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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.”
Thursday, December 6, 2007
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.”
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
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.”
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.”
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.”
Saturday, November 3, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
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.”
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.”
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