Americans, Wake Up!

Cross-posted at Rosemary's Thoughts.

It would appear that even after September 11, 2001, some people still do not understand that this is an ideologic war most of all. After all, who is doing most of the bombing of innocents and most of the blaming? I AM TALKING ABOUT THIS CENTURY. Good God.

Maybe I should let someone else speak for a moment.

How many more terror plots will we unravel before one slips through the net and is carried out again domestically? N.Y. City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said after the announcement of the arrests on Face the Nation, “Al Qaida is a philosophy now..it’s a movement.” Well, that is a good first step away from denial. It has only taken six years to get that baby step. But it is not Al Qaeda only. I pray it will not take another 6 years for Americans to comprehend that the philosophical problem is political Islam. The President’s lack of clarity and leadership in naming the ideology of our enemy, the inconsistency of Islamism with American pluralism, and the primary responsibility of Muslims not only to counter terror but to defeat political Islam will continue to give American Islamists the cover they need to grow under his watch with the stamp of approval of the Bush administration. Until we are willing to unravel the ideology which facilitates and apologizes for terror, we are ‘stuck in the mud.’

On June 2, 2007, right after the announcement of the JFK Plot arrests, U.S. Attorney, Roslynn Mauskopf read a statement stating,

“the defendants are charged with conspiring to bomb one of the busiest airports in the United States, located in the one of the most densely populated areas in the northeast…had the plot been carried out, it could have resulted in unfathomable damage, deaths, and destruction.”

This last time the Islamists were driven by a hate for the Kennedy name, but it derives from the same hate for America which is a common manifestation of global Islamism. In the daily practice of medicine, it would be malpractice to have a disease smolder with such a predictable recurrence of acutely possibly fatal exacerbations over a prolonged period of time while a physician only treated the symptoms and ignored the primary cause—political Islam. That is, except in the case of the terminal hospice patient. An unending series of plots across the globe against liberal democracies is our long war against an ideology. That ideology is not terror. It is political Islam.

Would you believe him if he were a Christian? A Jew? How about a Hindu?

Mr. President, as a devout Muslim, I can tell you that the only way the United States can make progress in this war is to have your administration give anti-Islamist Muslims acknowledgement for the centrality of their ideas in this war of ideologies. We can defeat political Islam only if we engage it and marginalize Islamists while positively engaging spiritual Islam. It is time for the administration to set the parameters defining the ideology we are fighting and be critical of organizations which facilitate it. The words of encouragement and admonition to Muslim organizations to lead the charge against radicalism are too vague. The reality is that the priorities, ideologies, and minority politics of the current agenda of the Islamic organizations the administration has courted and which attended last Wednesday’s press conference are far from being on the right page in this conflict.

Yes, he is a Muslim who has been speaking out against these Islamists for years, but who has heard him? Who will give him the time of day? The press?

The informants and so many others have stepped up in connection with other foiled plots despite the pressures against them from Islamists and the MSM. MSM often feed into conspiracy theories about informants, by legitimizing the victimization of Muslims for being “coerced” as informants. The Denver Post made just such a claim as recently as May 18, 2007. Their report claimed that, “Arab-Americans and Muslims are concerned about FBI efforts to recruit them as informants and other tactics designed to prevent terrorism.” This story was, to no one’s surprise, picked up and widely distributed by the Islamist organizations, e.g. CAIR.

And you wonder why CAIR is prevelant with only 1700 members? America had better wake up to real and true threat that we are all facing. If you would like to read his entire article, you will find it here. You may also reach him at his site: American Islamic Forum for Democracy. If you keep up with his writings and read his site often, you may learn a lot more than what the establiment is telling you.

Before I end this post, I just want England and Scotland to know that I have not forgotten them, and they are in my prayers. I am gathering 'news' to try to determine what is really happening over there. I thank God, my Lord in Christ, that everyone is okay...this time. America, WAKE UP!

Hat tip: Thank you, Mr. Jasser.

Press Release: Group joins others for Military Families

ROTARY JOINS FORCES TO FORM OPERATION ONE FAMILY
SUPPORTING THE FAMILIES OF THE FALLEN

Costa Mesa, CA., June 20, 2007 - Numerous Southern California Rotary Clubs within District 5320 are joining forces with MilitaryConnection.com, TAPS, Homefront America, Soldiers Angels and ThanksUSA in a joint effort to support the families of the fallen by forming Operation One Family. Details of the program and registration information for families in Southern California and Nevada can be found at www.operationonefamily.org. Operation One Family is a proud member organization of America Supports You.

Operation One Family endeavors to help families of the fallen cope with their loss, stabilize their present situation and secure their future. The mission is to help provide life skills, education and continuing support for the families of our fallen military heroes. The goal of Operation One Family is to create a national model that will be used by Rotary Clubs across America to provide ongoing support for these families in their own communities.

The efforts of Operation One Family will culminate in a regional convention-style weekend scheduled August 2 -5 for families in Southern California and Nevada. Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California will host the families and provide meeting venues. The first day will feature “TAPS Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp” featuring Dr. Darcie Sims. Other events will include a Share Faire providing resources, information and workshops, a California beach party at the Dunes in Newport Beach, visits to Knotts Berry Farm, the Orange County Fair and a few surprises. Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for good corporate citizens.

Rotary International District 5320 has a qualified non-profit 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation that supports the charitable activities of the clubs within the district including the collaborative effort of Operation One Family at www.operationonefamily.org. Rotary is an organization that exemplifies “Service Above Self”.

MilitaryConnection.com is a portal of all types of military resources and information connecting candidates from the military community with outstanding government and civilian employment opportunities, and assisting numerous military non-profits at www.militaryconnection.com.

TAPS (The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) is a national non-profit Veterans Service Organization providing peer based emotional support services to all those who have lost a loved one serving in the Armed Forces at www.taps.org.

Homefront America is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to supporting our troops and their families with meaningful assistance in times of need at www.homefrontamerica.org.

Soldiers Angels is a national network of hundreds of thousands of volunteers dedicated to providing hands-on comfort to the members of the military and their families at www.soldiersangels.org.

ThanksUSA is a non-partisan, charitable effort to mobilize Americans of all ages to “thank” the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by providing college, technical and vocational school scholarships for their children and spouses at www.thanksusa.org.

###

Source: Operation One Family e-mailed me.

OPERATION: THANKS FOR FREEDOM!

Fourth of July Card Drive for Troops

This will appear on top until June 9, 2007. If you have already read this and sent your cards in, skip down to read the most recent posts. Thank you.

Let's show our troops we love and support them! Starting NOW, I will be collecting cards to send to troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you wish to participate, please send light-hearted, silly, cheerful, and encouraging cards to this address:

Mrs. Kat Orr
Operation: Thanks for Freedom!
P.O. Box 1660
Loganville, GA 30052

You may also send a e-mail of support to the following email address LoveFromHome@gmail.com. Any e-mail received to this e-mail account will be printed and mailed, together with the cards.

