CLCs, Iraqi Army turn massive cache over to U.S. troops

A cache of mortar and artillery rounds, as well as 80 pounds of homemade explosives, were turned in to U.S. forces at Forward Operating Base Yusufiyah Dec. 6. (U.S. Army courtesy photos)

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A massive cache of mortar and artillery rounds, as well as 80 pounds of homemade explosives, were turned in to U. S. forces at Forward Operating Base Yusufiyah Dec. 6.
This was the third occurrence in as many days of local residents handing explosives over to the Iraqi Army who in turn gave it to American Soldiers for disposal.
The find included 36 rocket-propelled grenades, 45 cannon rounds, 16 sticks of dynamite, a trigger mechanism and pressure plate and additional homemade bomb-making materials. The stash was turned in to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“It is very promising to see the Concerned Local Citizens and Iraqi Army out there on the battlefield trying to get rid of the bad guys and the ammunition to destroy U.S. Soldiers and innocent Iraqis,” said Sgt Michael Waters, Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt.
Two smaller caches were collected Dec. 3 in separate incidents.
In one instance, CLCs approached Company A, 3-187th Inf. Regt., with two rocket-propelled grenade launchers and several mortar rounds.
In the second incident, the Iraqi Army turned over a variety of mortar and artillery rounds to Co. C., 3-187th Inf. Regt. Local citizens turned the ammunition in to the Iraqi Army.
“These guys are passionate about getting their country back to normalcy where the economy will be able to support men and women who want to go out to work to feed their families without fear,” said Pfc. Joshua Turner, Co. C, 3-187th Inf. Regt.

Three Rakkasans earn fifth combat patch with 101st

First Sgt. Chad Gore, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 1st Sgt. Randal Underhill, Company C, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, and Lt. Col. R.J. Lillibridge, 1- 187th Inf. Regt., are now eligible for their fifth “Screaming Eagle” combat patch - four of which are from deployments with the Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

BY Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Multiple deployments have become a common occurrence since the start of the global war on terrorism.
Sure, there are people out there who have five or more patch-earning deployments. But not many can say they’ve all been earned with one division.
The Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) boasts the highest percentage of multiple deployers in the Army.
Lieutenant Col. R.J. Lillibridge, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 1st Sgt. Chad Gore, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-187th Inf. Regt., and 1st Sgt. Randal Underhill, Company C, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, are now eligible for their fifth “Screaming Eagle” combat patch.
Of the five combat tours, these Soldiers each served four tours with the Rakkasans.
“There’s just something neat about being a Rakkasan,” said Lillibridge, from Smithfield, R.I. “There’s a whole lot of goodness in it.”
Underhill, originally from Booneville, Ind., now considers Clarksville, Tenn., home since he has spent 14 of 17 years in the 101st. He said he feels like he now has roots with the 101st and has a loyalty to the division.
At the end of this deployment, Gore, a native of Gridley, Calif., will have spent 13 of 20 years at Fort Campbell. “I like the area, the unit’s great. The professionalism, the history the unit has – it’s nice to be a part of that,” he said.

Deciding to stay
Like many Soldiers, none of the men joined the Army thinking they would stay as long as they have.
Underhill was bored with his civilian job. “My impulse said, ‘Hey I’m going to do something different.’ (So I) joined the National Guard and I kind of liked it.” A couple years down the road, he decided to go full-time just in time to go to Desert Storm – his first deployment with the Rakkasans.
Lillibridge said he came into the Army with no preconceived notions, and didn’t know if he’d like it or not.
“I had a five-year commitment,” he said. “After five years was up, I didn’t suck at it, but I wasn’t a superstar.”
He decided to stick in there for a few more years. He’s at 18 years now.
“When I came in the Army, I was trying to figure out what I was going to be when I grew up … I still don’t know,” Gore said with a chuckle. “The first 10 years kind of snuck up on me.” He realized the Army was going to be a career between deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Taking a toll
All of the men are married with children and say each deployment is a little harder to take and more difficult for families than for Soldiers. They all credit their wives with being the true heroes for staying home and being both mom and dad and keeping everything intact until their Soldiers come home.
Deploying for the first time only two months after getting married, Underhill had no way of knowing that separations would be such a common occurrence.
“I think it gets progressively difficult with each rotation to make a break with your family and kids and come over and do it,” said the father of three who has been married 17 years. “At the same time, I started with the Rakkasans … and I don’t want to leave.”
Underhill said his wife is by no means happy about the deployments, but she has grown accustomed to being self-reliant and taking care of things.
Lillibridge, who has been married for 15 years and has two children, acknowledges that families are growing tired of the frequent, extended deployments and said that one year between deployments is not nearly enough. “I’ve lost track of all the birthdays and (holidays) I’ve missed,” he said, adding that his last anniversary was only the second one he spent at home in the last five or six years.
“It’s definitely harder with each deployment,” said Gore, who has been married for 10 years and also has two children. “The kids are getting older … now (they) understand it’s going to be for a long time.” He said his wife is the reason his children have handled it so well.
The seven-month deployment for the Gulf War is short compared to the now 12- and 15-month deployments Soldiers now face.
“We could stand on our heads for seven months now,” Lillibridge said. “I think most of us would like to have a break and not deploy, but I think most of us – after two years – would be going stir crazy and want to get back to this because we’d all feel guilty about not being over here.”

