to- six times, so when the time comes they’ll be ready without a shadow of a doubt.”
The drills took the commandos through the intricate process of responding to an incident by air, replicating each step they would be faced with during an actual response.
“We can’t simulate the noise that the choppers make, but we can teach them to communicate without being able to hear,” said Pvt. Cheston K. Bun, “B” Battery, cannon crew member and native of Philadelphia, Pa. “The hand signals that we use are universal and the commandos have picked up on them at a much more rapid pace than we had anticipated.”
Although much of the training was done on the ground, each of the groups did have the opportunity to conduct an actual flight response patrol.
“We are thankful for all of the training that our U.S. partners have provided,” said 1st Lt. Jassim, commando platoon leader, 14th Iraqi Army. “They have placed a great deal in making sure that we will able to conduct operations on our own in the future.”
Air Weapons Team conducts joint call-for-fire training
Posted by Spc. Maurice Galloway in News Story on December 3rd, 2009
One of the two apache helicopters -64D longbow delivers a devastating blow to the hostile target called up by ground forces during the call for fire training exercise at COB Basra, Nov. 21.
Air Weapons Team conducts joint call-for-fire training
By Spc. Maurice A. Galloway, 17th Fires Brigade
COB BASRA, Iraq – The old adage “Send in the cavalry” once referred to Soldiers on horseback, riding to the aid of embattled comrades.
Today, that same call for backup can be made a lot quicker and with much more devastating effect through the Army’s joint operations
Twelve Soldiers from 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment and 1st Battalion (Reconnaissance), 130th Aviation Regiment, Task Force Panther, teamed-up to conduct an air support live-fire exercise at a detonation range outside of Contingency Operating Base Basra.
The training provided leaders with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and increase their proficiency in calling for fire during close-combat scenarios.
After days of orchestrating the layout, boundaries and procedures of the exercise, the two taskforces conducted training sessions to familiarize the Soldiers with the different steps involved in the call-for-fire process.
“The hardest part of the training for me was being able to determine the distance of each of our projected targets from such a long distance away,” said 1st Lt. Mike S. Robinson, Bravo Co. 177th Armored Cavalry, infantry officer and native of Spokane, Wash. “You have to take into account that there are two perspectives: what we see from the ground and what the air support team sees.”
From their positions on the ground, Soldiers used their choice of techniques taught during the training to direct two AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters to hostile ground targets and have them deliver an airstrike.
1st Lt. Mike S. Robinsion, 177th Armored Calvary, Bravo Company, infantry officer, coordinates the location of his next target with the air weapons team using the distance and direction he received from his azimuth.
Some Soldiers used the compass method, shooting an azimuth to gain the distance and direction of their target, while others tackled the difficult task of navigating the airstrike verbally without any target marking.
“This event gave our platoon leaders an opportunity to see what the Apache is capable of doing for us if we ever need more firepower,” said Lt. Col. James W. MacGregor, commander, 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th FAR. “They are routinely coordinating operations with the Air Weapons Team during their patrols, not only as a secondary source of firepower, but also to expand their field of view.”
A lot of different factors come in to play when trying to acquire a target, and it is because of this that communication is so important.
“The two teams have to constantly talk,” said MacGregor. “The platoon leader has to identify his target and help the pilot see what he is looking at. Both may be looking at the same thing, but from a much different perspective.”
When multiple targets are in close proximity of each other it makes target identification all the more difficult. One strategy is to have troops on the ground use small arms fire to mark their target.
“My objective was to identify the target for air support, using the 240 Bravo Light Machine Gun,” said Pfc. Ian D. Favro, gunner, 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th FAR, and native of Phoenix, Ariz. “I basically shot rounds in short, controlled increments just short of their intended target to knock dust into the air so that the AWT could properly identify their objective and destroy it.”
With all of the objectives destroyed and each of the platoon leaders getting the opportunity to become more familiar with calling for fire, the event was definitely a success, MacGregor said.
Soldier tries to guide the air weapons team to their target verbally and without marking the target.
“This experience offered our platoon leaders a chance to talk to the pilots and gain insight on their perspective from both a fixed and rotary-wing standpoint,” he said.
“All in all this was a great professional development experience for these young leaders,” said MacGregor.
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