The cards can be handmade or store-bought... for that matter, they don't even have to be cards; a hand -written letter is just as wonderful! Let's all band together and overwhelm our heroes with support! This is a great project for Scout troops, churches, or other organizations to get involved with! *PLEASE DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPES*

ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007.

Thank you so much for supporting our troops!

If you have any questions about this campaign, please e-mail me at LoveFromHome@gmail.com. Also, you might wish join my Yahoo Group, groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveFromHome in order to receive updates about the progress of this and other card drives.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a "dating service" of any type. Please do not send suggestive or otherwise inappropriate cards or pictures. I will be reading and screening every Card received to ensure that the above guidelines are adhered to (please DO NOT seal the envelope)! Any card deemed inappropriate will not be sent! Remember: This is strictly to let the troops know that we love them, we are proud of them and that we HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN them!

**IMPORTANT NOTE 2: This card drive is an individual effort and not done in conjunction with or on behalf of any organizations or groups.

This is for those of us back home who want desparately desire to let our troops know that we have not forgotten, and we remember them and their families. I thank you so very much for my freedom and for protecting my Liberty. God bless you.

Surge improves security, quality of life

2-Jun-07
By Master Sgt. Dave Larsen
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs.

CAMP LIBERTY — The surge of Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces into Baghdad neighborhoods is aimed at improving the security situation in the Iraqi capital. Yet, there are other programs benefiting by having more boots on the ground during Operation Fardh Al-Qanoon.

“The surge has assisted civil military operations by putting more coalition eyes on the environment, so that we get a more responsive analysis of what essential services and economic development services are needed by the populace,” said Lt. Col. John Rudolph, the assistant chief of staff of civil military operations for Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

Rudolph said civil military operations in MND-B’s area of operation, which run the gamut from governance to agriculture to infrastructure to economic improvements, have already dedicated more than $163 million of Commander’s Emergency Relief Project (CERP) funds to projects all aimed at improving the quality of life for Iraqis living in and around Baghdad.

“This really is about improving the quality of life for the Iraqis,” said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, the deputy commanding general for support with MND-B. That “support” role not only touches the lives of the 50,000-plus troops working under MND-B, but also the Iraqi people. He said it’s challenging to move ahead with quality of life initiatives in the face of extremist efforts to stop them.

“There is a perception that I’ve seen in every sector of this region we have responsibility for - when I talk to the Iraqis - that the Americans have the ability to put a man on the moon, and yet they can’t provide us with electricity,” Brooks said. “That whole idea of an expectation that we promised and haven’t delivered causes a great deal of problems.”

Most westerners and Americans, for sure, cannot conceive flicking on a light switch on the wall and having it click with no effect. But, Baghdad has never had electricity flowing to its six million residents 24 hours a day. Electricity, or the lack thereof, was also tool used by the Ba’athist regime to reward or punish the population.

“You saw areas favored by Saddam and his regime see power longer throughout the day, but they still didn’t get power 24/7,” Rudolph said. “They still had to use what they called the ‘generator men,’ who were entrepreneurs who had their own generators and supplied power to local neighborhoods for the ‘off power’ periods - even during Saddam’s period.”

Rudolph said that providing power to Baghdad residents remains a priority, as witnessed by the 62 projects accounting for more than a quarter of the civil military operations funds dedicated this year – more than $44 million. The challenge to get the lights on throughout the Iraqi capital remains an ongoing issue.

“It was an inefficient system to begin with and what we have done is by our electrification projects, in general, we’ve improved distribution so that the power that comes in is distributed more efficiently,” Rudolph said. “However, the level of available power goes down. It goes out to more places, but it doesn’t last as long.”

Brooks said the provision of power to Baghdad neighborhoods remains a function of governance, and it will be the Iraqi government that will need to illuminate the Iraqi capital.

“Our effort here has to be more than a physical one - to not only find ways to improve those systems physically, but also have to work back through that governance effort to ensure that people who are in positions of responsibility in government are not sectarian and are not biased in the delivery of essential services to all people,” Brooks noted.

Improved security in some areas of the city has allowed life to flourish for some Baghdad residents. Temporary barriers erected throughout the city have created what military officials call “safe markets” and “safe neighborhoods.” Rudolph said the market areas have benefited from the temporary barriers, keeping suicide car bombers at bay while allowing commerce to continue.

The marketplace in the Rusafa District in what is known as “Old Baghdad,” on the east side of the Tigris River, is one of those success stories.

“Shoppers feel much safer going into the market now and they’ve actually seen an increase in the number of local citizens using that market,” Rudolph said. “It’s a perception, an attitude that the stigma of the random violence has lessened.”

The Doura Market is often a stop for visiting dignitaries to Baghdad in the southern Rashid District. The 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Team from Fort Hood, Texas, conducted the initial assessment of the area and started the revitalization project there.

Doura Market, Rudolph said, went from an unorganized street market of only a few dozen vendors to a thriving market place with more than 200 sellers now. He said the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kan., now operates in Rashid, and even more improvements are underway.

“4-1st Infantry is following up in their footsteps with a barrier plan just like Rusafa,” Rudolph said. “The shoppers (there) feel much safer in that environment. They’ve got solar-powered lights to provide security in the area. They have host nation security forces doing random patrols of the area, and because of these security measures more shops have opened up.”

Haifa Street, in the city’s center, west of the Tigris River, was once known as a hot-bed of extremist activity. It was a battleground for the 1st Cavalry Division when they operated in Baghdad in 2004-2005, and again earlier this year.

The battleground is now a model neighborhood.

“We’ve turned that around,” Brooks said. “Now, we have a thriving market area that is starting to grow and a revitalization process that will make the Iraqis really proud and recognize that things have improved.”

All things start with security, Brooks said, but quality of life initiatives have been brought to life in areas of the Iraqi capital where the neighborhood and district advisory councils have worked in harmony for the good of their constituents.

“It’s where people in the neighborhood, people in the district recognize that they have needs and they’re the ones who should represent the people in that area,” Brooks said. “Mansour has a very active district council that is functioning very, very well, and our recent security operations have enhanced that, so they feel more and more secure.

“They still remain periodically threatened, though,” Brooks said. “You have to recognize that people who are performing well, especially in harmony, are often targeted by extremists who don’t want to see good governance to ever form here.”

CERP funds are a “band-aid,” Rudolph said. They are a way for coalition forces to provide immediate aid where needed. But MND-B, in conjunction with the State Department, is looking at long-term solutions to many of the issues facing the residents of the Iraqi capital.