What lies ahead?
As emotionally and physically taxing as these deployments can be, many have soldiered so long that they can’t imagine doing anything else – Lillibridge, Gore and Underhill are no exception.
“There’s nothing I would rather do,” Lillibridge said, echoing the sentiments of Gore and Underhill. He added that he hasn’t stayed in the Army for 18 years for any reason other than the people. “There’s nothing in the civilian world that compares to the Army – especially an army at combat. “
And combat is one thing these Soldiers have seen their share of, from Desert Storm to Afghanistan and multiple tours in Iraq.
Still, none can say for sure whether or not a sixth combat patch is in their future.
All just a little short of meeting the minimum 20-year requirement for retirement, it’s up in the air as to whether they’ll go past that mark.
Gore said the toll this 15-month deployment has on his family will determine whether or not he’ll stay past 20 years.
“I have a friend who used to be a Rakkasan who’s retired … and he always tells me what I’m going to end up doing. He’s been right so far,” Gore recounted. “He says I’m going to stay in.”
Whether it’s 20, 30 or somewhere in between, whenever these Soldiers bid the Army adieu, it will be difficult to walk away from what they’ve known for so long.
Camaraderie, incomparable trust the Army puts in subordinate leaders and make-it-happen attitudes are just a few of the things they say they’ll miss.
“The Army’s a neat place with a whole bunch of great people in it,” Lillibridge said. “I think that’s why most of us stay in … in spite of some of the hardship.”

Sunni, Shia, IA leaders meet on neutral ground

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – More than a dozen sheiks and other influential leaders from southern Baghdad congregated on neutral territory Nov. 10 at Camp Striker.
Among the leaders present was the mayor of Mahmudiyah, Mouyad Fadil, and Lt. Col. Mohammed Fatkan al Farhan, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division.
The roundtable was hosted by War Rakkasans of the 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The Rakkasans’ goal was to provide a place on neither Sunni nor Shia territory to discuss moving forward for the security and future of Iraq.
The aim was to bring sheiks from different religious sects to sit down together and create a plan to move forward, said Capt. Seth Palmer, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. Additionally, there is hope that the meeting will open the door for future dialogue, Palmer said.
The forum was opened and facilitated by Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander, and Lt. Col. Brian Coppersmith, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. commander.
“We’ve recognized the importance of the sheiks. The importance of the tribes is absolutely decisive to the success we will achieve here in Iraq,” Caraccilo said. “For so long you have heard empty promises and we have heard empty promises, and together we’ve promised each other to do better and it’s time now to fulfill those promises.”
Sheik Kadem Shibli lauded the American hosts for recognizing the sheiks’ position in the Iraqi culture. “The sheik is very important in this region,” he said through an interpreter. “Tribes are the infrastructure of our Iraqi community.”
“We are ready for any form of cooperation and support for building a better Iraq and to eliminate all the danger,” Shibli said.
Sheik Kadem Nwar Alamen insisted that there is no friction between Sunni and Shia – that they are all brothers.
“We’re all Muslims here and we’re all under Iraq’s flag and we have one Qur’an. We should not discriminate,” he said. “I don’t believe there’s any difference between Sunni and Shia.”
Common concerns voiced were the security of Iraq, detainees, the need for schools, medical care, fertilizer and economic development.
Everyone in attendance agreed that security is central to any plan of action.
“We’ve lost many Soldiers. You’ve lost many family members,” Caraccilo said. “We’re at the point now where I think we can work together to make this place much more secure, that way it can prosper economically and as a government.”
“It is with sincerity we conduct our missions day to day,” Caraccilo added. “And we do it alongside great Iraqi army officers and soldiers and alongside very good government leaders.”
Pointing to progress, Coppersmith cited several examples, one being 28 senior officers from western Baghdad who are scheduled for reinstatement to various Iraqi army formations in the coming days. Another example was the recent release of 500 detainees, an event the sheiks said they see as a sign of advancement.
“We will begin a program of micro grants and micro loans and partnership projects that should restart economic development in the area,” Coppersmith said. “I know we have a long way to go ... but we are making progress.”