“They use training programs for business practices and they also do micro-grants and micro-loans, but those are ‘payments in kind,’ Rudolph explained. “If a business needed, say, a cash register to be able to transact business activities, they wouldn’t get the money to buy it. They would get a cash register. It’s the items they would need, not the cash. As much as security has improved, we still don’t want cash-flow going into the hands of the wrong parties. That’s the best means of addressing it.”

Brooks said MND-B has shifted its focus to long-term investments, versus short-term “band-aids” over the past three months.

“There’s been progress, but the approach that has been taken over the last several years for divisions like the 1st Cavalry Division was to find problems and fix them, and do it quickly,” Brooks said. “We’ve had success in that. But the reality is that it doesn’t leave an enduring systemic effect; so we’ve shifted our focus here over the last three months to look at the holistic system sewage on the west side of the river, for example, and identifying where the pump stations are, where the lift stations are, where the pipes that may be broken are, where there is standing sewage. Then, applying the resources, within the city of Baghdad and the government of Iraq, where they really matter.”

By looking at the broader picture, and engaging the local, district and provincial governments, Brooks said long-term progress is possible.

“What’s changed, I think over that last few years, is how much the larger infrastructure has been revitalized,” Brooks said. “Water pipes have been replaced, electrical transformers have been installed, but it’s that last 100 meters worth of the service that really still has to become focused. Then people will really recognize a difference.”

While on one hand, extremist elements are attempting to create chaos in the city streets and deter progress and quality of life initiatives, Brooks pointed in the other direction, to the American Soldier, and attributes much of the progress made to date in the Iraqi capital to the dedication of troops putting their boots on the ground to interact with residents and local officials.

“We wouldn’t have any of these successes; we’d have no progress if it weren’t for the contributions of our troops who are out there,” Brooks said. “We ask an awful lot of our Soldiers who are deployed over here. Certainly, we know we put them into harm’s way to accomplish whatever mission we set out to do. But their energy, their passion, their willingness to keep trying in the face of deliberate set backs at the hands of the enemy or at the hands of sometimes the Iraqis themselves - they’re out there every day and they keep moving forward.

“In all these areas, not only security, but in governance, it may be that the first, best way for people to come together is because an American Soldier encouraged a district council member to sit in the same room with another,” Brooks added. “And governance begins, then, with the passion and the heart of the Soldier in this country.”

Photo - An Iraqi vender works on setting displays of fresh vegetables on Haifa Street in Central Baghdad. The area had been a hot-bed of violence and extremist activity, but is now returning to a peaceful normality of day-to-day living. Photo by Lt. Col. Scott Bleichwehl.

CJTF-HOA saves lives with medical civic action program

6-Jun-07
by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs.

GARISSA, Kenya – For the residents of two remote African villages where common colds and cuts can have deadly outcomes, a mobile U.S. military medical team recently brought more than just healthcare – it brought life.

Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa servicemembers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program in the villages of Shimbir and Balich in Kenya through a partnership with the Kenyan Department of Defense which provided additional medical providers and logistical support. The team also received assistance from many other local and government agencies to include the Kenyan Red Cross, USAID, the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion and U.S. Embassy Nairobi personnel.

“These two sites were recommended by the ministry of health due to their lack of medical attention,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Vicente Perez, 350th Civil Affairs Command Functional Specialty Team and MEDCAP mission commander. “In both villages, the locals saw for first time the KDOD, the Red Cross and U.S. representatives helping the communities together.”

While each organization brought its own specialty to the project, everyone involved rallied around the common goal of providing much needed medical care for more than 1,000 men, women and children.

“It’s a lot of hard, physical work preparing for and conducting a MEDCAP. People have to step out of the box and, sometimes, their comfort zones,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Dawn Fruits, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team first sergeant. “We had an awesome team that really worked well together. It was a team that came together and ensured the people in these remote Kenyan villages received the medical care they needed.”

At each MEDCAP village site, participants were first registered and screened to determine their specific healthcare needs. People with minor concerns, such as scrapes and aches, were directed to the Wound Care and Fast Track stations, respectively, where they were seen by physician assistants and nurses.

“For me personally, the most rewarding thing that I got from this MEDCAP was the fact that I could help people on a much larger level,” said U.S. Army Sgt. John Martie, Delta Company 1/3 senior line medic and Wound Care station lead. “The fact that I could have a huge impact on a person’s life is something I will always appreciate.”

Those patients with more serious or in-depth concerns, such as chest pains or severe coughs, were sent to the Consult station where they were seen by doctors and physician assistants.

“For hundreds of people we were able to clear up skin infections, cure bladder infections, decrease the risk of serious respiratory disease, provide for a healthier pregnancy and give some relief from chronic pain,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. (Dr.) David Burch, CJTF-HOA command surgeon. “There were also several individuals who quite possibly could have died or lost a limb if we had not intervened when we did, such as the 10 year-old with a serious infection around the knee joint, the gentleman with a deep, soft tissue abscess, or the pair of brothers with respiratory illness that was evolving into Pneumonia.”

Once diagnosed, patients picked up their prescriptions at the improvised pharmacy. With about 130 different types of medications valued at more than $50,000, this station required the most time to set-up and organize.

“The most logistically challenging aspect was having the MEDCAP in two locations with no permanent area to set up the pharmacy,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lance Rodgers, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team medical team chief. “Everyone pitched in though and we overcame several minor setbacks.”

From the pharmacy, the patients stopped by the Preventive Medicine station where they were given information on items like nutrition and dental care, as well as multivitamins and personal de-worming medication.

“Preventive medicine plays a key role in developing a healthier population,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Pauline Lucas, CJTF-HOA public health officer. “Basic items such as multivitamins and de-worming medications prevent multiple diseases such as Scurvy, Beriberi, Ascariasis and Anemia that are prevalent in this region.”

At this final station, the residents also received mosquito nets for each member of their family, a simple yet possibly life-saving item.

“Malaria causes over a million deaths every year worldwide -- a majority of which are young children in Africa,” said Lucas. “Prevention methods such as using mosquito nets and insect repellents are the best way to minimize if not prevent exposures to insects that carry a variety of vector borne diseases such as Malaria and Yellow Fever; a majority of which are deadly.”

Once armed with education, medications and healthcare items, the local residents returned to their homes, expressing gratitude to the MEDCAP team along the way.

“One of the local people told us that people would remember the MEDCAP for years to come,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alana Conley, 350th CACOM Functional Specialty Team physician assistant. “I think this MEDCAP has given people in the region a positive outlook on the partnership between their government and the United States.”

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn Of Africa began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on May 13, 2003. The task force’s mission is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The mission is accomplished by partnering with nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects

Photo - Kenyan Department of Defense servicemembers unload medical supplies during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Medical Civic Action Program. CJTF-HOA servicemembers conducted the MEDCAP in the villages of Shimbir and Balich in Kenya through a partnership with the Kenyan Department of Defense which provided additional medical providers and logistical support. More than 1,000 people received healthcare as part of the project. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard.