Rakkasans continue progress with Marne Courageous

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Rakkasans are making significant progress in the follow-on phases of Operation Marne Courageous which kicked off in mid-November.
Now well into the mission, multiple weapons and explosives caches have been recovered, insurgent activity has been thwarted and the operation is progressing smoothly. The construction of Patrol Base Kemple is ahead of schedule and all force-protection measures have been emplaced.
“The Rakkasans’ mission to establish a footprint just west of the Euphrates proved to be a success and the quintessential model of counter-insurgency operations as defined in Field Manual 3-24,” said Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“The stars definitely lined up for us on this mission,” said Maj. David Jones, operations officer for the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). “We conducted the largest air assault since Operation Swarmer without incident and delivered a decisive blow to al-Qaeda.
“If there is any enemy that still remains in Owesat, they no longer have free reign and are incapable of coordinating significant attacks,” Jones said.
Marne Courageous is aimed at securing the population of Owesat and Al Betra, former insurgent sanctuaries, by establishing a permanent presence on the west side of the Euphrates River.
The operation officially began Nov.16 with the bombing of an island that was a suspected insurgent safehaven and an air assault into Owesat and Al Betra. Along with elements of the Iraqi Army, Soldiers knocked on hundreds of doors in an attempt to identify anti-coalition forces and al-Qaeda and seek information that might lead to the whereabouts of Spc. Alex Jiminez and Pvt. Byron Fouty from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), who went missing May 12.
“Our objective was to talk to each Owetian about (the missing) Soldiers, search every structure and field, establish Patrol Base Kemple, set the conditions for Concerned Local Citizens involvement in Owesat, and develop an assessment of the needs of the Owetians,” said Maj. Will Beck, executive officer for 3-187th Inf. Regt.
Concerned Local Citizens have begun to establish checkpoints in the area, thereby denying insurgents freedom of movement.
“The CLCs have proven themselves to be a proven force capable of guarding key infrastructure and maintaining fixed positions controlling access,” said Maj. Curtis Crum, operations officer for 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). “CLCs become target groups for economic opportunities, Iraqi Security Force recruitment and future job-placement programs.”
As a means to continue receiving the support of the people of Owesat, Company A, 3-187th Inf. Regt. hosted a veterinary operation and coordinated medical engagement. The veterinary operation was held Nov. 29 in Owesat and Nov. 30 in North Qarghuli Village to provide veterinary care for the livestock.
A team of four medical personnel saw nearly 200 residents at a CME Dec. 2 with issues such as chronic illnesses, upper-respiratory infections, trauma from previous war wounds, and even cerebral palsy.
“We want to let the local population know we care and that we want to help them,” said Dr. (Lt. Col.) Grant Foster, battalion surgeon for the 3-187th Inf. Regt.

Rakkasans help put Iraqi face on locals’ medical care

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – More than 800 Iraqis received medical care during a coordinated medical engagement Nov. 30 in Iraqi Family Village, northeast of Camp Victory, where healthcare is virtually non-existent.
Twenty-five Iraqi and two American providers saw 820 patients ranging in age from several weeks to nearly 80 years old with symptoms varying from the common cold and dermatological issues to chronic issues like asthma.
Task Force Vigilant, the base-defense unit for Camp Victory, was responsible for the overall planning, preparation and execution of the CME since the Iraqi Family Village falls within its operational environment. The Iraqi Family Village has about 8,000 residents, many of whom moved into the area after the fall of the regime in 2003.
Members of the Rakkasans from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) played a role by providing security for all medical operations and medical personnel from Company C, 626th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT).
Team Rak, short for Rakkasan, is an element of TF Vigilant and had 15 Soldiers involved in the CME.
This is the third such event for TF Vigilant in a three-month period, although it is the first mission in which the Rakkasans participated. The task force’s stated goal was two-fold: to provide much-needed medical care for the village residents and to promote the ability of Iraqi leaders to provide for the needs of Iraqis.
Consequently, the residents of the village will have confidence in their town council’s ability to coordinate medical undertakings in the future.
The medical engagement was another endeavor to put an Iraqi face on healthcare in the area according to Capt. Alex Montgomery, primary planner for Co. C, 626th BSB, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), which provided dental and medical personnel, supplies and logistical support for the event. It also gave the unit a chance to provide one-on-one medical training with local residents and Iraqi Army doctors.
“Because there is no (medical) facility in the area we wanted to get healthcare and pharmaceuticals to many local nationals who, due to economic issues, don’t have a way or financial means to get healthcare and medication for themselves and their children,” Montgomery explained.
Task Force 62, a medical brigade formed approximately three months ago, provided two Iraqi-born American doctors who have Iraqi credentials to practice medicine. Several local medical personnel from the Baghdad International Airport Medical Clinic rendered services as well.
Supporting the return to normalcy, TF 62 attempts to add momentum to the medical infrastructure by gathering information about the condition of medical care and clinics, said John Mitchell, military analyst and licensed physician’s assistant with TF 62.
“We go out here with cooperative engagements and provide medical care and get information from the patients as to what kind of care they’re getting, how often they get to be seen and how hard it is to be seen and the status of medical care in their communities,” Mitchell said. That information is then forwarded to the command of a certain area as a snapshot of what services are necessary in that area of operations.
Ultimately, Mitchell said the goal is to develop clinics and a level of healthcare that will be sustainable once Coalition Forces have left the region.
As an additional push to put Iraqis in the forefront, there is a company within TF 62 that offers Iraqis daily fees to practice medicine at CMEs.
“Part of the return to normalcy is getting Iraqi medical practitioners to return to the area,” Mitchell said, adding that some are returning slowly.
While the current state of medical care in many areas of Iraq is bleak and has a long way to go, improvement is on the horizon.
“Our objective of strengthening the villagers’ trust in local council and the Government of Iraq, as well as providing much-needed medical care for the community has been achieved,” said Capt. Martrell Gamble, Team Rak commander. “Team Rak was able to do our small part of what will be a continuous effort of providing assistance in improving the legitimacy of the GoI and the Iraqi Security Forces while improving the residents’ perception of U.S. forces and advocates of human rights.
“We were glad we were able to participate and are looking forward to the next opportunity to provide support to the citizens,” Gamble said.

‘Soft touch’ approach pays big dividends

By Staff Sgt. Tony Lindback
Multi-National Division - Center PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The early morning calm over Owesat, Iraq, was rocked by the beating rotors of helicopters carrying Rakkasan Soldiers in for an air assault Nov. 16.
The assault was in support of Operation Marne Courageous, a multi-faceted operation that extended the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) area of operation into an area previously under Multi-National Division – West.
Capt. Terry Hilderbrand Jr., commander of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) said there was a lot done to prepare for the strategic move.
“We’ve had numerous meetings with the sheiks in Owesat,” Hilderbrand said. Out of the four tribes in Owesat, Hilderbrand explained, three of the tribes’ sheiks had gone to Coalition Forces, asking them to establish a presence in Owesat.
“They have seen Qarghuli on the eastern side of the river. They have seen the (concerned citizens groups). They know about the awakening movement in Iraq. They’re ready to give up the al-Qaeda that’s located in Owesat and work with the Coalition. So, we’ve done a lot of talking with them – gaining an understanding of who the players are,” Hilderbrand said.
Using the intelligence they had about the area enabled Co. A to use more brain and less brawn moving into the area.
Soldiers respected the culture of the people they encountered by only talking to the man of the house when knocking on doors. They waited until the man of the house answered the door, rather than kicking in doors. They also allowed the man to move women and children as necessary to both accommodate local customs and allow a thorough search.

Sheiks of the village came to an agreement with Co. A to rent the property in the area to build two new patrol bases. Assets were brought from Patrol Base Dragon on the east bank of the river by ferry. Engineers used floating bridge bays and boats to move route clearance and heavy equipment vehicles to aid the development of a Patrol Base Owesat, PB Kemple and a bridge connecting Owesat to PB Dragon.
The area of operation expansion, and the location of the new patrol bases, will help Task Force Marne flush insurgents from the area, and broaden the search for Pvt. Byron Fouty and Spc. Alex Jiminez from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), who went missing May 12.
No shots were fired during the mission. Maj. Wayne Lacey, a staff officer with the 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Div. (AASLT), said it was a testament to planning the operation around good intelligence.
“It went well. I’m not surprised - my guys always do good,” Hilderbrand said.

CO A, 626 BSB delivers for all Rakkasans

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – “Nothing happens until something moves,” is the Albert Einstein quote adopted by the Transportation Corps.
The Soldiers of Company A, 626th Brigade Support Battalion take that mantra to heart as they push supplies throughout southwest Baghdad to the units in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
“Our company’s mission has a tremendous impact on the BCT’s overall mission and greatly contributes to the fight all over the operational environment,” said Capt. Thomas Boland, Co. A, 626th BSB commander.
Comprised of two distribution platoons and a Supply Support Activity platoon, Co. A is a distribution company tasked with supplying Rakkasans on and off Camp Striker with basic necessities like food, water and ammunition.
The two distribution platoons run combat logistics patrols several times a week to outlying patrol bases. The Soldiers in the SSA platoon run the warehouse and Headquarters platoon is in charge of the command post.
From paper and pens to nails and lumber, fuel, repair parts, rations and bulk water for showers and cooking, Co. A handles it all.
“Everything starts at Alpha Company,” said 2nd Lt. Brendan Chase, platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Co. A, 626th BSB. “We’re pretty much the supply house for the whole brigade and then we push it out to the forward support companies.”
As part of one of the distribution platoons, Chase said CLPs are about 85 to 90 percent of what they do.
“We’re either getting ready for a CLP, doing a CLP or recovering from a CLP,” Chase said. He explained that it can take up to 30 hours to prepare for a CLP, including the time it takes to perform maintenance on and inspect the vehicles and load the supplies that will go out in the convoy.
Every Soldier in the company understands that his job is equally as important as combat arms troops.
“If we don’t do our job then someone on the other end won’t be able to do his job,” said Sgt. 1st Class King Riggins, platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, Co. A, 626th BSB. ”They won’t have the supplies they need to perform.”
The company’s senior-enlisted Soldier said the unit was well-prepared for its mission. “I think we did all the right things,” said 1st Sgt. Loneal Blevins, Co. A, 626th BSB. “Everything we trained on back home got the unit in the ballpark of what was to be expected in theater.”
Boland credited the unit’s gifted and “battlefield-tested” noncommissioned officers with doing an outstanding job preparing the Soldiers pre-deployment to feel confident once they got on the ground.
“My job is dangerous,” said Pvt. Ryan Henry, a mechanic serving as a gunner. “But as long as you know what to do when situations come about, it’s no problem.” He said he tries not to worry about the potential threats and just focuses on the mission at hand.
Henry added that the training at Fort Campbell, Ky., equipped him for what he faces on the roads when he goes outside the wire.
“I just go out there and do the best that I can as a gunner and hope that I come back home safe,” Henry said.
Crane said the Soldiers are well aware of the risks they face every time they go out on a CLP – namely, improvised explosive devices – but that they remain cool about it.
“Obviously we know what’s out there,” Chase said, adding that when the brigade suffered their first casualty Nov. 1 as the result of an IED it was a reality check. “It struck them that … this could really happen.
“We’re outside the wire (several) times a week,” he explained. “It’s a threat every time we step out there, but these guys, they soldier on.”
The platoon sergeant echoed Crane’s sentiments.
“The Soldiers motivate us because, no matter how hard we push them, they’re ready to ride on,” Riggins said. “The Soldiers love doing their job, which makes our job extremely easy.
“I think we’ve been truly blessed with some great Soldiers.”