Improving Fallujah’s Quality of Life

22 May 2007
By Norris Jones
Gulf Region Central.

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Maj. Angel Ortiz says he and his staff have the job of rebuilding Fallujah, despite the ongoing threats. He’s working in one of the most challenging areas in Iraq.

“Our hope is to do some good so that residents there see things are getting better,” said Ortiz. Ortiz is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division Fallujah Resident Office officer in charge and supervises a staff of 22 people including eight Iraqis. “Those local nationals are risking their lives every day going out and visiting the projects to ensure our contractors are providing quality construction in a safe manner,” he explained.

"We’re managing 87 projects in Fallujah and the surrounding area valued at $195 million. We’re working on rebuilding Fallujah’s entire electrical distribution system, constructing four primary healthcare centers each capable of providing medical care to 150 patients daily, and expanding the city’s water treatment capabilities,” Ortiz continued.

“My favorite project is the wastewater treatment system that will replace the city’s reliance on septic tanks. That $80 million effort includes pump stations, trunk mains, and a modern sewer treatment plant. It will get the sewage off the street and out of the Euphrates River, benefiting this area for decades to come.”

All these projects have meant a boon to the local economy with hundreds of local residents now part of the work crews. “They have good jobs and know they’re helping their community,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz and his staff work in partnership with local community leaders including those on the Fallujah Reconstruction Committee, the Fallujah City Council, and Director Generals from the various Ministries. “We see them on a weekly basis to ensure our efforts are meeting their expectations.”

Ortiz was mobilized as a member of the California National Guard’s Engineer Brigade 40th ID and is concluding his one-year tour this month. “It’s been a great assignment. We’re improving the quality of life for the citizens of Fallujah and I’m proud to be part of these efforts."

He had special praise for his wife, Mariluz, and their three children. “I have great support from them. My wife has done a tremendous job taking care of everything and that’s allowed me to concentrate on the work here. I can’t thank them enough for all they do.”

Photo: Major Angel Ortiz, California Army National Guard, chats with a youngster near one of the construction sites in Fallujah, Iraq. That child, whose father is employed there, says when he gets older he hopes to be involved in the same kind of work helping build Iraq’s future.

Engineering Department Keeps Shreveport Running

22 May 2007
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Seth Clarke.

USS SHREVEPORT, At Sea – In the main machinery rooms of USS Shreveport (LPD 12), an Austin-class amphibious docking ship, earplugs are mandatory. The spaces are loud and hot, and without the continued attention of the crew, the ship simply would not go anywhere.

The Sailors on the bridge may run the ship, but they perform their jobs thanks to their shipmates several decks below—the Sailors that make the ship run.

The engineering department on board maintains the boilers, desalinizes seawater into potable drinking water, controls electricity generators, and speeds up or slows down the throttle of the ship.

“The main spaces are basically the heart of the ship,” said Master Chief Machinist Mate Donald N. Duffy, Shreveport’s engineering department leading chief petty officer. “If they don’t work, we don’t go anywhere. We don’t have heat, air conditioning or water. We have no way to cook food, no lights to see with and no electricity to run equipment on the ship.”

Sailors working in the belly of Shreveport pull more than their own weight. A lean crew, the engineering staff sometimes stand six-and-six watches: Six hours on, six off, and six on again. That makes for plenty of long workdays.

Duffy said the hard work continues when the ship pulls into port, and most of the crew departs for liberty.

“When we’re in different ports, no matter where we go in the world, one of the plants has to stay up so we can have electricity and air conditioning,” said Duffy. “Other divisions and other departments can secure their equipment, and everybody can go on liberty. We have to maintain a full watchbill.”

In Main Machinery Rooms One and Two, full watchbills include the names not only of junior enlisted crew members, but also warrant officers and chiefs. When temperatures in the main spaces climb upward of 130 degrees—sometimes as hot as 170 in areas with no forced ventilation—no one is exempt, junior or senior, everyone pulls duty.

“I think it's easier, because when you're on watch and something goes wrong, you know about it,” said Chief Machinist Mate Jeffrey M. Wunsch. “It keeps you abreast of what's going on down in the space with your equipment and your people.”

Wunsch first served aboard Shreveport between 1997 and 2001 as a second class petty officer and left as a first class petty officer. He returned as a chief petty officer in 2005 for a second stint, this time in a slightly different role.

“I'm doing more troubleshooting, guidance and maintenance now,” he said. “Obviously, I have control over more things, so I can improve the way they’re done.”

Being aboard once before helped prepare Wunsch for his second stint.

“I got a chance on my first tour here to find out what the problem areas were,” he said.

His shipmates in the machinery rooms appreciate his ability to relate to what they experience working below decks.

“He's talked about working here when he was a second class—he always has old ship stories,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class Junior Liverpool. “He keeps everybody upbeat. He's keeping morale up in the main spaces.

Fireman Antonio Martinez agreed.

“He realizes that we're all standing long watches down in the hot engine room. It makes it easier to talk to him. On watch, we respect him as a chief, but he speaks to us as equals,” Martinez said.

Wunsch deflected the credit for the atmosphere in the main spaces.

“We have a lot of good people in this engineering department, and we’re successful because of them,” he said. “We have a lot of Sailors in this department that are khaki material.”

The Sailors working in the heart of the Shreveport work from the time they light off, three days prior to getting underway for deployment, and they continue working beyond the end of the deployment until everything gets shut down and all the equipment is properly secured.

“It’s a thankless job a lot of times,” Duffy said. “We get recognition from leadership, but it’s easy to take it for granted when you get up in the morning, flip your light on at your workstation, turn on your A/C, and you’ve got cool air. There’s somebody down there twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the entire six months making sure that happens.”

“And that’s a normal day in engineering. You work from the time you get up until the time you go to bed, and the next day you start all over again.”

Photo: Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Junior Liverpool stands watch below decks in main machinery room one aboard USS Shreveport (LPD 12).

Service Organization Offers support

21 May 2007
Story by Angela Scherbenske
CJTF-HOA.

MPEKETONI, Kenya - The 489th Civil Affairs team is distributing nearly 50 cases of supplies it recently received from the Spirit of America Organization to the the Mpeketoni Lake Kenyatta Primary School in Mpeketoni, Kenya.

The CA team recently conducted a village assessment and met with the local leaders in Mpeketoni. During their assessment, the CA team found the Lake Kenyatta Primary School building well taken care of and in good condition. However, the head teacher of the school said his students were in need of supplies.

Spirit of America donated items such as school supplies, soccer balls, toothbrushes and toothpaste, backpacks, and soccer ball pumps to the 489th CA team, which is assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.

“We are very thankful for the supplies Spirit of America has sent us. They are helping us (CJTF-HOA) develop relationships that will further the partnerships of the Kenyan and United States governments,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hicks.