Brothers share deployments, faith, love for family

Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Deployments aren’t generally regarded by families as happy occasions – unless you’re one of the Treanor brothers.
For the second time, Army Maj. Stephen Treanor, executive officer of 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and Air Force Maj. Don Treanor, a civil engineer commanding Detachment 3, 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, are serving simultaneously in Iraq.
“I knew coming into it that Stephen would be here toward the end of the deployment,” Don said. “It was something to look forward to.”
Stephen agreed. “Leaving my family is terrible but getting to see (my brother) here kind of eased the transition,” he said.
The majors were last deployed to Iraq in September 2005, when Don was attached to a unit in the 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). They were based about 100 miles apart though, and only saw each other periodically when missions brought Don to Stephen’s location.
There was a seven-month overlap for the last deployment, but this time it’s only six weeks. “We’ve kind of made a point of trying to get together on the weekend and that’s been nice,” Don said.
Before arriving in Iraq, the brothers had not seen one another since last Christmas. “We see each other more deployed than we do in the States,” Stephen said.
The Treanors were raised in Prattville, Ala., and graduated from Auburn University in Alabama. Their parents, sister, grandparents and other family members live in Northport, near Tuscaloosa, Ala. But the brothers say the place they call “home” changes from time to time.
Stephen joked, “Home is where the Army sends you.”
Stephen and Don agree that “home” to them is wherever their wives and children are. Stephen has been married for 12 years and has three daughters; Don has been married for 16 years, with two daughters.
Don has been in the Air Force for 15 years; Stephen in the Army 18 years total – five National Guard, 13 active. Two years seem to be a pattern with these two.
Stephen is two years younger than Don, has two less years of active-duty time in the military and was promoted to major two years – to the date – after his older brother.
“I never really thought of myself as following in his footsteps, but I think he created a heck of an example,” Stephen said of his brother.
Not only do the brothers share a love for family, the military and Auburn football, but they both have a strong faith that is particularly helpful during deployments.
Don and Stephen both said the Air Force and Army values, respectively, align perfectly with their Christian values.
“Having a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ means that I don’t live in fear while I’m deployed to Iraq,” Don said. “I know that God is in control always.”
Stephen echoed his brother’s sentiment, adding that his faith in God allows him to focus on the mission at hand and not be plagued with fear or worry.
“I’ve probably never expressed it, but my brother has been a tremendous Christian influence throughout my adult life,” Stephen said. “Besides being a successful officer, he has always been a strong Christian.”
The brothers have been able to attend a couple church services together recently, something they hadn’t done in years.
As Don prepares to return to his home station at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., he and his brother look forward to meeting somewhere other than the Middle East.
“I hope this is the last time we see each other in Iraq,” Stephen said. “I prefer to see him in Florida, but we’ll take Iraq if it’s all we can get.”