Besides building partnerships, Hicks said gifts from non-military organizations does wonders to increase a favorable attitude from the people of Kenya.

“Many of the children are grateful to receive the school supplies,” said Hicks. “These supplies will help the children learn more efficiently and hopefully some of them will use their education to make Kenya a better place.”

The CA team handed out packs of papers and other school supplies to the children there. Hicks said the head teacher was very thankful for the gifts from the CJTF-HOA members.

“It is the support of organizations, such as Spirit of America, which allows CJTF-HOA to assist a greater number of individuals in the host nation,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kris Hesselbrock. “Often financial restrictions or requirements do not allows us to have extra funding for expendables like school supplies. So, with the additional help from American service organizations, we are able to meet the extra needs of the children in the Horn of Africa.”

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The CJTF-HOA organization began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti May 13, 2003. It works with partner nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.

Basrah Public Works Initiative Complements Provincial Reconstruction Teams

14 May 2007
By B.J. Weiner
Gulf Region South - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

BASRAH, Iraq – Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) began as a concept in Afghanistan, developed by then U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. They proved to be so successful that when Khalilzad was named Ambassador to Iraq in June 2005, he decided PRTs would be a good way to develop capacity in that country as well. PRTs are now being established in each Iraqi province.

The first PRT efforts in Afghanistan differ from those being run here in Iraq, according to Jim Donegan, Basrah PRT deputy team leader.

“Essentially in Afghanistan, those groups are led by the military and have a civilian component to them,” he said. “But here, we try to concentrate more on the civilian side of things – getting people up and working again and helping the local governments get the operational and logistical support they need.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one player in a group of players that number anywhere between 35 and 100 members depending on the area or province they serve. It is the Corps of Engineers that focuses on the reconstruction effort. Other organizations whose members comprise the PRTs include the State Department, coalition military personnel, the Justice Department, the Department of Agriculture, contract personnel and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Our mandate is to interact with the provincial councils,” Donegan said. “To say we focus only on reconstruction is a misnomer. That’s the Corps’ job, and here in Basrah, of course, that mission is filled by the southern district. The PRT’s job is to build capacity into the organs of local government, whether it’s the police or the city council. Our team has done incredible work in giving the local governments the capability to recognize what their constituents need, recognize the projects that are going to fill those needs, and getting the funding to put those projects into practice.”

He added that the PRT’s aim is for a strong government and infrastructure, noting that the people of Iraq have the ability and a basic infrastructure for a successful government structure.

“What we are focused on doing,” said Donegan, “is improving the capacity people have for doing their jobs – to do the things we, as westerners, take for granted. For example; handling budgets – how do you account for projects or identify the needs of your constituents and then respond to that? In other words, we want to build their capacity – empower them – to build a day-to-day structure for themselves.”

In Basrah, he said, the British head the PRT and each member of that group handles a different aspect of government, including economic, legal and reconstruction. That last piece falls to Corps of Engineers.

“The way it works,” Donegan said, “is that the provincial reconstruction development councils in each province identify a kind of ‘wish-list’ of projects they would like to see completed for their people. Then that corresponding provincial council, like a state legislature, puts its stamp of approval on the PRDC list.

Funding for the projects comes from a number of different sources, such as the United States, coalition partners and donor nations in the form of economic support funds (ESF), Commander’s Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and some new funds which have been targeted for USAID such as the Community Action Program (CAP) and the Local Government Program (LGP), said Donegan. “They then give this list to the PRT, with their priorities clearly stated, and the PRT reviews the list, develops scopes of work and then sends it to NCT (National Coordination Team) in Baghdad. They make the final decision on what they will fund,” he said.

The Corps of Engineers develops the scopes of work for the projects that involve reconstruction, according to Lt. Col. Kenny McDonald, deputy commander, Gulf Region South district (GRS) in Basrah. “We take what the Iraqis have given us, work the scopes and estimates and forward them to Baghdad as fast as we can so we can get the funding and start building in the community where they need it.”

McDonald emphasized that capacity development differs greatly depending on the sector that is involved; detail drive the focus. But establishing people who are qualified for the positions that are needed to run the infrastructures is a big part of the equation. “We take it from an infrastructure perspective and then apply it to reconstruction,” he said. “This is the Basrah Public Works Initiative.”

“The BPWI integrates into the PRT,” he said. “This began when Colonel Johnston [GRS commander] was looking at coming up with a model that would assist in developing capacity in the PRDC. I met with British Army Lt. Col. Richard Brown, PRT deputy, and found he had a different initiative. He was trying to develop them to look at long-range plans to develop projects.”

McDonald said that the two developed the BPWI to address all PRT needs and added that the key to the plan is that it can be used for each sector working group and the overall PRDC.

“The model fits within the model,” he said. “By that I mean, for capacity development, you would ask two questions: First, do the folks here know how to run what they currently have; and second, are they set up managerial-wise as an organization to run with some guidance?”

He explained that when a system analysis on Basrah is done, both the capacity development and the infrastructure pieces are addressed. He noted that frequently while the infrastructure may be sound, there is no one able to do the work needed to maintain it.

“When you do a system analysis, you do the whole system,” he said. “You look at it from the standpoint of management: Is the organization structured properly? Do you have the right number of people in the right locations doing the necessary work? Currently, Basrah doesn’t have that. They have bits and pieces but this needs to be looked at from a holistic perspective. When you do that, you see where the gaps are and you are able to identify where you need to concentrate your efforts.”

McDonald said the sector working groups of the PRTs are ideal for the implementation of the concepts behind the BPWI. The group presents the ideas to the Iraqi representatives on the team and has them present it to their provincial council with an “Iraqi stamp on it.”

“We have already started with the water group,” McDonald said. “One thing you will find is that they (Iraq) are about 30-40 years behind on infrastructure upkeep. They have maps of pipes and sewer lines, so we are training them on our Geographic Information System. This can be a connectivity thread for all sector working groups. You can click on maps of sewer pipes, and then on a specific pipe and tag it for information, such as when it was installed, the size, who installed it, etc. Then, down the road, you should be able to identify all you have in the ground and start developing maintenance plans.

He said this strategy can be applied to fit every kind of infrastructure Iraq has, but added that although the learning curve will be steep, in the end it will pay off handsomely. “Here is the thing,” he said. “They are going through the GIS training, using the old maps that they currently have and inputting in real data during the training. They will end up with an overall idea of what they currently have in the ground.”

McDonald estimates that in six months, the Iraqis could have a viable system with which to work. “Working in concert with Brown has given us both the breadth of knowledge we need to get this idea off the ground. There has never before been a strategic vision as to where the Iraqis want to go and now we are beginning to change that, make some headway and increase capacity development along the way. And that’s pretty exciting.”

Anbar Villages Appreciate Water Treatment Investment

14 May 2007
By Norris Jones
Gulf Region Central - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

RAMADI, Iraq – Residents north of Ramadi, Iraq will soon have fresh, potable water pumped into their homes.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Gulf Region Central district is overseeing the construction of two small water treatment plants as well as the installation of 24,000 meters of water main for Zangora, a community of 48,000 people, in central Iraq.

Those two units, each capable of purifying 200 cubic meters per hour, are located several kilometers apart to ensure the entire city has an adequate water source. “Residents tell us they’re definitely looking forward to the project’s completion this summer when they will have access to clean water for the first time ever,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Arturo Aseo, USACE Officer in Charge of the Ramadi area.

Each unit is supplied raw water through a 500-meter intake pipe connected to the Euphrates River. The distribution system consists of 200mm, 150mm and 100mm water mains.

“Projects like these are what it’s all about – helping people. It’s great to see the smiles from local residents– young and old. They appreciate what we’re doing,” Aseo continued. “Security is a challenge in Al Anbar Province. But in my four months here, I have seen a dramatic improvement in conditions. Local sheiks are now supporting us. They see we’re here to assist them to make things better. Contractors are excited to do the work. These are all very positive signs.”

The Zangora projects are among 31 water treatment projects Aseo’s office is overseeing. His staff is also managing a number of electric projects including repair and commissioning of an 11-megawatt diesel generating facility south of Ramadi in Tameem, $27.8 million project to rebuild Ramadi’s 132kV substation, and the construction of a new 132kV overhead transmission line.

“This is a great assignment. These projects will be benefiting the area for decades to come,” Aseo concluded.

Photo: An Iraqi worker moves construction materiel around one of two water treatment plants in Ramadi, Iraq. USACE photo by Norris Jones.

ISAF team trains ANA humanitarian de-miners

17 April 2007
By Air Force Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
American Forces Network – Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – ISAF soldiers empowered Afghans with taking care of their own security by training humanitarian de-mining teams here.

“This training is a step forward to making a safer Afghanistan,” said Army Capt. Chris Nuckols, 207th Regional Security Assistance Command embedded tactical team. “The work we are doing here today will make for a safer tomorrow.”

Members of the Afghan National Army spent April 12-14 learning two levels of de-mining. Taking the de-miners course and de-miners pre-deployment course the ANA members were learning de-mining to international standards. This training made them qualified to conduct de-mining operations anywhere in the world.

“After these ANA members complete this training they will be able to clear land for buildings or farming,” said Australian Maj. Alex Thomson, Royal Australian Engineer officer in charge of the Operation Enduring Freedom mine action center. “Being trained will help them be ready to serve their community.”

In the past, the de-mining course graduated individual Afghan humanitarian de-miners. Even if those de-miners cleared a field they would still have to wait for someone else trained to international standards to come behind them to clear a field. This new course will graduate highly skilled teams so they can clear the fields without help.

“We can now help our own people ourselves,” said ANA Sgt. Said Arif, ANA humanitarian de-miner. “The classroom instructors have been enjoyable and helping me to be able to serve my country.”

When the class graduates, the ANA will have three new de-mining teams of 12-14 members capable of clearing 1,500 to 2,000 square meters of fields per day. Not only will the ANA members be able to clear mines they will also be able to clear unexploded ordnance.

“Seeing the Afghan people empowered to help themselves is something we take pride in,” Nuckols said. “They love our assistance and we enjoy helping them help themselves.”

The new ANA humanitarian de-miners are expected to graduate April 23.

Photo: Members of the Afghan National Army go through a field training exercise during the De-mining Pre-deployment Course here April 12. The first teams of Afghan Humanitarian De-miners are scheduled to graduate April 23. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson).

Medic recalls his actions during attack

Spc. Dustin Perry
1/34 BCT Public Affairs

BALAD — “Watch any war movie,” said Spc. James Black, “and you always see some crazy and brave guy with a red cross on his arm doing the impossible to save his brothers – that is what people come to expect from combat medics.”

Black, a 23-year-old student from Weatherford, Okla., didn’t have a red cross on his arm Sept. 4, 2006, nor does he consider what he did that day to be crazy or brave. It was just his job.

The mission was to escort supply trucks to an Army base in northern Iraq. Black, then attached to the B Troop of the Lincoln, Neb.-based 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry Regiment, was the convoy’s medic, driving in the middle Humvee as the group returned to Balad.

They were on the road for about a half hour when Black saw a flash followed by a large fireball and a loud boom, he said. An improvised explosive device concealed in the median of the highway had detonated as the scout vehicle, ahead of the rest of the convoy, drove by it. A written report said the vehicle spun several times and immediately burst into flames.

When Black’s vehicle reached the site of the explosion he saw the gunner, Pfc. Luis Estrada, lying on his back in front of the wreckage.

“I moved to [Estrada’s] position and tried to wake him,” wrote Black via e-mail. “When I couldn’t keep him conscious, I pulled him to the side of my vehicle away from the burning truck.”

After bandaging Estrada’s bleeding, shrapnel-damaged hips and moving him to a safe area, Black treated two of the other passengers for smoke inhalation. He then went back to the burning truck to aid in the extraction of the driver Sgt. Germaine Debro, who was still trapped inside. It proved difficult at first because the driver-side door had been caved in and wedged in position by the IED detonation. Also, heat from the fire caused ammunition and fragmentary grenades inside the cab to begin “cooking off.” The door was finally ripped away and Debro was removed.

“We called for a medical evacuation and I began to treat Debro for all the injuries I could in a hasty manner,” said Black.

This wasn’t Black’s first enemy encounter in a war zone. He had been attached to the Pennsylvania-based 28th Infantry Division when it was deployed to Ar Ramadi in 2005. His Humvee sustained minor damage from an IED attack while he was on a mission two weeks after being in Iraq. His first chance to perform duties as a medic also happened in Ramadi; a supply truck had been hit in its fuel tank while he was part of another convoy. It too caught fire, but both occupants managed to escape. Black helped carry one of the injured men and load him into his vehicle before both passengers were airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Black, a five-year Army veteran, drew upon both of those experiences as he and another medic continued to treat Debro for about 45 minutes. The two were struggling to keep the injured Soldier’s vital signs positive, alternating as they breathed and pumped air into Debro’s chest until the evacuation helicopter arrived.

Even though Black seemed outwardly calm and collected while he was treating Debro, “that was a complete mask,” he said. He had to work as fast as possible just to keep his hands from shaking.

“One of the first things I learned in school was to not show how bad things are to anyone,” said Black. “If everyone thinks you have the situation under control, then it helps others to stay calm – especially the wounded.”

Despite Black’s quick, instinctive rescue actions and decisive medical treatment, Debro’s injuries were too severe and he later died – an event that still gives Black nightmares.