Rakkasans kick off Operation Marne Courageous

By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – For some, a wake-up call came in the form of a B-1b bomber dropping its load on a suspected insurgent safe haven in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 16.
Components from the Iraqi army and Rakkasans kicked off Operation Marne Courageous when 4,000 pounds of explosives were dropped on an island in the middle of the Euphrates River at 3:50 a.m.
The island that was targeted was located in the Euphrates River between Owesat and Al Betra. The objective was to deny insurgents the opportunity to use the island as an asylum, said Air Force Capt. Craig Barham, 15th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, supporting the Rakkasans.
Marne Courageous, headed by the Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), is aimed at securing the population of Owesat and Al Betra, former insurgent sanctuary areas, by establishing a permanent presence on the west side of the Euphrates River.
“In addition to that we’re going to exploit any intelligence that could lead us to the missing or captured Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,” said Maj. Curtis Crum, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), operations officer. The two Soldiers, Spc. Alex Jiminez and Pvt. Byron Fouty went missing May 12.
“The goal of this joint effort with the Iraqi army and U.S. Soldiers is to defeat any remaining extremists or al-Qaeda in Iraq operatives on the western side of the Euphrates River in our zone,” Crum said.
The operation has three phases: intelligence-gathering, establishing security and maintaining a presence.
Phase two began with the bombing and air assault, where units went into Owesat and Al Betra, knocking on doors and trying to identify anti-coalition forces and al-Qaeda, as well as looking for information that might lead to the whereabouts of Jiminez and Fouty.
The second and third phases overlapped. While troops on the ground established security after the air assault, a float bridge unit out of Hanau, Germany, 502nd Engineer Company, began emplacement of a bridge that extends from Patrol Base Dragon across the Euphrates to extend the lines of communication.
“The movement of forces to clear the objective, since it is somewhat permissive, is going very smooth, so we were able to employ the bridge immediately,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), adding that a good portion of the bridge was emplaced in the first day.
Also a part of the third phase is the construction of Patrol Base Kemple, where Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), will be based. The location has been established and will be operational by mid-December.
The PB is named after Cpl. Andrew Kemple who was deployed to Iraq with Co. A, 3-187th Inf. Regt. when he was killed Feb. 12, 2006.
From the timing of the bombing to boots on the ground, the commander of the Rakkasans said everything was on point and he is pleased with what has happened so far.
“We expected nothing less than perfection when you do an air assault because the risk associated … is so high that you can’t accept anything (else),” Caraccilo said. “Tactically, for us to be able to employ like this is pretty significant – that was exceptional.”
“To be able to get on aircraft with pilots we’ve never really trained with shows that the Army truly is modular,” he added. Referring to assets from the Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Caraccilo said, “That we can plug into another division and use their combat multipliers and be successful is another confirmation that the Army transformation worked.”

Sunni, Shia sheiks present united front against al-Qaeda

By Maj. Jason Waggoner
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A short-notice reconciliation meeting of regional sheiks with potential for impact throughout Iraq was held Nov. 8 in Al Bassam, an area approximately 16 kilometers west of Baghdad city center.
The conference was called by a highly influential leader, Abu Maruf, with less than 24-hours notice, to make a public declaration of unity amongst the tribes against al-Qaeda and to map the way ahead for their region.
“We were notified of the meeting at about 8 p.m. the night before,” said Lt. Col. Brian Coppersmith, commander of War Rakkasans, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “We weren’t sure why the conference was being called on such short notice. We have learned that things move fast when they are this good.”
Coppersmith was invited by Abu Maruf to observe the event.
Members of more than 30 tribes attended the conference; both Sunnis and Shias were represented. Their differences were set aside for the day as they publicly united with one voice and vowed to fight al-Qaeda and work toward a lasting peace for their region.
Maruf facilitated the conference and announced the formation of the Baghdad Brigade which will provide support to the region stretching from Yusufiyah to Taji. The brigade will consist of not only military elements, but also be the umbrella organization for their socio-political initiatives.
Coppersmith said this show of accord across sectarian and tribal lines may be an indicator of better things to come in this part of Baghdad.
The soldiers of 1-33rd Cav. Regt. will play a part in this new awakening.
“We will act as facilitators,” Coppersmith said. “We will assist by giving it structure and prioritizing meetings focusing on security, reconciliation and essential services. We will put substance to the initiatives with money and effort and help them put words into action.”
More than 350 officials of varying ranks and positions within their tribes were present to participate in the conference. In addition to the public declarations of unity, the tribal sheiks declared their support for a representative government and council members were voted on immediately following the speeches. Meetings with key ministries of the government of Iraq have been scheduled for the near future.
At the conference, in addition to the 1-33rd Cav. Regt., military advisors from the 1st Cavalry Division and the 3rd Marine Regiment were present with their Iraqi counterparts. The diversity of uniforms and unit patches present is another indicator of the distances the sheiks traveled to participate in this conference. Sheiks from as far as 30 to 40 kilometers north and south of Abu Ghraib traveled to attend the conference.