“I think the burden of the medic is to live not only with the successes of saving a life, but also the horrors of seeing your friends die,” said Black. “[As a medic], there is no greater failure than having someone pass away in your arms. You have to learn to accept the fact that you can’t save them all, but the first time someone dies that you treated directly, it scars you.”

Black has been home since November after fulfilling his 12-month deployment obligation as a member of the Inactive Ready Reserve. Immediately after the attack, he was nominated for a Bronze Star Medal with Valor for his actions but is unsure of whether or not it has been approved yet. He maintains that he was simply doing what he was trained to do – “to treat the wounded, regardless of the risk.”

“My title is ‘Doc,’ and I refuse to be called a hero,” said Black. “To me, the term ‘hero’ is usually applied to people who don’t have to do the incredible things they do for others. The ordinary Joes who run into a burning building to save another but have had no training in firefighting, those are heroes.”

Spc. James Black, a combat medic formerly attached to the Lincoln, Neb.-based 1st Squadron, 167th Cavalry Regiment, poses for a photo while preparing for a convoy mission. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army.

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers bring smiles to schools

Wednesday, 04 April 2007
By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

AZ ZAIDON — The children, wide-eyed at the sight of Iraqi soldiers in their schools, seemed a little frightened at first, but within moments, as the soldiers began handing out cookies and asking questions about the day’s lessons, they warmed up.

Iraqi soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, visited two schools with troops of the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and the military transition team from 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, March 29. The visits, which provided much-needed school equipment like chalkboards and generators, also served to let the children and teachers see that the Iraqi troops serve the country and are available.

“Please give me your phone number,” Ta’if School Headmaster Nafir Abdullah asked the Iraqi troops. “And don’t be a stranger. This school is always open to you, and we would love to have you help educate the children.”

Sgt. Richard Fulham, a native of Toms River, N.J., and a squad leader with Troop A, 1-89, distributed cookies to several classes of youngsters.

“My mother-in-law made them for me, but I just had to give them to the kids,” he said. “I get too many cookies anyway.”

The children shouted and waved, competing for the troops’ attention and photographs before the teachers called them back to class.

“Most of the teachers here work without receiving a salary,” Abdullah explained. The school, while well-kept, is very poor. “There are plenty of terrorist attacks at night, but during the day it’s very safe. But we have no problems with the Iraqi or U.S. soldiers coming; please feel free to come anytime.”

At the Al-Haafaththa school just up the road, the combined patrol again distributed basic supplies and goodies to the children and teachers.

“We’re doing a humanitarian assistance operation here,” said Capt. Joshua Schneider, a native of Phoenix and the staff maneuver adviser to the Iraqi Army for military transition team 0632. “We’ve brought generators, blackboards, book bags filled with school supplies like pens and pencils and notebook paper, and activity books for school.”

About 60 Iraqi soldiers were part of the operation.

“The reception has been very good,” Schneider added. “The teachers and Iraqi soldiers are building stronger relationships, and that’s only going to help this area.”

“It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, helping the children,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Grilo, a native of Millington, N.J., and the executive officer for Troop A. “If we give them the ability to learn and get an education, they’re less vulnerable to other influences -- like extremist views.”

Platoon leader 1st Lt. Adam Robison, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was also upbeat about the mission.

“Seeing the kids respond to us handing out toys and book bags is always great -- they are so happy. It's like we’re Santa Claus to them,” Robison said. “I think doing missions like this with the Iraqi soldiers allows people to see that they (the soldiers) care and that they’re starting to take responsibility for their country so they can start taking over.”

Photo: Iraqi soldiers Misher Jemel, Hatam Karim Namer, Farhan Abdul Itai and Mahdi Sanoun pose with children at the Al-Haafaththa school near Zaidon, Iraq, March 28 during a humanitarian operation delivering school supplies with U.S. soldiers. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Chris McCann..

45th Medical Company: Working With Corps’ to Save Lives

13 March 2007
By Sgt. Anthony Guas
Marine Aircraft Group 29

AL ASAD, Iraq — Marines know that in a combat zone corpsmen can save their lives, but in Iraq the Navy is not the only branch saving Marines. Soldiers are also putting themselves in harms way to help others.

The soldiers of the 45th Medical Company, a joint asset to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, provide aerial medical evacuation and transportation of medical personnel, blood and equipment.

“We’re an Army Aero-Medical unit fully integrated into the Marine Air Ground Task Force,” said Army Maj. Robert A. Kneeland, the 45th Medical Company commanding officer. “Because of the innovative efforts of Marine aviation here in Iraq, it has really evolved beyond simply joint operations. Army (Medical Evacuation) has become inter-operable and to some degree even inter-dependent with Marine aviation in (Multi-National Forces-West).”

The 45th Medical Company is the fifth medical evacuation company since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom to be deployed in support of the Marine Expeditionary Force, according to Kneeland.

“The Marines treat us just like one of their own squadrons, support us to the fullest extent possible, and synchronize our operations with the other aviation supporting MNF-W,” said Kneeland. “The relationship has steadily built over time. It is a great and unique relationship and we feel truly blessed to be part of the team.”

The Germany-based company, known as “Bavarian DustOff”, is split into three main platoons; the headquarters platoon, flight platoon and the maintenance platoon.

The headquarters handles the operations of the company and the aircraft refueling.

“Flight operations controls everything from the flight logs to the missions and is manned 24-7,” said Army 1st Sgt. John Waldbaum, the 45th Medical Company first sergeant. “Our fuel section is also manned 24-7.”

The members of the flight platoon are broken into crews containing two pilots, a crew chief and flight medic. Three crews are on duty for 72 hours; the first crew is on call, the second is used for transfer between hospitals and the third acts as a back-up. The crews rotate after each day and are relieved by another shift of three crews after the 72 hours.

“In this unit, everything is built around the flight medic, in a sense, he’s like the aircraft’s primary weapons system” said Waldbaum. “The crew chief owns the airplane; the medic owns the mission and specially-trained pilots are charged to get that medic as quickly and safely as possible to the point of injury to save lives.”

In the Army, the medical field is huge, but being a flight medic is a specialty that only a few get to experience, according to Army Sgt. Michael M. Dreiling, a flight medic for the 45th Medical Company.

“Some of us work in the hospitals or a clinic, and then there are very few select of us who fly around in the helicopter,” explained Dreiling. “It is an unbelievably rewarding job. When I was stationed at Al Qaim, it was the first time that I had a leader of any sort shake my hand for the work I have done for a (service member).”

Although a flight medic’s primary mission is the responsibility of the patient, they must also be an extra pair of eyes on the aircraft.

“Flying to and from (a mission), we are right at the window, so we are responsible from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock to view other aircraft, obstacles, enemy fire below and everything. We are not just medics, we are the eyes too. There are eight eyes on the aircraft and we have two of them.”