Concerned citizens help protect Iraqi, U.S. lives

By Pvt. Mary Gurnee
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi citizens in southwest Baghdad are securing their communities from terrorists with the help of Rakkasans.
Soldiers in the 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), participated in a flag-planting ceremony at the future site of a Concerned Local Citizens checkpoint Nov. 1.
“We work with the local Iraqi leaders, their sheiks, their military advisers, and we provide reflective vests as well as an Iraqi flag,” explained 2nd Lt. Bronson J. Hayes, medical service officer for the 626th Brigade Support Battalion, attached to 3-320th FA Regt.
The individuals working at the checkpoints were given identification cards and uniforms. The U.S. Army does not provide firearms or ammunition, Hayes said.
Before Iraqis can man the checkpoints, Hayes said that retinal scans and fingerprints are taken to ensure that the individuals are not associated with terrorist activities.
The Iraqis who will work the future checkpoint were briefed on operation procedures by Capt. Benjamin Torpy, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-320th FA Regt. commander.
Torpy said the concerned citizens take their positions seriously and seek out ways to improve the checkpoints on a daily basis.
“I think the people in the surrounding areas notice it,” Torpy said. “And that’s how you get new sheiks coming up to us and asking, ‘is there any way we can get something like that in our area?’”
“The CLCs seem to be working right now,” Hayes said, adding that incidences of improvised explosive devices have gone down in the area. “In my opinion it's a good program. Anything we can do to save Soldiers’ lives is well worth it.”
Torpy said the CLCs are instrumental to the Coalition Forces’ counterinsurgency mission and setting the local citizens up for success.
“It puts the fate of the Iraqis in the hands of the Iraqis, and they are more than happy to do that from what I see,” Torpy said.
“I’ve talked to the guys out on the checkpoints — they’re not happy to be standing out in the sun, but they are happy to be doing something to help protect their families,” Torpy said. “They provide a local security to the people they love.”
“Its important to understand that these guys are putting their neck out on the line when they go out and stand on these checkpoints,” he added. “They’re brave guys who are taking a stand. That’s a commendable thing to do and we want to help them as much as we can.”

Rakkasans recover 800 gallons of nitric acid

Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – An overnight operation in southwest Baghdad Oct. 30 resulted in the recovery of 800 gallons of nitric acid.
Rakkasans from 1st Platoon, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), discovered the cache.
“(It) was a great find,” said 1st Lt. Chris Sylvain, platoon leader for the 1st Plt. “Not only does it reduce the supplies available to the enemy to make homemade explosives, but it makes the area safer for Soldiers.”
The cache found would likely have been used to create homemade explosives, a primary element in making improvised explosive devices, said Maj. Jonathan Otto, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), staff officer.
The materials presented a real threat to local Iraqis and their livestock, Otto explained, because the nitric acid was poorly stored and leaking.
The1-33rd Cav. Regt. Soldiers removed the leaking barrels and cleaned up the site. “I believe the local people are happy that this stuff is out of the hands of the enemy,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chris Valverde, 1st Plt. platoon sergeant. “It’s not just Soldiers dying over here, there are many innocent civilians who are dying as well.”

Rakkasans officially take reins from Commandos

Sheik Hassan Khudier Shoerid al Hamdani shakes hands with Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), commander, as Caraccilo's interpreter, Zak, interprets at a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Striker, Iraq, today. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault))


BY Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Army’s most-deployed brigade traded seats with the brigade with the highest percentage of multiple deployers at a ceremony at Camp Striker today.
Iraqi army generals and prominent tribal sheiks of Southern Baghdad were among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony that marked the official transfer of authority from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Third Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch bid the Commandos adieu and welcomed the Rakkasans.
Lynch lauded the 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) for their work with the Concerned Local Citizens, the seizure of the Yusufiyah thermal power plant and turning it into Patrol Base Dragon. He referenced the 48 medical operations that helped 11,000 Iraqis and the 397 Commander’s Emergency Response Program projects that employed 18,000 local citizens.
“Commandos, you have fought the good fight, you have kept the faith and never wavered,” said Col. Michael Kershaw, commander of 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI). “You have suffered, bled and yet reached out when others would have struck.
“But you have been able to see the fruits of your efforts in the faces of the children in South Baghdad, and the lives whom you’ve helped to make better,” Kershaw continued.
After his remarks, Kershaw joined Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mahoney, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI), command sergeant major, in casing the brigade’s colors, which was followed by the uncasing of the 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) colors.
“Today we have with us warriors of the highest caliber, with the noblest of missions,” said Col. Dominic Caracillo, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) commander. He said although some soldiers wear uniforms that bear American flags and some wear the flag Iraq, they are all united by a common cause: to see an independent Iraq for future generations.
“What (Commandos) have accomplished with their Iraqi Army partners has given us the momentum to carry on those missions to the next level without letting up the pressure on our enemies,” Caraccilo said. “With our Iraqi friends, we are destined to make Iraq an independent nation.”
The Rakkasans’ Civil-Military Operations Officer Maj. Robert Bertrand, said the attendance of Iraqi leaders at the ceremony demonstrated the combined works of tribal sheiks, Iraqi army division and brigade commanders, Iraqi government and coalition forces to create a safe, secure and growing Iraq.

Rakkasans assist Iraqis with legal claims

Faik, an attorney who processes claims at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center Government Information Center, discusses a new claim with Capt. Jonathan Gross of New York City, N.Y., claims adjudicator with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Oct. 29. (US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault))

Pfc. Zach Miron of Tulsa, Okla., a paralegal with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), goes over a claim as Huda, Government Information Center administrator translates to an Iraqi woman Oct. 29 at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center (US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault))

BY Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The nondescript building at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex Civil Military Operations Center may not look like much, but it represents a beacon of hope for some Iraqis.
While the Government Information Center at RPCCMOC provides several services, some may argue that the most valuable is paying of legal claims.
With the Commandos of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), on their way back home, this is one of the many missions the Rakkasans of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) have taken over.
“(Local Iraqis) come in with all kinds of complaints,” said Huda, GIC administrator who also provides translations between the Iraqis and U.S. Soldiers who process the claims.
Huda and Faik, the Iraqi attorney who works at the GIC, do most of the work concerning claims. “(People) come in with requests to be paid for damages … and I help (file) new claims,” Huda said.
Faik determines whether or not a claim is legitimate. He and Huda prepare the paperwork and collect the evidence required to prove that the claim is valid. The 3rd BCT legal office personnel determine whether or not the United States is actually responsible for said damage and whether or not the claimant will be paid.
“Sometimes it is not for the United States to pay, it is the fault of an explosion … by terrorists,” Huda explained, adding that for the 2 ½ years she has worked at the GIC there are some months when less than half the claims are found to be legitimate.
When claims are deemed valid by Faik, the packets are forwarded to the 3rd BCT legal office for a final review and payment.
“By the time it gets to me, it’s already been determined that the claims is legal,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Williams of Tampa, Fla., senior 3-101 paralegal and foreign claims pay agent. He, along with another Soldier, actually makes the payments to the claimants.
“My job is both good and bad,” Williams said. “Obviously, I pay money when the damages were caused by the United States. But at the same time, when a claim is denied, I have to explain that the United States is not going to pay.”
The CMOC is a blessing for the Iraqis, Huda said. She said now the Iraqis feel that they have a means to get assistance. “It’s very great for them and they are grateful for it.”
She added, “I like to help; it is good for me because I help the people and the U.S. Army.”

Rakkasans take over for Commandos

Lieutenant Col. J.B. Becker, executive officer for 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), listens as Lt. Col. Frank Andrews, XO for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), talks following an aerial reconnaissance of the units' area of operations during the relief in place prior to the 3rd BCT taking over for 2nd BCT.

"Skip"Stuck, 3rd Brigade Combat Team safety officer, looks out of a Black Hawk UH-60 during an aerial reconnaissance Oct. 25.






Story by Pvt. Mary Gurnee
Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
3rd BCT 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) PAO

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq — Rakkasans are beginning to take the lead in conducting full-spectrum counterinsurgency operations in southwest Baghdad.
Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), are undergoing a relief-in-place process in which they assume authority from the Commandos of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) out of Fort Drum, N.Y.
“It’s a very complex part of any operation over here in Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Matthew D. Redding, 626th Brigade Support Battalion commander, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT). “When you have a brand new unit coming into someone else’s operational area, it’s a very delicate and detailed process of handing over every mission a unit has formed in combat to the brand-new units.”
The Rakkasans are in their initial phase of assuming authority and it will take time and effort to complete the transition.
The RIP process is lengthy because it reaches all the way down to the individual Soldier level.
“You’ve got to have a lot of patience,” said Lt. Elton J. Thomas, the product purchasing officer for 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI).
Elton will continue to do his job while teaching his Rakkasan counterpart, Capt. Rodney James Thomas, the product purchasing officer for 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT).
“Basically he’s coming when we are at the point [in our deployment] where we are starting to slow down a little bit,” Elton said.
Even though things are starting to slow down for Elton, the RIP process will not be complete for days.
“We give him four days of right-seat riding where I am showing him everything I can, and four days for left-seat riding when he actually takes hold of the reins,” Elton said. “Once he takes hold of the reins he will take control of the projects,” Elton said. “They will be actual projects, not templates or tests.”
Rodney said he is up to the challenges that await him.
“The big joke when I was coming over here was that I was taking over a lieutenant’s job,” Rodney said. “So as far as replacing him with a higher rank it looks good … but as far as expertise, the guy I’m replacing does hold a masters degree in this area, so it seems overwhelming, but I know I am more than up to the task.”
Specialist Natasha Powell, an intelligence analyst for 3rd Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT) is another Rakkasan learning from her Commando counterpart.
“This is actually my first RIP,” Powell said. “Last time we deployed we didn’t have anybody here. We basically had to set up everything by ourselves and learn on our own.”
Specialist Tracey Cunningham, an intelligence analyst for 2nd BSTB, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI), is Powell’s Commando counterpart.
“I have a lot of faith in my new counterpart,” Cunningham said. “She’s very smart and catches on very quickly. This process is trial and error and you’ve just got to keep trying until you get it right.”
The Commandos have done a fantastic job of changing things for the better in Iraq, Redding said.
Rakkasan Operations Sgt. Maj. Kevin Martin said he agrees.
“We could not have fallen in on a better unit,” Martin said. “That will be our mission: to take their success and continue to make it grow.”