The other set of eyes are the ones that ensure everything is mechanically stable on the helicopter. Any maintenance issue on the helicopter is the sole responsibility of the crew chief, according to Army Sgt. Matthew Grove, a UH-60 Blackhawk crew chief with the 45th Medical Company.

“A Blackhawk crew chief maintains the bird and ensures the inspections are good and takes care of any unscheduled maintenance,” said Grove. “If something breaks while in flight, we have to make sure it gets reported.”

While in flight, the crew chief is the expert on the helicopter’s capabilities.

“I think (flying with the helicopter) is critical because (the crew chief) has the hands-on experience,” said Grove. “There are a lot of times where the pilot will ask questions, so you are the go-to-guy for the status of the bird. They know the aircraft, but each bird’s strengths and weaknesses, that’s where the crew chief comes in. They have to trust you, that is why you have to stay on top of your game.”

Just like the medic is an extra pair of eyes in a flight, the crew chief becomes a helping hand to the medic.

“When we get casualties, we are an extra set of hands, helping the medic,” said Grove. “He is like the doctor and we are the nurses. We do as much as we can because that’s our money right there, if we don’t save those guys, that’s unacceptable.”

When the crew receives a call for a medical evacuation, it only takes them 7 to 10 minutes to get in the air, according to Army Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Fay, a medical evacuation pilot for the 45th Medical Company.

“When we get the call, one of the pilots and the medic will go and get the (information),” said Fay. “The medic will ask any kind of questions he needs to know as far as litter and priority. The other pilot and the crew chief will get out and (prepare the helicopter). Then we start the aircraft, put the grid in the GPS and head right for it. We can be there and back in 30-40 minutes tops.”

Although the flight platoon is on the frontlines, the maintenance platoon is the group behind the scenes, ensuring that the helicopters are ready to fly.

“The maintenance platoon has 20-30 people available,” said Grove. “We always rely on those guys to help us.”

The company’s aviation unit maintenance platoon consists of Blackhawk helicopter repairmen, avionics technicians, structural mechanics, powerplant mechanics, technical supply personnel, and various other skill sets specializing on the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.

The company currently has helicopters spread throughout the Al Anbar Province. Since October, the company has flown more than 700 supporting MNF-W combat operations.

“Success is hard to rate sometimes, but if you could I would give us an A plus,” said Dreiling. “We haven’t lost anybody or any aircraft and our mission reaction time is unbelievable. Every crew that I have been on (has taken off) under 10 minutes.”

Photo: U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Andy Druilhet, a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, checks the tail rotor before taking off on a training flight, Feb. 28, 2007. The 45th Medical Company provides medical evacuation for all personnel in Iraq. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony Guas.

PRT turns best practice into Afghan community favorite

12 March 2007
By Capt. Joe Campbell
Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- A best practice program developed by the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team has become a community favorite here. The program provides construction materials to Afghan locals to complete or repair their own projects.

Initially started as a way to encourage villagers to take a more active role in community development, the free bags of ready-to-mix cement plan has expanded to include gabions -- wire cages designed to hold rocks or other riprap material to form foundations or erosion control structures.

"Villagers pick up bags of cement from the PRT themselves, do the work themselves, then our engineers inspect the work to ensure the cement was used properly," said Army Reserve Capt. Nick Ashbaugh, Panjshir PRT Civil Affairs team leader.

The 49th and 50th do-it-yourself projects were undertaken recently after cement projects in the Khenj and Dara districts were approved.

Villagers from Safachi received 150 bags of cement to repair a mosque while Bari Ali citizens were given 100 bags of cement to fix a canal wall for their micro-hydro power plant.

"We always keep cement on hand to support these types of projects," said Captain Ashbaugh. "We've given out more than 6,500 bags of cement since May 2006."

Not all projects are approved. Each request meets a stringent review process by the requesting village's provincial council members and then the need is verified by PRT members before a project is supported.

"The success of the cement program led us to add gabions to our do-it-yourself efforts and we expect this addition to be met with enthusiasm throughout Panjshir," said Air Force Lt. Col. Neal Kringel, Panjshir PRT commander.

The program allows locals to accomplish projects benefiting their villages and it is a cost-effective way for the PRT to make a difference in more reconstruction projects while maximizing taxpayer dollars.

"Captain Ashbaugh has negotiated the delivered price of good-quality cement from our supplier to $5 per bag, so a 150-bag project costs a mere $750," said Colonel Kringel. "More importantly, it fosters partnership, sweat equity and fast-track."

Photo: Afghanistan villagers in the Khenj district watch as bags of ready-to-mix cement are unloaded in Panjshir Province, Afghanistan. The cement was used to repair a retaining wall that protects a mosque. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Chris White).

Two Shammar Tribe villages enjoy civil affairs' school renovations

This is an article which is very touching. One way to win part of this war is to get the Iraqi people on your side. This is one step forward.

2/9/2007

RABE'A, Iraq - Coalition civil affairs teams completed two nearly-identical school reconstruction projects in two nearly-identical Shammar tribe villages, located miles apart from one another, Feb. 1.

The villages of Al Jafal and Asfaia, while located several miles apart, are both Shammar tribal villages near Rabe'a. [B]oth contain between 100 and 130 school-age children, and until recently, both contained primary schools in need of renovation.

Funded by the non-governmental organization AEGIS, a firm that works hand-in-hand with the military to provide basic needs projects to the local populace, Coalition civil affairs teams coordinated to have both schools renovated to bring them up to a safe and acceptable learning environment.

In Al Jafal, the $3,142 renovation consisted of providing heaters, windows, and doors. A small generator was provided due to the lack of electricity in the village. The lights in the school were replaced, and the school was provided with two water tanks and fuel tanks. All work was contracted through residents of the village.

In Asfaia, the $3,806 renovation consisted of plastering and painting the outer walls of the building, as well as replacing all of the toilets and sinks. The contractor installed new water tanks and pipes to supply the restrooms with water. A new circuit breaker was purchased, and new lights were installed in each room as well as on the outside of the school. The doors were repainted and all the locks were replaced. Additionally, new screens were installed in all the windows in preparation for spring and summer weather. The contractors went a little over their initial budget, but extra resources were collected from the villagers, who were more than happy to help provide their children with a better learning environment.

The residents of both villages were pleased with the renovations and welcomed future projects with promises of support and assistance.

AEGIS continues to work with Coalition forces in helping to provide quality-of-life improvements to Iraq's, and the Ninewa Province's rural areas.

For all the bickering about where the money is going, it is good to know that the Iraqi people are being included in the jobs. This way they may not have a desire to blow up something that they have created themselves. Let us hope they take pride in their workmanship, the same way (or better!) than we do.

Source: CENTCOM Press Release. If you have difficulty with this link, try this one.